Birmingham age-herald., 1894-07-21

ting more Respondent, and I gradually ar rived at the determination to accept any engagement in drama or the legitimate that might be offered if the salary were not less than S20 week. But still was unable to get anything. Then l regis tered at several of the agencies. The lady at the boarding house had by this time begun to ask me for money, and driven to desperation by her importunities and ap- parent heartlessness I cast ambition aside and told the different offices to put me down on the chorus girl list at $15 per week, but only for operas where should not be compelled to wear tights.
 Why, you wouldn't get place in 10 years under those circumstaces, " said the agent who had first laughed at my news paper notices
 It was an awful concession, but finally I gulped out: Very well. Include the tights" I started to leave when he called me back and asked if my figure was such that would feel warranted in appearing in tights. told him yes, and that agony was over.
 A few days later 1 received note from this same man asking mo to call. did so and was delighted when he informed me that he had something to offer me. l immediately became of more importance to myself, and in my most dignified man. ner requested him to explain the kind of part I was expected to play, whether the costumes were expensive, how much time would have to be devoted to rehearsals and whether I should have the opportunity to understudy the leading lady. l also added that he might mention the salary.
 He replied, with some amusement not unmixed with irritation, "The costumes arc expensive'-I started nervously-"but they arc furnished by the management" I brcathed sigh of relief 1.-The part.is easily within your grasp" bowed con descendingly. You will not be the un- derstudy of the leading lady" tried to appear indifferent. "In short, the position is that of an extra woman in large spec tacle, in which you will wear five very problematical costumes, and the salary will be $8 week. Now, do you want it? If you don't, there are lots of others who do, but I felt sorry for you and thought l would give you chance"
 was so greatly surprised that made several efforts to answer before l could get my lips to frame q most emphatic No" Then I went back to the board ing house and consulted with the land lady She advised me to take it by all means, doubtless influenced by the fact that now owed her a goodly sum. Well, l took the place. the agent smiling when l told him of the change of mind, and the following Monday rehearsals began.
 was disgusted with the people whom I met at the theater on the first day. There were nearly 200, and to say that major ity of them were tough mildS expresses it. The aotors-those who had speaking parts--seemed to regard the extra women and men as riffraff, and it must be ad mitted that in many cases this opinion did no injustice Even the ballet girls held aloof from us.
 All this was bad enough, but when the rehearsal began I became discouraged. The man who was producing" the piece and who had charge of everything was boor. He stood among the orchestra chairs and yelled at all within the range of his vision. He was particularly attentive in this respect toward us extra women. was the object of several of his pleasant sallies. "The slender lady with the black hair will please not walk as though she were at funeral,' and I tried to smile, though fear that failed sadly.
 After about three weeks of this purga- tory the night of the dress rehearsal ar rived. The stage manager and the pro- prietor, angered by scores of mistit shoes and costumes, gave the air a sulphurous odor with their imprecations against the offending tradespeople. To make long story short, the piece enjoyed only very short run, and once more l found myself minus an engagement and my $8 week.
 l next became living picture' at less than living salary. This gave up when I was assigned to part in which my figure was cast to create a sensation with very