ey had been making
alterations, bathrooms, and putting white enamel tiles throughout the
dungeons. If Dukes lived no more comfortably than those who owned
Cliveden, I am glad I was not a Duke. What was most amusing was the
servant's room which was quite as smart as any library or study, with
fine paintings, arm chairs and writing material. Nannie and Astor were
exceedingly friendly and we walked all over the place. It was good to
get one's feet on turf again. They sent us back by motor, so we
arrived most comfortably. I gave a dinner to the Hopes, Wyndham, Miss
Mary Moore, Ashmead-Bartlett and Margaret. Websters could not come.
Later, came on here, and had a chat, the Websters coming too. I read
Thaw trial.

Early in May Richard and his wife returned to Mount Kisco and my
brother at once started in to change his farce "The Galloper" into a
musical comedy. It was produced on August 12, at the Astor Theatre,
under the title of the "Yankee Tourist," with Raymond Hitchcock as the
star. The following I quote from Richard's diary of that date:

Monday, August 12th, 1907.

Was to have lunched with Ned Stone but he was in court. Met Whigham in
street. Impulsively asked him to lunch. Ethel and Jack turned up at
Martin's; asked them to lunch. Ethel and I drove around town doing
errands, mine being the purchase of tickets for numerous friends.
Called on Miss Trusdale to inquire about Harden-Hickey. She wants her
to go to the country. Cecil arrived at six. We had a suite of
eighty-nine rooms. We dined at Sherry's with Ethel and Jack, Ethel
being host. Taft was there. Hottest night ever. I sat with Jack. In
spite of weather, play went well. Bonsals, Ethel, Arthur Brisbane were
in Cecil's box. Booth Tarkington in Irwin's. Surprise of performance
was "Hello, Bill" which Raymond had learned only that morning. Helen
Hale helped him greatly with dance. People came to supper at Waldorf,
and things went all wrong. Next time I have a first Night I want no
friends during or after. Missed the executive ability of Charles
Belmont greatly.

CHAPTER XVII

A LONDON WINTER

From the fall of 1907 to that of 1908 Richard divided his time between
Mount Kisco, Marion, and Cuba. In December of 1908 he sailed for
London where he took Turner the artist's old house in Chelsea for the
winter.

Cheyne Walk, Chelsea.

December 25. Christmas Day.

DEAR MOTHER:

We are settled here in Darkest Chelsea as