The Yazoo Democrat., 1854-03-29
THE DEBUTANTE

| After a few whispered words Of ENCOURAGE
msnt, Mr., Mowatt left me to witness The per-
formance from the front of the house. Some
body spread my Pauline scarf on the chair be-
side me- Somebody else arranged the folds of
my train symmetrically. Somebody's fingers
gathered into their place few stray curls. The
stage manager gave the order of clear the stage
ladies' and gentlemen; !" and heard sound the
little bell for the raising of the curtain.
Until that moment do not think pulse in
my frame had quickened its beating. But then
| was seized with sitting sensation, as though
were choking. could only gasp out, mot
et-I cannot"
OF course, there was general confusion Man
ayers, actors, prompter all rushed on the stage
some offered water, some scent bottles, some
tanned me- Everybody seemed prepared to
witness fainting fit, or an attack Of Mysteries,
or something equally ridiculous. was arguing
with myself against The absurdity of this un-
governable emotion; this humiliating exhibi-
tion: and making a desperate endeavor to regain
my self possession, when Mr.. Skerrett thrust
his comic face over somebody's shoulder. He
looked at me with an expression Of quizical ex-
ultation, and exclaimed
Didn't tell you SO Where's all the cour
age, eh?'
The words recalled my boast of the morning,
or rather, they recalled the recollections upon
which that boast was founded. My composare
returned as rapidly as it had departed. laugh
ed at my own weakness.
+" Are you getting better2" kindly inquired
the stage manager.
8. Let the curtain rise!" was the satisfactory
answer.
Mr.. Barry clapped his hands-signa for the
| stage to be yacated-the crowd at once disap-
peared. Madame Deschappelles and Pauline
sat alone as before. The tinkling bells of warn
ing rang. and the curtains slowly assembled, dis
closing first the foot-lights, then the ocean of
heads beyond them in the pit. then the brilliant
arrayof ladies in the boxes, tier after tier, and
finally the thronged galleries. / found those
foot-ights an invaluable aid to the necessary il
luson. They formed dazzling barrier, thai
separated the spectator from the ideal world IN
which the actor dwelt. Their glare prevented
the eye from being distracted by objects without
the precincts of that luminous sent circle.
They were friendly protection, warm com
fort, an idealizing auxiliary.
The debutante was greeted warmly. This
was but matter of-course compliment paid by
a New York audience to the daughter of we'll
known citizen.
+" Bow bow!' whispered voice from be-
hind the scenes and | then obediently bent my
head.
" Bow to your right" said the voice brtween
the intervals Of applause. bowed to the right.
Z. Bow to the left p / bowed to the left.
" Bow again." | bowed again and again
while the noisy welcome lasted.
The play commenced, and with the firs' words
uttered, concentrated my thoughts, and tried
to forget that had any existence save that Of
the scoEnful Lady of Lyons. When we arose
from our seats and approached the foot-lights,
Mrs Vernon gave my hand reassuring pres
sure. II was kindness scarcely needed
had lost ali sensation. of alarm. The play pro-
gressed as smoothly as it had commenced. In
the third act, where Pauline first discovers the
treachery of Clande. the powers of the actress
begin to be tested. Every point told, and il
was rewarded with an inspiring burst Of ap-
plause. The audience had determined to blow
into fame the faiatest spark of merit
+ La the fourth act, / became greatly exhausted
with the unusual excitement aud exertion.-
There seemed a probability that would noi
have physical strength enough to enable me tC
4 finish the performance. Mrs. Vernon has otter
laughingIy reminded me how she shook an(
pinched me when. was dying to all appearances
tenderly clasped in her arms. She maintains
that, by these means. she constantly rodsed mi
4 to consciousness. am her debtor for tn
!. friendly pinches and opportune shakes.
! In the fifth act, Pauline's emotions are all Q
calm and abject grief-2the faint, hopeless strug
f gings of broken heart. My very wearines
/ aided the presentation. The pallors of excessiv
fatigue, the worn out look, tottering walk an
feeble voice, suited Pauline's deep despair. Th
q audience attributed to an sctor's consnfnrnat
S skill that which was merely painful and acc
!, dental reality.
J. The play ended--the curtain fell It woul
y lbe impossible to describe my sensation of reli'
/ as | watched that welcome screen of coar:
'e gfeen baize slowly unrolIing itrelf, and droI
II ping between the audience and stage The
r came the cali before the curtain-the crossin
D the stage before the foot-lights. MIR. c. ie
p me out. The whole house rose, even the ladis
y Ia. compliment seldom paid. think It raine
D flowers for bouquets, wreaths of silver an
81 wreaths of laurel fell in showers around u.s.
3. Cheer followed cheerps they were gathered !
lel and laid in my arms. The hats of the gentl
a men and handkerchiefs of the ladies waved {
every side. / curtesied my thanks, and 4