The times., 1898-10-02

complished so many other bits of mis-
chief that her means seemed exhausted.
And then she picked up daily newspa-
per and discovered a personal in which
some seer old fellow advertised for a
wife. and she decided TO apply for the
position, better ideas lacking.
Accordingly she penned careful letter
and sent with it the photograph of wo-
man who had once done her sewing and
who was considered the homleiest of fem
ininity in New York. The billet doux
was couched in the most loving terms
and wound up by giving a detailed ac-
count of the enormous estates supposedly
possessed by the writer. This was posted
and in due time an answer came full OF
praise for the beauty of the seamstress
and tenderness for the frolicsome Miss
Bingham. A reply TO this was seen for
yarded and the strange correspondence
continued for nearly a month, during
which time the actress received three Pic
lures OF very insipid looking young fell
low with light hair and mustache. The
notes were all endearing and Miss Bing-
ham was wondered what the denouement
would be when final one came, sug-
gesting that the two meet at o'clock the
Following evening in front of the Herald
| Square Theater
=
breaking the one-sided tryst, and then
she decided that there was a rare ele-
ment of humor TO the fun she had be-
| gun, and that she might as well carry II
| out Accordingly, she dressed herself
| carefully on the next night and proceeded
! to the rendezvous, laughing all the while
| at the surprise the man would feel when
he learned the identity Of his charmer
| Once in front of the playhouse, however
| she began TO realize the seriousness of
| the affair, and worried considerably as
| ideas of angry and murderous lovers
| thrust themselves upon her. The fellow
! might really have become enamored Of
| the seamstress, and if he had-wel she
+, would simply have to induce that worthy
| woman TO take advantage of her proXied
| courtship. To make matters worse, the
young man of the picture was not where
| he had promised TO be, and Miss Florence
| was The two girls were good friends,
but Miss Bingham had never wanted to
| see her comrade less. Fortunately Miss
| Florence seemed in the same mood and
| both Stunned each other diligently for
some time. At last, as no one came Miss
| Bingham turned and was about to tell
her partner goodnight, when a picture
dropped from that lady's pocket, and in
| a flash she recognized it as that which
she had sent the blonde man. For an in
| stant the girl was bewildered, and then
an understanding OF the affair swept over
her, and she laughed uproariously.
Are you the light-haired gentleman"
she asked Miss Florence.
why yes replied that lady. Are
no-yes-how stupid-youre the red
| headed girli''
/ Neither was able to cease her laughter
until the attention of a passing policeman
| warned them that merriment was some
! times dangerous. And neither ever re-
peated the story-which is how Press
Agent Francis O'Neil got it.
There is a new fad about to sweep over
the land. The autograph fiend and the
Unsuitable collector of photographs have
long been looked upon as necessary evils
and their opportunities are accorded by
| people of note, and especially those in
the theatrical profession. more or less
| good natured reception. But the latest
development OF crankship in this direc-
ton is found in an individual in Brook
| lyn. who has begun the collection of locks
| Of hair from the heads of prominent ac-
| tresses Katharine Mulkins, of Smyth &
| Rice's "A Misfit Marriage company, who
possesses very pretty. wavy tresses of an
| auburn hue recently received the follow
ing letter from this gatherer-in of capiI-
larry adornments:
My Dear Miss Mulkins: / have seen
| you on the stage and admired you very
| much. ! am getting up a collection of
| locks of hair. OF course. l might initiate
| the methods of Jack the Clipper. who
| had a mania of slipping up on his vic
Tins and shipping off their tresses. but L
| prefer peaceable means. A number of la
| dies in the dramatic profession have al
! ready complied with my request. and I
think / will finally have a collection
| which will be unique and interesting. If
you will kindly grant me the favor of for
warding me a strand from your head. /
shall be very grateful. l should also be
much pleased if you will accompany the
| gift with letter which / can place in
my cabinet. and thereby add to the value
of the collection"
Should there be a general response to
the demands of this queer individual, IT
Is easy to imagine the singular display
of curls. wisps. strands and knots, which
he will eventually possess. The hair has
never been utilized to any extent as an
indicator of character, but it is easy to
believe that the most superficial observer
could distinguish at a glance the differ
ence between the peroxide ringlets of a
soubrette and the heavy coils of the lead
ing woman, though just what profit or
| pleasure could be derived from studying
| il is not discernible. But the develop
| ment of erratic tastes and notions is
| prevalent and there is no accounting for
| the shape they will take. The hair col