The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-12-08
Two eHosr1Y CRITICS.

The house where the French dancers per-
form was crowded the other night. The bril-
liant lights illumined tho old theatre 90 as to
bring out all the splendor Of the brilliantly
dressed audience and the gorgeous tinsel OF
the stage. Only one private box was empty.
but even this break In the rank upon rank OF
faces and figures was delusive. There were
two spectators In the front OF that box. not
apparent to the vulgar eve. They were the
spirits OF man and woman who had visited
the same scenes together in the flesh in times
long past. but who now sat Invisible. OF less
material substance than the yapor which
horors upon misty mountain top.
Could all have seen this couple they would
have been moro interested in thcm thnn in the
play. Tho spectral clothing OF the pair would
nave held all eyes. Tho mans spirit wore
black SILK stock around limp linen collar a
black velvet waistcoat. broadcloth coat cut
III toioIlow his figure above the waist and then
hnrInG out and down In two long tails The
spirit Of tho lady was dress ed-so far as could
be seen-n great straw bonnet covered over
with i'owers. in q thin shawl OF figured black
silk. aud undor that dress OF dark stun with
an enormous skirt dlstcnded by crinolins.
Tho ballet corps that had been dancing
moved. In two companios. TO the sides OF the
stage. ono facin. the other. There was mo-
ments pause and IN expectant hush.
Now said the spectre Of the man. "we
shall SEQ the Elsslcrs Of to day"
We shall" replied tho voice from beneath
the unsubstGntial straw bonnet.
Then came rush OF four French girls upon
the stage. Theywsre not dressed like dancers
They wore the long dresses and pettlcoats OF
ordinary women In and out OF doors. Indeed
even their undcrmost garments wero Of tho
same sort that most WON en- woar as was on
when tho dancers lifted their drRperies to
n level with their waists In order to FREQ their
feet for action. The Ghos.ly man in the box
turned to his gentle companion with look OF
nma2ement. She did not sec it. She was hid
Ing her face with hand that wore yellow
Sill en- glove.
With q torrent OF mad music the dance
began. But It was = burst Of hilarious
violence rather than dancing. It was an
abandonment to the music-A mere keeping
Of time with kicking and rushing and whirl-
Ing. In the midst OF it the women put down
their heads. turned somersaults. and came to
II halt. sitting on the floor each with her legs
stretched wide apart on either side. The wild
finging OF legs and petticoats back and forth
over tho stage was renewed again. and
each spasm OF it ended with this strange
acrobatio feat. except when tho dancers
came together and one held o foot
against the foot OF another far above her head
The astounded spirits were turning sadly
away when they were stopped for moment
by the ghost OF an old circus manager.
This is not new-this trick of the dancers"
snid he. 1T Is an old standby OF the circus"
Tho aSed. flm-liko couple bowed to the
shadow OF the circus manager In acknowledge
Inent OF his courtesy. then turned anu a gain
looked at the tumblirg girls upon the stage.
Tho dancers were reaching for "the flies I"
with their feet.
Margaret" said tho shade OF Ralph Waldo
Emerson. who years ago. in his companions
company. had confessed the thrill OF natural
delight with the lovely action OF Fanny Elssler.
this is not poetry"
NO. Ralph" said the feminine ghost.
neither is it religion"