Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-02-07
STEVENSON'S SAMOA.

A delightfully."- easy, informal talk about
Robert Louis Stevenson was given last even
ing before the New-Century Club by his
step-daughter, Mrs. Isabel Strong, who was
intimately associated with him as amanuen-
sis in their charming home at Vailima, in
Samoa, where Stevenson lived on account
of his health.
1--WE were a congenial family" Mrs.
Strong said, s'Hnd happy one, when Mr..
Stevenson g improved health even gave hope
of ultimate recovery. His mother had
spent ali her former life in Edinburgh and
It was a strange fate that brought her to this
foreign island TO And a home in her SONS
house. She had wit, vivacity, and high
bred manner, and was associated in Samoa
minds with royalty, because she wore
widows cap like those they had seen pic
lures of Queen Victoria.
my brother, Lloyd Osborne, and Mr..
Stevenson were most congenial companions
and while Lloyd grew older MIR. Stevenson
retained mis- youth, 20 they came to be TIE
same age. Their conversation was always
interesting, often brilliant. They col
Elaborated in the story Of Ebb Tide, " for
which they had dozen different endings
and over which they argued wittily. My
own work at Yailima was the most interest
ing that ever fell to the lot of woman-to
write at Mr.. Steyenson's dictation. The
week between the incoming and outgoing
mail steamers was one of heavy work, there
ing for everything from autographs to
money. Many invalids, knowing the brave
fight he was making against ill health,
wrote to tell HIM what help this had been to
than. The answers to these were most in
spring and often could not see to write
them for tears.
"Tbere was constant coming and going
of visitors at Vailima and Stevenson was
the heart and soul of all plans for general
pleasure. He never allowed birthday in
| the family to pnss unnoticed; it was always
| made the occasion for dinner or dance,
| and often of poem.
HE had a high temper and command of
| appalling invective, but it was only mean
| ness or injustice that called forth his anger.
| He was never seen at better advantage than
at the head of his own table with those
| whom strange fate had brought together
| trasts as the guests. The old chief, Mataafa,
often dined with us; he had excellent
manners and showed not the slightest en-
baIrassment, but carried on lively con-
versation.
"Steyenson's influence on the Samoans
was enormous; his sterling integrity OF
| purpose and iarge-hearted sympathy, made
him the universal peace maker; he was the
'man of wisdom to whom they brought
their troubles. He said Il have chosen the
land to be my land, the people to be my
people to live and die with. But since bis
death the Road of the Loving Heart, built
| for him by the grateful chiefs, and the
wide lawn, the scene of SO many delightful
| meetings have been the field of bloody con-
fiicts. The ground is ploughed withlbullets.
the house ridtled with shells from English
/ and Ann rican men-ot-war, bullet has
| penetrated to the spot where Stevenson used
TO sit. There is no Tusitala to take their
| part before the world; but remembering
| his great love the natives show their graft
tude In the only way they can, by taking
care of his grave, where constantly fresh
flowers are laid.
| He Is not dead not dead,
But in the pathway we shall tread.
| He is but gone little way ahead,
| Where we shall meet him face to face,
| This friend we fancy dead.