The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, September 27, 1896, Page 22

22 THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1896. °° TALBOT sPoneg OunT 1t is not often that a woman pelled to go through lije as the heroine of & romance that never existed, but such is the fate of a woman in Monterey, Senora Maria Ignacia Bonifacio, who for forty years has been pointed out to strangers as “‘Sherman’s sweetheart.” “‘Show me Sherman’s sweetheart, and the rose tree they planted’” is one of the first requests made by strangers visit- ing historic old Monterey. Senora Benifacio—Senora by courtesy, for she was never married—lives in a quaint old adobe on Alvarado street. She is a cheery, brown-eyed, little woman, and will tell you that she is 65 years old, but you cannot believe it: there are few gray hairs and fewer wrinkles, and her laugh is the clear, ringing laugh of a girl. It does not seem possible that she is the love-lorn maiden who was engaged to marry Gen- eral Sherman when he was a simple lieu- tenant in Monterey and she buta girl in in her teens. He gave her a beautiful golden rose, ana together they planted it, and she was to watch its unfolding beauties until he re- turned to claim her as his bride. Bat, alas, for maiden and, alas, for rose, he never returned. How her eyes sparkled asshe told her story, as well as the story of the famous rose tree that Sherman never pianted. Benora Bonifacio speaks no English, but her interpreter was an old friend and the little woman spoke withott reserve. “Inever knew General Sherman,” she began. ‘“Never knew him?”’ came in chorus from the friends gathered around her. “I was little more than a child when Sherman was in Monterey,” she goes on. “The rose tree? My uncle brought me the slips from Ban Jose in 1855, we grafted the slips into the Castilian rose and mv rose tree has been my only sweetheart.” That is all, and the owner of the great tree of golden roses answers the look of disappointment in the faces about her with & merry peal of laughter. “And do you not know that Gertrnde Atherton has your story in one of her books?” she is asked. “Gertrude Atherton?"’ The little woman has never heard of her, and she laughs heartily over the picture of “La Tulita,” who one day learns from the washtub gossips that “Sherman is married and has become a great general.” She tells us of a visit made to her this summer by two strange women who handed her a blank book and modestly requested Senora Bonifacio to write her life for them, “‘and put in all about Sher- man and the rose tree.” They refused to believe that she bad nothing to tell them and insisted that she write it “anvway.” Finally she told them she could not write, and, afier accepting the roses she offered them, they departed. “Ay Dios!” the tourist—there is no evading her. I mean some of the tourists ‘Who hold a coupon which entitles them to three days at Monterey. They go at all hours to badger the little woman for roses and for photographs of herself. “We've always heard you were Sher- man’s sweetheart, and we can’t believe you were not,” they kindly insist. Then there is the amateur photographer, but Senora Bonifacio is not nervous, and she does not mind him. He is generaliy a boy. He innocently takes a snapshot at her as she happens to stand under the arbor, over’ which clambers her beloved rose. He is so gracious when she presently discovers him and offers him a boutonniere from the great golden clusters swaying in the sunlight. He is only a boy, and does not ask her age, nor if she wears false bair, but smiles and raises his hat as he deftly hides the kodak behind him, then forgets to walk out backward. He will develop her picture and come back to ask her sweetly if she can tell him anything to write on the back of it. “Nothing,” she answers; but when he displays his picture to his friends he turns the back of the card and they read, | ‘““Sherman’s sweetheart, and the rose tree planted by the lovers.” The pretty girl to whom he shows the picture exclaims, “How mean of Sherman to run off like that!” Grim, practical, common -sense ‘‘Old Billy,” hater of shams and gossip, the idol of the army boys. Let us hope that the veil which hides this world from the next 1s exceedingly thick. Never mind about the shattered ro- mance, Itisa visit well worth making to see the rose tree, magnificent in size and color, and the exquisite carnations that mingle their perfume with that of the regal roses above them. You will still en- joy seeing the gentle hostess, who will receive you with the charming courtesy of her race. She will invite you into her parlor, long and narrow, but cool and sweet with its whitewashed walls. The windows are filled with tiny panes, and the broad sills hold pots of feathery ferns, through which the sun filters and falls across the carved mahogany table in the middle of the room. The house was built sixty-three years ago, and the farni- ture is in keeping with the house. “Every- thing is old in this house,” the cheery lit- tle woman laughingly says, and turns to open a frasquera filled with tiny wine glasses unlike any we see to-day. They were her mother’s forty years ago. On the wall hangs a portrait of Senora Bonifacio, painted when she was twenty- two; the rounded curves of neck and arms gleam through meshes of filmy lace, and pearls adorn ears and neck. The girl of 22 looks down cna serene| and calmn-faced woman—the lastof her