Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-06

s,mes their prudence: they share what little they
lave with and pass on. Occasionally the
Prince leaves foragtng expedition. Were
here worse foraging opportunities? But
twice he brought home to our cellar little grain
and once-marvellous- brought home chicken
1t lean one, but 1t made broth and some
bones to pick You will fnd 1t difficult to believe
it, but the very squirrels have had to share with
what remained OF their Winters store OF acorns
A few turnips picked up In shell-torn fields
a godsend.
81 not young once was-how long
shall survive is question that is becoming most
interesting, believe mel"
A cellar and the scantlest Of Polish peasant fare
for Edouard de Reszke! The sumptuous life OF
New York never knew a more enthusiastic
gourmet. In spite Of his sturdy six feet and three
inches Of height-which enabled him easily to
dominate the Metropolitan stage as Mephistopheles
himself with food or wines. He ate and drank
comparatively little; but the wines he used, and
the liquors were always of the finest, and he
had almost brothers love for thoroughly com
petent chef. He had the characteristic Russian
taste for innumerabe tidbits which come before
the soup and figure the menu cards of French
hotels and restaurants ''hors doeuvres." But
the caviare had to be the genuine Astrachan, the
anchoyies, the salami and the dainty made
dishes" Of smoked and dried fish had TO represent
the apex Of European culinary art.
During the Metropolitan Opera season he oc-
cupied spacious suite with accompanist, secre-
tary and valet on of the lower floors Of the
old Gilsey House on Broadway. He made many
friends in New York society and art life, and
often the genial host at delightful suppers there
whose chefs could be depended on. Though in.
clined to be arstocratic in his social habits,
Edouard de Reszke extended genuine sympathy
to all true artists Nothing pleased him more than
to stumble upon poverty-stricken musical talent,
to encourage them in their work. and to give them
the time Of their lives" at supper fit for grand
dukes.
Edouard's eating and drinking were always in
such moderation that late supper never inter
fered in the slightest degree with his morning
practice in the big music room which was the
most important part of his suite at the Gilsey.
That room was his Olympus. and he the vertable
Jupiter Of grand opera, often early 10 a. m.
On that floor there was not picture the wall
OF any room that did not tremble with the vibra-
lions Of the Humorous basso training for
triumphs In the de Reszke suite The poor ac-
companist all but crippled his ten fingers in the
effort to convince the jovally misohevious Edouard
that he was actually drawing sounds from the in
strument and earning his salary. The maids,
listening with awed delight in the corridor. were
certain that 1t was nothing more than the basso's
strenuous practice that loosened the fastenings
OF the great music room chandelier and sent 1t
crashing to the floor.
If Jean de Reszke instead Of Edouard were now
starving In the cellar of his war.ruined chateau
the contrast with his previous way of life would
not be nearly SO impressive. The reason is this:
While Jean always was the supreme idol Of the