Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-06-29

Of art from the old world In the square en-
trance hall on the walls are bits OF armor that
recall scenes from Walter SCOTS novels-a
trophy consisting of a breast-plate, arm aud
thigh pieces-all of the fourteenth century.
On the covered mantel rests u Persian sword
taken at Sebastopol. Close by is German
battle axe iniaid with ivory, while near il is a
blade that went through our Revolutionary
war. Specimens of Spanish armor, with the
flexible Japanese blHe coats of mail, are scat
tered about. In one corner stands an antique
cabinet, in which is a bronze fawn after Michael
Angelo. The floor of this beautiful vestibule is
covered with Japanese and Smyrna rugs, while
Its most unique ornament Is an old bridal chest
of tho sixteenth century resting on saw
horse" supports. Its quaint carving inside and
out conjure up thousand fancies of old-time
hnery that may have rested within it which
could not have been as abundant as a modern
brides trosseau, since two such chests could be
slowed away in double-decked Saratoga
trunk.
On the left wall are two very fine proof
copies Of paintings by Raphael. On entering
the drawing-room one steps on soft Axmin-
ster rug. Portieres hang over the doors. The
most noticeable architectural feature is the
mantel, which reaches to the ceiling and curves
over In half canopy, with repousse brass lining
the curve. The side panels are of ebony,
carved, and the shelf OF black oak, deliberately
and tastefuily finished. All this exquisite
woodwork surrounds fine plate glass mirror.
Brass on the hearth completes its artistic fur
nishings.
The salon is so large that there is no crowd
ing, or that appearance of show place in
museum which SO many parlors over-crowded
with even cuvios sometimes present. In the
great bay window is a mahogany sofa, with
roller pillows at each end. The window is
charmingly draped On the right is a minia-
tnre model Of the Vendome column, On the
left is an antique table with the spindle legs of
the Colonial period; beside it a superb piece
Of ood-carving Of Queen AIMS time, and OF a
most rich tone in coiormg. the meilowing tint
which time stamps on old furniture; five
O'Clock teapot covered with plush and fringed
with brass trimming. Brass lamps and
candelabra stand about with wax tapers in
them, but for real illumination electricity is
shrined in a fine pendant chandelier over
head, ready for a touch to set its light free.
An open screen and portiere separates the
drawing-room from the library, where low
bookcases well filled stand round the wallis.
Easy chairs, tables, and conveniences for work
or repose are temptingly disposed about in or
derby disarray. Here are trophies in armor Of
antique Persian and Damascus steel inlaid with
Persian stones and gold. Passing under a
double portiere, ono OF which is an elaborate
piece of needle-work on canvas with bits OF
glass wrought in it in button-hole stitch like so
many jewels, one comes to the dining-room.
large mahogany extension table with claw
feet occupies the center Of an art square to the
uliuuie o1 the room. On the opposite wall IL
an immense rosewood side-bOard, in the style
of the first empire, with Egyptian marble
columns and engraved base. Over its swelling
height are shelves with rare china and silver
arranged upon them; above all very dingy
and ancient small Dutch clock with long
weights dangling down. In one column is
mahogany cupboard of triangular shape. filed
with Old deep-blue and amber ware. There
are two superb and valuable cloisome Japanese
vases on each corner of the side-board
Over the open fireplace in the end Of the
room is a cabinet of mahogany, containing
hooks for rare bits OF china Ascending the Queen
Anne stairway, one finds an antique bedstead in
the handsome front bedroom. 1t is a magni-
ficent piece of rosewood carving of the Nurem-
burg manufacture. Its gothic cornice almost
reaches the ceiling. There are dainty images
in the corner angles representing peace prayer
repose. and benediction. From the carved
canopy a tapestry border depends, finished
with fringe. The hangings are of crimson
plush, lined with satin, falling in graceful folds
At the head OF the bed like drapery falls
smoothly, and on this coat-of-arms is en-
broidered in red. white, and blue, with the in
scription In God is my trust" A tapestry
valance, ike the canopy border, finishes the
drapery of this artistic piece of furniture. In
this fine room are some choice pictures painted
by the Misses Tiffany. 1t is possible that the
Secretary may select this mansion as a perma-
pent residence. Mrs. Mobiles tastes are de-
cidediy artistic and literary.