MADAME PATTI AND HER LOVERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1763, 16 August 1884, Page 2

MADAME PATTI AND HER LOVERS.

Some amusing recollections of Madame Patti's early life have iust been published by Frkulein Louisa Lauw. • This lady, we are told, lived with the great .prima donnairom 1863 to 1877. The record begins with the appearance of tile seventeen-year-old prima donna in London, and is carried down to the lime when the disturbances in the domestic affairs of the Marquis de Caux appear to; have 'caused a separation between the two ladies. ' Fr/liilen Lauw begins by tailing how the Patti family made the acquaintance of a venerable Italian to* •whom Patti became so attached that she called bim her" dear papa," She was at his home nearly every day, and there one day at dinner met two young Milanese of very engaging manners- With one of these handsome young fellows she fell in love. " Papa Patti" was consulted and gave his consent but on one condition. "Wait," he said, and the.berothed lovers had to accept the unbending decision of the father, and put up for the time being with the privilege of meeting each other twice a week in the house of the papa. Adelina contined her career of triumph, but while the public performed almost impossible things in its enthusiasm Adelina's betrothed sat in his chair as if on coals; his eyes flashed flames and daggers in all directions. But it was not the public alone whose enthusiasm enraged the young Othello; the lava of his jealously poured also over the artists who supported her. When the great Mario, as Romeo, kissed, his Juliet, it seemed as if the jealous one hunted in his pockets for a bomb with which to destroy his supposed rival. More and more consumed by jealously, the young man declared to Adelina's father that he would wait no longer, and must incontinently marry his love. His insane behaviour led Papa Patti to fear that if married to such a man Adelina's lot would not be one of roses, Tbe two men quarrelled. Adelina was beside herself, and wept bitterly when she beard of the rapid conclusion of her love idyll. When a few months later they learned that Signor M had failed in business, "he was no longer mentioned," says the Iraulein in winding up the episode. The story goes on to tell of the Sunday evening meetings at Patti's house during the winter after she had returned from her London season to Paris. Prom these gatherings Nilsson was seldom absent, and among the most diligent visitors were Gustave Dork, the Yicomte Daru, Baron St. Armand, and the Marquis de Caux, Adelina looked forward to the meeting with the Marquis with glad excitement. One evening—it was after a performance of •'Traviata"—the Marquis remained with us after a few friends had departed from Adelina's dressing-room. As he always repeated conscientiously the town gossip to us, Adelina tamed smilingly towards him and asked: " Well, Marquis, what.is there new—what is Paris talking about?" "The newest thing," was the answer, "is that we are engaged." I must admit that this answer startled me, and that I looked at Adelina with my curiosity on a tension. Her features seemed enlivened by an inexpressible loviness. Smilingly she said to the Marquis: " And why not? I hope it would not be unpleasant for you?" At first embarrassed, then joyfully moved, the Marquis was only able to stammer the words: " No; certainly not. 1 would be the happiest of mortals if it were true." Blusliingly Adelina extended her hand to the Marquis, who was almost beside himself with' joy, while she said: " I too, would be happy." Wildly the Marquis pressed the proffered hand to his lips; intoxicated with joy he clasped Adelina in his arms, and hurried away speechless. But Adelina, in a long, warm embrace, whispered the sweet confession to me: "1 am very happy!"