The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1870-06-16
IDAHO WORLD.
THE LITTLE TRAGEDY QUEEN.

Some years ago, pale, thin, fragile, bu
brighteyed and inteligent-looking girl of per
haps ten or twelve years of age, used to ap
pear at Paris, in the most crowded part OF thu
walk in the Champs Elysees. an hour or so be
fore sunset. She was attended by an old wo
man who carried violin, tin cup. and car
pet. While the girl stood apart for moment
with something of wrapt look, the old wo
man spread the carpet, put down the cup al
one corner, and scraped preliminary air upon
the violin, which was often most inappropriate
to the drama that was to follow. The prelude
having terminated, the girl stepped on to the
carpet, with the air of little tragedy queen,
ana recited long TRADES from Racine and Cor
/. nellie. She recited them superbly; and, des-
pite her mir of suffering and her exceedingly
poor attire, she produced such an effect ON the
crowd, that while she rested, they filled again
and again the cup carried round by the old
woman with sous and halt-franc pieces, to en-
courage her to new efforts. The collection
vas always large one and when the delicate
looking child retired-all papitating. and with
4 flush upon her cheek, OF which il was diff
cult To say whether it were the flush of her
own triumph, or that of death, destined To
triumph over her, the accamations and cordial
compliments of her hearers greeted her as she
retired
not the young girl who had charmed the crowds
by her tragic muse. During that year, how.
ever. q marvellous girl appeared on the stage
Of the Gymnase Dramatique, and as suddenly
departed, like brilliant meteor; and specula-
tioa ran high as TO whether this fascinating
girl was the pale enchantress of the public
walk. Another year had nearly passed, when
one night lady appeared OH the stage of the |
Theatre Francois, and awoke French tragedy /
out OF the sleep into which it had fallen. The |
name of the young girl was announced as Ra- /
chel; and all Paris not only acknowledged her /
rs the sovereign OF the tragic throne, but de-
clared that she was the poor Girl who once
stood on the carpet in the Champs Elysecs,
and recited Racine for sous aud halt-francs.
The young lady maintained 4 discreet silence.
aud various We're the opinions as 10 the den.
nty In the course OF time. however, she
cleared up the mystery BY one of the prettest
and most practical confessions. She Invited u
large number of literary aud artistic friends tn
= solree in her spacious saloons The fair
hostess, in the course OF the evening. reciicd
in costume every one of her principal TRADES
from nj the great tragedies wherein she has
acquired undying fame. and then withdrew
among the hearty applause OF her guests ,
Presently she returned in new character To ,
them, but m old one To herself-that of 4 .
street singer, dressed in appropriate costume
Her appearance caused IN almost painful in /,
ierest. There was poetry in the whole scene d
in the clatter Of her boots IA she passed up .
The splendid gallery-with the wooden bowl >
With the sous at the bottom. which she ratified +
Is she stepped forward with n melancholy :
smile. She walked straight to the head oi the y
gallery, and standing motlonless for aIuomen,. 1
began the ballad which she had sung the last n
Of all before she was summoned from the !
streets to the stage. from rags and poverty 10 I
glory, influence, and riches. The voice of the -
singer was low and faltering. and produced :,
'uch an effect that the audience wrpt Hay- i
ng terminated her recitation, she carried p
FOUND the little cup or. bowl, as OF old; onI, b
MS time lntImatlug IN those To whom her y
trembling hand extended it. 1t is for the poor " .