The St. James’s Theatre--Invasion of England by French
Performers--A Fête patronised by the Queen--The Diplomatist and the
Sleight-of-Hand Man--Three Thousand Pounds taken at one Haul--I
perform at Manchester--The Spectators in the Pillory--What capital
Curaçoa!--A Torrent of Wine--A Catastrophe--Performance at
Buckingham Palace--A Wizard’s Repast.
But it is time to return to St. James’s: the machinists, painters, and
decorators have finished their work, for the 2nd of May has arrived, the
day fixed for my stage being handed over to me.
In fact, every one was admirably punctual: the new scenery was in its
place at an early hour, and as, at Mitchell’s request, the rehearsals
were suspended for that day, the theatre was entirely at my service;
hence I could devote myself quietly to the preparations for my
performance. However, all had been so well arranged beforehand, that I
was in perfect readiness when the audience began entering the house.
It may be supposed I had taken every possible precaution to insure
success, for an experiment which must excite astonishment if it succeed,
in the event of failure is ruin to the operator. Hence I sincerely pity
those sorcerers whose supernatural power hangs on a thread.
It is true that a skillful conjurer ought always to be able to escape
any difficulty that may occur to him; still, this sort of repairs very
rarely meets with success, for, after all, it is only a patching
together, in which the cracks are only too visible.
I had a mode of escape always at hand in any emergency, but I confess I
was much vexed when compelled to have recourse to these secondary means,
which, by prolonging the experiment, render it far less striking.
When a failure happens in tricks of skill an escape is impossible, for a
conjurer ought no more to fail in these than a good musician play a
false note. Whenever he makes a mistake in such a case, it results from
his want of adroitness, which only time can correct; but in our
experiments accidents at times happen which the most careful man cannot
foresee. In such an event, you can only trust to the expedients which
presence of mind suggests.
Thus, one day, I happened to break the glass of a watch lent me for a
trick. My position was awkward, for it is a very clumsy termination to a
trick to return an object lent you in any way injured.
I quietly walked up to the gentleman who had lent me the watch, and
offered it to him, while being very careful to keep the face downwards;
but, at the moment he was going to take it, I drew it back.
“This is your watch?” I said, confidently.
“Yes, sir, it is.”
“Well, I merely wished to prove the fact; will you, sir,” I added,
sinking my voice, to a whisper, “lend it to me for another trick which I
intend to perform presently?”
“Willingly,” the obliging spectator replied.
I then carried the watch on the stage, and, handing it secretly to my
servant, I bade him go at full speed to a watchmaker’s, and have a new
glass put in.
Half an hour later, I returned the watch to its owner, saying:
“I have just noticed to my regret that the lateness of the hour will
preclude me from performing the trick I promised you; but as I hope to
have the pleasure of seeing you again at my performances, please to
remind me the first time you come, and I shall then be able to perform
the interesting trick.”
I was saved.
* * * * *
In the meanwhile, the public were entering the theatre, but so quietly
that, although my dressing-room was close to the stage, I heard scarcely
any noise in the house. I was frightened at this, for such a quiet entry
is in France a sure prognostic of bad receipts for the manager, and
sinister foreboding of a failure to the performer.
When I was able to proceed on the stage, I ran to the curtain-hole, and
I saw with as much surprise as pleasure the house completely filled, and
presenting, in addition, the most charming company I had ever yet
performed before.
I must say, too, that the St. James’s Theatre is a splendid
establishment, for it is in some degree the gathering-place of the
flower of the English aristocracy, who visit it not merely to enjoy the
performances, but also to improve their pronunciation of French.
One fact will give an idea of the elegance and fashion of my spectators;
no lady is allowed to keep on her bonnet, however elegant it may be; she
is obliged to leave it in the saloon. This is, indeed, a thorough
English fashion, for the ladies come to the theatre in evening costume,
with their hair beautifully arranged, and low-necked dresses, while the
gentlemen are attired in black, with white neck-handkerchiefs and
gloves.
At St. James’s, the pit only exists traditionally; it is driven under
the boxes, and its presence is scarcely noticed. All the body of the
house is filled with stalls, or rather elegant arm-chairs, to which
ladies are admitted.
The price of the seats is in proportion to the comfort they offer; each
stall costs seven shillings, and you can enter the modest pit for three
shillings; but this is no dearer than at the Opera.
While I was surveying this elegant assembly with delight, I felt a
gentle tap on my shoulder. It was Mitchell, who came to give me a
delicate hint about some invitations he had thought it advisable to send
out.
“Well, Houdin,” he said to me, “how do you like your examination? does
the audience please you?”
“It is delightful, my dear Mitchell; I may add, it is the first time I
ever performed in a theatre to such a brilliant audience.”
“Brilliant is the very word, my friend, for you must know that, among
your admirers” (pardon me this word of praise, but I am quoting
Mitchell), “is the whole of the English Press, which possesses a
numerous staff. We shall also have as spectators some gentlemen whose
opinion exercises a very great influence in London drawing-rooms. And
lastly, a great number of places are occupied by artistic celebrities,
who will justly appreciate the Robert-Houdin whom, to employ the
champagne phrase, we have made ‘sparkle’ as he deserves.”
