The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1881-04-14
A Maggie Mitchell Reminiscense.

A gentleman now resident in Kansas
City, bat who was born and spent his
minority in an Eastern city, related
to friend at the theater the following
incident, suggested by Maggie Mitchell's
presence:
"At 20,"' said he, 81 was q very inn
pressible youth. was often smitten
with the fair sex, but usually cured after
an interview. Perhaps" said he, smil-
ing, ''this is the reason why I never be-
came Benedict. But was never more
seriously in love than with this very
Maggie Mitchell who is playing before
us tonight, and as I look at her thou
sand thoughts and reflections of nearly
twenty years ago pass vividly before my
mind. You may surmise was never
very deeply in love. This may be true,
in general SENSE, but it is quite certain
that my love for Maggie passed for some
thing very like that divine passion while
it lasted. This was the way of it: 1
had been studying very hard in prepara-
ton to enter the sophomore class in col
lege, and was taking rest, possibly
somewhat weakened both mentally and
physically. I saw Maggie Mitchell in
the Pearl of Savoy, and on leaving the
theater found myself in q dream OF
love for this fair actress. My companion
did not share my enthusiasm, and l got
away from him and wandered the streets
alone until late Hour. Next night
found me at the theater only to become
more fully and completely snittens if
possible.
That entire night spent in wandering
in the vicinity of her hotel, and gazing
up at its windows. I thought Of Romeo
and Juliet, and only wished the scenes
of those days were possible in the nine
teenth century. I was harrassed with
doubts and fears, withal, and wondered
| if she were married, and then if her hus-
band appreciated her, and then If she
would see anything in me attractive. !
even went SO far as to imagine she might
receive me kindly if could be properly
introduced.
From that conjecture I built up a vast
structure of possibilities of pleasant
| acquaintance, to be followed by kind
of regard on her part, then by love. ]
would be so attentive and SO devoted
that she could not resist. But the hus-
band. This reflection sent my passions
Barometer down little. But would
manage her anyway.
1 4IuOy UAlOuS1ho, coNA NOAksA4OS "a eAA>
laws of society always turn out badly
but I would inaugurate new precedent
and would take my love to Ceylon, OF
some other fowery isle, far, far from this
miserable world. My Maggie would ne
doubt be willing to go.
I awaited the morning, and about II
a. M, with my courage at the highes
point I could screw it, entered her hotel
| was about to present my card to tht
clerk to be sent up to the author of my
two sleepless nights and days, when |
heavy sized, dark complexioned maj
began conversation with the clerk, and
| hesitated. Said the clerk:
"Good morning, Mr.. Paddock; how i
| your wife this morning?"
The gentlemen made reply:
"Quite well, thank you;- but we ar
thinking of leaving the stage. Fact is
Maggie thinks this not just the kind o
life now, and she sighs for the tranquil
ity of domestic peace. She has beel
many years on the stage. and she think
our children ought to have more of her
s'Heavens!' thought I. And I wen
out from that place into the fresh air
and pinched myself vigorously-Kansa
CitU Times,