Connecticut western news., 1886-11-03
IVAN T0URGUENEFE.S MOTHER
Nhat tac Great Russian Noyetis. Used to
 Sec in IIis Home.

One Of the most salient traits of Mad
 ame Tourgueneff's character was. as ha, oeen hlnted at before, never to tolerate the slightest appearance of independence m oeed or thought among those witl
 Whom she came in contact. She was ir the haolt of setting traps for the mem oers ot her household, in order either tc reassure herself of their perfect subiec. ton, or with the malicious desire tc humlllate individuals who might seem to her too well satisfied with conditions thai that had been for a time bearable.
 When the mistress was in this humor. It was evident in her discourse, in her gestures, and in the dangerous fire in her eyes. The servants then whisrered among themselves, Madame. cherche chlcane" (Madame is seeking quarrel, and lay low.
 On certain occasion her maiordomo. simeon Lobolef, to his everlasting mis. fortune, fell into the guet-a- pens. He was high strung fellow, very hand some, at the time about thirty years old, well educated and possessed of much self-esteem. This is the way it hap pencd:
 Slmeon's customary position was be- hind Mime. Tourgueneff's chair at the table. She always had before her a small carafe of water, which was called ''Pcau de madame"
 When Madame Tourgueneff said "Water," it was his duty to pour her some from the carafe. Laterly, when he performed the function, she was in the habit of declaring the water too cold or too warm, or dirty, or that it smelled badly. Simeon used to take the carafe, go out and return with other water, and madame would drink it then without complaint. Several days were passed thus. Finally she resolved to give her victim the finishing blow. At dinner, after having carried the water to her lips, she pushed the glass from her, and, turning to tho majordom, said:
 "What is this 2"
 Simeon made no answer.
 "N hat IS this, I ask you 2'
 Simeon remained silent.
 "Shall never have good water 2" she cried, and the full glass flew in the face of the majordomo.
 He turned pale, took the carafe from the table and left the hall. He returned some minutes after and poured water into another glass.
 "There, this is water," said Madame Tourguenetf. and drank half gassful.
 Then Simeon, his face ghastly pale, his lips trembling, stepped forward few paces, placed himself before the lcones or images of the tutelary saints of the family, and making the sign of the cross, said:
 ''I swear before this holy image that have not changed the water That which madame has just drunk is the same as the other"
 After having spoken these words he turned to the mistress of the house and ooked her in the eyes.
 For Q few moments a terrible silence eigned in the hall. Suddenly Madame Tourgueneif arose with bound, and, 'ointing to the door, cried to Simeon:
 'Leave the room !''
 Then she retired without finishing her 1 epast and shut herself up the entire lay in her chamber.
 The next day the unfortunate Simeon night be seen with cross on his back | nd a broom in his hand, sweeping the a pitiable object. The ele- sant dress coat was exchanged for lingy blouse of gray cloth. He filled lis degrading post during four years, t the expiration of which time tho | master of moumon," Q gigantic deaf i mute, took his place. Those conversant with the novels of l van Tourguenetf will recall this char ctcr and the tragic story of his dog.