It may be imagined that, after this explanation, my performance seemed
to me a solemnity, and that I employed the utmost care and zeal in
executing my tricks. I am justified in stating that I obtained a
legitimate success.
Shall I now speak of the kindness and encouragement I received from the
audience of St. James’s Theatre? I will appeal to the celebrated
artistes who have performed on this stage before me: Rachel, Roger,
Samson, Regnier, Duplessis, Déjazet, Bouffé, Levassor, &c.; have they
ever found in Europe spectators comparable to those of St. James’s? Here
there are no paid clappers; they would be superfluous, for the audience
take upon themselves to encourage the performers. The gentlemen are not
afraid of bursting their gloves, while the ladies make as much noise
with their tiny hands as their strength allows.
But I must stop, for I should fear, were I to continue, drifting into
the style of the Great Wizard.
My performances went on at St. James’s, and amply consoled me for my
losses in Paris. Although I only performed three times a week, their
produce exceeded that of my best days at home. My readers might imagine
that such unequivocal success ought to have satisfied me, but, as I have
said before, I am naturally ambitious, and I longed for one decisive
triumph--I wished to have my performance honored by the presence of the
Queen. Under happier auspices I doubt not that the honor would have
fallen to my share, but at the moment there was a peculiar difficulty,
which I saw no mode of overcoming. I will describe it in as summary a
manner as I can.
After the revolution, the French theatres, as I have already said, found
their receipts reduced to worthless free tickets; hence they sought in
neighboring countries, just as I had done myself, a public less engaged
with politics, and consequently more apt to yield to the attraction of
amusement.
England was the only country that had made no change in its habits of
luxury and pleasure, and hence many managers turned their longing eyes
towards this El Dorado.
The Palais Royal Theatre, which, by the way, was not the worst off, was
one of the first to draw a bill at sight upon the rich metropolis of
England.
Dormeuil, its skillful manager, divided his company into two parts, one
remaining at Paris, while the other came to the St. James’s Theatre in
the place of the Opéra Comique, which had ended its engagement with
Mitchell. Levassor, Grassot, Ravel, M’lle Scrivaneck, &c., received a
brilliant reception from our mutual audience.
This success became known in Paris, and turned the head of M. H----,
manager of the Historic Theatre.
After making arrangements with the proprietors of a London theatre
(Covent Garden, I think), the impresario also came across with a portion
of his company to perform his play of _Monte Christo_, which lasted two
evenings.
The arrival of these performers, all of great merit generally, disturbed
the peace of the English managers, who, fearing with some reason the
entire loss of their audiences, resolved to oppose this dangerous
invasion.
“The French and Italian theatres in London,” they said in their attacks,
“can play on their boards whatever pieces they like; they are privileged
to do so, and we respect their right. But we will not permit all our
theatres to be thus invaded, or Shakspeare be dethroned by foreign
playwrights.”
The question of theatrical rivalry soon assumed the character of a
national one. The papers took up the cause of the theatres, while the
public adopted the opinion of the press writers, and formed an army to
fight against the new comers.
M. H---- attempted, however, to perform Alexandre Dumas’s master-piece;
but it was impossible to hear a word, so great were the noise and
confusion in the house during the whole time the performance lasted.
Although the manager persevered in his enterprise, he was at length
obliged to yield to this imposing protest, which threatened to
degenerate into a collision, and he decided on closing the theatre.
Mitchell held out his hand to the unlucky manager, and offered him the
hospitality of his theatre, that he might at least play his double piece
once before he left London. For this purpose he granted him one night of
the Palais Royal performances, and promised to arrange with me for the
next night.
I could refuse Mitchell nothing, and the drama was represented in its
entirety, after which the company returned to France.
I granted this favor with the greatest pleasure, as it obliged many
amiable performers, and I will add that, were a similar occasion offered
me to oblige M. H---- again, I would gladly accept it, if only to remind
him about thanking me for the first service I did him.
Fortunately for my hopes, an occasion was offered me for performing
before her Majesty, of which I gladly availed myself, as it enabled me,
at the same time to do some slight service in the cause of charity. The
occasion I will here describe, as it affords a pleasing trait of English
manners and customs.
A benevolent fête, the object of which was to open baths for the poor,
had been organized by the first ladies in the land, and it was to be
held at a delicious villa at Fulham, belonging to Sir Arthur Webster,
who had kindly placed it at the disposal of the lady patronesses.
This graceful swarm of sisters of charity was composed of ten duchesses,
fifteen marchioness, and some thirty countesses, viscountesses and
baronesses, at the head of whom was the Queen, who intended to honor
the fête by her presence. This was more than sufficient to dispose of
the tickets, however high the price might be. Still, the ladies
conscientiously desired to add some attraction, which would occupy the
afternoon agreeably. The first idea was to arrange a concert, and, of
course, the chief singers in the metropolis must be invited to join, as
the company was so select; hence the committee turned their eyes to Her
Majesty’s Theatre.
