THE KING AND A GREAT ACTRESS-

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11783, 12 October 1901, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE KING AND A GREAT ACTRESS-

Paris, August 24. —The following story reaches the World's Paris bureau from a trustworthy source: —

King Edward of Great Britain, whose mournful manner at Homburg contrasts strangely with his hearty, hail-fellow-well-met ways on his previous seasons there, perceived Actress Eejane the other day near the springs in the crowd that gathers every morning to see His Majesty swallow his prescribed glass in the. small, deliberate gulps of an old habitue. The Parisian actress had been on such friendly terms with the former Prince of Wales that she could not restrain a slight bow when her eye met that of His Majesty. But he never moved a muscle, staring blankly over the edge of his glass. That same afternoon the Duke of Cambridge sought out Mme. Rejane and escorted her to the King's parlour, where half a dozen intimates were gathered. Upon her entering the room the King arose with a glad smile and the easy courtesy which made the Prince famous, extended his hand and made the actress sit beside him, talking French with her for nearly an hour. When Mine, Bejane rose to depart the King said: "I am glad you came. This chat about old things and times has done me good. I mut beg you to accept my apologies for not answering your friendly nod this morning. Things have changed, you know, since last we met. You understand?"

" Oui, sire," answered Mme. Eejane. "And forgive me?" queridd the King wistfully. " There is but humble gratitude and devotion in my heart for Your Majesty,' answered Mme. Eejane. "Good girl!" responded the King. "I don't know when I shall see you again. You won't see so much of me hereafter in Paris as you used to, but whenever yon come to London myself and Her Majesty the Queen will be among the sincere admirers of your performance. Upon my word, you have grown younger." Then'a lightly comic note was introduced into the interview by the King naively, even impulsively asking, "And I? Do you find me changed or aged?" " No; Your Majesty," replied she. "Frankly begged," commented King Edward.

" Frankly answered," returned the actress. That same evening the Duke of Cambridge, another of her old friends, took Mme. Rejane a ring from the King, saying: " His Majesty says it has no great value, but, though simple, it seemed pretty, and he hopes you will wear it for old friendship's sake."