The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-12

nrrom the New York Telegram.
 lrT is well to remember brave and gall
 lant men. This is the story of an actor who died more than two cen- ,tuies ago in deeense of a woman's hon Ior He was the favorite of the London stage, acted in a masterly manner, charm ing his Queen as well as actresses who delighted to see this handsome mimic at their feet pleading for their love- He sang as well as he acted, and wrote six dramas. He adored his wife and was loved by her. He was only 33 years old when the sword of bully ended his ca reer and made all London mourn. Two williams sat in a room in house in Buck angham Court, off the Strand. London, and drank large cups of wine and plotted the ruin of d woman. It wag o'clock at night on the Sth of December, 1892.
 "It Is my plan to seize distress Brace girdle and carry her to this house." said one of the rogues, Captain Richard Hill tall dark and resolute looking. She laughs and shakes her curls when l would tell her of my feelings. An actress jeer at me! I'll not bear 1t. Mistress Bracegirdle shall be Mistress Hill. Once in this house of mine, she'll consent I count on you to help me. my lord"
 And so yor --ay Captain HIP replied the second ploter, Lore Mohun, who four years before had been tried by the House of Lords for a foul murder and acqiutted.
 "So you may. But tell me, do you really love the lady"
 Love her my lord? Who does not? But who can win her? So virtuous is she that one would swear she had vowed to be a nun and remain in tht world to save her soul by resisting temptation. The dramat- ist Congreve long has adored her, and she thinks well of him; but that is all. He writes of her:
 Would she could Ike of me saint,
 Or I of her a sinnerl
 "Such a prude Is shs ac'"ocs tn t when Lord Burlington sent her son old price less china she sent 1t to Lord Burling- tons lady much to the surprise of her ladyship. As a tribute to her virtue Halifax Dorset and o; CT nobles sent Mis- tress Brccegirdle eS00. Yesterday spoke to her near her house in Howard street, Strand. and she rebuffed me. told her then to her pretty face that l should carry her off, and she laughed and told me not to drink so much Canary; that 1t was strong tpple and went quickly to the head'
 Have you made your plans. and what do you want me to do? l had something to do with the lew and, by heavens I want no more of it. 1 must be assured that no blood will be shed"
 Have no fear. Lord Charles. you shall not draw your sword. l. there is any blood letting my blade shall be the lancet Here is what I have decided to do: Mis- tress Bracegrde tomorrow night goes with her brother and mother to sup at the home of Master Lawrence Page, In Pr mes street. : "urtt iNno Tfe' ~i.ii leave Pages at 10 o'clock. Your lordship and l. with six soldiers any one of whom would murder his own brother for ten shillngs, are to waylay them. seize the woman and carry her to this house. You and I will bring Mistress Bracegrdle here while our soldier allies keep back the brother and any others who attempt to take a hand in this business"
 Flight men stood at a corner in Primes street Drury Lane, on the following even ing. A large carriage stood in the dark ness 20 paces away. The chill north wind rushed down the street and caused Lord Charles Mohum to ask his companions:
 'Is 1t certain Captain Hill that your actress exposed her pretty self to such cold wind as this? Do you know that she is at Pages homer"
 "I do." replied Captain Hill, My serv- ants saw here and her mother and broth CT, wi.h two lin% boys, arrive at Master Pages home"
 "About this brother. think you he will fght?"
 "A wealSling. my lcrd. His only living is what his sister gives him. No man can be brcve enough to look men of our quail ity in the eye who lives on a girls earn ings and hath no other occupation than to act as her escort. But stan back from the light there. my men; stand to the wall for here comes the game we hunt" said Captain Hill in quick tones.
 Out of the house of Master Page there emerged the fair Mistress 3racegirdle. her mother. brother and Master Page. Two boys bearing links preceded them. As the small party reached the place in the street opposite which the small army of bullies was standing. Captain Hill hurled himself against Mistress Bracegirdle's brother and struck him in the face with his gloved fist The women screamed for help Page and Bracegirdle drew weapons. and a score of citizens ran from their houses to de,e.d the attacked party
 Hill and Lord Mohun drew back and shouted to their half dozen knaves to put up their swords.
 We are no match for this rabble." whispered Hill to Lord Mohun. and then, removing his hat. he said to Mistress Bracegirdle; Madame I am your servant and sworn defender. We mistook you for some one else. I swear I would do you