The crowded houses at "Faust" were largely composed of "repeaters," as
Americans call those charming playgoers who come to see a play again
and again. We found favour with the artists and musicians, too, even
in "Faust"! Here is a nice letter I got during the run (it _was_ a
long one) from that gifted singer and good woman, Madame Antoinette
Sterling:
"My dear Miss Terry,
"I was quite as disappointed as yourself that you were not
at St. James' Hall last Monday for my concert.... Jean
Ingelow said she enjoyed the afternoon very much....
"I wonder if you would like to come to luncheon some day and
have a little chat with her, but perhaps you already know
her. I love her dearly. She has one fault--she never goes to
the theatre. Oh, my! What she misses, poor thing, poor
thing! We have already seen Faust twice, and are going again
soon, and shall take the George Macdonalds this time. The
Holman Hunts were delighted. He is one of the most
interesting and clever men I have ever met, and she is very
charming and clever, too. How beautifully plain you write!
Give me the recipe. With many kind greetings,
"Believe me, sincerely yours,
"ANTOINETTE STERLING MACKINLAY."
In "Faust" Violet Vanbrugh "walked on" for the first time.
My girl Edy was an "angel" in the last act. This reminds me that Henry
one Valentine's Day sent me some beautiful flowers with this little
rhyme:
White and red roses,
Sweet and fresh posies:
One bunch, for Edy, _Angel_ of mine--
Big bunch for Nell, my dear Valentine.
[Illustration: ELLEN TERRY AS MARGUERITE IN "FAUST"