Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-01-10

OF DeCter SOEG Luhu USUAL. MILO. AuI~uue'
looked with some apprehension at her Grim
son cheeks and glittering eyes.
"Don't you go and be maxim yourself sick
with fever or something" she said, warning
ly. "I'm most sorry I didn't wait yeal
longer before I tried to git you this place
You're bit too young, I'm afeard."
"Oh no, nanny, amt going to be sick,
exclaimed Posy. "Only, 1 do so want to be
sure about it. wish the gentleman had told
US right away"
"Well, it'll be settled now pretty soon," was
the consoling rejoinder. "Im to 60 back te
him, this evenin', you know"
Posy waited at home, in a state of anxiety
impossible to describe, while her mother went
after dark, to the hotel, to obtain the 6na
answer to their petition. At last, she heard
the welcome footsteps ascending the stairs, and
few out to meet her.
us it all right, nanny ?" she cried, breath
lessly.
call right, my honey" There was &
strange passionate fervor in the woman's
voice and manner, as she drew the child into
her arms and hugged her close to her breast
Oh my beauty, my own lambp' she whis
pered with a sort of sob, as she kissed the
lovely upturned face. II hope I'm doin
right in this thing. hope I amt sendin' you
off into any trouble or misfortune! I hope
you'll always be good girl, and never dc
nothing that'll bring you to shame!'
"Why, mammy!" cried the child, wonder
ingly. "Ain't you glad? IamP
"Oh yes. I'm awful glad, Posy. think
you're in great luck" rejoined Mrs. Manuel
resuming her usual tone, as she entered the
room and took off her bonnet and shawl
Posy was 80 radiant with exultation that she
did not bestow another thought upon tho con
duct which had momentarily excited her sur
prise. She ate her supper with great appe
tite as she listened to her mothers account Of
her visit, and of the arrangements which had
been made. She was to 60 on the following
morning to Professor Lightfoot to take pre-
liminary lesson, and afterwards to the theatre
where there was to be rehearsal. In the
evening she would probably be allowed to
appear on the boards.
"But, Oh nanny, what'll I wear? You
know I amt got dress ready" she exclaim
ed, clasping her hands in dismay as this con-
tingency occurred to her.
II spoke to the manager about that. He
said the costumer would fix you up all right
Only think, Poay; you'll wear pink stock
ings and white satin shoes, and a dress all
gauze, maybe with spaugles on it, and some
thing elegant in your hair. Wort you like
that?"
II know! Just like that dress O yourn,
used to see you put on" rejoined Posy, de-
lghtedly. "Are you goin' to be there, too
mammy"
ooh! I guess so" replied her mother
"Anyhow, I won't be far off"
The next day was one Of unspeakabls ex.
citement to the child. She awoke with early
dawn, after broken and restless night AT
ter breakfast. being arrayed once more in her
gay frock and hat, she was conducted, by Mrs.
Manuel, to Professor Lightfoot's rooms. Here
she received lesson from the professor, who
expressed himself satisfied with her perform.
ance; and thence proceeded, under his escort
to the theatre, which looked dingy and unin.
viting enough by daylight. Here they found
the balet.corps already assembled-a set Of
rather disreputable.looking young ladies, who
stared critically at the newcomer, as she was
presented to them, by the dancing master, as
"his pupil, Mademoiselle Mariposa, who was
thenceforth to be one of themselves. Posy's
gentle eyes sank beneath their rude gaze,
but there was no time for her to feel shy or
displeased. 1t was already past the hour for
and the professor hurried them, as
quickly as possible, to their task. To the
child's surprise, she found leading part as
signed to her. The lesson which she had just
received, had been designed to prepare her for
this, and she was the only one of the compa-
ny destined to perform pas seuI. 1t mat
tered little to the professor that his selection
caused looks of vexation and scornful whis-
pers among the rest he had found gem, and
was resolved that its lustre should be fully
displayed
Evening came, and Posy, feeling as if she
was in an enchanting dream, stood in her
gauzy drapery. white slippers and tights, wait.
ing with palpitating heart for the moment
when her summons should arrive. 1t came
The music, ravishing, exhilarating in its per.
feet harmony, sounded fourth from the or.
cbestra; the painted, powdered and bedizened
dancing girls waved, Aoated, wreathed about
her in an airy maze, then parted in two SHIN
mering rows, and left her in the centre of the
stage, alone The excitement of the moment
sustained her. She felt that her whole destiny
hung upon her success. With sylph-like undu'
lation, with charming grace, she went through
her part, without hesitation or failure from be,
ginning to end. A storm of applause sounded
in her ears-a tiny boguet of moss.rose buds
as delicate and fresh as herself, fell at her
feet. Her triumph was assured. She was
trembling so from joy that she could scarcely
make her exit from the stage. She ran to hel
mother, who was waiting for her in the green
room, and falling in her arms, burst into
tears.
20, nanny "she painted forth, half stiAed
by the tumult of her feeling, "I'm too happy
for anything"
And this was the auspicious commencement
of Posy's theatrical career.
CHAPTER JV