The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1898-10-26
TRUE STORY OF "CAMILLE."
Letters From Dumas Fills, Who Was the
Armand puyal of the Play.

Letters From Dumas Fills, Who Was tho
Armand puval of the Play.
\ Partisan review has very curious
article upon the story of the Dame
aux Camelias, that poor Marie Duples.
sis who died so sadly after life which
certainly was not exemplary, but which
romance and the stage have made ia
nous. The author of the article, NJ.
Georges Soreau, publishes letters by
the younger Dumas, which leave no
doubt that he introduces himself in the
character of Armand Duval, the princi-
pal character in the piece in which
Marie Duplessis is immortalized under
the name of Marguerite Gautier. The
story was whispered about for long
time among theatrical people, but here
are some authentic documents with
which NJ. Soreau reveals the facts.
Dumas fills not only knew Marie Duples-
sis, but was in love with her. He SIM
ply describes himself in the character
of Armand Duval. In presenting the
piece to the public Dumas wrote:
"Marie Duplessis did not have all the
pathetic adventures which l give to
Marguerite Gautier, but she was per-
fectly willing to have them. If she sac
rifced nothing to Armand, it was be-
cause the latter did ror wish any sacri-
fees. To her great regret she played
only the first and second acts in the
piece
In a letter addressed to Sarah Bern
hardt the celebrated playwright and
novelist said:
MY DEAR SARAn-Permit me to give you a
copy of an edition CT the Dame aux Came
las" which is now very rare. What makes
this volume unique Of its kind is the autograph
letter which you will find on page -l2 and
which is pretty nearly the game as tho letter
printed on that page. This letter was written
by the genuine Armand Daval about 20 years
ago. He was then tie same age rs your son.
The letter is the only palpaS!e thing that re-
mains of the story. 1t seems To me that it be-
longs to you of right since you have Just
brought the dead man back to youth and life.
Keep it, at all events. souvenir of the
pleasant evening of Saturday last and as fee
bic testimonial Of my great admiration and
profound gratitude A. DUMAS Fills.
% January, 1854.
The following is Dumas autograph
letter to Marie Duplessis:
MY DEAR MARIE-I am not rich enough to
love you the way would wish nor poor enough
to be loved after your fashion. Let us forget,
therefore, on your part name which must
be somewhat indifferent to you and on my
part a happiness which becomes impossible.
1t is useless to tell you how sad feel, since
you know already how much love you.
Farewell. You have too big heart not to
understand the significance Of this letter and
too much intelligence not TO pardon me for
it. A thousand remembrances.
ALEXANDRA DUMAS.
In 1896, during the time when the
Renaissance presented the piece with
the costumes of 1880, Nine. Sarah Bern
hardt often told her friends the follow
ing little anecdote:
cat Marty, about 1884, l asked Alex
andre Dumas to give me personal de-
scription of Armand Duval.
"'That will not be difficult, said he,
smiling. Il have only to send you my
portrait when l was 20 years old. -
Paris Cor. Courier des Etats Unis.