The Washington times., 1902-08-24
Once Stunned Social Func-
tions as He Would the
Plague, But Now Busy in
Dancing Attendance Upon
Them-Overwhelmed With
Invitations and His Popular
ity Growing Rdpidly-Usu-
ally Surrounded by a Gal
axy OF Smart Women.
PRINCESS OF pLEss.
ONDoN, Aug. 23.-Lord Kitchener,
whose avoidance of the feminine
4 sex has heretofore been so pro-

whose avoidance of the feminine
IL sex has heretofore been so pro-
nounced as to secure for him the
reputation of a woman-hater, has sud-
denly developed a fondness for society
and has become a regular attendant at
all of the notable functions.
He is the social lion of the day, and a
very busy lion, who has much hard work
to keep up with his iBlumerable en-
gagements. Invitations are crowding
in upon him faster and faster since it
has become recognized that he is not
averse to the social round of pleasure.
His popularity grows apace, and the Pc
riodicals of the lighter character are
quoting the epigrams and bon-mots Of
the hero of the South African war.
A marked change of heart seems %
have come over the famous warrior. In
the past he was most obtrusive in his
misogamy, beinp churlish even to the
point of rudeness and discourtesy IN his
/ attitude toward the fair sex. He sought
\quarters with a bachelor friend when he
eame to London, and Stunned all social
obligations The plague was supposed TO
.be more agreeable TO him than a func-
tion, and 1t was announced that his
bachelorhood would be maintained for
life.
The Lion of the Ladies.
Now it is different, and he readily
accepts invitations and appears to be
| happy on such occasions. galaxy of
smart women usually surround the lion
when seen in public. If he does not enjoy
the situation his powers of dissimila-
tion would do credit to the stage.
Dame Grundy's incessant tongue has
not failed to report that he is in love
and that he will soon be led to the
hymenal altar by some fair conqueror
Of her country's greatest fighter. Ru-
NOR fails TO mention the name of the
supposed aspirant for the name of Lady
Kitchener, despite assiduous inq6iry.
recent request, that was acceded to.
made by Lord Kitchener, led to the be-
lief that he was preparing to set up an
establishment. At recent dinner given
bv the corporation of London to Lord
Roberts and Lord Kitchener, the latter
requested that a gift of a jeweled cas-
ket containing the freedom of the city
be exchanged to household plate of sim-
tlsr instrinsic value. Plate would be
more serviceable in the family menage
than a mere showpiece like jeweled
casket.
The season so far from petering out,
as was expected by many, has kept the
ball rolling triumphantly TO the end
Last week was almost the fullest and
gavest Of the year. Two and three balls
every night. the opera crammed. and
dinners galore have been the order OF
the day, or rather of the night. Only
the week end parties in the country have
kept people on their legs to face such
fatigue at the end of an unusually hard
season.
Mrs. Adair's ball was one of the best
Of the whole season. Her house in Cur
zon Street is admirably arranged for en-
tertaining, and she herself is so hand
some and picturesque with her dark
eyes, and lovely gray hair that she COM
pletes the picture in a wonderful way.
Her sister. Mrs. Smith Barry, or
rather Lady Barrymore. as she is now.
since her husband received peerage in
the list of coronation honors. was also