The Virginia enterprise., 1910-09-30

;ociated Literary Press
nificant as possible, but even in the
background her unfamiliarity with the
role showed glaringly awkward.
Long before the curtain OF the
Shorehamville theater rose every seat
in the house and every foot of stand
ing room had been sold. Shoreham-
vile was a southern city of old tra-
ditions. Mary Fortesque had been the
most popular girl in the city; in her
youth her mother had held the same
distinction; and there were aged gen.
tlemen who spoke of the early beauty
and charm of her grandmother.
The first act was half over. The
leading man, who was also the man.
ager. had received an almost inaudible
greeting, the famous star a weak and
perfunctory applause.
The curtains at the back of the
stage parted. Marna, sister of the
hero, ran in and threw her arms
around the neck of her stage brother.
A cheering roar broke from the house.
Every man and woman in it seemed
to be clapping, cheering and pounding.
With her arm tightly about the
neck of the leading man Mary For
tesque turned toward the audience.
AS fresh and innocent and unspoiled
As when she had left home, she stood
before them with all the sweetness Of
the home-loved. home-loving southern
girl.
The leading man sQuirmed uneasily
and her arm tightened about his neck.
AS the last cheer died away, still
gripping the leading mans neck with
her arm, half dragging him. she
walked to the center Of the stage.
my friends, my own people," she
began. Il shall not try to tell you
how happy l am to be here. You
know the love in my heart for you all.
I'm Monochrome! want to hold out
my arms to you and weep a little
while-just for Joy.
Il wanted to appear before you to-
night as good actress in a good
had the play been the one scheduled,
The Holbrookes,' I could have done
so and you would not have been
ashamed of me. But this morning the
manager, this leading man'-she
shook Unchanged the bill and
compelled me to appear tonight in a
play that had never seen. l do not
know my part. shall not try to act
l shall stand on the stage while the
play goes on around me- Your judg-
ment of me will be kindly; you can
understand how bitter is my disap-
pointment because cannot give you
my best. But Mr.. White"-another
shake-''has decreed-"
Lynch him!" yelled voice. String
him up" Burn him!" came from all
parts of the house.
1--WE shall give you the play" she
went on, when she could be heard;
you will know why I only stand and
SMILE"
The play went on as best it could
Whenever Mary Fortesque came on
the stage the house cheered and
clapped. The few lines she spoke,
every gesture, every smile, brought
enthusiastic applause. In the dressing
rooms and wings the flowers were
stacked in sheafs. The leading mans
best scenes were enlivened by cat
calls and boots from the audience.
Half dozen times Mary Fortesque
was recalled before the final curtain
dropped.
In one of the wings the manager
was alternately pleading with and
swearing at newspaper representa-
tive.
Spare your feelings? Keep quiet
about this story?" jeered the news
paper man. Not on your life. Every
morning paper in the country shall
have this tale. And won't you get the
roastings? Serves you right for let
ting that jealous Deene boss you
around. You ought to have stood by
the little girl"
The little girl, her arms heaped high
with flowers, came up to them.
Il was just congratulating Mr..
White" said the journalist, ION your
success tonight. Why, Miss For,
tesque, you're made-you've arrived.
Tomorrow you'll be the most talked of
actress in America. Your fortune"
She shook her head gently. No."
she said quietly. "Tonight leave the
stage forever. I've had little glimpse
Of fame and I've had long look at
what lies under it-jealousy, selfseek,
ing, sordidness. For some the reward
compensates for the bitterness, but it
never will for me. Home and love
and" She dropped her face in the
mass of roses. In moment she
looked up. Did you see that big, black
eyed laddie who yelled Lynch him p
He is a perfect laddie, but until to-
night thought fame was better than
love and home. Now, If he still wants
me-"
Through the wings came a broad
shouldered young giant, impatiently
pushing aside the piled up furniture.
And think he does," she said.
IH YYI