The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-05-19
SARAH BERNHAKDTs DOUBLE.
Simple Country Maiden In Southern Europ,
Who Could Play Well.

Simple Country Maiden In Southern Europe
Who Could Play Well.
New York Herald
Sarah Bernhardt on one occasion came
face TO face with a born actress of whom
the world has never heard. but who appears
TO have been. both In appearance anu man
ner. strIkingly like the famous French &C.
tress. On her way home from long tour
Sarah stopped. one day. at q little sea- coast
village in the south of Europe. aud the
Torrance of "Ruy BlasS there. She
was told that there was no theater in
the village. and that. even IL there were.
the shepherds and husbandmen. who were
the only residents Of the district. were
too poor to pay even . tritiing sum
for admission. but her only reply was
that temporary stage must be erected
in any available building. and that.
since the villagers could not afford to
pay for the privilege of seeing and hear
ing her act. she would not only admit
them free OF charge. but would give
to every after the performance q gold
piece as a souvenir OF her visit. Her orders
were carried out TO the letter. A barn-liEe
building was rented for the evening u
stage was erected. one corner was draped
of as dressing room, and in this room
Sarah was being attired by Der maid. when
suddenly the curtain was pushed aside and
a tall. poorly dressed. pale-fsoed girl en-
tered.
Madame" she said to Sarah, will you
q
this EVENING" This is an extraordinary re-
quest, but have good reason for asking
IL. believe that have great dramatic
talent. aud desire to lind out THE evening
whether am o vain tool or a born actress.
i know all your roles by heart. and you
may rest assured that 1 will not break
down. Grant me this favor. Madame. and
l will be eternally grateful to YOU"
Sarah poDdered minute or two and
then said brusquely. "All right You may
take my place. My maid will dress you.'
The girl, who was the daughter OF poor
villager, stepped OH the stage and AZ once
revealed herself as great rctress. True.
she as Ignorant of the most ordinary rules
OF the stage, but Sarah, watching her from
the background, noted not her Ignorance
In this respect. so amazed she
at the tenderness, intensity and splendid
power exhibited by this unknown village
maiden. Sarah, Sarahip shouted the de-
lighted audience, and the plaudits ever in
creased until the GIRL who at that moment
seemed embodiment of the reno ned
actress. had acted her part aud retired
amid n shower of flowers.
lyon are a wonderful actress. my dear"
Was Sarah's greeting. land intend TO take
you with me-"
Pardon, madame" was the reply. "hut
1t is IL O'Clock already. and | must hurry
home or my father will be uneasy" And.
'as she put OFT her rich robe and put on
her shabby old dress, she continued:
"Yes. 1 will never leave home again. |
u
tress like you. or not. and know now that
am. For me that knowledge Is enough.
i know that you are feted aud honored.
but for such triumphs l have no desire.
The villagers applauded me tonight. and
kings and poets cannot applaud you more
warmly. Besides. / have duties to per-
form. My father and brother ara sick,
and must nurse them. Moreover, i am
engaged TO the Mayors secretary. and ex-
pected 10 become his wife soon. He might
refuse TO marry mo if he heard of my esca-
pade this evening. but there is no one to
tell him. And now good night. madame
and may there be as much happiness IN
store for you as know there is for me-"
With these words the unknown went
her way and Sarah did not attempt TO re-
call her. Arguments she knew would be
useless. If the girl was really great
actress she would remain faithful to her
art In spite of all ties aud duties, and ii
she was not really great
actress it would he wrong to tempt
her away from the happy domestic lie
which was evidently In store for her. SO
| Sarah reasoned. and since that memorable
night she has enjoyed many triumphs
while of the girl who. on one night at least
| proved herself almost. If not quite, as great
an actress as Sarah Bernhardt. the world
has heard nothing.