New-York tribune., 1903-04-12

role in the social life of Newport. and that has
been the scene of much hospitality and of many
gayetes Belonging to Ruthven Pratt, and
known by the name Of Areigh, it was occupied
last summer by Mr.. and Mrs. Harry Lehr, ana
Is leased for the coming season by Mrs. E. Moore
Robinson, Of Philadelphia. 1t was there that
The debut of President Grants granddaughter,
lula Dent Grant, now Princess Cantacuzene
rperanski, took place some years ago. and with
Rs spacious hail. its stately grand staircase, It's
ak panelled, oak beamed dining room and white
nd gold drawing rooms, is particularly well
adapted for a wedding such as that OF Reginald
Vanderbilt and Miss Cathleen Nelson
The Vanderbilt men have all married women
strong individuality and of a force Of charac-
ssr above the average, who have made their
Influence upon their husbands felt Reginald
Vanderbilt has followed their example For
Miss Nelson, who, although of Swiss ancestry,
las some good old NeW-YOrk Knickerbocker
lood in her veins, is a girl credited with a con-
siderable amount of determination and tact, who
ever since Reginald Vanderbilt first laid siege to
ter heart and hand has borne herself in such a
amer to give promise that she VIII, as his
life eventually play important role in the
social life of New-York.
Perhaps one of the most characteristic things
which she has done has been her choice of New
BORT as the scene of her wedding. Had the cere-
tave been attended, in spite of all efforts to
srevent it, by a display of wealth and luxury
Snich would have savored Of extravaganza and
gtentation and have been denounced as such
cot only all over the country, but likewise on the
.ther side of the Atlantic. By having the we'd
ding at Newport it is possible to avoid any such
sharges, as well as the presence of unwelcome
persons. Were the wedding here in town. every
ore possessing any acquaintance with either the
he Van ha
asked, if not to the ceremony, at any rate to
the reception afterward, whereas only those are
going to Newport for the wedding who either
as relatives friends, are sufficiently near
10 the families of the young couple to warrant
their being asked to join the house parties or
ganized by Mr. Vanderbilt by Mr.. and Mrs
Alfred Vanderbilt and by Mrs. Nelson in con-
aection with the marriage. Thanks to this, 1t
,il be more or less of a quiet family affair,
characterized by simplicity rather than by dis
play of wealth, and attended only by those
whose presence really desired and valued
The fact that a Roman Catholic priest should
have been chosen to perform the ceremony fur
nishes a public proof of the groundlessness of
the story widely circulated to the effect that
Miss Nelson had become a convert to the church
0f her future husband and attendant at st.
3artholomew's. She remains true to the faith
! which she was born and reared, religious toll
vance nowadays DelIlS SO deFeloped that IL mas
.scome possible for husband and wife to live
perfectly happy together though belonging to
different creeds. Mrs. w K. Vanderbilt jr.,
.Eo was Miss Fair, still continues loyal to the
Church of Rome, although she has been
for several years the wife of a Protestant hus-
and and it is probable that Reginald Wander
oilt, the second Of his family to wed Roman
Catholic girl, will enjoy married life just as
free from religious differences that of his
cousin, W. K Vanderbilt,
1t has already been published that Miss Neil
sons bridesmaids will include Miss Isabelle May,
OF Washington Miss Florence Twombly, a
cousin Of Mr.. Vanderbilt; Miss Evelyn Parsons
and Miss Nathalie Schenck. In the bridal party
viii also be included Chiffon" Kemp, Miss Neil
sons small niece, and Muriel, the little daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. w. *. Vanderbilt, jr.. who will
be the flower girls.
Mr.. Vanderbilt's best will be his brother.
Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt. Among his ushers
viii be Jules Blanc Nelson Robert l.. Gerry, Ci.
G Gray. jr T. M. Adams and Robert Clark
Reginald Claypole Vanderbilt is the fourth son
20 the late Cornelius Vanderbilt. He attained
his majority in December 1901. and at that time
.ame into absolute possession Of his fortune