The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-04-08

felt a trthe reluctant about going the
very FIRST morning they were TO meet 1t
seemed like intruding on family reunion.
And yet I nervously consulted my watch
several times on Monday morning, waiting
for the moment when l might quietly
enter unobserved. NY fears were need
less. No one paid the least bit OF at
interested spectator. They were grouped
together In the middle of the stage, laugh
ing and chatting. and seemingly having
the best time Of their lives. They were
like happy children having a holiday. and
looking at them I could not but believe
that they were truly glad to return TO
Providence.
Naturally my eyes first sought the old
friends. had expected 10 find Mr. Will
Hams looking tired and Ill. hut there he
was, I'm the midst Of the excited group,
looking as blooming and happy as can be
imagined.
Miss Reimer's infectious laughter could
be heard distinctly I'm response 10 one or
Mr.. owens cheerful salies, and Miss In
gram was hugging Miss Phillips with as
much ardor as her disabled arm, recently
burnt I'm Philadelphia and now carried in
a sling would permit. Everyone was
laughing and talking together. and the
place was like Bedlam. II was evident
that the new members Of the company
were not strangers. for they also were in
the happy crowd. and | learned later that
no introductions were necessary
In n distant corner Mr.. Winter, the un-
firing. was conversing with his assistant,
Mr.. Marsh, quite undisturbed by tho noise
of the other members Of the company.
Suddenly the babble ceased. and like
we'll trained army OF soldiers, the little
crowd dispersed and sauntered TO dinerent
pcints Of the stage In response To Mr.
winters, Attention, now ladies ana
gentlemen" Then began distribution
OF PARTS for Lady Bountiful,' followed
nv an eager scanning Of his or hers by
each member. Then the work began
I'm earnest
Mr. Nicander and Miss Ingram opened
the f,rst act and the others talked quietly
i'm groups Mr.. Williams and Miss Phil
Iips were picturlng to Mr.. owen the capi-
tai time they had IN Philadelphia.
"Of course. we had plenty OF hard work.
hut we managed 10 have many good
tirnes. too" said Miss Phillips. but my
chief occupation during the season" she
added laughingly has been 10 listen "a
providence's praises. sung In many tunes
and KEYS We all hated to leave Phila-
deIphla, for everyone was very nice "a
ms but all the same. we've been counting
the days before our coming here. !
haven't been TO your city since ] was here
In srhe Moth and the Flame. and every
one here was 80 kind To me that have
always looked forward to coming here
again. Excuse me. | think that's my
cue and she hurried OF. intended Ia
avail myself Of this opportunity TO scan
the new members " the company. but n
little scene going on upon the stagc-not
I'm the play. attracted my attention, and
I iolned I'm the hearty laughter OF the
others.
As usual. Mr. Williams was the cause
of the fun lie had hold OF Mr.. owen :
coat and was earnestly talking Go him
''Nov. when YOU say. 'How's your Ia
,herY' cav. 'How's your old father. with
speciai emphasis on the old. And YOU
sir" turning seriously go Mr. i,osee. IN
YOU expect 10 look like my father you've
cot 10 powder those locks Of yours and
spol your manly beauty. Guess YOU
can't outshine us, on the FIRST week, too