The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-03-17
Warming Heart and Hands.

Some time since, a beautiful Young.
g'rl made her first appearance ON the
stage in one of the minor theaters of
Paris. I1er grace and loyeliness at
tracted admiration, which her rising
talent promised TO secure. She con
ciuded long engagement with the
manager, giving her services for a mod
crate remuneration, but which sufffced
Tor her wants and those of an invalid
mother, who was totally dependent
upon her exertions. According to the
usual custom, a clause in the contract
stipulated that a forfeit of 10000 francs
should be paid in case of its non-ful-
fillment by either party.
One day the young actress entered
the managers room, and announced
to him that she wished to leave
How he cried. You are the last
person from whom | would have ex-
pected snch caprice"
Indeed, sir, it is not caprice.
1t Is. then, the offer of another en-
gagement
ut is, sir, and one which / cannot re-
fuse. 1t is from an excellent young
man who wishes to marry me-
MY dear girl, | shall want you also
to study your part in a new afterpiece
Then, sir, YOU refuse to set me freep'
Il must think about it. At all events
you have it in your power to break the
agreement by paying the forfeit"
Ten thousand francs; tbs very dear. -
lit was yer ydear when you signed
your name; but now your services are
worth more than that.
Alas. it will prevent our marriage!'
said the unhappy girl. in a voice choked
with tears; and with a despairing heart
she left the room.
Two days afterward the manager was
seated close to the CRATE in his apart
ment, trying with all his skill to kindle
a fire.
The cashier entered with a visage
woefully elongated. The affairs of the
theatre were in a critical state; the re-
ceipts had diminished; and the payday
at the end of the month approached.
Yes" said the manager, .our situa-
ton is embarrassing. And this plaguy
fire that won't light!''
Astonished that he could be so indif-
ferent under the circumstances, the
cashier retired As he was leaving the
room the young actress entered.
'.Ah! is it you?" said the manager;
''you are coming from rehearsal?,,'
''No, sir, l have come to return the
part you gave me to study"
so it seems you are thinking of fquit-
ting the stagee"
Il have brought you the forfeit
The ten thousand francs?"
Here they are"
"Ah! how have you procured this
large sum?''
MY intended husband gave it to me- -
lis he then, SO rich?'
''These ten thousand francs are near
" all he possessed. But he said,
what does it signify? We shall only
have to defer setting up in business, OF
perhaps | may succeed in borrowing the
money.
Going in debt That's fine pros
pect for young housekeepers! So the
dowry you mean to bring your husband
is want and ruin; you take from him
the hard-earned fruits of his industry,
and You oblige him to- renounce the
prospect of honorable independencer'
Pray, sir-pray, don't speak 50
cruellyi'' sobbed the young girl.
..Have YOU considered that such q
union cannot fail to be unhappy! Listen
to reasonable back this money, and
return it to him who gave it to you; and
ii You are absolut ely resolved TO leave
the theater, I'll show you simple way
of doing it that won't cost you anything
Take this paper and have the kindness
to put it in the CRATE.
So saying, he handed her sheet of
paper carefully folded, which she threw
in among the smouldering sticks.
The manager watched it as the lam
guid flame gradually curled round it.
and then shot up in II bright flame.
do YOU know, said he, "what that
paper was? 1t was youI signed agree
mcnt. And now / have TO longer any
claims ON your services, and cense-
quently can demand no forfeit. Go,my
girl, and employ your little capital well.
and be happy"
Deeply affected by this generous deed,
this young actress expressed her graft
tude as fervently as her tie ars permitted.
Don't talk TO me of gratitude, re-
piled the manager, 1--WE are only quits.
See, for the last hour l have been blow
ing in vain at that obstinate fire; you
threw your engagement into it, and il
Instantly blazed up. Thanks to meyou
are free; thanks to You | am giving my
hands good warming"
----ssr
y