But there a difficulty arose: they must ask each artiste to display his
talent gratuitously, and as this was begging a favor, the embassy placed
the fair promoters in a delicate position which they hesitated to
accept.
Fortunately for them, these ladies had taken care to enlist the services
of my manager, whose intelligent advice would be most useful in
arranging the fête.
Mitchell was requested to call on the artistes, and he soon drew up a
most remarkable list: it contained Madame Grisi, Madame Castellan,
Madame Alboni, Mario, Roger (then engaged at Her Majesty’s Theatre),
Tamburini, and Lablache.
After the concert a divertissement was to take place which must excite
the public curiosity. A large number of ladies, dressed in costumes
selected from all parts of the world, had promised to form fancy
quadrilles on the lawn, in which they would perform character dances,
and for this purpose elegant and spacious tents were erected.
But this spectacle could only last an hour, and there were still two to
be filled up, in which the guests could only be offered the pleasure of
walking about. It was evident this was not enough, especially when we
remember the price of the tickets was two pounds. Hence the committee
naturally thought of my performance.
Mitchell had expected this, so he took on himself, owing to our friendly
connexion, to obtain my consent. He did more, for wishing in his turn to
offer his alms to the poor, he offered to build, at his own expense, a
theatre in the ground, and transfer to it the scenery I had at the
theatre. This was, in some respects, removing St. James’s Theatre to
Fulham.
Mitchell told me of this lucky event, from which he expected the best
results, and I may say at once that his expectations were realized. As
soon as it was known that the Queen would deign to be present at one of
my performances, many members of the aristocracy, who had not yet
visited the St. James’s Theatre, sent to order boxes.
On the day fixed for the Fulham festival, I started after breakfast for
Sir Arthur Webster’s residence. My manager, with the machinist of the
theatre, had been at work there from an early hour, so that, when I
arrived I found the theatre quite in readiness for me. Scenery, drops,
and curtain, everything, in short, was there, excepting the foot-lights,
for which the sun was an admirable substitute.
The public were to be admitted at one, and though I was not to give my
performance till nearly four o’clock, all my preparations were made by
the time the doors opened. The lady patronesses were already at their
posts to receive the Queen and the royal family, and were assisted by
stewards selected from the highest members of the aristocracy; among
them being the Duke of Beaufort, the Marquis of Abercorn, the Marquis of
Douglas, &c.
While waiting my turn to act, I thought I might as well take part in the
fête as a simple spectator; hence I went first to the entrance gates.
I had scarce reached them when I saw the Duke of Wellington get out of
his carriage, the popular hero before whom gentle and simple bowed with
respectful deference.
A few moments later appeared the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,
accompanied by his Highness Prince Frederick William of Hesse, and in a
group immediately following these high personages, the Duchess of Kent,
the Duchess Bernhard of Saxe Weimar, and the Princesses Anne and Amelia
were pointed out to me.
These illustrious visitors were received by the lady patronesses with
the honors due to their rank, while the band of the Royal Horse Guards
played national airs.
Outside could be heard the noisy and animated crowd, pressing forward,
at the risk of their lives, to see the carriages with the powdered and
gorgeous footmen whose heads are taxed so highly by the government.
The numerous subscribers flocked in: all wished to be punctual, for it
was known the Queen would grace the fête by her presence, and an
Englishman, great or small, would not at any price miss the pleasure of
seeing once again the features of her most gracious Majesty.
The place I had selected was most favorable for observing the new
arrivals and not missing a single person. Still, whatever attraction
this brilliant panorama might offer me, I was equally anxious to see the
interior of the fairy palace, and I was just turning away, after
directing a parting glance to the entrance gates. I was glad I did so,
for at this moment arrived, close after each other, Prince Louis
Napoleon, our present Emperor; Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar; Prince
Lœwenstein, and several other great personages whose names have
escaped my memory.
The gardens, the conservatories, and apartments, were already crowded by
all the rank and fashion of London, and it was a hard matter to move
about at one’s ease. At each moment a formidable swarm of marchionesses
and ladies stopped the way, and forced me to yield the road to them, in
my fear of crushing the most dazzling dresses I had ever seen. This was
difficult enough, for whatever way I might turn in my politeness, I ran
the risk of finding myself in the same dilemma, so numerous and compact
was the assemblage at Fulham.
At half-past two the Queen had not yet arrived, and there was a
hesitation about waiting any longer, when frenzied hurrahs, rending the
air for the length of a mile, announced her Majesty’s speedy arrival.
The church-bells immediately began ringing, the band struck up “God save
the Queen,” while the youngest and fairest ladies formed a double avenue
along her Majesty’s route.
These preparations were scarce made ere the Queen left her carriage, and
moving along an immense avenue, covered with red cloth, and sheltered
overhead by a gay awning, she walked towards the room where her arrival
was only awaited to commence the concert.
