The age-herald., 1900-10-21

was able to gratify her ambition. Their tastes were congenial and with a keen appreciation of all the wealth of treasures found in the old world, they crossed the sea many times, returning with priceless works of art until even the importers in this country came to know of their rare collection.
 Following the death Of her husband Madame Johnsen's fortune became impov- erished, and with the subsequent sorrow that came also came the ill-health of her only child. She realized that the dream or her life would be unfulflled
 That she has spent many moments in breeding over her sorrow Is evident iE the gray hair that frames a youthful face, and that accentuates the extreme fairness of a beautiful complexion. It is, however only when the name Godfrey passes her lips that there is a slight tremor in her ys4eS, or when she touches reverently piece of old lace and says that she cannot part with it.
 In her collection of faces, while ifsse are many pieces of priceless worth that she has worn she possesses quantities quant- ties of lace that has not been used at all, and is in the same condition as when she purchased it in France. She desires to dispose of her entire collection, however, and it has already been reduced by eager purchasers.
 She has in her possession the most ex- qulSlle CdESS ana cOllaTelteS III OnanIllly and cuiqure, a rich design blending the two A small real lace cape was to be had at the low price of fifty dollars, while various pieces range from twenty-five dollars to the hundreds The collection in black laces, in Chantilly and guipure include the capes, scarfs and over dresses, while the white and cream laces were so exquiitsely beau- tiful that even madame herself regarded each blue tissue paper that unfolded them with reverential eyes. She has great deal of Ealenciennes in various widths, and it was interesting to hear her recall her visits to the famous shops in Paris, where she purchased it. This lace, made by the French girls in those damp little cellars in Paris, is in greater demand, since the atmosphere in which it is made is poison ous to the women, and they are now re- fusing to sacrifice their health even al great mercenary profit The French wo- men who spend their lives in this damp, unwholesome atmosphere seldom live be- yond thirty. ss 2
 Madame's collection of iaces in point dang laterre, point d'ala non, and point dirlade cannot be equaled by any of the well known importers in this country. She has so long made a study of iaces, by Vis- iting the very spots where the rarest and richest designs are made that she is a lace connoieseur. With a knowledge of the in tricate work that it requires and the tedi- ous hours, she has been able to fully ap- preeiate the priceless value that is placed upon real lace, and where person. igno- rant of the time and care required, natnr-e ally displays his ignorance by depreciating the value of handsome lace, Madame John sen is not only able to appreciate the cost Illness of real lace. but it would be next 10 impossible to deceive her in placing a high CT vaiua ton upon a lace than its quality or design warranted.
 In view of the popularity of Duchess lace, it may be thought that in this won derftl lace collection would be found great deal of Duchess lace. But Madame does not own a single piece. since she re