Smyrna times., 1906-08-01


dian Murder Mystery-Quaint Babu
Letters-Her RetOrt to "A Very Aris-
tOcratic EngIishman.
The generous nature of the late Lady
CurZon, wife of Lord CurZOn of Kedle-
ston, former viceroy of India, was par
ticularly noticed in the straightfor-
ward, kindly thoughtfulness of her re-
latiOnS with other women less favored
by looks, age and fortune, says the
New York Times. 1t would be easy
to gather in Washington instances of
her prompt recognition of people rath-
er helpless socially and of some grace
full act or word which meant every
thing TO the person who received it at
the right moment.
AT dance one evening, when Il GER
tain excitement was noticeable among
the young girls owing to the presence
of a fresh squad of budding "diplO-
mats belonging to the leading en-
bassies, Lady CurZon, who was at that
time Miss Mary V. Letter of Chicago,
was, as usual, overwhelmed with flow
erS and cotillOn favorS. Near her in
corner sat a girl who rarely went to
balls and knew very few people. Be
sides, nature had not been prodigai
with gifts in her regard. Noting her
absent look and lack of cotillon fa-
Vors, she tried to make the next man
who came up to her aware 10y signs
that she would like him to take out
the neglected one instead, but he was
one of the newcomers and either mis-
understood her or did not choose to
surrender that dance. Seeing how the
land lay, Miss Letter rose with the
archest look in her beautiful face.
made the foreigner Il deep courtesy
and, taking her own partners arm.
sailed off in the dance She was evi-
IDENTIFY explaining what this meant for
when they reached the spot where the
Iady OF the house was distributing fa-
VorS the partner of Miss Letter left
her side, secured fine bouquet and
posted across the room to the forlorn
damsel i'll the corner-a slight thing
but a straw
One of Lady Curzon's fads was TO
visit in disguise the native sections of
the city OF Calcutta and mingle with
the people as one of them, says Arthur
Hoyt in the Womans Home COmpan-
ION. She was sort of lady Haroun-
al-Raschid, and there is curious
story which illustrates her keenness
and interest in dealing with the ma
tives. 1t was told me one night on the
deck of p. and o. liner by an old
gentleman whom l afterward learned
was famous Indian Judge, Just re-
tired.
You have an extraordinary country
woman said the judge by way Of
preface. Il was dining one night at
the vice regal lodge in Calcutta, and
after we had Joined the ladies in the
drawing room l found myself, appar-
emily by chance, talking apart with
Lady Curzon.
II have been a good deal interested
in that murder trial which you are
conducting she began.
1T is certainly most sensational
"'Yes | don't want you to think |
am meddling with things which don't
concern me, but have some evidence
for you. l know beyond a doubt
that the man now charged with the
murder is innocent. | can't say any
thing openly, but if you will send an
officer to me tomorrow | can direct
him to the house where the real crimi-
nal is concealed
But how did you discover itT
exclaimed
IF you don't mind, Id rather not
talk of these excursions of mine in na
tive costume. 1t would make it un
pleasant for my friends among the
natives who know and guide me-
The murderer was caught and al
innocent man saved" continued the
judge. II nad a high opinion Of the
vicereine before, but this incident in
creased my admiration. 1t became
known to the people of Calcutta as
well and added to her pOpularit!
among them"
No doubt a great many other storie
might be told of these excursions, bu
only her syce and her most intimate
friends know them fully.
Lady CurZon brought with her fron
India many quaint specimens of bab1
letters. Here are two which were ad
dressed to Lady CurZon and received i
the Allahabad Memorial hospital TO
women from grateful relatives of pa
tients:
Dear she-My wife has returned fror
your hospital cured. Provided men ar
allowed at your bungalow, would ike I
do you the honor of presenting mysel
there this afternoon but | will not try I
repay you. Vengeance belongs unto GOO
Yours noticeably.
Dear and Fair Madam-I have muc
pleasure to inform you, that my dearl
unfortunate wife viii be no longer undt
your kind treatment she having left IN
world for the other on the night OF u
9th ult. For your help In this matte