The morning call., 1894-04-07
roles will be one of real life with the mask

roles will be one of real life with the mask
gone.
There will be no footlights or scenic
effects, no music nor admission fees, for in
this play the Stock wells will have none Of
the accessories furnished by art. 1t may
be a little game of hearts. though most
likely 1t will reveal the wide distance be-
tween fancy and reality. or at least how
stage folk are off the ever attractive
boards.
There are some theatrical people who
suggest that Stockwell, once the genius OF
the local stage. has been hoodooed some
how, ia what manner cannot be deter
mined. Not so very long ago everything
went well with him. Money rolled in and
life was gay and easy. But change
came, bringing waning fortunes, failures
and disappointments. In the halcyon
times be married. became a successful
manager ana made a nice home in San
Francisco for his attractive wife. Then
the Stockwells were happy-so the world
thought, with good reason. Without
either an invitation or ticket the actors
hoodoo appeared. Losses and anxiety
followed, and everybody knows when
at the window.
The home life of Stockwell and his wife
was Swallowed by dark cloud. Troubles
came and Mrs. Stockwel, the actress,
began to feel in reality how bitter is the
grief Of a discarded woman. In the play
it was all hollow mockery. More than
this, she felt the pangs of hunger and for
some time was actually depending on the
charity of neighbors. Her husband failed
and went eastward, while size was left in
an empty house without food, money or
friends. Appeals for remittance re-
ceived no answer, and at last Ethel Bran
don-off the stage Mrs. ckwell-started
out again to earn her living. She went to
the Northwest and so far has been sue
cessful in playing, while deep-rooted
within there ranked that feeling against
her husband which has impelled her to
leave him legally and forever.
That she may accomplish this much
desired result Ethel Brandon will sue for
a legal separation from her husband. Her
attorneys are O'Byrne, Romaine &
O'Byrne in this city, and they have been
entrusted with her case.
A member of the law firm was ques-
toned about the proposed legal contest
yesterday, but he declined to discuss it.
1--WE canuot talk about Mrs. Stockwcll's
affairs" said he, although enough could
be said for her side. People could never
believe how this lady has been treated, o,
ma!treated If you will. They will know
soon, perhaps. would be only too glad
to say what think, but you must excuse
me-"
Mrs. Stockwell is about to sue for q
divorce. is she moi? ?" was asked.
swell, not exactly a divorce" was the
answer. ''Mrs. StockWell does not believe
in divorces. She wants legal separa-
tion. You know she is Catholic, and
cares only to be separated from her hus,
band"
The attorney was surprised to hear that
the family troubles of the Stockwells had
haen mentioned abroad. Beyond plying
questions regarding the story he refused
n say another word after making the ad.
mission.
Itismore than likely that the legal pro-
caedines will be held in this city. but
whether action will be taken before Mrs.
Stockwelps tour is ended could, not be
learned from her attorneys.
The Stockwells lived together last at 63s
nFarrell street, where they had com'