The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1912-04-13

more interested Paris society this sea.
son than the announcement that Coun.
tess Nostitz, an American, will soon
leave the French capital to make her
permanent home in st. Petersburg
Count Nostitz has been promoted to
the important post of Chief of STAFF
of the Rus sian Imperial Guard, which
necossitates his presence near his
sovereign. For several years the Count
has been military attache to the Rus
sian Embassy here. Those years have
been active ones socially for Count
! Nostitz and his wife. Society has
been divided into two camps over the
Countess. Innumerable stories have
been told of her "eccentric,ties," her
American frankness" That frank
ness has made many enemies, and
they have been predicting for a long
time that she and her husband would
finally quit Paris.
Countess Nostitz has a romantic
history She was a singer, touring
Europe, when she met in Berlin a
titled German who fell in love with
her. They soon married. but the union
proved unhappy and divorce followed.
Afterward she married Nostitz, who is
immensely wealthy. When they came
to live in Paris he took for his home
magnificent house on fashionable
Avenue dIena, where they started en-
pertaining on a large scale At first
Paris turned a cold shoulder to the
American Countess, but she proved
superior to such opposition and con-
tinued giving dances which, for their
novelty, were the talk of the city.
She surrounded herself with the clev-
crest men and women of the capital.
Whoever went to the Nostitz home
was sure of being entertained. She
was a discourager Of dullness,
It was for that reason perhaps as
much as any other that society, separ-
ated into earnest factions. Many Of
the old aristocracy frankly disap-
proved of the modern methods of the
American hostess. Others no less
fervently applauded her originality.
She is extremely outspoken and fear
less. Because of this it has been often
predicted that Nostitz would be re-
called. His present promotion shows
how powerless have been the enemies
of the Countess.
Amazed the Dowager Duchesses.
Besides possessing a good voice, she
is ar excellent dancer. Often she has
entertained her guests with dances, to
the amazement of the Dowager Ouch
cases of the old French school.
A titled woman who is influential al
the Cars court relates a character
istic anecdote of the Countess. AL
though invited several times to the
Nostitz home, this lady had always
been obliged to decline. One day the
Countess met her at reception, and
walking up to her, said;
You never accept any of my in
vitations."
NO" responded the lady. IL am
sorry, but have always had other en-
gagements."
1T that your real reason?" The
Countess asked. Il want to know
whether you are my friend or my
enemy"
She Yves assured of the lady's friend
ship, which really was sincere ,and
the next invitation was not refused.
Countess Nostitz has done much
good here, being unfailingly kind tC
those she could help, and in numerous
charity affairs she he's been an earnest
worker
She is fond of the society of Ameri
cans, but has given small encourage
ment to the climbers" in the Ameri
can colony
The opposition to her has come
mainly from snobs, from envious per
sons or from ultra-conservative ole
women, who could not forgive hel
American abruptness and sincerity
Socially, she has fought a hard battl,
and has come out with flying colors
Her salon last season was one of tn,
most brilliant in Paris.
Ill health prevented her from doinl
much entertaining during the winter
and now, just when she has triumphet
over her enemies, winning friends il
the most elusive Paris society, he
husbands promotion forces them t
leave France.
The Count and the Countess are de
voted to each other Theirs is an idea
international match, in 80 far as dc
nestle happiness is concerned.
Although the Countess could MAR
tain her home here and her husban
could come on frequent visits, she
unwilling to be separated from him.
In st. Petersburg Count Nostitz'
high position will give him a con
handing place in society and hi
American Countess undoubtedly wi