New-York tribune., 1905-12-17

She was ten years old, and liked her very
much She was my special friend. How silly
you arep 1 said to her IF were in your place
1 should not be at all nervous. Listeni This
is how I should say it. and, standing in
front of her. went through her part, and she
then repeated it much better after me- But the
next day, at the final rehearsal in the large
room which we used on holidays, she was seized
with such a trembling fit that she could not
utter a single word. We all there together,
and Mother Sainte-Appolne drilling US in
her way. She initiated Monsignor Sibour
who to be present at the performance, and
she said. When he does like this you must all
clap and when she clapped her long, delicate
hands together it sounded as though there were
cottonwood between them.
I should have enjoyed all this immensely if
had not been furious. L knew all the roles and
had not single word to say. Most of the girls
were beaning with pride; Louise Bugnet alone
was crying and sobbfng. / thought her very
stupid
That child will never get through her partr
exclaimed the Mother Superior
Oh no, l can't; / sure I can't" sobbed
my poor little friend.
There was general uproar. and all at once
I felt my childish heart leap with the widest
joy The blood seemed to boil in my veins, and
rushing from the platform 1 jumped to a
form. Mother! Mother? L exclaimed I know
the role Would you like me to take it
Every body was looking at me- trem-
bling, but I felt quite brave. I knew the part
and was sure OF myself.
Mother Sainte-SOphie the Superior of the
convent an adorable creature zone of the happy
memories Of my childhood). answered.
'I tossed back my refractory hair and. bold
and painting, proceeded to recite the role OF the
guiding angel
There" exclaimed, when I came To the
end
'My schoolfellows laughed. the Sisters. smiled.
but very much encouraged l mounted on to
the little platform and the rehearsal commenced
1T will be all right every one said, and
felt very proud. but still l was afraid lest
should not get through well enough
"At last the monsignor arrived and 1t became
time for the play. The stage was represented
by a plank of wood, which prevented our pass
ing the limits of range. wooden bench,
ia bic and two stools constituted the scenery.
"I felt paralyzed, and a shudder ran through
me from the back of my neck TO my feet.
fancy that I missed the right moment for ap-
pearing on the scene, one OF the girls pushed
me forward, just as my professor, M NJ
Provost, had to do some years later when Il,,l l
made my debut in 1phigenia' at the Coincide
Franchise Ny entrance a success, for 1
had a sudden fit OF self-assurapce, although |
was really half delirious with fright, and
went through my part very we'll, adding whole
phrases to it. 1 scarcely knew what was say
ing but continued, nevertheless.
''When the piece was over the guiding anger
was sent for by the monsignor was perfectly
triumphant.
whats your name, my chtldF asked the
nonSignor
Sarah replied.
THAT name must be changed he said, srnil-
ing.
wants her to be baptized and to be called Hen
riette: the ceremony is to take place In a month
"'Well, Sarah or Henrlette' SaId lHe MON
signor here is a medal that you must always
wear and the next time come here you must
recite some poetry, "Esthers Prayer" for me-
Her success in this children's play was really
responsible for Nine BernhardtS decision to
go on the stage, and she was sent by her parents
to the Conservatoire. There she made excellent
progress. but in the final examinations she
failed utterly in the contest for the prizes in
tragedy and succeeded only in capturing sec
ond prize in comedy. It is rather curious com
roent on the value of these things that the first
prize for tragedy on this occasion awarded
to Marie Lloyd who afterward devoted herself
entirely to comic opera and the music halls.