Louisiana capitolian., 1880-05-25

1ho maiden name OF tic auttOreSS was
Dora Shaw. Shc was born and grew
10 womanhood in the Wabash Valley,
Indiana. Her parents were plain, hon
orable people, blessed with plenty,
though not rich, as the world goes.
They loved their beautiful Dora, and
bestowed Oh her an education which
very few females ever receive. That
accomplished, to we'd her to some veal
Thy and distinguished gentleman, as 's
Zoo often tho case, they had tho fatal
delusion that the daughters will should
be sacriilced upon tho altar of mammon
thst wealth and ambition should BIO pre-
ferred TO love.
In 1850, +. s. LeBaum and Dora Shaw
were married. LeBaum was q citizen
and the possessor of an immense prop
erty in st. Louis. Being in the Wabash
Valley, on business for his house, he saw,
loved and wooed this yonng and beautl-
fnl woman. He then obtained her pa
rents consent, and marriage, which fol-
lowed, was hallowed by 10 love, save
upon tho side Of the husband.
Taking his bride homo to his splendid
palace in the city, she was there given
everything that wealth could bestow.
Still she was not happy. Did yon ever
sec a eontented eagle in gillcd cage
Tho young wife was at once introdud
ed to and became the admiration Of til
best people of the city. TO the oatwar
world shc appeared the happiest Of moi
tals, illustrating how few there arc vii
really know the secret sorrows Of I'll
human heart. She passed her hours
splendid misery.
At the time, the famous thcatrie'
manager, Ben DcBar, had fine comp
ny at tho st. Louis Theatre. His leadin
star was Miss Annette Ince-no less n
nowned for her acting mimic life tina
her beauty and many womanly virtues
To this theatre Mr.. and Mrs. LeBau1
won't ono night and witnessed pla.
Dora had never been inside q thcat,
before, and before tho curtain fell upo
tho second act she had made a rcsol'
tion that would change the whole cour'
of her life-she had determined to be d
actress like Miss 1nce.
An interview with tho. manager "
easily obtained, who saw in the aspir
tions of the lady happy hit, and p
gold in his purse. He gave her enco,
agement, dismissed the idea of hcr III
assuming a second part, but assured
she should make her debut in the lea
ing character of the play she had "
nessed-"Julia," in the "Hunchbaclf
Moro than encouraged, indeed cor
pletely resolved, Dora at once comme
eed tho study Of the play, and, posses
ing quick intelligence, was at lea
master of tho language in few day
Private rehcarsals appeared to give pd
feet satisfaction to the manager,
wall as to the company trained for tll
particular purpose and for that occasio
All this was kept from the husband.
One morning the city was throw
into a fcver by the announcement in
tho journals, and upon the bullet
boards, that "Miss Dora Shaw would a
poar that night as Julia, Sherid;
Knowles great play, entitled Il
Hunohback." LeBaum and his frien
were struck as if by thunderbOlt fro
Heaven. He first entreated, appealt
and threatened bis wife, and next Il
manager, and finally declared his inte
tion to murder her upon tho momc
she mado her appearance. The man
ger daily had all this passed into q
streets, which Of course increased q
sensation and strengthened tho desire
attend.
Every ticket was sold by ninc o'cloc
and it were needless to say that VIII
night came that place of amusement
cupied tho thoughts Of the city.
Tho curtain rose-Dora appeare
walked, stammcrcd, blushcd and 4
peatcd her part mechanically-like al
girl reading her composition at an O.
animation, the audience was pleased4
BY the novelty of the occasion. Th'
next tho third, tho fourth and fiftl
nights we're like tho first. The morbit
appetite of tho public, satiated will
novelty, demanded good acting. Thi
Dora could not supply. The audience
foil off, tho manager became restless
and refused to offer q Encouragement
but intimated that she had best 90 t.
another city.
In tho meantime LeBaum sued for
divorce, which was readily granted b.
the court. The next appearance o