The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-21

ohested (Helena Zimmerman) paid Blrm- inpham A short visit two or three years ago. on their way to the former home of the duchess in the southern part of the state. she had not then gone abroad, and as the dukes English estates were con- sidered so impoverished to say nothing of l the duke himself, 1t was matter or con l lecture as to the duchess future success 1 in London society Her position was set tied to the satisfaction of every one' and now 1t has undoubtedly been strengthened by the unusual distinction that has been accorded the dukes mother, Her Grace Consuelo Dowager Duchess of Manches- ter.
 l remember the young duchess as being tall, blond looking woman and partic- ularly do l recall an immense cluster or pink roses that she had in her priVate car. This Is. however, quite TreleNahe to the story from London
 By royal command the American set in London has suffered quite severe re- adjustment, says a London letter
 His Majesty Edward VII mas been graciousy pleased to put Her Grace con suelo, Dowager Duchess of Mahcheseer' at the head of the innermost set or the smartest circle, and there she reisns su- preme today. All society has been reor- ganized In consequence, and the former Miss Consuelo Yznaga, of New York a generation ago, Is now among the le" socially paramount in court circles Whlcn Is to say society.
 She is the mother of she present Duke of Manchester. His wife, of eourse' WHO was Miss Helena Zimmerman Of Cincln- natl, shines immensely by her mother-in- laws reflected light. Not only do the king and queen consult her in all affairs appertaining to the American set but she is on intimate terms with the Prlhee and Princess of Wales, Prince Christian and the queens nephew, the Grown Prince of Greece.
 Recently, at the Goodwood races, so patronized by royalty, the Dowager Duchess was the one chosen to sit at the kings right hand. At Cowes for the yachting she was permitted to entertain the royal rarty at Egypt house, pala- tial residence by the water, Wnlch she had hired at huge rental for the week. Her last royal success was at Apinstoh house, a wonderful villa, owned by Sir Edward Coiebrooke.
 Of all society outside of royalty itself the Dowager Duchess of Manchester was the only one who was bidden to drive to the races with the king and queen Her escort was the Prince of Wales, who followed Tn the carriage next to his Ia ther and was all attention to the regal looking American dowager. In fact, the duchess made a far more regal-looking picture as she sat by the next heir to the throne of England than did Queen Alex andra herself, accustomed as she has been from birth to adulatlon and the other accessories of royalty.
 Her gown was a marvel. Over 1t was thrown a cloak of royal purple silk tricked out with priceless lace. Her ear rings were huge solitaire pearls; her neck adornment four rows of matched pearls. worth the ransom of a king. She was the queen of the party without dispute. though a queen was there.
 The beginning and the end of successful Am ericanism in London seems now to lie with the Yznaga family. It was Mrs. Yznaga, the mother of the dowager duch- ess, of Manchester. Lady Lister Kaye, and Emily Yznaga, who came, saw and the king then Prince of Wales) and with him London society," and if consensus of public opinion were taken there would be no manner of doubt that Consuelo Duchess of Manchester, is the most fashionable, the most popular and the most sought after American in Lon don.
 Her first appearance in London was the sensation of the year, being exquisite ly lovely, sylph-like and Contrary to her auburn locks of today) dark. She in herits her fathers accomplishments and is one of the most brilliant pianoforte players in society, having performed in private several times before the king and queen.
 The death of her two daughters (who were so transparently beautiful as to be known as the Heavenly Twins') was a changing point of her life and she then declared that she would never wear colorS again, a declaration which she has so far adhered to, for it Is seldom she wears anything but all black or all white cos