New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-03-25

Arnold and even Parnan, as well Delane. the
editor of THE London Times: Bernal Osborne. and
last. but not least Gladstone were frequently to be
met in her apartments at Claridge's Hotel during
the London season; and memorable occasion,
at the time of the Turko- Russian war in 1871 the
Grand Old Man had his windows smashed by the
populace owing the popular conviction which
prevailed at the time that his advocacy of the
Russians in the conflict was entirely attributable
to his having been persuaded by Nine de Novikoff.
Nine. de NovkoM is very far however. from
presenting the appearance of woman whom one
would consider capable of bewtching great
statesman to such extent to warp his judg-
ment and to alter his political convictions. So far
from being handsome in any way attractive. she
is hOmey in the extreme. a popularity which is
shared by that other Russian diplomatst in petit
coats. Princess Lse Troubcts.oi. who possesses in
society on the banks of the Seine much the same
prestige ana influence that Nine de- Novikon
enjoys in Mayfair and Downing street Nine. lie
Novikoff announces that she is merely '"volun-
teer" bent improving the relations between Rus
STA and England. owing to her great affection FOR
the latter country. She is not rich. however. and
inasmuch as she invariably sets up her quarters at
Claridges (Which is the most expensive hotel in
London. where she occupies the finest rooms In III"
house and cntertans extensively. il may be taken
for granted that she draws large pay from the I'm
peria treasury at St Petersburg \ sister OF General
Kireef. she married early in life to General
at Vienna She is now a widow with grown-up son,
who achieved distinction last year IN connec-
ton with the distribution Of relief In the famine
stricken districts confdcd by the Government to his
charge. Her pen is most active and scarcely
week passes during the London season without the
appearance Of letters bearing her wcknown in
itials of 60 Is" in The Times" cher bg
English paper presenting her country and its rulers
in a most favorable light to the British people. At
St Petersburg she terms Of considerable init
macy with the imperial family, and In her younger
days she was wont TO spend much OF her time In
the salons of the clever Grand-duchess Helen.
Nine de Novikof sings well. and has wonder
fully resonant voice which added TO her great clcv-
erness renders her conversation most persuasive
and interesting
1t may be added that there Is woman in the
world whose name eXcites more discussion than
that Of Nine de NOvlkon and there are several
hostesses in London who make point Of causing
that name to crop up whenever conversation around
the dinner-table or in the drawing-room commences
to flag TO those who not personally acquainted
with her she appears in the light Of the most dan
gerous political intriguer In Europe woman who
succeeds In twining even the greatest statesmen
around her little finger There is however, less of
scheming than enthusiasm about every
subject that she takes up. an enthusiasm Tcscl-
bling that of Mr.. Gladstone. ana which. as in ms
case proves contagious to those around her. 40
whole heart and soul: and II Is this together with
n most magnetic personality. which renders her 50
very useful as an agent Of the Russian Govern
ment and Of the Car in London.