C 63 ) 



CHAPTER V. 



HINTS UPON COSTUME. 



" She wore what was then somewhat universal — a coat, vest, and hat 

 resembling those of a man ; which fashion has since called a Riding- 

 Habit." — Diana Vernon, Scott. 



Under no circumstances does a lady, possessed of good 

 figure and carriage, appear to such great advantage, or is 

 she so fascinating, as when with mien and bearing haught 

 and high, with perfect, well-balanced seat, and light hands, 

 faultlessly appointed, firmly, gently, and with seeming care- 

 lessness she controls some spirited high-bred horse, some 

 noble steed of stainless purity of breed, whose rounded 

 symmetry of form, characteristic spring of the tail, and pride 

 of port, proclaim his descent from 



"The Silver Arab with his purple veins, 

 The true blood royal of his race." 



At no time are the beauties of the female form divine 

 displayed with such witching grace_, the faultless flowing 

 lines so attractively posed, the /<?/// ensemble so thoroughly 

 patrician. But if there be one blot in the fair picture the 

 whole charm at once vanishes. The incomparable dignity, 

 the well-turned-out steeds — the best that money could buy 

 or critical judgment select — the perfect figure of that superb 

 horsewoman the Empress of Austria, of whom it may justly 

 be said " All the pride of all her race in herself reflected 

 lives," were it possible for Her Imperial Majesty to err in 

 such a matter, would have been of little effect, but for a 

 faultlessly cut and fitting habit. 



