The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-02-10
rnE OLD ACroR.s DAUcnrEn.

Il SnOulQ De almost lnclueu 10
curse you, Marie, if you did such a
thing.
Curse mel Oh, father -
There, there, Marie, do not weep.
OF course, / dou't mean that. BuL
only think. For many years have
held O regular engagement, aud
should have saved money If you
should go to the manager, ss you
propose, and tell him that we were
suffering for food-that your old
father was lying sick in this misera-
bic attic, he would tell YOU that
had been improvident-that had
squandered my money, aud that
now, in nv helplessness, i must suf-
fer the consequences Of my folly"
Father, you accuse yourself
wrongfully. You have reared and
educated a family Of three, and for
many years have cared tenderly for
poor mother, even through ali the
varied stages of consumption"
The old actors daughter sat silent
and thoughtful for a time. She was
revolving ID her mind scenes and in
cidents Of which her father was en-
tirely ignorant. Let US describe
them.
Ii was q period of three months
previous TO the foregoing converse
tion. The mother has just been laid
in the cold grave. and the father was,
as now. unable to leave his room.
The wolf was lowering around their
door; aud Marie, timjd in action.
but brave in heart, bad resolved to
assist the parent she loved SO dearly
II was a bitter winters evening
when she left her home with the pur-
pose. The sharp blast cut her to the
very heart as she drew ber thin mau-
tie around her. But she had read in
the papers that girls were wanted for
the ballet of one of the theatres
They were to apply at the stage door
that morning. but she had been una
ble To leave her fathers side at that
time She feared she would be too
late; still she could but try.
Ou reaching be stage door her
heart almost failed, but her home
again rose up before her, aud she
venlured to accost the doorkeeper.
Want to see the stage manager,
-h 7''
Yes, sir, If YOU please"
Better wait till tomorrow"
Il tried to come to-day, sir but
could not"
Indeed? 4? Oh, here be comes-you
can apply to him now"
Thai functiunary happened TO be
passing, and hearing the words un-
ierstOUd their import al once. He
turned searching lock upon the /
Door girl, and was about 10 pass on 4
But be caught sight of her face 10 the /
,s-Iight, aud said. Not bad-lookiug
{ she Is 10 rags. So YOU want az
Engagement, eh ?"
Yes, sir, if you please" replied
Marie.
To play Lady Macbeth, 1 sup
,ose ?"
NO, sir-for the ballet"
"0b! Ever been on the stage be-
ore ?"
Only as a child, sir"
oh, only as a child. Do you
ing?"
yes, sir-very we'll"
Very welI-so you think II
night not Do you dance ?"
"Yes sir. Father was an actor
nd be saws ! dance very we'll;
"Oh! Then you can come to-mor-
ow and try it.
Thank you, III come
Rehearsal will take place at half ,,
asst ten O'Clock"
II will be here, sir"
Bring your props with you"
Poor Marie hesitated. and the
manager observing this, said:
Oh, perhaps you don't know what
mean by props Well, they are
,athers, jewels, ribbons, laces. tights,
iippers, gloves, and so on. We only
Irnish the body OF your dress
The poor girl hesitated. when the
lanager again asked:
Cant you furnish your own
rops ?"
Il fear not at first, sir was the ;
mid reply
"Then we don't want you"
The manager turned away, and {
Iarie stag gered toward the door, /
alf blinded with griefand disappoint-
ient. But ere she had passed it a
entle hand was laid upon her sboul-
er, and a sweet voice exclaimed: II
Ny dear child, come and see me g
'-morrOw as early as possible. Here j
my address
Marie viewed the extended card
nd turned her eyes toward the I
9eaker. She was a brilliant crea-