The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-09-09
"21y Lord, Il Letter."

furnished the foundation for many
stories which he told with real enjoy
ment. One which was favorite with
him ran in this wise: While playing
an engagement at one of the theatres
III Philadelphia, he desired to produce
a certain piece with full and complete
cast of characters. Among the minor
parts was page, whose duty it was to
deliver package and pronounce the
simple sentence: "My Lord, a letters"
Mr.. Forrest had attended to all the
main characters with his usual care, and
had company entirely to his judg-
ment. This being the case he antici-
pated an exceptional success for the
play when il should be enacted. The
first rehearsal of the piece was called,
and Mr.. Forrest who had entrusted the
stage manager with the duty of pro-
curing lad to fill the role of the page,
asked If that parsonage was on hand
and prepared. The manager assured
him the lad was in the theatre and
master of his lines. The first two acts
went of in good style and Mr.. Forrest
was in high spirits. At the opening Of
the third act he took his seat in the
chair of family state and waited the en-
trance Of the page. 1t was MT dress
rehearsal and hence each actor was in
his every dav clothing. When the cue
was given the page appeared. lie wa
Il sharp-fcaturcd, black-cycd lad, abou
sixteen years of age. Ills gait was the
mixture Of the strut of Il dandy and
the roll Of II sailor. He was clad
in clothing coarse in texture and loud
in color. His pantaloons was stuffed
In the tops Of his boots and his hands
cncascd in pair Of gloves Of Il decided
lemon color. Had the Gorgon head ap-
pcared to Mr.. Forrest it could not lave
more effectively transformed him into
stone. He was specchlcas and notion
less. While in this condition the page
advanced, and presenting the package
said:
"My Lord, a letter."
The wonderful and fearful appear
ancc of the lad AMI the manner in
which he pronounced the words, the
latter parCaklng Of the best qualities of
John Owens as Jukey, the butcher fire
man, aroused all the humorous element
Of MIR. Forrest and gazing upon the lad
for Il moment, he said:
"That will not do my boy. Try it
again"
The lad did trv again and again.
But with no better success. lie could
not master the stage walk. lie could
not capture, hold and express the
meaning or pronunciation Of the mes
sage. 1t was Juhey in MI respects. But
The patience of Mr.. Forrest did not give
way. He saw the lad was in earnest
and wished to help. At last he arose
from his seat and said to the page:
"Sit down, my boy, and L will show
you how to do it.''
Acting upon the idea Mr.. Forrest
went to the wings, and advancing in
his. best manner, presented the letter
and pronounced the words. Then lay
ing his hand upon the shoulder of the
lad, he said In kindly manner:
THAT is the way to do it, my boy.
Gun you not act and speak in that man.
ner?"
The lad evidently struck with the
acting of Mr.. Forrest assumed Il more
upright attitude, and said in bold,
confident tone:
eff could do 1t that way, Mr.. For
rest, | wauld not act for fifty cents a
night"
The answer was so aptand ready that
Mr.. Forrest could only answer: "Right
my boy, right" But he did not forget
the page.