Finally she gave her first performance. The public and critics appeared to rave over her,—absolutely to rave.
The actors and actresses of New York circulated a petition, begging her to give a matinee in order that they might honour her and observe her glorious art.
Wonder of wonders, she accepted! My mind was quickly made up.
Very recently come to New York, my mother and I were strangers in the big city. But fortunately I had plenty of courage without knowing it. When I learned that Sarah was going to play for the benefit of her fellow-artists, I said to my mother: “Well, now, I am going to see her.”
“There are so many famous artists in New York,” my mother replied, “how do you suppose that you can get seats?”
I had not thought of that, so I jumped up, saying:
“Then I had better hurry up.”
“How will you go about it?” asked my mother.
I paused a moment to think the matter over.
“I don’t know,” I replied, “but in some way or other I must see her. I am going to her theatrical manager.”