Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1893-09-20
HIS LAST ROLE.
Story OF the Rise and Fall OF an
Actor.

3
Actor.
The curtain had already been raised
three times and still tho applause was
I prolonged. They were compelled to
raise 1t again. Darzincourt, his left
hand pressed against his heart, his
/ right holding several gilt laurel crowns,
bowed, while his eyes filed with tears.
+ The braves increased 10 a storm; he
wanted 10 say something to express his
thanks to the public, but the old come
I dian could only open his lips and utter
mumbling sound He was overcome:
his emotions were too deep to clothe in
/ words.
Canes beat on the floor with furious
noise. The entire theater shook with
the sound. Again and again did the
ushers pass up to the stage paper palm
branches bearing ribbons on which the
/ principal roles of the actor were
| printed. Meanwhile as Darzincourt
stood in the midst of the company that
had supported him the stage manager
left the group and embraced him in the
name of the crowd. At the same. time
he placed one of the crowns on his
head. The crown, far too large, slipped
down 10 his shoulders, but what of
that?-the scene was beautiful.
1t was on this tableau and amid fresh
and furious applause that the curtain
descended, leaving Darzincourt to take
off his crown and receive the felicita-
tions of his comrades.
Never before in that provincial city
had similar manifestation been made
over retiring actor, and as he was TO
leave the stage permanently there was
no jealousy among his fellows. So he
retired to the Cafe de la Comedie where
second ovation awaited him, and the
fragrant smoke from the punch bowls
on the marble tables received the en-
thusiasm of those who pressed for
ward to do him honor. And there
were toasts without number, you may
DE sure.
The old habitues of the theater re-
preached him for leaving them so soon.
I why, If one pleases the public, one is
always young"
And he, rubbing his chin, that had
been shaved for more than half CEN
fury, was obliged to defend his retire
ment. His hair was white; he was
too rheumatic TO kneel gracefully in the
love scenes Resides, he made his
mark, his life had been passed on the
! boards Wei, he needed repose. He
wanted to see the real country instead
Of faded canvas He had dreamed of a
little farm-a little garden where he
could smoke his pipe in peace to the
end of ms days. IL was time to think
, of himself; he had given enough of his
I life TO the public. And it was amusing
to hear him speak of his farming prof
ects, seated there in the costume of
/ Louis XIV, with the makeup" still on
his face. which in the heat of the cafe
glistened in oily lines.
At last the manager, with his males
/ tic gravity, and also moved by the
! libations ne had taken during that af-
[ fecting evening, declared that there
/ was no telling what the future might
bring forth. Who could say that Darz-
incourt would not come back some
day? But the latter shoox his head
Mo- his decision had been made; he
wanted now 10 enjoy the luxury of do
ing nothing.
Two days afterward Darzincourt. in
stalled in his little house. his head COW
cred with a large straw hat. wearing
o linen suit and wooden shoes. began
to water his flowers in the midst Of a
broiling sun. while chatting with the
little servant maid
But Won ought 10 wait till evening
she said. They will perish"
2 BAH" ne smiled. Flowers are like
women. You can't show them too
much attention"
From that time delicious life began
for him in the peace of his rustic home
lie thought with horror Of the rehears-
ais Of other days, Of the constant
changing Of costumes and parts TO be
learned, and shivered at the rcmem-
trlucc Of those scenes which called for
nervou, action. A year of peaceful
pleasure followed. lie was very happy.
and why not? he kept asking himself
again and agaiu-so often. in fact
that he began todoubt III hc felt so sin
ccrelv
This happiness az the bottom was
nonotonous. Yet be was not willing
20 acknowledge that ennui had crept
into that pretty little house which he
had longed for so much. and the more
he assured himself taat be needed
nothing the more Doe saw that Tho dave
that dragged by were ab1miuablv void
and dull
coffee. he allowed his pipe to p9 ont as
DE read over some old plays. occasion.
ely pausing to exclaim as be came "a
some familiar role. "Ah. was great
in that' And the old memories Of the
past that he thought were buried camo
10 tho present and sang a siren song in
bis ears An the music of anpIauss
tho shout. and braves that set tho
/ lights trembling after au imprisoned
pcech' And The little servant coming
I 70 remove the dishes surprised him
standing there flushed Of face. his hair
blowing boo the breeze apoet-ophiziny
an imaginary parsonage
'Ah. monsieur 10 comte-at last wa
are face 90 facet
"A count hcre' Where is THE count
Of yOurs2r
And the girl laughed tn the tear,
ran down her cheeks.
oh. these old habits that we can
never lay aside. One fine day Darzin.
court was forced 20 acknovIodgc that