family—who patiently and quietly draws the threads from the lawn, sheer and fine as gossamer, and with her needle fashions the wonderful stitches intoan exquisite tracery that in a few years will be a lost art. The owner of the rose tree has to earn her bread, but there is nevera murmuf from the little woman as she fashions the altar clothes for the old church of El Car- melo, her beloved church and a part of her life. There are. quick falling tears when she gives of her little store to some one poorer than herself, She remembers that olden time when, over the portals of every house in Monte- rey, might have been written, “Micasay la suya (My house and yours)”, And she remembers that her elders al- ways taught her that “‘All we have when we come to die is what we have given away.” Ernva 8. HARTNELL. He Heard Marsick Over the Telephone Probably no stranger or sweeter musical solo ever came to theears of a toiling news- paper man than was heard by a CALy re- vorter while M. Marsick, the celebrated violinist, was in the City some time ago. The virtuoso is ever the friend of the reporters, and often plays solely for their benefit, and this particular time he outdid himself. On the evening beforc his de- parture, as on numerous occasions during his visit to this City, he was the guest of Edmond Godchaux, the genial secretary of the Board of Health. He was playing a difficult piece for his host and when he had finished he said: “I wish some of our newspaper friends might be here to hear a farewell solo,”” “That will be easy,” answered Mr. God- chaux; “‘you can play for him over the telephone wire.” Marsick is as excitable as a boy when pleased, and saia: “That will be delightful. Call some one atonce, I will play bim something nice.” The person in Mr. Godchaux’s mind was in THE CaLy editorial rooms when the telephone rang up, and after a moment spent in explaining the matter, Marsick' stood before the transmitter in the secre- tary’s room and played as he and a very few more know how to play, ‘The dulcet sounds seemed far distant but strangely sweet over the ‘wire, and seemingly realizing the impression he was creating on his listener a mile away the violinist threw his whole soul into his art and produced such melody as probably never before passed through the mech- anism of a.telephone. When the solo was over, the reporter's thanks were given, Marsick bade him a graceful farewell, and Central’s *‘waiting?’ dispelled the pleas- ure of the music. Gowns That Were Worn at the Dublin Horse The Dublin horse show is a thing of the past, but the numerous chic gowns worn are still being commented on, so I have had 1llustrated Lady Talbot Power’s cos- tume, as well as the gowns worn by the Countess of Limerick and the Misses Weber. A good frock worn by Lady Talbot Power was surmounted by a velvet coat trimmed with mink, the same fur forming the high collar and edging the basque. The Countess of Limerick also wore a velvet coat, but of the sacque order and richly trimmed with mink, a fur which seems just now to absorb the attention of the fashionable. The same fur appeared round the edge of the skirt. A well-cut gown, which combined originality with taste, was worn by Mrs. Dennis, and ihe Misses Webber were also smartly turned out in dark blue rep with a pleated vest, and revers of rose.colored glace formed a cheerful finish to the little belero bodices. Lady Talbot Power’s blouse of accordion pleated chiffon of an apricot hue was much admired. A touch of the same shade was introduced in her hat of black velvet. The Countess of Coventry wore a toilet of Quaker gray face cloth, the elab- orate bonnet of which was mostly com- posed of pale green chine silk, her gray bonnet being beautiful with a bright green osprey and ostrich feathers; the Countess of Craven appeared In a pale blue silk, covered with a chine design of roses and foliage; there was much soft chiffon on the bodice, which showed under the short black velvet cape. On tLe same occasion an elegant cape of royal purple velvet, trimmed with gold embroidery and se- quins, and several handsome creations were noted in face cloth {or lady’s cloth), Lady Maitland was gowned in such a toilet, of a light fawn shade, made with abso- lute simplicity. Her toque consisted of flowers, gay in hue and very beautiful, One young maiden appeared in a cloth costume of beliotrope satin cloth made with a zouave of tancy heliotrope velvet and a most artistically embroidered vest of cream white satin. Her white picture hat had plumes gracefully placed on it. Not a few good tailor gowns were in e dence and these met with general appreci- ation. Indeed, there is every indication that this popular style isto have its sphere of usefulness enlarged, for now, when evolved from the finest lady’s cloth, or broadcloth, it possesses many charms and 1s one of the most useful costumes any woman can own who has not her private carriage, as the most correctly attired New Yorkers wear such toilets when calling informally. Concerning the cloth, it will not pay to purchase any but the best—it costs here $3 per yard—and in all cases have your tailor sponge it before it is made up, for it is not wise to believe the assertion that it bas been shrunk already; and although gray is so fashionable only two shades can I recommend, as many of them fade a perfectly hideous yellowish hue. I speak feelingly from experience, for no matter what price you pay for cer- tain