The Columbus journal., 1883-05-16
Warming Heart and Hands.

some um0 since, . OeauClIul young
girl made her first appearance on the
stage in one of the minor theaters Of
Paris. Her grace and loveliness Attracted
admiration, which her rising talent prom
ised to secure. She concluded a long en-
gagement with the manager. giving her
services for q moderate remuneration,
but which sufficed for her wants aud
those of an invalid mother, who was
totally dependent upon her exertions.
According to the usual custom q clause
In the contract stipulated that forfeit of
10000 francs should be paid in case Of
its non-fulfillment by either party.
One day the young actress entered the
managers room. and announced to him
that she wished to leave"
q s.Howr' he cried. "You are the last
person from whom would have expected
such caprice" s.- -=. ~
'.Indeed, sir, it 10 not caprice" --;
ut is, then, the offer Of another en-
gagement?" ss
"It is, sir, and one which I cannot re-
fuse. It's from an excellent young man,
who wishes to marry me-"
my dear girl, l shall want you also
to study your part in new afterpiece
which have just received" ..
''Then, 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 the forfeit"
'Ten thousand francs! it's very dear. !"
ut was very dear 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 . voice choked
with tears; and with . adespairing heart
she left the room.
Two days afterward the manager was
seated close to the CRATE in his apart
ments, trying with all his skill to kindle
fire.
The cashier entered with q visage woe
fully elongated. The affairs of the thea
ter were in q critical state; the receipts
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 lightr'
Astonished that he could be so indiffer-
ent under the circumstances, the cashier
retired. As he was leaving the room
the young sctress entered.
'.Ah! IS it you?' said the manager;
'.you are coming from the rehearsal?"
''No, sir, have come to return the
part you gave me to study"
so it seems you think of quitting
the stage?''
Il have brought you the forfeit"
"The ten thousand francs"
"Here they are"
''And how have you procured this
large sum-" -.
My intended husband gave it to me. -
''1s he, then, 50 rich?"
These ten thousand francs are nearly
all he possessed. But he said. what
does it signifyp We shall only have to
defer setting up in business, or perhaps
l may succeed in borrowing the
money"
..Going in debt that's fine prospect
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 pros
pect of honorable independence"
pray. sir--pray, don't speak 50
cruelty" sObbed the young girl.
"Have you considered that such q
union cannot fail to be unhappy! Listen
to reasonable back this money and re-
turn it TO him who gave it to you; and il
you are absolutely 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 q piece OF
paper carefully folded, which she threw
in among the smoldering sticks.
The manager watched it as the langnid
fame gradually curled round it, and
then shot up in bright flame.
'.Do you know" said he, "what that
paper was? 1t was your signed agree.
ment. And now l have no longer any
claims on your services, and conse.
quently can demand no forfeit. Go my,
girl, and employ your little capital we'll.
and be happy"
Deeply affected by this generous deed,
this young actress expressed her graft
tude as fervently as her tears permitted.
Don't talk to me of gratitude. re.
piled the manager, I'VE arc only quits.
See, for the last hour have been blow
ing in vain at that obstinate fire; you
threw your engagements into it, and it
instantly blazed up. Thanks to me you
are free; thanks to you am giving my
hands 3 good warming.-French Paper.