New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-12-22
WHOLE NUMBER $50.
TaE AorKEs.,s FonFRrT7'I

one of the minor theatres of Paffs.H Her
grace and loveliness attracted admiration,
which her rising talent promised to secure.
She concluded a long engagement withithe
manager. giving her services for very
moderate remuneration, but which safliced
| for her wants and those of an invalid mother
who was totally dependent on her exeutions.
According to the usual custom u clause in
the contract stipulated that forfeit should
be paid in case of its nonfulfnment by
either party. ~ .1 ff7
Theatrical managers never fail toinsert
this article in the treaties sigued by their
actors; and it often happens that q very
small salary is accompanied by an immense
forfeit. In this case it was fixed at ten
thousand francs $4,000; but the young &C.
tress attached no Importance to the amount,
being fully resolved to fulfill her engage
ment and steadily apply herself to the cul-
tivation of her powers. But in our uncer-
tain world, the good and prudent may
sometimes change their plans as suddenly
as the foolish and the tickle. no
One day the young actress entered the
managers room and announced to him that
she wished to leave the theater.
How ~ cried he. ''You are the last per
son from whom should have expected such
caprice"
"It is, then, the offer OF another engage,
ment."
1T is, sir, and one which can not re
fuse. 1t is from an excellent young man
who wishes to marry me-"
Here is pretty business; marriage in
question:" Ia
MY happiness for life. sir, feel is in
question:"
"Then don't hesitate an instant; marry
a. once"
"But the person who has proposed for
me would not wish his wife to continue on
the stage.n
"a A AZ yra;rd;ca Rorsootht What 10 b;a
station in life?"
:" He is at present a merchants clerk, but
he intends to set up in business, and he will
want me to attend our shop.n I..t
"My dear girl, shall want you also to
study your part in new afterpeice which
have just received" .r
Then, sir, you refuse to set me free ,"
81 must think about it. At all events,
you have it in your power to break the
agreement by paying the forfeit"
"Ten thousand francs its very dear"
'It 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 voice choked with
tears; and with despairing heart che left
the room.
seated close to the CRATE in his apartment,
trying with all his skill to kindle fire. ALI
the theatrical attendants were engaged at
rehearsal, so be was Obliged to dispense with
their assistance.
The cashier entered with visage wofully
elongated The affairs of the theatre were
in critical state; the receipts had dimin-
ished, and payday at the end of the month
approached; sl;s .,,o .,onouo. .,o.-
is embarrassing. And this plaguy fire that
won't light!h
Astonfshed that he could be so Indifferent
| aor ba pir nsta ho
tired. As he was leaving the ROOM the
| young actress entered.
"Ah is it you said the manager, "You
are coming from rehearsal"
mo, sir; have come to return the part
you gave me to study"
so it seems you think of quitting the
| stage?n
II have brought you the forfeit"
''Ten thousand francs?'
Here they are"
"And how have you procured this sum ~
my intended husband gave it me-"
SIS he then SO rich :"
"These ten thousand francs are nearly all
| he possessed. But he said, What does it
signify2 We shall only have to defer set
ting up in business; or perhaps l may sue
coed in borrowing the money.in
"Going in debt That's fine prospect
for young housekeepers! So the dowry you
mean to bring your husband is want and
| ruin; you take from him the heard.earned
fruit of his industry, and you oblige him to
renounce the prospect of honorable indie
| pendence!n .-
pray, sir-pray don't speak SO cruelty
sobbed the young girl.
| "Have you considered that such a union
can not fail to be unhappy? Listen to rea--
son-take back this money and return it to
him who gave it you; and if you are abso-
lutely resolved to leave the theatre, I'll
show you simple way of doing it that
won't cost you anything. Take this paper
and have the kindness to put it in the
grate.a
So saying he handed her sheet Of paper
carefully folded, which she threw among the
smouldering sticks.
The manager watched it as the languid
fame gradually curled round it and then
shot up in a bright flame.
DO You know" said he, what that
paper was 1t was your signed engage
ment Aud now have no longer any claim
on your services and consequently can de-
mand no forfeit. Go. my good girl, and
employ your little capital well and be
happy" g..
Deeply affected by the generous deed, the
young actress expressed her gratitude as fer
1 vently as her tears permitted.
Don't talk to me of gratitude,n replied
the manager; 1--WE are only quits. See. for
the last hour have been blowing in vain at
that obstinate fire; you threw your engage
| ment into it and directly It blazed up
Thanks to me you are free, and thanks to
you am giving my hands good warming" /"
|
a Death-Bed Confession.