The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-08-14
ONE ON UNCLE BILLY FLORENCE.
How the Actor Missed Chance to Sc
cure his New Play.
on, the New York Sun

from the NeW YORK sun.
1t is a weu-known fact that Billy Florence Is
anxious to get new play, and that he is willing
TO pay good price for IL. 1t happens that
Manager J. ~ Hill has play in his possession
which, luckily, is just what Mr. Florence wants.
The latter heard of il and posted hot haste to
Mr. Hills aesthetic little den behind the ruins of
the Union Square theater. He was cordially
greeted by the suave managef% and Florence
lost no time in getting TO businesS.
Il say he calculated, Il hear that you've got
pay that will suit my peculiar style OF cater
Yes, replied Manager HILL Il think have
Mr.. Florence"
when can see it," and an expansive smile
spread over the face of the genial comedian.
IN bring it to the Fifth Avenue hotel to-
morrow and read it TO you.n
This was agreeable, and Florence went away
chuckng to himself, for he put great faith in
Manager Hills Judgment.
On the morrow Mr.. Hill called, and was ush-
cred into Mr. Florences parlor. Now, it hap
pened that Col. Tom Ochitree had taken Mr..
Florence to krmess or tea party the night
before, and Florence was profuse in his apollo
gies Tor receiving Mr. Hill in his dressing gown.
Mr. Hill sat down by window with his back to
Florence, and, in well-mOdulated voice, yet
full of dramatic power, began reading the
play. After reading few pages. he was inter
rupted with growl, seemingly from canine
which was repeated at such frequent intervals
that Mr.. Hills urbanity was disturbed, and he
gave vent to an exclamation, the nearest he
ever gets TO swearing: - that dog:
however, the dog continued growing untll
patience ceased to be virtue, and Mr.. Hill
jumped to his feet, determined to eject the cur.
What a sight met his eyes Florence reclin-
ing in an easy chair, with mouth agape dead
asleep, and at every breath came that terrible
growl which 50 disturbed the equanimity of the
ministerial manager.
'KnOuf- pf-grr-r waugh-gr-r-r-scah -h-h-
woup-pf"
1t was not dog; it was Mr.. Florence snor-
ing. Mr. Hill had only read one-half of the first
act, but he folded up his manuscript and stole
silently to the door. Taking the key out, he
opened it, and then wildly yelled Fire closing
the door. which had snap lock. and Florence
was prisoner. Mr.. Hill reached the Office in
time to hear the b-r-r-r of the annunciator, not
only once but dozen times. Florence fran
tcally rang the bell. and when a bell boy I'M
locked his door he dashed through the crowded
halls to the Office, his dressing gown tapping
about him as he whirled down the sta rs. When
he reached the Office floor his eyes rested on
Manager Hill. Then with index finger to his
| forehead, the gesture made familiar 10 the peo-
ple by James Owen O'Connor in his soliloquy of
Hamlet, he said slowly:
1T all comes back to me now"
what does:" asked Mr. Hill.
why, your reading the play to me and my
falling asleep. Good joke that, Hill"
why, bless me-" replied Mr.. Hill, with as
constituent depicted in every feature, what
are you talking about, Florence' haven't seen
you before to-day. haven't read any play to
| TO you"
Florence said never word but jerked his
thumb toward the bar. He has never been able
to have reading of the play since