The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1920-07-29
THE MOMENT
OF FATE
Bv VICTOR REDCLJFFE.


in the face, aged, furrowcd, but StilI
capable of expressing the true fcrvor
of dramatic art.
! had become first violiniSt in the
orchestra Of the ThcSpian theatcr, and
a prOtege by my side had heard me
speak 50 often Of RiZzio, but having
never seen him. that he was quite
eager and excited over the appear
ance of the greatest master III ms
line. Rizzio had originally made his
success in "Ophcdra," classical mas
terpiecp. He was billed for this the
last day of the week by the request
of Old admirers, hut in the meantime
was the star In a modern drama
called The shadow Of which
Young man of genius and wealth. ALI
son Deane, was the author. The
opening night was distinct success,
and over our customary midnight
lunch Waidner and | discussed the
event and its principal Interpreter.
You have more than once told me
the story Of Rizzio," said Waidner.
Tell il TO me again"
He is the last of his race, a noble
and intellectual family of Palermo,
| narrated for the tiftieth time.
There was vendetta in the family.
+ One by one his relatives fell at the
hands of the vengeful Paoli family.
Exile was necessary TO prevent RiZZiO
from becoming victim 10 Unsuitable
assaSSinS. He fled to American shores.
There was a girl at home he loved.
Poverty came TO her and she welded
another. There was little child,
girl. named after her mother, Celeste.
Ten years ago | learned that
both her parents had died. Rizzio
had sent for the orphan and adopted
her. She has been the loving link 10
his unhappy past. | hear that his
whole soul is wrapped in care for
the daughter Of the only woman he
ever loved. You noticed in the lower
box tonight the bewilderingly beauti-
full young lady seated with the author
of the play?'
"AH eyes Toasted on the radiant
creature" responded Waidner.
81 understood that quite a friend
ship has sprung up between those
two" l proceeded. ct is the great
wish OF Rizzio's soul TO see Celeste
we'll provided for before he leaves this
life"
Every evening of the week after
that the bright young pair occupied
the stage box. 1t was quite natural
that they should do so, and the audi
ences were pleased and interested, for
the young author of the play was pop
ular and the fact that he was paying
attention to the adopted daughter OF
the impersonator suggested romanti'
cism. The last evening Of the engage
ment, when Rizzio was TO appear In
"Ophedra," when he first came on the
stage l noticed his glance fixed upon
the young girl he idolized and a CLINT
of pride and Joy came to their depths,
Following his gaze l observed that
the dainty, graceful hand of Celeste
bore upon one finger glittering en-
gagement ring. Never had / seer
Rizzio act as he did that night. The
audience was entranced, and l knew
that his strength and power were sus
tanned by the thought that his darling
one had gained a protector to take
his place when he was gone.
remembered that in the earlier
years Of my knowledge of Rizzio,
had many times heard other actors
say that he was ever possessed will
the idea that some dark day the Paoli
would seek him out and complete
the vendetta sworn to nearly hal
century previously. i wondered
as the curtain raised on the last seem
of the tragedy, IL Rizzio still broode'
over this menace. 1t was later that
learned the cause Of the presence II
his statuesuue face of a tensenes
and agony he betrayed as he cam
upon the stage in the fifth and las
act.
2 1t appeared that Rizzio had gone t
the rear stage door, opening on a littl
court, to get q breath of the cool nigh
q air to inspire him with freshness TO
the great death scene in which tn
tragedy eliminated. He stood Their
alone for a moment or two glancing a
the stars and awaiting his call.
stealthy figure gained his side. Bt
fore he could draw back somethin
glittered in the air in conSonance wit
an uplifted arm.
1.-THE hour has come" pronounce
a stern, vengeful voice. 1.-THE Pao
never falls"
And then a poinard was driven
its hilt directly between the shou
ders of the doomed man. The asSa
sin fitted. Rizzio staggered bacl
then braced himself. At that momer
the call came for his appearance q
the stage. With a powerful effort III
master of the historical art straigh
ened up. He drew a costume car
over his shoulders. He was DEATH
pale, but there was a smile upon n
lips-he was thinking of Celeste an
her sure future happiness.
The rendition of that last vivid a.
held the audience spellbOund. TT
moment Of that final scene when !
portrayed the grandeur of death {
well as its agonies enthralled all wifi
IL, i'll AS hn