ed, enthusiastic and
enraptured audiences. In short, she became one of the most celebrated
actresses of the day.

FOOTNOTES:

[K] It is related of Governor Porter as an illustration of his pardoning
propensities, that once, after his term of office had expired, a
gentleman accidentally ran against him in the street. "I beg your
pardon," said the gentleman. "I cannot grant it," said Mr. Porter, "for
I am no longer Governor."

[L] I have not, for reasons that will be easily understood, given the
name which Mrs. Raymond assumed, after her adoption of the dramatic
profession.

CHAPTER IX

_An accident--a suicide--and a change of residence._

A dreadful accident abruptly terminated Mrs. Raymond's brilliant
professional career. One night, while she was dressing in her private
room at the theatre, a camphene lamp exploded and her face was
shockingly burned. Her beauty was destroyed forever, and her career
upon the stage was ended. Thus was the public deprived of a most
delightful source of entertainment, and thus was a popular actress
thrown out of the profession just as she had reached the pinnacle of
fame, and just as she was in a fair way to acquire a handsome fortune.

It would be impossible for me to describe the grief, consternation and
horror of the unfortunate lady, on account of this melancholy accident.
In vain did I attempt to console her, she refused to be comforted. She
abandoned herself to despair; and I caused her to be closely and
constantly watched, fearing that she might attempt to commit suicide.

The play-going public soon found a new idol, and poor Mrs. Raymond was
forgotten. Her face was terribly disfigured, and it was very fortunate
that her sight was not destroyed. When she became well enough, she
endeavored to gain a situation as a teacher of music; but she was
unceremoniously rejected by every person to whom she applied, on account
of the repulsiveness of her countenance. This of course, still further
increased the dark despair that overshadowed her soul.

"My friend," said she to me one day, "I shall not long survive this
terrible misfortune. My heart is breaking, and death will ere long put
an end to my sufferings."

"Come, come," said I, "where is your philosophy? Have you not passed
through trials as great as this? While there is life, there is hope; and
you will be happy yet."

I uttered these commonplace expressions because I knew not what else to
say. Mrs. Raymond replied