On reaching the room, the Queen took her place in the midst of a circle
formed by the lady patronesses, and the concert began.
I should have gladly listened to the dulcet sounds, but, unfortunately,
the hall, in spite of its vast proportions, could not contain all the
spectators, and the crush was so great that it was not only crowded, but
the approaches were invaded to the point where the vibration of the
voices finally died away.
Hence, I was obliged to content myself with hearing outside the repeated
applause bestowed on the talented singers. Roger, especially, obtained a
real triumph by his aria from Lucia di Lammermoor, and the exquisite
way in which he sings it is well known. The Queen herself commanded an
encore.
The concert was scarcely over when, in accordance with the programme,
the Queen proceeded to see the quadrilles, in which magnificently
attired ladies were to take part.
I should have gladly witnessed this graceful sight, but I thought it
advisable to cast a final glance on my stage.
Hence, I proceeded towards the theatre, where a private entrance had
been prepared for me, and I was just going up the few steps leading to
it, when some one seized my arm.
“Ah! Monsieur Robert-Houdin,” a gentleman said to me, with a smile, as
he prepared to follow me up the stairs, “that is capital--we will go in
together.”
“Where, sir?” I asked, much surprised at this proposal.
“Why, on your stage,” the unknown said, with an air of authority; “and I
trust you will not refuse me that pleasure.”
“I am vexed to deny you, sir; but that is impossible,” I said politely,
knowing that in these grounds I could only meet persons who must be
treated with respect.
“Why so?” the gentleman continued, most pressingly. “I find, on the
contrary, nothing easier. If we cannot go in side by side, we can follow
each other.”
“Pardon me, sir, if I refuse your request; but no stranger is allowed on
my stage.”
“Very good,” my assailant then said, pleasantly; “if that is the case, I
will tell you my name, so that I may be no longer a ‘stranger’ to you. I
am Baron Brunnow, the Russian ambassador, as great an admirer of your
mysteries as I am desirous to find them out.” And he continued his
ascent, while striving to force the barrier. “What, Monsieur
Robert-Houdin,” he added, “do you still refuse me this? I only ask one
or two explanations, nothing more.”
“I must persist in my refusal, Monsieur le Baron, for several reasons,
and, more especially, for this one----“
“What?”
“Your perspicuity and talent are so universally recognized, that I would
not deprive you of the pleasure of yourself detecting these secrets,
which are hardly worthy your powerful intellect.”
“Ah! ah!” the Baron replied, with a laugh, “how diplomatic we are. Do
you wish to follow in my track?”
“I am unworthy to do so, Monsieur le Baron.”
“Very good, very good. In the meanwhile, I am repulsed with loss, and
forced to take my place among the spectators. I yield; but tell me,
Monsieur Robert-Houdin, have you ever been in Russia?”
“No, sir, never.”
“Then give me your card.”
And the ambassador wrote his name below mine.
“Here,” he said, handing it me back, “if you ever feel an inclination to
visit our country, that card will be very useful to you; and, if I
happen to be at St. Petersburg at the time, come and see me, and I will
procure you the honor of performing before his Majesty the Emperor
Nicholas.”
I thanked Baron Brunnow, and he left me.
During this conversation, the quadrilles were being danced, and, before
their termination, the crowd had occupied all the seats for my
performance, save those reserved for the royal family and the court. The
Queen herself soon arrived, and I immediately received orders to begin.
Would that I had a more skillful pen with which to depict in its true
colors the picture which revealed itself to my dazzled gaze at this
moment! At any rate, I will attempt to describe it.
Imagine a large lawn rising before me in an amphitheatrical shape, and
arranged like the pit of a theatre. It would have been impossible to say
whether the ground was covered with grass or gravel, so thronged was it
with ladies, who were alone allowed to sit down.
In the first row and nearest my theatre, the Queen, having her royal
husband on her right, was surrounded by her young and graceful family. A
little in the rear the ladies in waiting and the lady patronesses formed
the royal escort. At a respectful distance behind, the wives and
daughters of the subscribers took their places, while the gentlemen
formed symmetrical groups round this vast space.
The sight was truly magnificent; all the ladies, dazzling with youth and
beauty, covered with diamonds and flowers, and rivalling each other in
good taste and brilliancy, resembled a vast enameled prairie, on which
the richest flowers of spring were displayed, while the black coats of
the gentlemen who enframed this smiling picture, far from dulling it,
only heightened the effect.
On either side of the lawn, old oak-trees lent their refreshing shade to
this improvised theatre.
I felt a noble pride at that moment, when I thought I held, as it were
at my fingers’ ends, the witching eyes of duchesses, at times so
haughty, but now so gracious, and which seemed at every moment to gain
fresh brilliancy at the sight of the surprises I offered them.
In this unique performance the time passed so rapidly, that I was quite
astonished when I found myself performing my last trick.
Before leaving her seat, the Queen, although she had several times
evinced her satisfaction, sent me her compliments through an
aide-de-camp, who also expressed her Majesty’s desire to have a
performance at Buckingham Palace at a later date.
