The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-02
AS 1T LOOKS TO WOMEN
A Day in the English Home Of Our
Mary"
WELL AND ALTOGETHER HAPPY
Her House, Her Garden and Her Quiet
Pleasant Life from Day to Day.

LONDON, Nov 22.-Wednesday was the
day appointed. The morning was superb
drove TO Charing Cross station, there 10
Join the party included in the invitation
for day with Mrs. Navarro. we were
a Jolly party, and as the ten o'clock tram
drew out of the station seated ourselves
I'm the comfortable carriage, Determined
TO enjoy the day, and who could resist the
influence of such surroundings, through
Kent-beautiful Kent about which so
much has been written, but To which
iustice could never be done. Thatched
cottages. superb residences, lawns ana
bedged fields brilliant green more ike
an American Spring. - :. .
autumn. save the brilliant tints OF the
creeping vines and scarlet runner. InrousHs
Chiselhurst, one of the garden spots OF
England. where Napoleon III. spent ms
last days. and where until recently ms
body rested. On for few miles further
we sped, and we were at IrowDrioge
mills. ,,,o
were driven through the quaint old town,
mn and over steep hill. Along an avenue
of beautiful trees, through which glimpses
of rich gardens and sweeping lawns were
obtained. An open gate, graveiled u,lVe
and the carriage drew up before the uoor
Of Ferndale an ideal house, the stone
porch overrun with brilliant autumn
tints. The wide open door showing large
hall lined with pictures, and beyond an
other open door with view OF lawn at
the back. Framed in the porch stood our
hostess, Mrs. Navarro. nee Ander-
son. And let me say here To the carplng
critics who have so diligently published
her woes. that my eyes never rested upon
more beautiful picture of perfect health
and happiness.
Dressed in a gown of some dark mate
rial that fitted her superb tgure 10 per
fection, eyes sparkling and cheeks glow
ing, an embrace for the ladies' of our
party a cordial grasp of the hand Tor us,
and in her deep, rich voice, which thou.
sands have heard, bit t0itt nccuer near
again, she said: welcome, American
/ stood transfixed. Could this be the
slight, almost gaunt girl, whom
fourteen years ago | met in Ken
lucky, where my professional duties
called me to act as her support IN Romeo
and Juliet" and The Lady OF Lyons
As she turned and entered the house, her
arms around her friends, / said yes the
same generous noble nature, softened ana
deepened by love and time. A child could
not have enjoyed showing, her toys as ana
this woman her beautiful home To her old
friends. Every nook and corner contained
or antiqne furniture. which would cali
forth expressions of delight from her
guests. A glance and smile at the
dark, happy face of the man
who stood beside her showed
the loving hand that provided all this
rounded by books, busts, and an
tiaue furniture, came long talk
of home and friends. We wandered back
to dusty, dark and gloomy theatres,
babel of tongues. Do you remember so
and so' Will you ever forget such
nightp ETC., etc
The moments flew by. 1t seemed but
seconds when the door opened and dinner
was announced. At o'clock dinner, To
enable those who mad engagements in
town for the evening to reach their des-
tination in time. ! wish those who have
read of Miss Anderson's poverty could
have entered that dining-room with
us Brilliant silver, sparkling glass and
rich china, to say nothing OF the delicious
oder of what was to come, spoke of any
thing but poverty. Just think OF hungry
Americans, their appetites sharpened by
ride and drive in the crisp English air,
and need not tell you that justice was
done TO the viands placed before us, and
what pleasure to have your wants an
ticipated by well-trained servants, of
whose presence you are never conscious,
SO quietly do they move about, then to
Navarro, say, Do take some Of this, il
grew in our own garden" Can you fancy
the thing, "Our own garden" And the
look of pride which accompanied the re-
mark was proof that more pleasure was
derived from the simple fact that acc had
garden than all the thunders of applause
TO which she had listened In the past
could have given her.
The ladies retired. Wine and cigars
consoled us-in a measure-for their alb
sence. Hearty laughter and the murmur
of voices from the adjoining room, assured
us that at least, we were not missed. Soon
we were interested in stories, and the mo-
ments flew. A knock, the door opened,
and we were reminded OF the fact that
ladies demanded our presence. At four
o'clock tea was served In the drawing
room. The carriage at the door, to convey
those who were compelled to go TO town,
TO the station, and was left. Not having
an engagement for the evening, my time
was my own, and the happy day prolong-
ed Quiet settled down upon the house.
We then sat and talked of the past, the
present and the future. quiet, sober
talk, that comes to us after day of ex-
element, and by its strong contrast is a
pleasure
Twilight stole upon us; servant en-
tered the room, drew down the blinds and
lighted the candles. A large old-fashioned
easy chair was wheeled before the fire,
and was requested to make myself com
Portable, with the remark, This chair
once belonged to George I'LL" / don't
believe old George ever took half the com
fort in IL that did.
Mr.. Navarro seated himself at the grand
piano-he is a master of the instrument
ran his fingers over the keys and then
Chopin's and Beethoven's beautiful melo-
dies filled the room. Mrs Navarro drew
basket 10 her side, took from IL doll,
slipped finger into her thimble, and rs
an answer 10 my astonished look. said 81
have twenty-five Of these TO dress for the
poor children of our parish for Christmas.
j stretched my feet towards the fire,
sank back into Georges" chair, and
with half-closed eyes ana open ears en-
joyed the scene. Was IL not all dream
Parthena, Galatea, Hermoine Perdita--
dressing doll, and Tony playing Chopin !
No, IL was real for supper was announced
(they eat all the time In England), and in
one short hour was driven To the station
a hearty grasp OF the hand from Mr.
Navarro through the carriage window.
"All aboard /" from the guard, and was
whirled up 20 town. i pulled my coat
collar up about my ears, tipped my hat
over my eyes. lighted cigar, sank back
idto the corner of the carriage, Of which
was the only occupant, and, miserable old
bachelor that am. Was rplupfautlv com.