Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1877-11-12

that can scarcely pin on my ruffies.
need scarcely say that my nervousness
is not on my own account Besides be-
ing a well-seasoned actor, am an estab-
lished favorite with the Northopolis pub
lie, and 1 know perfectly well that my
part must be success and, though un-
der other circumstances I might feel
little pardonable anxiety respecting the
verdict of the London managers, my one
absorbing thought, my one terrible
haunting dread tonight is Jenny.
'Uvertune and beginners, gentlemen !"
shrieks the shrill voice of the call-boy.
Nothing will persuade the imp that his
views respecting the orthogrophy of the
first word are somewhat erroneous; and
the blunder has often amused us actors,
who are generally light-hearted enough
while at the theatre, and ready to laugh
at the smallest joke.
"Look after Mrs. Ellersly this even
ing, Harry, there's good boy | whis-
per, after beckoning him to me and put
ting half-a-crown in his hand +; you know
she's not used to the business
"All right, guvnor. Never say die !
I'll pull her through says the little
wretch, with patronizing nod, and
sticking his tongue in the side of his
mouth, automatically lodging at the
same time the hair-brush l hurl indig-
nantly at his audacious head, and dis
appearing with a horrid leer.
When I had completed my toilet [
descended to the green-room, where most
of the company are already assembled
and groped around Jenny, who certainly
makes most dazzling picture in her
white satin robe with its train of purple
velvet, and perfect blaze of stage gold
and jewelry cleaning from her arms and
neck and soft brown hair.
pause at the threshold. have not
courage to enter, for I know that Jenny
| is undergoing fiery trial, in which it
would be worse than useless to interfere.
Considering the kindly nature of actors
among themselves, and the good Offices
they are always willing to perform for
each other, it is perfectly astounding
what pleasure they seem to take in at
tempting to daunt and terrify one whom
they deem a novice or intruder in their
ranks; and SO carefully do they manage
their insiduous attacks that the poor
victim generally is unable to retort, and
is led to imagine that his or her welfare
is the sole object that has possession of
their minds.
Foremost among Jenny's tormentors
on the present occasion is the amiable
Miss Rawlings, who, with features swol-
len by disease and even more dlsfgured
by jealousy and spite, has crept down to
the theatre to assure herself of the ig-
nominious failure of her presumptuous
substitute.
Don't let them frighten you, dear, "
she remarks sweetly, alluding, doubtless,
to some pleasing observations that had
been made before. Everybody fails at
first; and, when the audience begins to
guy and hiss you, go quietly on, and
don't take any notice
"Of course you will feel horribly awk-
ward at first, my love-" chimes in the
antediluvian Harman, ''and the house is
certain to scream at your sentimental
scenes-but don't give In. Keep as cool
as possible, and don't attempt to over
| act"
Il may as we'll tell you that you will
? not be able to hear the prompter, dear, %
t observes Miss Marston, the walking la
: dy; nobody is able to catch the words
until they are thoroughly experienced.
SO you had better walk off and look at
the book yourself"
? Jenny's apparent GOODNESS under this
: delectable battery is really something
E astonishing.
, "You are very kind indeed to take
r such an interest in me-" she answers
: with sweet composure. 81 shall certain.
: ly try to avail myself of your excellent
}, advice"
Surely this is not nay gentle. loving
Jenny. this calm, self-possessed woman
e who holds her own with such careless
9 ease, where many proud, brave heart
q has shrunk and quailed. ''At any rate
J. they have met their match" | think
with grim satisfaction. "If she only
e knows the words, Jenny has pluck
enough to acknowledge it" and I soor
!; became absorbed in the thrilling interes
G of my part.
My exit amid enthusiastic applause j
: the .cue" for Jenny's first appearance
and with my heart literally in ny
! mouth I stagger against the wing, ant
= wait to see how she will comport herself
She enters slowly down rakinl
''piece" at the back, and, advancing t
! the centre of the stage with a graceful
gliding motion. stands in the full, broa'
II glare of the gas and lime lights, beauti
! full and silent as statue.
The audience accord her somewha
frigid reception. and when the applaus