Page:Women of distinction.djvu/53

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.
17

account of bad healtli had to resign, and afterwards traveled in the interest of Wiberforce University, lecturing with marked success, and was particularly welcomed at Hampton Normal School in Virginia. Now, having been engaged in school-teaching North and South in which there was much of the missionary spirit, and having also completed a course in elocution, she served several years as an important factor in "The Wilberforce Grand Concert Company," which also traveled in the interest of that well-known institution.

From the day of graduation at the famous Wilberforce University she has continued to grow in public favor and popularity as one greatly eminent in her chosen profession; entering so fully into the real spirit of the author, and making such vivid descriptions, that she renders perfectly the idea of the writer, as the following will show:

The greatest compliment ever paid to Miss Brown, at least the one she doubtless appreciates the most, was received under the following circumstances: While at Appleton, Wis., she recited, among other selections, "How He Saved St. Michaels." After the concert a lady came forward, requesting to be introduced to the elocutionist. The Rev. F. vS. Stein then introduced to Miss Brown Mrs. Dr. Stansbury, the author of "How He Saved St. Michaels." Madam Stansbury grasped the hand of the elocutionist and exclaimed, "Miss Brown, I have never heard that piece so rendered before." This notwithstanding a famous reader, a few weeks before, had given the same selection there, and advertised by announcing that she would render Mrs. Stansbury's famous poem. Miss Brown was confused. She did not even know the lady lived in the State, and did not dream of her presence in the house, hence she was taken completely by surprise, nor would she have attempted to give it had she heard of the presence of the authoress. The compliment was all the more appreciated because every elocutionist who visits that section renders "St. Michaels."