Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-04-14
ID. THURSDAY EVENING. APRIL ID, 1892.
DENE CARTER, THE ACTON.


Dene Carter, the tragedian, was filling
an engagement in New York. The big,
burly actor was as happy and hopeful a
man as one usually runs across. In the
prime of life, his success assured, the
husband Of the sweetest, fairest. and
most smiable of women, possessor of q
comfortable home. all united to drive
dull care from his manly breast. On his
way 10 the theater, one night, speaking
to the manager of his company. he said |:
II am the happiest man alive; such
health. such a wife, such homel Ali if
you but knew what task it is TO leave
Louise, you would wonder that / do
not quit my profession.
He spoke from his heart, for man never
loved woman with noblsr or more ar
dent love than Dene Carter did his child
wife.
Just three years previous to the date
ut which my story opens, Dene Carter,
filling an engagement ia Kentucky, met
with Miss Eloise Castleman, bankers
daughter 1t was typical case of love
at first sight In two short weeks he
wooed and won the fairest OF her sex.
She quilted an elegant home. left father,
mother, all, for this one man whose life
meant more to her than all the world be-
side.
One night, while taking leave of her,
in playful humor he remarked:
Suppose, Louise, something should
happen to me, who would take care OF
my little wife and baby"
oh, no, no, no, Denel You-nothing
win happen to you-you will never leave
me? Kiss me, Dene. Come home early
tonight.
She closed the door, shutting out the
cold wind aud the snow aud the man she
owed, and threw herself upon her knees
before the fire, and prayed to heaven for
Dene's safety and their happiness.
During the month of December, in the
year of which we write, there was much
sickness ia the great city. and Louise,
never very strong, felt her health begin
ming to give way. She did not complain,
but the roses began to fade from her
cheeks, the light to die from her eyes.
She grew wan and white.
1t was with the greatest reluctance that
Dene left ner now; each time the parting
grew more painful. Tonight he was es-
pecially 10th to go. but after having Sc
cured nurse, and gaining promise
from the doctor to remain with her, he
hurried to the theater. That night he
played his part and played it well, but
oh, his whole heart, his whole soul
yearned to be with Eloiss.
AS soon as his role was finished, hardly
taking time to clear the grease-paints
from his face, he rushed home to his
wife.
" Is she not better, doctor? Louise
speak to me! Do you feel better ?"
She made no reply, but put her weak
white arms about his neck as he raised
her on the pillow.
1t was the third night. Dsne Carter
bent over his sick wife and laid his lips
lightly on her forehead; slowly she
opened her great blue eyes, in which, de-
spite the pain and agony, shone love SO
intense, so complete, that even death had
not power to vanish it faint smile
played on her lips; she held him 50
closely, SO long, that he had to unclasp
her locked hands from about his naca,
and run for the thcater ere it was LOO
late.
What it cost him to unclasp those soft
arms heaven only knowsl
He reached the theater; mechanically
he opened the door and passed in, sought
the green-room and began his makeup.
The rough voice Of the stage manager
called out the quarter, the first act, and
Carter, with deep, audible sigh. made
his entrance upon the stage. He began
his lines As he proceeded he became
more and more intense; his face bright.
ened, sorrow fed; forgotten his child
wife. forgotten the pain of an hour ago
forgotten the worldl 1t was not Dene
Carter who stood before his audience, but
the living, breathing character whose
lines he spoke.
All! but when the last burst of wild APP
plause rang out, echoed, re-echoed and
died away, he threw himself upon a
couch behind the scenes, covered his face
with his hands, and gave vent to his
emotion in deep, meaning signs.
just then he was aroused by voice.
"Some one at the stage entrance 10 ses
you. Carter.
He started up-he knew whatit meant
"Tell me-speak outl" he said impa,
tiently to the servant. +" Is she worse:T
The man bowed his head aud sadly
said,-
"She's dying, sir.
"Ah!" Dene Carter threw his hand Il
his head, staggered back, and leaned fol-
support against the wall. -Tell-tell-
her-Pm coming" he said slowly anC
painfully.
As the servant closed the door and has
tened away, he sank into a chair anC
buried his face in his hands.
Second actl" called out the stag,
manager where's Cartergr
He raised his head, gazed blankly a
the man and said,-
"Tell her--Tm coming"
He walked on the stage and stood fol
a moment mute, gazing vacantly sbou
him, silent. motionless. Was that Dent
Carter? Could it be Dene Carter? Ii.
looked ten years olderl His attitude anc
expression were not suited to the role hs
was playing. Had he forgotten his lines
The prompter came to assist him, bu
Carter heard him not, needed him not.
What's the mattersn asked the look
ers-on, both behind and in front of Tia.
stage.
@Carterl What's the matter. Fool
IDIOT Dollln