Alpena argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1893-1909, 1894-08-29
ARGUS
MISCELLANEOUS.
"OTHELLO IN REAL LIFE"

ALL dDOltO W iCiaoO III ihSiNSAS
which occurred more than twenty
years ago, but every detail OF it re-
mains fresh in my memory. | was
an actor then, ! am an actor now;
but with difference: now | have
made name in my profession, then
| was young and poor, but full OF
health and ambition. Young as |
was, | had already made position
on the stage, and at the time | write
of was engaged in playing leading
Shakespeariau parts in one of the
minor theatres of a northern city.
We had a most successful season,
and at the close of it were playing
Hamlet" and "Othello" on alter
nate nights, myself taking leading
roles.
candidly admit, however, that
it was not my acting that attracted
the public. The magnet that drew
the crowded houses was a certain
Miss Vernon, who had been engaged
as leading lady, and whose first
appearance had caused some sensa-
ton. She was beautiful woman,
with slender, graceful figure, and
gifted with a fine sympathetic voice.
Although not great actress, it is
certain her abilities were above the
average, and justified her popularity.
Off the stage her manner was cold
and reserved. She repealed all
attempts at intimacy. AS matter
Of course, being an actress and a
handsome woman, rumors were rife
about her past life. 1t was said she
was married, and had deserted her
husband after running him. For
my own part | paid no attention to
these stories, knowing how often
rumor errs.
One afternoon | was eating my
dinner at a small, cosy inn that
was favorite of mine on account
of the excellence of the cookery,
when a gentleman entered the little
dining room, and seated himself
opposite to me, and ordered dinner.
| paid no attention to him, as | was
coming over my part for the even
ing, which happened to be Othello.
| knew it we'll, but always liked to
be letter perfect; presently looked
up and saw my vis-a-vis gazing ra-
ther hard at my book. He caught
my eyes, and smiled.
Excuse me, sir" he said, shut
are you reading Shakespeare"
replied that I was.
"Ah! he said, "and | see it is
'Othello, and 'Othello' is down in
the bills for tonight at the Phoenix.
You, then, are the leading gentle
man, Mr.. Crofton?"
"Yes," | said, "that is my name"
81 have witnessed two of your
performances, sir" he returned,
land must compliment you on your
ability"
bowed, and drew my book to-
wards me as an intimation that |
wished to resume my reading, but
he was not to be silenced.
Forgive me-" he said, IF | dis
turb you for moment; but the
fact is / have a great desire to in
troduce myself. l, too, am an actor.
Here, sir, is my card; perhaps my
name is not strange to you"
| looked at the card and read the
name of a noted London tragedian
My wish for solitude was banished
| was highly flattered by such a
shining light desiring my accquaint-
ance, and readily responded to his
advances, and after two hours
pleasant conversation parted with
the promise of breakfasting with
him next morning at his hotel.
felts sure he was in the theatre last
night, although did not see him.
We met next morning and dis
cussed hearty breakfast, after
which he took it into his head to
give me series of limitations of eel
ebrated actors, some of whom | had
seen. | was delighted, and warmly
congratulated him OIL his mimetic
powers, which, believe, quite
equalled Foote.
"Ah," he said, sitting down,
"mimicry has its disadvantages; it
sometimes gets one into trouble,
for you are constantly tempted to
exercise it in season and out of sea-
son. For instance, | made a heavy
bet in this very town, which ] fear
| shall lose. It relates to yourself,
Crofton, and YOU will laugh at nv