Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1895-03-14
TWO COMEDIANS.

That evening Bloncourt, the son, was
to make his first appearance on the
stage in "Chatterton. The piece,
which, though not forgotten, had drop
ped out of sight and for some years had
filled narrower sphere in the quiet ap-
probation of home reading, now excit-
ed, ON its first night. almost the interest
that a great novelty might. Those who
were familiar with it without having
seen il played were curious to assist at
its Interpretations process in which
certain beauties Of work, especially
the most subtle points, disappear, are
scattered, volatilized, as one may say,
in the heat of the footIights, while 9TH
ers burst unexpectedly into view through
the medium Of voice and gesture.
Those who had been present at former
performances of the piece were happy
to bring back again two hours of their
youth and to glow once more with the
warmth of their first artistic emotion.
In word, the old play, reappearing as
it did in the midst of the commonplace
trivialities Of the day, rejuvenated the
whole audience and aroused it to en-
thusiasm.
1t must be admitted that it would be
impossible to conceive Of more perfect
Chatterton than young Bloncourt made.
Son and grandson of comedians, the
youth had the blood of true artist in
his veins, and he was evidently bent on
proving it to us that evening.
In the tumult and excitement of the
applause, in the midst of the hundreds
Of pairs of eyes and hands that were ex-
clusively concerning themselves with
the stage, | caught glimpse from time
to time of a handsome face which look
ed out, pale and set, from the darkness
at the back of the house. 1t was Blon-
court, the father, who had come to be
present at the triumph of his son. Evi-
IDENTIFY deeply moved, he frequently
changed his place and appeared in all
the different parts of the theater, some
times in the midst of the brilliant dis
play in the boxes and at other moments
was almost lost in the crowded CALLER
les. 1t was as though he wished to
measure ON every side this splendid sue
cess, in which he also had share The
audience recognized him and pointed
him out to each other. Look at Papa
Bloncourt. Isn't he happy tonight,
thought And some of them while ap-
plauding turned in his direction, as
though to include the great artist in the
triumph of his child and pupil.
1t is fact that no fame is so short
lived as that of a comedian. Once he
drops out of the public gaze it is all
over with him. No one gives him a
further thought. His is the fate of the
spoken word, which, however beauti-
full, is carried off in air; Of the musical
chord that vanishes as soon as the notes
are struck. But in this case, thanks to
his son, Bloncourt could escape the ter
rible destiny that awaits comedians.
He was welcoming a new glory which
was rising at the fading of his own and
would merge his artistic career in an
other full Of hope and promise. So the
poor mans emotion was deep and
strong. l could see that his lips occa-
sionally trembled, and his limbs twitch-
ed with nervousness. Between each act
he roamed about in the lobbies, draw
ing near the different groups to over
hear what was being said, and when
hand clasps and fluctuations were press
ed upon him he blushed and shrank
away with the awkwardness and en-
barrassment of diffident youth.
Passing close by him at one Of these
moments, could not restrain the SYM
pathetic impulse which drew me toward
this deep, silent joy. You ought to be
very happy man." said, shaking his
hand Its an immense success.
The hand / took in mine was cold
and moist, and it drew itself sharply,
almost angrily, away. Its possessor
smiled grimly as he looked at me.
$50 you compliment, too, do you?
Isn't there single soul to understand
what l am suffering? All, come. I am
suffocating. Let us get out Of here"
And he dragged me with him out into
the street An icy wind was whistling
round the corners, but the old comedian
did not appear to notice its rigor.
''Ah, that is good, goodP' he exclaim-
ed, drinking in the cold air with de-
light Il thought should go crazy in
side there. For two hours have endur-
ed their applauding and their stupid
congratulations, which are a mockery
to me- You are astonished that say
this to you? Well, it is SO. / am jeaI-
Gus. am jealous of my own child
fairly green with envy of him. That is
a frightful thing to say, isn't it? But
why did he take my part away from
me? 1t was mine was to have played
it. 1t is exactly in my line, and Vigny
himself promised it to me. A week be-
fore he died he said to me, Bloncourt,
when they put OH tChatterton" again,
l count on you to play it, and was
waiting with such impatience for them
to bring it out Paris was beginning to
forget me in the long period had been
inactive, and l hoped this creation
would confer a second youth upon me-
a renewal Of past successes. | studied
hard night and day. Finally was
ready
Zone morning the boy comes running
to nee and throws his arms around my
neck: Oh, father, how happy I am /
am going to play Chatterton. He knew
as we'll as any one the promise that had
been made me. but in his joy he had
forgotten it Children are SO selfish in
their happinessl This one dealt me the