The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-02-22

cd its finishing touching at their hands,
and was consecrated by few silent tears.
One OF my sisters only, Julia, the young
est, had courage to be present when that
attire was worn.
My costume was chosen by Mrs. Yer
non, almost the first actress with whom
became acquainted, lady highly respec-
ted and beloved in the profession. Her
name and that Of her relatives have done
honor to the stage for a long series of
years.
As We drove TO the theatre last nigh,
the carriage passed my fathers house.
There was group at the window watch
ing for us. Handkerchiefs waved as long
as We were in sight.
cannot help wondering what sort of
place the world in general imagines the
"star dressing-room" to be. In the days
OF my nescience l presumed that it was
sort Of boudoir prettily and comforta-
bly furnished, to which the prncesses of the
stage retired to take their luxurious ease.
But 0, the difference The "star dress
ing-room" is usually closetlike apart.
nent with a few strips of well-woorn
balze or carpet on the floor. A rude
wooden shelf runs along one side of the
wall, and serves as dressing-tabls. A
dingy looking glass, a couple Of superan-
nuated chairs, Il ricketty wash-stand, these
are, generally speaking, the riches luxurics
of the locality. Such was tho "star dress
ing-room" to which was introduced at
the Park Theatre. Mr.. Mowatt's request
obtained for me lilIiputian sofa, so partic-
ularly hard that it was at once recognised
a-theatrcal "property"-a thing ofsbam
designed for the deception of an audience.
l believe even The demand for this delu-
sive accessory to comfort was considered
very unreasonable.
was just dressed when there came a
slight tap upon the door, accompanied
by the words, pauline you are called"
! opened the door. The call boy stood
without-the inseparable long strip Of pa
per between his fingers. | enquire who
lie wanted.
"Iou, ma'am; you are calledw
"What singular piece of familiarity n
[ thought to myself. ut is whom he is
addressing as Pauline I did not sus,
pect it was customary to call the perfor-
mers by the names of the characters they
assumed.
"Calod for whatl" inquired, in q
manner that was intended to impress
upon the daring offender sense Of the
respect due to me.
"For what!" he rctorted, prolonging the
Uhdt with an indescribabe humorous EN-.
phaSis, and thrusting his tongue against
hls check, "why, for the stage, to be sure
That's what"
"Oh" was all l could say; and the
little urchin ran down stairs, smothering
his laughter. lts echo, however, reached
me from the green room, where after ma
king his call" he had probably related
my unsophstcated inquiry.
At that moment Mr.. Mowatt came to
conduct me to the stage. Mrs. Vernon,
who played my mother, was already seat.
ed at a small table in Madame Deschap.
elles' drawing room, took my place on
the sofa opposite to her, holding in my
hand magnificent bouquet Claude's
supposed offering to Pauline.
After a few whispered words of en-
couragement, Mr.. Mowatt left me, to wit
ness the performance from the front of the
house. Somebody spread my Pauline
scarfe on the chair beside me. Some
body else arranged the folds of my train
symmetrlcalIy. Somebody fingers gath
cred into their place II 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 a
pulse in my frame had quckened its beat
ing. But then | was seized with ST.
fling sensation, a though were choking.
| could only gasp out, Not yeti can
not ~
Of course, there was general confusion.
Managers, actors, prompters, all rushed
on the stage; some offered water, some
scent bottles, some famed me. Every.
body seemed prepared to witness IL faint.
my it, or an attack of histories, or some.
thing equally ridiculous. was arguing
with myself the ahsurdity of this ungoy.
ernabe emotion-this humiliating cxhibi
ton; and making desperate endeavol
to regain my selfpossession, when Mr.
Skeret thrust his comic face over some
body's shoulder. lie looked at me will
an expression Of quizzical exultation, anu
exclaimed:
"Didnt l tell you so! Where's al
the courage, ell 7"
The words recalled my boast Of tl,t
moning; or rather, they recalled the
recollections upon which that boast wa,
founded. My composure returned a
rapidly as it had departed. | laughe,
at my own weakness.
"Are sou getting better2" kindly en-
quircd the stage manager.
Let the curtain RISE" was the sati,
factory answer.
Mr.. Barry clapped his hands, a sign,
for the stage to be vacated, the crow
at once disappeared. Madame Deschar
elles and Pauline sat alone. as befor
The tinkling bell Of warning rang, a..
the curtain slowly asceuded, discIosiu
! first the foot lights, then the ocean
! heads beyond them in the pit, then Il
: brilliant array ef ladies in the boxes, G,