The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-11-09

| 5.
upon Madam Lemaire making her a visit
at her villa on the Lake of Maggiore, but
Maestro having promised me she would
not leave Milan again until / r turn home,
in order for me to make the most of my
time while here, refused on said account.
But Lady Cagliani would not accept that
as an excuse, saying she would be de-
lighted to have mama and myself come
also" Lady c. came to call on us, and
extended an invite, but as we had only
met her several times, we did not feel that
we could accept. However, Madam L.
insisted that we should, saying that she
knew her friend would not have extended
the invitation if she really did not mean it
from her heart. And as the invitation
was altogether too lovely to refuse, so we
accepted, and are here as you see from
heading of my letter. We have been here
since the 10th of August, and shall re-
main until the last of this month My
teacher being here l combine study
with pleasure. Shall now endeavor to tell
you little of the very interesting
parts we are visiting, although ! fear it
will be a sad attempt to wildly picture
! such beautiful scenery as we are now en-
joying, but as / am neither an authoress or
! journalist, can only write you in my own
plain style. 1t will at least give you an
idea. Germignaga is the suburbs of the
| city of Luino on the Lake of Maggiore,
| Lago Maggiore is the largest lake, and
considered the most beautiful in Italy for
| natural scenery. The countess villa is
situated about five minutes walk from the
/ lake. having fine view in all directions,
being at high point with a lovely gar
! den. The countess came to meet at Luino,
and our drive to Germignaga captivated
US at once. the surrounding country being
| so beautiful. When arrived at the villa we
were escorted to the rooms assigned US,
where we found choice bouquets
| of flowers to welcome us. The
windows of mama and my room looks out
| upon the lake, and a more beautiful view
we could not wish. We are in the valley
with mountains on all sides. AT this point
the lake is very wide. Right opposite is
| the city of Camera, the warmest place on
! the lake, owing to being entirely enclosed
| by mountains. There the lemons and or
anges grow in profusiOn, and the grapes
/ hang over the walls fairly touching the
water. Immediately in 'front.' about
| half mile from the shore, are two small is
lands, where stand the ruins of once mag
nificent castles. We went over to visit the
ruins, and found them beyond our eXpecta-
ton: the old walks are covered with
moss, and the ivy hangs in festoOns from
the top to the waters edge of the yet we'll
preserved tower; TO the right is the Won
derful ''Friar Rock" of natural growth, it
l
the ancient head-dress The small ham
lets on the mountains, md the
village at the foot, with the
many pleasure skiffs boats and steamers;
the fishermen with their nets cast; the
beautiful castle and villas on the edge of
the lake. and some all but built outintoi it,
with the lovely gardens, the lemon and
the immense chestnut groves, makes it a
very picturesque presentation. Although
it is now October it seems like days in
Augustine grass and trees are as much
as midsummer Here | sit, overlooking
the lake from the midst Ofsummer foliage,
still in sight of winter, for just now the
sun is shining against the gigantic snow
crowned Alps. All of which impress one
rather as day dream than scenes in re-
ality.
On the 18th of September was mama's
birthday. Maestro Lemaire having known
of it for some time previous wanted we
should celebrate it royalty. And so we
did. Madame Lemaire had made arrange
ments for a trip to the Lake of
Lugauo and the Horrors. 1t was a
complete surprise to mama, not having
thought about the date.
On the morning of the 18th the maid
brought to mama S room an immense bOu-
quet of choice flowers, so large | could
scarcely span it with my arms-it was the
the compliments of Madame Lemaire. On
was all decorated with flowers, mama
found fruit cake, as large as the bouquet,
beautifully ornamented, and with the in
scriptiOn, Long life to Albertina" from
the Countess Cagliam. 1t has been a long
time since have seen mama so perfectly
surprised, and happy. At O'Clock the
carriage was at the door The party con-
sisted of Madame Lemaire (Our host for
the day. Lady Cagliam, mama, myself
and the maid; our drive was most delight
full, going first to Linaw, then across the
mountains into the Italian Switzerland.
The drive across the mountains was a
source of great pleasure, for the scenery
was simply superb. Going up, we had
to drive slowly, it being very steep
in places. Here, the vineyards are in pro-
fusion; the ravines, the glens below, with
the cascades or water-walls; the noun
tains still above us and the view of the
villages in the valley-gave us a rare sight
of natures beauty. Our company, of
course added to the pleasure, also, and
with the occasional whOop of the coach
man, which articulation, they use for
horses trained for the mountains, we fully
realized being in the country of the Alps.
An hour and a half before noon, we
reached "POnte Theresa" and were in the
Italian Swiss" Here is the beginning of
the Lake Luzano. At this point it i'm
pressed us as a most melancholy spot be
country reflected in the lake as if in a mir
ror. We had only few minutes to wait
for the pleasure steamer. in which we in
tended to traverse the lake. At first the
lake seemed a little cool and we retired to
the cabin, but the magnificent scenery.
which, of course, we could not
so fully view from the, post
holes below soon entlced us
to the deck having prepared with wraps
and the sun coming out quite strong we
were very comfortable and such a feast rs
we had | truly wished more than once |
that some of my Wichita friends might be
with us, to enjoy it also. Our first land |
ing was at MOrcote, most enchanting |
place with its terraces of grapes. the mag
nifcent villas on the hill side, the grand |
cliffs, and the village seemingly lay ii the !
lake itself Here number of the passen- !
gers came on board. Beyond this we reached |
a truly romantic spot, a castle built on !
almost little island, the water rippeling |
down the mountain side, and the BEAUTIFULLY |
cultivated flower garden, with n most
superb lemon grove, the handsomely cush |
toned pleasure skiff anchored at an attrac- /
tive little boat house, made it look more
like a fairy scene, than one of reality. We |
arrived next at the city of Melida. right |
there seemingly the lake forms !
circle. being enclosed by the mountains /
On all sides are small villages right at the /
waters edge, and the majestic mountains |
in the background form a grand picture. I
Immediately coming out of that place is a 4
magnificent view Here the lake is at its /
widest, and beautiful bridge spans il. 1
Beyond that point the villages are located 4
farther up the mountains, the churches /
are invariably built right out on the edge /.
of cliff or a prominent place. and their I
white stone steps wind up TO the top and /
TO the very entrance. 1t is very pleasant /
TO hear the ringing Of the Ave Maria .
with the far-otf echo IN a neighboring dell |