The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1893-11-10

Darzincourt.
well, why shouldn't you return TO
the stage?" he said.
Radiant with the idea of again filling
this dingy hall with his sonorous
speeches, the old actor began TO dis
cuss the piece He didn't need any re-
hearsals, of course; he had played the
part so often! With the joy of child
he sought the costume room, tried on
again the clothes he had worn more
than a hundred times, requested that a
few changes be made and passed the
day in consultation with the halr-
dresser and costumer of the theater-
Not wig pleased him; he ordered a
new one. a nervous gayety possessed
him; he could have turned somersaults.
The advertisement produced its effect
When the time came the hall was
crowded TO witness his reappearance,
but the feverish enthusiasm he had
counted on was lacking. He appeared,
a little applause saluted him, but II
was not continued. The audience be-
came apathetic. What, was this the
narzincourt that had charmed them IN
other days? Why, the poor fellow was
grotesque. He felt disconnected, but
not alarmed. Since his departure they
acting; ne would show them what IL
was,
The old patrons of the theater whom
he knew uttered little exclamations Of
surprise. The newcomers began openly
TO ridicule- The rest of the company
sullled and gave Darzincourt his cues
reluctantly, until he began 10 lose his
assurance little by little He stumbled
in pathetic speech-turneda u sentence
into ridicule the parterre howled.
From that moment every word, every
gesture provoked a tempest
Darzincourt felt a cold perspiration
gather on his forehead. Around him
in the boxes people We're going ont,
and he murmured, pale with anger:
''Ingrates! Ingrates.'
At that point in the play where he
was To fall-in a faint after reading the
letter-he could not get up until ma
chinist was sent TO help him. Then the
Kisses rose like storm Such an OPP
portunity 10 have fun was infrequent
in this quiet town, and the crowd set
up an awful racket. But DarzincOurt
persisted, though his eyes We're flied
with tears. AT last, crushed by his
emotions, he forgot his lines. He
stood with mouth wide open, hearing
no more than the dcrisivc shricls of
the orchestra or the cat-caIls from the
galleries. The failure was decisive;
the play could go no further. Enter
ing his dressing-room the old comedian
tore his hair, reeIing like a drunken
man
You've put us in a nice box"
growled the director, who nevertheless
had lust pocketed the receIpUs-
"a hon N a
crushed condition \ whole life of
glory TO end in this fatal defeat. Still
dressed he lay down on the bed and re-
viewed the horrible evening. No! he
would not allow himself To be beaten.
He would fight again Could he leave
the theater forever? Even with its
chagrins and notifications he had
need of il.
The handsome Darzincourt of the
past now supplicated and implored the
director; he did not wish to be paid
he only asked to have a small role
given him-a little. very little role.
From motives of economy they ac-
ceded TO his request; he was given the
part of servant and he set out TO
study il with all the ardor of de-
butante.
When he came in, letter in hand, the
audience, without reason, except that
of cruel joy began To sing; 'Dar-zin-
court-Dar-zin-court" TO popular air.
From balcony TO orchestra rang the
derisive sound
You see, my poor old man." said the
manager, you are no longer wanted.
And he, haggard, sinhing-having
tasted again the intoXication of the
theater, asked himself in desperation
1. 4. L. II.
footlights.
After that he asked only permission
to be supernumerary-ma OF the peo-
pie, archer of the palace, noble without
Importance But they recognized him
in the midst of the others, and the pub
lie, accustomed to having amusement
at his expense, filled the hall with
noise and laughter. 1t was impossible
To allow him to appear now even as a
''supe.'' The little house at the gates
of the town still smiled beneath its bur
den of clcmatis and fresh green vines
but he came there no more.
All his life was bound up in the
theater. He was martyr of the stage!
lie passed his days in a corner of the
wings, having no more the right to
show himself in the evening, however
hum bly,. He wasted away, worn by
sadness and longing, wandering about
through the dressing of the
artists like an old dog whose hunting
days are over, but whom no one will
turn away. One night the manager ap.
preached him with a cruel smile.
Look here" he said, I'VE are going to
put on a new piece. In the third act
the barking of a dog is heard in the
wings You be the dog, viii you?''
DarZincourt took his extended hand
in his. trembling with joy, his face
transfgured, as he stammered out his
4 thanks
"A rolei'' he cried; II shall have an.
| other roler'-Short Stories.