The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-03-19
HID NET JOE JEFFERSON.
Happy Result Of Richard Mans
fields Introduction.
(. ECCENTRlClTlES OF GENIUS.
TO Please the Genial Joe, After FIatly
Refusing to Appear on the Stage,
"Richard Was Himself Again"
and the Play Proceeded to
Inc Qualification of All.

Joseph jefferson and Richard Mans
field met for the first time recently, and
the members Of tho Twelfth Night club
now reckon events from that time
1t happened in this way: Mr.. Mans.
field had volunteered to take part at
their recent benefit at the Empire thoa-
ter but few days before the event sent
word that it would he impossible for
him to appear Tho Twelfth Nightors
do not like 10 cause any disnppoint.
ments, so the young women were thrown
into n great furry Mr.. Mansfield was
one OF the strongest cards Of the event.
Miss Beatrice Cameron, who is Mrs.
Mansfield in private life, and who is
also loyal member of tho Twelfth
Might, was appealed to by her fellow
members and it appears that under her
hnfiuenoe Mr.. Mansfield declared that
he would appear without fail.
4 1t is conceded, even by his opponents,
shat Mr.. Mansfield has genius. Genius,
too, has its eccentricities, and this may
explain why Mr.. Mansfield, on tho very
day of the entertainment, made it
known that he positively would not ap-
pear.
Another reason advanced is that a
comic opera comedian between whom
and him existed an arctic void was OH
the bill, and Mr.. Mansfield felt that no
couldn't consistently appear OH the same
stage. But this is mere gossip--folks
will'talk, you know
Whatever the facts, tho leading
Twelfth Nighters who were on the stage
nearly tainted when they heard this
final decision. There sat Mr. Mansfield
IN box, looking Mt the performance as
coolly as though ho was to have had no
part in it at all Miss Alice Fischer,
who is the vice president of the club,
had Some one bring him behind tho
scenes
This was just after Mr.. jefferson had
contributed his share to the entertain.
ment anc Mr.. Mansfield had heartily ap-
plauded the dean of tho American stage.
Mr.. Mansfield, after leaving his box,
was surrounded by bovy of young
women, but all their ploadings didn't
have the slightest effect on him.
Miss Fischer saw this and realized
that some master stroke must DO made,
and quickly at that. She caught sight
u I'LL JSA cisOi. l1cr nina was maQO
MP i'll an instant. She ran to him.
oh, Mr.. Jefferson" said she, "do
come with mo. want you and Mr..
Mansfield to meet.
Andwith q CHEEKY smile the old actor
readily assented. The younger actor was
just tearing himself from an almost
sobbing circle of women when Miss
Fischer came to save the day. She in.
Produced the men.
II am charmed to meet you, Mr.. JEFF
ferson, " said Mr.. Mansfield, cordially
shaking the hand of Rip Van Wrinkle.
A like pleasure is mine" said Mr..
Jefferson. Il have heard much of your
art, and this will bo tho first time
have had an opportunity of seeing You,
and l have looked forward to it with
the keenest enjoyment -
There was nothing but sincerity in
che speech, and the young women who
had been pleading in vain stood expect.
antly to one side awaiting the answer.
THANK you, replied Mir Mansfield.
81 trust you will not be disappointed. 4"
= And neither was he. 1t is said Rich
ard Mansfield walked on the stage and
gave brief performance which for bril-.
liancy of execution has been seldom, if
NS7er, excelled New York Herald.