Modjeska, who, though she is a Polish actress, is associated with the
American stage, made a great impression on me. She was exquisite in many
parts, but in none finer than in "Adrienne Lecouvreur." Her last act
electrified me. I have never seen it better acted, although I have seen
all the great ones do it since. Her Marie Stuart, too, was a beautiful
and distinguished performance. Her Juliet had lovely moments, but I did
not so much care for that, and her broken English interfered with the
verse of Shakespeare. Some years ago I met Modjeska and she greeted me
so warmly and sweetly, although she was very ill.
During my more recent tours in America, Maude Adams is the actress of
whom I have seen most, and "to see her is to love her!" In "The Little
Minister" and in "Quality Street" I think she is at her best, but above
all parts she herself is most adorable. She is just worshipped in
America, and has an extraordinary effect--an _educational_ effect--upon
all American girlhood.
[Illustration: _From the collection of F. H. Meserve_