The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1879-10-24
THE ROMANCE OF THE
RING.

1
about to open his hippedrome in this city,
among others who applied for apositon as
driver" TO one Of the four-in-hani Roman
charots was fne-looking young girl of
IS, about medium height, with a lovely
blonde complexion, light brown hair
iecked with gold, and blue eyes. She at
tracted Mr.. Barnums attention at once,
though more even from her manners than
| appearance, which were very modest and
lady-like. On being questioned, she re-
fused 10 say anything about herself, and
when finding she was fair musician and a
good German scholar, she was asked why
she did not teach, or get position as com
panion TO some lady, she replied that no
one would take her without references, and
these she could not Furnish. After giving
some specimens of skill N driving she was
engaged and Joined the company. IS
As is generally known, hippodrome rae
ING IS dangerous amusement, and, while
there IS great excitement in watching these
chayiots Of crimson and gold, drawn by
four spirited steeds, and driven by young
women standing erect aid urging them on
with voice and whip, more than once spec
gators, when thrilled with interest at the
contest, have heard q dreadful crash, seen
the horses roll over in the dirt, and plunge
about in mad confusion, listened TO oaths
and wild screams, and watched the form OF
woman extricated and carried off.
These fearful accidents usually result
from the wild state of excitement into
which both horses and drivers get when
entered for race and striving for the prize
which is usually offered. Knowing their
risk, it is with difficulty that women Of
sufficient nerve and physical strength can
be found to drive and when they are they
command high wages. When, then, this
young girl, who was known in |
the ring as Mdlle. Louise, offered |
her services, it was with surprise
that they saw the courage and |
skill with which she handled the rib
bons.'
Night after night she went through her
part triumphanty, and grew to be great
fovorite with the public, especially as she |
frequently came out ahead, the horses un.
derstanding her so perfectly that they
obeyed every infection of her voice.
On certain memorable evening there
was present among the spectators pr6mi-
nent young lawyer of New York city,
man of good looks, bearing, and means, and
who at that time was conducting lawsuit
Of the company, which led hlm frequently
10 the Office Of the business manager, which
was in the building On this occasion the
two were chatting together when Mdlle.
Louise entered. The lawyer remarked
upon her good looks. Yes" said the
but she is more than cookbook
ing. She is thoroughly good, and lives
like nun. There has never been one
word Of scandal connected with her name.
She gets more flowers and love letters than
any other women in the company; but she
never takes any notice Of either and won't
even take them home with her.
"Where does she come from" asked .Ae
lawyer
THAT is more than any one has fonndout
yet. She is a lady, Of that am sure, and
| have heard her speak in both French and
German; but don't cast your eye in that di.
rection, my young friend, or you will get
shipped like the rest"
Nevertheless the man Of legal lore be-
came anxious to know what manner of wo-
man this was, and finally got in the habit
OF dropping in nearly every evening 10 take
look at her. For long time she seemed
obliy!ous to his presence, though she could
not help noticing him, as he always stood in
the same place, but one evening as she
drove into the green room and Jumped out
other chariot her dresseaught in the wheel;
he released it, She thanked him, and so
the acquaintance began. For time she
was only coldly polite, but gradually &C
curing confidence in him. became more
takative and cordial though she refused
hisrepeated request to call.
One evening Mr.. Barnum offered laurel
wreath TO the winner Of the race, and Mdlle.
Louise declared she would win it, but never.
thelcss, through some triflc, she came in
second. Seeing her disappointment the cal.
liant young lawyer told her she should have
another chance, and forthwith he had made
ut 'lfifany's an elegant gold.mounted riding.
'''f' 'h'h Wv ''Nhl'- SulIlt lUt pTlZp |
was announced by the manager, and quite
ilutter Of excitement ensued.
AS Mdlle. Louise. mounted her chario,
her admirer noticed that she was very pale,
and he said Chalflaughing and half in earn.
est, Now take care. | don't want any
body killed in riding tor that whip" At
this she shrugged her shoulders disdain-
fully, and replied "Do you suppose am
afraid! No, il is not that; but / hope |
shall never leave that track alive"
That isS dreadful speech to Make
lis III Well, II needn't make any diff.
ference to any one that know off,
Before he could reply the signal was
given, and the eight glit,cung chariots
drawn by thirty.,wo magnificent horses,
adorned with golden harness and fiyinprib.
oons' started, Every driver wore her own
color, and Mdlle, Louise had chosen 6arinU
garments Of pale blue, ana q helmet of sill.
yer Down the track flew the chariols and
riders, the s.ceds seeming to have human
understanding Of the struggle; the band