The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-07-15
BY BARRY PAIN.

Black and White.
When Mr.. James Ashton Tarraway
was asked by the vicar to organize a
dramatic entertainment in aid of the
choir funds, he smiled and accepted with
alacrity. He had always taken an intel
ligent interest in the drama. He thought
at times how different his life would
have been If he had taken to the stage
professionally. And 1t would have been
very different. AS a solicitor he was
prosperous. AS an amateur actor he
never had scope; but now mis- chance
had come. His prophetic eye saw his
photograph enlarged and colored in the
windows of the local photographer Mr.
Tarraway in the part of Orlando, or.
say, Hamlet Yes, Mr. Tarraway was
so pleased that he found difficulty in
hiding it from his infinite friends.
But If the finances of your cricket club
or your nursing home, or your cripples'
institute are not what they might be;
or If your hospital wants a new wing, or
your fire brigade a new engfne-what-
ever the need may be which suggests a
dramatic entertainment, do not ask Mr..
James Ashton Tarraway to organize it.
He would certainly refuse, and he might
possibly say some disagreeable and sar-
castle things on the subject of amateur
theatrcalS.
But at his first essay flushed with en-
ILuS IdSIu clHQ llF6Q Win nope, ne went
at once to invoke the aid of the Parlxin-
sons. In all local matters the Parkin-
sons were to the fore. When he told
them that he had reluctantly consented
to organize a dramatic entertainment,
they exclaimed with one heart and voice
that he was just the man for it. Would
they help? OF course they would. Fur
Their, they would get the Maxwell Smiths
to help too and the Maxwell Smiths were
Sr1ld oil afx
the Parkinsons and the equally numerous
Maxwell Smiths there was an alliance
and friendship of long standing, and 1t
was possible that one or two of the
younger members especially George,
might further cement in the blessed
bonds of matrimony. In the meantime,
at all public meetings papa proposed
votes of thanks to the head of the Max
well Smiths and Mr.. Maxwell Smith ask
ed oratorically where they would have
been without Mr.. Parkinson. So here
Mr.. Tarraway had mis- company made to
his hand. So he went home happy and
dreamed of a play-bill wherein was
written:
Romeo (son to Montague
Mr. j. Ashton Tarraway."
And little further down:
Juliet daughter to CapuleD-
Miss Agnes Parkinson"
Agnes was certainly the prettiest of
the Parkinson girls. The Maxwell Smiths
were all good looking, especially George.
But at the first meeting of the alliance
and Mr.. Farraway he saw his hopes
dashed. They listened with respect to
his statement that he was disposed to
fly somewhat high. But they were OPP
posed to Shakespeare. George thought
the fairest thing would be to put 1t to
the vote, For Shakespeare voted Mr..
Tarraway from conviction and Miss Par
kinson from tact. In favor of a good
old farce, and something sentimental to
follow, voted everybody else.
And that was the beginning of the end.
Against the family alliance Mr.. Tara
way was powerless They fattered him
hugely, and the more they, flattered him
the less did they do any one of the
things that he wanted. When it came to