International Miscellany of Literature, Art and Science, Vol. 1, eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 523 pages of information about International Miscellany of Literature, Art and Science, Vol. 1,.

International Miscellany of Literature, Art and Science, Vol. 1, eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 523 pages of information about International Miscellany of Literature, Art and Science, Vol. 1,.
in the new chateau which had never been occupied before the arrival of the French officer.  Even Napoleon called the place ce maudit chateau, on account of its mysterious inhabitant, and had to give up his lodgings to the ghost.  He stopped in the chateau on his way to Russia but when he returned next year he avoided passing the night there.  With regard to the last appearance at the palace at Berlin just before the late attempt on the life of the king, and which has been described as “a fearful apparition of a White Lady dressed in thin and flowing garments, moving slowly and silently around and around the fountain to the terror of a corporal standing near the entrance to the silver chamber,” M. Minutoli proves it to have been an old woman once a cook at the chateau who has since lived there and is known, by the nickname of Black Minna.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  Mrs. Fanny Kemble reading Shakspeare at the st. Jamestheater.]

MRS. FANNY KEMBLE’S “READINGS” IN LONDON.

Mrs. Kemble has been giving a series of dramatic readings in London, and her success in the scene of her early triumphs appears to have been as decided as it was in New York.  She was never in a situation more agreeable to her temper and ambition than that represented in the above engraving, which we have copied from one in The Illustrated News.  She is triumphant, and “alone in her glory.”

Mrs. Kemble is now about forty years of age.  Gentleness is acquired in three generations; she is removed but two from the most vulgar condition; and by the mother’s side but one.  The Kembles of the last age were extraordinary persons.  John Philip Kemble and Mrs. Siddons had both remarkable genius, and Charles Kemble has been an actor of consummate talent.  Whatever intellect remains in the family is in his children; one of whom is a man of learning and refinement, another a woman of some cleverness in musical art, and Frances Anne, of whom we write more particularly.

The first appearance of Miss Kemble on the stage was on the evening of the 5th October, 1829, at Covent Garden, and was hazarded with the view of redeeming the fortunes of the theater.  The play was “Romeo and Juliet,” and the heroine was sustained by the debutante with unexpected power.  Her Siddonian countenance and expressive eyes were the general theme of admiration; while the tenderness and ardor of her action went to the soul of the spectator, and her well-instructed elocution satisfied the most critical ear.  It was then, also, that her father took the part of “Mercutio,” for the first time.  It is recorded that he earned by it thirteen rounds of applause.  Nor was its merit overrated.  It was then, and continued to be, a wonderful impersonation of the poetic-comic ideal.  On the 21st of the

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International Miscellany of Literature, Art and Science, Vol. 1, from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.