New-York tribune., 1890-06-01
SHE HAD REHE4RSED HERSELF.
RICAL COMPANY FROM EMBARRASSMENT
AND COT HER NAME on THE BILL

AND COT HER NAME on THE BILL
There is little actress now playing modest parts
who +, not well known and who may never be known
% the public. But she is an example of the plucky
American girl who has to make her living and per
scveres in her work. The writer told Of her
case by a theatrical manager who telling Of the
rough paths company has OF en- TO tread when on the
road. II was in a town Out West where the company
play only three nights that hree of the actresses
fell i'll. one of them played the leading part, and
while the troupe the road here was only
one under5iudy-the one for the leading lady. The
leading lady had been i'll for several days. but she
hoped TO appear that night usual Toward
ing. however, she sent message that
her physician had insisted on her going
10 bed This threw her par; to her
understudy. The manager thrown into panic
a few minutes later By getting word that two mora
Of his actresses severely III, as this left the
three principal parts without those who regularly
played them and there was only one understudy.
But a theatrical manager is accustomed to facing
hard tasks short notice. and he al
to reconstruct for one night his company. woman
who took minor part hastily rehearsed for the
second role in point Of importance. She did not
make success OF it, but the manager breathed sigh
of relief when he had satisfied himself that she could
stumble through her lines in fairly decent fashion
Now he said, having disposed of this knotty
problem. / must make arrangement for the
third part"
a little woman who standing on the stage came
forward and said firmly . would like 10 play that
part
She was one Of those women who 10 be found
in every play who is lady in waiting IN one
scene. a part Of the mob IN another. and perhaps one
of a garden party in another-one who walks great
deal changes her gowns many times. but never says
anything. when she volunteered TO try the part tho
manager vexed
why said he curtly. you have never had lire
have youl7
Not many" she answered simply.
You haven't two hours 10 learn the lines
"Oh. I know them very well. Won't you 10
hearse me-"
Well" said the manager, doubtfuy, 8" suppose
must. We have got to do something. Come. let's
try it,"
A. the quiet little with the serious eyes
went over the lines, a pleased smile spread over the
managers face He nodded his head approvngly as
she continued and She encouraged by his fnendness'
lost her first shyness and ended with fire and spirit
which called forth from the Worried manager hearty
cry OF applause.
Good he cried "You do better than Miss Nj.
who is going 10 take the second part All he added.
a shade Of disappointment darkenins his face' III
you only knew those lines"
But do she said delightedly.
You do Then rattle them of Just as fast as
your tongue wag"
So they went through those lines. the manager oe-
coming more and more cheerful. Miss NJ, glad To
be relieved Of her responsibility was reheaTsed IN the
lines Of the third part The curtain was few MIN
ntes late in rising that night but il was smiling and
grateful manager who watched little woman, whose
name he had not thought to ask. save the company
IN ~ graceful A fashion When the curtain came
down on the last scene he asked her how she hap
pencd know the lines.
learned them was the happy reply. . know
all the lines IN the play
Ift VPllparSpG
on / u-ed 70 rehearsc myself in my room after
the play l thought could do it, she said, with
proud smile on her face. -, -.
The actress whose place she had assumed did not
appear on the next night. She had been sent home
serously ill., When the play opened IN the next
town .here was a name on the programme
name which had never before been on any pro
"ranue and the little woman whose pnck and in
felligence had saved the company played that par
for The rest II the season