Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-02-10

and fell Why was she excited 50 ovez
little theatrical bill How came she
BY her great love for the stage? She
knew not herself. But il Was there
burning within her very soul, . quench-
less flame.
Good Lord haint yer never comm
with chat milk n screamed Susan
Grim from the cabin door. The girl
gave . start. Her dreams were broken.
She hastened to the house, tue bill
pressed in the belt OF her dress.
aNow hustle yourself M strain that
air milk in jiffY. Then eat yer sup
Per an git to bed airly, case I want yer
ter tote . bucket o aigs ter town airly in
ther mornin' far rue. I'm goin'' ter see
eff KANT nuke yer arm yer salt any
how scolded the harsh voice Of Susan
Grim.
Bright and early in the morning.
.Zepha started to town with her bucket
Sof eggs. As she walked along, she
every now and then scanned the theat-
rical bill she still preserved. eff only
could,n she breathed hard. sThen /
should no longer be tainted by Mrs.
Grim for my dependence upon them. /"
AS she was waiting in the grocery to
be served, she heard them discussing
an accident that had occurred in town
that morning. One Of the ladies Of the
theatrical company. while out riding
had been thrown from her horse and 30
badly injured Is TO unfit her for taking
her part in the drama to be rendered
that night
Zepha stole out Of the store.
aDo you know where the Aimard
Troupe is stopping ?" she asked man
on the sidewalk.
aAt the Western House" the man
replied, and she passed on.
aWill you please tell the manager of
Of thu Aimard Troupe that q lady
wishes to see him on business for afew
minutes?" she said to the clerk Of the
Western House.
Certainly, he replied. leading the
way to the parlor. whore she was told
to wait.
In another minute Claude Aimard,
the handsome. gentlemanly Young man
ager Of the theatrical company, stood
before her.
His fierce blue eyes took in the grace
ful dgureSof the girl, and he quickly
noted the beauty Of face. hair, and
eyes. SO ont Of keeping with the
countrified dress of dark calico and the
plain straw hat.she wore
He requested her to be seated, but
she declined.
I'm what way can I serve you this
morning? ?" he asked. pleasantly, noting
her evident embarrassment. His tone
was SO gentlemanly Zepha soon felt at
ease, and she said
Zone Of the ladies in your company
way unfortunate this morning in'getting
thrown from her horse?"
eyes; Miss Linton was severely,
though not seriously, injured, ! hope,
replied Mr.. Aimard.
will she be able TO act her part to.
night?'
Unfortunately, no.n
= have come to apply for the part.
I heard that you would be unable to
play tonight without you secured q
substitute. Am I right?"
Yes; it is true we cannot proceed
without substitute" he answered,
eying Zepha closely. aBut to be
frank, young lady, I fear your mex.
perience is all against you. Why dc
you apply for q position on the,stage? ~
Zepha met his steady gaze unainch-
ingly, and although her face crimsoned
wildly, she answered him:
Because, unaccountable as it is Ia
me. have always loved the stage. and
because and her voice faltered 4
little, Il am SO tired of eating the bread
Of dependence" Fl
aWhat advantages have You had ed.
ucationally 2"
@My education has not been neg.
lected, thanks Ia. kind old benefac..
tor replied Zepha. Shakespeare has
long been favorite study with me-
Mr.. Aimard looked surprised, which,
observing, Zepha quickly said: I'll
you doubt it, sir, I shall be impelled tc
render selection from that author on
the spot" Mr.. Aimard smiled, bu,
said:
y shall not donbt your word, young
lady, although I will confess I wa,
somewhat surprised to find so young .
girl as yourself student of that grea,
dramntist. 1t is not common, you must
know. Have you ever appeared be
fore an audience?" ss.s
Only with my schoolmates, il
-LllI ! 81 = ix, T..