Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1899-12-20

theater is the school Of morals whicI,
seconds those of the church. Our dra
mas are simply sermons put into &C
ton. TIRE is no piece in which virt;e
Is not lauded and vice anu hypocrisy
scourged. All. it is noble work, that
Of the comedian, in the eyes of those
who understand it,!
"What pity this Artemon is not q
preacher thought NJ. Lamier, fasci-
mated. His large face, closely shaved.
with it's cheeks like Dominican,
would look very we'll in pulpit, and
his nsinuating voice and speaking
gestures would be very effective fo9
good"
Among us. I dare to say, there are
many good fellows" continued Arte-
mon. United households, good moth
ers of families. good citizens. abound
with u.s.
He proceeded to cite examples. Mile.
Valerie. a child of the stage, who was
the support of her parents; Nj. and
Nine Hocharay, models of cOnjugal ten
derness-one and all held their hearts
in their hands and never refused
service or kindness to q comrade, never
refused to do a good work, good ac-
ton.
els an actor ever to be seen on the
culprit's stool except for debt?' said
the comedian, bringing his warm pam
egyric to a close. ut Is true we are,
for the most part. rowing grasshoppers,
and grasshoppers have not any more
chance today than they had in La
Fontaine's time"
The words were spoken with dis
enlargement, owing to the immovabil-
ity of the cure. AS he spoke the actor
arose and brushed his hat with gloomy
energy.
"Well," he sighed, 1--WE alone shall
pass sad Christmas while all the
world besides will I've blithe and hap
by. NJ. lie Cure, pardon me for having
taken up so much of your time"
/ He turned toward the door.
The old priest aroused himself.
"Jeanre." he called in n loud voice,
full of the eXaltation of triumphant
charity. "bring me at once my new cas-.
Sock
"Ah, NJ. lie Curew exclaimed the actor,
overcome by the unexpected success
and pressing the priests hands with eff.
fusion.
| As Jeanne entered with the cassock
upon her arm in great folds the priest
rebuked her for lettering.
snow bring me my shoes with the
! silver buckles. Run quickly! Why. a
snail would go as fast. Is it not so,
NJ. Actor? And hat also-you must
have hat"
"What? said Jeanne, shuddering.
"Are you going to lend your clothes to
the theater, NJ. lie Cure-your new cas-
sock-you, who will hold mass at mid
night
''Truly, / do not ask so much" pro-
tested Artemon, confused, while the
cure laid the cassock on his arm. can
old cassock would serve my purpose. l
beg that you will not deprive your
self"
"What are you thinking?" replied M.
Lamier. Beneath the robes my cas-
sock will not be seen, while yours will
be, so to say, under fire, and If the
rents were viewed it would be pity.
The Able Constantin must not call
forth ridicule."
"How can we ever prove our graft
tude?" said the actor, his eyes actually
filed with tears, and he reiterated his
thanks until he had crossed the thresh
old of the door.
my dear fellow" said the cure in
a trembling voice. fearing to appear
to place price upon his kindness, ego
as quickly as possible, accomplish
what you have to do and return when
the performance is over to attend the
midnight mass. The good God will
thus be satisfied with you, and l also"
| On this evening Artemon fairly vi.
brated with emotions, surprising him
self in his acting.
| When, before the gloriously illumi-
mated altar, the good pastor extended
his arms lovingly above the crowd
neeling before him, he trembled with
joy to perceive, at the lower end Of the
lateral aisle, among the workmen and
laborers, n group of men and women
with weary faces and varied cos.
tunes, who bowed their heads re-
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