THE DOUBLE DUCHESS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1240, 23 September 1911, Page 10

THE DOUBLE DUCHESS.

Tlio Inst word seems to hnvo boon writ ten on the lata Louise Duchess of Devonshire and on the famous fancy-dress ■ ball winch slio gave at Devonshire House in the Diamond .Tubileo Summer of 1897 (remarks; a London writer); but I would liko to write a few words as one of., tho joung married women whom slio honour cu w it'll her friendship. Tlio lat'o duchess wa i S 'ujicli more than a elcver hostess, a noted bridge player, and a loading light oi tlio smart world at Newmarket; slio had a keen brain, a firm will, and a subtle spirit, also sound sense and worldlywisdom that wero far above the average, and s«q kept herself well in touch with modern thought and l with the ways atid manners of tlio twentieth century. As a sign of this she chose her friends from women much younger than herself, and among her special intimates wore Lady Chesterfield, Lady do Trafford, and Mim Muriel Wilson.

On one occasion I heard her give advice to a young and pretty woman who had been recently married. She said: My dear, keep your own counsel, and also remember that in this world there is nothing worth troubling about." Theso wero both good tips for a woman, but some of us could not carry out the last counsel of perfection. Then onco when a friend held forth on tlio great—as ho thought undue favour that is now shown to Jews in the smart world, slio mado answer: "Don't abuse Jews. I like them, and they do much to oil the wheels of lifo and of society." Certain it is that tins dictmii applies. to." such men as the Rothschilds, Bassoons, and • Sir Ernest Cassel. Then the late duchess bad much artistic taste,- to 'which her boudoir at Devonshire. .House .gave..-silent .witness. Its rose-red walls mado a background for some. priceless pictures, tlio old . French .furniture was softened-by -rich draperies, and the room -wqs made hbweliko by-its books and masses of..(lowers. In a word, .tlw.-duohoab stowb hem epitaph may bo taken from' the words inscribed 011 tlio cross of white' (lowers sent by Queen Alexandra, "Her place can never be refilled. Rest in peace." ■