New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-10-17

, impression of almost feudal relations. The
master of the chateau. like the lord OF the manor
in England. is the patron Of his nelshporhoou
the great man who with his own hands or
through the members of his family plays ProVl-
dence to the villager and peasant one OF lhe
pretty traditions which Nine. Washington dis
covered in her new home she thus describes:
was sitting in the lodge day talking to Nine Nine;
seemed to me extraordinary Provision Of brt ,
said. Does he leave the bread Tor Ine woie ~ Is
lase with you? 1T is not for me- madalLe. !. -
for the trainards ltrampsl who pass on the goad
piece Of bread and two sous any wayfarer who
asked food She cut the bread INTO g3oo LIN
ney ilied with two sous pieces While was tne s
aa,s se nre in the day They were strong young
fellows. Carrying their bundles and sort Of pitch
and footsore their shoes worn in holes; Ihey
asked FOR something to drink ard some b;F ss
ali that madame had TO give them. but thanked her
cvilly enough for the bread and sous
THE countryfolk are grateful for kindness ana
show il very pleasantly. Nine. Washington tens
us how her son gave flag to the Pompiers OF
Montigny and she presents those who took part
IN the ceremony in a most engaging light. But
the peasant is not too docie. Tenacious of the
ideas on which he has lived for generations. ne
amia bly, but firmly declines to be diverted from
his path Nine. Waddington bought in England
a number of garments which she was sure her
moor children in France would rejoice to wear.
They and their mothers fatty refused TO have
ANYTHING to do with Cloaks which were not &C
cording to their taste. "Oh. no. Madame. the
mother of a shivering younsster would say /
couldn't take that: my little girl couldn't
wear that; all the people on the road would
laugh at her! That is not worn in our country.
The comfortable red cloaks had to be made over
into petticoats.
There were poachers too. among the rustics.
including women and children, and the poverty
of these people was grievous to behold. Another
dark side of French country life is touched upon
I'm the authors note on the effect which the
usual three years of military service has upon
the men Returning from the garrison towns
they miss on the countryside the cOmpaniOnshtp
and the amusements to which they have grown
accustomed. and though they rub along we'll
, enough in the summer they grow restless and
disseminated when the cold weather comes
VERY few of them remain are told, and
the old tradition of big farms handed down from
father TO for three or four generations Is
IA pidly disappearing" With these grave mat
ters however Mime. Washington has compare
lively little concern in her book. She treats,
rather of pleasant social customs of provincial
callers with their stiff politeness. of picturesque
hunting and shooting parties. of artess festivals.
and in short, of all that goes to make French
country life restful and agreeable. In brief pas
sages she sketches various attractive types. the
brusque but lovable old family retainer. the
family doctor-who Is paid a yearly salary and
is much embarrassed at the idea of shaking
hands with his patrons wife-and the local
ganist who proves himself good musician but
is almost overwhelmed with shyness when he is
asked to take part in a little concert at the
chateau. Nine. Washington has two OF three
interesting illusions TO such notabilities as
Theirs and Gen. Boulanser, but from first 20
last she gives just the charm Of everyday
people az home. She is entertaining and she rem
ders substantial service to the student of man
ners