I had made every arrangement to start for town immediately my
performance was over, lest I might be delayed by the carriages waiting
at the park gates. An idea of the number of my audience can be formed,
when I say it took me more than a quarter of an hour to pass through the
carriages drawn up in double file along the road. The receipts of the
festival will supply a better proof: they amounted to 2500_l._!
The next day the royal arms appeared at the head of my bills, and below,
the following passage, as a species of baptismal certificate:
“_Robert-Houdin, who has had the honor of performing before her
most gracious Majesty the Queen, Prince Albert, the Royal Family,
and the Nobility of the United Kingdom,_” &c.
My fashion only become the greater at St. James’s.
We had now reached the middle of July, and no one but an Englishman can
understand the possibility of obtaining a theatrical success during the
dog-day heats. I must say, then, that among our brethren beyond the
Channel, where all our customs are inverted, the season for concerts is
from May to the end of August. In September the aristocracy retire to
their estates, where they remain the other six months of the year.
I followed the example of my audience: I quitted London at the beginning
of September, not like them to take rest, but, on the contrary, to
commence a life even more agitated than the one I was leaving. I went
to the Manchester Theatre, where Knowles, the manager, had made an
engagement with me for fifteen performances.
The theatre in this city is immense; like the vast _arenæ_ of ancient
Rome, it can hold an entire people. To give an idea of its size, I need
only say that twelve hundred spectators scarcely filled the pit.
When I took possession of the stage, I was startled at its huge
proportions; for I feared I should be lost upon it, and my voice be
unheard.
The reasons for the erection of this immense building were explained to
me afterwards.
Manchester, as an eminent manufacturing city, counts its workmen by
thousands. Well, these hardy artisans are all fond of the stage, and in
their hand-to-mouth existence they often give up one or two nights a
week to this style of amusement; hence a large space was required to
house them all.
Judging by the size of the house, I saw that many of the tricks I
performed at St. James’s were unsuited for the Manchester Theatre;
hence, I was obliged to draw up a programme containing merely tricks
that could be seen from a distance, and whose effect would strike the
masses.
So soon as my performances were announced, the “hands” flocked in in
shoals, and the pit, their favorite place, was literally crammed; while
the rest of the house was nearly empty. This is, however, generally the
case at a first performance in England; for many people wait for the
newspaper critiques, which are sure to appear on the following day, ere
they make up their mind.
The audience entered the house with a noise unexampled in any French
theatre, except at those gratuitous performances given in Paris on grand
occasions. Before the curtain was raised, I was obliged to wait, and
give my noisy public time to cool down, and order and silence being
gradually established, I began my performance.
Instead of the fashionable world, the elegant toilettes, and those
spectators who seemed to spread an aristocratic perfume over the St.
James’s Theatre, I now found myself in the presence of simple workmen,
modestly and uniformly attired, rough in their manner, and eager for
amusement.
But this change, far from displeasing me, stimulated my energies and
dash, and I was soon at my ease with my new spectators, when I saw that
they took a lively interest in my experiments. Still, an accident at the
outset nearly aroused the popular dissatisfaction.
The Manchester artisans, far from coming to my performances to improve
their French accent, were greatly surprised at hearing themselves
addressed in any language but their own. Protests were put in on every
side, and soon shouts were heard of “Speak English!”
As for my complying with the request, it was simply impossible; for
though I had been six months in London, as I was always among my own
countrymen, or persons who talked French, I had no occasion to apply
myself to the English language. Still, I tried to satisfy a claim that
appeared to me legitimate, and make up for my deficiencies by boldness
and good-will. I began by pronouncing the few English words I knew; when
my vocabulary was at fault, and I was about to run short, I invented
expressions which, owing to their strange shape, greatly amused my
audience. Often, too, when in a difficulty, I boldly asked them to come
to my aid, and it was my turn to feel a great inclination to laugh.
“How do you call it?” I said, with a serio-comic air, as I held up the
article whose name I wished to know; and straightway a hundred voices
responded to my appeal. Nothing could be more pleasant than a lesson
thus taken, when my teachers, contrary to the usual fashion, paid for
the privilege of giving it.
Through my condescension I succeeded in making peace with my audience,
who warmly cemented it on several occasions by their hearty applause.
The last trick especially created a tremendous excitement--I mean the
_inexhaustible bottle_, produced with scenery and decorations never
before witnessed on any stage.
The picture presented by this trick is indescribable, and a skillful
pencil could alone reproduce its numerous details. Here, however, is a
sketch as accurate as possible:
I have already said that although the spectators were few and far
between in some parts of the house, the pit was crowded, and it
consequently contained more than twelve hundred persons.
I own it was a really curious sight to see all these heads issuing
invariably from dark-colored waistcoats, heightened by that ruddiness of
face which can be only produced by the beef and porter of Great Britain.
