The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-10-26
HER BUSY LIFE.
A Pen Portrait Of the Late Frank
Lcslie's Attractive Widow.

a handsome woman sat before Dlg
desk in cozy office in Frank Leslie's
publishing house, busily engaged over
looking bills, writing letters, and at
tending to the details of the immense
business. 1t was Mrs. Frank Leslie.
She arose gracefully and greeted the
reporter cordially. Mrs. Leslie was
plainly attired in black dress with
white trimmings. The only jewelry
she wore consisted of pair Of neat
pearl ear-drops. Her dark hair was
tastefully arranged over her white fore
head, and her large gray eyes sparkled
with animation as she conversed.
"The public has been treated to so
much of my private affairs" said Mrs.
Leslie, "that | think it time to set peo-
pie right. A few days ago letter was
published in Chicago paper, and was
extensively copied, giving what pur-
ported to be an account of my extrav-
agant life at Long Branch. 1t stated
that had sixty-iiye different toilets
while at the resort; that / drove five
blooded horses upon the Concourse,
and that my diamonds would fill a
peck measure. The fact is that was
only at Long Branch for four days,
and that was the only time that had
been away from my business this sea-
son. 1 only wore three different toilets
while there, and those were very plain,
being either black or white The fact
is | have not worn any colors since
I nal;n1a Iantb I N tao
casionally, but it was not a blooded one,
and / never owned five horses. My
diamonds were onl y worn at proper
time and place, and are not conspicu-
Gus gems. Then the papers stated
that my hotel bill for the four days was
$3.50, while in fact it was but $3.50. l
would not notice such gross exaggera-
tions as these were it not for the fact
that my business may be injured by
such reports. l attend strictly to
business and superintend the whole
work of this great establishment. l
am at my desk from early in the morn
ing until late in the afternoon, and do
not know any lady that works harder
than |.
a noticed in paper the other day
that kept French maid to constant
" wait upon me. This is false also, as
| never had a maid of any kind. hav-
ing firm faith in the proverb that
God helps those that help themselves.
! have always been treated with great
consideration by the press of the United
States, with few exceptions, and am
heartily grateful for it. But | suppose
these attacks originate in the malice of
some persons, although l never know
ingly wronged any one"
Mrs. Leslie sighed, and the New
York Journal reporter remarked: The
Marquis de Melville has not always
been treated with consideration by the
press?"
"Oh, dear, no." said Mrs. Leslie.
"The fact is, there is an antipathy TO
foreigners among the majority OF
Americans. The Marquis cannot help
| it because he was born with title. Ii
was even said when my engagement
to him was first announced that hi;
title was not genuine, but believe
every one acknowledges now that it is
For nv part, l would prefer that h
had ;i.le, but it cannot be helped
The 81 .qIis is thorough gentleman,
and the newspaper filings at his man
ner and personal appearance are fab.
relations. | never saw him wear q
colored neck-tie in the fouryears that
have known him, and he always dress
es In the most simple manner, 1t has
never been claimed that he does not
pay his debts, and he is one of the
most charitable OF men. No man ever
applied to the Marquis to relieve hi:
distress and was refused"
when does your marriage take
placer
when that event takes place it will
be as publicly announced as my en-
gagement was" said Mrs. Leslie. 'It
is always painful to have ones private
affairs brought before the public, but
believe they will appreciate the reasons
which impel me to correct the false
statements which have been put in cir
culation."