The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-08
rhe Fires ef st. John.

The Fires of bx. Sohn.
 This drama in four acts from the German of Hermann Ludermann ts or especial interest just now when there have bsen such contrary reports, amounting even to disputes of factions in the presenting of Ludermann's heroines In New York by Miss Nance O'NefIl The most of the dramatic critics. of course Mir. William Winter. pronounced MISS UNeiis acting Tar from finished. While others see In this young actress the almost perfection of genius added to~distinct discernment of character and finished representation Of the playwright's creation. ''The Fires of St. John" present a set of Prussian characters of the smaller nobility. Mir. Brauer Is not quite SO devoid of the milk of human kindness as the leading character in Business is Business but very nearly so. Mrs. Brauer is the usual weeping spouse of an over mastering husband. Gertrude is the gay little girl for whom even Fate and Love and Destiny go out of their ways to make a smooth path. Marie. which character Is taken by Miss Nance ONeii, is the Calamity Child. The child who has never known rather, whose mother Is e drunken gypsey. with . tendency to steal at every op- portunity. George Von Horten Is the typical man of all times and nations The young pastor with his coat to lend" and his modern way of holding to old truths Is most interesting study, @ very clean vessel with no flowers in the crystal-good. ordinary, As a study of the power of education and circumstance over heredity in the character of Marie the drama is inter esting.
 -~~.s.s.- os xho ,,A ,fA starv of the difference of mans and wo- mars love 1t Is new as the first violet of spring. old as the rock-ribbed hill on which the blossom springs. How easily George makes love to the two sisters:
 To Marie-Yes. yes; we two under stand each other. We two were meant, were intended for each other Were we not, dear?
 Marie-My God! Yes!
 George-And we will ever remember this iay-the day that brought us together It's day before St. Johns Eve. win you remember 1t. dear?
 The next day.
 aertrude--why do you call me dari- ing todayf
 oaorge-weil shan't IT
 Gertru6e-Oh of course; but do you love me more todayf
 
 Gertrude-But you usually call me little ons." and today nothing but darling"
 But if is quite different story when Marie accepts for herself another low CT:
 Marie--deorge, have something tS> confess to you. In fact that is why came down herc SO soon. You shall know tt. you alone. I have this day given my hand
 GeoFge-Mariel!l!
 Marie-weIi?
 George treproachfuNy)-why did you do that Why did your
 Marfe-lfe loves mel
 fGeorge-He7 Bah,s!
 Marie-Don't be angry, George. dear; you don't dare love me yourself. You can never be anything to me!
 George--No. never-----" 4 Marie is faithful to one lover: Pastor--Ars you not happy this dayf Marie-No. . Pastor-Not even oa account of our betrothai7
 Mar'e-ws will have no bstrothai. Pastor!" @i
 But the wedding preparaticns for George go on right mefriIy, while the manzanillo tree blooms. and shakes It's deadly flowers tn the moonlight
 Marte--St. Johns night is past, the dres are out, are dead
 George---And what shall become of usrN
 Marie-of you? That I can't tell. Perhaps you will be happy. perhapa not: that must all rest with yourself. 1 And I? Oh. be content, I will take care of myself. AS soon as possible shall leave this house. Not today. as would like
 George-where will you goS
 Marie--Ah. the world Is large. JI shall go far. far away. where no one will ever find me. No, no. not even you. George. George-And if you should go to ruin out theref
 Marie-Do not fear. my hands are