The Somerset reporter., 1899-12-21


cited actor. "Bettina's wig and not
my cassock. the cassock of the Able
Constantin. Where the devil have you
put 1t, rascalY'
ION my word of honor. have moth
Ing else" asserted Matthew, display
Ing his empty hands.
"How annoying, fellow! There has
been some mistake, mademoiselle.
Mademoiselle," he called despairingly
to Jeanne, who had turned away with
a majestic air, are you sure that you
have not the cassockY'
scamp" said the naughty house
keeper disdainfully.
Down the stairs NJ Artemon flew,
four steps at a time, and rushed into
the greenroom, where the rest of the
company were assembled. His hurried
entrance filled them all with conster-
| nation.
My friends" he exclaimed tragic
ally, the posters must be changed
or the performance postponed. | can
not play the role of the Able Constan-
tin tonight"
"Artemon." said a cavernous voice,
what is the meaning of this caprice?
What of the box office money, the ex-
penses of the programmes and the adj
vertisements? You know as well as /
do that we are at the end of our re-
sources and that our last venture was
failure Don't try your Mile. Mars
on us, my good fellow. We play to-
nightr
But can you not understand? ]
have not "A cassockw gasped the I'M
happy Artemon. letting his arms fall
with detection.
Cannot a cassock be improvised
with black dress and a cloak of one
of the ladiesT' hazarded Hochary.
1.-THE ladies are much too short and
slight" groaned Artemon, who re-
joiced in an imposing corpulency.
AS for me, have only the Figaro
costume, Peruvian pantaloons and the
black coat for Pierrot and a lowered
morning gown" said the manager pen
slvely.
"For heavens sake ladies, aid us
with your suggestions! We must play
the piece at any cost"
The situation was critical for the
poor artists, whose present tour had
been far from successful. The lead
Ing man then proposed to gallop at
full speed to the neghboring city, but
this suggestion was not deemed prac-
ticable.
"What is to be done? There is not
one garb of the required kind among
the properties of this accursed hole
repeated Hochary in an outburst of
impotent rage.
Suddenly Artemon struck his fore
heaG violently and his entire bearing
denoted genuine inspiration.
All my friends" he exclaimed, in
a voice full of emotion what n wild
hope. So much the worse. ! will at
tempt the adventure. 1t is our only
hope of salvation
In few words he explained.
Come to my arms, my son" OK
claimed NJ. Hochary, extending his
legs with enthusiasm.
And Artemon ran off to finish his
shaving, to don his black frock coat
and then direct his steps to the cures.
Happily for the actor, Jeanne was
absent putting the last touches on the
church decorations. and it was one of
the chorus children who innocently
opened the door of the rectory and in
troduced the visitor into the room
where the good cure was terminating
his devotiuns. At the sight of this APP
partition NJ. Lamier became fixed upon
his seat like ii statue His good, rosy
visage. usually SO calm, was now flush
ed to the roots of his thin, white hair.
and instinctiyely he clasped his book
to his breast.
Meanwhile satan's instrument bowed
deferentially.
"No, NJ. lie Cure" he said; lit is not
aims we ask. Lend us simply your
cassocki'
"My cassock!" gasped the Able La
mier, astonished. you wish my cas-
sockY'
"The oldest and most wornout In
your possession, one that you may have
thrown aside" Artemon FASTENED to
say II am to play tonight the role of
the Able Constantin, and cannot rep
resent my character without conform
ing to it's demands and carrying out it's
sacerdotal dignity"
M. Lamier sprang from his seat
do you think for a moment, mon
sieur," he said, overcome by surprise
and anger. Ito profane gown that has
served at worship and to make me the
accomplce of these sinful amuse-
ments? Your ignorance respecting holy
things and religion is your only ex-
cuSe."
Pardon me, NJ. lie Cure" continued
the actor, slightly embarrassed. but not
the less determined. 1T would not be
the first time religion has lent it's aid to
the drama. Do you recall the celebrat-
ed mysteries of the middle ages? More
over, ! was educated in q seminary.
and 1t was there | was led to adopt the
vocation of actor in playing the role of
Athalle for the fete of the superior"
Nj. Lamier. without being dsarmed.
looked again at the actor with new
Interest. If this unhappy man had
followed a bad calling his point of
departure had at least been good. His
heart could not, therefore, be corroded
throughout, and perhaps 1t would be
possible to point out to him the error
of his ways.
How comes It," said the able, with
bitterness, that you pla. on Christ