The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-28

It is so delightfully."- refreshing to have some one who has travelled abroad 10 talk to one about. the real human side of European affairs, instead of the cut and dried Cooks tourist yernacular, of mos aues, and domes, and be-turoaned llt,le eondoliers that paddle about in Vene- tian waters, and the grandeur of West minister and the historic environs Of Stratford-on-A Avon, that I positively rev eled in the many charming little incl cents that Mrs. Henry B. Gray related to me few days ago about her trip tsis summer, which, by the way, happened to be the fourth time that Mrs. Gray has crossed the Atlantic.
 With Mrs. Viola Roden Redin, the trip wac made in the most delightfully."- leisure manner, stopping just as they pieased' wherever they pleased, and going only to places that held some attraction for them, thus avoiding much of the rush and in- convenience often attendant upon the con- ventional trip abroad.
 T know of course, that the first thing that you will want to know is about the music that I heard" said Mrs. Gray as we chatted of the various events or in- terest in her tour. Il really grew to pc very fond of grand opera while l was
 
 investments was a couple of volumes or the Stories of the Great Operas and Composers' In Berlin I went quite lit tie to the opera and one of the funniest experiences I had during my trip was the evening l went to hear Die Meister- singer. I went with MT. Carl Smith, MT and Mrs. Zac Smiths talented son, you know, whose voice, by the way, Is pro nounced very wonderful by musical W fre0nentlX at the opera. We had been at the opera only a few moments when suddenly saw every one in the house arise, and as I looked around to see what was the matter I snatched my wraps, thinking perhaps that the house was on fire. But very quickly 1 was informed by MT Smith that there was no cause for alarm, since 1t was only the appearance of the Kaiser that had caused the disturbance, a deference that is always paid his royal highness when he appears in public.'
 And is the Kaiser as handsome as his pictures show him to be?" asked.
 .'Oh, yes" said Mrs. Gray. He is magnificent looking man. His fine, splen- did physique, his intellectual face, his curled mustaehios, and regal bearing, making him one of the most striking figures I ever saw We sat very near the royal box and could see him well. While I was in Berlin MT. Smith and l went to see The Dollar Princess,' which is now on the New York boards. and is supposed to be the successor of The Merry Widow
 And Is the music as attractive as that of the Lehar opera?' I inquired.
 "No-not nearly so much so,' she re- piled. Tn fact l thought the opera not at all up to the standard, but perhaps that was because it was rather badly put on."
 Did you hear Blythe Walker?" asked, remembering that Miss Daisy Row. ley had told me she had given Mrs. Gray and Mrs Redin letter of introduction to the great prima donna.
 'No, we missed her." said Mrs. Gray, much to our chagrin. She was singing in Hamburg when we were in Germany, and we did not go there We had very cordial letter from her, however. saying if we were anywhere near her she would like to see us.'
 And how is the opera in vienna?" asked.
 You know the King of Austria is the most ardent advocate of the opera of all the monarchs of Europe" replied Mrs. Gray. "In fact. he is endeavoring to mako