Kean

: The Drama--actors, Etc.

In the second year of Kean's London triumph, an elderly lady, whose
sympathy had been excited by his forlorn condition in boyhood, but who had

lost sight of him in his wanderings till his sudden starting into fame

astonished the world, was induced, on renewing their acquaintance, to pay a

visit of some days to him and Mrs. Kean, at their residence in

Clarges-street. She made no secret of her intention to evince the interest

s
e felt in his welfare by a considerable bequest in her will; but, on

accompanying Mrs. K. to the theatre to see Kean perform _Luke_, she was so

appalled by the cold-blooded villany of the character, that, attributing

the skill of the actor to the actual possession of the fiendlike

attributes, her regard was turned into suspicion and distrust. She left

London the next day, and dying soon afterwards, it appeared that she had

altered her testamentary disposition of her property, which had once been

made in Kean's favour, and bequeathed the sum originally destined for him

to a distant relative, of whom she knew nothing but by name.



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