All Is Vanity!

Miss Elodie was in fine form this weekend as she attended a ball during the spring pilgrimage in Jefferson, Texas. Ever careful of her appearance, she made a grand entrance in her favorite gown with her hair arranged in an elaborate knot.
Her impeccable toilette was not, however, as successfully achieved by her friend Miss J. Alas for the hapless Miss J., not only had she neglected to check the fasteners on the back of her gown thereby necessitating the use of those newfangled "safety" pins to give purchase to the hooks, but, horror of horrors, in the middle of the Virginia reel, she lost the hairpiece on the back of her head. This is perhaps the second worse thing that could have befallen her.

Yet Miss Elodie must congratulate Miss J. for keeping her composure such that she was able to dash over to her seat, deposit her crowning glory, and return to the line without her partner even being aware of what had just transpired. Indeed, such is Miss J.'s enthusiasm for the Virginia Reel that she completed the set and even smiled despite her braidless state during her tenure as the distaff side of the lead couple when it came their turn.

That, my dear reader, is the epitome of a lady.

The Map Hatter, or, Bonnetmaking On the Road to Save Texas History

Oh my! There has been whispering around that Miss Elodie has gone into Trade. Lately she has taken to the road ready to lend her talents to gentlemen to whom she has not been introduced. Yes, money does exchange hands, but it is, of course, for such a Worthy Cause! What could so occupy her time and talents? Why she has been assisting with fundraising for the Save Texas History program!

This last excursion took her to the Civil War Reenactment held at the Confederate Reunion Grounds in Mexia where she wore the bonnet she created during the journey, handed out pamphlets, and generally stumped for Save Texas History. Never fear, Miss Elodie won't forget she is a Lady; she wore her most respectable dress and was careful to remain with her escort. Sometimes even the most retiring of Ladies need to get up and speak! And speak she did! She and The Judge sold several copies of the Phelps and Watson's Historical and Military Map of the Border and Southern States. Before, Miss Elodie sat hidden behind the display performing intricate searches through agency files and allowed The Judge to do all the talking. Now that she has had a taste for canvassing the crowd, perhaps Miss Elodie will consider a political career...