Eastern times., 1853-10-13

One night he addressed to me some remark
with respect to the play then acting we go
into conversation on the subject of dramatic
art; he saw that was specially competent or
that topic, and after the theatre he asked me
to take refreshment with him. accepted
AT midnight we parted, and, as | was going
home, met gambler whom slightly knew
| congratulate you,' he said you have
! friends in high places = He alluded to the
gentleman with whom | had passed the eve.
ming, ard whom | now learned was no less a
parsonage than his Serene Highness Prince
Leopold, sovereign ruler of the Grand Duchy
of Niesenstein. had had the honor ct pass
ing whole evening in familiar intercourse
with crowned head, Next day, walking in
the park, | met his Highness. | made low
bow and kept at respectful distance, but the
Grand Duke came up to me and asked me to
walk with him. Before accepting, thought
it right to inform him who | was. guessed
as much, said the Prince. From one or two
things that last night escaped you, / made no
doubt you were a theatrical manager And
by gesture he renewed his invitation to ac-
company him. In long conversation he in
formed me of his intention to establish French
theatre in his capital, for the performance of
comedy, drama, vaudeville, and comic operas
He was then building large theatre, which
would be ready by the end Of the winter, and
he offered me its management on very advan-
tageous terms. had no plans in France for
the present year, and the offer was too good to
be refused The Grand Duke guaranteed my
expenses and a gratuity, and there was a
chance of very large profits. / hesitated not a
moment; we exchanged promises, and the af-
fair was concluded.
According to our agreement, | am TO be at
Karlstadt, the capital of the Grand Duchy Of
Niesenstein, in the first week in May. There
is no time 10 lose. Ny company is almost
complete, but there are still some important
gaps to fill Amongst others, want lover,
a light comedian, and first singer. | reckon
upon you to fill these important posts
] am quite willing, replied the actor, but
there is still an obstacle You must know,
my dear Balthasar, that am deeply inJove
seriously, this time-and broke off with
Ricardin solely because he would not engage
her to whom am attached
Ohio she is an actress q
Two years upon the stage lovely girl,
full If oraca and talop+ aDd NTH oharpo;nn
voice. The Opera Comique has not singer
to compare with her.
And she is disengaged 3
Yes, my dear fellow; strange though it
seems, and by combination of circumstances
which it were tedious to detail the fascinating
Della is still without an engagement. And
give you notice that henceforward attach my
self to her steps where she goes ! go (; / will
perform upon no boards which she does not
tread am determined to win her heart, and
make her my wife
Very good = cried Balthasar, rising from
his seat tell me the address of this prodigy
| run, l fly, make every sacrifice; and we
will start Tomorrow
People were quite right in saying that Bal
thasar was clever manager. None better
knew how to deal with actors, often capricious,
and difficult to guide. He possessed skill,
taste, and tact, One hour after the converse
ton in the garden of the Palais Royal he had
obtained the signatures of Della and Florival,
two excellent acquisitions, destined to do him
infinite honor in Germany. That night his
little company was complete, and the next day
after good dinner, it started for Strasburg.
1t was composed as follows
Balthasar, manager, was to play the old
men, and take the heavy business.
FIorival was the leading man, the lover, and
the first singer.
Rigolet was the low comedian, and took the
parts usually played by Arnal and Bouffe.
Similor was to perform the Wallets in Mo
liere's comedies, and eccentric low comedy
characters.
Anselmo was the walking gentleman.
Lebel led the band.
Miss Della was to display her charms and
talents as prima donna, and in genteel come
dy.
Miss Foligny was the singing chambermaid.
Miss Alice was the walking lady, and made
herself generally useful.
Finally, Madame Pastorale, the duenna of
the company, was to perform the old women,
and look after the young ones.
Although so few, the company trusted to
atone by zeal and industry for numerical def
cheney. 1t would be easy to find, in the capi-
tai Of the Grand Duchy, persons capable Of
filling mute parts, and, in most plays, few
unimportant characters might be suppressed.
The travellers reached Strasburg without
adventure worthy of note. There Balthasar
allowed them six-and-thirty hours repose, and
took advantage of the. halt TO write to the
Grand Duke Leopold, and inform him of his
approaching arrival then they again started,
crossed the Rhine at Kehl, and in thirty days,
after traversing several small German states,
reached the frontier of the Grand Duchv of
Niesenstein, and stopped at little village
called Krusthal. From this village to the cap
ital the distance was only four leagues, but
means of conveyance were wanting. There
was but single stage-coach on that line of
road it would not leave Krusthal for two
days, and it held but six persons. No other