The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-04-14

"HE SCENE painter, Kostovski, was
 in the habit of consuming large Il quantities of liquors at time the most unsuitable.
 On the present occasion a scene was about to be mounted, the success of which depends absolutely upon the portrayal.
 The first production was about to take place. the last preparations were com pleted. and the entire east each one ac- cordng to his own part, lent himself with enthusiasm, when all of q sudden burst the catastrophe which the manager dreaded above all-Kostovski was abomi- nably intoxicated.
 These excesses always happened at the precise moment when his services were most urgently needed. One would almost think that a demon guided and pushed him irresistlbly toward the forbid den liquid At these times Kostovski at tained sudden climaXes of perversity-a longing to do contrary things. He had no control over himself; he belonged to the devil. The most violent sensations became then a necessity for his impetu ous and generally disordered nature, and he found himself obliged to increase his intoxication. These days were filled with innumerable encounters and adventures which seemed to happen to no one but himself On the other hand, once sober, he went back to work in a frenzy.
 He was not dismis Ied, because he was a most admirable painter, incompafable hi Vet hn Op1ignl the good reputation of the company by the scandals which he caused as well as by the negligence, cen sloveniness, of his appearance and plebian exterior. From his brush Kostovsli produced scenes so beautiful and of such astonshly artistic merit that the public would bring him before the curtain with their applause. But the people of the theatre held him at distance, no one remembering hay ing seen him before; the chorus people also drank, but they considered them selves as personages very superior to this scene painter, and they stunned his com pany with care. As to the ballet dancers, the. also summed him with repugnance. On his side he did not interest himself in them. However, one pleased him-Julie, a very young ballet dancer He thought of her only as an artist and he watched 1ltr uIllNlllS OH lllt SldEt, DN the electric rays of the reflector which he manipulated
 Certain inclinatons of the pretty little head certain attitudes enchanted him, and he caused numerous rays more bril- liant than the others to shine upon her, rendering her more conspicuous in the midst of the other dancers. Away from the theatre he did not speak to her. and she on her part affected not to see him. Habfpd bn did mt sneak tn her, and she on her side affected not to notice him. Living in the midst of a st lnge solitude. without love, without friends or any one who cared for him. artist and machinist indispensable, but in whom no one interested himself. he felt the sense of vague and latent insult anG each time that these feelings got be- yond him he felt the desire for drink take possession of him. And this is what came to pass at the precise moment when he wa most indispensable. After the re- hearsal the manager remained on the scene at the request of the director of the company The large and fat face of the manager expressed preoccupation, in- quetude and anger which he could hardly contain.
 But tell me-" he repeated. almost with tears in his voice what are we going 10 do now?" And crossing his large hands on his enormous stomach he looked at the other with increasing anger.
 ''Where is he now? Can any one put a hand on him?" aseked he.
 "He is here, the tub of alcohol" an swered the director. After having looked for him on all sides he was at last found in a little hut, talking to some workmen and having been brought here like a package, he has black and blue eye.''
 Have him come here, the rascal" said tho manager.
 The director rapidly crossed the stage an disappeared behind the scenery. In the stiffness they heard his voice calling "Kostovski! Kostovski"' Almost instantly he rejoined the manager, winlSng his eye as if to say. "The comedy is about to be- gin'
 ''He will be here immediately" said the director. "IIe is ashamed; he has no de- e.-e to show himself"
 Slowly approaching steps were heard,