Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-12-28

Les, III was lnQeeu nafO luck. AS ZOE
me l had counted good deal on the
new piece, and the fact that some East
ern managers would have the opportu-
nifty to see what could do. l felt sure
that [ had some ability, and that, if
only the chance would offer, could fill
better position in the stageworld than
the one 1 held at Chunktown. And
now, when the opportunity had almost
arrived, all my bright prospects were
dashed aside. OF course, 1 suppose it
was really worse for Snodkins than for
the rest OF us, because he had staked
his last dollar on the piece and he was
now practically ruined man. We
were all Of us Che company, 1 mean
disappointed, and we were all sorry for
Snodkins, who had been good friend
to most Of us.
When tho fiat went forth that the
piece would not be produced, Mrs.
Rinkel, the first old lady, fell fainting
into the arms of Smith, the heavy viii
lain, while Jones, the low comedian,
cursed in all the Shakspearian cuss-
words of which he could think. Tears
coursed down the cheeks of Miss Likely,
who was to have taken the part of
pretty parlor maid--in which part she
had expected to bring down The house.
I don't think said very much, but
knew l was bitterly disappointed. It
was with sad heart that walked
home and told Dolly, my pretty little
wife, the disheartening news.
Now il thought well Of my own
abilities, Dolly, good little wife that she
was, thought a great deal better. In
her eyes l was nothing less than a Booth
or Macready, so that it was with gem
uiae sympathy she kissed me and
whispered "poor old boy" 1t was get
ting near dusk. l was sitting in. my
chair before the open-grate fire, and
Dolly sat on the rug ut my feet. We
were both very still, for had not the
heart to speak, and Dolly knew my
humor. Suddenly Dolly sprang to her
feet and electrified me by exclaiming:
Bob, I'll do tip
"Do what, Dolly?" I inquired wear
lily.
"Now, don't laugh at me OF attempt
to discourage me, Bob, dear. I'll take
Miss De Forests part, and no one shall
be disappointed"
ooh, nonsense, Dolly" I remonstra-
ted. "Why, you have never spoken a
line and know nothing Of stage business.
Why, Snodkins would laugh at me if I
went to him and suggested such thing"
Iput my arm around my good little
wife and kissed her. But she would
not be so put away, and I could see that
she meant business. At last she per-
suaded me to take her up to see Snod-
kins.
"Mr. Snodkins," she began, when we
were ushered into the managers snug
Office, will you let me take Miss De
Forests part and go on with the new
piece tomorrow night?"
ooh, pshaw!" said snodkins, kindly
enough but with undisguised contempt.
@Why, my dear Mrs. FELTON,, the very
idea is absurd. Don't you know that it
is very difficult part and one which
not even an experienced actress would
be willing to undertake with less than
twenty-four hours study"
"But am serious, Mr.. Snodkins,"
answered Dolly, nothing abashed, "and
I feel confident that, if you will only
let me, can do the part justice"
"It is very, very kind Of you, my
dear said old Snodkins, in tones of
genuine gratitude, "but 1 am little
afraid. If you were only an actress and
used to the boards it would be different,
but"
Dolly Strengthened herself up to her
full height, and she hardly looked like
my quiet little wife as she replied, with
a sparkle in her eyes and rich color in
her cheeks: "No, sir; I am not an
actress, but love Bob, here. For his
sake, for all your sakes, want to see
the new piece put through. think,
nay 1 k',ow, can do the part justice"
There was grace and dignity in her
bearing, and ring in her clear voice,
which electrified the manager.
"Great guns, Mrs. Felton," he ex-
claimed, you're, more than all actress,
and if you look half as we'll upon the
stage as you do at this moment, the
success OF the piece will be assured.
Yes, madam, you may take the part,
and l will call rehearsal for 8 o'clock
in the morning. was just writing out
some "ads' for the papers, announcing
the change for tomorrow night, but we
will carry out the original program.
You've got lots of sand, Mrs. FELTON,,
but you will have to study hard. Re-
member the success of the whole thing
rests with YOU, now"