New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-11-21
THE HANDSOME PROFESSOR.

West Philadelphia, Nor. Z, 1872. o.
THE HANDSOME PROFESSOR.
BY LETTIcE THORPE.
'sSalome, am going to study for the
'sWhatp' and the delicate hands were
raised in Mortified amazement at the intelli-
gence. "Are you really in earnest, Emma
Nelson? ''
"Yes, Salome Kirby, am really in earn
est; never more so in my life. have been
thinking of it for some time"
us your aunt willing ?"
so, yes; aunty never objects to anything,
you know. She takes the world just as it
comes, and sometimes think the delightful
sensation of wonder and surprise is altogether
a myth to her. How came to be her niece
is something that cannot understand even
yet, although it has been an undisputed fact
for just twenty-three years next Tuesday"
stake care, EN-, somebody may overhear
you. But about this theatre business-you
have fully decided, you say?"
..'Yes. my dear; like Miss Gilbert, 1 intend
to have career" !
"And are you willing to sacrifice your po-
sitiOn in society,""
"Position in society! Don't talk that
cant, SalOme, if you expect me to keep my
patience. What has my position ever done
for me? 1t does not bring happiness or con-
tentment. It will not provide clothes, or
what hunger fOr-books, pictures, music,
or-But why must 1 sacrifice my position,
any way? People look upon these things
very differently from what they used to.
Who is more respected or admired than
Charlotte Cushman, would like to know ?''
do you expect to equal Charlotte Cush-
man ?' 81
ST expect to succeed as an actress, or 1
should not have entertained the idea for a
moment. / know that 1 have dramatic tall
emit, and intend to study for two years, be-
fore make my debut" ' - 81.
"Who shall you study with?
81 intend to commence with this new Pro-
fessor of Elocution who has come here.
have heard him very highly recommended.
Afterwards, shall take lessons Of some good
actress"
"Do you mean Professor Godwin?' nj.
'Yes, think that is the name.''
swell, you had better not take lessons Of
him." 20,
"Why?" III af
because he is so fascinating. All the
girls are dead IN love with him. They say
one poor young woman went raving crazy
about him."
''She must have been simpleton. Where
in this world, Salome, do you pick up such
ridiculous stories ?" -
swell, you had better take warning; he
has got the handsomest eyes you ever saw in
your ife." t.
"Are you victim, too?" r-s
think he is perfectly splendid, and am
just crazy to take lessons of him, but father
won't let me-"
"Your father is very wise but 1 am not
one Of the susceptible kind, you know, and
have not the slightest fear.' ~
"You had better not be too confident"
"Salome, do not want you to say any
thing about what L have just told you
would like to keep it quiet as long as posi-
BILE. 1 do so hate to have everybody gossip
ing about my affairs. am going to take les
sons under an assumed name."
SO, won't that be fun! So romantic and
!, interesting"
SO Emma went to see the dangerous Pro-
lessor, and found a very handsome man, in
deed, dignified and courteous, but with moth
ing of the conventional lady killer in his look
or manner. She introduced herself as Miss
Stanley, and after making the arrangements
necessary, he handed her pencil and card,
requesting that she would write her name
upon it. So, without stopping moment to
think what she was doing, she wrote in her
own graceful handwriting, "Miss Emma f..
Nelson"
''Miss Emma E. Nelson,n he repeated.
slowly, as he received the card. 81 under
stood you to say that your name was STAN
ley"
The color rushed to her face, and for a
moment she looked the very picture of blush.
ing embarrassment, then the absurdty of the
thing seemed to strike her all at once, and she
burst into laugh so hearty and contagious,
that he joined in her merriment, although
evidently not cOmprehending the joke at all
begin to fear" she said at last, that
shall not succeed as an actress, if l do not play
the parts l assume on the stage any better
than have done this one. did not want
the gOssips TO know that was preparing for
the stage, so came here under fictitious
name, and you see how successful have
been thus far"
"Shall call you Miss Nelson, then % he
asked.
Yes, think it will be as we'll. 1 shall
feel less like a fugitive traitor, or concealed
assassin" and she took her leave. with the
mental decision" he is handsome and fas.
cinating."
And" a dangerous pupil was the remark
OF the Professor as he went back to his
books.
When Emma reached her home, she found
her sentimental friend there before her, dy-
ing with curiosity to hear the opinion Of the
celebrated elocution-teacher.
swell, En-" she demanded at once,
have you lost your hearth
20. salome," she exclaimed, off you
could ever think of something beside hearts
and darts, and all that nonsense, should
be 20 glad" "a
Nov, don't be SO painfully sensible, but
tell me how you like him."
Very much indeed. both as gentleman
and prospective teacher" and she told the
blunder she had made.