a
decided success. Every portion of the spacious and elegant
building was completely filled. Madame presented herself in
that black velvet costume which seems to be the only
alternative to white muslin for ladies who aspire to be
considered historic. Not Marie Stuart herself could have
become it better than Lola Montez. Her face, air, attitude,
and elocution are thoroughly and bewilderingly feminine.
Perhaps her smartest and happiest remark was the one in
which, with a pretty affectation, she says, "If I were a
gentleman, I should like an American young lady to flirt
with, but a typical English girl for a wife." This dictum
was received with much applause.

One can well believe it.

An anonymous leader, but which, from its florid touches, was evidently
penned by George Augustus Sala, dwelt on Lola's personality:

Some disappointment may have been caused by the appearance
of the fair lecturer. A Semiramis, a Zenobia, a Cleopatra,
in marvellous robes of gold and silver tissue, might have
been looked for; but, in reality, the rostrum was occupied
by a very handsome lady, with a very charming voice and a
very winning smile.... Madame Lola Montez lectures very well
and very naturally. Some will go to hear the accomplished
elocutionist; others will be envious to see the wife of
Captain James and silly Mr. Heald; the friend of Dujarier
and Beauvalon; the _cara sposa_ of King Ludwig. Phryne went
to the bath as Venus--and Madame Lola Montez lectures at St.
James's Hall.

Taking a professional interest in everything connected, however
remotely, with the drama (and having more time in which to do it) the
_Era_ offered its readers a considered opinion at greater length:

If any amongst the full and fashionable auditory that
attended her first appearance fancied (with a lively
recollection of certain scandalous chronicles in the
newspapers touching upon her antecedents) that they were
about to behold a formidable-looking woman, of Amazonian
audacity and palpably strong-wristed as well as
strong-minded, their disappointment must have been grievous;
greater if they anticipated the legendary bulldog at her
side, and the traditionary pistols in her girdle, and the
horse-whip in her hand. The Lola Montez who made a graceful
and impressive obeisance to thos