TAKING HER AT HER WORD.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 255, 15 February 1877, Page 2

TAKING HER AT HER WORD.

Edwin Booth is proverbially opposed to having his private trumpet blown, but a little incident of his overland trip is too good to be lost. It seems that in the same parlor-car with the tragedian and his family was a lady more remarkable for the loudness of her style and the oppressive gorgeousness of her jewellery than for her refinement. This water-fly not only conceived the most intense passion for the pet of the stage, but took special pains to make it manifest—an interest that seemed to be only the more inflamed by the apparent profound indifference of Mr. Booth to her presence. She repeatedly stated, among other things, that she " would give a hundred dollars to kiss that divine Booth just once." At Omaha a poor emigrant attracted the attention of the travellers as they returned to the car after dinner. He had started for California, but had been robbed while asleep, and was without funds to go on or even procure food. Our American Hamlet's generosity in days of his golden fortune is proverbial. Mr. Booth put his hand in his pocket, through sheer force of habit, and, without a word, handed the poor devil a hundred dollar note. As he did this his eye fell upon his gorgeous admirer, who was standing near. With the sweeping stride of the Melancholy Dane he went up abruptly to her and asked : "Did you say you would give a hundred dollars to kiss me'!" The lady was staggered for a moment, but with the true western determination not to be bluffed, replied : " I did," and opened a plethoric purse defiantly. The star deliberately passed his arm around her neck, and giving her a sounding smack held out his hand for his fee. This was given hiiv J Booth wheeled around, forced it into the< emigrant's hand, saying simply, " There's anothei*," and without changing his countenance or taking any further notice of his kisser passed into the car. Even Mrs. B. forbore to " wool him " under the circumstances.