Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-02-04
Au 0riginal Stprg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
z A N ITA,
THE CIRCUS GIRL.
CHAPTER X.
BY MRS. HENRY DEAS.


who had sent to summon her to his presence.
In spite of her firm resolve not to yield, she
trembled inwardly at the thought of the con-
Aict which might be in store for her, and the
possible consequences of her refusal to obey.
Mr.. Foley received her in his kindest man.
ner, apparently resolved to try all his powers
of persuasion before having recourse to less
gentle means.
"Well, my DEAR" he said taking her hand,
"let me congratulate you on your success last
night. 1t was decidedly the best Of the sea-
son."
Nita drew breath more freely. Surely, she
thought, he could not be very severe with her,
after commencing the interview in this friend
ly way.
"By the time you're twenty-five, l predict
that you will be the finest lady-rider in the
world" pursued the manager. "That is, if you
90 on as you've begun; and see no reason
why you shouldn't. You are fond of the pro-
fession, amt you?"
"Yes, sir, like riding" replied Nita.
"Of course; and, therefore, I've no doubt,
you'll spare no pains to climb to the top OF
the ladder. Whatever is worth doing, you
know, is worth excelling in. At least, that's
my motto It's very good one don't you
think SOP"
"Yes, sir"
"And, therefore, you should lose no oppor-
tunity of improving yourself, and of making
yourself famous. Whenever you see chance
ofcoming forward, in some especially striking
manner or of making new hit, seize it at
once-don't let it slip out ofyour hands. All
such chances are precious, and must be turned
to advantage Now, some folks are so silly,
they stand in their own light, when little
effort, on their part, would bring them for
ward, and, perhaps, achieve grand success
they hang back, either from difidence or in
dolence, or some other motive, Cor rather,
should say, some other drawback) and lose
their opportunity, perhaps forever. Very
young people, who can't judge what is for
their own good, are apt to make this mistake
had a nice boy in my company once-clever
boy he was, by the name ofJack Duffy-could
turn the prettiest somersaults you ever saw,
and managed any horse he was put on with
out trouble. He was natural-born rider, in
fact Well, took it in my head, one day, to
give him part he'd never tried before, but
which knew he was quite capable of FL lieg.
Would you believe it, he refused to take :?
Said he knew he should fail, and disgrace
himself. 1 told him not to bother his head
about that, but just do what told him. He
persisted in refusing What were the conse-
queuces? gave him his dismissal, publicly,
before the whole company, object-holders,
supes and all-and he never survived the NOR
ti6cation. He went off and took laudanum
and killed himself"
"Killed himself!' echoed Nita, in dismay.
Eyes, of course it was a very foolish thing
to do; but he wasn't strong-minded, and he
was very much attached to me, besides. OF
course it wasn't my fault. couldn't put up
with insubordination, you know-I never do"
"Poor boy" said Nita, compassionately.
"Ah poor Jack; nice cleverboy, too. I've
often regretted him. But you see he couldn't
endure being called coward"
"Was he coward, do you think, sir :"
"What else could he be? He was either
afraid, or very obstinate. The obstinacy would
have been even worse than the fear, so | give
him the benefit of the doubt. My motto is,
be kind to those in your service, but require
the strctest obedience from them.'
'That's hint to me-" thought Nita, who
had sufficient quickness to perceive whereto
this lengthy dissertation was tending.
"Well we'll, times going" continued Mr..
Foley, consulting his watch, after brief
pause, which to his companion was very un-
comfortable one. "Now, Nita, to business,
my girl! I've lots of business besides this to
settle to-day. Have you thought we'll ofwhat
was saying to you yesterday?"
eyes, sir" replied Nita, her heart coming
into her throat
"Well, and what conclusion have you come
to-"
"I'm willing to take the part, sir, if l can
wear different dress"
"a different dress That's nonsense, child.
I tell you there's but one dress that will suit
the character, and none other will answer"
"Then I'm very sorry, sir; but l should be
ashamed to act in such dress.'
"Do you mean that you've deliberately
made up your mind to refuse me?'
There was gathering wrath in his voice,
though he still spoke calmly.
"Mr. Foley" said Nita, pleadingly "please,
please don't be vexed about it. Indeed, sir,
hate not to do what you want me to-
"Don't be little hypocrite, child; you can
do what want you to we'll enough, if you
choose"
81 am not hypocrite, sir; am speaking
the truth"
"Then you won't take the part?"
Nita was silent.
"Answer me" said Foley, giving her shoul'
der little shake.
"It isn't that spon't, sir" she rejoined in a
voice, "but can't
"You can, and I'll take my oath you shaN'
cried the manager, excitedly and springing
up, he walked rapidly up and down the narrow
apartment, as if to vent his wrath in violent
exercise. Zanita sat still, trembling. 1t had
come to the issue, and there seemed to be
heavy odds against her. She felt so small, SC
helpless, as she looked at Mr., Foley's burly
frame and dark, angry face. She wished