The record-union., 1896-12-13

unquestionably a contralto of the su
perior order; one who has that peculiar
characteristic known as personal mag
netism, and this is most felt through
her remarkably musical voice. In the
first concert out Of the twenty-five sing
ers and instrumentalists in the series
there will appear the harpist, the violin
list, two male and two female singers and
the pianist. Seats can be reserved by
season ticket holders Wednesday morn
ing at Purnell's book store.
A theater audience in Paris rarely
shows anything more dressy in effect
than fanciful, high-necked bodices and
airy little capotes. We have never
adopted the English custom Of making
the play dress occasion, and as the
theaters for the most part are dark and
arranged so that the occupants of the
loges are in unbecoming shadows the
effect Of even an important first night
has no suggestion Of the brilliant dress
ing so common in a New York theater.
If it were not for the custom Of leaving
places and walking in the foyer or the
usually adjoining buffet during the en-
tr'acte one would see little costume
display.
On a recent fashionable first night
some novel blouses were noted, and it
really seems remarkable that anything
new Is still possible In this direction.
A brunette with a bright complexion
wore top of pale blue silk, en-
broidered in an irregular flower de-
sign. The silk was arranged as jack
et-like blouse, cut with decolletage and
open in front, and with full short tabs
over the hips These tabs were richly
embroidered, and there was a belt of
white satin ribbon tying in a long, mar
row bow on one side. The vest and yoke
| were of fine, pleated white mousseline
de sole and lace, and the choker had a
bunch of lace ruffles behind. Over the
| choker was worn a necklace of blue en-
amel with a small diamond clasp in
| front. This custom Of wearing a string
Of pearls or some fanciful collar like
necklace of jewels over the choker of
a high necked gown was introduced
| last winter 1t is properly indulged in
only in the evening, and with elaborate
| toilets.
/ / Ufl murphy = SuCCESS DIS d StdI 10
| other illustration of the hard struggles
t and work which actors invariably expe-
| r'ience before they win distinction and
| prominence in their profession. Muir
| phys first effort on the stage was as an
amateur in Washington. His success
| with his limitations there led him to be-
| lieve that he might succeed by taking
up the business as professional. So he
/ went to New York. He was pale, slim
| youth and was advised to go home, but
| he persevered and endured privations.
| He was finally rewarded by being al
| lowed to go on the variety stage one
| night, unannounced, in street clothes.
| The other members of the company
| stood in the wings 10 guy him, but, to
| their great astonishment. the audience
| grew enthusiastic over the young man.
| He made his great hit In his imitation of
the lamented John Mccullough, then in
his prime. Tim had contract in his
pocket for an extended engagement be-
fore he left the theater that night. His
rise was rapid. and it was not long be-
fore he entered the ranks of farce COM
edy and built up q reputation as one Of
the cleverest performers in that line of
| business.
Romance? The profession is full of It,
Long years ago the elder Sothern said,
speaking Of his son: Poor Eddie. He
IS a nice, lovable boy; but he will never
make an actor"
That shows how the judgments OF
good critics may go astray, for Edward
Sothern Is an actor who is making
money hand over fist, and Virginia
Harmed Is sure that the old man spoke