Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 January 1887 — FAIR ROSAMOND. [ARTICLE]

FAIR ROSAMOND.

BY FRANKLYN W. LEE.

■Hello, Hick Redfern.” Mr. Richard Redfern, leading man of the Sardon Dramatic Company, a tall, dark man, with jet black hair and eyes, a face full of character and good looks and a walk that was full of conscious dignity, yet free from stage self-importance. Mr. Richard Redfern, pulling on his gloves with a pensive air, acting very much as if he were still under the spell of the part he played within canvas walls, was slowly crossing the lobby of the theater, when this entirely unexpccled salutation startled him. Surprised at being thus familiarly addressed by a strange voice, in a strange place, he looked around in the direction from whence the greeting qame. His wondering glance rested upon a well-dressed young man who stood near the box office, and who smiled —at his perplexity. “I beg pardon, sir, but you have the advantage of me.” Then, scrutinizing the stranger’s face more closely, he gave vent to a cry of amazement, and hurried forward. “Well, by all that’s holy, if it isn’t Hastings! Why. Ned, old boy, where have yon been all these years; how are you, and what are you doing here?” “I've been all over—at home and abroad, ■ always the picture of health,” said the other, cordially grasping the hand extended him. ,l I am just sojourning here, seeing the rowdy West. Saw your name on the bills—Miss So and So,,supported by Mr. Richard Redfern, of Boston. Wasn’t sure that it was you, so I came to the play, ' recognized my old stage-struck playmato the moment he came on, and you find me here, waiting to say hello.” “As brief and as dry as ever,” laughed his friend, delightedly shaking , his hand again and again. “You can’t tell how glad lam to see you. Come to mv room and we’ll make a night of it. Where are you stopping?” “At your hostelry—it is a wonder that we have not met before.” “Miss Layton is worse,” said the clerk as they entered the hotel and approached the desk. “Indeed,” muttered Redfern, much disturbed. “That will play the deuce with ns and make it hard for her—poor little girl. However, I suppose it cannot be helped. Come, Ned, !-et us visit our little invalid, and then for our chat over old times. By the by. what did you think of the play?” “Ail did well except ttie comedienne, Who yrns very, very poor—awkward and lacking —in power.” .^1: “Good,” |?aid Redfern, with an approving nod. She ‘was a local amateur, taken on to fill Miss Layton’s place, and if we keep her much longer the suffering public will ■enter a protest. You should see. Rosebud A figure sylph-like, a decidedly witching air, a distraclingly pretty face, and a voice like a diva.” “The same old Dick, I see, always enthusiastic about the sex,” said Hastings, with a smile, as they passed down a corridor and paused before one of the numerous doors. “Come in,” said a woman’s voice, in answer to their knock, and opening the door, they entered the room. Ned at once recognized several ladies of the company, who were seated on either side Of the sickbed; but he immediately transferred his gaze to the invalid. He saw a pale, sweet face, almost beautiful, pure in outline, and adorned by a pair of expressive dark-blue eyes, lying amid a wealth of golden hair, thnt lay upon the pillow in pretty disorder, and formed a halo about the girlish, attractive face. A picture such as a Raphael would have, loved to paint, and yet would have hesitated because his brush could not do the subject justice. Redfern introduced his friend with a flourish, and coupled the introduction .with a glowing eulogium. Ned bowed his acknowledgements, assuring the ladies that his companion’s judgment was most unreliable. The sick girl smiled fainty, and murmured: “Am I forgotten?” “Oh. Rosebud, who could forget you? Ned, this is Rosamond Layton, the most delightful of her sex.” She smiled at Redfern, and extended a small, white hand to Hastings. There is always one hand clasped in a lifetime that bears with it an occult influence that permeates every part of the system unlit it roaches the heart, andnnites with the magnetism that wanders from hand to hand in search of a familiar. Often a life is changed by the tonch of a sensitive hand, and a stubborn nature turned aside from its peculiar course by a swift glance from a pair of eyes; but the cynicism of to-day ridicules that philosophy which accepts such a groundless solution of the problem of destiny. Berhaps it was a sadden twinge of pain that caused her to start when their hands met, and strangely enough, a faint glow came into her cheeks; while Hasting was conscious of the strangest sensation he had ever experienced—a onrrent passing up his arm, and a thrill bringing every fiber of his body into momentary action. “\ou have had a second attack, Rosebud?” asked Redfern, with some concern. ?Yes,” she replied, wearily, “and I am weak and faint. Oh, I hope this will not keep me here after you have gone, for if it does, I don't know what I shall do.” “So de we. We can ill afford to lose Rosebnd, as a companion or a player. Your substitute is a wretched bore. Ned, here, noticed what a stick she was, and I told him that he should see yon in that part." “I wish Be could,” she said, wishfully. ■lt is so hard to be sick.” “I can only hope, Miss Layton, that your wish may bo fulfilled.” Ned looked steadily at her, until she lifted the glance of those great blue eyes to his, and then averted his gaze,.while a blush mantled her brow. Making their excuses, they went to Redfem’s room, where, amid the aroma of choice Havanas, they revived the memories of old days, and chatted aB the night wore ■ 08, ■ >' “Who would have thought, Hick, when we acted plays in father’s barn, and you aportted Shakespeare in tho old school•house, tSSTtutare events would so exactly

