The Washington herald., 1909-04-02
WASHINGTON CHAT.
Br IL SPECTAToR.

ThoEs, Il may be said that this IS not
the first time her name has been senti-
mentally connected with young members
OF the European nobility. When her IA
ther was Ambassador 70 Rome and the
Whites occupied the Harter villa just
outside OF Florence. Miss White was re-
ported engaged 10 an Italian nobleman OF
high rank who was an intimate friend
OF the royal family. and II was said the
latter were anxious TO bring about the mar
riage OF their ami intime with the Amer
lean heiress. There were some grounds
for the gossip. for Mrs. White was
warm friend OF the Duchess OF Aosts. and
on more than friendly terms with Queen
Helena. both OF whom used their iufU-
ence 10 bring the young people together.
but the affair ended IN smoke Before
then the beautiful Muriel was reported
as betrOthed 10 Marshall o. Roberts. son OF
the late Marshall O. Roberts. OF New York
Later Howard de Walden was said 20 be
the favored one. and again she was cred
tied with being the hancee OF Austin
Chamberlain. but none OF these rumors
was correct. and for the last few years
her friends have given her up as a hope
experience had made her so exacting that
she would remain a spinster forever.
She has disappointed the prophets how
ever. BY her engagement 70 the young
German nOblcman Tor whom she has con
sented TO surrender her religious pretu-
dices and be married by the rites OF the
Catholic Church and allow her children
to be brought up in that communion
Muriel White first came into social
prominence ten years ago. when her
father was Secretary OF the American
Embassy in London. as the bridesmaid OF
Lady Marjorie Primrose, daughter Of the
Earl OF ROsebery and granddaughter
or Baron Meyer de Rothschild. some OF
whose millions she inherited. who mar
ried the Earl OF Crewe. The future
Countess Seherr-Thoss Is. therefore. a
girl OF mature years. with a social train
ing, and. therefore. apt 20 be more sue
cessful IN her new position than II she
were callow debutante.
Marion Crawford Is reported as being
very ~ at his villa IN Sorrento. and II
one must De iu or one must die. a no
more beautiful place could be chosen for
these acts than the villa Crawford on the
point OF SAINT AgnellO ar Sorrento. This
blue water OF the Bay OF Naples, and
from the wonderful villa. which com
bInes classic beauty with modern con-
veniences. marble steps lead down TO the
water. In the distance one sees Naples.
Capri. and Vesuvius belching forth
smoke and fire. and as a background
there are hills thiclxly wooded with olive
trees. over ali. that mysterious atmOs-
phere which Mr.. Crawford has so sue
cessfully introduced into his books. The
country people OF Sorrento look upon
the American novelist as their good
father, and are always eager 20 tell the
story Of his benehcences: but, although
he claims America for his country. is he
an American author? He was born IN
Lucca, famous for its baths and its oil
educated at Cambridge. England. where
most OF his time was devoted 70 the
mastering OF Oriental languages. and
HIS whole life has been passed abroad.
at his home in Italy or In travel. so that
he Is entitled 10 be called an information
al author. rather than an American.
The Capital was the scene OF the
elimination OF q pretty romance that
occurred recently. The daughter Of
one Of the New York plutocrats,
with her mother and elder brother,
sailed from Italy in February on one OF
the great ocean greyhounds. On the same
ship. In the second cabin. was a hand
some young italian. who was pointed out
20 her as a count. with the information
that he had come second class so that
he might have an opportunity to study
2 ha -
steerage az close hand. Despite the diff
ference IN their accommodations the young
American girl and the pseudo Italian
count met frequently. and 20 the moon
light walks they enjoye.5 together neither
her brother nor her mother opposed OBJ
lection. How far they went on the road
OF sentiment II is not wise 70 say, but
those who witnessed their separation at
the pier say that their farewells were
rather tender. Miss Piutocrst was doubt
less happy ia the thought that she would
see the adorinE count soon again, but
days passed and the tilted one did not
put in an appearance at the big brown
stone front IN Fifth avenue. Mother Won
dered. brother wondered. and daughter
herself wondered and grew pale and sick
under the suspense; finally. 10 take her
mind OF her grief, for il really amounted
to that her family decided TO take her
travelling. Washington was the first
place on their itinerary, and here they
landed the other day. but neither the
beauty OF the city. the doings OF Congress.
the theaters, nor the moto- ride about
town interested the love sick little lady
One day. however. the party happened
to take tea at a certain hotel where Ital-
ian music is played during afternoons.
Solo Ma" and Bella NapoiI'' especially
appealed to little Miss Plutocrat. and
her mother noticed that her eyes were
fixed upon one Of the players with intense
interest That night they gave a little
dinner at this same hotel. and mamma
after one glance al one OF the walters
who served them said 10 her son.
IF I did not know that Il was not he
I should say that this man was the count
without his mustache."
But the daughter did know and. when
he passed her the lobster. their eyes met
There was no recognition. however. on
either side. and through the rest OF the
dinner he was the obseQuious servant
and she the little grande dame. whose
head was held very high as she quilted
the dining-rOom. The next morning some
vioiets were sent 10 her rsom without q
card. but after one glance she left them
in the box in which they came. and that
afternoon. III obedience 20 one Of her
whims. her mother and brother took her
ro I-o-r Mo--oa - - - Ea