Morning journal and courier., 1888-01-26
WANTED TO JOIN THE CIRCUS.
How Manager Robbins Cured the
 Foolish Whim of Society Lady.

From the New York Star.l A good many queer things happen at eve- " circus, and the successful winter circus now in full blast at the American Institute has proved no exception to the rule. At the close of the matinee performance on Friday two ladies who had occupied box, and one of whom at least had exhibited more than ordinary interest in the show, remained seat ed until after the several thousand spectators had taken their departure. Then, as they gave no indication of leaving the building, an usher politely approached and informed them that the entertainment was concluded for that afternoon.
 To his surprise the gentlemanly usher found that one of the ladies was in tears and that the other was greatly agitated. Both ladies wore veils, but it was easy to see that one was much older than the oth- weeping, and she was evidently on the verge of mysteries. The elder lady ad- dressed her as Julia and besought her to leave the building, to which appeal the other shook her head and refused to move.
 Finally the mother of the girl, for such proved to be their relationship, requested the privilege of an interview with the pro- prietor of the circus. Mir. Robbins, who is young and sympathetic, although he is the owner of big and prosperous winter circus, went at once to the box and rendered his aid in whatever direction it might be required. Drawing him to one side, the mother of the weeping girl, who was herself now rapidly approaching the fearful stage, informed MT. Robbins that her daughter was possessed of the mania to become circus performer and was unwilling te leave the building until she had secured an engagement as bareback rider.
 My daughter" continued the lady, who was evidently person of refinement, tshas suffered for several months with violent ner- vous headaches, and fear it has unhinged her mind. Will you," she continued, ap- pealing to MT. Robbins, tkindly put her off with some vague promise of future engage ment? and perhaps then can persuade her to go home without making any further scene"
 'Is your daughter a good horsewomanl'' inquired MT. Robbins.
 "Oh, yes," was the reply, fshe rides ex- tremely well, and has for the last year been 8 member of riding club in this city"
 'Then," said MT. Robbins, ''if you will permit me, we will try an experiment which I think will be of benefit"
 After explaining his purpose, and having obtained the mothers consent, one of his ring horses was led into the east ring at the Second avenue end of the amphitheater. The horse was without saddle and the young lady was invited to mount. She naturally demurred, not being in the proper cos tune, but Mr. Robbins explained that that would be the very best test of her ability, and that he must insist upon her mounting at onee He wouldn't require her to attempt to stand on the horse.
 By this time the young lady had ceased to weep, and with very red cheeks nervously approached the horse which Mr. John Pur- wis, the equestrian director of the circus, was holding by the bridle. At the lady's ap- proaeh the horse began series of antics which were simply appalling. Mr. Purvis seemed trying to quiet the animal, which reared and plunged all the more. Bucking brenehos were not circumstance to that trick horse.
 ''Come, hurry up," said Ar. Robbins in severe tone. "Here, give me your foot; we've no time to waste. I've g dozen other lady applicants waiting in my office."
 But the young lady had had enough of the circus. Without word she took her moth CTS arm and llft the building.
 Mir. Robbins, although he learned the names of the ladies, positively refuses to make them known. The family name is, however, very well known one i'll New York, and the young lady has always been considered a most accomplished horsewoman