FAMOUS HOSTESS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1218, 29 August 1911, Page 9

FAMOUS HOSTESS.

DUCHESS OF DEVONSHIRE,

The Into Duchess of Devonshire, whose death was chronicled lately, was born in 18jfi, and was tho daughter of Count Von Alton of Hanover. In her twentieth year she was married t-> Lord Mandeville, 'who in 18.53 succeeded his lather as Duke of Manchester. Some yea is after the death nf the Duke of Manchester she married tho lato Duke of Devonshire, whom she survived about three ve'ars. The laic duchess was undoubtedly in her time the great leader of English society, a position she occupied until the death of her lato husband. Siuco that peviod she had lived moi-o or loss in retirement, and during last winter it may be remembered that she was so seriously ill in (he south of France that all tho members of her fam- ">' wp re hurriedly summoned. • The duchess was noted for her beauty. She was a personal friend of'the late lung l.dwnrd and Queen Alexandra, and her entertainments were generally honoured by tho presence of their Majesties. Iho great fancy dress ball she gave at Devonshire House nt tho time of the Diamond Jubilee will ever be remembered by thoso present. A moro brilliant entertainment' had never been given before in a London private house. She and the late Duko of Devonshire entertained at Chatsworth in princely fashion, and for four or five years running her New Year parties 'were attended by the late' King Edward and Queen Alexandra. As a rule a ball was given and amateur theatricals organised, and the duchess always took the keenest interest in them, frequently making verv pertinent suggestions. All the principal residents in the county were invited to witnoss these theatricals, and at the supper which followed the- duchess invariably arranged that members of tlie house party should sup at tho same' table j as the visitors from outside so as to avoid any semblance of formality.