The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-12-29


Belmont has conhded to any of her In
Inmates in that particular social set Of
which she aspires to become the leader
the real reason for her sudden determI-
nation to depart for Europe on next
Saturday they are guarding the secret
jealously
This, too. although all her friends
and many who do not class themselves
in that category were talking of little
else yesterday AT every afternoon tea,
at every evening function, nothing was
discussed with such evident interest as
this unexpected move on the part Of
Mrs. Belmont. But none undertook to
offer any explanation, either not know
ing, or, knowing. unwilling to assume
the responsibility.
She, herself, evlnced no disposition to
converse on the subject. To those brave
enough to breach the subject Of her
voyage, she contented herself with the
response that she was somewhat sorry
to go, but that she expected to have
pleasant time abroad. Mr. Belmont
spoke Of the matter early In the day.
and he 10 quoted as saying:
Mrs. Belmont's plans to go abroad
were made some time ago It was her
original intention to sail on the arst of
the year; but. finding 1t more GVn-
venient to go on Saturday she caneell-
ed her invitations for the Sunday even
ing reception. / will follow her as soon
as possible.
To those who heard, 1t was evident
that this was intended as a most diplo-
matte declaration. It gave no hint
why matter Of two days difference in
the date for sailing should have been so
important as to make necessary such
an unusual course as the recalling Of
the invitations for the reception, or
why haste in her departure should have
become so imperative as to decide Mrs.
Belmont on not waiting until her hus-
band might accompany her.
1t was believed by many that Mrs.
Belmont had received cable message
from her daughter. consuelo. the
Duchess of Marlborough, urging her to
lose no time In going to Blenheim. But
to those who held this opinion 1t was
mystery why the duchess should de-
sire her mothers presence SO speedily.
1t is several days Stree the cabled an
nouncement that the young duke was
to become a soldier in South Africa.
Nothing more has been heard Of this
gallant determination, and many who
know the master OF BlenheIm are prone
to skeptlcism as to his willingness to
place himself where Boer bullet
might end his career.
on this phase of the matter, one
who poses as an authority on social
affairs had this to offer yesterday.
1.-THE announced intention Of Mrs.
Belmont to start on Saturday has quite
upset the plans of the particular set in
which she moves. Mrs. Belmont, with
her constant companion, Mrs. Her
mann oelrlchs, had planned to attend
the Hungarian Peasants bail, at the
Madison Square Garden, and she had
issued Invitations for dinner party
preceding 1t. Her invitations have
been recalled, as she has decided to
Join her daughter, the Duchess Of
Marlborough. at Blenheirn, at once.
This action on the part of Mrs. Bel
mont has started various rumors, but
will venture to say that the secret of
her change Of plans is that the Duchess
Of Marlborough wishes he- mother with
her, at this particularly trying time in
England, when all Of the young men Of
society are either at the Cape or about
to sail. The reported intention of the
Duke Of Marlborough to Join the fight
ing forces Of England may have some
thing to do with Mrs. Belmont's decis-
ion, and 1t Is only natural that she
should wish to Join her daughter.
"If this is so. there is no occasion for
any speculation as to Mrs. Belmont's
hurried departure. as ball or any
other social function would hardly
compel her to remain in New York, IL
she thought It necessary to go to Eng
land. 1t is said that Mr.. Belmont will
follow his wife in few weeks, and
there will be something of family re-
union at BlcnheIm"
As far as reunion of the family is
concerned. there is no doubt of 1t. Mrs.
Belmont, after leaving the Duchess Of
MARLBOROUGH, win go to France, where
she will visit her son. Willie X. Van
derbllt. Jr., and his wife. And with her
she will take her youngest son. Harold,
who is little more than schoolboy.
A pretty story was told In Newport
last summer of Mr.. Vanderbit's last
meeting with the lad. Harold, who is to
20 abroad with his mother. Mr.. Van
derbllt's yacht Valiant. had returned to
the float Of the New York Yacht Club
with party Of pretty girls whom the
millionaire had taken out to see the
race between the Vlgllant, Defender
and Navahoe.
On the other side Of the float was a
hat-rater, on which was the boy, Har-
old. to whom a grIzzled old skipper had
been giving lesson in smiling AS Mr.
Vanderbilt stepped on the float the lad
jumped from his craft and saw his
father
Hello popi" he shouted, and he ran
to Mr.. Vanderbilt
Hello. Harold" said the father. who
had not seen him for months. He was
rnrnewhnt nnhn rnaped. for the pretty