The Washington times., 1894-12-10
4 NOVELIST AT HONE.

'SRtACA4U"
A NOVELIST AT HOME.
Gyp, the brilliant Comtesse Martel, not
withstanding the fact that she has made her
nome outside the Notifications, on one of the
Neuilly boulevards, is a center of social life.
She also receives her friends and acquaint-
ances once week. and all those who have
any claim TO being considered worthy of
recognition in any branch of work are sure of
a warm welcome from Gyp and her children.
A grande dame in the best sense OF the
word, Mirabeau's great niece IS so sure OF
her position that she can encourage strong
favor OF BohemianIsm without fear OF COM
ment or remark. Her husband one of the
best-known spOrtsmen in France, delights
in his wifes work, and is not the least brill
liant talker among those gathered round her
each Tuesday.
The Comtesse de Martel's sitting-room is a
strange mixture OF ancient and modern
things; great tapestries which formerly hung
in a royal chateau form lovely background
TO he old family portraits, modern pastels.
and delightful caricatures which line the
unique salon, whilst the windows look out on
a vast garden. the chief attraction of Gyp's
suburban home, for down the broad allies she
is able to exercise the beautiful mare on
which rides daily. fine orwet. The Comtesse
dc Martel. notwithstanding the three tall
youthful-looking woman with slight figure,
spiritual face, and a shock of short fair, curly
hair. Occasionally she will ask some favored
friend into the large study-bedroom. where
she does all ner writing in the early hours
of the morning, but, as rule, Madame de
Comtesse Is content to receive in the great
suite OF salons, occupying the full front OF
her house.
AN EDITOR HOSTESS.
,bny, - h. I,,Ii
cite Adam, the well-known editress of the
Neuvele Revue, is at home to her friends
twice or three times week, both in the after
noon and evening. Her receptions are con-
Quoted on far more formal and impress
sive scale than those OF her friends Nine.
Daudet and the Comtesse de Martel, and
both her editorial ana political work have
brought her into connection with diplomats.
naval aud military officers, and most OF the
distinguished foreigners of the day. Russians
abound in old days SkobelofT was a frequent
visitor, and men of all parties, from the Due
d Aumale to the latest radical poet, delight
10 form part OF the throng which fills her
dainty boudoir-salon and study-bedroom.
HOW JOURNALIST ENTERTAINs.
Severine, one of the most conspicuous and
brilliant journalistic personalities, receives in
rooms situated in the very heart of Paris. on
the great boulevards, are filed morning, noon,
and night with a crowd OF journalists, dis
cussing the latest news. the bomb of to-day,
the scandal of tomorrow. One cannot help
wondering how the famous lady journalist
ever gets through her work. for her door is
seldom shut TO visitors; Hospitality with that
large-hearted French hospitality. the most in
significant reporter knows that there ne will
lind cup OF coffee, slice OF homemade
bread, and a kindly greeting
Socialist. almost anarchist in theory, Sever
inc, nevertheless, is the beloved OF princes,
LOT IN her drawing room hangs the portrait OF
the Comte de Paris eldest son, Philip Of Or
leans. inscribed ITO Madame Severine. the
kIndest and most generous of advocates.
Conscript,' in reference to the days when the
Prince was imprisoned at CIairyauX for hav-
ing attempted to enter the French army. in
spite OF rhe fact that he and his family were
outlawed Another significant token hanging
IN the same room is a little oak tablet in
which Is cncrustcd the first bullet shot in the
miners strike Of Carmaux. Severine started
subscription Tor the strikers starving wives
and families; and after the dispute between
the masters and men was over the former
presented her with this strange little me-
mento of their struggle
Nine. Severines reception rooms consist of
three apartments, a large hall dining-roem,
lit by four gas Jets, the study lined with books
and filed with huge green baize-covered
table, at which Severine and number of her
friends are generally employed busily scrib-
bling copy. Two great greyhounds and
lovely Angora cat form her retinue, and arc
generally crouched before the fire, giving
! little or no notice to the many strangers who
come in and out. The salon, dainty little
corner comes after and is seldom used. ex-
| ceptlng In the evenings; there Severine keeps
| her flowers, her needle-work and the thou
sand and one little feminine fances which
are dear to the heart of every woman. 1t is
impossible to dismiss this pleasant corner of
Bohemia without saying word efthe hostess,
beautiful, thoughtful looking woman, still
on the right side of forty who. with true
French taste, is always soberly gowned as
| should be one whose work brings her in COR
stant contact with mankind. ]. S. STEELE.