South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-08-21

chat Is deep and scholarly. He has drawn
upon these sources for his poetic dramas
with wonderful skill and imagination.
Doubtless it was his physical feeble
ness that caused the virile Ida Rubin
stein to rebuff the poet when he was for
the third time wooing her with des-
perate artistic devotion The physical
factor explains also why she has been
drawn back to him by his courage under
deadly peril and cruel suffering.
1t will be interesting to tell first the
latest phase in the romance of this re-
markable couple, probably the most pic
turesque in the whole world of art
When the war broke out they had just
enjoyed an artistic triumph and won
fortune in d'Annunzio's play, La Pisa
nellie, or the Perfumed Death" in which
Rubinstein acted the strange Italian
courtesan, half saint, half sorceress, who
bewitched certain crusaders. D'Annun-
zio was then devoted to Rubinstein and
she was weary of d'Annnunzio.
Conscience and patriotism seized hold
Of d'Annunzio and Rubinstein. She felt
that her devotion was due TO her adopted,
i-nperilled land, France His heart flew
back to his native Italy, from which he
had been driven by his incredible debts.
With the true artistic temperament they
threw aside their loves, their material in
terests Of all kinds, and threw themselves
into the war.
Rubinstein wished to give herself body
and soul to France. She was willing 10
die, TO be torn to pieces or to become
nurse. This state Of her emotions gave a
splendid opportunity to one of the richest
bankers in Paris, Tho had for some time
been a rival with d'Annunzio for her
hand, to show his devotion.
This banker offered to equip perfect
up-to-date hospital for wounded soldiers,
over which Ida -Iubinstein could preside.
She accepted his offer. The hospital was
established in a mansion in Paris. II
was one of the most perfect hospitals in
France and infinitely the most luxurious.
The statuesque Ida Rubinstein glided
through the rooms OF the hospital day
and night. The white robes OF { nurse
acquired a new charm and dramatic in
terest as worn by her. Fortunately she
was assisted by an abundance OF profess
sional nurses.
The Injuries of the hospital we're quite
bewildering to the wounded soldiers.
They far surpassed anything the poor fell
lows had known in their lives before they
went to war. Coming on top Of the hor-
rors Of the trenches, these luxuries
seemed fairylike.
Each wounded soldier had fine room
and nurse to himself. The linen was
Of the most exquisite and rare kind, i'm
ported from Russia. II was beautifully
embroidered. Every man had a daily
change of pajamas, and these also were
OF the most exquisite material. When he
was able to get up he was supplied with
fine cambria shirts in the same profusiou.
Everything was on the same scale OF
artistic luxury. Rare and delicate in
cense was burned TO Danish the slightest
suspicion of a disagreeable odor from the
hospital. All the forks and spoons were
OF silver, Of a beautiful Russian pattern
and silver plate Of all kinds abounded.
The food was exquisite. Broled pleas
ant, with a bottle Of delicate. dry vintage
champagne was a customary lunch for
convalescent "poilu."
Ida Rubinstein affectionately kissed
every one Of her soldiers good night be-
fore they went TO sleep. She left no
conceivable thing undOne for their com
fort. When a soldier was recovering
she guided his feeble footsteps round the
hospital or the garden, with her strong
arm about his waist
And what was happening to Gabrielle
d'Annunzio? He reached Italy just before
that country entered the war. He used
every resource of his intellect and his
eloquence to lead her into the struggle,
arguing very ingeniously that the Latin
races should make common cause against
the Teutonic al