TALMA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11275, 19 January 1900, Page 3

TALMA.

I ■ ■ l This celebrated French tiagedian was, at I a certain period of his theatrical career, I engaged to perform at several towns in the [ provinces. On taking his place in the mail i coach, he found seated beside him a fellow J traveller of quiet and agreeable manners, ) who, as toon as the horses had sot forward, ' thus accosted him:— I "Talma, I beg to announce myself as an i admirer, of your wonderful irenius, and a ) constant attendant at tho Theatre- Fran--1 cais whenever you perform there. Tho newsj papers for the last two months have- been ) announcing your intended absenco from i Paris, and I made the determination of leav- ) ing when you did ; and travelling in your society. Had you even mounted a Pegasus, ) or any other apocryphal monster—historic, < heroic, or mythologic—l should most cor- ) tainly have got behind you, so anxious I feel to dultivato your friendship and esteem. ) I was informed that, with the simple- habits I by which you are so eminently distinguished, I you had engaged a place in the mail coach; ) and here I am to introduce myself to your notice I" Talma, although surprised and amused at ' this strange address, answered with the ease j I of a person accustomed to compliments, and the conversation soon became familiar; the ) great actor being highly pleased at finding I a companion so courteous and intelligent. ' On arriving at Bordeaux, the two travellers ' engaged lodgings at the same hotel, and it J was mutually agreed that they should breakl fast, dine, and sup together. Every day ) when Talma proceeded to the theatre, 1 through the door exclusively devoted to ' tho actors, his companion entered with the ' public, after taking a ticket to each part of ) the theatre: and in tho ovening they would j ) meet in a little saloon oontijruovis to their | / chambers, and amuse themsolves over the events of tho day. ' On quitting Bordeaux, Talma proceeded ! to Toulouse, where he had an engagement, | ] accompanied as usual by his admirer. From I there they visited Perpignan, and afterwards ) Narbonne. Beziers, Montpellier, Nismes, Avignon, Lvons, Macon, and Chalons. Here ' his theatrical campaign terminated, Talma ' being satisfied with the amount of tribute- ■ raised by his exertions Irom the public purse, ) and his comrade appearing oven lnoro do- ) lighted with his excursions, returning homo > every evening from the theatre radiant with ' happiness. Once more in Paris, tiio tragedian, who had conceived a great regard for his now friend, told him one day that ho should expect him the following evening to dinner, having invited a select circlo of friends to make his acquaintance. " Perhaps I may not be able to reply as I could wish to your invitation," answered his ndmirer; "but at any rate you will hoar 1 from me." i Tn effect, before the dinner hour, Talma 1 received a packet, in which ho found a < magnificent watch, a gold _ snuff-box, of equally elaborate workmanship, and a diai mood pin. The following lines were also enclosed: — " I am neither king nor prince, but I bog you will accept the enclosed proof of my gratitude. I owe far more to Roscius than • lie receives from me!" Talma kept the splendid offering, not • knowing how to return it, for Iho letter con ! tainwl no address, and lie could not find out , tho hotel of the stranger, although on reachi in? Paris he had promised to inform him. 1 It was about a month after this incident '' had occurred, that the tragedian receivod a letter from tho Pcrfecture of Police. A ' prisoner requested to see him, as he could • by certain explanation* clear up a matter ; i which would otherwise press heavily on an ' innocent person. 1 Talivn, with his usual kindness of hear', ; ' proceeded to the prisoner indicated in the I petition, but- his astonishment was neat on observing under the ban of justice lus lato 1 travelling companion. 1 "It is my admiration for you, Talma, that 1 has brought me to this place," said the prisoner, addressing the tragedian. Obliged to quit Paris suddenly. 1 was unable to pay you the visit I promised, but on my return to ' the capital yesterday T saw your nnmo announced for the evening representation. I , accordingly proceeded to tho Theatre . Frnneais. and it happened that amongst the 1 multitude attracted by your talents, several thieves were exercising their vocation, and ; a f"W pockets were rifled by dexterous hands. . Deceived hv a false accusation, a Tin'iro ni dared to lay hands on me. But heaven bo > praieed you' are here, and the evidences you pro able" to furnish of mv character and con- ! duct will, my dear travelling romnnnion— '• I beg your pardon," observed Talma, interrupting him: "of what nature are the objects that hnve been stolen'/' _ i "Oh!" returned the prisoner, in a tone ' o'f indifference: "I scarcely know-watches i and muff-boxes, they say." " Anil diamond pins an well, perhaps, re- , plied Talma, smiline: "'I may be you have i another present to make me!" . ! "Ah!'sir," exclaimed the prisoner, it 11 ■ hard, indeed, if you pusnect mo also. You ' will rhen abandon mo like tho rest. "No," replied tho tragedian; "my prei sent in return for yours shall bo a good lawyer " , 5 \ clever counsellor was accordingly en- ; gaged, but all his efforts could not prevent j the prisoner, who was an old and experienced thief, being condemned to the hulks. • The fervent admirer of Tnlinn had, it : seems, besides his partiality for tho groat r actor, an incurable habit of examining the pockofs of his neighbours in the theatres, an I it was to pursue the productive business i , he lint! quitted Paris in company with Talma. r i In this manner bo had traversed with him 1 I the provinces of France, makine the fortune? I i of jewellers and watchmakers bv selling to • : 'horn the products of his dexterity, while his i fellow-traveller was replenishing tho coffers of stage manager*.