Page:Notable Irishwomen.djvu/143

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NOTABLE IRISHWOMEN.
117

herself great airs, and sent a haughty message to Mr. Jones, the lessee of the theatre, that she would not appear, unless he increased her salary. This he refused to do, saying he would rather shut up the theatre, than comply with her demands. The box-keeper, McNally, then intervened, and told Mr. Jones it would be a pity to close the house, as there was a remedy, if he chose to avail himself of it.

"The girl, sir," said he, "who has been so often recommended to you as a promising actress, is now at an hotel in Dublin, with her father and brother, where they have just arrived, and are proceeding to Drogheda to act at her father's theatre there. I have heard it said by persons who have seen her, that she plays Juliet extremely well, and is very young and very pretty. I am sure she would be delighted to have the opportunity of appearing before a Dublin audience, and if you please, I will make her the proposal."

The proposal was made and accepted, and on the following Saturday, "the girl," who was Miss O'Neill, made her debut on the Dublin stage as Juliet. The audience were delighted, and Mr. Jones offered her father and brother very liberal terms, which were thankfully accepted. She took comic parts sometimes, danced very gracefully, and sang a song of Kelly's, originally given by Mrs. Jordan.