A Quiet, Private Dinner

By most accounts, Richard Nixon has been leading a reclusive life since leaving office, rarely venturing outside the walls of his Casa Pacifica compound. But in recent weeks his existence has opened up a bit. On Feb. 9, when the six-month transition period designed to prepare ex-Presidents for private life officially ended, Nixon seemed in reasonably good spirits, almost jaunty, at a farewell party for departing aides. That left the staff still on his federally allotted payroll at five, including Secretary Rose Mary Woods. Also on hand are four volunteer associates, like former Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler, who perform a variety of chores even though they are now off the federal payroll.

Nixon's first social appearance outside San Clemente came two weeks ago near Palm Springs, Calif., at the opulent estate of Walter Annenberg, former U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain and a longtime Nixon friend. Nixon and Pat arrived with the ex-President's military aide, Marine Colonel Jack Brennan, and six Secret Service men in tow. Nixon's recovery from surgery last October has been gradual, and he occasionally favors his left leg, but he managed to play two holes of golf on Annenberg's private 18-hole course; his swing was surprisingly good, and there was no sign of a limp.

Mixing Freely. The highlight of the Nixons' five-day visit was a dinner party for eleven couples, including fellow Annenberg house guests Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Among those who wheeled past the well-guarded gates of the electric-fenced 220-acre spread in Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs were Frank Sinatra, escorting longtime Companion Barbara Marx; U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Leonard Firestone and his wife Barbara; Standard Oil of Indiana Chairman John Swearingen and his wife Bonnie; Los Angeles Auto Dealer Holmes Tuttle, a star G.O.P. fund raiser, and his wife Virginia; and onetime Radio Star Freeman Gosden (Amos of Amos 'n' Andy) and his wife Jane. Comedian Bob Hope arrived at the wheel of a station wagon with Wife Dolores. Notably absent: Spiro T. Agnew, who was ensconced near by as a house guest of Sinatra's.

Nixon mixed freely with the guests during cocktails, speaking to each one individually. According to one guest, Pat was "ravishingly beautiful" in a long red gown. "She looked as well or better than I've seen her look in the past 27 years," said the guest. "I thought she would have been downcast or feeling rejected, but there was none of that."

People in Tears. Nixon also looked well, though considerably thinner since his surgery. He made no mention of Watergate all evening, for the most part confined his conversation to such topics as golf and Daughter Tricia's birthday the day before. He did, however, chat about the memoirs he is writing, and was agreeable to the suggestion that he might play some future role in the life of the nation. "He certainly did not lack confidence," a guest reported. "There was none of that hiding, sliding-away business."

Lee and Walter Annenberg are known for their table, and this dinner left nothing to be desired. It began with Iranian caviar (a recent gift from the Shah to the Nixons who brought it along), served with well-chilled Russian vodka; then it continued with slices of pink Chateaubriand served with a red Bordeaux, and Dom Perignon champagne. In his toast, Annenberg expressed his appreciation to Nixon for his ambassadorial appointment. In his turn, the former President extolled the value of friendship, especially in the face of adversity, and lauded the assembled guests for their loyalty at a time when he needed it most. "He had people in tears" by the end of his remarks, according to Hope. Before midnight, what Annenberg called "a quiet, private dinner" for "old friends of mine and the former President" had broken up. The next day, the Nixons departed to resume their seclusion in San Clemente.

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