his boyhood? How heart-broken we were, when we were torn from each other's arms! In all the sad years that have followed, that child's first sorrow has never faded from my thoughts. How altered he is; but for his eyes I should scarcely know him. A mustache does change a man. I too am changed. I am taller by a head, my hair is darker, and the burning Indian sun has colored the cheeks of the pale girl. I wonder if he will know We were little more than children when we parted. me. Man. (entering). Now, Madam, your business? Actress (aside). His manner is not en couraging. (Raises her veil.) I am Man. Never mind your name. What is your business? My time is short. Actress (aside). He does not know me. I am more changed than I imagined. I am informed the place of leading lady in your company is vacant, and trusting that my tal ents may enable me to fill it worthily, I beg to offer you my services. Man. So I presumed. I have been rather unhappy in my selection of late, and have determined in the future to guard against the usual fraud of a well-drilled tirade, or imitation of some celebrated actress. Actress. As you please; but I cannot understand how you can judge of the capability of an actress without hearing her recite. Man. You seem very confident. Have you a mind to stand a special trial? Actress. Perhaps. Man. I am very frank, and I must say I do not think the result will meet your The test I propose is very diffi wishes. cult. The test I Actress. This difficulty surmounts the contempt which your reception inspires. You see, Sir, I too am frank. Man. (aside). I'm convinced of that, but I'll soon remove the veil of egotism from your eyes. (Aloud.) So you are willing to submit to this examination ? Actress. Yes. Man. Mind, I do not want to see yourself; simply the character that is to be presented. Actress. Then what character do you wish to see? Will you leave the choice. to me? Man. Oh, no! Actress. Then it may indeed become a harder task than I thought; your selection may not be in my repertoire. Man. Oh yes, it is. I only require two words: "Come here." Actress. Come here? Man. Yes, and with the words, the meaning, emphasis, and expressions, that situation, character, and the surroundings would command. Actress. This is strange, indeed. Man. The part is simple and easily studied; do you think you can remember it? it? Actress. Let me see. Come here! is that Man. That's right. Actress (takes off her bonnet and shawl). Well, then, I am ready. Man. Let us imagine a queen who deigns to call one of her maids of honor. Actress. Come here! Man. Now she'll command a courtier, who is not in favor, to the foot of her throne. Actress. Come here! Man. And now, how would she call a hero to reward his glorious deeds in the battle-field, and to receive the laurel from her hands? Actress. Come here! Man. We now behold a princess at the death-bed of her father, whose throne she will inherit. She is ambitious, and yet loves her father; she feels the high and lofty honors that will be hers, and yet the pain a child would feel to lose a loving father; with these emotions she calls on the physician who can bring relief. (She hesitates.) Well? Actress. Come! Come! Oh, come! Man. Madam, you have taught me, that what is unknown to us is worth at least a trial. But further: Before a mother stand a loving couple, who pray for her consent; the lover is poor; she battles with her pride, it is a great struggle for her; at last with open arms she cries Actress. Come here! Man. A mother calls her little daughter, who has done something to vex her. Actress. Come here! Man. And now it is her step-child. Man. A carriage is dashing by, the child |