The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1892-02-20

Il III
now ! have made Q name in my pro
fession, then was young and poor
but full OF health and ambition
Young rs was had already made {
position on the stage, and at the tim
l write of was engaged in playing lead
ing Shakespearean parts in one OF TIT
minor theatres OF q northern city
We had a most successful season, ant
at the close OF it were playing Ham
let" aud "Othello" on alternate
nights, myself taking leading roles.
candidly admit, however, that il
was not my acting that attracted the
public. The magnet that drew the
crowded houses was q certain Miss
Vernon, who had been engaged az
leading lady, and whose first appear.
ance had caused some sensation. She
was beautiful woman, with slen-
der, graceful figure, and gifted with a
fine sympathetic voice.
Although not a great actress, it is
certain her abilities were above the
average, and justified her popularity.
Of the stage her manner was cold
and reserved. As q matter OF course,
being an actress and a handsome
woman, rumors were rife about her
past life. 1t was .aid she was married,
and had deserted her husband after
running him. For my own part paid
no attention to these ctories know
ing how often rumor errs.
nna m ~ \ wo an ipn NV din
ner ut small, cosy inn that was a
fayorite of mine on account of the
excellence OF the cookery, when q gen.
tleman entered the little dining-room,
and seated himself opposite to me,
and ordered dinner. Ipaid no atten-
ton to him; as was coming over
my part of the evening, which hap
pened to be Othello. l knew it well,
but always like to be letter-perfect;
presently looked up and saw my
vis-a-vis gazing rather hard at my
book. He caught my eyes, and
smiled.
Excuse me. sir" he said, "but are
you reading shakespeare"
Ireplied that was.
"Ahl" he said, "and see it is
'Othello, and 'Othello' is down in the
bills for tonight at the Phoenix. You,
then, are the leading gentleman, Mr..
CroftenH
EYES," said, "that Is my name."
81 have witnessed two of your per-
'ormances, sir" ne returned, "and
mustcompliment you on your ability"
] bowed, and drew my book towards
me as an intimation l wished to re-
sumo my reading, but he was not to
be silenced.
"Forgive me-" he said, "if dis
turb you for a moment; but the fact
is have great desire. to introduce
myself. ], too, am an actor. Here,
sir, is my card; perhaps my name il
not strange to you"
l looked at the card and read the
name of a noted London traRedian. My
wish for solitude was banished. was
highly fattered by such q shining light
desiring to make my acquaintance and
readily responded to his advances,
and after two hours pleasant CONVEX
sation parted with the promise OF
breakfasting with him next morning
ut his hotel.
felt sure he was in the theatre that
night, although l did not see him. We
met next morning and discussed a
hearty breakfast, after which he took
it into his head to give me series of
limitations OF celebrated actors, some
Of whom / had seen. was delighted,
and warmly congratulated him on his
mimetic powers, which, believe, quite
equalled Foote.
"Ah," he said sitting down "mimic-
ry has disadvantages; sometimes
gets one into trouble, for you arc
constantly tempted to exercise ID in
season and out of season. For In
stance / made heavy bet in this
very town, which l fear shall lose.
1t relates to yourself, Croften, and
you will laugh at my audacity. You
know / had seen you once or twice in
Othello, and speaking about you to
q friend who had not seen you, gave
an imitation Of your style"
"Ah," said my friend, "the best i'm
itation is little better than carica-
ture. f
Come" / said, III will bet you
fifty pounds that ! act the last
scene in -Othello,' at the Phoenix, so
that neither the audience nor the
actors on the stage will realize that 1t
is not Croften who is acting ] quite
forgot that / should have to obtain
your consent before made the exper-
iment.
"Done,' said my friend.
$50 we shook hands and the bet
was made"
II would willingly help you to win
your bet" said ], "but really don't
zee how it can be DONE" We talked
Tor some time, and finally ! promised
him all the assistance in my power.
had great confidence in my compan-
ions ability az q mimic, and trusted
that with HIS face darkened, and
costume the counterpart OF my own,
the difference bPtween us world not be
noticed, especially as in height and
build we resembled each other.
"Othello" was given on the follow
ing evening, and we arranged that the
experiment should take place then;
the performance commenced at seven
o'clock. At half past six called at
The hotel for my acquaintance. and
lound him ready. When wegot to the
Phoenix, / managed to smueg!e him in
TO my dressing-room. began at
Duce to drese for my part i do not