Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1848-06-01


ago, but declined
Yes, | know you have refused several
brilliant offers
There is one which | have thought it
right and best to accept; il is an honest
one. and i, peases me. A young man
has offered me his hand
The Devil! A marriage! This is ralh-
er serious
1t will decide the happiness Of ny life,
sir.
Then do not hesitate moment, Mar.
ry.'
But him whom am to marry, does no,
wish his wife TO remain on the stage
oh, hol Prejudice' And what lis his
prolessionf'
He is, in business, a clerk; but he is
going to set up for himself, aud he needs
me to help him in the store
And | need you, my dear girl, to take
two new pieces which / received yester-
day
Then you refuse, sir, to give me my
dismisslon2'
i want you to reflect. Blu, you can at
any time throw up your engagement BY
paying your forfeiture
Ten thousand francs! 1t is very high. ,
1t was too high when you signed ii, but
now it is not enough
ALAS! this will prevent my marriage"
said the young actress, in voice stl1ed
by tears; and she left the apartment in de-
spalr.'
Two days after this scene, the manager
was in his office, before the fire p ace, try
ing to light fire. All the servants of the
theatre were away, and he was Obliged to
help himself.
The treasurer came in with long face.
The theatre was in one of its crisises; the
receipts were getting small, and the end of
the month looked threatening.
Yes said the manager, it looks rather
blank-and this cursed fire won't light
| stand in need Of puffs now more than
ever
Astonished tina, the manager could jest,
under such circumstances, the treasurer
left the room. As he was going out the
young actress went in.
'Ah! is ii you?' asked the manager, you
are Just from the rehearsal"
No, sir; have come to give you up my
parts,
Il have brought you the forfeiture.
'rhe ten thousand francs.
Here they are.
And how dig. y9mT gave hem 10 'ih iflam!
Then he IS rich.
This is pretty much all he is WORTH
But he said, what do we care; we will set
up by and by, or perhaps | can borrow
the money
A'ebls! A pretty perspective to ayoung
family! Then you give 10 your husband
as dowery, vexa,ion and min; you take
from him the fruit of his economy; you OBJ
lIge him TO renounce his projects of eStab
IIshment, and his hopes Of iortune!'
oh, sir, You are cruel! exclaimed the
young girl, sobbing.
Have you though, how unhappy such a
union mus, be- Now listen TO the voice
of reason:-,ake these bank bills and car
ry them back to him who gave them lc
you. And if you are absolutely bent on
leaving the theatre, there is a very simple
way which will cost you nothing: take this
paper, and have the goodness TO throw il
into the Fireplace.
The manager handed the actress q
sheet of paper. folded, which she took and
threw upon the GOALS.
DO you know what that piece of paper
is, which is burning lhere' continued; iii
is your engagement; and now, | have NJ
title to your forfeiture 10 demand. Co.
my child, get married, establish yourself
and be happy
Deeply moved at this generous action
> the young actress thanked the manager
with tears in her eyes.
What do you mean by gratitude? re.
Piled he. Look here, an hour ago was
putting and blowing this fire for nothing;
you threw your engagement into ii. and
the fame is now mounting high. Thanks
10 me you are free, thanks to you ! am go
ing to take warm; we are quits you see.
The managers kind action, which crit
ical circumstances rendered really disin-
teres,ed, meri,ed a reward, and deserved
to bring him success. Some days after,
the cloud which was hanging over this
theatre, dispelled; money came rapidly
into the treasury, and the circumstances
of the company never were better.