OF OLD NEW YORK

With this incident in mind, the writer sought a line
from the aged Empress still living but now practically a
recluse in the safe retreat she found in England with the
fall of the French Empire. The following note is there¬
fore of passing interest.

FARNBOROUGH HILL
FARNBORO'
HANTS

February 9th, 1919.
The Lady in Waiting to the Empress
Eugenie presents her comjjliments to
Mr. Henry Collins Brown and regrets that the
very retired life the Empress now leads
prevents her Majesty from attempting
any definite promise of her recollections
of Washington Irving, but as opportunity
presents itself she may be able to send some
memories that may be of interest.
As this number of the Manual must go to press early
in the year, it is doubtful if we shall be able to include
this contribution unless received much earlier than we
now  expect.    To   have  even  the   slightest  contribution
from one privileged to have such unique personal inter¬
course with  New York's first citizen would be a joy
indeed.    The  events  of   recent  months  have,  however,
imposed an additional burden upon a soul already tired
almost beyond the limit of human endurance, and it is
perhaps unreasonable of us to expect it at present.

Washington Irving died in 1859. The incident to
which we have referred occurred in the 30's. The Em¬
press is now in her 92nd year. She has survived every
contemporary—a striking example of "the last leaf on
the tree".

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