grays they will fade the first time ex- posed to a California sun’s ardent beams. Buch gowns are frequently now being trimmed with the new cloth embroidery, Show the pattern for which is cui out and laid over cloth-of-gold. A great deal of silver embroidery will probably be seen this season, especially on the vests of chic cloth gowns, and for such there are an infinite number of coats. The tight-fitting coat with the loose double-breasted front will still be worn, but the newest models from both London and Paris are loose Dboth in back and front. One very popular model is built like a man’s dniving coat, and another recalls a sack coat; it has a yoke, from which falls the side pleating in which the material is laid in the front and the back, the sides being plain. The collar should be a great ruff of pleated Liberty satin fur or chiffon, as one likes. The sleeves recall the bishop mode, con- siderably modified. Equally in favor is the coat having a tight-fitting back and blouse front. It usually is belted in with 8 narrow ribbon of Russian gold. The sleeves are the regular coat sleeves. With all varieties of coats may be worn waists of blue white satin made very severely with many pleats, like a man’s cuting shirt, and they should be worn with a stock of black satin. The latest information concerning skirts is noteworthy : Skirts will not be any wider the coming season, and where trimming is used, as it promises to be very generally, they will be considerably narrower. Wherever the weight of the material will permit, the skirt should be mounted separately from the lining, as a soft clinging effect is the conspicuous feature of the newest French models, In every case the stiffening is confined to good hair-cloth, not deeper than ten inches around the bottom, and a feather bone sewn around the entire width of the skirt. Some pretty bridesmaids’ costumes are being made for next month of white silks, The skirts are quite plain, the bodices have boleros only in front of striped white satin and silk; round the edges is a broad thick guipure, from under which falls a frill of soft silk lace of a creamy yellow. This lace extends down the back in a double frill made to be perfectly flat; it is met by a strip of the same guipure. The guipure also encircles the waist and the wrists, The tignt sleeves are completely covered with white chiffon drawn over them in narrow - puffings; it is draped softly from the shounlders. Dresses for evening wear are beginning to demand our serious attention, and in Paris diaphanous textures are numbered among the most modish and delicense toilets, with laces and entredeux the main trimming, as they are all worn over brilliant transparencies of taffeta. Satin- striped gauze, painted muslins as they are called, ideally lovely tissues, mousseline de soie and grass lawns are the founda- tions for every pretty frock this summer. ‘Writes a Parisian correspondent: Meny of such fairy fabrics will be used for the next six months and from them will be evolved frocks worthy of the blushing debu- tante, the radiant belle and the chic matron. Imagine, if you can, anything prettier thana white mousseline de soie sprayed over with yellow laburnum blossoms and built over yel- low silk. The skirt was draped with the silk under it about the waist and hips, as_all such light materials generally are, while below they hang separately. On the bottom of the skirt were three rows of yeilow mousseline plisse in narrow ruffiles, put on in close scol- : lops. A charming finish. The yellow silk de- collete bodice was draped with yellow mousse- line with inletting of white satin ribbons, quite narrow ones, embroidered vertically in | diamonds and emeralds, ending in & waved decolletage. Straps, which were jeweled to | match. held the wings of plisse yellow mousse- | Jine across the shoulders and left the line of arm unbroken. Some of the tuile dancing | frocks worn by the youthful contingent are trimmed to the knee with tuile flounces plisse or tulle ruches graduated in width. The silk transparencies have a plain tulle skirt over them and these trimmings added afterward. They are the sweetest, freshest, most girlish of frocks, with their round bodices and empire belts, long sashes and winged, tulle sleeves that ever were seen. One now hears daily questions concern- ing what styles of jackets are to be worn during the winter. I quote the reply of a European authority: ‘The coats are long and the coats are short; they are tight fitting and they are loose fitting..' Several of the latest created models hang loosely from the shoulders and are of very limited dimensions, reaching but to the hips. These are sometimes cut to set in pleats, sometimes to hang, but straightly, and at Dieppe some lovely ones have just been noted composed of shot silks with huge ruffies round the neck. However, these dainty confections will vanish at the first breath of winter. The modish maiden will certainly in- clude in her purchases about the first of November a smart cape, which will prob- ably be of some beautiful fur ora rich velvet exquisitely embroidered. The de- signs now being shown for coaching and carriage cloaks will probably undergo a change, but the choicest jackets and the most chic of capes will not be seen here until about the middle of next month. However, Redfern has just completed a jacket which may truly be aescribed as an altogether unique conception. Built of soft, smoke-gray