fit themsolves to yonr inclinations and lalonte,” said Hastings, reflectively. “Strange, isn’t it? I was rather stagestruck, but you were no less dazzled'by the footlights. Yon had as much, if not more tylent than I, and I have oftetied wondered why yon did not keep it up. You would have made a name for yourself.” “I was too lazy and careless of my future, in which folly I was abetted by indulgent parents," said Hastings, with a yawn, as he arose to retire. Rosebud did not improve much during the company’s stay, and at the conclusion of their engagement they were reluctantly compelled to leave without her. Redfern left her in Ned’s care, and he well fulfilled the trust. A basket of beautiful flowers or of fruit, books, and papers were evidences of his fritn.lly regard that found their way to her room. His lady friends brightened the weary hours of convalescence with their pleasant faces and conversation. He saw her but little, calling four or five times, and then in company with others, for he knew the way of the world’s wagging tongue, which is ever ready to repeat and amplify, and place an actress under social ban. “Have you followed the profession long?” he asked," the day before she left to rejoin her company. Ho felt a deep interest in this winsome little fairy, whose lively sunlit nature, now unburdened by pain, shone forth in all its refreshing brightness, and who seemed a veritable sunbeam. For her sake he had remained in that tiresome town longer than he had carod to, and whatever discontent arose from tho enforced stay, was speedily killed by a sight of her pretty face, and the sound of her musical voice. “Yes, ever since I was 7 years old, when I sang in juvenile opera." “And do you like the life?” “No, I can’t soy that I do. But I can do nothing else, and receive the same pay. Woman's work is poorly paid, and I don’t care to struggle us others do. My mother was an invalid, and my father an actor of the old school. He was stricken with paralysis, and I, being the oldest, was compelled to work for the rest. I hated to clerk or to sew, and when an engagement was ottered me I gladly accepted it, and have followed the calling ever since. lam all alone now, and I follow the life because it pays.” “And the end?” he asked, earnestly. “Tho fate of all players—a palace or a garret, I suppose,” replied Rosebud, with a gay little laugh, as she watched him. She" liked him, this quiet, sincere, and thorough gentleman; for he had treated her with a courtly deference, and a manly friendship, that she had seldom met with in her nomadic career. He stroked his head thoughtfully, and his pleasant face was very earnest as lie looked seriously at her for a]few moments; while his mind revolved a project that had just occurred to him. Then bidding her goodby lie went to his room and wrote a long letter to Redfern. “I can’t imagine,” Redfern’s answer ran, “what has put this mad scheme into your usually level head, unless it be that therecent heavy eastern failures and a fall in pork have impaired your capital. But, as I told you that night, you always had a knack for that sort of thing, and will be successful. The position to which you refer will be vacant November 1. Try to be in Louisville on that date. You can depend upon my silence, but Rosebud is so sharp and inquisitive, that it will be hard to keep the matter quiet.” * * * * * * * “Why so sad, Rosebud? Art thou mourn-ing-the sudden and cruel departure of thy Romeo?” “Bah!” Rosebud, perched upon a huge trunk near the wings, sniffed contemptuously, and blew a cloud of cigarette-smoko into Redfern’s face. “Mourn after him? Why, he was no end of a stick, and always made me feel like a fool when we were on together. ” . “Confound your cigarette-smoking,” sputtered her companion, half choked by the perfumed vapor. “But how about the new one?” i . Ts 1 does as well when he goes on he did at rehearsal, he will take the house by