The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-03-17

In diplomatic and official circles It is
generally understood that when Mrs.
Stephen B. Elkins. wife of the Senator
from West Virginia, and her daughter,
Miss Katherine Elkins, return from the
South. the engagement will be announced
by the family Of Miss EIlins and the
Duke OF the Abruzzi.
Mrs. and Miss Elkins have been IN
Florida for the past week. They will re-
turn home Thursday
The fact that the Duke Of the Abruzzi
Is also there. though incognito. adds to
the gossip that has attached to them ever
since last spring. Then the duke was a
much-feted visitor al the Italian En-
bassy here.
Guest of EIkinses.
During his visit here. Senator and Mrs
EIkins were among his hosts. They gave
q dinner for him. Then there was thea
ter party, followed by a dance al the
EIldns hoaie that same night
In the thaater during the progress OF the
play the duke. OF course. sat next the
young daughter Of the house. IN her box
with several other guests Mrs. Elkins
and the rest Of the party were In the
adjoining box
Any one with two eyes and little IN
Outstanding could see the young scion Of
royalty and the American girl were on
the best Of terms. They chatted and en-
joyed themselves, devoting quite as much
II not more OF their time 20 each other
than to the play.
Everywhere the duke was invited dur
ing his stay here. Miss Elkins was one
Of the guests. When the Italian feet. the
duke in command. reached the harbOr in
New York. Miss EIkins and her mother
were also there 10 again snare in the
festivities in the young princes honor.
Such good friends were they that the
duke and Miss Elkins together took in
all the sights at COney Island. even shoot
ing the chutes together
Duke Is Good Fellow.
Though Of a royal house the duke Is
good fellow. democratic and independ-
ent- His achievements as explorer and
traveller are well known. Though rather
small Of stature. the duke has the mien
Of the man who has accomplished things
His face is interesting. he talks we'll
This engagement has been many times
rumored, only TO be poo-poohed by those
who think they know
The duke is the sixth in line from the
throne IN Italy. Possibility OF his ever
succeeding 10 the crown is remote
The King has a son. the Prince OF
Piedmont. direct heir. Then he has four
cousins. sons Of his fathers brother, the
old Duke OF Aosta. They are the preser.t
Duke OF Aosta-who has tive sons-the
Count OF Turin, the Duke Of the Abruzzi,
and the Count OF Salame
Both the Duke Of Aosta and the Count
OF Turin are ahead OF him IN the line OF
succession. as are the two sons OF the
Duke Of Aosta.
Kings Consent Required.
The Duke Of the Abruzzi must have the
consent Of the King and the government.
however. it is said. before he can marry
an American Otherwise. though she
would be acknowledged as his legal wife.
she would not share his title or estates.
But the informant also said. with a
shrus. It would not be impossible. il would
seem, TO get that consent Then in mar
rying her ne would make her his duchess
This marriage, II Il takes place. as
there is every reason 20 believe & may.
viii be the most exalted title that an
American girl has captured for a Ions
time And il Will call forth the con
ordinations OF all who know the young
people. Both are popular and bully
good" fellows.
Miss Elkins is Just the kind OF a girl
that a man Ike the duke would fancy.
She is a wholesome. Out-Of-doOrs sort OF
girl, with reputation Of being the best
horsewOman in the ViTginias She is
sincere and genuine. wholly without al
fectation and snobbery. though she has
received enough attention 10 turn the
head OF most any girl.
She is typical American girl Of the
best sort, fond OF sport and fond Of So
ciety, but unspOiled and not the least bit
blase, though born with a golden spoon
In her mouth, and therefore used 10 hav-
ing everything thar money and position
can give