The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-07-16
The Young Actress: or. The Manager
and his Contract.

What's that to you
The Young Actress: or, The Manager
and his Contract.
Some time since q beautiful young girl made
her first appearance on the stage of one of the
minor theatres IN Paris. Her grace and lowell
ness attracted admiration, which her rising talent
promised to secure She concluded long engage
ment with the manager, giving her services for
very moderate remuneration, but which suillced
for her wants and those Of an invalid mother who
was totally depending on her eNcrtions. Accord
ing to the usual custom, clause in the contract
stipulated that a forfeit should be paid in case Of
iis non-fultilmcnt by either party.
Theatrical managers never fail 20 insert this
article in the treaties signed with their actors !;
and it often happens that very small salary IS
accompanied by an immense forfeit. In this case
IL was fixed at ten thousand francs $4,000 but
the young actress attached no importance 10 the
amount, being fully resolved TO fulfil her engage
ment, and steadily apply % the cultivation of her
powers. She felt how much depended ON her
success, and on she walked in the right path,
refusing 10 be turned from il by the iattering
vows and insidious homage which she daily
received. But in our uncertain world, the good
aud prudent may sometimes change their plans
a. suddenly as the foolish and the fcSlc.
One day the young actress entered the mana
gers room, and announced to him that she
wished TO leave the theatre.
"How!' cried he; you are the last person from
whom l should have expected such caprice 2"
"Indeed, sir, 1t is not caprice"
alt is, then, the offer Of another engagement? Z"
''It is, sir, and one which | cannot refuse. 1t
Is from an excellent young man, who wishes to
marry me-"
"Rere's a pretty business - marriage in
question:
'My happiness for life, sir, I feel is in
question"
"TheR don't hesitate an instant; marry at
once"
"But the person who has proposed for me
would not wish his wife to continue on the
stage"
"A fine prejudice, forsoo.h What is his stu
alton In life z"
"He is at present a merchants clerk, but he
intends 20 set up in business, and he will want
- me to attend our shop"
SMy dear girl, shall want you, also, to study
your part in a new afterpiece which have just
received"
"Thtn, sir, you refuse to set me free :"
al must think about it. At all events you have
IL in your power to break the engagement by
paying the forfeit"
"Ten thousand francs 'tis very dear"
at was very dear when you signed your name /;
but now your services are worth more than that"
"Alas It will prevent our marriage!" said the
poor girl, in a voice choked witw tears, and with
despairing heart she left the room.
Two days afterwards the manager was seated
close TO the CRATE in his apartment trying with
all his skill TO kinde a fire. All the theatrical
attendants were engaged in rehearsal, so he was
obliged to dispense with their assistance.
The cashier entered with visage woefully
elongated. The affairs of the theatre were in a
critical state; the receipts had diminished and
with menacing aspect.
Eyes" said the manager, "our situation Ger
tainly is embarrassing. And this plaguy fire that
Astonished that he could be so Indifferent
under the circumstances the cashier retired
As he was leaving the room, the young actress
entered.
"Ah is it you ?" said the manager. "You are
coming from rehearsal 7"
''N0, sir; have come to return the part you
gave me TO study"
Co roFgv
al have brought yOu the forfeit"
"The ten thousand francs :"
"Here they are"
"And how have You procured this sum-"
"My intended husband gave 1t me-"
''ls he, then, so rich -
'These ten thousand francs are nearly all he DOS
sessed. But he said, 'What does it signify we
shall only have 10 defer setting up business or
perhaps may succeed in borrowing the money"
"Going in debt That's fine prospect for
young housekeepersi So, the dowry you mean
to bring your husband is wantand ruin you take
from him the hard-earned fruit of his industry,
and you Oblige him 70 renOunce the prospect OF
an honorable independence"
"PTay, sr-pray don't speak so cruelty !'
Eobbed the young girl.
"Have you considered that such a union can
not fail 10 be unhappy Listen to reason-take
back this money and return il TO him who gave
IL you; and if you are absolutely resolved to
leave the theatre I'll show you simple way of
doing it that il Won't cost you anything. Take
this paper, and have the kindness to put it in the
crate"
SO saying he handed her a sheet OF paper care
fully folded, which she threw among the smOul-
dering sticks.
The manager watched it rs the languid flame
gradually cured round it, and then shot up in u
bright blaze.
'Do you know" said he, "what that paper
was II was your signed engagement And
1ow have no longer any claim on your SER
Eices, and consequently can demand no forfeit.
Go, my poor girl, and employ your little capital
well, and be happy"
Deeply affected by this generous deed, the
young actress expressed her gratitude as teryently
as her tears permitted.
"Dont talk 10 me of gratitude" +" replied the
manager; 1--WE are only quits. See for the last
hour l have been blowing In vain Jt that OOsti-
nate fire you threw your engagement into it,
and directly it baZed up. Thinks 70 M yOu
are free; and thanks TO you, l am giving my
hands good warming
We suhjOin a curious specimen Of verse,
which Is both ingenious and witty, and adm Is of
being read in two ways. To SUIT the taste aud
inclinauOns Of the married, or those who propose
marriage, We transcribg itus follows; bnt b con-
Yey directly opposite sen imeuJ, for the ben .it