The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-03-22
nv THE COUNTESS OF BLANKsHIRr.

BY THE COUNTESS OF BLaHtNSf1lhT"
LONDON, March Gilt has been re-
marked a good deal in court circles
that Queen Alexandra let's herself be
drawn somewhat more toward the pre-
vai1ing fashions of the day than was
formerly tie case. still. this does not
prevent her Keeping strictly TO her
rule OF simplicity. She generally starts
the day III tweed or other plain cioth
tailor made, which answers for Walk
ling. shooting or motoring In the
afternoon, IL she attends some charly
opening Or Some other public cere.
inonial. she wears an elegant but no.
elaborate costume, Deoolette gowns
she always, wears after 8. and ior
eveninr her favorite color is white.
her fsvorite fabric, velvet. She seldon
favors empire or Louis gowns. pu.
sticks to princess effect with one
Shoulder draped and the other SIDE OF
the bodice quite plain, the better 70
DISPLAY the orders which must be worn
on ali state occasions. Her gems are
the finest possessed by crowned heaas.
Including. a wondrous dnantity5 OF o. ,1...
pearls and diamonds OF rare auaA'ts
and cut. tC
Most.of queen Alexandra's froeks are
made by one mcdiste in the Faubonrs
81 Honore lin Paris amongst whose
customers are also the Duchess ae
Eutse and the Princess de Bousert. inc
dres shaker demands no fitting from
her royal patrons. but has forms
actly reproducing their figures a hu-
man model is used to try on the gowns
for the Anal fitting.
It is dificult to realize, Looking a,
her to- day, that Madame Adelina fatu
has Just celebrated her sisty-ntth o't,,
dav. The famous prima donna Ha ,
astoni.hed the world almost as lnuch
b. her remarkable vitality as she mas
by her gift OF song But her recipe 10.
eternal youth is very simple IT rs:
Never worry and take plenty OF tresh
mir Patti. optimism. indeed, Is tne
AMY of all her friends. IF tn ere Is
the tiniest speck of blue IN the SLY,
she once remarked-"and mere hsa ,..
always isl look for IT, ana tna' iHa ,s,s
tho whole heaven blue for ne unlike
,r,o.t Singers she does not fear the
ripors Of the weather, and always
makes a. point of going out winters
and summers alike.
At a, dinner in town this week, az
which many of Nine PATHS royal pa
irons and patronesses were guests, 'he
wonderful ability of the prinla donna
.nd certain incidents surrounding her
early life were discussed = story
that delighted the party was tnls.
When she, was glri III 49,,
,1r,a patti attended a, dinner at whicn
az Justice was present In the
course of the evening little Adeilna
80. .sLed 70 sing but she at hrst de-
aoh come now" said the Judge. and
M A. ANYTHING YOU like II you VIII
sing US one song o~,sa Al
you will do ANYTHING" dnerieo Aa-
eltna 49,. ,,,.,.er
gravely. ,o sr..,
Home and was loudly applauded by
the COMPANY.
eNow.. said she to the delighted
fudge "plcasc stand on your head.
"Nhy. nonsense child, you're jok-
iner' easped the unfortunate man But
little Adelina was not Joking, ana Win
q n,uttered Here goes the dispenser
of Justice did as he was bid.
On ono occasion PATHS wonderful
voice was the means of saving hui
man life Many years ago, In san
Francisco. young American became
seriously ILL., and it was thought that
he was going insane. Learning that
Madame Patti was to sing in the city.
he expressed a desire to go and hear
her. and to hunor him his doctor
gave him permission. When he arrived
at the theatre. however. he carried,
unknown to any enc. a small revolver
in his pocket. While waiting for the
performance to begin, the demented
fellow singled out woman in the an
dience wnom he had decided to kill.
Just as he was on the point of COM
hitting the dreadful deed. Madame Pat
ii came on the stage. The magic of
her voice stayed the hand of the mad
man, and before the singer had made
her exit, he had given up all idea
of using the weapon he still held in
his hand. Finally. an usher saw the
glistening steel. and after brief strug
gle. wrest.d it away. from the lunatic.
In those army circles in which strict
observance of social obligations is re-
garded as essential. and proficiency in
military training as an indication of