New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-07-22
| DAUGHTER OF THESPIS
BY JOHN D. BARRY.
Copyright: 1884,, By The Tribune Anooaffonj
CHAPTER XLII1.

those rehearsals Ewing used TO say he wondered
why the actors hadn't killed him. or why they
hadn't at least thrown him out OF the theatre
He was intensely nervous; nothing seemed 10
please him; he criticised everythng-the stage
settings the business and the readings OF the
actors sometimes even their pronunciation. In
volving himself thereby In tiresome disputes
which prolonged the rehearsals TIL the stage
manager was on the verge OF despair. He sat in
the back CT the theatre. or rather he stood most
of the time for he could not keep still. and from
the darkness he yelled directions in sharp voice
that was exceedingly irritating With Miss
Gordon he least severe; her quick intelli-
gence seized and followed his suggestions so that
he never had to repeat them as he did scores
of times with her associates With Evelyn he
worked very hard her conception. ne told her
was correct but size did carry II out con-
sistently one day she became so discouraged
that she went into the wings and cried. She
tried desperately to please him. but 1t was not
until the second last rehearsal that he confessed
himself satisfied with her Interpretation. To
most Of the performers he made no such &C
Acknowledgement but treated them with a severity
that made them all hate him. Indeed. with
Harry Davidson he nearly came to blows; this
petted idol was unused TO being treated as II he
were no, ce He had his own methods, he de-
cared. and both managers and audiences had
been glad to accept them. If Mr.. Ewing didn't
like the way he played the part. why. he could
get some else to take It, that was all. This lit
tie fracas took place on Sunday night at the dress
rehearsal. which Mr. Ewing with the temerity of
an unfledged dramatist, had presumed constant
~ to interrupt. Davidson thrust his hands in
his pockets walked TO the footlighs and as
sumed his prize fighter expression; he evidently
wished to put the matter on purely personal
grounds But Clarke Ewing never had greater
desire to be impersonal than at that moment
He explained with change Of manner that he
had not intended to offend Mr.. Davidson; he
knew that Mr.. Davidson could play the part
better than any one else II he would only follow
his suggestions: but If he followed his own whims
the piece would be ruined. Couldn't Mr. David
son understand that? But Mr. Davidson only
grunted in reply and went on playing in more
sovenly manner than before. TO the utter de-
lection Of the author. too disguised to contend
further. Evelyn's sympathies were wholly with
Ewing: In her judgment Harry Davidson spoiled
the part by making it vulgar. But she knew
that the public wouldn't care; the public
cep;ed anything from Davidson. This fact how
ever, If Ewing had realized It. would have given
him consolation he was artist enough to
wish for the best Interpretation that could be
given to his work.
A few days before the performance Evelyn re-
ceived note from Oswald Webb. saying that he
should surely be on hand for the first night.
His negotiations with The Universe people
were off-for the present at least. The stock
tied up that for a year he could make no
satisfactory arrangement; so he would continue
his work for The Argus and probably do more
work than before; the dramatic critic had gone
TO The Telegraph" on a higher salary and
Stebbins had asked him to help out. He had
fac tba
three chapters: but he wasn't satisfied with 1t;
he would go and what ne could make out
of it, but it doubtful il he should offer 1t to
a publisher: II would be unwise for him to bring
out in maturity novel inferior TO the work of
his youth. However. he was enjoying the glow
Of authorship. and perhaps there was something
in literature for him yet. The girls and their
mother still at Cohassett he wanted 10
take his nieces with him to New-York. but they
were busy with dressmakers that their mother
had thought 1t best that they should stay at
home She intended to pack them off to Liver
pool in a few weeks and they to spend the
winter with their father in Nice.
Evelyn did not hear from him again before |
the eventful night She went to the theatre |
early. but Nadge already there at Evelyn's |
request they had been assigned TO the same |
dressing-room. The soubrette who had not |
passed unscathed through the fire OF Ewing's |
criticism was very nervous. Ewing-she had |
conceived one Of her most violent hatreds for |
him-had obliged her 10 tone down her exuber- |
ance. and she was afraid that the restraint put |
upon her would injure her work She de-
termned. however. 10 look as beautiful pos
sible. and she spared neither time labor in
her adornment.
AS Mathilde. Evelyn appeared a retiring.
over-conscientious girl. in humble surroundings |
and she had TO make point Of simplicity in
dress as well as in manner. She was surprised
TO find that she was less nervous than her COM
NJ fret rfnbtc (of3
tension very strongly But she knew herself to
be In the closest sympathy with her part and
this feeling gave her courage To her fell the
task, dsagreeable 10 actors. Of opening the piece
she had TO be on the stage before the curtain
went up When she went out TO take her place
there--she left her dressing room some time he
fore II was necessary in order to give Madge
full scope-she found Clarke Ewing standing at
the edge OF the curtain, looking out. 1t was the
frst time she had come into proximity with him, |
and she was surprised 10 how much better
he appeared on close observation than he had
appeared al the rehearsals from the back of the
theatre.
The stage empty and only the gas man
stood in the wings. From the other side Of the
seats. the quick steps of the ushers and the
rustling Of the people getting into their places
When he heard her footsteps behind him he
son. he said with a smile He had very bright
eyes and sensitive mouth, with thin lips half
covered by brown mustache How charming
my ideal Of Mathilde."
I've tried TO follow your description in the
novel, she replied. pleased with his approval
you've read II then? / wonder how many OF
the actors have taken the trouble 10 do that.
Not many I'm afraid
81 had read II before got the part" she re-
piled. conscientiously. unwilling TO accept unde-
served credit for zeal.
That's even greater compliment" he
laughed. II hope you liked IT,"
Yes. very much. like all your stories I've
read them ALL"
well. this Is flatterv." he cried. (which do
you like best?
"Oh. 'Myrna, OF course
He burst into subdued laughter. That always
amuses me-" he said Nearly every one tells ,
me that except the people In my own craft; they ,
like 'Myrna least of all. You know was my | ,