cloth its quaker sobriety is deliciously relieved by tabs of miroir velvet 1n a gray-green, peapod hue, sur- mounted by a geometrical design in fine mixed cord. These tabs are everywhere bound by a narrow hem of sable, and the same beautiful fur forms the Tudoresque collar. The coat, while extremely elegant, is thoroughly practical, a desideratum in these days of outdoor exercise, and a final cachet is given to it by the charming old silver buttons with which it is adorned. The 1llustration will give you an idea of its charms. The reign of the turned-down collar is said to be over for jackets, but speaking of coaching and carriage coats reminds me that a short carriage cloak made of a handsome brown and white checked tweed, crossed by a larger check in blue, having a lining of sapphire-blue silk and a collar of the same tone, isa sensible and stylish garment, as 1s also one which reaches the knees, composed of atweed. It has a shadowy check on a dust-colored ground, s lining of amber silk and a storm-collar lined with tan leather strapped with tweed. Five odd leather buttons fasten it down the front. The leathern buttons and collar of the same produce a novel effect and have just been introduced. They are of an immense depth and when turned up completely cover the ears. At the present moment the evening cloaks and mantles are pelerines and mantles covered with flounces, ruches and bows, covering the bust and filling up the neck. The latest fad is a collet of rather dark-colored chamois,lined with white doe- skin, which appears at the edge and shows through the cuttings and is richly em- broidered with gold thread. Some of these are very much abbreviated, but others are made like long pelerines, and these afford a real protection from the chilly evening air and are much liked, being very be- coming. MARCELLA. R The volcanoes of Vesuvius and Etna are never both active at the same time. THE PRETTY SENORA AND THE ROSEBUSH. Botn of them heroines of aromance that never existed. For Sherman’s youthful days and the glant rosebush that is The legend runs that years ago the great warrior, then a She was to watch its unfolding Leauties till he returned and claimed her as his bride. knew Sherman and that the rosebush has been her only sweetheart. years Senora Bonifacio was supposed to have been the sweetheart of General the pride of all Monterey was supposed to have been planted by Sherman, young lieutenant, and the pretty senors, planted the rosebush together. Aud now the pretty senora says she never LE Some cloths are showing a suspicion of | yellow in their coloring, but such tones | are as unbecoming to most men as the greenish hues were this sammer. Inall neckwear there is a suggestion of this tone. Asusual, the solid blue ties with white figures are regarded as satisfactory ana good form. At present New Yorkers show a greater reluctance to don bright colors than their English cousins. Him writes this week: I am now very much disturbed as to the destiny of the colored shirt. Already the haberdashers are offering some extremely nice ones at the most reduced prices, and if they ere going out of fashion, then, of course, it may be wise to leave them alone, but certalnly there is no intention in London of abandon- ing this useful as well as ornamental adjunct 0 one’s costume. If there is an end to the colored shirt there certainly will set fa for the man of moderate means an extravagant era. No self-respecting person would ever dream of wearing shirts with detached cuffs, I have made an allowance for the detached collar, because in these daysof the deep all- around turndowns one can find but few laun- dresses who can do them up with any degree of neatness. Twice washed, and your shirt is ruined. However, as far as [ am concerned, it would make but little difference,and, theoretically, Iam in fayor of the white shirt on all occa- sions; but as we have adopted the colors, and they are picturesque, I think all men should stand by them. Perhaps, however, s in an- other year, I have heard it said, there will not be & woman in the world, except possibly in the South Sea Islands, who will wear shirt. waists, I suppose that men will discard the colored garment at the same time. It is a pity that all good things must become cheap, and with cheapness comes death. This autumn men are wearing white linen to a far greater extent than they have for years past, but I must confess that,although I do not need it, I nevertheless do not desist from a bargain, and the very low price offered for the material and the making of the colored ones just at the present moment, is to me a sore temptation. Umbrellas this season have greatly in- creased in size, so no longer do they look like neat and slender sticks. The sticks themselves are in natural woods and sil- ver. The crook is considered old fashe ioned, the knob only being in ‘'style. The latest derby hats have their brims a little narrower and more curled than they were last spring. The gray Homburg is enjoying a great vogue, and the best liked has gray moire ribbon and gray bindinyg and wide sans souci brim. I hear of soms extraordinary red ones with black cloth bands and grays with bands of the same stuff, and even snow-white ones with white silk and satin are reported. Natu- rally they are, to say the least, rather startling. Quite extraordinary are some chapeaux from London. 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