The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-03-10

Some time since, a beautiful young
girl made her first appearance Oh the
stage in ono Of the minor theaters OF
Paris. Her grace and loveliness attracted
admiration, which her rising talent
promised to secure. She concluded a
long engagement with the manager,
giving her services for a moderate rom.
uneration, but which suf1ic,d for her
wants and those of IN invalid mother,
who was totally dependent upon her
oxertions. According to tho usual
custom a clause in the contract stipula-
tod that forfeit Of 10, 900 francs should
be paid in case of Its non-fuldllment BY
faetther party.
One day tho young actress entered
tho managers room, and announced tc
him that she wished to leave"
Howl" he cried. "You arc the lust
person from whom would have expect
ed such caprice"
"Indocd, sir, it is not CAPRICE
'It is, then. tue offer Of another ell
gagement?"
cit is, sir, and one which I cannot
refuse. 1t is from all excellent young
man, who wishes to marry me-"
MY dcar girl, l shall waut you also
to study your part in a Low nfterpicce
which have just received"
"Thon, sir you refuse to set me free?"
IL must think about it. At all events
you have it in your power to break the
agreement by paying tho forfeit"
''Tcn thousand francs! It's very doar. :"
1T was very dear whom you signed
your name; but now your services arc
worth more than that"
"Alns, it will prevent our marringc!, )
said the unhappy girl. mi yoicc chokcd
with tears; and with despairing heart
she left tho room.
Two days aftcrward tho manager was
seated close to tho CRATE in his apart
mont, trylpg with all his skill to kindle
a 6ro.
Tho cashier enterod with vlsape
woefully elongated. Tho affairs OF the
thcater were in critical state: the
receipts had diminished; and tho pay
day Mt the end of tho month approach
ed.
eyes," sad tho manager. "our SIT
uatlon is embarrassing. Ard this plaguy
fire that won't lightl"
Astonishcd that ho could be 80 in .
different under tho circumstances, tho
cashier retired, AS ho was leaving the
room tho young actress entered.
'Ah! is it your" said the manager;
"you arc coming from rchoarsal?"
"ko, cir, I have como to return tho
Part you gayo nc to study"
$50 it seems you think of QUITTING
tho stngc?"
81 have brought you the o,f,rt."
''The ten thousand irancs?"
"Hero they are"
"And how havo you procured this
largo sum2"
'My intended husband gnve it to
me"
lis no, then, 50 rich?"
''Thcso ten thousand frmcs are hear
ly all he possessed. But lie said.
"what docs it signify2 We shall only
have to defer setting up in businoss,
or psRGrnaps may succeed IN borrowing
tho money"
"Going in debtl That's a fine prospect
for young housekccpers! So tho dowry
You mean to bring your husband is
want and ruin; you take from him tho
hnrd-earned fruits Of his industry, and
You oblidge him to renounce the pros,
pect of honorable independenco!''
"Pfny, sir--pray, dontt speak 80
cruclly!" sobbcd tho young girl.
"Iave you considered that suoh q
union cannct FIJI 10 DC unhappy Listen
to reason--take back this money and
return it to him who gave it to you; and
if you are absolutely resolved to leave
tho theatre, I'll show you simple way
OF doing it that won't cost you any
thing. Take this piecc Of paper and
have the kindness to put it in the CRATE. +"
So saying he handed her n sheet of
paper carefully folded, which she threw
in among tho smouldering sticks.
The manager watched it rs the Ian
guid flame gradually curled round it,
and then shot up in n bright hamo,
"Do you know" said he "what that
paper was? 1t was your signed agree
mcnt. And now have no longer any
claims OH yourscrv.ces, and consequent.
ly can demand no forfeit. Go, my girl,
and enjoy your little capital we'll, and
bo happy"
Deeply affected by this generous
decd, this young actress expressed her
gratitude rs fervcntly rs her tears por-
luitted.
New Five. Cent Pieces.