The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-11

cuse given Is that 'it's English you know. ?
The figure or Death will doubtless carry q
scythe of English manufacture IN time
Mrs. Hicks-Lord, the female Monte Cristo
whose fortune is as unlimited as is her desire to
surprise and dumfound her acquaintances by
magnificent parties and receptions, has rented
an elegant house in Washington, and made
plans for half dozen entertainments which
will throw society at the capital into futter OF
excitement. AS her entrance into Washington
will bring her into contact with the representa-
tives of the entire country, and as she is q
woman who never takes a step but some
novel result follows it will be of interest to get
good idea of her now, she is still upon the
threshold of her departure. For years she has
been what may be termed piunger. Every
thing she has DONE of public natu re, has been
out of the common. and has caused consider
able amount OF talk. She was a widow. Mrs.
Hicks, when she married Thomas Lord, an aged
and respected gentleman, who was
very wealthy, and considered beyond the
thought of matrimony When he died he left
her in enviable state. so far as worldly pos
sessions are concerned. Her millions were we'll
invested, and she was shrewd enough to man.
age them herself In her beautiful residence,
in Washington square, she has since lived like
queen and has enjoyed life without a thought
of the expense. Her parlors are gorgeousiy fit
!
brac to be found in the metropolis A curious
feature among the pictures is the collection of
portraits OF European princes and MOBILES. Queen
Victoria and the entire English al family, and
the various members of the ruling family of the
German empire, are included in it. In the
back parlor is ife-size oil portrait of herself,
she was in her younger days 1t portrays
handsome and fascinating brunette.
Upstairs Mrs. Lord has her business office,
and this title is By no means used in the way OF
jest. She has her big desk and revolving chair.
DiOaOn.hOlaS of n
relating to her business affairs. The manage
ment of vast estate is no FOOLS job, aud Mrs.
Lord has demonstrated her ability to do 1t we'll
The walls hung with maps of her landed
properly, and TO them she refers when tenants
make complaints or demands for repairs She
has the details of every piece of property she
owns at her fingers ends, and knows the condi-
ton 1t Is in It's market value, and the return it
ought to bring to her. While pursuing to the
extreme limit societys round Of pleasure she
out of each twenty-four to her Office
Her Judgment in the matter of STOCKS and bonds
is said to be good. and she seldom loses in any
speculation The actual amount of her fortune
is not generally known; but, judging from the
amount she spends annually, her income must
be enormous.
The most exclusive" members of society in
New York have steadily refused TO recognize
Mrs. Lord. although che has contrived to win
over to her ranks many that at frat held aloof
Her acquain tance is large and, is natural with
person of her wealth, she wields considerable
power over many influential persons. Through
GneSe Sn0 mas, as Tar as poSslO6, DrOug0E TO Dear
heavy pressure on society generally. At her
last grand reception there present such
persons Mrs. Col. Fred Grant, Mrs. j. w.
Drexel. General and Mrs. Schoield, Governor
Green, of New Jersey, ana Mrs. Green, the
Duke of Newcastle the Austrian minister and
the Countess Esterhaen She was assisted in
receiving the guests by Mrs Cyrus w. Field,
jr., and Miss Rose Elizabeth Cleveland. This
affair the one that occasioned widely
published dispatch, to the effect that a crowd
OF unseemly characters entered the house
without invitation. demolished the free lunch
con and misbshaved grossly The house was
beautifully decorated for the occasion, there
were two famous bands present, the costumes
were magnificent and the luncheon one of Del
monicos best Mrs. Lord wore famous $780,
600 collarette OF diamonds, which she produces
special occasions when she wants to shine
with particular lustre. At the Chinese minis
tsr's New York party in Washington, short
time ago. she outshone all the other women in
her display OF diamonds. Besides diamond
belt and diamond bracelets, che wore diamond
pins and brooches of all kinds fastened 10 the
waist of her dress Mrs. Lord will probably
have difficulty in entering Washington So
ciety. which is composed of so many different
elements that exclusive is not term that can
be propsrly applied to it. Having made up her
mind to ''come out" in it, however. she will not
do it in any quiet way. but with vim that will
attract widespread attention.
CLARA BELLE.