t is the
handsomest woman in the world? American Beauty. Use pink and green for
the color scheme and add a little touch of these two colors to
everything served. Tie the skewers of the chops with pink and green
ribbons and have the ice cream one layer of pistachio and one of
strawberry.

CHAPTER V.

THE MODERN "FIVE O'CLOCK."

"A cup she designates as mine
With motion of her dainty finger;
The kettle boils--oh! drink divine,
In memory shall thy fragrance linger!"

Although indebted to England for the afternoon tea, it is a very
informal affair across the water. It doubtless originated in suburban
homes, where during the hunting and holiday seasons, large and merry
house-parties are entertained for weeks together. Returning late from
driving or field sports the tired guests require some light refreshment
before making their toilets for the evening dinner. The English hostess
very sensibly meets this claim upon her hospitality by serving tea and
biscuit in library or drawing-room.

From this small beginning comes the American "Five O'Clock," one of the
prettiest of all social functions, and still smiled upon by Dame Fashion
as a favorite method of entertaining. Decorative in character, it gives
opportunity to display the treasures of porcelain, glass, silver,
embroidered napery and all the lovely table-appointments that everywhere
delight the heart of woman. More exquisite than ever before are the
little tea-tables--a succession of crescent shaped shelves, rising one
above the other, two, three or four in number, as the taste inclines.
Upon these, resting on cobwebs of linen or lace, are placed the
priceless cups, tiny spoons, graceful caddy and all other articles
necessary to the service. The silver caddy is now a thing of sentiment
as well as use--one recently bestowed as a bridal gift bearing engraved
upon it this little verse:

"We sit and sip--the time flies fast,
My cup needs filling,--project clever!
She comes and I grown bold at last
Say 'Darling, make my tea forever!'"

In the future of married life, how sweet this reminder of the past, when
all the days were golden in the light of love, youth and hope! Another
couplet pretty and suggestive is found in

"A cup and a welcome for everyone,
And a corner for you and me."

Amid flowers and softly shaded lights sits the gracious woman who pours
the liquid gold into the fragile cups, dispensing meanwhile, smiles and
the bright