The Washington times., 1895-06-17
STIR IN COURT CIRCLES
European Capitals Interested in
Washington Girls Engagement
TO MARRY COUNT D'ARCOs
approaching wedding of Miss Vir-
ginie Lowery, of This City, to the
Spanish Minister to Mexico-An In
ternationa1 Low e eMatch-Bot h FamI-
lies Highly Connected.

The announcement of the engagement of
the Count of ARGOS and Miss Virginia
Lowery, daughter of Mr.. Archibald III.
Lowery, of No. 1000 Vermont avenue
north west, is attracting attention and
creating stir in court circles in two
European capitals-Madrid and Vienna
The count is related TO the old grandees
of Spain, and his ancestry runs back far
beyond the advent of the Bourbons, whose
last representative upon the throne was
the unfortunate Isabella His family is
| closely connected with the highest no.
bility OF Europe, two of his sisters being
duchesses.
The unusual intellectual gifts of the
family have always created demand for
their services in mana ging the proud
Kingdoms foreign relations, and two OF
them are now in high diplomatic stations
in Europe, while Count ARGOS himself is
the Spanish minister at Mexico
He became, at the death of the late
Duke OF ARGOS, the head OF the family
and he is one of the leaders in the present
government OF Spain. He is a trusted
counselor Of the Queen Regent, who is a
member of the Austrian royal family and
what so Intimately concerns the future
of his family as his marriage is OF public
interest at both Vienna and Madrid
Abundant evidence of the fact is found in
the notices of his approaching mptials ap-
pearing in European journals.
NET IN THIS CITY.
The young couple whosefortunes are to
be united, probably within a few months,
met first in this city fourteen years ago,
when he was Count Brunetti, secretary of
the Spanish legation, and snc was at the
head of the youngest set in society.
She is bright, viyacious brunette,
with sparkling eyes, and manners OF an
exquisite charm that draws 10 her the love
of men and women alike; perfect as u
partner in dancing and an accomplished
musician; in figure, petite; in dress, ele
gantly unobtrusive.
Count Brunette, little older, educated
with that finish given by the best private
tailors. and made familiar with society
and broadcned in views by previous diplo-
matte service, found in the beautiful
American girl a delightful companion.
y community of high aspirations and pur-
poses, that have no bounds in nationality,
ripened their admiration to affection aud
at last love. They became engaged.
For many reasons they could not then
marry There was objection on the part
of the American parents to a foreigner
OF comparatively obscure official rank
when their daughter was sought by men
of the highest station among her coun-
trymen.
She was related to the BlaiTs. the
Lees Beales and Breckinridges, and had
already rejected suitors more eligible,
for the American girls best reason, she
was not in love.
There was objection by the Spanish
family, because of all European nobitities
that of the CastiIian peninsula has most
jealouSly preserved itself from foreign
alliances. There was no question any
where of the fitness of the match on other
considerations.
Both were dutiful, both We're patient.
Count Brunetti was called to other stations.
Miss Lowery remained the light OF her
parents declining years.
She continued, in moderation. the
round of social gaieties aud was always
the center of a brilliant circle at the enter
tainments Of the Porters, Clymers, Holes,
Curcurans Hills, the oldest and most eX-
elusive families OF Washington society.
She wassuught by othermen, but wavered
not in the fidelity of her affections. They
curresponded regularly and, few years
ago, when her family was abroad they
spent one or two seasons at Madrid. Their
enga cement, if formed between themselves,
was never made public.
WEDDING DAY NOT FIXED.
Five years ago the count succeeded to
his present title and to the family estates
in the north Of Spain, and was soon after
appointed minister TO Mexico. His last
post had been at Santiago, Chile.
on his way to Washington he stopped in
Washington a week and spent most OF
his time at the home Of the Lowery's, at
Vermont avenue and X street. The en-
gagement was then formally made public
When he left his official duties he was
| accompanied by his fIancee'S brother, who
| spent several weeks in Mexico as the
| counts guest and has since continued his
| travels in other lands.
| The statement that the Count of ARGOS
| has returned to Washington and that the
| day of the wedding las been set is incorrect.
| A letter was received last week from him,
! when he was still in the City of Mexico.
| How soon he may be expected is not
| known.
| The wedding day has not been set. 1t
| is supposed the celebration VIII be as quiet
| as possible at home. Miss Lowery is a
member of St Johns Episcopal Church,
| and that ritual will be used. 1t may be
| that an additional ceremony according
to the Catholic forms will be performed.
There is some gossip to the effect that
| the count has found life in Mexico to
be accompanied by inconvenience and
| lack of social and artistic features. He
hesitates to take his bride there.
On the other hand, the way may open for
his assignment to duty in Washington. 1t
is said by some that continued delay is in
| that hope.