The Savannah morning news., 1903-11-18
N0RDICA AND SCHEFF
ON WASHINGTON BOARDS.
story of NOrdicn's Experience with
IL Society Woman.

Society Woman.
Washington, Nov. 17.-Nordica and
FRITZ Schcff in Washington at the
same time. The prima donna linger-
ing after the success of her concert
to receive the adulation OF the ultra
smart set, and the little artist sing
ing her way daily into the hearts of
the music loving public. There is a
weight of difference between the two
women, one magnificent, massive and
breathing Wagnerion motifs, and she'd
ding the perfume of a full grown
success; the other efferVescent, spark
ling, an airy bud poised upon the stem
of genius and looking eagerly into the
future.
Nordica appeared on Tuesday night
and crowded Convention Hall to its
capacity FRITZ Scheff opened in Vic
tor Herbert's Babette. The latter was
good for a week. the former might
have been expected TO leave Wash
ington early Wednesday morning. Not
SO. Nordica was curious. she must
find out ii the little Scheff deserved
the unstinted praise with which the
local critics flooded the papers.
FRITZ Scheff in comic opera was not
10 be considered as rival, yet FRITZ
ScheHs triumps at the Metropolitan
opera House, where, in comparatively
minor roles, she enthused the public
not so very long ago were enough to
make more mature grand opera star
lnqulsitiVe. So Nordica stayed.
Everybody loves Nordica in WASH
ington. One society leader especially
has long been a devoted admirer and
friend of the singer. She is a wom-
an from whom attentions count, rich,
influential, unincumbered, and the
men say she sets the best table in
Washington, and attracts more men
to her teas and receptions than any
other woman in society, though she is
neither young nor beautiful. Well,
several weeks ago, when Nordca's
concert was first announced, this wom-
an was at the Hot Springs. She wrote
Immediately to the singer, asking her
to be her guest during the Washington
engagement. She addressed the latter
to the Metropolitan Opera House.
lime passed, but no reply from Mad
anne Nordica. The evening of the
concert came and went, dead silence
on the part of Nordica and displeasure
in the heart of the woman of fashion.
The latter is unaccustomed to treat
ment of the sort. Tuesday morning
she drove to Nordica's hotel deter
mined to have it out with her friend.
There was something of a flutter in
the dainty pink reception room when,
after sending up her card, the K. street
woman waited more than half an hour
in vain. The maid in attendance flut-
tered cOncernedly about bell boys said
nay and yea and finally the clerk him
self put in an appearance, and a second
carte de visite was put in circulation.
Another thirty minutes wait and then
settled wrath on the part of the fash
ionable woman and battle lights agleam
in her eyes. Give it up? Never!
Cards of no avail-a letter might ac-
complish more, so down to the desk sat
her most fashionable highness and
scratch. scratch, went the pen over the
New Willard paper. More fiutterlngs
on the part of the maid. She would
have sacrificed her beruf1led cap and
apron to read over Madame's shoulder,
no doubt. 1t was n tense moment, and
then everything changed. Nordica's
Incompatible accompanist appeared on
the scene. He is small but he Is
mighty, and he bent over the irate
hand of fashion in an adorably defer
entail way. All, it was one thousand
pities Nordica had ordered that no
cards be sent up. Nordica would sor-
row in her heart. ETC., etc. 1t was
beautifully said in the most beautiful
of imperfect English.
Then was poured out the story of the
unanswered letter. All. that was even
worse. Nordca had received no let
ter, no invitation. mot sent to me?
Certainly not, but / receive re mail, Eat
is, 1 would have known" Awful, that
an aceompanist should confess to the
duties of a secretary, but they do say
the singers temper is somewhat high
pitched, and the brilliant little pianist
gets on so awfully we'll If he makes
himself useful between concerts.
Certainly Nordica was not at home.
Out driving. With inspiration: "Oh,
1t is without a doubt that she has gone
TO visit you. Yes, yes. that is it. This
moment she is at your door and grieved
to miss you Several days she will
remain. Even this afternoon she will
call upon you once again at to ex-
plain the people of re Metropolitan
Opera House do not have forwarded to
her your letter. alas, ALAS
The storm was over. Calm settled
upon the rose brocades of the recep-
ton room. The fashionable woman
from K. street was escorted to her car
riage by the musical diplomat.
At that moment the elevator door
opened and Madame Nordica stepped
| out. She was without hat or wrap
Meeting her accompanist at the en-
trance to the reception room, she
smiled sweetly and said in her wonder
fully mellow tones: 81 have had 8
most refreshing siesta. We VIII lunch
now in the Palm room"
Later in the day, about O'Clock. ]
saw Nordica driving In K. street. she
was radiant beneath an enormous
white plumed hat and her furs were
regal. She was tn route to visit hel
| f,St,iorabIe friend Her diplomatic as