JENNY LIND’S ADMIRERS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 10, Issue 46, 16 June 1899, Page 5 (Supplement)

JENNY LIND’S ADMIRERS.

When Jenny Lind, on one of her journeys to England, arrived in Calais, with the intention of proceeding across the Channel on the following morning, the news of her arrival rapidly spread in the town. Several lovers of song determined to procure themselves the enjoyment of listening to the “ Swedish Nightingale,” and as she was giving no public performance in Calais, they decided to have recourse to stratagem. Three respectably-dressed and gravelooking gentlemen called at the hotel where she was staying and obtained access to her rooms. The oldest of their number, a gentleman of venerable exterior and grey , hair apologised for their intrusion and asked to see her papers, “ For what purpose ?” inquired the astonished artiste. ** Madame, we are really sorry at having to trouble you,” replied the spokesman, “ but we have received information that a female impostor, taking advantage of her great resemblance to the renowned songstress, travels about in her name and victimises the public.” Jenny Lind produced her passport, which her visitor?, after a careful scrutiny, pronounced a forgery, so that the artiste, calling to mind the arbitrary proceedings of the French police, began to feel alarmed, and assured him by all that was most sacred that she was the real, genuine, “Swedish Nightingale.” The old gentleman shrugged bis shoulders, cooly remarking : “ It is very possible, but ynur personator would undoubtedly say the same thing. There is only one way to convince us of the truth of your statement. Let us hear you sing.” Jenny Lind indignantly declined, 1‘ Then, much to our rrgret, we must continue to have our doubts,” observed the visitor, taking a sheet of foolscap out of his pocket and preparing to draw, up his report. Jenny Lind, who was under a contract to sing on a given date, saw no escape from the unpleasant situation but by complying with the request of the three gentlemen. She sat down at the piano, and warbled forth two or three of her favourite songs, which elicited loud applause from those present, and also from a number of persons who bad been listening in the next room. The celebrated artiste now saw that she bad been caught in a trap, and threatened to report the matter to the police, but the enthusiasm was so great that she at last relented and forgave her tormentors,who went away immensely pleased at having beard the most famous songstress sf the time. .