Omaha daily bee., 1899-03-12
STUDYING FOR THE STAGE
Countess Russell, owing to Mntri-
moninI Difficulties, Adopts the
Sock and Buskin.

Copyright. 1859. by Press Publishing Coz
LONDON, March 11,-(New York World
Cablegram-Special Telegram)-Th Count
ess Russell, as stated in a previous dis
patch, appears in a gaiety touring company
as the principal girl in "a Runaway Girl
at the Plymouth Monday. Her appearance
on the professional stage Is of exceptional
interest. because she is the first English
countess to take to the boards because of her
beauty and stormy and romantic career and
repeated ]fruitless efforts to obtain a divorce
from her husband, the earl of Russell, for
cruelty. | found Countess Russell rehearsing
at the Gaiety theater and had a chat with
her in the intervals between her turns. She
said:
II don't want to take up old scandals.
Whatever differences l had with my husband
belong to the past. But since you ask why l
made up my mind to 60 on the stage, l
must speak the truth. 1t is because it is
necessary. Had Earl Russell made provision
for me it might have been otherwise"
The countess is accompanied by her
mother, Lady Scott, who figured so prom
inently in the litigation against the earl. The
latter is the widow of Sir Samuel Scott of
tho famous banking firm. The countess
looked handsome. she is slim of figure,
under middle height, with an abundance of
wavy chestnut hair and a pair of fine brown
eyes with a spirited expression.
at has always been an ambition of mine"
she said, Ito visit the states, for l count so
many charming Americans amongst my
friends that | naturally want to see their
wonderful country. If l score a success in
"a Runaway Girl l hope to have an OPP
portunity of crossing the Atlantic to play a
part there. am waiting to see how the
experiment turns out"
at won't be the first time you appeared
on the stage?"
"In a professional capacity, yes, though
I have played frequently as an amateur. The
critics were very kind to me when l per-
formed in a pantcmime rehearsal as an
amateur at the Royalty theater. A few
years ago, when skirt dancing became a
fashionable hobby, all my friends agreed
in saying my ability as a dancer was far
above the average, and as for music, l nm
very fond of it. That's why l preferred a
musical comedy"
But you played in pure comedy?"
Eyes, frequently, but my personal tastes
always run in the direction of bright must
cal pieces which make you forget your
troubles. Heaven knows life has enough sor-
rows without going to seek them in a
theater."
HOW came you 10 play IN "A Runaway
Grip"
at was like this. A friend of mine
mentioned my name to Mr.. Edwards, as
one who could fill a part for which there
was a vacancy. Edwards asked me to re-
hearse before him. He was more than
pleased, and there and then engaged me for
a thirteen weeks tour. l like the work i'm
mensely and shall get fonder of it. The
only difficulty I have is to get my memory
in proper working order. Songs and dances
I do all right, but the dialogues in pieces of
this kind are peculiarly difficult to remem.
Der. If by hard work I overcome these
difficulties, l shall win and take up the
theatrical profession seriously"
'And if you fail?"
She shrugged her shoulders and said:
Il only want to be judged fairly, and feel
sure Of success in that event"