The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1896-12-11

~ who are celebrated
W. in the world of
fashion, literature
and art, says the London Madame. She
Is a great patron of all who are clever;
genius especially appeals to her artis-
tic temperament and she delights to
surround herself with cultured people.
II like to talk to clever men or women;
they are SO large minded and view life
from such a different standpoint to
people who never think for themselves
but let their friends form their opin-
ions for them. Narrow mindedness is
l to sn~obbishness and / have no
sympathy for either. Yes, I am a great
reader; it is n thing 1 always man
age to find time for. One must refresh
ones self with the bright thoughts of
great thinkers. Dull books are not my
tavorites; I like brilliancy and wit.
True, the combination is not always to
be met with. French literature is more
fascinating on this account" she said,
as we sat in her luxurious room, in
which were all the best editions OF
celebrated writer's, she looking like a
beautiful picture, her wondrous eyes
responding to her thoughts. Mrs. Pa
get is the only child of the late Mrs.
Paran Stevens, who was remarkable
for being the only American who had
a salon. 1t is from her that she inner
Its her keen sense of humor, splendid
vivacity and appreciation of talent.
Her conversation sparkles with ep-
igrams; she surprises with her
rapid flights from grave to gay;
she is always original and at
times daring in her %outspoken
frankness against pretense of any kind.
II am very fond of society and enjoy
all the pleasures of life. The opera is
n OF my most cherished amusements;
music | delight in. Oh, yes! l am fond
OF dancing" she added, gayly, as I re-
ferred to the surprise party she and
Lord Charles Montagu organized at
the duchess of Devonshire's ball. Mrs.
FACETS box at the opera is the rem
devious of the elite of London. She
holds quite a little court and few can
compare with her in looks or dress.
Her gowns come from Paris. She Is
chic, without exaggeration. Her col
lection of gems is quite unique; her
pearls are extremely fine, both as to
shape and color. A string three yards
long forms three ropes wound around
her neck; but she also has three sepa-
rate ropes of very large pearls. Her
jewelry is so renowned that it has on
several occasions tempted the cupidity
of burglars. Once a man was discov-
cred concealed in her bedroom in the
middle of the night. Col. Paget went
for him, but he escaped over roofs of
houses. Her fine suite of reception
rooms is admirably suited for en-
tertaining. The furniture is chief
ly of Louis XIV. and XVI. pc
RODS, upholstered in costly bro
cade. Scattered on beautiful cabi-
nets and tables are rare specimens of
china, antique silver and old worries;
and each piece has some historical in
terest to enhance it's value. In one
drawing-room the chairs are in tapes
try and the decorations are more Sc
we're in style, though not less hand
some. On an Angelica Kaufman
writing table is a beautiful portrait of
the Princess of Wales and the duke and
duchess of Connaught are close by it.
Among the paintings I noticed a group
Of sheep by Rosa Bonheur, a Nelson
Ter and a head by Rubens; a large
painting of Mrs. Paget, which scarcely
Gerome; several by Culverhouse,
does her justice; an Albanian chief by