New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1854-01-24


as a woman Of fashion, chasing the butterfly
pleasure, even as was doing, in Partisan salons,
But now that had more earnest, o higher pur-
suit,
@AII
Her falser self slipped from her like robe"
and she came to me in her true guise 1t was
the woman of soul that greeted me, full of ten.
der sympathies and eager iuterest--lamenting
our inisiortunes, and ready to act the part of a
devoted friend. She encouraged me in my
undertaking enlisted in my behalf the good
wishes Of her large circle of acquaintances-
brought number of them to introduce TO me.
and exerted herself to the utmost to insure a
crowded audience to my first reading. She her
self took one hundred tickets was strength
ened and cheered by her untiring kindness her
hearty enthusiasm gave me new faith in nv
own success Beyond price, at that moment,
was such q friend; and the impetus which she
gave to my first efforts had their effect upon nv
whole career.
Our letters Of introduction brought us into
communication with many delightful, and some
distinguished persons. Their interest in nv
novel undertaking was easily awakened, and
their inspiring influence hemmed me around
until | seemed to stand within a magic circle
guarded, as by charm, from all inharmonious
existence. The friendships formed at that
period have been among the most enduring and
most valued of my life.
We had only spent couple Of days in Boston
when all the arrangements for my first appear
ance were satisfactorily completed l was to
read at the Masonic Temple for three successive
nights. The evening of my debut was an
nounced, and courteous editorial notices, be-
speaking a fair hearing, appeared in all the
principal papers.
The day before that on which | was to make
my debut | visited the temple, and with throb-
blng heart ascended the rostrum which | was to
occupy during the readings. tried my voice,
to learn whether it had compass enough to fill
the capacious hall. Mr. Mowatt and an old
door keeper (who treated me in the most pater.
nal and encouraging manner) were my only
auditors. Yet it was with difficulty that |
could speak in so singular o situation. The
words came gaspingly forth, and | seemed to
have lost all variety of intonation | grew sick
at heart. Ii my courage evaporated before an
imaginary audience, how could | hope for
presence of mind to carry me through the du-
ties had imposed upon myself when stood in
the presence of an actual crowd made effort
after effort to recite, but my voice was choked
could scarcely utter word | sat down upon
the steps of the rostrum, overwhelmed with
doubts and fears, which rushed like freshets
over my heart, and swept away oil its bright
fabrics. | could not weep--l was too miserab Bile
for tears and | could not listen to consolation
g You're only bit nervous" said the old
door keeper, comfortingly; 'you'I get over
that. I've seen great speakers look Just as pale
and frightened as you do now, when they got
on this stand here, but they soon warmed up,
and there's nothing To be afraid of
Still | would not be consoled could only
remember that if | failed disgrace was added to
our other ruin. The monster, self mistrust,
had entered my mind and was rapidly roofing
up all its new and giant growths.
We returned to the hotel Cards, kind notes,
and bouquets were awaiting me. One note was
from Judge Story, written in the most enoour.
aging strains; another from the poet, Longfel-
low, apologizing for not calling, on the plea of
illness. | was disspiritedly putting them aside
when letter was handed me. 1t was from NV
father | had scarcely courage to break the
seal. If his disapprobaton were added to my
present detection, my failure was certain
The first words reassured me my father had
pondered well upon the course | proposed to
pursue, and he gave my efforts not merely his
sanction but his heartest approval He bade
me never lose sight Of the motive had in view
and, with its help, my talents (as he pleased to
call them), would enable me to achieve tri.
ump. He gave. me his own blessing, and assured
me that, as far as was actuated by sense OF
duty. | should win the blessing of heaven also.
An indomtable energy and perseverance haG
characterized all the actions OF my fathers life
l inherited these traits from him, and with then
FACULTY 1or happiness that struck out tht
slender vein of gold in the drossest earth of cir
cpmstauce. As read his letter, my whole ma
ture was quiekened by an influx, as it we're
from his strong, never weary and ever haoyan
spirit All my hopes returned, and from thai
moment my courage never wavered
The sun shone brightly upon the morning o
my aedut, The heavens seemed to smile be
nignantly upon my undertaking. That nothin,
might disturb my composure, refused to re
ceiye visitors, and passed the day quietly in m!
own chamber.
Evening found me calm and strong of heart
| entered the carriage that bore me to the tenn
Pile, not more agitated to outward appearance,
! than if had been Fastening to 8 ball