The herald., 1897-05-30
THE M'KINLEYs' FIRST FORMAL
RECEPTIoN
The Mother Of ssLittle Lord Eauntle-
roy Entertains-Loss Of Lionel.
The Brices' Fete Champetre

cHdTltIe6 IN washington 10 the cnlluren0
hospital, and, thanks to the ladies' Of
fashion, Its finances are now in -four
ishing condition. Among other enter
prises for replenishing its treasury. a
tombola and kettle drum was held the
other day in a big uptown hall. under
the auspices Of its board Of lady man.
ayers. which includes Mrs. Senator Ell
.kins. Mrs. John Sherman. Mre Phil
Sherman, Mrs. Sartoris. Lady Paunce-
fote. Baroness Hengelmuller and many
others prominent in society. As few
outsiders could guess what a "tombola"
would be. the novel attraction drew a
great crowd-and the last dollar from
everybody's pocket. 1t seems to be q
species Of the mild type Of gambling
which prevails at church fairs-a sort Of
glorified grab-bag arrangement. con-
Quoted In this way: All manner Of ar
ticles were contributed to be sold-some
Of real value: others comparative blanks.
and some funny little trifles calculated
to raise laugh at the purchasers ex-
pense. All are put up In more or less
pretentious packages, securely tied with
red tape and auctioned to the highest
biddere.
A CHARITY AUCTION
Among other doings In the eame line
was q charity auction" held in the
spacious parlors Of Mrs. Burnett, the
authoress. The auction was In aid of
a talented young GIRL an orphan, who
was the sole support Of several younger
brothers and sisters until her health
broke down under the strain. Thanks
to the writer of THAT Lass o. Lowries,"
the little family are secure from want
for many day. A number of local art
sketches in oil. besides embroideries.
ticles. which sold for excellent price0
under the good management Of the
hostess. Since Mrs. Burnett's son.
Lionel. died. she has been particularly
tender in aiding young people. The
story Of his death Is unusually pathetic.
A beautiful boy, the idol of his mother.
he was called from earth when just ap-
preaching manhood. She knew that he
must die, but, wishing to spare him pain
and terror. and believing that no special
preparation for the future state is neces-
eary for SO pure eoul as his. she re-
fused to have him informed Of the inn
pending change, but. bravely overcoming
her own grief, made his last hours. and
even his last moments. as bright and
happy as possible. The physicians ae-
sured her that the boy would suffer no
pain at the last, but would simply grow
weaker and weaker until the end came.
She allowed no one to shed a tear, or
even to look sad, in his presence, but
everything wac done to cheer and
amuse him. When the last hour had
come she told him that he would pres
emily feel little faint, but he must not
be alarmed, for mother would hold him
In her arms and he would soon be better.
He smiled back In answer, and nestled
his head lovingly on her bosom, and
with wonderful self-control she bent
smilingly over him as long as his fall
ing eyes could see, and he died with q
smile on his face. Mrs. Burnett owns
beautiful home in Washington, bought
with the proceeds of Little Lord Faunt-
leroy" She hae lately written a play
called "The First Gentleman Of Europe"
which was produced in Washington for
the first time few weeks ago. This 10
her first original drama, the Little
Lord" of the play having been an adap-
tation of her novel. "The First Gentle-
man" deals with an episode in the life OF
George Nv. when he was the young. gay
and dashing Prince of Walee. surround
ed by brilliant court Of fiatterers. Mrs.
Burnett has found moment in it when
his better nature rose superior to the
incident Is prominently brought out ip
the play:
THE BRICES' HOSPITALITY
Ex-senator and Mrs. Brice have
eclipsed everybody else in the way Of
lavish entertaining during the whole
senatorial term, and their farewell fete
champetre was perhaps the most per-
feet of the continuous series of gorgeous
functions which have made Corcoran
house famous. The wide hallway which
extends the length Of the mansion was
converted in a floral avenue by tall
palms and bushes of white lilacs and
American beauty roses lining both sides.
The drawing room was decorated with
wonderful profusion Of every variety
of spring blossoms; dogwood filled the
somber corners and jardinieres OF roses
occupied every available space. In the
distance fountain was playing, ana the
high Jets of water looked like silver rip-
bons in the vista of flowers. The warm
sunshine of perfect May day made the
beautiee of the grounds more thorough
ly enjoyed, and the vivid green OF the
surroundings furnished a charming
background for the handsome toilettes
of the ladies. In the center OF the spa
cious lawn. under an immense Japanese
,,nohraIio was spread q table, where
punch and, other dainties were served.
and a etringed orchestra. stationed be-
hind a clump OF towering shrubs, rem
dered delightful music.
WHITE HOUSE SOCIETIES
The first formal reception given by the
new administration was that of the
other night. rendered by President and
Mrs. Mckinley to the delegates Of the
Universal Postal congress. The famous
East room never looked more lovely.
with the usual gorgeous floral attire OF
state occasions. The Red parlor and
! <<V~.. <ls.,,.<1 -. D. - 70