The herald., 1894-08-09
frankly, yet we loved each other at the
beoinnfny dearly enough

y
beginning dearly enough.
Dependent upon a precarious profess
sion, we were forced to take what offers
we could get-to accept separate engage
ments, to live apart, one in the north
when the other was in the south, one
wandering east when the other was trav-
cling west. If we encountered each other
at railway station occasionally, we
were fortunate. In that way we learned
to do without each other, and GOODNESS
began.
Before he died we were reconciled,
but we had both learned from expert
ence bitter lesson. On the morning of
his death he signed me to approach and
made me swear to protect my Nellie
from my own unhappiness l swore it
in his own words. They were that she
should never marry an actor.
You will see that, bound by DEATH
bed oath, have no alternative but re-
fuse my consent to your suit. But, with
sincere regards, am always your friend.
MATILDA ST: EvREMoND.
Charles Copthall, Esq, 900 Throgmor-
ton Street, to Miss Nellie st. Eyre
mond, Folly Theater, Strand, July l.,
1892:
MY DARLING NELL see your mis-
giving had foundation, for this morn
ing's post brought me polite note
from your worthy parent signifying
that she can,never consent to our mar
riage.
Now, my sweetest girl, this seems to
me awfully hard linesl The fact that
your poor father was broker and went
smash is, SO far as can see, no earthly
reason why you should not make me
happy or why should not make you a
good husband Moreover, from what
you say, your mother appears to have
objected to every offer you have ever
had. l can't say I am sorry she did so
If she hadn't, you wouldn't be free
but the fact remains that she refuses
you to every one, and tho inference is as
clear as the monday sun-out of Lon
don.
You draw IS week, and you admit
to being 25 Yet she treats you like a
child, pockets your salary and allows
You out of it beggarly 10 shillings for
chiffons and bus fares. How long will
you permit such rascally state of
things to continue? You say you are
sure she will never give you to ME. I
dare say not. She finds you much too
valuable to part with Be courageous
and defy herl love you with my whole
heart, and will not see your life vast
ed in this fashion. If you wear the &C.
companying flowers in the second act
tonight. shall understand that Mrs.
st. Evremond is not coming to fetch
you, and l shall be at the stage door
when you leave. Ever your devoted
CHARLIE.
Miss Lydia Copthall, 49a Pembridge
Square, W., to Miss Augusta Gusher,
2 The Grove, Kensington. July Is,
1899:
MY DEAREST GUssIE-I am writing
to you in despair 1t will be the veriest
line, but 1 should hate for you to learn
the awful intelligence from any one but
me- Charley is married. You know
what have always hoped-my brother
and my bosom friend! But the dream
is over. Indeed he has shown that he
was never worthy of you.
He has married Nellie st. Evremond,
the actress. Mamma is distracted, and
I-well, you may picture mel He ran
away with her (not mamma, the actress
and now has actually the effrontery to
say he is happy.
Do come and have tea tomorrow and
let us mingle our tears. Yours, quite
brokenly, LYDIA.
P. S.-The character of the bride
may be imagined from the fact that her
own mother cuts her in the street. -
Black and WhitA.