Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-02-04
A Strange Story of Real. Life

truth Of the following story:
A few years ago, when p. T. Barnum
was about 10 open his hippodrome in
New York city, among others who ap-
Piled for position as driver to one oI
the four-in hand Roman chariots was a
fine looking girl Of eighteen, about
medium height, with lovely blonde
complexion, light brown hair flecked
with gold, and blue eyes. She attrac-
ted Mr.. Barnum's attention at oEce,
though more even for her manners than
appearance, which we're very modest
and lady-like. On being questioned
she refused TO say anything about her
self, and when finding she was n fair
musician and good German scholar,
she was asked why she did not teach,
or get a position as a companion to
some lady, she replied that no Que
would take her without references, and
these she could not furnish. Af:er giy-
ing some specimens Of her skill in driy-
ing, she was engaged and joined the
company.
As Is generally known, hippodromc
driving is dangerous amusement, but
the fearful accidents usually result from
the wild state of excitement into which
both horses and drivers get when
entered for q race and striving for q
prize which is usually offered. Know.
ing their risk, it is with difficulty that
women with sufficient nerve and
strength can be found to drive, ane
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 {
surprise that they saw the courage anC
skill with which she handled the rib.
bons.' Night after night she went
through her part triumphantly, ant
grew to be a fayorite with the public
especially as she frequently came out
ahead, the horses understanding her sc
perfectly that they obeyed every inhoc-
tion of her voice.
On a certain memorable evening there
was present among the spectators a
prominent young lawyer Of New Yorh
city, a man OF good looks, and bearing
and means. and who at the same tlm6
was conducting a law suit for the COM
pany, which led him frequently to the
Office of the business manager, which
was in the building. On one occasion
the two were chatting together when
Mdlle. Louise entered. The lawyer
remarked upon her good looks. Yes,
said the manager, but she IS more than
good looking. She is thoroughly good,
and lives like man. There has never
been one word of scandal connected
with her name. She gets more flowers
and love-letter. than any other woman
in the COMPANY; but she never take;
any notice of either, and won't even
takes any home with her.
Where did she come from p asked the
lawyer.
That is more than any one has found
out yet. She is lady Of that l am
sure, and l haye heard her speak in
both German and French. But dom
cast your eye in that direction, my young
friend, or you will get shipped like thC
rest
Nevertheless the man of legal lore
became anxious to know what manner
of woman this was, and finally got il
the habit of dropping in nearly every
evening to take look at her. For
long time she seemed oblvious to hi!
presence, though she could not hell
noticing him, as he always stood in tht
same place; but one evening, as sh'
drove into the green room and jumped
out OF her chariot, her dress caught il
the wheel; he released it. Shs thanked
him, and so the acquaintance began.-
For time she was only coldly polite
but, gradually acquiring confidence il
him, became more talkative aud cordia
though she refused his repeated requests
to call.
One evening Mr.. Barnum offered
laurel wreath to the winner Of the race
and MdIle. Louise declared she woult
win it, but, neyerthless, through some
triAe, she came in second. Seeing her
disappointment the Young lawyer tolt
her she should have another chance
and forthwith he had made at Tiffany's
an elegant gold-mountcd ridiHg-whlp
When the evening came the prize
was announced by the manager
and quite futter Of excitement
ensued.
As Mdlle. Louise mounted her chario
her admirer noticed that she was yer,
pale. and he said (half laughing and hal
in earnest,) Now, take care. L dom
want anybody killed in riding for tha
whin.' At this she shrugged her shout
ders disdalnfully, and replied. DO yo'
suppose 1 am afraid No, it is no
that; but 1 hope I shall never leav'
that track alive
That IS a dreadful speech to make.
is it? Well, 1t needn't make any dit
ference to any one that know off,
Before be could reply the signal wa
given, and the eight glittering chariot
drawn by thirty.two magnificent horses
adorned with golden harness and fyini
ribbons, started. Every driver wor
/. her own color and Mdlle. Louise ha
chosen faring garments Of pale blue
and helmet of silver. Down the trac
aew the chariots and drivers, the steed
l seeming to have human understand
4 ing of the struggle; the band burst inl