The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1903-01-11
Edmond Rostand ~
" appears a Snob.

A~,N<s~<~~r~~<~>rN~%N e~Nes>r%S>-A
Az the close Of rainy day we arrived al
csmbo--Edmond Rostand's summer home. En-
tering the gates we saw before us long walk
bordercd with plane trees, leading to big
house with red shutters--dinly seen in the dis
lance Taking this walk we came, about mid
way to several steps which we mounted, find
ing broad terrace covered with dead leaves.
From here we plainly saw the closed portals Of
the great mans house confronting US We rang
the bell---but so great was the stiffness we be
gan 20 believe the house uninhabited NOTHING
daun1ed, however, we rang again. and vt last
our patience was rewarded by hearing footsteps.
They approaehed---hots were withdrawn ard
from behind haf.opened door some one
asked
who is therei"
"Friends"
what do you want p
ITO see NJ. Rostsnd Here are our cards.
He has been forewarned Of our visit"
For all answer the door was closed in our
faces bolts again showed home, and we heard
the same steps dying away IN some distant part
OF the house The rain was falling IN sheets.
and we waited interminsble length OF time
in the cold and darkness--sfter having travelled
all day.
Finally the door again opened and we ee.e
permitted to enter The FIRST roEm was Allied
with hat boxes, trunks, baskets and boxes Of
books The furniture was concealed with
hideous cotton coverings, and the pictures turned
to the wall. Upon high desk in the middle
Of the and well in evidence was large
sheet of paper It was covered With notes, iot-
! ted down haphaEard by our illustrious host
while under the FIRE Of inspiration.
! "Messieurs, behold the king Hslberdiers 20
| the doors !" Or again Let the first chamber
lain be brought hither
While across the page written in large char
acters, we commence 10 read
Rock of St Helena, where the great Titan
died" Then some one opened the big folding
! doors and said Gentlemen NJ Rostand awaits
YOU in his study, where he will have the honor
to receive YOU VIII YOU have the kindness 10
follow me'" And Rostands private secretary
| for he IL was gravely preceded Us TO the study
The great dramatist was ansuidly reclining
in big arm chair. hand supporting his tired
head the other holding an enormous cigar
! Upon 2 mautlepieee behind him GeroIie s
Bouaparle' on horse back and sword used
| by Sarah Bernhardt in "I'Aiglor' On the desk
loose sheets OF paper, quill pens and nagnh-
Gently bound copies of "CTano' were scattered
about, and in the center was big brass ash
tray filled to overlooking with Legion Of Honor
rosettes Upon the walls were several engray-
ings from Burne. Jones
NJ Rostand's apparel was pearl gray trous-
ers shoes of the same color with patent leather
tips, royal blue smoking jacket, fitted into the
5urc and having one Of the ash tray rosettea
in the button hole; peacock blue waist coat, en-
erald green tie. with oravat ring encrusted with
rubes and yellow shirt with black stripes.
Putting the big cigar in his mouth and tax.
ing long iudrawn breath. he softly blew a
cloud Of silvery gray smoke from between his
parted lips though TO place veil between
himself and his visitors, then addressing him
self to one OF us in an absent, distant MANNER
he said
you are painter'"
Yes my dear maitre"
"Ah and what 10 yop paint
Figures landscapes ard genre pictures
I "AhW
Here the conversation abruptly ceased. An
g other cloud Of smoke and long interval Of 81
ience followed while NJ Rostand allowed hi.
+ gaze Ia wander to the ceiling He finally came
4 back to mundane things and oondesoended C
+ notice his guests, who patiently awaited bis
, royal pleasure
You arc a writer
. Yes. my dear maitre'
, "Ab and what do you vre"
Novels and magazine articles have late
, ~ had the honor to have published a critical
analysis Of al your dramatic works in Que Of til.
"2 a35%
Again deathlike silence fell upon US An.
other opaque cloud was sent forth. and H. Re.
, stand forgot Us in study of the costly and
beautiful rings which adorned his shApely
hands opais' rubiesi pearls, oiamonds ana en-
, erads dashed under the soft rays Of tie shaded
lamp. Time passed and VI. Rostahd was al
ready tired His head dropped still lower and
. he let his hand fall With gesture Of ennui
lie scarcely turned toward the third visitor as.
. in low tones, be asked
"And you--what do you dor"
Then the person addressed arose. ceremoa-
iously saluted his questiorer and with . mod
est smile gravely replied
"Tf oh. make bricks
At this unexpected answer NJ. Rostand locked
the extraordinary person with mildly re.
proving eyes and with gesture full Of weari-
ness gave us TO understand that our audience
was at an end. Without another word we passed
outside TO the rain and darkness--snd 50 ended
our visit TO Camho and the poet of France