Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1901-11-28
Her Last Appearance
What Befell at Benefit Of Former
Pet OF Paris.


Ifl very pretty woman. More than
that, she had been an actress of the
first rank-an artist, in fact. who had
been the petted idol Of the Partisan
public. But Nine. de Miramoy had
married baron and been left a penni-
less widow. and she had made the fur
Their mistake Of growing old; and the
pubiie-which is philosopher after
its fashion, giving only when il re-
ceives-forgot her. So the great artist
of a former day was slowly dying Of
loneliness and ennui, struggling alone
but with all the strength of an en-
FILTERED little old woman against pow
erty, in a small room on the sixth floor
of dark and cherries house, among
memories that made her age seem
only the greater.
Sometimes il happened that. alb
sorbed in these sad memories Of her
former greatness, she forgot to pay
her rent At such times ii seemed 70
her that she could never drag herself
out Of her miseries, and, II she had not
had great horror Of ridicule-for she
was beginning to know life-she would
have set the world TO talking Of her
death. Her concierge, pitiless Ger
berus in steel spectacles, with black
cap and blue apron, added 20 her mis-
cry. for they were like two enemies
who watch each other ceaselessly and
Eek only TO annoy each other.
Even sleep deserted her; but al last,
on one Of these wakeful nights, the old
actress jumped quickly up. found pen
and paper. and wrote a letter Then
she crept back into bed and slept like
tired child.
a few days later a gentleman Of a
certain age, but OF the most elegant
appearance, presented himself at her
house-at a very early hour, IL must
be eonfessed-and inquired Of the
ferocious Cerberus: Nine. de Nj
ramoy, II you please?"
The concierge eyed him from head 70
foot, threw him a short sixth floor.
third door 10 the left" and as the gem
tleman passed In. concluded; "fhe
idea. At seven o'clock in the morn
ing Well. the old cat won't be cutting
up her didoes long here, can tell you.
Poor little Honorine." thought the
visitor. as he assembled the narrow
stairway where his elbows touched
wall and banister, and the close atmos-
phere Of an ill-ventilated house as
sailed his nostrils. At last he reached
the sixth landing, which was lighted
by a very small and high window cut
through the thick wall. and covered
with an iron grating that was utterly
useless. for no one could have climbed
the wall 10 get in, OF have passed out
through such narrow opening. The
gentleman knocked gently, almost
apologetically. at the third door to the
left.
"who is there?" demanded a trem-
ulous voice.
at is l. madame-M. Delisle."
Heavens. VI. Delisle himself! Wait
Q moment. wait a moment"
The visitor waited, amused by the
sound OF a pair Of old shoes pattering
over the bare floor, coming and going
in every direction. of objects being
moved about. OF window being
opened. OF shrill voice that kept re-
peating: Good hearensl NJ. Delisle
himself In moment, in a moment
Presently the chain was taken down
and the bolt slipped back. the door was
opened little, two shining eyes APP
peared. looking like black holes
pierced in a white face. with a pinch OF
rouge forgotten in a wrinkle on one
Of the cheeks. and finally small figure
appeared, clasping with one hand the
folds of scarlet dressing gown that
threatened TO fly open during pro-
found and reverential bow.
M. Delislel What an honor"
NJ. Delisle entered the room and sat
down on a velvet armchair near a win
dow. from which only patch Of blue
sky was visible, and. casting a glance
about him. saw in one corner disor-
dered bed. a table numbered with some
cups and a rundown slipper, and on the
walls a tumultuous array OF portraits
yellow with age. famous faces and 9th
ers still unknown, some of them half
hidden under the leaves of faded
laurel wreath. all scrawled over with
enormous dedicaticns. cat, purring
amiabiy, came and rubbed his rounded
back against the gentleman's legs.
my dear madame"
"Oh. NJ. Delisle." almost implored
the little old woman, who had taken
seat opposite her visitor.
well. my dear Honorine, then;
have come as soon as possible TO tell
YOU that l have received your letter
that my theater Is AT your disposal for
your benefit, and that your old friends
have promised their assistance. Here
is what Coquelin writes me-
"Coquelin!"
.Mounet-Sully. Sarah"
"She. too" and the little woman
jumped from her seat like young girl,
and. with sparkling eyes. seized the
| lat.ars NJ DeliSle held toward her.