The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-06-11
Il LOVE AFFAIR OF JENNY LIND,s
ne was Poor Character and the Engage
ment Was Broken on.

NO one could see Jenny Lind and not
fall under the charm OF her perfect nat
| uralness. freshness and originality
Although her features were irregular she
was anything but plain; her complexion
was fair; she had abundant naxen hair.
and the most wonderful gray eyes. a
beautiful hgure and hands and arms,
and graceful movements. Hers was not
the SLOW, sinuous grace which has its own
charm; her movements were light. de-
cided and expressive. She always seemed
TO DO everything more quickly than any
one else. AT this time she was studying
| the part OF Susanna-a sweet part" she
said II was, and had the partition of the
Nozze almost always on her knee. In
the evening she sang her Swedish songs
and then we all went out TO listen to the
| nightingales singing under the magn.h-
cent old beeches. She had a passion for
the song of these little sisters" OF hers.
and used to mimic them and excite their
rivalry, so that the air was filled with
music.
1t was strange that II should have been
the fate OF my father who was entirely
destitute Of musical sense 20 be OF use
10 the most celebrated singer Of the day.
IL was In 1879; she had resolved 10 give
up the stage, and had affianced herself !
10 Mr. Claudius Harris, young Indi IN |
whom she met at the Palace. Norwich.
My mother and had just returned from
our drive one cold afternoon in April,
and j found in the hall ncte from Mile.
Lind, asking me 10 bes my father 10 call
on her next day 70 meet her trustees
about her marriage settlements, either
at 3, or. II that were not possible, at 8
A. NJ. II so happened that he was not
free at 3, so he went 10 her at O. She did
M
They entered at once upon business and
my father soon found out that che was
very halfhearted out the matter alto
gether. Indeed she could scarcely have
found a partner less suited 10 her. Mr..
Harris and his family were intensely low
church. and they thought that the re-
r.ainder OF the great TRINA donaa's life
could not be more appropriately speat
than in atoning for her theatrical career.
The attraction 10 Jenny was in her
lovers goodness. She said he had such
A pure mind"
But when she was first introduced TO
him she said to Mrs. Stanley. Whit a
dull young man" Nothing could be
more true. He was heavy and STUPID.
put tall fair and good-looking. The
SANKEY'S supported Jenny In her resolu-
ion 10 give up the stage, and so indeed
lid Mrs. Grote from different reason,
or. In spite OF her intense sympathy
With her young friends artistical career,
he saw that the strain was too great.
emmy was worn out by fatigue and emo
ion. She threw herself into every part
s II she herself were suffering the woes :
Z the heroine unlike other great actors ,
nd actresses who succeed In making
heir representations 20 a certain degree !
Mechanical. But her essentially truthful :
oirit could not do this. The tears she /,
Iept in La Sonpambula" came from :
er heart. We had more than once the ,
tage box, and could see that she was a
lrnost overpowered by her feelings. She )
adj led this trying life for upward OF
venty years. and she longed for rest =
nd the peace and regularity OF domestic :
g.. The manager of Her Majesty's !
heatre Mr. Lumiey, was in despair. IL a
as almost ruin to him 10 lose her, and :
. urged for at least a few farewell per- .
FINANCES She offered instead series
: dramatic concerts, Only one took =
ace. a
Although the "Flauto Magico,"' which :
as chosen for the first performance, /,
-ould seem 10 be independent OF acting
he libretto is so eminently stupid and
ndra mitic), yet, in spite OF Jenny Lind's !,
olendid singing, the whole affair fell nat. :
her great disappointment Never be-
IRE had she met with cold reception. | .
RS. Grots and Lumley entreated her 10 !.
We the operate performances, but she =
ould not yield. At length my father :,
l-ceeded where they failed. He sug- .,
,sted that Harris could not object II a.
} really loved her; he urged the unfair Il
SIS Of disappointing Lumley. and. finally r,
e unsatisfactory termination which Ia
ilure would put 10 her whole career, W
} she promised to give six farewell %
shts. LUmley was overjoyed and sent bs
boxes for all six. The enthusiasm OF W
Q audience knew no bounds. Yet no he
e could believe that the singer. In the IN
ny plentitude OF her powers (she was ar
ly twenty-eight), really intended these by
10 the last OF her triumphs. Bu, IL
10 so. and after the curtain fell on the sn
st OF the SIX, she never appeared again We
any stage. Mr.. Harris had consented wi
these performances. and he and Jenny ",
ire once more on good terms an
She lived at this time In little mousse on
nv near US IL was called Clairville Pc
ttage; Il was covered with roses ana bu
,epsrs; IL had q pretty garden. and was no
orouxhly rural. The backs OF the houses lie,
Breehin place now occupy the srould ssr
. and claudius Harris often Joined our we
lntYy rides. He generally fell 20 my | SRI
are. and did not find him exciting Gu
npany. Lord Lansdowne sometimes rel
ned US and also came 20 meet them at | sia
Iner, but We did not venture TO invite or
Y one else except the Grotes and one r.,
two other Of Jenny's intimate friends. ha
seemed going on swimminely and Mrs. W,
ote went of 10 Paris. followed soon eli
er by my father. but before he went | 20
said to jenny Lind. Something tells ca
that your marriage will not take An
ce II II should be broken off again | az