Omaha daily bee., 1895-11-24
TRlLBY'S FATHER AT HOME
Charms that Invest the Villa of the Famous
Author.
A CHAT WITH GEORGE DU MAURlER
Early Struggles and Later Activities
in Art and Lterature-Origin of
the story and the Characters
-AnnOyances of Fame.
copyrighted by Charles Sheldon Wells.)
L nd

copyrighted by Charles Sheldon Wels.)
LONDON, Nov. 16-(specal Correspond
ence of The Bee.)-There are two
ways of reaching Hampstead Heath
IL you reject the luxury of a cab. The
first is by rail, hot, stuffy, uncomfortable.
The other from the top of three-penny
bus, affordlng abundance Of air, sunshine,
and the interesting scenes of London street
life. 1t Is needless to say that / chose the
latter on the bright Saturday afternoon !
went to call upon George Du Maurier. The
road led through one Of the busiest parts OF
the great metropolis; passed the old We'll
lington House academy, where Dickens as
boy, attended school and which, in David
Copperfield," he has immortalized as Salem
House," climbed Haverstock hill, with its
memories Of Addison and Steele, and which
was bordered on either side with quaint
villas, in whose gardens the laburnum trees
were bursting into yellow blossom and the
scent Of lilac perfumed the air.
The joltng conveyance came to a stop in
the village OF Hampstead. / walked through
Its quiet, secluded streets and entered mar
row lane envlroned by high brick walls. At
the right hand and nearly at the end Of this
thoroughfare stood a picturesque brick house
oyergrown with Ivy, the windows Of whose
angles and projections commanded view OF
some of the loveest scenery In the world.
Upon the doorpost was inscribed "New
Grove house." The front door, which opened
Hush on to the street. was OF dark oak and
from It's center depended two brass knockers
OF polished brilliance. l applied one OF the
latter and trim maid ushered me Into the
presence OF the author OF "Trilby."
IL was man Of medium size, with quiet,
unassuming manner, VINO rose to bid me
kindly greeting A man with refined, sepsi- |
tive face, and the nervous temperament |
which proclaimed the artist to the finger tips |
ciad In becoming lounge jacket, he was at |
work In his studio. large room on the first l
moor whose windows look In the direction OF |
the heath. II is luxurious apartment. with |
rich carpet, quantity shaped arm chairs, the
walls covered with stamped leather and
hung with many Of the famous punch
drawings framed in plain oak, together with
other sketches and etchlngs, the gifts of
friends. Near the window stood an easel,
upon which was placed block OF drawing
paper. Then came square writing table,
'ldily arranged. whose most conspicuous or
naments were a vase of flowers and a silver
framed photograph of the artist, which is
considered an excellent likeness by his wife,
In one corner was water-color portrait by Du
aaurier OF Canon Anger, and from the same
violin. To the right WAS grand
'iano and profuslon Of screens
and artistic ornaments. II was one Of those
'ooms which clearly denotes the individuality
,I lis occupant and whose very atmosphere is
tempered With the charm Of the higher life
ahu the refined comforts OF home
But 1 am afraid that nothing may say
WIN be OF any interest,"" said the artist
a9thor, modestly, In reply TO my request.
lou Know II is rather hard for q man to
Talk about himself"
'but won't you please tell Inc about