The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-05-14
Charlotte CIlshmRn.

Perhaps the last actress that anyone
would suppose ever experienced that tender
passion, much less suffered from the pangs
Of nnrcquitcd love, was Charlotte Cush-
man; aud yet twice In her life she was
ready to sacrifice everything for the man
of her heart. Miss Cushman received a
common school education in Boston, Her
desk-nlatc was the daughter of an actor,
which led to frequent conversations upon
theatrical matters. and took sn interest IN
them to such an extent that Miss Cushman
determined as a child that, should fate ever
compel her to adopt q public life, the stage
would be Der preference. She had barely
reached the age of sixteen before she was
deeply enamored of young gentleman
who had his way to make in the world, and
a speedy marriage beng thereby prevent cd,
she had little thought of hope but to do
away with the obstacles which separated
them. Circumstances soon compelled her
to cast about for some means of self.s SUD.
port, her mother being widow with seven
children to provide Tor. Miss Cushman
had pretty, sympathetic, singing voice,
of no great power, but much sweetness.
Mrs, Wood was an English ballad singer,
among the first Of that class TO make a
great sensation IN this country, and during
an engagement in Boston Miss Cusilman
managed t, be introduced to her, and
finally under Mrs. Woods auspices, she
made her appearance in the concert room,
being simply announced as a young lady. )
Her success was sufficiently pronounced to
determine her TO continue in that mode Of
life, Or at least until her betrothcd should
have become able to marry her; but he
took great umbragc at what he stigmatzcd
AN unwomailly proceeding and declared
she had disgraccd him. Hot words fol-
lowed on her side, and after much alterca-
ton and mutual pain the engagement was
broken off, and Charlotte Cushman was
free TO follow out her destiny as great
artist. She went her way, and he went
his. After much bard struggling it led
HIM into the establishment of sorc-a
sort of trimming store combined with ready.
made clothing for ladies and children---in
which he prospcrcd. Lie is now ono of the
foremost merchants OF the kind in Boston.
Long years elapsed before the two met
again. Charlotte was famous, and he
nfllucht and influential. They met as
strangers meet, were introduced, and ever
attcrward ma ntained am cable but not
amatOry relations, 70: nc had MARI cd in
the meantime.
A few years ago | was in Boston and
dropped into his store t. make some pur-
chascs 1t happened mat Miss Cushman
preceded me q few steps. AS soon rs the
hoor-walkcr caught sight Of her he hurried
Off and returned with the proprietor,a hale
ruddy-faccd. whitc-haircd gentleman, OF
quiet and dignif1cd bearing.
They took rather than shook hands, he
holding hers for o moment, and then side
by side they walked to the back of the
store. TO sec those two calm, self cUp-
taincd, old silvcr-halred people, one would
have little suspected the hearlrending ro-
nance which hung over their youth. 1t Is
all very fine to despisc money. but the lack
of 1t frequently changes the dcstinies OF
entire lives. Had Miss Cushman's lover
been only sufficiently we'll off to have
married her at the blooming Of their love,
IN all probability the stage would have