The age-herald., 1900-07-23
TOLSTOI AT HOME
How the Great Russian Author Spends
 His Days
M. A. P.

M. A. P.
 Tolstois house in Moscow, where he lives during the greater part of the year, is a plain frame building, which belongs to one of his sons. Every evening it is filled with visitors. A servant asks each visitor whether he desires to see the Count the Countess, and if the former the vis- tor is conducted through a large salon, up a narrow staircase to the counts work room, or study. This is a small, narrow room, with very broad windows In one window is plain desk, and the only other articles of furniture a broad, old-fash- toned divan, a couple of arm chairs and bookcase, which contains only works of reference, as the Count considers his Mos COW residence as merely makeshift, and therefore keeps his library at his country home.
 2 At table Tolstoi sits between his wife and his eldest daughter, Tatjama who helps him greatly with his work. He and his two eldest daughters are confirmed vegetarians, much to the annoyance of the Countess, who cannot be convinced that this mode Of living is healthful. While the other mem bers of the family and the guests, who are never lacking at this midday meal, eat the usual food the Count and his two daugh- ters regale themselves with soup and vari- ous vegetables. After dinner Tolstoi often pays visits. The sheepskin coat, belted around the middle and reaching to the knees, and the cap, pulled down over the ears, give him on such occasions quite the appearance of a peasant
 During the evening Tolstoi likes to read to his friends in the study passages from new books journals, and to engage Tn lively discussion. It is an attractive trait In him that during a discussion he pays as much attention to a young student as to a gray haired university professor. Quibbling is iabhorrent to him. and he asks only can- dor and honesty. Open as his house Is to guests Tolstoi dislikes to show himself in public places. He seldom goes to the the atre, and always selects secluded seat. He is an excellent musical critic, and also a good amateur musician. Improvised con- certs are frequently held at his house, and, if necessary, he seats himself at the piano and plays accompaniments.
 In ToIstoi's country house at Jassnaya Poljana guests are never lacking, and when they and the family are gathered around the breakfast table and the con- versation is at its height, the master of the house, glass of tea in his hand, will often stand for a whole hour at the door, intending to leave the room and go 10 work yet restrained by some new dis cussion in which he must take part This place at the door is known as the en- chanted spot" and it is said that Tolstoy must often exercise his whole will power before he can leave it. His workroom In this house is pleasanter than the one m
  in if. and from the ceiling still hang the rings which used to hold hams. but which are now used by Tolstoi for gymnastc exercises Against a wall rest shovel, spade and other agricultural implements the visible signs of Tolstoi's favorite sum- mer recreation
 He believes that perfect health cannot be maintained without bodily exercise, and he enjoys almost every form of sport exceut hunting. He swims and rides splendidiy' and he is also an excellent tennis player and an indefatigable bicyclist. Not far from the house is tree known as "The Tree or the Poor" and twice day all those who have any request to make of him, whether for counsel or financial assistance, gather around 1t.
 A large number of letters and dispatches From the Washington Post
 daily and the perusal of these occupies much of his time. His two daughters act as secretaries and answer the letters in or der,