The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1903-12-11
COUNTESS BY BIRTH.
French Grande Dame Who Is Now
a Poor Paris Washerwoman.
Is wife OF Due de FrancaueviiIe and
Daughter of General-Lacks
FUNDS 10 Fight for Estate
Her Brave struggIe.


Paris possesses a blanchisseuse, or
washerwoman, who is a countess and
the goddaughter Of no less person
than the late Due d'Aumale, who was
also godfather and uncle to the late
Prince Henri dOrleans. Her laundry
comprised room possibly six yards
square. with appurtenances pitiably in
adequate.
The countess, a refined and dignihed
little woman, was recently interviewed
BY correspondent She wore a dark
apron and black lace cap. She also
wore glasses. Suffering was written
upon without obliteratlng the nobility
of her features. When the corre-
spondent offered the noble washer
woman his card. simultaneously ex-
planning his mission, she said:
mo. no. can't be interviewed.
It's impossible. My two assistants
have already left me on learning my
identity. They are of the people and
said. mockingly; We cannot think OF
working beside such a grande dame.
Then the landlord came and | was
forced to borrow two dollars to pay the
rent"
She was assured that her story was
wanted for the United States only, and
thereupon told her story:
Il am Countess de Francqueyille,
daughter of a general of brigade in the
French army in Africa she said.
"Father was promoted from colonel by
Napoleon H.. and on several occasions
saved the life of Due d'Aumale. From
gratitude the due became my godfa-
ther. was born at sea off Algiers my
mother dying at my birth. My hus-
band. Count de Francqueville. was my
eousin-german. and our names were
the same before our marriage. My
husband committed suicide 20 years
ago, after losing large sum at bac-
carat
"Once | had $4,000 income from
property left by my father, but lost
my fortune in banking failure.
While the duke lived he made liberal
provision for me personally, but in his
will. instead of leaving me mod
est pension, he left me sum in
volving millions. His relatives refused
payment, and | lack funds to fight
in the courts
Il have tried many things in my
struggle for life, even sewing rabbit
skins. Then l decided to try laundry,
getting this little place on credit. But
now the story is out am undone. de-
serted by my assistants, and my credit
gone. Before this could make nearly
four dollars weekly after paying my
two women; but, worst Of all. the dues
name is dragged into my miserable
story"
The countess explained that Due de
Charles. brother of D'Aumale. Due de
Nemours. and the other ducal nephews,
including Due d'Orleans, pretender to
the crown, are still such a power in
France that no leading lawyer would
care 10 undertake to fight her case
honestly
IF | ever push my claim | shall
leave France and go to England dur
ing the trial l am fearful of what
might befall me. In this same quarter
lives an old servant of the due, to
whom he left a pension of 5000 francs
yearly. The heirs even refused to pay
this. His wife died of chagrin and he
Is now a concierge"
The countess is apparently 4s years
old. Due d'Aumale left the Chantilly
estate, valued at many millions, to the
state, large sum to his brother Due
de Charles, and provided for his
nephews. leaving the bulk 10 Due dor
leans.