The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-02-14
Some Notes About the Ladies who Ere.
Quent the Courtroom.

From the New York Graphic
The heroine in this case is Mrs. Tilton. But
she ID almost the least conspicuous of all the
women who attend the trial.
Mrs. Beecher is the prominent figure. It is to
her that all eyes are directed whenever there are
unpleasant illusions to her husband. It is to
her probably that the most sympathy is extend
ed, as having to undergo so painful an expert
ence as she is subjected to in her attendance at
the court.
Mrs. Tilton is almost overlooked by the spec
tators Beyond the charge that forms the
ground work of the suit there is nothing that
should bring her into particular notice. 1t is
the policy and the intention of both sides to
speak Of her kindly ard with compassion. The
plaintiff alludes to her gently and with consid-
Grafton as to one who has been deeply wronged.
The defendant finds in her an object of sympa-
thy. The spectator hearing very little about
her. and that always in her defense is not
moved to look at her.
The physique and personal characteristics of
the two women help to place them i'll the same
relation to each other. Mrs. Tilton is petite and
Mrs. Beecher is of striking figure and confident
ar She could manage household school, or
a convention. Her clear-cut classic face is full
OF character. 1t is often remarked of her hus-
band that he would have won eminence on the
stage. No one has ever referred to her wonderful
histrionic ability. She is present every day to
declare Der confidence in her husband, her con-
tempt for his accusers This she does wonder
fully WELL Rachel could not better enact the
part. She seems unconscious OF any ones pres
ence as she sits at her husbands side apparently
absorbed in the proceedings.
She must be conscious OF the interest she ex-
cites, yet there is no Find Of boldness in her
manner. There is apparently no stimulation in
the contemptuous smile with which she receives
her share of the strokes that fall upon her hus-
band. Even when the aspersions are directed
against her as coming from vher husband the
smile of trustful incredibly with which she looks
up at his face is entirely unassumed. She always
appears the embodiment Of earnestness and on
fdence, and If there fingers in her breast the
faintest doubt of her husbands final yindicaton,
it is never once reflected in her face.
What the spectator sees as he catches his first
glimpse Of Mrs. Beecher is narrow ribbon Of
perfectly white hair, which the deep black of her
bonnet allows to border her forehead. The
effect of this is singularly heightened by the ap
pearance Of her eyes. Her head is held down,
and as she looks steadily at Mr.. Tiiton's face
from under her deeply-lned brow, they, too,
show more of white than OF color 1t is a re-
ma kable face.
Mrs. Tlton is often described as sitting next
to Mrs. Field, and as screening herself behind
her. as if to shut off the view Of the spec ators
as much as possible. Although this il explained
as the result of timid, retired nature, it does
not wholly account for the position.
Mrs. Tilton finds III Mrs. Field much TIA. she
lost by separation from her husband. His guild
ing hand and controlling mind are in part sup
Piled by this strong wllled friend. Occasionally
she leans forward and looks for moments at
time at her husband as he sits at his counsel's
table or in the witness chair and the observer
ina gines he sees remembrance of the old affec-
ton in her eyes. There is something in the ex-
preston Of her face that hints at desire to re-
join her husband if the restraint that keeps her
from him were for an instant lremoved. Beyond
this her face is immobile.
She listens intently to the testimony Of the
witnesses and to the arguments OF the lawyers,
bnt no one can read her thoughts. She has
schooled her emotions so that they do not reach
her face. In it there is shown only calmness and
emphasized by the sadness revealed
in her eyes. Her vail is never lifted. 1t does
not hide her pale, girlish features. The con-
trast between Mrs. Tilton's face and the strong,
self-reliant features of Mrs. Field is very marked
Mrs. Sherman is short and very fair. Her
face is youthful and well filled ont. The other
ladies' in the group are Mrs. Tubbs, Mrs. Dunck-
ley and Mrs. Raymond, but they do not always
attend the trial.