The mirror., 1922-08-10
"REMINISCENCES
CONTINUED from page !

her. Truly she was Queen in every
sense of the word. For many seasons the
tiny mite of humanity reigned supreme
(only thirty-nine inches in height) under
my direction; toured the United States
and Canada with various organizations
becoming more popular at every visit.
Whether you know it or not Victoria was
of English birth and well-born. Cultured,
with a dainty prettiness and charming
manner; also possessing a sweet soprano
voice she was an excellent entertainer and
naturally these qualities made her exceed
ingly popular, but which, bad direction
might easily weaken, as you will see.
AT any rate, the seasons slipped away;
in the meantime the dollars were rolling
in; Victoria and myself, as well as the
rest of the retinue all had snug sums
saved up for the inevitable "bloomer" that
every Snowman anticipates if possible.
AS time progresses l became very much
infatuated with the little Queen" here his
voice lowered shyly and the big man who
had faced thousands daily without a symp-
tom of "stage fright" became as embar-
rassed as school boy, but went on brave
ly, simply adored her, and it was my
wish to crafty her every whim. l don't
know how it happened; I can't explain it,
but her doll-like prettiness and fragile
daintiness haunted me; such appealing
smallness needed my protection reasoned,
following the dictates of my heart. Oh!
l know that marriage and happiness was
impossible considering the circumstances.
was fully aware of what the world would
think; rest assured would not press my
suit for that very reason.
However, came to learn that the feel
ing was mutual. Victoria exhibited as only
woman can in subtle ways,-after all
she was only a woman with woman's
ideas of happiness, only year younger
than L. her affection for me, and it
seemed we'll nigh impossible to stave off
the impending crisis, because l had firmly
resolved not to declare my love, nor be a
party to such paradoxical MATCH" here
the voice of my friend broke and his
shoulders shook convulsively. Knowing
mans greatest wish is for silence when
in grief l said nothing. Hysterical for
moment he burst out sobbingly:
"I-I w-wish now had married her."
AT another time possibly my friends
grief and breakdown would have seemed
almost comical and ridiculous, but know
ing him and his wonderful poise at all
times was prepared to hear something
further of startling nature that was
back of his unusual display of emotion.
Soon he, resumed, having recovered:
"Well, the crisis came sooner than l ex-
pected, but l remained adamant not
showing one whit of affection. Victoria
was naturally piqued and what pathetic
little figure she presented. Oh! l was
cruel,-cruel, but deemed it for the best.
She became distant and aloof brooding
considerably; finding fault on the slightest
pretext; going into tantrums over triviali-
ties. Life became miserable existence
around the once happy group.
About this time, an unscrupulous mana
ger sensing the constraint, and hearing
petty gossip no doubt, started an insidious
campaign to wrest Victoria from my direc-
ton. To make long story short he sue
ceeded. Victoria seeing no signs of soften
ing on my part became desirous of a
change, l imagine, and easily fell for the
trap of the crafty manager Nothing /
could say would dissuade her. Pretty
soon our contract was dissolved by mutual
agreement and Victoria left me. Her
manager booked long period of dates
in Australia, playing vaudeville houses.
After that return to the States. Then
l learned that Victoria had ceased to sing
and entertain. Soon her popularity waned.
Not long after she became seriously i'll
and was ordered home to England for