In order that I might communicate more freely with my numerous
spectators, the machinist had put up a plank running from the stage to
the end of the pit, and as I also wished to address persons at the
sides, two other “practicables,” much shorter than the centre one, ran
across to the boxes. The latter did not occupy room like the first, for
they were just over a passage, while those who entered by it had to
stoop down to reach their seats; but what was that slight inconvenience
to the pleasure they promised themselves in seeing the “French
conjurer?”
The public were still entering the pit after my performance had
commenced, and so many persons were allowed to come in that there was
soon no room for the laggards.
Several of them had the courage to remain bent under the “practicables,”
and, looking out right and left in turn, they could follow my tricks.
But one of these bold spectators, doubtlessly fatigued by the
inconvenient posture he was obliged to keep, ingeniously passed his head
through the narrow space between the “practicable” and the boxes. He
managed it very cleverly, and his action was precisely that of a button
going into its corresponding hole.
This innovation was, it may be easily supposed, gaily and noisily
welcomed by the audience, and the unfortunate man had to endure the fate
reserved for all innovators--he was laughed at and “chaffed”
tremendously. But he did not trouble himself about that, and his
coolness disarmed his opponents.
Encouraged by his example, a neighbor tried the button-hole manœuvre,
then a second and a third, and thus, by the middle of the performance,
half a dozen heads without bodies were symmetrically arranged on either
side the pit, looking for all the world like skittle-pins waiting to be
knocked down.
I had arrived at the bottle trick, which consists in producing from an
empty bottle every liquor that may be asked for, no matter the number of
drinkers.
The reputation of this famous bottle was already established in
Manchester, for the London papers had fully described the experiment.
Hence, a general hurrah was heard when I appeared armed with my
marvellous bottle; for, in addition to the merit of the trick itself,
the workmen also counted on the pleasure of drinking a glass of brandy,
or any other liquor.
Flattered by this reception, I proceeded to the centre of the pit,
followed by my servant, who carried an enormous tray of wine-glasses.
But I had scarce arrived there when a thousand voices began exclaiming,
“Brandy, whisky, gin, curaçoa, shrub, rum,” &c.
It was impossible to satisfy all at once; hence, I wished to proceed in
rotation, and, after filling a glass, I offered it to the man who I
thought had made the first claim; but the gentleman was utterly
disappointed. Twenty hands were stretched out to dispute the precious
liquor, and the glass was speedily upset. The spectators, suffering the
punishment of Tantalus, shouted for the liquid, which was not fated to
reach their lips. I filled a second glass--it shared the fate of the
previous one, and was fought for so obstinately that the glass was
broken.
Further on, the same request was made; I complied, and none could profit
by it.
Without troubling myself as to the result, I poured out the liquor
profusely, and left my audience to fight for its possession.
Soon all the glasses had disappeared, and in vain I asked for them back
to continue my bounty; not a trace of them was to be found. My
experiment was, therefore, in danger of sudden termination, when a
clever spectator held out his hand in the shape of a cup.
The process was as simple as it was ingenious; it was the egg of
Christopher Columbus. The astonishment his neighbors felt permitted the
inventor to profit by his discovery, which is unfortunately a rarity.
This improvised cup was unanimously accepted, but the imitators saw
their piracy suffer the same fate, minus the breakage, as the glasses.
Quite tired, I was about to withdraw, when a new improvement was
introduced by a spectator, as thirsty as he was obstinate; throwing back
his head and opening an enormous mouth, he made me signs to pour in
curaçoa. Finding the idea original, I immediately complied.
“What capital curaçoa,” the man said, as he licked his lips.
This seductive exclamation was scarce heard ere every mouth was open and
heads thrown back; it was enough to make me fly in terror. Still, not to
leave so curious a scene incomplete, I took a watering tour, holding the
mouth of the bottle as straight as I could. At times, the bottle being
pushed by the neighbors, sent the liquor over a man’s coat, but, save
this slight inconvenience, all went on famously, and I fancied I had
fulfilled the rude task of quenching the thirst of my audience. Still, I
heard a few more appeals; and a glass of whisky was earnestly implored
by one of the men who had thrust his head between the plank and the
boxes, and seemed in a perfect state of collapse.
My son, who helped me on the stage, and was one of the first to hear
this request, understood all the longing the poor suppliant felt; hence
he ran on the stage for a glass, which I filled, and he carried to the
man.
But a difficulty suddenly arose; the claimant and his comrades were shut
up in their pillory, side by side, and could not raise their arms. My
son, unthinkingly, offered the glass, and seeing no one take it, was
about to carry it back on the stage; but a groan made him turn round,
and, by the patient’s air, he understood he was begging him to stoop
down and place the glass to his lips.
This delicate operation was performed with considerable skill on both
sides, and, despite the laughter of the public, each of the pilloried
men asked the same service in turn.
This little scene appeared to have calmed the ardor of the public; and I
thought it possible to terminate my trick in the usual way. When my
bottle appears exhausted, I end by filling an enormous glass with
liquor, but a scene then began which I had been far from expecting.
