Note 24 — Chapter XII · Richmond as a National Capital

Of Mrs. Clay herself, renowned for her histrionic talent, Mrs. Ives wrote: “It was the hope of having you take the part of Mrs. Malaprop that encouraged me to undertake the amateur production of Sheridan’s play. I felt sure that if all others failed, your acting would redeem all deficiencies. You carried the audience by storm.... I can see you yet, in imagination, in your rich brocaded gown, antique laces and jewels, high puffed and curled hair, with nodding plumes which seemed to add expression to your amusing utterances!” A. S.