The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-08
TOLSTOl AT HOME.
How the Great Russian Author Spends
His DAYS
How the


Tolst.'s 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 1t is
filled with visitors. 4 servant asks each
visitor whether he desires to see the
Count or the Countess, and IL the former
the visitor IS conducted through a large sa-
lon. up a narrow staircase, 10 the Counts
work-roou or study. This IS small,
narrow room, with very broad windows.
In one window is a plain desk and the
only other articles o; furniture are A
broad old-fashioned tiivan, a couple OF
ar1n-chairs and 4 bookcase. which con-
tains oE.y works OF reference. as the
Count considers his Moscow residence as
merely a makeshift, and therefore keeps
his library at his country home.
AT table ToIstoi sits between his wife
and his eldest daughter. Tatjama. who
helps him greatly with his work. He and
his two eldest daughters are confirmed
vesetarians. much 10 the annoyance OF
the Countess who cannot be convinced
that this mode OF living is heaIthtul-
While the other members OF the family
and the guests. who are never lacking at
this midday meal, eat the usual food,
the Count and his two daughters regaIe
themselves with soup and various vege-
tabIes After dinner Tolstol often pays
fhe middle and reaching TO the knees,
and the CAP, pulled down over the ears,
rive him on such occasions quite the ap-
pearance OF a peasant
During the evening Tolsti likes to read
70 his friends in tie study passages from
new books or journals. and 20 engage In
fif.ar,. discussion It is an attractive trait
in him that during a discussion he pays
as much attention 10 a young student
a n = gray-haired university professor.
Or,65liag is aohorrent TO him, and he asks
orI,- ca1dor and honesty. open as his
bonsa IS TO guests. Tolstoi Ciislikes TO show
himself in public places. He seldom goes
~ the theatre, and always selects
secluded seat He IS an excelest musical
crit and also a good amateur musician.
Tn1o-ovlsed concerts are frequently held
ar his house and. If necessary, he seats
himself at the piano ana plays accompani-
nents
PoIiana guests are never lacking, and
Uhsu they and the family are gathered
,r,,,,d rhe breakfast table and the con-
-...sarior Is at It's height. the master OF
Tho Rouse a glass OF tea in his hand, will
FRO, stand for u whole hour at the door.
in+a,sine- 10 leave the room and go 10
,,orL, vet restrained By some ne" DIS
crsston in which he must take part Tho
nIara at the door Is known "a the
enchanted spot, anu II foSti'L tiiSiS AosStCL
ro,Iet often exercise his whole will power
before ne can leave IT, His workroom
IN tnis house Is pleasanter than the one
In Moscow. Provisions were formerly
stored in it. and from the ceiling sttli hang
the rings which used to hold hams, but
which are now used by Tolstot for gym
castle exercises. Against wall rest s.
shovel. a spade and other agricultural
trnnlensuts. the visible sign OF Tols.oi's
favortt, summer recreation. He believes
that perfect health cannot be maintained
without bodily exercise. and hs enjoys
almost every form OF sport except 6hat-
ing He swins and rides spiendidIX and
he is also an excellent tennis player and
an interchangeable bicyclist- Not tar from
the house Is a tree known as The Tred
Of the Poor and twice a day all these
VINO. have any request to make OF him.
whether for counsel o. financial assist
ance. gather around It.
A large number Of letters and dispatches
from all parts OF the worlG reach tbs
Count daily. and the perusal OF these
occupies much OF his time. His twx
daughters act as secretaries, and. snsve4
the letters In order-pSeM Kas1 Opb-
me.c1al Advertiser. = -