Many writers have described the saturnalia produced by the frightful
distribution of food and wine at the Restoration. Well, these orgies
were respectable meals compared with the assault attempted to reach the
glass I held in my hand.
A human avalanche suddenly rose before me, and from this living pyramid
emerged two hundred hands to dispute their prey, while a hundred mouths
were opened to swallow it.
I thought it high time to beat a retreat, in the fear of being buried
beneath this shapeless mass. It was impossible; behind me a file of
thirsty drinkers barred my passage.
The danger was pressing, for the pyramid was bending forward to reach
me, and might lose its balance at any moment; the cries of the unhappy
beings supporting its weight explained the dangerous position in which I
might soon find myself; hence, I rushed with my head down through the
mass, and reached the stage in time to notice the curious sight of a
falling mountain.
I will not attempt to describe the cries, shouts, and applauses that
accompanied this fall, while the victims were loud in their abuse, and
found no way of getting up, save by stepping on their companions in
misfortune. The noise was atrocious.
The curtain fell on this strange scene, but shouts and clapping were
immediately heard: “The conjurer!” Houdin must come out to be
complimented.
I obeyed this order, and when I made my appearance, either because I had
been too liberal with my bottle, or because, as I would sooner think, my
spectators were satisfied with my performance, the shouts and applause
broke out in such a formidable manner that I was quite stupefied, while
feeling acutely the pleasure they produced me. For I must say that the
noise of the hands struck together, though so trying in itself, has
nothing to shock the ear of a performer; on the contrary, the more
deafening it becomes, the more harmonious it appears to the recipient.
The following performances were far from being so tumultuous as the
first, and the reason is very simple. The merchants and traders, who
form the aristocracy of Manchester, having heard of my performances,
came with the families to witness them, and their presence contributed
to keep the workmen in order. The house assumed a different aspect, and
henceforth I could only praise the quietness of the pit.
Fifteen consecutive performances had not exhausted the curiosity of the
inhabitants, and I could certainly have given fifteen more, at least,
when, to my great regret, I was obliged to make way for two
celebrities--Jenny Lind and Roger--whom Knowles had engaged to follow my
performance.
Though I felt vexed at throwing such a chance away, on the other hand I
was glad to escape as soon as possible from that heavy and smoky
atmosphere, which makes the industrial capital of England resemble a
city of chimney-sweeps. I could not accustom my lungs to inhale, instead
of air, the flakes of soot constantly floating about. I fell into a
state of melancholy almost akin to spleen, which did not abandon me till
I reached the gay city of Liverpool, where I intended to remain several
weeks.
I was at that time at the height of my fashion; my performance began
with applause and ended with famous receipts. I need only add, that,
after performing in turn at the theatres of Liverpool, Birmingham,
Worcester, Cheltenham, Bristol, and Exeter, I returned to London to give
fifteen performances ere I started for France.
A few days after my return to St. James’s Theatre, the Queen, bearing in
mind the desire she had expressed at Fulham, commanded a performance at
Buckingham Palace.
This invitation being most agreeable, I willingly accepted it.
At eight in the morning of the appointed day, I proceeded to the royal
residence, and the steward of the palace, to whom I was directed, led me
to the place selected for my performance. It was a long and magnificent
picture gallery, and a theatre had been put up, on which the scenery
represented a saloon in the Louis Quinze style, white and gold, much
resembling the one I had at St. James’s Theatre.
My guide then showed me an adjoining dining-room, belonging, he said, to
the ladies of honor, and he begged me to state at what hour I should
like to breakfast.
I was too busy to think about eating, for I had my performance to
prepare; however, I ordered the meal for one o’clock at any risk, and
set to work directly.
Aided by my secretary (a species of factotum) and my two boys, who
helped me as well as their strength permitted, I managed to overcome all
the difficulties produced by the provisional arrangement of the stage.
But I had not finished all my preparations till two o’clock, and I was
almost dying of inanition, for, less fortunate than my companions, I had
eaten nothing the whole day. Hence it was with real joy I led the route
to the dining-room.
As the performance was not to take place till three, I had just an hour
to recruit my strength.
I had scarce walked a dozen steps, when I heard some one calling me. It
was a palace official who wanted to speak to me.
“There will be a ball, sir, in this gallery,” he said, in excellent
French, “after your performance, and consequently preparations will have
to be made which may take more time than has been allowed for them.
Hence, the Queen requests you to begin your performance an hour sooner;
she is quite ready, and will be here directly.”
“I am very sorry I cannot obey her Majesty’s commands,” I replied; “my
preparations are not yet ended, and I must add, that----“
“Monsieur Robert-Houdin,” the officer replied, politely, but with all
the coolness of a Briton, “such are her Majesty’s orders, and I can say
no more.” And without awaiting any explanation, he bowed to me and
retired.
“We shall still have time to take a hasty snack,” I said to my
secretary, “so off to the dining-room as quickly as you please.”
I had not finished the sentence, when the Queen, Prince Albert and the
royal family entered the gallery, followed by a numerous suit.
