The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1877-10-12
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lttie reckOneu the UOral OHerlngS or the
loud applause that called her before the
green scenes; for. as she returned 70 the
propr etor's box, news reached Bessie
that her mother was dead.
The reaction was terrible. Tie poor
girl was stricken down herself, and when
the mother was buried by the kindly
members Of the company the daughter
was nearly a fit subject to occupy the
same resting place.
Time passed, and slowly the young
girl recovered. Each day during the
interval the invalid found fresh bOquet
upon the table by her side. AT first she
refused TO look at them. thinking that
they were but new opportunities from
him whom she so utterly detested. But
this was not the case, as she shortly
found. The timely lesson to the young
libertine had proved favorable to her,
and useful to him. He never troubled
Bessie again. Therefore, the flowers
were not from him.
Who could it be-" she asked the
nurse; but she professed ignorance and
stated that the bOquets were left on the
doorstep every morning.
Finally. Bessie was able to attend 20
duty once more. What a pleasure it was
to meet the kindly greetings of her
friends, as she appeared at the first re-
hearsal. Each member of the company
strove to outdo the ether in little atten-
tions. One brought her a seat near the
wings; another drew her shawl closer
around her shoulders, fearing that she
would catch cold. Poor Jacken, the
dwarf.d call-boy, insisted on bringing
her some warm port wine-his panacea
for every trouble. The manager greeted
her and told her that her fortune was
assured; he was about to produce new
sensational drama. in which she was cast
as the heroine. In fact, her cup Of JOY
seemed full to the brim. (No relation
that to Jaekens panacea, for that had
been disposed of with many thanks. at
which the poor fellows face turned red
to the tops of his ponderous ears-)
The day for the rehearsal of the new
piece arrived. In the last scene telling
effect was to be produced, while the he
roine was thrown from preciplce by
the william of the piece. In falling she
lodges in a pine tree, which saves her
life, while he, loosing his balance, top
pies from the cliff, and is killed.
I'll try that tree myself first, Miss
Bessie" suggested the call-boy, "tO see
that it is secure. Mr. Jones, will you go
through the business with me-"
Certainly; although | don't think that
you make Il charming subject for the he
roine." laughed the heavy man.
So up the scaffolding hey went The
struggle ensued. The orchestra gave the
chord and with a heavy lunge the dwarf
fell in the abyss
A shrek ensued from the ladies, and
the strong men sickened. The william
paused in horror. for the tree had bro
ken, and poor Jacken fell through the
tray with harsh thud.
Friends fastened TO his aid and he
was borne to the stage, stunned and
bleeding. The doctor of the theatre, who
was present, shook his head.
"His spine is broken" he said; human
aid cannot save him. IOor fellow"
'Oh, don't say so" moaned Bessie,who
was wiping the blood from deep wound
in the poor boys head.
The closed eyes opened, and happy
light lit up their dimmed vision.
ats all over" Miss Bessie" ne Inur-
INJURED, and don't know but what !
am giad oft"
"Poor boy! poor boy" she saidsmooth-
ing back his damp, curling hair.
Mother used 10 do that. and her
touch was no gentler than yours. o, l
am so glad"
Bessies tears rained down on the up
turned face.
Don't cry" he said; "itis better as 1t
is. You never could have loved me as
loved you, and am not more shapeless
now than I would have been had lived
Would you kiss me orce-once for the
flowers 1 left you when / feared that
YOU, too, must die?'
Bessie pressed kiss on the lips ofthe
diving boy, and, with that last benson
the wandering spirit sought its God