The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-09-24

which is eminently worthy while the
other betrays the relationship 10 the
most demoralizing degree until all his
sins hnd him out in stunning succession
when his manhood re-ssserts itself. or
promises 10, and a new wsstart r. made. on
probation at any rate
Mr.. John Mason. for whom the new
comedy was written is an actor Of many
ups and downs. so far as financial sue
cess Is considered. during his career on
the stage. but he has ever displayed a
loyalty 10 the best traditions OF his pro-
fession and has never failed 10 provide
finished and thoroughly artistic piece OF
work In any role that he has undertaken
since he FIRST commanded a position Of
eminence among the Heading men OF
the American stage. For The Altar Of
Friendship he has surrounded himself
with an unusually capable and singular
ly we'll balanced company who gave 10
the Ryley comedy last evening a delight
fal rendering
The company comprises a number of
attractive persons. good looking men and
pretty women who. in their personal APP
pearance as well as In their manner pro-
vide the atmosphere of good breeding and
cleverness i'm a good society OF up-to date
people essential TO the coriedy. Miss
Nannette Comstock and Miss Margaret
Fuller who sustained the chief parts with
Mr. Mason and Mr.. Malcolm Williams
were good 10 look al from the start and
as the comedy proceeded. they quite won
the large audience by the careful and
clever Interpretation they gave TO their
roles. Mr. Williams. who has been with
US all summer as leading actor OF the AL
bee stock company and has won much
approval In great variety of roles. gave
a new denomination OF his capacity by
reason Of being brought into association
with so sterling an actor Mr. Mason.
favorite and I'm recent seasons returning
regularly in John Drew's support. is A
welcome member OF the cast Mr.. Dod-
son l.. Mitchell eminent In character
work, is also I'm the cast and, OF course,
makes IS mrak.
In the comedy. Mr.. Mason Is the good
partner To the compact OF friendship and
Mr. Williams Is the bad one. The con-
trast is made very strong. Mr. Mason's
confidence is laid on the altar OF friend
ship without reservation while Mr.. VIII
liams abuses II with corresponding cordi-
ality 1t is not until Mr.. Masons sister
is given 20 his nearest friend In marriage
and Mr. Mason is himself drifting into
an engagement begun in spirit OF fun,
that the blackness of MIR. Williams be-
gins 10 show Ii is learned during the
merriment OF the wedding breakfast that
Mr.. Williams Is seriously entangled with
another girl with whom he has broken
under the most dtscreditable circumstan-
ces and "A new test OF friendship comes
when Mr.. Mason, though 20 protect his
sister as we'll as his friend undertakes
20 All the part Of the destroyer of an
others happiness demanding. however.
pledge that II the part ever interferes
with his own happiness Mr. Williams
shall disclose the truth The depth OF the
latters infamy comes about when he
refuses TO tell the truth at critical pc
rod i'm his friends career OF course the
truth comes out finally and all ends mer-
rily With Mr.. Mason. while the charming
woman that Is pictured as Mr. Williams
bride does the right thing under her
brothers guidance and clings TO her hus-
band
The story Is perfectly simple and s told
with as much freshness as can well be-
considering that love IN All its manifes-
tations has been rehearsed since time
began with plays and players. The com
plication OF a friendship between two
men. OF a brotherly and sisterly affec-
tion and dependence. or wifely trust
and steadfsstness under strain. and OF
the hazardous sentiment Of affection
iust BEGINNING between a man and n
woman. may he said 20 he a real novelty
IN stage plots and Il would he difficult 20
decide which OF ali OF these varied mani
festatlons OF the human heart. thus
brought together and into conflict proved
most appealing TO last nights audience.
They all had a very strong interest. in
deed and the comedy kept the audience
An laughter and tears pretty steadily
throughout the evening. The title Of The
Altar OF Friendship ~ course. signifies
,he dominant strain. ~ is good piece
OF work and Il was presented most ar
tistically.
The three sets Of scenery with which
the new comedy Is supplied arc substan-