Omaha daily bee., 1901-03-10

incipient dissatisfaction before 1t becomes
open disapproval or thrilling at the intense
stiffness that ever precedes a burst OF ap-
probation.
And, that night meeting with a tiny mis-
hap which seemed to amuse the audience,
seized upon 1t, celebrating 1t to the limit
and making II my own. after the manner Of
an experienced old actor.
Made n Hit.
There was no elegant comedy OF manners
in the scene, understand; 1t was just the
broadest farce, and 1t consisted of the des-
perate effort of hen-pecked husband to
assert himself and grasp the reins of home
government, which resolved itself at last
into a scolding match, in which each tried
to talk the other down-with what result
you know well without the telling.
The stage was set for a morning room,
with a table In the center spread with
breakfast for two; a chair at either side
and, as it happened, a footstool by mine.
His high silk hat and some papers, also,
were upon the table. For some unexplain-
able cause, the silk hat has always been
recognized both by auditor and actor, as
legitimate object of un-making. so when
l absentmindedly dropped all my toast
crusts into that shining receptacle, the
and so started me on my downward way
for that was my own idea. and not a re-
hearsed one. When my husband mourn
fully asked II there was not one hot bis
cult to be had" i deliberately tried each
one with the back Of my knuckles and re-
marking yes, here Is just one'-whch
was the correct line in the play-I took IL
myself, which was not in the play. And
so we went on till the scolding match was
| reached.
In my first noisy speech l meant to stamp
my foot, but by accident, brought it down
upon the footstool, The people laughed.
| / saw a point-I lifted the other foot and
stood upon the stool. By the twinkle in Mr..
Setchell's eye, as we'll as by the laughter
in front, | knew l was on the right track.
He roared-he lifted his arms above his
head, and in my reply, as raised my voice,
| j mounted from the stool to the seat of the
chair He seized his hat and with toast
crusts falling about his face and ears.
jammed 1t on his head, while in my last
speech, with my voice at its highest
screech, lifted my foot and firmly planted
1t upon the very breakfast table.
1t was enough-the storm broke from
laughter to applause. Mr.. Setchell had an
other speech-one of resigned acceptance Of
second place-but as the applause continued
he knew 1t would be an anti-climaX and he
signalled the prompter to ring down the
curtain.
But II knew he ought to speak! / was
frightened-tear filled my eyes,
What is 1t? / whispered, as | started to
get down.
stand still!" he sharply answered-then
added: ITS ycu, you funny little IDIOT
you've made a hit, that's all" and the cur
tain fell between us and the laughing crowd
in front.
The prompter started for me instantly
from his corner, exclaiming in his anger
"Well, of all cheeky devilment ever heard
or saw" But Mr.. Setcheli had him by the
arm in a second, crying: Hold on, old
man! | gave her lcave-she had my per-
mission. Oh, good Lord did you see that
ascent OF the stool, chair and table? Ha!
hai ha" O.
| Success and Tears.
! stood trembling like a Jelly In a hot
day Mr. Setchell said; Don't be fright =
ened, little girl That applause was for
you! you won't be tned or scoded; you've
made a hit, that's ALL" and he patted me
kindly on the shoulder and broke again into
fat laughter.
went down to my room--f sat down with
my head In my hands. Great drops OF
sweat came out on my temples-my hands
we're icy cold--my mouth dry--that applause
rang In my ears! cold terror seized upon