The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-07-20

supply of nuts and cones for the squirrels.
They get very aristocratic and refuse TO
hunt for their own food and if the supply,
from me runs short, they breakfast on blrGS'
eggs; occasionally cannibalistic squirrel
or owl gives me great deal of trouble. L
had very interesting family of young rob
ms. In that big chestnut tree there this
spring, and determined screech owl was
bent on their destruction. Many time Eve
had to scramble up that tree"
"Hold on, Miss Morris; climbing trees p
"Well, really, excuse ME, l mean. with
the aid of a ladder, of course; but you neeq
say nothing about that, you know. But l
was determined that the owl should not
have them, and he didn't gel them. Ihen
there are ferns and moses and mowers 10
look after See these beautiful lilies In
bloom? Every day they must be attended
to or the little insects will soon destroy
them. Then there are the chickens-you
haven't seen my chickens-anu the eggs;
Pm getting on an average sixty each day
now. | spend an hour or two every day
painting and l try to read some-but bark,
the dinner-belL l know that is more inter-
esting than my chatter"
After most bountiful repaSt, served in
grand old dining-room, with wealth of
cut glass and silverware, We Strolled around
the broad yeranda enjoying the scenery.
The house is situated almost in the center
of an immense tract of ground, surrounded
by substantially built stone wall little
less than three feet in height and fenced on
every side by immense old pines and chest
nut trees, it seemed as if it were possible to
shut the world out entirely, and yet from
various points glimpses could be had OF the
noble Hudson rolling away to the north
ward, Edwin Forests famous castle and
the sacred grott0 Of the Lady OF Lourdes
that stands just at the head of that pretty
Iittla Lake IN tine adjoining grounds of the
Convent of st. Vincent.
We enjoy the scenery immensely, but
much prefer to hear our charming hostess
talk.
Miss Morris, have you on any particular
mo, can't say that l have. 1 like any,
thing the audience likes. The physical
strain is greater in Article At and Ca
MILE but the play that pleases the audi
ence pleases me-
And you are eager each year to begin
another season?'
mo, can hardly say that do not bid
this place au reyOir without struggle ."
And the lady's eyes grew moist rs she
glanced tenderly around her beautiful and
elegant home. But this season l am to
visit that greatly lauded Ell Dorado. the
great Northwest, and dear old San Fran
cisco, aud l leave it with less regret than
usual"
mile"
My first performance of Camille? Oh,
indeed, remember it we'll 1t was at the
UniOn-square Theater. We were rehears-
ing a new French play. Mr. Palmer was
sparing no expense in mounting it sump-
tuously. An army of Scene-palnterS were
at work. An imperative call for matinee
performance in aid of some charity was
made on Mr.. Palmer, and he decided to
play Camille He hastily selected a
company for quick performance, and with
one rehearsal l played Dumas heroine. 1t
was such q hit that all thought of the new
play was given uD and Camille ran for
sixty nights, then considered a very long
run. Dear old Camille'-it is n great
play and has been good friend of mine. 3"
Your first appearance in New York was
a success, was it not?'
"Pll never forget it," said Miss Morris
1.-THE bill was Man and Wife and | was
to play Anne Sylvester In all that great
city | had but two friends. My mother"
and the actress glanced affecliUnately at
the pleasant hammered, well-Spoken woman
of middle age at her side, and one other.
As l stepped upon the stage that indeScrib-
able giddjness and bewilderment attendant
on stage fright assaulted me. My first speech
was but two or three words. My cue was
given; l opened my lips but not a sound
came forth. My God,' said my friend,
she has failed My next cue came.
again essayed to speak. a hollow, I'M
natural sound Issued from my lips that
frightened me worse than the audience
The very horror in the sound of my own
voice for the first few words so alarmed me
that in a moment the lights and the au-
dience were forgotten, and then was Anne
Sylvester"
Havanas of a superb brand were lighted
as the shades of evening fell. Hosts Of
freflies gliStened and cleaned among the
trees. From the noble Hudson, whose sill
yer sheen glistened in the early moonlight,
perfume of flowers. you will soon hear
my serenaders," said Miss Morris. "They
are beginning now, listen" and from above.
around and seemingly beneath US, came q
low, peculiar aHd indescribable sound
Those are the tree tOads, said our hostess
"They are the first to herald the coming
night. After his little song is over comes
| the crieket's musical chirp, then the katy
did. and so on until music fills the air with
cadences in which each little singer seems to
vie with the others in pouring forth his
soul in a festival of song. | am never alone
nor lonesome here, and l am always so we'll
and strong"
The secret of Miss Morris returning
health is revealed. Drugs and surgical tor
lures had left her almost wreck, when q
close cOmpani0nship with nature spran e
up. Guided by an ever present, kind, firm
and skillful hand she absorbed health from
natures medicines; fresh air, green trees,
bright sunshine, sweet flowers, until it gave
color to her cheeks, brightness 10 her eyes
and strength to her step.
Our visit to her charming home came to
an end all too soon, and will be cherished
as the most delightful in our memory.