Faversham became leading man of the Empire Stock Company, and his distinguished career was a matter of the greatest pride to Charles. He now was caught up in the Frohman star machine and made his first appearance under the banner of "Charles Frohman Presents," in "A Royal Rival," at the Criterion in August, 1901.
Charles not only made Faversham a star, but provided him with a wife, and a very charming one, too. In the spring of 1901 an exquisite young girl, Julie Opp by name, was playing at the St. James Theater in London. Frohman sent for her and asked her if she could go to the United States to act as leading woman for William Faversham.
"I have been to America once," she said, "and I want to go back as a star."
When Frohman let loose the powers of his persuasiveness, Miss Opp began to waver.
"I don't want to leave my nice London flat and my English maid," she protested.
"Take the maid with you," said Frohman. "We can't box the flat and take that to New York, but we have flats in New York that you can hire."
"I hate to leave all my friends," continued Miss Opp.
"Well, I can't take over all your friends," replied Frohman, "but you will have plenty of new admirers in New York."
Miss Opp asked what she thought were unreasonable terms. Frohman said nothing, but sent Charles Dillingham to see her next day. He said Frohman wanted to know if she was joking about her price. "Of course," he said, "if you are not joking he will pay it anyhow, because when he makes up his mind to have anybody he is going to have him."
This shamed Miss Opp. She asked a reasonable fee, went to the United States, and not only became Faversham's leading woman, but his wife. Frohman always took infinite delight in teasing the Favershams about having been their matchmaker.