The Reflections of A T. B. M.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922. Excerpt: ... T. B. M. should sit after a misspent day, I see her coming up the street at a swinging gait in a walking-suit which my wife declares to be quite new. I suspected it myself, as the skirt seemed more abbreviated than those which I am accustomed to view, and for this reason, as well as others sufficiently good, I remain planted in my chair and allow my paper to drop to the floor. The Lady Next Door is tall and slim; not taller than a woman should be--her eyes would not meet mine on a level and I am not a tall man; so that as girls go in these days of feminine monsters, she is not tall, but her figure gives me the impression of height, and with it she has the buoyancy and spirit of a young girl; and yet here again I am told by my wife that she is not young, at least not less than thirty-seven. I do not know why my wife should not have conceded thirty-five as an easier and rounder figure, but she would not. But in my poor T. B. M. opinion she would pass for thirty or even under, as she stands on the pavement talking to an elderly woman who has come from the other direction. The aforesaid walking-suit is of elephant gray, close-fitting and delightfully plain, and her furs--quite unnecessary--are of silver fox and must have cost something. I think it wiser not to ask my wife the approximate price or even to mention furs, for we have recently considered the purchase of a set and I have determined to give it up. Her hat is a sort of three-cornered affair of black velvet, very chic and very plain, and, therefore, I am told, very expensive; and speaking of hats reminds me of her other extremities, which I feel sure would rejoice Mr. Coles Phillips, who for years has stirred the American people and brought customers to the manufacturer of silk hose. It is said that t...