Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-08-02
THE FIVE HUNCHBACKs.

We have recently heard funny anecdote of
Talma, the great ragedian-hiseuringa tribu-
iation by aggravating the disease
For several weeks, each time that he played
tHma remarked aH"HcAdock, who always sat
IN the same place-One of the front stalls M
the night OF the theatre. This little buncb
back was critical, and often eyinced his dis.
apPrOEaA OF certain pciBts made by the actor.
III III rne host marked and impatient way.
t' conauct annoyed Talma Each eve
nihS ne determined that he would not allow
ninl .| to De disturbed by the opinion of this
gentle man, nor to notice his expression of dis
a,r iacton-he would give himself up entirely
- MS part; but this he found was impossible
IN spite of himself, his eyes were attracted 10
THIS vlilanous little hunchback, whose fatally
magnetic gaze caused him to turn TO that mart
Oi the stage and at last this evil power troubled
MIN to that degree, that, of all the audience.
ne recognized but this one systematic and obsti-
nate detractOr.
Talma. irritated, really tried by this infiu
possible. ~
lie called upon the gentleman at his own
house, and said to him: ''-'
sir, have come to leg a great favor Of
you OF course do Dot wish 70 denr;ye yo,,
OF the pleasure of attending the play. nor tn
INSIST that You sho,l find me admirable when
7 1--we tne misfortune to displease you. But
entreat 'ho-. you win take some other place
-, - Sne noVe, that may not have you directly
under NY eye, for confess that YOU exert =
aG,1 power over me, and that your gestures.
yoU niatHtten, your whole person. occupy ma
Sentlrely that feel scarcely able to 20 on
with my part" -
am sorry for it," sneeringly replied the
ilttie hunehback; 'but shall retain MAJ oil
Y4ee; 1 do not know why l should change it
IN oTder 20 render you a service. No, my dear
bn, I r r am quite unhappy in refusing you;
gut WISH TO study you quite at my ease, and
snail retain my accustomed stall.''
Z. rama went away absolutely enraged
FdTtfe", said he; "but / will have nv
revenge, old scoundrel,'' -
he went to the theatre, engaged the fire
G"tSr Stolis situated beside the one occupied
py ms yexatiOus enemy, and passed the day
directions
In the evening a gentleman came and took
ms place in one Of these stalls.
See, said the hG5ttucs of the orchestra.
Our friend. the hunchbaek, will have compa-
ny this evening; his neighbor is deformed.''
Ine door OF the next box is opened-a second
gentleman enters
oh: another hunchback. Why, one would
swear this was expressly arranged rezdez-
tous OF three hunchbacksin
d foHTth person enters.
~ DurSt OF laughter welcomes the newcomer
He Is fourth huneA6cek,
I, AT last, tie NH invited by Talma) makes
Els appearance, and is received with laughter
ana Stamping of feet. The fifth is also
huns nback,
upon the rising Of the curtain the accu stom.
ed hunchback arrived. The audience awaited
MN with Impotence; they were all standing.
he received complete ovation of applause.
Inc braves Numbered around him,
Uur little hunchback, pale with vexation,
took ans place between his brethren, who
themselves laughed at the oddity of the posi-
hon During the entire act he made his escape,
not to appear again, Iama was evenged
and homeopathy had its precedent of the cure
OF an evil by pitching it over its own head,
with aggravation.