The herald., 1894-12-27
AT CLIVES SDEN.

The Astors Have Lod a Lifs of Great
6eclusion.
New YORK, Dec. 27.-A special dis
patch to the World from London says ::
The strict secusion observed by the As
tor family at Clivenden during the past
three months has been much discussed
in the village Of Taplow. The Astors
preserved a secrecy touching Mrs. Astor's
illness which is usual only with royal
ties, and it lie stated that far less was
known about the affairs of the mansion
in the vicinity than when it was tens
anted by the duke of Westminster and
others who live only in history.
The World correspondent learned.
however, that the principal features of
the deceased lady's illness was a pros
found depression which could not be
dispelled. rendering her case almost
hopeless from the first.
Mrs. Astor suffered from q severe ill.
ness early In the year. Since then her
health has never been robust. but it
transpirsd only about three weeks ago,
owing to the visits of Leading London
doctor, that she was again sick. 1t is
said now that though her physical ail-
ments were complicated. they might
have been smenable to treatment if tine
patient had seconded the efforts of her
doctors by an attempt to fight against
them.
Death came somewhat suddenly and
quite unexpectedly, it being believed
both by the family and the ply sicians
that there was no i'm mediste danger,
though little hope of ultimate recovery
was entertained. The husband was com.
pletely prostrated by the blow, weakened
aa he was by apprehension, which had
oppressed him eorely. For several weeks
he had been seen now here in society,
though he rarely missed going to attend
to busineas at his Handsome Office in
Thsmes EmbRnkment, London, few
hours each day.
1t has been Mr.. Astor's custom to see
his lawyers and accountants almost
every day. and to confer with the edit
ors eli his various publications. He often
dictates articles to shorthand clerks,
and, indeed, lie exhibits business
shrewdness nnd capacity for details
which long ago convinced all brought in
contact with MIN that had he not inher-
tied fortune he certainly would have
made one.
His wife's sickness and death have
hCC6ntuhtou ults A5tOI . luClch5inX QfB-
taste for social pleasures. and practically
made him recluse.
When able to get about Mrs. Astor
took an active personal interest in the
extensive alterations OF Chveden, which
were effected mainly according to ner
ideas. as Taplow people tell on recover
ing from her first illness. che had all the
work accomplished during her absence
done over again at great expense.
Though the Astors spent much money
in their immediate neigh borhood, the
people express disappointment that they
did not entertain on as lavish scale as
they anticipated. The house seems to
have impressed the people OF the neigh
borhood as being pervaded by an atmos-
phere OF gloom-very different from
what it was in the hands of it's former
tenants.
1t is now common rumor in Taplow
that MIR. Astor will leave Ciyeden,
which may be purchased by the duke
OF Westminster, who has always regret-
ted selling it.
1t is elso thought in Taplow that Mr..
Astor will return to live in America,
but those best acquainted with him de-
clare this very improbable, all his plans
being based on making England HE
permanent home.