The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-09-24

though you have evidently never
CHANGED to see me-Viola VALERIE"
Goodness! Yes, of course I've seen
the name," said Robert Denham; "but
amongst so many. I've seen good
notices of you, too, now I remember.
Didn't you play in Richelieu,' with
Farlane's company, in Newcastle ?"'
The young actress bowed.
care you disengaged, Miss Valere?"
eyes. was getting on to London to
try for something; but if you look at
my credentials, or hear me and try me
as your leading lady l feel confident of
my own powers. 1t will be bread to
me, and, hope smiling now-"save
you from loss or ruin. Think it over
tonight, and tell me in the morning.
Good-nightw
The bright sun shining into his room
the next morning awoke the manager
betimes.
He dressed, and opening his window,
looked out.
1t was at the back of the picturesque
old hostelry, and overlooked a garden,
separated from fields by paling and
wicket-gate, on which he saw leaning
the graceful form of the young actress
who had offered herself for Miss
Catesby's vacant place.
The manager went down, nodded a
"good day" to the maid who was pre-
pairing breakfast in the large best
parlor, and passed out on to the lawn.
Good-morning, Miss VALERIE"
She turned quickly, with momen-
tary flush in her colorless cheek, and
gave him her hand.
II hope you rested well, Mr.. Den
ham ?" said the soft voice.
Thanks to you, my dear, yes. I saw
you out here, and so thought we might
settle our little business before the
others turned up-shall we?"
If you please. I drought down with
me the notebook in which l put the
extracts noticing me-"
She drew it from her pocket and gave
it to him, then resumed her half-care-
less, half-meditative position, leaning
on the gate. ...
"You studied in Paris, then?" said
Denham, looking up from two or three
French extracts, "and acted there, too?"
soul, monsieur"
"These notices all speak highly of
your talent, especially the later Ones"
he said, presently, with a keen glance.
Had you INTEREST,""
She met his look unflinchinglv, and
answered, quietly, "No, not of any sort.
l went on the stage All orphan, without
single friend or relative. l might
have had her cheek flushed little
now" the very strongest interest. long
ago-many times-even a theatre itself
if 1 had chosen. That of course, was
impossible"
Denham was silent so long that the
actress looked up.
"Will you take me ?" she said. "IfI
fail to please, you can dismiss me at
once"
"My hand on it that you'll do" said
the manager. "You said, think, that
you played Arrah-,aa-pogue?"
81 have"
GA good one"
"Then we'll clinch business" Miss
VALERIE; and we must have a rehearsal
this morning, as you have never acted
with my company, or, I suppose, at the
Loden Theatre?"
NO, never; perhaps Clifford Morton
will object to play to an actress like
myself. He is making such good way,
and deservedly."
"IIe is very clever in his line; but
must act to you now" answered the
manager
"Please, sir" girl came running
over the lawn, the breakfast is quite
ready, and the gentlemen and ladies is
just down."
"Thank you, Mary. Now come, then,
Miss VALERIE, for, of course, you will
join u.s.
He put her hand on his arm smiling,
and moved forward.
Something about this young artistic
interested him, apart from his hopes of
her success.
They entered by the window, and the
manager introduced his companion as
Miss Viola VALERIE, then rushed into his
story, and, to his great relief, it was
received very favorably; and Clifford
Morton, bowling low, said that they
were most fortunate in being able to
secure, in the nick of time, the services
of so fair and accomplished an artistic
as Viola VALERIE. He should feel
honored in playing to her. Probably
her own beauty and winning manner
had a great deal to do with her recep-
tlOn-aS, indeed, why should it not?