The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-09-10
HOME WITH DUMAS Fills.
NOT ~ ANY MEANS PARTIAL TO
lie lNTERVIEW E3.

His Sauctum-dOW he R9gar0S the
cheap american Edition OF HIS
worSs-Reserved apd Cautious il
conversation.
From the NeW York Sun.
PARIS. Aug. 25.-"Quick, drive me to the
Avanue de Viniers," l said, as l mounted g
facre IN one OF the principal streets OF
Paris.
Nv request for an interview with Dumas
;,closing a letter of introduction, had re-
NAMED unanswered, so ventured to take
tba risk of an unannounced visit.
r.a the word risk because l had been told
that Dumas was rather uuapproachable
and arrogant.
The fiscre pulled up in the Avenue de
yuuers, before an MISUNDERSTANDING man
sion. The bell was answered by a servant,
whose naughty manner impressed me
considerably and filled me with mis-
civings as to what the master might be
like, so that would have given anything
70 retrace my steps. Dumas servant car
ried the card upstairs on q silver plate,
leaving me, meanwhile, to amuse myself in
the vestlbule.
1t was hung with dark tapestries. and @
large bust of Dumas pere, the great sensa-
tional novelist, with his round, fat face and
his woolly hair, which reminds one of his
talf-negro descent, attracted my attention.
The lGckey returned, and, making O sign
to me to follow, led me into the picture
galleries, telling me l would have to wait a
little, as bis master was engaged.
Here was a rich harvest Of beautiful
things for an amateur! There were several
rooms full of paintings. l noticed part Gu
larly several of Meissonier's aquarelles, a
misty landscape Of Corot, an "Alhambra
scene" by Fortune, pictures by Veronese,
DelacroIx, Prousseau. A bronze statCe of
Barge, presented to the old Dumas by the
peres hand, all sorts of ancient armor,
Chinese vases, and other precious brlc-a-
brac adoI ned the room.
There was also a portrait representing
young Dumas. His face resembled that OF
his father, but looked more refined, though
not so strong. 1t also lacked his expression
of cbeerfulness aud frankuess. lie was
fashionably dressed, and looked slick, we'll
bred, com placent, Us if good digestion and
a comfortable bank account contrived to
make him tOlerably happy.
had full leisure to inspect everything,
for two whole hours passed before thu lacky
again made bis APP earance to inform me
that his master was ready TO See me.
We mounted the tbickly- carpeted stairs,
whose luxurious softueSs drowned the noise
of our footsteps, to the third story, where l
was ushered into the study of the author.
There at his writing desk, a masterpiece
Of cabinetmaking in the style of Louis XIV,
sat the author who had made the word
demi-nonde typical for a certain class Of
Partisan society. He presented a strange
sight to unaccusuomed eyes His hugh.
solid form had disappeared in immensely
wide white pyja mas and blouse, fastened at
the waist by a white sash. There was not
spot of color in his dress His gray hair
was combed back as usual. and his hand
toyed with the ends Of his gray mustache.
He was seen to great advantage, as the
light, streaming in from the large windo We
at his left, facing the avenue, fell on him.
He turned around ia his easy chair, an
arrogant smile played on his lips, he nalf
raised himself, and then motioned me to be
seated
How can I serve your and he threw
piercing glance at me,
This was an awkward question TO answer.
He resumed: Nothing in particular, |
suppose. Then pardon me if l continue
writing
He again bent over his work. observed
q manuscript lying near me- 1t was writ
ten in a clear, legible hand, much space
being left between the words as alse be-
tween the lines. His letters were soft and
thick, with very little attempt at shading.
He was using goose quill. On the table
stood a yellow faieuce vase filledwith large
bunch of quilts
satisfied my curiosity as to the appear
ance of bis study. 1t was hing with paint
lngs, statuetteS stood on the mantelpiece.
The open fireplace, with burning logs of
wood, lent the room a cheerful. cosy aspect.
Soft Turkish carpets covered the floor, and
lastly bed was perceived hidden behind
heavy curtains and rich draperies. All sorts
OF technical bandbooks and dictionaries lay
distributed on the floor in great disorder,
among which "Littre" was conspicuous. On
little, dellcately carved table stood bot
teof Madeira and some biscuits.
was attracted by bowl of milk stand
ing near his desk
He observed it on raising his head and
said; That is for my cats!"
At this moment the door slightly creaked
on Its hinges and moved imperceptibly, and
large Bngora cat made its appearance.
After partaking of the milk it went up TO
Its master in confident manner
de finished his task, threw down his pen
and petted and stroked the cat to his great
delight.
asked.
An, yes, Monsieur sent you.
Pardon me, he continued, "but you know,
am overrun with people who simply want
my photograph or autograph"
Then he fumbled in his desk, creating
great confusion and displaying large va
rlety Of stationery.
GOOD paper is one Of the principal things
Tor writer" he remarked, showing me
quality.
DO you write much3' inquired.
he shook his head.
NO, am getting old. We can't keep up
Win the young writer's"
>" no are your favorites among them m
ne shrugged his shoulders.
IT, 1hey all make a great deal of noise.
tuey write several volumes, promising to
uo something new, but at last, when it
ZONES. we md It Is the old story over again.
i Even the best, like Richepin and Bourget,
!eaVe me somewhat cold. They deceive
themselves! like the Cuban poets, and 1t
10 astonishing what literature they have.
Luere are the works Of Heredia and Rod
ttiqueI- pointing to Some beautifully
Oound volumes on bis bookshelf.
10 they not resemble the Spanish very
much" | interrupted.
NO, they are quite original. full of fire
ana energy; true poetsp'
:. ne lit cigar and offered me one. and
slen the author of Camille and "Denisen
GGogsn to speak of Cuban poet who had
,u I,ery young. This very interesting BIZ
Tapny mentions particularly an old
No n, ms former nurse, and her xiety
n;.l.e the young man spends most of his
. rrk.s