The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-01-17
TIE GREAT ENGLISH TENOR.
Mr.. Sims Reeves the Champion of
Beauty In Distress.

Mr.. Sims Reeves, in his Life and
Recollections," tells the following:
On the opening night of Fra Dia-
volo" at Her Majesty's l happened
during a "wait'' to be near one of the
side scenes. and my attention was at
once arrested by female chorus
singer, whom had not previously no
ticed. She was girl of very striking
appearance, with a lovely face and
tall, clasically nodded form. Her ner-
vOus, amateurish manner only seemed
to make her beauty more remarkable.
l listened with some curiosity for
her voice, and was surprised to hear,
as it blended with those of the other
singers, that it was a rich and reson-
there was something mysterious about
that it would be duty to shield her
from evil was also clear, for
in the managers box were MIR.
MOncrieff and his friend, Lord
Fitz Ordinary, both closely watching
her. Subsequently / went
into the green-roOm. and there stood
the young chOrus-singer, with down
cast eyes and blushing painfully, while
Lord Fitz Ordinary was apparently
paying her the most devoted attention.
Mr.. Moncrieff lowered in the back
ground with an impression on his face
which made me long to thrash him
then and there. ! crossed over to the
girl, unheeding the scowl which knit
tedthe brow of the wretched little sprig
of nobility at my approach, and said
to her: "YOu have a beautiful voice,
n l..aA
ing singer?"
''Oh. Mr.. Reeves, she replied. en-
thusiasm overcoming for a moment
her nervous shyness. sit is my one am
bition'
Have you ever sung in public be-
fore?"
NO" she said, while her would-be
admlrer tidgeted angrily at my temer-
ity. -,
Have you ever been on the stage?"
Never until tonight"
Your voice has been trained,
thought"
''It has," she admitted with an en-
barresed air.
''May | ask by whomP"
'Stage waits, MIR. Reeves" shouted
the call-bOy; and hastened from the
room. At last the curtain
fell, and rs | was leaving the stage l
happened to encounter the ballet-mis-
Lress. Whispering my suspicious, and
taking some money from my purse, L
said: You understand now, and
will let me know everything that hap
pens"
"You are very kind, Mr.. Reeves; I'll
do what / can"
rushed to the dressing-room, hasti-
ly changed my stage costume, and
hurried downstairs. found the bal
let-mistress waiting for me. She
whispered: ''The managers carriage
is standing in Bedford street, with Lord
F. and the lady inside"
Come with me Mt once" / said.
As we reached the spot MIR. Mon
crietf was leaving the vehicle, which
was on the point of starting. l ran to
the horses head, and the coachman
instantly pulled up, while taken COM
pletely aback, Mr.. Moncrieff remained
speechless as opened the door.
When she saw me the frightened
girl leaned forward eagerly, saying. in
an appealing voice: Take me away;
oh, do take me awaym
"What the devil do you want herep"
shouted his lordship in fury. / made
no answer; but merely saying Come"
to the girl, helped her out of the car
riage before he could detain her.
His confederate, who was an enrag-
ed us himself, endeavored to seize the
poor, scared creature and to threat
en- me; but, placing her in charge of
the ballet-mistress, | turned to him and
said: II do not fear you or any man
and if yon have any grievance in the
matter bring it into a court of law"
Happily restored to her parents, the
deluded girl has never since attempted
to follow theatrical career.