Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1875-07-31
Written for the Free Press.
Stray Leaves.
No 4
LOVE OR FAME =

"This is my last visit, Pauline, unless you
will consent to alter your resolution
Philip Estrey had risen from his seat in
Pauline Travers' parlor, and was standing,
hat in hand near his faacee. That young Ia
dy retained her seat as she replied in forced
tone Of carelessneSS:
at is impossible forsme to change. Pa
would never consent 10 my marrying an actor
aud as for myself | consider the Stage rather
beneath me- so she continued with an al
fccted uonchalauce-"yo you must either again
give up this idea Of yours, or give up me-
Pauline. listen !" began the lover in firm
voice. "you know have tried everything
else, before taking up this other calling; and
not that regard it 10 the same light as your
self, but simply to defer, as long as possible,
to your desires. Now, that journalism the
law, aud other professions have failed me, |
am bent on entering this one, not only assured
of It's honorable character, but ofample remu-
ncration, if proper industry be used. After
your rather harsh criticism upon It's character,
an intended follower Of the Stage as proIes-
sion need wait to hear DO more. Good eve
uing and Philip EstTey strobe passion
atcly ont the door, and into the street.
From carly youth, the Drama had strange
fascination for Estrey,-a charm impossible
to shake off, He often INDUCED in secret
longugs to be one Of those whose noble priyi-
lege il was
To hold as . we're the mirror up to nature,
and their REIMBURSEMENT, at Pauline's urgent
request had cost many a twinge. lie stroye,
however. TO hide from her the pain lie felt. and
with entire effect, as the young lady never at
forwards adverted to the subject. Philip Is
trey, having surrendered his pet profession
for which Nature had well formed him-had
set about irving others, but with dismal re-
suits. The novelty Of newspaper work-his
first veuture-soou wore oil, and quill drl-
ver's life seemed insuderably tedious; the le-
cal labyrinth next meshed his attention, but
in less time than had journalism completely
tired him. He then thought 10 strive and
break down his betrothed's prejutices 10 re-
gard to his hitherto abiured manner Of life, but
with what success we have seen. Pauline
fortified by q fathers like opiuion-cuug 70
her dislike. and--ere she well understood It,
her lover had severed their mutual ties. at
first. and even after slight reflection, perhaps,
this rupture Of love-knot may appear to have
been unparlonably abrupt But let Us not
blame Philip Estrey too much. Only very
few can realize our hero 5 passion for that Lille
Path which has been trod by o Booth, Bar
rett Wallack and a keau. By many, he
was deemed merely stsge-struck, but If so
this nalady held on to its victim most tena-
Kept under control for three long
wears. during which Estrey tried hard 70 re-
place his love for the stage with an attachment
for some other calling, it had suddenly burst
its bondage and reassertinga strong control
he found himself freed by bis own words from
an engagement which had been, only on this
account, perfectly harmonious, and at liberty
70 pursue his cherished avOcation. Regret 81
what had been done troubled him but little
the Drama. aud hoN best 10 win distinction 10
its fold. absorbed all thought Pauline, too
proud to acknowledge the feelings Of wounded
love which whelmed her heart, preserved a
cold. outward demeanor, and received with
cool hauteur-on the day following the sepa-
ration-the returned gifts and letters which she
had from time to time sent Philip Estrey.
Come. my child, are you ready ?" asks her
father Of Pauline Travers, as they rise from a
cosy supper in their private parlOr at the ho-
Eel in c.
"Yes, Papa, in one minute, please. IS her
reply as she enters her own pretty 5ocdoir, ad-
joining.
They are all going to the Academy Of Mu-
sic tonight to witness the debut on our Amer
lean shores of a young star tragediau from over
A., ,ro4ere who comes 10 Us heralded by the
unanimous praise of the press Of Europe. Our
heroiue-if we may call her such-is strange
Iy altered since last we saw her. Five years