DR. SCHLIEMANN'S WIDOW.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—I have followed with great interest your references to Dr. Schliemann's work at Troy in an article published in the Spectator, in addition to a letter on the subject of his family history. As one acquainted with his widow, Mme. Sophie. Schliemann, I should like to add a few details to the picture given by your correspondent.
Soon after Dr. Sehliemann arrived at Athens he paid a visit to the Arsakeion (Girls' College), where he requested that some young lady would kindly recite some verses of Homer. The request was granted by a student distinguished as much for her classic beauty as for her ability. The acquaintance thus formed led to their marriage. Mme. Schliemann devoted her life to helping her distinguished husband in his work. She not only encouraged him by her enthusiasm but also did much secretarial work for him. She was a good classical scholar herself. In fact, rumour goes so far as to say that she soothed his sleepless nights by recitations from the Iliad.
Dr. Schliemann built himself a beautiful house in Athens, called Wet, aiXeepor. The walls of dull red are covered with Homeric quotations in gold lettering ; the mosaic floors reproduce Mycenean designs and the settees arc reproductions of ancient furniture. These form a fitting background to the art treasures contained in Dr. Schliemann's Greek home. In addition to the help that Mme. Schliemann has given to Archaeology, she has also devoted much of her time to philan- thropic work. Many of the charities of Athens owe much of their success to her untiring efforts.—I am, Sir, &c.,
EUPHROSYNE KEPHALA.
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