Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1856-07-03
The Hunchbacks.

We have recently heard an anecdote of Tai
ma, the great tradedian-his curing a tribula-
ton by aggravating the disease For several
weeks, each time that he played, Talma re-
marked q hunchback, who always sat in the
same place-one of the front stalls at the right
of the theatre. This little hunchback was criti-
cal, and often eviDced his disapproval of certain
points made by the actor in the most marked
and impatient way This conduct ANNOYED
Talma each evening he determined that he
would not allow himself to be disturbed by the
opinion of this gentleman, nor notice his express
sionS of dissatisfaction--he would give himself
up entirely to his part but this he found was
impossible in spite of himself, his eyes were at
tracted to this villainous little hunchback
whose fatally magnetic gaze cansed him to turn
to that part of the stage, and this evil power
troubled him to that degree that of all the au-
dience, he recognized but this one systematic
and obstinate detractor.
Talma, irritated, really tried by this evil in
fuence, at length determined to break it up if
possible. He called upon the gentleman at his
own house, aud said to him" Sir, have come
to beg great favor Of you. OF course | do
not wish to deprive you of the pleasure of at
tending the play nor to insist that you shall
find me admirable when have the misfortune
to displease you But | cntrcat that you will
take some other place in the house, that may
not have you directly under my eye, for con-
fess that YOU exert a strange power over me,
and that your gestures, your ntaintein, your
whole person, occupy me so entirely that feel
able scarcely to go on with my part"
Il am sorry for it," sneeringly replied the
little hunchback "but shall retain my old
place. do not know why I should change it
in order to render you service No, my dear
sir am really quite unhappy in refusing you ;
but wish to study you quite at my ease, and
shall retain my accustomed stall"
Talma went away absolutely enraged.--
" Parbiea p said he but will have my re-
venge, you old scoundrel " He went to the
theatre, engaged the five other stalls situated
beside the one occupied by the yexatious enc
my, aud passed the day giving them away
these choice seatS-w.th discretion.
In the evening gentleman came and took
his place in one of these stalls "See," said
the hobstnes of the orchestra, "our friend, the
hunchback, will have company this evening
his neighbor is deformed p
The door is again opened-a second gentle
man enters.
"Oh, another hrnchback Why, one would
swear this was expressly arranged-a rendez
vous of three hanchbacks !"
Another person enters. A burst of laughter
welcomes the new conner. He is fourth bunch
back
At last the fifth, (all invited by Talma,
makes his appearance, and is received will
laughter upon laughter.
Upon the rising Of the curtain the accustom
ed huuchback arrived. He received an ovation
Of applause. The braves Numbered aroun'
him
Our little bunchback, pale with vexation
took his place between his brethren, who them
selves laughed at the oddly Of the position
During the performance he made his escape
not to appear again! Talma was avenged, am
homeopathy had its precedent Of the cure of q
evil by pitching it over its own head with &C
gravation.