The daily morning journal and courier., 1905-06-10


 shas before the door of Mme. K we were greatly surprised to see a very great number of shoes of all styles and qualities. Our surprise became aston isbmeut when page politely requested us to remove our shoes before entering. Very much amused, we seated our selves on the steps and did as reQues- ted with as good grace as possible. But I was scarcely able to repress a burst Of laughter when I saw the De K, so stylish in his frock coat of perfect cut, stepping forth gingerly, his feet cov- cred by red silk socks-and, heavens! what a red!
 We entered the salon, and if I live a hundred years shall never forget the foolish desire to laugh which took possession of me at sight of all the women in full dress and all the men in frock coats holding up their gloYed hands their high hats and canes-all, ministers, senators, deputies-in socks! And what socks! Truly, there was variety to satisfy every taste. They were Of silk, of wool, of cotton, of lisle; red, blue. black and white; some stri- PCL1 SO4AAC oCNAAC0 much too large, while others seemed ready to burst under the pressure of a too long or too 1eshy foot. It was an exceedingly ridiculous sight, but lost all desire to laugh when, in lowing to the mistress of the house, I per ceived with horror that had put on one of my socks wrong side out! The tea and the little stoves made their appearance, and were placed on the floor, on wooden trays; in each salon cushions of embroidered silk were scattered about. and it was then that the foreigners, men and women, Flu ropeans and Americans, experienced a disquietude which could not be hid. Alas! it was only too we'll founded, as we knew, when we saw the dean of the diplomatic corps lead the hostess to one of the cushions, on which she placed herself with consummate grace, while he, half losing his equilibrium and his official dignity completely, l dropped on a cushion at her side. Nat 1 urallly, it was very necessary that we should seat ourselves on the floor also. At first sight this seems very easy to do, but you who were not there, try to 1 do it gracefully and without having the l appearance of being drunk, when, to make matters worse, you are wearing a long frock coat and balancing in your hands silk hat and g. cane! It is tour de force!"
 As to the ladies, the noise, the sub dued cracking which we heard, led us r. s,,I~ are not made for that sort of exercise, and I thought I read in the eyes of
 more than one: Heavens! Will they hold when I get up!"
 The most upbearable part of the af- fair is that the Jananese consider it a mark of ill-breeding to sit on the floor with the feet in front of one. They must be placed behind. This seems very easy to do. but to us who were l not accustomed to it it was torture. To attain the correct position it is neces- sary to kneel on a cushion and then lower the upper portion of the body | until one sits on the heels. A Japa- nese can remain thus for hours, and l considers it the most comfortable po- sition. T was once invited to Japa- nese dinner which lasted two hours, and during the whole time not a single Japanese changed his position. It was at that dinner that the Countess B. gave me an answer which is worth re- beating.
 The dinner consisted of viands which | pleased me little-fish, soup, seaweed, ] omelette, fricasse of chicken with bam- boo roots, etc., which were all that sur- vived; but there was one dish which was never persuaded even to taste. It
 was raw fish. This fish is brought alive into the kitchen, near the dining ! room. At the moment of serving they 1 take it, still alive, from the water, the skin is quickly removed and the fish cut in small bits, which are placed be- | fore the diners as quickly as possible. | That evening as I expressed my dis taste for that horrible dish, the Count
 ess B. said to me tranquilly: Indeed I cannot understand that sentiment"
 What madame! You who have re- I sided in Europe, you--''
 She interrupted me, shaking her | head.
 ''No, cannot understand your dis l taste, for you eat worse than that at Paris, London, New York; Indeed! What is it Countess?' l "Your oysters
 1 And she added sweetly: t'They are not only raw but alive!" l The evening of Mime. Ks 5 o'clock | tea I was to dine with Harry de K,
 When at 7 o'clock met him at the ! hotel he said to me in a glacial tone: My dear sir, we have gone out to- l gether for the last time. Until to-day
 did not know that you are an illbred man." | Amazed, I could not find word to reply, and he continued more Jelly: 1 A man destitute Of good manners and acting like a peasant l Trembling with wrath. I raised my | hand to strike him, when he added dis
 dainfully:
 'Is it possible that any one can drink ] tea as you did at Mme'. X-'s?" I was subdued. My hand fell and I stammered:
 "Why, how-how did drink it?'' | Miserable, ignorant barbarian" he | rapIiad Hyn11 drank if mn ffao+aaIxr