New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-10-11

r. gave 10 politca supporters while vet he re-
sided in Downirg-st as Chancellor OF the Exchequer
II has been said that these occasions, sitting az
the head or raher in the middle, Of his own table
the exclaimed Of the Excheduer has dwelt In
silence through six courses. while his trembling
guests have conversed with each other in funereal
whispers. Anything more awful than the picture
here roughly mned and boldly coored the mind
cannot ina CINE. In pleasing contrast are the att-
tude appearance and manner of Sir William when,
under the same roof. still weighted with the cares
Of the Treasury and the coeagueship of Lord Rose
berry, he has acted as host. whether at dinner or
through an evening party, with Lady Harcourt
beaming hostess.
Lady Harcourt : charm is not wrought or nour-
ished by anything approaching a gushing manner.
She does not set up brilliant talker, nor does
she lay herself out TO be leader OF fashion in
dress or other social matters. She is just woman.
but one Of innate good kindly feeling. high
intelligence and perfect breeding. Though as far
her friends know she NEEDLES in literature,
she inherits from her father-the historian OF the
Netherands-a keen literary taste. She has read
books worth reading, and is al home with those
who write books, II of the products are
not Of the best.
Perhaps Lady Harcourt is seen at her very best
as hostess at her country home In the New Forest.
The house parties at Mawood frequently. almost
invariably. have the pquancy Of melange Of people
Interested in various fields OF public labor. Poll
tclans naturally predominant. But there is not 10 be
found as is the in houses Of some political per-
sonages only one party color. hard hitter In the
political arena. Sir William Harcourt proba bly,
has on his visiting list larger number OF people
from the other political camp than has any man
IN an analogous position.
How large that visiting list is Is indicated by 4
story the peasanter TO tell since though again. II
is untinged by bitterness. In the middle Of busy
season Sir William in fulhlment Of long standing
engagement marked In his pocketbook. went out
to dinner on Monday night. He fancied he OBJ
served on making his entrance to the drawing
room that his host and hostess looked him with
some surprise and even embarrassment. The mood
was however. momentary. He thereafter well
coined with ccustomed efusiveness. had ev-
celent dinner in such agreeable company that he
felt indsposed 10 complain that the table was. per-
kaps a little crowded
on the following Wednesday ne kept another dinner
engagement OF which he had made careful note in
his book Again he noticed. with less hope OF
misunderstanding. almost frightened look passing
between his host and hostess when his an
nourced Again the embarrassment proved transit
tory and Sir William had another thoroughly en-
jcyable evening.
on Friday he went out TO third tryst. In the hall
he came across the butlcr-an old acqualn tance The
man less masterful his emotions than higher
trained people started back when he recognized the
newcomer gazing at him mutely OPEN mouhed
What's the matter" asked Sir William didn't
YOU expect 10 me to dinner?
Yes sir said the butler; but II wasn't tonight
u WAS mex. Tuesday"
Closer investigation Of his engagement book ex'
,lansa the mystery. Il was arranged In pages. each
one noting weeks engagements. Sir William. ir
his haste, had unknowngIy turned over two pages
and was this week keeping engagements which really
fell due the week after
usr. was double trouble. He not only imposed a
,is,on had been made Tor him. but had in the course
~ tne week broken two dinner engagements ana wal
,o,s IN keeping his appointment for third
LADY Harcourt is absolutely free from ranco'
80 any kind above all from political rancor. Per
hans that might rot With full confidence be sad