ABSTRACT
THROUGHOUT the length and breadth of the United Kingdom next morning the electrifying news of Karyl Pendragon’s great speech in favour of the Railway Bill was blazoned by the fiery enthusiasm of the Zenith, whose leading 77article characterized it “The most marvellous and convincing flow of magnificent oratory ever heard from the lips of a woman.” She was hailed as the “Female Gladstone,” the “Wonder of the Age,” and her beauty, her magnetic power, her burning zeal were dwelt upon at great length. Nothing was spared that could add a lustre to her fame, and the poorest cottager in the land was thrilled as he read of this remarkable woman, “little more than a girl,” who had risen up like a new Joan of Arc to lead her party to victory, her country to a glorious era of prosperity and happiness. Her name was in every mouth, and cables were carrying it to all parts of the world. The French, then a separate nation and, as now, a very excitable race, were already preparing to swarm across the Channel and see La Belle Pendragon. And before the week was out she had extravagant offers of theatrical engagements from all the leading managers and impresarios in Europe and America.
