The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-01-25
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Love Story :
4
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l had never been called an impressions
able woman, and for weeks refused to be
candid with myself. | think it was only
when l went into the shop and bought the
mans photograph after tearing myself
from the window at least dozen times
that realized what an idiot | had become
Then it was manifest. At thirty years o
age had fallen in love as Economically, al
preposterously as any girl of II, for | hae
fallen in love with an actor whom | did no
know.
have said that had never been called
an impressionable woman, but l may sa.
more-I had in my youth occasioned m9
worthy mother great trouble by my ''pecu
liar disposition" Dances were abhorrent
to me, and, as to flirting, did not know
how to do it. No; men did not attract me
bit. Doubtless, too, | wearied them.
asked nothing better than to be left alone
with my pen.
Today had made myself Just such a life
as had required. My books were success
full; my house was pleasant one, and if |
did not 90 into society a great deal my
circle Of friends contained number OF
clever and even celebrated people.
Well, | went one night to the Diadem
theater. 1t was the first time | had seen
Brudenell. He interested NE immensely.
His quiet voice, his earnestness held
me from the beginning and after
the big scene came and his passionate out
burst came with it told myself he was the
first actor on the stage.
| do not suppose if | had been doing
dramatic criticism for paper that my en-
thusiasm would have carried me to the
length of recording such an extravaganza
as that, but one often feels things which
one lacks courage to write, and before the
expiration OF a week found myself among
the audience at the Diadcm theatre again.
was affected as powerfully as before.
He appealed to me intellectually and
emotionally. | liked the piece and
liked his performance. In word, took
seats at the Diadem more times than care
or than | am able to count.
OF the development of my feelings into
ridiculous proportions l have spoken al
ready. | stopped to look at the shop win
dow every morning for a fortnight, and a
last. thoroughly wearied Of fleeing temp
tation which knew would recur next day
went in and asked for his likeness.
The man brought me number, but
chose the one | had intended-a profile
He wanted me to have another as well
assuring me that "this sold largely anon.
young ladies" | said, 'Really?" as in
differently as l could manage, being yer,
much ashamed of myself, and was so dis
gusted at my weakness that did not TAXI
my purchase out of the envelope till even
ing.
Then put it on my study table where
could see it while l wrote. | thought how
characteristic face it was, how much il
said. | accepted several invitations | other.
wise would have refused because gathered
it was possible that the popular actor mana
ger would be present, and | wished, more
fervently than had wished for anything
before, that l were a playwright instead of
novelist; that might have the felicity
of hearing my lines interpreted by him.
One Sunday we met The hostess intro
duced him to me, ''NIr Brudenell, Mss
Cleve-'George Eflingham,' you know, "
and l wondered if he had read my books.
He did not say that he had, but he was
very NICE speaking in the low, grave tones
in which he uttered his commonplaces on
the stage
l congratulated him on the success he
was making and he thanked me- He said
how difficult it was to get hold of good
pieces. | found he was to take me down
to dinner and exerted myself to talk as
we'll as | was able Over the entrees |
made him laugh, and turn hot when |
remember the delight this triumph" gave
me.
The theater formed the principal topic OF
conversation, and | referred to the admirable
support given to him by his leading lady
'Iou must find her an enormous help in
your great scene,' said.
'She plays mp to you spIendidly."
He shrugged his shoulders
ut is easy business" he answered
1.-The part really plays ITSELF"
was surprised, for it appeared to mt
that it would be singuarIy ineffective il
weaker hands
''She is a favorite with the public, ant
in theatre like mine one is Obliged t,
have well-known names, - he added, stbu
as a matter Of fact the piece would 90 quit
as well with a company at half the cost"
you do not mean without Mr.. War
rington too?'
why not ~ he said "What has War
rlngton to do? The whole burden of tn,
piece rests on me-
Momentarily l was dismayed. The cool
ness OF the statement struck me as almos
aonceited. Then realized that | under
stood nothing about the matter, and tina
my companion knew it all. at must Ger