The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-25
LILLY LANGTRY.
Inside Facts as to the Origin of the Lonsdale-
Chetwynd Scandal.

Inside Facts as to the Origin of the Lonsdale-
Chetwynd Scandal
Cable Special.
Inasmuch as the Lonsdale- Chetwynd quarrel
still continues to be frequent topic of CONVEX
sation here, and as all sorts Of strange and con-
Trajectory rumors are in circulation about it.,
the correspondent has taken the pains to ascer-
tain the actual facts about the origin of the
dispute now cable the whole story as related
to me, merely promising that my informant
guarantees its absolute correctness.
Sir George Chetwynd aud Lord Lonsdale are
both very old friends of Mrs. Langtry Owing to
some feeling of jealousy on her account, there
had been all through the last season mere or
less concealed enmity between these gentlemen.
Shortly before the row in the park Lord Ions
dale, while calling upon Mrs. Langtry at her
house, happened to see on the mantel-
piece a picture Of herself painted on
china He admired it very much, and as he
rose to take his leave he begged Mrs. Langtry to
make present of it to him. Mrs. Langtry
replied that the picture was not hers; that it
belonged to Messrs. Downey, the photographers,
who had refused to sell it even to her There
upon Lord Lonsdale said:
well, at all events, you can lend it to me. I
would like to show it to some one"
He was finally allowed to take it away on
condition Of returning it in few days.
Some time passed, however, and still Lord
Lonsdae neglected to keep his promise and
bring back the picture. The day before the final
outbreak of hostilites, Mrs Langtry was riding
in the park with Sir George Chetwynd on one
side of her and Lord Lonsdale and Mr.. Alfred
de Rothschd on the other. Mrs Langtry asked
Lord Lonsdale when he was going to give back
her picture.
ooh, he replied, Il am going to buy it from
Downey."
Sir George Chetwynd then chimed in, saving
that Lord Lonsdale ought to return the picture
and adding as he turned toward him:
eff you don't will make you
High words then followed from both sides
The same evening Lord Lonsdale wrote to
Sir George Chetwynd requesting an apology
and threatening cEastisement in case this was
refused. Sir George, however. did not see fit to
send an apology, and the following day--wisely
or unwisely-Lord Lonsdae proceeded to the
park to put his threat into execution. He began
by Haunting in Sir George Chetwynds face the
receipt from Downey, whom he had finally
persuaded to sell him the picture which had
been the bone of the whole contention. He then
committed the assault as it was described at the
time. 1t is not true that the Prince of Wales
had hand in the settlement of the unfortunate
affair, which was finally arranged by the good
Offices of Lord Colthorpe and Lord Huntly.
Apropos of Mrs Langtry, believe that, ac-
cording to her present plans, she will probably
not return TO America before autumn Of next
year She wishes to add to her repertoire before
going back, and with that view intends making
extended tours of the provinces where there is
more scope for acting in and creating new roles
Mr.. Willis and Mr.. Herman Merivae are both
writing new plays intended for Mrs. Langtry.
Mr.. Wis's play. the Little Tramp" is said to
be likely to be very good. 1t is the story of a
country yokel whose ambition is to become an
actor. If Mrs. Langtry accepts the part she
will personate the young tramp in doublet
and hose as yokel One scene is rather pecu-
liar. The little tramp disappears. His supposed
corpse is found in river lie attends his own
funeral. The story is founded on an actual ad-
venture which happened to Miss Ellen Terry,
who disappeared for few days without letting
her friends know where che had gone The