The morning call., 1894-04-08

in Mexico; had burned and plundered a
hacienda, robbed rich Californian.
poisoned planter. sold pork affected with
trichip8, burned ships in order TO recover
the insurance. etc.: and there is not a
word of truth In these stories, told with
so much eagerness and listened to with so
much interest. Americans may be pleased
TO know the real history Of this mysterious
couple.
Count Michael Hebandy de Fresno is a
nephew of Nine. Recamier, and his youth
was spent at the Abbaye aux Bots in the
society of Chateaubriand. Lamartine and
other illustriOus persons belonging to this
famous salon. In 1S48 Count de Fresno
was appoin ted attache at the Foreign
Office, and there he remained so long as
Lamartine was Minister. In 1851 he went
to Turkey, where he bad much influence,
and there he was political editor OF the
Mnniteur Francois.
His position as secretary OF two Grand
Vizirs, Raschid- Pacha and AIi-Pacha, per-
mitted him to render much assistance TO
France during the Crimean war. After
the death of these two personages Count
Michaeli de Fresno returned to France
laden with decorations. His health was
climate of the East. and from that time
until the present Count de Fresno has &C.
cupied himself only with projects for the
restoration of his health. He decided TO
drive each day in an open carriage &C
companied by his wife. and by degrees
Paris. Countess Michael Hebandy de
Fresno belongs to a plain provincial
family. but inherited large fortune.
There has been one great sorrow in the
life of this woman-the loss of little
girl. The father thought it possible that
the pleasures of Paris might cause them
to forget their loss, but the mother was.
and is, incoDsolable.
The homes of the De Fresnes, Place de
la Madeleine. must be beautiful, for when
the lamps are lighted, through the filmy
lace curtains may be seen pictures. statu-
airy and rich hangings, but no Paris
ian has crossed the threshold.
Their boxes at the Grand Opera and
Theatre Francois are the best; they are
always seen at first representations in
every theater; the pearl necklace of the
Countess de Fresno and the diamond studs
of Count de Fresno seem worth fortune.
and the world cannot forgive them for
enjoying this wealth alone. They have
received anonymous letters containing the
most deadly insults, and they have had
much difficulty in obtaining servants, be-
cause all in their service is ridiculed.
From day to day the hostilities become
more manifest aud more intOlerabe.
AT first Count de Fresno showed only
timidity, but at last he was exasperated.
But while the husband was ready to right
his wrongs. the wife only said: People
are very cruel. but why should we be
troubled by their cruelty? You have
talent, compose something that will make
you forget your slanderers. that will cause
you TO forget the world" That is why at
the Labor Exhibition" at the Palais de
PInduslrie was heard wonderful flynn
to Labor" The execution of this hymn
by prima donna of the opera attracted
attent ton to the work and to the COM
poser, but nobody knew that Michael,
the composer, was Count Miehaeli Heb
andy de Fresne-the target for the m ockery
of all Paris.
This beautiful composition was really
written in Count de Fresne's youth and
sung for the first time by Garcia and
Baroilhet in the presence OF Chateaubriand.
Later, it was interpreted by Mime. Krauss
and TalaZac the tenor, at charity con-
cert, but for the Labor Exhibition"
Count Michael de Fresno revised and re-
wrote some portions.
Other musical compositions prove that
Count de Fresno is a musician by inspira-
tion and study, and that the unity and
harmony of his work is the cause of its
effect upon the people
BARONESS ALTHEA SALVADOR.
P. S.-As [ close this letter the death of
Countess de Fresno is announced. Her
trials are over, but skeptieal Parisiaus are
already specializing whether Count de
Fresno will continue taking his daily
drive ia the Bots de Bologne-alone, or
accompanied by another Countess de
Fresno, who will be as her predecessor
seemingly oblivious to everything around
har A