At this sight I had not the courage to go further; I returned, and armed
myself with resignation. Protected by the curtain that concealed me from
the spectators, I hastily made my few remaining preparations, and five
minutes later I received the order to begin.
When the curtain rose, I was dazzled at the sight that met my gaze.
Her Majesty, the Prince Consort, the Queen Dowager, the Duke of
Cambridge and the royal children occupied the first rank. Behind them
were a portion of the Orleans family; while in the rear sat the highest
functionaries, among whom I recognized ambassadors dressed in their
national costumes, and general officers covered with brilliant
decorations. All the ladies were in ball toilette, and richly adorned
with jewels.
A wonderful change came over me when I began my performance: all my
languor had been suddenly dispelled, and I felt in excellent spirits.
Still this change can be easily explained. It is well known that a
performer feels no suffering while on the stage; a species of exaltation
suspends all feelings foreign to his part, and hunger, thirst, cold, or
heat, even illness itself, is forced to retreat in the presence of this
excitement, though it takes its revenge afterwards.
This slight digression was necessary to explain the spirits I felt in
when I appeared before my noble audience.
Never, I believe, did I throw such dash and boldness into the
performance of my experiments; never, either, had I an audience which
appreciated them so kindly.
The Queen deigned to encourage me several times by flattering remarks,
while Prince Albert, ever so kind to professionals, heartily clapped his
hands.
I had prepared a trick, called the _Bouquet à la Reine_. This is what
the _Court Journal_ says of it when describing my performance:
* * * * *
“The Queen evinced an extreme pleasure in these experiments; but the one
which seemed to strike her most was the _Bouquet à la Reine_, a very
graceful surprise, and charmingly àpropos. Her Majesty having lent her
glove to M. Robert-Houdin, the latter immediately produced from it a
bouquet, which soon grew so large that it could be scarcely held in both
hands. Finally, this bouquet, after being placed in a vase, and bedewed
with magic water, was transformed into a garland, in which the flowers
formed the word VICTORIA.
“The Queen was equally astonished at the surprising lucidity of M.
Robert-Houdin’s son, in the experiment of the second-sight. The most
complicated objects had been prepared in order to embarrass and foil the
sagacity of the father and the marvellous faculty of the son. Both
emerged victoriously from this intellectual combat, and defeated every
scheme.”
After the performance, the same officer with whom I had already spoken
came to offer me the thanks of the Queen and Prince Albert. The Duchess
of Orleans had also been kind enough to add her compliments and those of
her family.
So soon as the curtain had fallen, and I was no longer supported by the
presence of my audience, I felt ready to drop. I had taken a seat, and
could hardly rise to go and enjoy the meal which I stood in such need
of.
Still, I was about to do so, when I was roused from my exhaustion by the
appearance of a large body of workmen, who had come to take down the
theatre in all speed and prepare the gallery for the ball.
My readers can judge of my embarrassment and trouble when I found I must
pack up all my machinery at once, lest it might be broken.
I tried to protest and defer the execution of the task, but it was all
in vain: orders had been given, and they must be obeyed. Hence, I was
obliged to summon up fresh energy to finish my packing, which took me an
hour and a half.
Six o’clock struck when all was finished. I had taken no food for
exactly four-and-twenty hours.
Leaning on my manager who had taken the precaution of ordering up the
dinner, I dragged myself as far as the dining-room.
Twilight had commenced, and the room was not yet lighted, and it was
with some difficulty we could distinguish a table. I fell rather than
sat down upon a chair I found near me, and while my son was ringing for
lights, I commenced a second-sight performance of my own. I succeeded
famously; I laid my hand on a fork, and pricking at whatever might be
before me, found something attached to the instrument. I prudently
raised the object to my nose, and, satisfied with this inspection, I
took a triumphant bite.
It was delicious; and I fancied I could recognize a _salmi_ of
partridge.
I made a second exploring tour to assure myself of the truth, and, after
a few mouthfuls, I convinced myself I was not mistaken. My manager and
boys followed my example, and set to work manfully.
It seems that the attendance must be slow in royal houses, for before
the lights arrived we had plenty of time to grow used to the darkness.
However, this meal, through its originality, became a delightful
amusement, and I had seized a bottle to pour out some wine, when the
door of the room suddenly opened, and two servants came in bearing
candelabra. On seeing us thus seated at table and eating in the coolest
way, they nearly fell backwards in surprise. I am persuaded they took us
at the moment for real sorcerers, for we had great difficulty in
inducing them to remain in the room and wait on us.
We then took our ease. The table was well served, the wines were
excellent, and we could rest from the fatigues and emotions of the day.
At the end of the dinner the palace steward paid us a visit, and on
hearing of my misfortunes, he expressed his deep regret. The Queen, he
assured me, would be the more vexed, if she heard of it, because she had
given the strictest orders that I should want for nothing in her palace.
I replied, that I was amply repaid for a few moments of pain by the
satisfaction I felt at having been called to perform before his gracious
sovereign. And this was, indeed, the truth.