The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-12-20

seconds those of the church. Our dra-
mas are simply sermons put into ac-
ton. There is no piece in which virtue
is not lauded and vice and hypocrisy
scourged. All, 1t is a noble work, that
Of the comedian, in the eyes Of those
who understand it!'
"What a pity this Artemon is not a
preacherw thought NJ. Lamier, fasci-
rated. "His large face. closely shaved,
with it's cheeks like a Dominican,
would look very we'll in p Ait. and
his insinuating voice and speaking
gestures would be very effective fer
good"
Among US, 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 q
service or kindness to comrade, never
refused to do a good work, a good ac-
ton. .s.'
"Is an actor ever to be seen on the
culprit's stool except for debt" said
the comedian, bringing his warm pan
egyric to a close. "It 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
couragement, owing to the immovabil-
ity of the cure. AS he spoke the actor
arose and brushed his hat with gloomy
energy. -
"Wen," he sighed, eve alone shall
pass sad Christmas while all the
world besides will be blithe and hap
py. NJ. lie Cure, pardon me for having
taken up so much Of your time"
He turned toward the door.
The old priest aroused himself. .
Jeanne" he called in loud voice,
full of the exaltation of triumphant
charity. "bring me at once my new cas-.
sockw .
"Ah, NJ. lie Curew exclaimed the actor,
overcome by the unexpected success
and pressing the priests hands with ef-
fusion.
AS Jeanne entered with the cassock
upon her arm in great folds the priest
rebuked her for lettering.
"Now bring me my shoes with the
silver buckles. Run quickly! Why, a
snail would go as fast. Is it not so,
M. Actor? And a hat also-you must
have hat"
"What% said Jeanne, shuddering.
care you going to lend your clothes to
the theater, NJ. lie Cure-your new cas-
sock-you, who win hold mass at mid
night ..'...'
"Truly, I do not ask so much" pro-
tested Artemon, confused, while the
cure laid the cassock on his arm. AN
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.
:sMy dear fellow" said the cure In
trembling voice, fearing to appear
to place price upon his kindness, go
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 | 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
kne,eling before him, he trembled with
JOY to perceive, at the lower end Of the
lateral aisle, among the workmen and
lahorers, a group Of men and women
with weary faces and varied cos
tunes, who bowed their heads re.
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