The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-11-10
ELIAS HOME.
New York Mail and Express.


"I tell you, Robert, my mind is
made up. That twenty five dollsrs is
going somewhere else than under our
feet. So long as we can get that
lovely carpet for twenty five dollars
less, am not going to have this one
Yes, l love nice things as well as any
body, but there is place to draw the
line in expense as in other things. l
have decided. am perfectly satisfied
with this, so will you bel"
The handsome, indulgent husband
could but smile and stroke his big
moustache as he yielded to the dictates
of his imperious but sensible wife, as
the pair sauntered out of the carpet
warerooms where they had been max
ing purchases for "the new fat"
Thus it has been in all other depart
ments, where Ella Wheeler Wilcox
has steered her bark ofexpense through
the current of temptation from within
and without, leading toward useless
extravaganza. Not from any unrea-
soning desire for change, but because
she outgrew the tiny bandbox of last
year, Mrs. Wilcox has this season
opened social and domestic operations
in house of twice the size in the same
vicinity.
The parlor, in obedience to the pc
culiarity of the owners makeup,
which allows her to work while she
plays, and play while she works, is at
once study, rsception-roo and center
of the family circle. 1t is wide open
to sunshine, caller, business messenger,
friend and inspiration from morning
to night, six days of the week. Her
desk is somewhat low, long, blue
baized cherry affair of office design,
four drawers on each side, and is the
principal object in the room. This,
with many other articles of use and
vertu, were presents from her husband
during the honeymoon.
The clock which stands upon this
desk is beautiful French timepiece
in the design of a palette standing
upon an easel. 1t is of enameled porce-
lain, ornamented with historic scenes
in dainty French coloring.
The ink-stand is diamond shaped
piece of mosaic work in Persian colors,
with gold setting, four feet around its
edge, the two square ink bowls orna-
mented with lions couchant. This is
very rare and costly thing, and was
presented by Mr.. Wilcox on the second
anniversary of her wedding day. The
paper weight is a wild boar's head
an exact fac simile OF the old Saxon
stirrup cup, which must be drained
to the dregs, as it can only be set down
upon its rim. 1t is of oxydized silver
with gold lining.
The match holder represents the old
oaken bucket and curb in gold, with
oxydized pole and stand. This is one
of her girlhood's gifts, presented on
publication of her first book-a poet
ical work of rather exaggerated vehe-
mence on temperance.
The stamp holder is q miniature
teapot of old German design in duh
colors. The barometer is an enameled
Turkish scimitar. A bisque statuette
of Puck with two little water cones
slung over his shoulders, is kept daily
filled with carnations.
The poetess never writes without q
looking glass somewhere at hand. Her
latest acquisition in this line is q fan
shaped mirror about one and half
feet from tip to tip, mounted upon
gold candlesticks.
The next most interesting object in
the room Is 9 unique fre-screen
mounted in q standard gilt frame of
simple artistic design. The outer side
is dark blue plush, upon which is
wrought in all the gorgeousness Of ma
ture q superb peacock. The reverse
side shows the initials, ar. II. w" in
the Dora Wheeler prize alphabet
style, intertwined with classic designs
worked in shining threads cut from
the bronze tresses Of the poetess her.
self. This was . birthday present from
her to her husband.
All the bric-a-brac il choice and
dainty rather than costly and heavy,
and no piece IL without some interest
ing association. The pictures, with
one or two valuable exceptions, are Of
the same school. Noticeable among
the latter are the famous illustrations
of the old German legend, aThe 6torks |
and the Babies" which gave birth to |
her now almost equally famous poem, |
"Baby lAnd.s
The latest thing In house Furnishing |
Is the corner % Of course tbs poet |
ess, who pays respectful tribute ut |
Fashion's shrine, has "corner." Hers,
however, IL more interesting than
many of the store-made structures. !