The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-11-27
GOODWIN WAS CURIOUS.
HE WANTED TO KNOW WHAT ron
SONS PLAY WAS ABOUT.
West On the Stage In Hts Ulster During
the First Act 60 Make I.quiries, Rut
was Satisfied with nn Introduction 90
the Audience He was " HeuttnR.0

West On the stage in Hts Ulster Duri.p
the First Act 60 Make I.quIries, Rut
was Satisfied with m I~ntroduction "a
the Audience He was Hesting.'
CHICAGO. Nov. 20.-stuart Robson's company
gave their first performance Of Buckstones old
comedy, Leap Year; or, the Ladies' Privilege
at the Chicago Opera House last night. just g
moment before the curtain was to ring down or
the first act there came on the stage from the
left a man wearing a long checked ulster and
carrying a Derby hat in his hand.
His reddish-blond hair was rumpled. and
that part Of his face not concealed by the col.
lar was in n cherry flush. Miss Grace Franklin
Lynch, who played the part Of Mrs. FlDTcrby
saw him and said "o.o-hl" as II frightened.
The others did not notice him until he had
come nearly to the centre of the stage. where lie
made a slow waving gesture with his Derby hat
and said:
Excuse me, ladies, but what is all this play
about Z"
The comedy came to a dead stop, and the
players stared: blankly at the blond :hair which
stuck out above the checked ulster. The audi.
ence was very quiet, but in a puzzled way IL be-
gan TO perceive that the newcomer didn't be-
long in the piece. Mr.. Robson was the first to
recover himself.
"who are you p' he asked rather sharply. as
he advanced toward the short man wrapped in
the ulster.
How are you, Mr.. Robson ?" said the short
man, extending his hand. Mr.. Robson seemed
to suddenly recognize his visitor.
"why. Mr.. Goodwin, how are you 1' he said,
and he shook hands. Ladies and gentlemen.
Mr.. Nat Goodwin" he added, turning to the
footlights, and wheeling with him the man in
the ulster.
The people In the house recognized for the
first time the warm but triumphant features Of
Mr.. Goodwin. who wasn't known to be in Chi
cago. and who certainly wasn't billed to play at
any theater. Mr.. Goodwin made n very short
bow. There were gasps of establishment and
prolonged "oh-h-h-hs" from all parts Of the
house.
pleted the introduction. lie turned Mr.. Good
win about and headed him for an exit, and MIR.
Goodwin, with slow and uncertain step, passed
BY that time the house had recovered suf-
fCisntIy to s Ea} aud. and d. th RoS SS,1ery began to
mp the lines Of his part. fhe act lasted hardly
a minute longer, but that minute was lost in
handclapping and confusion.
As soon as the curtain, fell Mr.; Robson
hurried of the stage and took Mr. Goodwin With
eomp 20 sS' Rest" qsest'" On rS SUNDAY W. '0oo"'n anu III
They had closed the week at st. Paul, and
Mr.. Goodwin took a roundabout way TO Daven;
spent a few hours in Chicago with his friends.
1t was about go'clock when he came to the stage
door OF the Chicago Opera House and asked IL
he might go In and call on Mr.. Robson.
Tell Mr.. Robson said he, that Mr.. Good
win wishes to See him."
The man at the door took the message TO Mr..
Robson, who was about to go on the stage to
conclude the first act. Mr.: Robson said he would
be glad To see Mr.. Goodwin. When Goodwin
was admitted to the stage, instead OF remaining
behind the scenes he deliberately walked ont
before the footlights. to the amazement of the
stage hands and the horror of the players.
Being muifed In his coat and sOmewha
mussed rs to his hair. even Mr.. Robson didn't at
once recognize him. He was quick to grasp the
situation, however, As soon as Mr.. Goodwin
spoke. There was no mistaking the voice. Mr..
Goodwin left the theatre In a carriage and was
driven to the Richelieu Hotel. where he retired.