The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-11-15

"Indeed? Oh, here he comes-you ca
) apply to him now"
That functionary happened to be passing
and, hearing the words, understood thei
: import at once. He turned searching Loo
upon the poor girl, and was about to pass Oh
But he caught sight of her face in the gaslight
and said, "Not bad-looking, if she is in rags
Sc You want an engagement, Ell"
YES sir, if you please, replied Marie.
''To play Lady Macbeth, suppose?"
"No sir-for the ballet"
"Oh! Ever been on the stage before 2"
"Only as a child, sir"
"Oh, only as a child. Do you sing?'
y" Yes sir-very we'll"
every well-so you think-Ihight not
Do you dancer"
ayes, sir. Father was an actor, and be
says dance very we'll"
"Oh then you can come tomorrow anG
try it."
"Thank you, I'll come"
Rehearsal will take place at half-past
10 o'clock"
81 will be here, sir"
Bring your props with you"
Poor Marie hesitated, and the manager, OBJ.
serving this, said:
"Oh, perhaps you don't know what mear
by props. Well, they are your feathers, jew.
els, ribbons, laces, tights, slippers, gloves
and SO on. We only furnish the body Of YOU
dress"
The poor girl hesitated, when the manager
again asked:
Cant you furnish your own props?"
81 fear not at first, sir, was the tnid
reply;
| The manager turned away, and Marie stag
gered toward the door, half blinded with griet
and disappointment. But ere she had passed
it gentle hand was laid upon her shoulder,
and q sweet voice exclaimed:
"Ny dear child, come and see me to-
morrow as early as possible. Here is my adj
dress"
Marie viewed the extended card and turned
her eyes toward the speaker. She was bril-
liant creature, and the poor girl tried to STAN
mer forth reply, but could not. She left
the theatre, and took her way homeward
She could not help thinking Of the beautiful
Lady and her magnificent dress, sparkling
with jewels. What could she want with her !?
Even bright pictures of the future rose be-
fore her vision, and thus dulled the sharpness
of her grief at the disappointment she had
met with. She did not tell her father what
she had done, or that she had an engagement
to meet one of the great ladies of the theatre.
The next day Marie called at the place des-
ignated upon the card. Her visit was
heightened one !; but when she emerged from
the lady's presence she looked comparatively
happy
One of the first things Marie did, after re-
turning home, was to find the half-fnished
play, which her father was writing and alone,
in her own apartment she passed much time
over it. She was also from her home q great
deal, during which time her father supposed
her to be at labor in the tailoring establish
ment where she occasionally found employ
ment.
But if she became cheerful immediately
after her first visit to the theatrical lady, it
was not long before she began to be thought
ful-then sad. She became very pale, and at
the time the conversation between herself and
father, described in the first part ofhis sketch,
took place. she looked as if she could endure
but little more either of physical or mental
exertiOn.
paleness of his child, and it had caused him
much grief But he had said nothing of the
matter, for be did not know how he was to
remedy it He had been hopeful, but now
had almost given up to despair.
As evening approached poor Marie grew
still paler but she spoke words Of hope and |
comfort to her father, and that parent could !
not but look upon her in admiration as we'll |
as pity.
The hour came when business called her |
away. She pressed her marble-cold lips to |
her fathers brow. She held his hand in her
own for moment, and tear-drops fell upon il.
Then she said:
Father, the darkes. time is Just before
the dawn. Cheer up will return in few
hours, and tomorrow We will be richer than |.
we are to-day"
The daughter left that wretched home. But
no sooner had she taken her departure than
the father began to think Of her last words.
They were strange. What could they mean
What act did Marie contemplate?
At first suspicion swept across his mind,
vague, but gradually assuming form. But as
he thought pressed upon his brain, it began
% madden him, and tor hours he tossed upon
lis bed of pain, calling for his child-praying
ler safe return.
Midnight came and passed, and still Marie
came not Several times had the old actor
resolved to arise and GO in search OF her; but
ne had not the strength to do SO, and as often
would fall back upon his pillow, groaning in
he agony of his soul.
Daylight came, and still Marie had not ar
rived. But just as the sun began to throw :
is golden rays over the city, a carriage was
heard to drive up before the actors house.
he listened. He heard football upon the
stairs, and he recognized the tootstep
In a moment after Marie burst into the
'oom. She rushed to her fathers side, and, {
hrowing her arms around him, she wept '
The old man did the same; but he observed {
hat Marie's dress was now of rich material, |
nd, putting her away, he contemplated her t