Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1894-03-16
CARLOTTA.

the bottom of the whole story. When
first began to trace it by inquiries
among circus managers, performers and
employees, was myself doubter. The
whole thing was SO strange, romantic
and remarkable that did not give 1T
much credence.
1t seemed so improbable, so impossi-
Die, that for time thought it absurd,
too ridiculous to investigate.
myself had seen Carlotta on her
first appearance in America and re-
member her as q great artist, a superb
creature, very dark, very beautiful, and
such eyes, so large, so black at the first
!ook-it seemed as though her face was
all eyes.
do not remember whether Carlotta
was Spanish OF Italian. She had many
accomplishments and spoke several Ian
guages She had been about everywhere
all over The world, following her pro-
fession, and on account of her splendid
talent commanding the highest of sal
aries.
The manager who induced the black
eyed Carlotta to come to America in
deed secured a prize-that rare thing,
drawing card. The equestrienre came
direct from St. Petersburg to New York,
bringing her own ring stock and accom-,
panied by a groom.
There was no opportunity at that time
Cor the company with which the artist
was to appear to open in New York, al
though during the season Philadelphia
and Boston We're favored with an oppor-
sunity Of seeing real queen Of the arena.
From all that | can learn the foreign
artist was exceedingly tractable, or, as
the manager phrased it, easy to get
along with. Said the senior partner to
me, IF there was ever a woman who
minded her own business. it is she. "
Corlotta, though, was reticent and
dignihed and although she was not ia
nniliar nor permitted any familiarity On
the part OF the other members ct the
company every attache admired her and
spoke in her praise. 1t was the same
with the ring people, the concert folks
and the working force.
The beautiful rider at this time wore
a serious air, and while she was not
pining away or running into decline
Il smile rarely rose to her lips, except
when the applause rang around the ring
and the peoples plaudits caused her
| black eyes to dance with pleasure.
Some surnlised that the woman was
| honesick and sighed for more familiar
scenes and surroundings, and one sym
c:o ba l,oI I,o-,caif l,aoy,
touched by Cupid S dart, remarked:
Il guess if the truth We're known Car
lotta is in love!''
That little miss was good guesser.
| She must have been a genuine Yankee.
| Of course such beautiful woman
and such an artist had admirers in the
company who would have breathed mat
rimonial aspirations if they had re-
! ceived any encouragement.
It is matter of fact that the senior
/ manager, widower. endeavored in
vain to capture the charming equestTi-
enne, but in spite of his position and
his solid fortune he received no more
encouragement than the other am bilious
aspirants.
Whatever was the story of her heart.
the woman had 10 confdants, and the
season was far advanced before any of
us were any the wiser as to her anteced-
ents.
| A performer who had Travelled much
abroad and appeared in foreign circuses
with our lady magnificent visited our
show, and from him it was learned that
there was particular and peculiar
cause for the presence in America OF
Carlotta. the rider.
was just as hungry for the news as
any of them, and this is what this man
had to say as near as can recall it: &
las you say, Carlotta is great rider
and as good as she is great. Why, she
set Europe ablaze, that woman did, and
it is in the European capitals that an
arenic artist is appreciated. | know
that both by observation and expert
ence :"
The man spoke with enthusiasm, and
he could have had 10 better listener.
was all attention as he continued:
Now. what am going to tell you is
sacred. | am not telling all the rest CT
this, but one can't help looking On SC
/ interesting subject. Understand me
that there was no scandal in the matter
but the secret is cut when tell you that
Carlotta. the circus rider, WAS loved by
a prince!,'
] repeated, "Carlotta, the circuF
rider. was loved by prince!''
Just SO, remarked the relator. re-
| Stunning, sand nov mark the result.
! The princes family Oh learning ti1f
state of affairs hustled the prince out oi
the way. Over there prince must otcl
orders or incur the royal displeasure
The young fellow was just hurled.
and his allowance was cut off. Iougl
on the proud prince, eas it not!"
| thought it was rough" and said
SO and then asked:
Did the prince love the circus iidor.
the superb, he beautiful Carlotta:''
He did, was the answer.
''And tho oder loved the prince!"
"With0ut a ebt. -
sand where is the princet"
Sch, l suppose he is still under par
entail surveillance and displeasure.
And will they ever be brought to-
gether again.
Love not only laughs at loclzsmiths,
but it grins al mad papas.
Sat he has rank. - suggested.
Eyes, and he has a heart, he re-
turned. He is not only a prince, but
man.
That was all he knew about the case,
and knew no more until the very last
day Of the season, when distinguished
gentleman, with the AIR if not the title
Of prince, arrived as visitor to oul
queen Of the circle. the beautiful bru
ne.te. Carlotta.
There is always something of a hurry
and scurry when the circus season
comes to an end and the band at The
last performance plays Home, Sweet
Home, and | was unusually busy my
self. but not SO much engaged as not t.
notice that Carlotta and the strar gel
appeared to be supremacy happy.
! N7iaa4 an act Carotta rode at botl
I performances shat day! Such style
sucll grace. such anando!,i | remarked
it TO one Of the managers with size com
! piSnenf:
"A great rider!'