The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-24
ATALK WITH MRS. POTTER
SHE aRACIoUsLY AoooRDs AN m
TERvIEw TO AN APPEAL MAN.
Society Dramas Preferred Because Emo
ton. Sentiment and Elaborate Paris
Gowns Figure Extensively = Compli-
mentary Reception this Afternoon
Social Matters.

An APPEAL man hastily boarded the
handsome parlor car used by Mrs. Potter
yesterday afternoon, and was met at the
entrance by Mr.. Kyrle Bellew, to whom
he presented his card and stated his mis-
sion. Mr.. Bellew politely informed
the reporter that Mrs. Potter was never
sat home" on board the car, but would
probably give the desired interview at the
theatcr. So with patience he awaited the
arrival Of tho actress, and after allowing
her the usual time for change Of costume,
he again presented his card and was adj
mitted to the dressing-room. As busy as
she WINS, il did not prevent her extending
cordial shake and greeting to the news
paper man with charming smile.
Mrs. Potter is not the same woman in
the drcssing-room that she is before the
footlights. Her animation is one Of her
choicest charms.
Informal and gracious was the reception
at her hands. Almost ready for her first
entrance, she still had time TO say few
words with one OF the tribe OF ews-gath-
crers. Around the small room were the
numerous elements OF woman's ward
robe; wraps and skirts hung from hooks or
were hastily flung across chairs, while on
the dressing table all the paraphernalia Of
the making up" process were displayed.
The blush on her check was from three
time application OF the rouge, while the
arched eyebrows were considerably aug
mented in size and color by use OF the
pigment, but her glorious wealth OF dark
aburn hair and her large, expressive eyes
were all her own. She wore soft cling
ing India silk, which fell from her Shout
ders in soft and graceful folds. During her
talk her hands were busy tying the
gay sill,cn girdlc around her slender waist
this dress, trying on most forms, suited
admirably the slender, sinuous shape
which It inclosed. A maid was busy pre-
pairing the paints and pencils, which were
artis,ically applied and brought into better
view the handsome proportions Of her
face.
With the usual apology for intrusion,
the reporter opened with:
"Mrs. Potter, do you feel sufficient en-
couragement in the step you have taken
TO continue your stage career?"
ooh, yes indeed" she replied. 81 am
| BoliiR uncdu, unu tlANc no nptlDi Vi TURN
ing back. expected 10 find hard work
when | began, but II does not deter me.
The travelling in the south l find much
harder on me on account Of the poorer
fare, but then / never mind that, am in
love with my arts"
"Do you find any difference between the
audiences In the south and north p
~ can hardly tell" she lisped, as she
spread the thick red paint upon her lips.
81 was ocordially received In Boston-no,
not more than in New York, but NO much
more than 1 expected, while in Philadel.
phia received most charming welcome"
A moment or two WIS allowed the ar.
tistc TO adorn her eyebrows with the pen.
Gil, and she again turned her handsome
face 10 the reporter 10 answer bis question
Us TO her choice between tragic and comedy
roles.
"My preference lies in the lighter society
dramas, In which emotion and sentiment
are equally combined. There nm excellent
opportunity for the display OF some hand
some Paris gowns will be given me. Next
season my repertoire will he larger. My
flrst season has not given me the satisiac-
ton / expected. My contract for next
season will be with Mr.. Abbey and ex.
pect TO accomplish great deal"
"Mrs. Potter, OF course you will attend
the reception 10 be rendered you on Fri
day afternoon7"
"why, I haven't been asked yet" she
lauglingly replied. ''Thc first intimation
] had was the mention you made TO Mr..
Bellew this afternoon. / appreciate the
compliment very much. should have
tender memories Of Memphis, Tor one Of
the incest notices ever received was from
a Memphis paper. Soc, I am going TO wear
your flowers tonight" and she placed on
her bosom small bunch OF violets which
the reporter had left for her In the after
noon. A few more touches Of the brush
and pufIs and the fair Inez OF the play was
prepared for her entree.
The stern tones OF the leading man de-
handing. "MA Potter, are you rcady2''
prevented further communication, and A
hasiy retreat from the drossing-room was
necessary. She gaciously rendered TnK
ArrEAL man an exquisite rose from tho
pile on the dressing table, which he pre-
serves as a tender souvenir Of short but
memorable interview with the woman
most widely known after Mrs. Cleveland.