The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-09-28
A Matter Of Comparison,

The manager of the theatre attached
to the Casino at Rochersles-Bains was
we'll satisfied with himself and his af-
fairs.
His present programme was a sue
cess, and the theatre was well-filled
nightly. The special feature was an
idea of his own, and it had caught
on" at once. 1t was called The
Dream of a Salad" and the dresses
were especially designed to represent
the component parts of very COM
prehensive salad.
"Queen Lettuce" was a trife too
plump, and her accent was detestable
even for variety artist. But she
stepped higher than any of the others,
so her accent did not matter.
Some one knocked at the door. He
gave permission, and, at the first
glance, his customary We'll, my dear,
what is it this timer" was strangled
in utterance.
The woman was young, very dainty
looking, with the unmistakable cachet
of the Maison Doucet or Worth
stamped upon her. attire.
please excuse me, monsieur, for
calling without an appointment
will explain my visit" The voice was
clear and the intonation refined. 1t,
quite as much as her appearance, pro-
claimed the owner to be as far remov-
ed from the members of the managers
company as the Rue de la Paix at 6
p. NJ. from the Quarter Latin at mid
night.
Il am listening. madame"
ut is my wish to play in your thea
tire tonight"
The manager waved his hands and
shrugged his shoulders.
Let me finish, please. 1t is absolute
ly necessary that play tonight"
But 1t Is imposs-"
"The part Of Queen Lettuce in The
Dream of Salad as played by Made
moiselle-what is her name? Louise
Coudert, I believer"
Yes; but really, madame"
elf you will do me this favor, you
will have something besides thanks.
will pay one thousand francs just to
play that part tonight"
She drew note from her purse
with the slenderest of fingers, covered
with pearl-gray suede, andplaced it at
the managers elbow.
There will not, think, be any diff.
flculty about that" said the lady, sig
nificantly glancing at the note; al
though it is necessary that she should
not know until an hour beforehand;
and, II you will accompany me on that
piano, will go through the lines.
Queen Lettuce follows the radish.
think"
She unfastened her long, light cloak
of shimmering gray, lined with silk OF
a pale-rose shade, and revealed such
an enchanting vision that the hardeRs
ed manager was completely bewil-
dered,
The lady was dressed as Queen Let.
tuce, with the difference that her cos
tune was of real silk and lace and the
finest gossamer, instead Of the coarser
materials used by the costumier to the
theatre.
"Play the opening bars, please, and
will take my entrance from the
door," r
The manager went to the piano and
struck some chords. The visitor fiut-
tered gracefully into the centre Of the
room, curtseyed to an imaginary audi
ence. and began the first verse of
Queen Lettuce's song in voice which
though not powerful, was deliciously
sweet and we'll trained.
There" she smiled brightly after
the first verse. 81 need not finish now:
but know 1t by heart, ! assure YOU"
The musicians were beginning the
overture to the second act.
Was 1t begun YETI" gentleman
asked, handing his overcOat to an at
tendant.
Not yet, monsieur" said the girl,
with a smile and nod OF recognition.
81 have kept monsieur's seat"
M. lie Comte d'Allier was handsome
man of about two and thirty. In his
well-cut and easily fitting evening
dress. and with his broad shoulders.
he was conspicuous among the other
short, stout Frenchmen.
From the opening night OF the
Grand Theatre the Comte had occupied
the same fauteuiA always.swhen alone,
appearing in timesfor the second act.
And the other habitues smiled al his
constancy, and observed to each other
that Louise Coudert was extremely
lucky to have such distinguished ad-
mirer Inclined to be stout this young