The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-12-07
LITERARY LEAVES.
A WISH TO THE WIDOW or LORD
BYRON.

LousfSIIow's Kindly Courte.v-Ths KEEP
ling Boom Mrs. Jefferson Davis Book.
Dumss FiIs-some Of His Remarkable
works-Other Items.
Mrs. Southworth Was in London in
the June of 1859. aud had the pleasure
of meeting Lady Byron, through let
ter Of introduction from Mrs. Harriet
Beecher Stowe. Lady Byron then re-
sided in a tbree-story brick house on
st, Georges Terrace, near Regent Park.
Mrs. Southworth describes her as small,
plump, fair, blue-eyed, silser-haired,
simply dressed in a black silk gown
plainly made, q shawl Of black China
crepe, and q widows cap Of fine black
and white lace resting lightly above lit
tie silvery curls. She walked feebly,
but her manner was cordial.
Lady Byron invited her visitor to
lunch. The table was waited on by
two Misunderstanding men, butler
aud footman. Lady Byron would not
permit her servants TO wear livery or
apy badge of servitude. The last time
Mrs. Southworth saw Lady Byron the
conversation was mainly about John
Brown, the news OF whose execution
had Just reached England. Lady BY.
ron led her caller into back room OF
the parlor, where a box was being
packed to send to the widow OF John
Brown. There on the floor stood a
large dry-goods case, while on chairs.
tables. stands, and sofas, lay piles OF
white Undertaking, black gowns
widow caps, bonnets, wells, shawis'
mantle, hose, parasol, fan, handker-
chiefs-in short, widows complete
and abundant mourning outfit. all OF
the very best materials and makeup.
Over all these presided far gentle
woman of middle age. whom Lady By
ron introduced as her friend. Miss Car
penter. "All Of this clothing has been
made up by my schoolgirls under the
direction Of Miss Carpenter, che ex-
plained. Watson, the favorite lady 6
maid, was also in attendance. bliss
CARPENTER. assisted by Watson, packed
a huge box. LadyiByron, seated IN her
rocking chair, looked on with interest.
occasionally making suggestions as 10
the more careful bestowai OF cap or
bonnet into its own little especial re-
ceptable.
The box was sent off before night
Lady Byron spoke also OF the schools
she had established on her estates. IN
which tue children were taught trades
as we'll as the usual elementary
branches. Lady Byron died in May OF
ths following year. Mrs. SouthvoTth
saws: I'm all my intercourse with the
noet's widow. who. while size lived
was the most intimate friend l had III
England, not a word was ever breathed
in regard to that poet or his works. Dr.
King. the lifelong friend OF Lady
Byron, whom she sent to call on me al
Brighton and who became one OF my
most esteemed friends. was not retl
cent. He often spoke of her long, long
life of widowhood and retirement, de
voted TO her child and grandchildren
land to her worldwide charities, re
regarding it almost as the life OF
saint and martyr. One day he sud
denly inquired: co.,
"'Have you ever seen certain it'll
tstea -tete tea service?' and ne described
1t to me.
Il had not. He then told me that i
was the little service for two that Lore
and Lady Byron had used IN their tete
a-tete teas during the first months o.
their married life. She had aiway'
kept it and used it when alone or Will
some very dear friend"
1t WAS remarkable circumstance IL
Lady Byron's destiny that she wat
fated TO be the sole lineal heiress anc
representatives Of no less than four an
cicnt and titled houses. whose estates, II
the language ofheraldIy, had fallen tt
the distaff." Milbanks, Baronets oil
Hanably. York; Wentworth, Baronet'
of Nettleford, Suffolk; Noells, Baroneti
and Lovelace, Lords of IIurley.-Wa'h
ington Star.