The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-02-22
N U NJ B ER 9,

afcr tier, and finally the thronged CALLER:
les. | found those tootlights an invalua-
bic aId to the necessary allusion. They
formed dazzling barrier, that separated
the spectator from the ideal world in
which the actor dwelt. Their glare pre-
vented the eye from being distracted by
objects without the precincts of that lumi-
nous semicircle. They were friendly
protection, warm comfort, and idealizinr
auxiliary.
The de6utante was greeted warmly
lhis Was but matter-ofcourse compli-
men' paid by New York audience to the
daughter of "A well know citizen.
bow bow !" whispered a voice from
hehind the scenes. Aud obedientlv bent
ny head.
Bow to your right :" said the voice,
between the intervals Of applause. l bow:
ed to the right.
"Bow to the left" l bowed to the
left.
Bow again" " bowed again and a.
gain, while the noisy welcome lasted.
The play commenced, and, with the
first words uttered concentrated nv
thoughts, and tried to forget that had
any existence save that of the scornful la
dy OF Lyons. When we rose from our
seats and approached the foot lights, Mrs.
Vernon gave my hand reassuring pres
sure. 1t was kindness scarcely needed,
L had lost all sensation of alarm. The
play progressed as smoothly as it had
commenced In the third act, where Pau-
line first discovers the treachery of Claude,
the powers of an actress begin to he tes-
ted. Every point told and was reward
ell with IN inspiring burst of APPLAUSE
The audience had determined to blow In
to flame the fantest spark of merit.
In the fourth act, became greatly ex-
hausted with the unusual excitement and
exertion. There seemed probability
that L would not have physical strength
TO enable me 10 finish the performance
Mrs. Vernon has often laughingly remind
cd NE how she shook and pinched me
when was lying, to all appearances ten
derly clasped in her arms. She main.
taius that, by these means, she constant
ly reused me TO consciousness. am her
debtor for the friendly pinches and op-
perfume shakes.
In the fifth act, Pauline's emotion are
al! Of calm and abject grief-the faint,
hopeless struggngs of broken heart.
My very wearincss aided the persona
tion. The paIlor Of excessive fatigue,
the worn out look, tottering walk, aud
feeble voice suited Pauline's deep des-
pair. The audience attributed to an &C.
tors consummate skill that which was
merely painful and accidental reality.
The play ended, the curtain fell 1t would
be impossible to describe my sensations
OF relief as | watched that welcome screen
baize slowly unrollng itself and dropping
between the audience and the stage
Then came the call before the curtain
the crossing the stage in front Of the foot
lights. Mr.. c. led me out. The
whole house rose, even the ladiss,-a
compliment seldom paid. think it rain
cd flowers; for bouquets, wreaths of sill
yer, and wreaths of laurel fell in showers
around us. Cheer followed cheer, as,
they were gathered up and laid in my
arms. The hats Of gentl, men and hand
kerchIefs of ladies waved on every side.
| courtesied my thanks and the welcome
green curtain once more shut out the
brilliant assemblage. Then came the
deeper, truer sense of thankfulnes. The
trial was over; the debutante had stood
the test; she had not mistaken the course
which had been clearly pointed out as the
| one for which she was destined.