Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-10-12
AN UNKNOWN PRIMA DONNA.

AN UNKNOWN PRIMA DONNA.
There is-or there used to be-in a
squalid little street in the neighborhood
of the British museum an eating house
whose principal recommendation in the
eyes of its patrons was three-course
dinner for IL cents.
1t boosted ''first-class room" and
this was interesting on account of the
people to be seen in it.
On certain January morning. how
ever, the room contained but two Gus
toners. They were a girl ana a young
man-strangers to each other. Both or
dered and ate their dinners furtively. and
both seemed to be ashamed of being
there
will you be offended if l speak to
you? | fancy we are in the same pro-
fession?"
In the same boat at any RATE she
said with 4 little rueful laugh. What
makes you think SOP
You look musical. Aren't you?"
Il sing" she said And you:''
Il imagine | compose
Have you done any good?' inquired
the girl after a slight pause.
Not yet. | only hope: Have you an
engagement anyWhereE''
Not now. | am trying for ono"
Its an uphill life" observed the
young man with sigh.
Hateful" agreed the girl, and there
was silence again.
When they had paid their II cents they
left, but stoo ut the door together.
She held cut her hand TO him and
wished him goodby.
"Goodby." replied he. ooh. one mo-
ment, VIII you tell me your name?'
Alma Brettan. And yours?'
mine is Theo Farr."
4 ~
ANY good fortune yet:'
NO. Promises ~ only promises and
they mean so little She replied discon-
solatey.
They had met at dinner again: they
now met there daily. 1t had become
their habit = the custom of these two
waits in professional London-and each
II have brought you back tine score Of
Francesca. she SAID, II think | al
most know it by heart"
"You like it,
1T is really "A masterpiece"
And vet no manager will look at it,"
he said bitterly.
wait, BE patient
Il am worn ont with waiting Bah,
talk Of yourself. NO chance OF an en-
gagement still, You say"
None
The next afternoon she did not see him
at the eating house. and She wondered
whV 1t was because he was ill., When
he recovered and was able to leave the
house, Il pale and pitiabe object. with
his white face and hollow oaeekS. the
first thing he did was to weGd his way
to the shabby table d'hotc, and now it
was his turn to wonder, for his fellow
bohemian was not there.
And winter stole into spring and spring
into summer, bat still he did rot sec her,
and at last he grew to realize that they
would not meet again
1t was an Easter morning seven years
later. as she came out Of one Of the
great railway stations into the streets Of
Paris. tired and travcl-stained.
The company with which She had been
touring the French provinces had dis
banded, and she had arrived in the cap
Hai poor ami friendIess, in search Of ii
new engagement.
She entered an unpretcntious rcstau-
rant close by, and while her morning
meal was being prepared, amused her
self by .glancing at "A newspaper.
NJ. 1heo Farr.' The name icaped
out Of the page and struck her eyes.
Iheo Farr in Paris-in print. Another
moment showed her that "Francpsca,
new opera by an unknown composer.
was TO be- produced as a venture three
nights hence.
Her capital was considerably under
30. She would 90 to him and beg Of
him, for the old times sake, the favor
OF a small part.
She swallowed her meal in ten min
utes and made her way cXctcdy t" the
stage door.
Nj. Thco Farr," the doorkccpor in
formed her was lodging in the Rue
In, few moments a cab landed her
at the door.
m. Farr. Is he in" she asked cx-
citedly.
He was smoking in an armchair by
the window, and sprang up with an cx-
ciamation Of amazement.
YEN Is it possible: Oh. how glad
/ am"
TEL me all" She cried. when She
had explained her errand. Tell me ali,
You are rich man.
On no. no-a very poor one, ! teach
and write songs-but I've the chance
OF fame at last. The work is being uilt
on as a stop-gap, so to speak. bu, if il
succeeds Ii@ caught his breath II it
succeeded he was made"
Time flew, and while they were dis
eussing the possibility Of his securing
IeI sHlalI part at 50 late date the
door was opened violently and u stout
gentleman burst in upon t@.m with a
perspiring face
Theo paled at the sight. InstinctivcIr
ne knew the manager had brought bad
news.
Your prima donna has the Influenza
and Francesca cannot be- produced.
That is all"
The young man stood motioales~. Al
q blow his world had crashed in ruins
about him. The next instant Alma
spoke:
VII. you trust 'Francescas' music to
meF'
"You?" echoed the latter. who are
you?"
u am nobody" she said calmly. "bu.
if You are willing i may be someone
vet"
''But-but are you mad? You couli
not study the score by Thursday night"
Thc familiar music was wing on "A