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Paris, April 22.--Appropos of theatres, I am fed to think of our charming young prima donna,
Adelina Patti, who has had during this week a series of most brilliant successes.
On the night of her benefit, all of her friends and admirers came armed with superb bouquets, and the dress circle of the Italians presented a most brilliant spectacle.
The programme was a varied one the young singer displaying her powers in several characters entirely opposed to each other.
As Violetta, in the first act of "Traviata," as Zerlina, in "
Don Glovanni," Norma, in "
Don Pasquale," and in the duet in "I'Elisa d'anare," she was equally brilliant; equally successful; for at every appearance she was saluted with showers of flowers, nearly all of the bouquets being composed of white roses and violets, as a type of her purity and modesty.
Among these graceful tributes was one of three feet in circumference, and the fair recipient had to flit around and across the stage to avoid being assailed too roughly.
At last, finding it impossible to gather up her prizes, with a pretty gesture of despair, she ceased the attempt and waited until
Scales and Delle Ledle came.
Finally the valets had to be called in to reap the harvest of floral honors showered upon her. Such a demonstration is extremely rare in
Paris; but
Patti, by her sorceries, contrived to bewitch even the serious and respectable critics of the parquette into taking a part in this extraordinary display of enthusiasm.
Again, by particular request, she appeared for the last time this season in "Ill Barblere." On this occasion an admirer, a young
Russian Prince, who would not be found in the common herd, installed himself in a box all to himself — having previously supplied himself with a provision of bouquets of the most costly and rare flowers.
As soon as
Patti appeared the gentleman commenced the scene of the benefit night all alone.
At first this sort of thing was received with disfavor by the house, but at last the audience found it best to take the affair good humoredly, laughing as each bouquet was landed at the feet of the embarrassed young songstress.
Not less than fifty or sixty were thrown several of them containing cases of valuable diamonds and pearl bracelets, necklaces, rings, &c.
Patti stood the test admirably, and presented her treasures to her father, who handed them over to the theatrical manager,
M. Bagler, to be returned to their donor.
