Weekly Trinity journal., 1872-08-24
THE RIVAL ACTRESSES.

| hohioSO VI uiSC duulcuCcS- IlttTdIy,
scientific and artistic circles of the city,
Eveline was about twenty three years of
age at the opening of our story. In fig
ure she was tall and graceful. Her coun-
tenunce was of that expressive but clas-
sic mould so admirably adapted to trag-
ic delineation. Although naturally of
loving disposition" she, when apart
from the mimic scene, invariably wore
shade of sadness on her countenance.-
Perhaps the privations of her earlier life
had wrought this, for rumor said her ia
ther died when she was scarcely fifteen,
leaving her the heritage Of fair education
and "genteel poverty"
This temple of the drama, like all 9TH
er similar establishments, had the usual
number of hangers on" or "loungers, !"
whose sole wish was to be behind the
scenes" for there always appears TO the
professional charming mystery
about the regions behind the curtain, par
ticularly captivating to everybody but its
inhabitants.
Among this class of "loungers" per-
haps Charles Chalcot was the most con-
spicuous. Young, handsome and rich,
with no other care but that of pleasure.
Moreover, he was passionately fond of
theaters, so he was constantly at the Tre-
mont, lavishing unbounded applause and
smiles upon the efforts of Miss Dupre.-
He became acquainted with her; he was
fond Of her society she pleased him, and
he admired her, but he did not love her,
as she delusively thought.
The actress saw in this man of pleasure
the beau ideal of her Imagination. His
wealth, his whole manner, so free from
rudeness, so we'll informed without being
too clever, captivated her.
One delicious, cool afternoon, Charley
Chalcot sat in her company, smoking the
fragrant weed, in the nicely furnished sa-
loon of the theater. They chatted about
fashion, folly, literature, and, of course,
the stage.
"My dear Miss Dupre," said Charles,
81, without hattery, say your tragedy is
divine"
$50 you have told me, l don't know
how many times" was the reply.
Yes, and such is the universal opin-
ion."
"There, now," she said, tapping him
on the shoulder with her parasol, and
smiling sweetly. "As Richard the Third
says, a little fattery goes great way
am tired of hearing it-even from YOU"
Well, let's change the subject
What shall we talk about Matrimony?"
And he laughed like man pleased
with his own idea.
Matrimony |" said the actress. "Why
what put that subject into your head 2"
She said this in kind of flirtish man
ner, as though to draw out his opinions,
or, perhaps test his sentiments towards
her.
"Well, do you know" he carelessly
commenced, 81 have serious thoughts
Of" But fate ordained he should not
say what he had serious thoughts of, for
at that moment the manager entered,
letters and papers in hand, evidently in u
great hurry.
How do, Chalcot. / always find you
at the side OIL may say flirting with
Tragedy-and you with SO much Come
dy in your nature. Well, well, ," he con-
tinued, as he seated himself by Miss Du-
pres side, "as Knowles says:
In giving contrasts lieth Loves delight
And now, Miss Dupre, to business"
Business" exclaimed Chalcot, 81
shall be in the way. So adieu-till even
ing"
With polite bow he walked away,
with the air of n man highly priced in
the establishment.
MY DEAR" said the manager, |" / think
we shall have to change our tactics. We
have had too much tragedy, and have
arranged for something Of lighter style,
to commence in few nights. l have en-
gagged Miss Rose Manton, who is charm
ing in that very school of acting SO oppo-
site TO your own. After short season of
comedy, propose to wind up the season
altogether with you. Then for brief
recess"
Miss Dupre gave kind Of quiet appro-
val of the managers plans. She was
thinking of Charles Chalcot. What was
it he could have been on the point of say
ing when that stupid manager interrupt
ed him Miss Manton and her comedy
never gave her thought; she little knew
that the manager, in signing the engage
ment of her rival, was signing her own
death warrant.
Miss Rose Mantin arrived. She APP
peared. She had not the majestic ideal
of Eveline Dupre, for it was Of the dash
ing, sparkling, effervescent kind of act
ing, which for some time having been
banshed from the fremont boards, was
approved of by large audiences. She cap
tivated the audiences, and, what is more
to the purpose of this narrative, the heart
of Charles Chalcot also. Eveline real
lied the fact she had formidable rival,
not only in gaining the favor Of the pub
Tic, but the affections Of the man she SO
much loved.
This feeling of rivalry was only in
creased by Chalcot's own confession to
her, as he escorted her home from the
theater, after she had witnessed the tri-
umphs Of comedy.
MY dear Miss Dupre," said he, in
his usual careless manner, 81 know you