Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-10-26
FEEDING THE SQUIRRELS
And Acting Natures Real Part.

A representative of this journal,
while on duty yesterday morning had
occasion to pass through the park,
where his attention was attracted by
the presence Of young and handsome
lady, whose attitude plainly evinced
that she was awaiting the arrival OF
some one, while the squirrels gambol
ed briskly about her, and one, more
adventuresome than his fellows, even
clung to the skirt of her dress with a
half formed intention Of mounting to
her hand. The lady's face seemed
familiar but it was not until the ar
rival OF her evidently expected com
panion that the reporter, recognizing
the latter was able to fix upon her
identity.
The new conner, whose steps were
bent from the bakery opposite, ap-
peared with a supply of bread crumbs,
and it was for these, with which to
feed the sportive squirrels, that the
lady had been so anxiously looking.
Then ensued scene Of the most in
teresting description. This demure
and digni6ed lady became as free
from restraint as the diminutive
creatures feeding from her hand.
She seemed to revel in the fresh
morning air, to become imbued with
the freedom of her surroundings
to feel the gayety and abandon Of
childhood. In the midst of her froliC
with the frisky animals the eye of her
companion caught that of the reporter
and grasp of the hand Immediately
followed, for the two were friends ol
long standing whom circumstances
and many miles Of space had
separated for years. After the
greeting an introduction followed
and the reporter was made acquainted
with Miss Jefreys- Lewis, whom he
had seen at the theater the previous
evening interpreting a character SC
utterly at variance with her own, as
evidenced by her present occupation
that this was naturally the subject
irst preached between them,
why, Miss Lewis" said the re
porter, IL ought to have recognized
your face, yet your surroundings nov
differ so materially from those il
| which / saw you last night that posi-
bly, my failure was natural. Pardon
me if remark that your portrayal o
La Belle Russo would never sugges
| your fondness for indulgence in sucl
innocent pastime as this2"
"No2" said the lady. eleyating he
eyebrows. Am | personally, then
acquiring reputation for other char
acteristics than those Of innocence?
The reporter could make no repl
TO this question so archly put, othe
than a pointed compliment upon he
artistic success in so thoroughly as
suming the role in which she stars, an
| the conversation led to discussion {
parts, and the inferences drawn by tn
public concerning the individual
playing them. "All the worlds
stage" quoted MissILewis, but thel
are times when or must be one S sci
acting no part but that implanted b
nature. This is one of those occasion
for me. could no more prevent n
Joyous spirits showing themselves t,
day than l could prohibit yonder So
from casting its bright rays upon Il
grateful earth. And why should
tryP / Ihave every reason to be happ
In the first place, this is my birth-da
my friends have generously remen
beTed mo. and | am remembering n
little iourfooted friends here, who
ACQUAINTANCE l made on 70
: mer visit to Memphis. Tht
do not strive to conce
their pleasure; Its exhibition is pa
of their nature, and happiness is col
tagious-I have caught the infection
and Miss Lewis continued in tn
merry vein until in a few moments q
recollection of the intriguing al
vengotul BEATRICE bad Vanished befo
the charming personality OF the lag
who interprets that characteT.
making his adieus, the reporter cou
not help wishing that all those WI
witness "La Belle kusse" at Leubri,
this week, could have an npportuni
of learning the total difference th
exists between Miss Jeifreys Lewis
the title role Of that play and the sar
. lady in her everyday private life.