Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-12-28
LA DIVA S NIECE.

Mile. Cnriina PATTI Returns TO New
Orleans from a. visit tn Her Aunt
I'm Wales.
1t Is not often, in real life. that one
sees fairy tale come true; but there
has recently returned to little house
on Ursulines street little maiden who
Tor a year and half has been living
almost over again the wonderful story
of Cinderella Her name Is Carl IA
Patti. and the fairy godmother who
summoned her from her quiet little
home to be her companion In wonderful
travels, and to share the wealth AMI
splendors of magn ficent castle, is the
great singer. called Adclina Patti by
some. and La Diva by others.
The rain was falling In the most per-
sistent and dreary fashion when
Picayune representative knocked at
the door of the littlo house on Ursulines
street In nm instant there was the
patter of high heeled shoes acress the
gallery and Carlina herself with her
short black hair curling around her
face and smile of welcome i'm her big
black eyes. opened the door She
wore delicious gown of pink flannel.
trifle open at the throat. trimmed
with Il quantity of soft white lace.
II have just returned to America.
she said, 'nnd have not had time to
arrange things" with comprehensive
sweep of her hand towards u couple of
chairs piled high with feminine linery.
| dresses and cloaks. fans slippers,
!! boots. everything that goes to make
mp the toilet of "a woman of fashion.
y ''Tell you something about my trip
ed Well, You know that when Nine. Patti
81 was here year ago she wanted TO
,at adopt me and made arrangements for
ii me to join her when sho started home
,ynee from her American tour. l went to st.
She Louis to join her. and since then have
FRO been with her constantly on her tours
to Spain and Portugal and South
America. and afterwards with her at
,,00:;C raig-y-N her castle in Wales. The
castle-it is so beautiful you can hard
.Y'sy fancy it. Here are some pictures
you'f it." Aad the little maiden brought
- wo photographs showing the gray
nrreted castle, flanked by walls of
o'lountains. In froht ran a broad
riveway. and at one side was an arti-
t,.r cial heart-shaped lake with silver
/ as Tread OF a river emptying into it, An
pro- her view showed broad steps leading
re Un. bwn from the house to the park
cure hich lies in the valley of the Swan.
n.
90 Seai ..Sce," said Carlina. indicating the
IS on BINS. 'this is the billiard-room and
MI Is is auntie's boudoir. The walls are
. hg with crimson tapestry and the
FIXTURE is covered with crimson vel
v, On the chairs and sofas are drap-
&c edhc ribbons, with the names paint
~ econ them, you know, tina. tied The
Self: w,aths the famous people in differ
lille encountries have sent here. And on
aSk TIL walls are the photographs and The
sure autographs that all the crowned heads
,siI in Europe have given. Next to this il
; Ill her bedroom. Here the walls arc
re hung with pale blue tapestry and the
10 bed is draped in blue and is OF rose
=. wood. There are all sorts of silver
.nd and gold toilette articles. and on the
able desk is wonderful paper weight al
and and set with diamonds and rubies and sap.
'ey phire. Mae. Patti at the castle has 8
:. bowl of roth brought to her before
. she gets M. then she is dressed anC
. spends themorning writing her letters
3. on her memoirs, which she is going to
ties. publish. AT noon lunch is served ~
: sr Of ways full of guests"
mis-. Aud the little maiden went over t
q the table and brought handful of Wis
. lting cards, whcreon was written thu
Ity names of many n house that flour she
an in Burke's peerage. and the Almanacl
de Gotha.
lg Sometimes, in the evening"" sh,
- went on. '.Auntie would sing to Us
- lint hn 20
and she spends the time wandern,
nd about the beautiful mountains, Of
painting or embroiderng. or simpl
81 doing nothing; and always she I'm
~ with her her little Mexican dog Presi
81, dent Diaz gave her..
-, ''Is the report true La Diva is 90
al ing TO sell the castleP'
u, 10 'Sel tp No. indeed she is devote,
~ to il. Why only last spring she
ri, bought all the mountains surroundin.
it, so no one might spoil her view
III 'Will you return to your aunt?'
~, Il hardly know" was the reply
r.. 'Auntio wishes me to come and b
ct her companion. but shall not 90 o,
es the stage. When left she babe M
u bring only such things rs / would neet
Vs. - for visit TO New Orleans, so l onl
al brought few of my dresses"
The reporter fell back in a chat
al with gasp. Gracious Heavens, thes
" innumerable gowns, each one a con
- fection from Worth or Pingat, Felix il
g. Paris, or White or Redeem in London
3, these hats from Camille. this real lac,
o, and embroidered tulle. these satu
$. slippers and boots-thcy were only
- few OF her things. BY and by sh
IS brought out. half shyly. a jewel cas-
where almost every article, diamond
p saphires. and rubies and pearls, wer,
= gifts from the famous songstress
VI She took up strand of pearls a
s. big ms peas.
n This. she said. "was the first neck
10 lace ever given my aunt and she gave
&c II to me. And this. y taking up port.
- bonbour bracelet Of twisten gold ssh,