Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-05-08

whole days devouring the driest | books.
 Mime. Fallieres' dislike for ostenta. | tion shows itself in many ways. Dress ed in simple but elegant black gown, or at least dark color, she looks much simmer than she really I is. Even when she entertains roy alty she does not wear jewels. T | never had them before" she says; why should have them now?" As hostess she is not gushing, although polite, and her husband is generally her chief topic of conversation. A persons household often betrays a character as much as her dress. But in Madame Fallieres' case-that is to say as far as the Elysee is concerned it is different. The Elysee is kind of hotel where she will stay for seven years; and the same remark can be applied to the presidents other official residence, Rambouillet. To see Ma dame Fallieres' personal taste, go to her coutnry home at Loupillon; this is simplicity itself.
 Like their predecessors, the Lou. bets, the Fallieres are of the humblest origin, and glory in the fact. Honors have not spoilt them; they belong to that category of persons who have honors thrust upon them, and nothing gives them greater pleasure than to talk of their dear Gascon peasants. How pleased and proud are these peasants to-day to think that son of their soil should be called upon to be- come ruler of nations. My grand father was a village blacksmith" NJ. Fallieres is never tired of telling you.
 Although the president no longer lives at Mezin, he has by no means severed his connection with that place. Every time he returns to Loupillon he stops there to see his friends" as he calls them: woodcut- ters, various small shopkeepers, and his faithful barber, who always has the honor of cutting and keeping the presidential hair. The country all round Loupillon is charming-a beau tiful little tranquil spot, now famous as the place where the French presi- dent has spent the greater part of his life. The house stands on the top of hill. whence can be had a charming view of the whole country, bright and green and fresh; and as the near. est village is far off, NJ. Fallieres is alone to enjoy his vines. How the Fallieres miss the beautiful trees and vines of Loupillon! How they long to get away from town and all the ties of public life! And yet in the country they rise at the same early hour. Madame Fallieres generally ac- companying her husband on his morning walks.
 Although the Fallieres have plenty of friends. they entertain as little as possible. There are a certain number of official receptions, however, which every president gives, which have be- come almost national fetes, and which, for foreigner especially, are extreme ly interesting. In winter there are two or three balls given. and the as. sembly is always brilliant with uni. forms.
 In spite of her numerous state calls, which she so dislikes. Madame Fal- Heres manages at times to slip away unnoticed and visit the very poor of Paris. One indiscreet person once saw her going out accompanied by a maid carrying a big basket. The in- discreet person spread the tale abroad and the world naturally concluded she was going to market. She dearly loves the poor. What an acquisition she would have been in a country parsonage!
 Like all public persons who are worth anything at all. the FallIeres have their enemies. in spite of what the world may say; but no one can take a peep into this little household without finding out the rare qualities of the host and hostess.
 GRACE ELLISON.