The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1886-05-08 00:00:00

Margaret Atherstone, to follow her mother's profession
in her own name. Under t.l.e circumstances, and to
save the family name from what he considers an
indelible disgrace, I am authorised by him to offer
you, on certain conditions, his forgiveness, and silence
of all that may have been unpleasant in the past.
"Firstly, that you shall remove the young lady at
once and for ever from all association with any person
cormected with the theatrical profession.
"Secondly, that you immediately and entirely
separate yourself from the child's mother, who shall
be suitably and abundantly provided for, in a manner
_ _
becor

Jming-her station in life.
"Thirdly, that the future education of Miss Ather-
stne, as her grandfather's heiress, shall be entrusted
to persons selected by him and his cousin, the Rev.
Norton Atherstone, rector of Lillington.
"These are Mr. Atherstone's terms, and I am further
entrusted to say, that should you agree to them, you
will be received with open arms, and your daughter's
position as his heiress assured at once. If not,
though Mr. Atherstone does not anticipate such a
contingency, I am compelled to state, with regret, that
he contemplates such a disposal of his entire property
as will leave nothing but the entailed estate, and the
empty Grange, to come to you and your child at his
death.

"Awaiting your reply, I am,
"Faithfully yours,
"R. CARSON.
"Leonard Atherstone, Esq., Theatre Royal,
"Birmingham."
Leonard looked at his wife as she refolded the
Letter.
"Well, dear ?" he said.
"/s it well, when fathers can write such [letters to
their sons ?" she said, gloomily. "Can he ever have
loved your mother, Len, that he can write such words
as these to a husband and father ?"
"I believe he did, darling. But what shall we say
in reply ?"
"When we have ceased to love each other, then we
will say, ' yes ' to it," she replied, putting her head on
his shoulder. "But that won't be yet awhile, un-
less-"

"Unless what ?"
"Unless you think it would be better for Dot."
Her eyes were very full of tears as she spoke, but
she bravely kept them back.
"For her sake, Len, and yours, I could even give
her up."
Leonard shook his head.
"No, you couldn't, little woman. Don't try to
fancy it possible. Give her up! Nonsense! Our child
must love and honour both her parents alike."
"There goes the orchestra bell," said Beryl. " I
must go in a few minutes. Leonard, dear, if I could
say from my heart that I thought it best you
and my child should leave me, I should give you up,
and try to make my way in the world as best I might.
You would have more luxury, but I know from what
I feel myself how your heart would be torn. Dot
would be made into a lady—educated as the heiress of
Atherstone Grange, but what would they teach her?
To blush for her mother, and despise her father. I
cannot say 'go,' unless you have ceased to love us,
Len."
"My, darling, there is no thought of going in my
head. I wonder old Carson's ink didn't freeze in his
pen while he was making such a proposal. No, no,
Beryl, we'll struggle on together, with to-night's
success for the beginning of a new life:'
"The success hasn't come yet, Len."
"No, but it will. Don't let the thought of this
worry you."
' Not it. It will nerve 1113 up to play with spirit.
They shall see I can do something still. Don't get into
draughts, there's a dear, and keep Dot from scamper-
ing about. I want her to look nice."
She stooped and laid a kiss upon his forehead, and
went away to her business.
There was a full house, and she was kindly if not
enthusiastically greeted at first. But the full rich
tones of her voice, and her graceful bearing, soon made
their mark, and her proud answer to her tyrannical
uncle-
- Treason is no inheritance, any lord
And if it were, my father as no traitor,
fairly brought down the house.
Some hint of her story had gat about; perhaps Mr.
Masters knew best how, and the gentle sadness of the
words— _ _ .

On 3 out of sorts with fortune
Who would give more, but that her hand lacks means,
provoked another burst of enthusiasm which never
abated during the whole piece.
She saw Mr. Masters, in his box, applauding as
vigorously as anyone; and her foster-father, who was
playing Touchstone in a masterly, though somewhat
old-fashion.ed way, congratulated her almost with
tears.
"You've hit them, child," he said. "I knew you
could do it. It will be the beginning of better times.
Masters is crochety, but he's a good friend. Once
please him, and you're sure to get on.
Mr. Whiffin had been almost au anxious as Bery.
herself, and he had worked and schemed to have every
little matter go right in a way she had little dreamed
of. It was he who had selected elderly, plain-looking
Miss Cooke for Cecelia, instead of giving the part to
the leading lady, who was grumbling at the idea of
playing "second" to the star. She was a pretty,
youthful-looking woman, and a good actress, whereas
Miss Cooke, who was very thankful for the chance,
was, though perfectly reliable, stagey and stiff to the
last degree. Her every action threw up I3eryl's grace
and ease in a marked manner. Outsiders can hardly
be aware of what bits of finesse come in to the proper
getting up of a play sometimes.
(To be continued.)