storm. There is some comfort in working with a man like him. Say, Dick, who is he?” “Ned Stanhope,” said Redfern with an odd smile. “Yes, I know; but his other name.’' “Don’t know; guess it is both.” "Hardly; it is a stage name. He can’t pull the wool over my eyes, with all his raystcriousness. I’ve seen him somewbero before, when his name wasn't Stanhope, but I can’t think where or when,” said Rosebud, with a Wise shake of her pretty head; and throwing her cigarette away, she slid from the trunk, and ran to her dressing-room. She was correct in her surmise. The new raan scored a decided- hit, and Rosebud wpn added popularity. Their scenes were finally given; their lines natural and smooth; their stage courtship delicious; and their songs and waltzes marvels of pure harmony and rhythmic precision. The delighted audience, captured from the first, was generous with applause and encores, and when the curtain descended upon the last act, Rosebud’, in her unbounded delight, caught Stanhope and gave him a genuine hug; which he, it is almost needless to say, returned with interest, amid the laughs of the members of the company. “Where have I seen you before?” she asked, while they were walking to the hotel. “Can't say,” he replied, in his dry manner. “I have traveled a great deal.” “Have you ever seen me?” she persisted, with a sharp glance at his clean-shaven face. • - ' '• “Yes, at Denver and at Chicago.” “Anywhere else?” she demanded. “Perhaps,” and he left her at the ladies’ entrance. With a puzzled look upon her pretty’ face, she stood and watched him as he sauntered away, and then slowly aseenriod the Blairs, thinking deeply. "Never had such a glorious time in my ' life,” he murmured to Redfern, a moment later; “Guess I’ll stick to the profession^” “Do so,” said Redfern, earnestly. “Y'ou have raised a breeze; and the ‘qld man’ is in.ecstacies.” “Then toll him to raise my salary. Genius needs substantial recognition, said Stanhope, with a smile. From that night he was a success wherever they went, and besides being well liked by the others of the company, gained Rosebud’s warm friendship and cheerful society; enjoying both, until he found himself her eqoort and protector at all times. He was not presuming, but waR her friend in a quiet, unobtrusive way, never thrusting himself upon her, always courteous, and above stage familiarity, perhaps somewhat distant, but always with a keen eye to her comfort and enjoyment. Book's and magazines of interest shortened the monotonous hours of travel instead of cards, and a little sapper after the play kept her from the cigarettes of the rest until it was time to retire. Rosebud was a rough diamond; at heart, a thorough woman, but the tides of her life had given her no opportunities for the development of her higher nature. She was conscious of the change he. had wrought in her, and was deeply grateful for the quiet mentorship. Added to all this, he made it a point to guard her against the inane persecutions of those empty-headed negatives who loiter about every stage tjoor and annoy An aetresa wherever sho gooc.

One night while they were chatting and laughing over the inevitable oysters, sev-eraffashiouably-attired young men entered the case and took possession of a table just behind Rosebnd. “How did you like the play, Creqne?” asked one of them, ogling the comely waitress. “Firat-rate," drawled Creqne, a deficient and dissipated-appenring, bnt faultlessly-* clad individual, with an ill-shaped head and weak fad'd. “That g’vurl who did the comedy's deneedly pretty positively chahming. D’yon know, fellows, I’ve half a mind to make an impression there.” His companions laughed uproariously at the ensy, confident manner of this socalled genCeman, who was a type of those who in the pasthave brought actresses into disrepute, and have made it a sooial offense for a woman to be a player, and who. today, are a bane <o the profession. He shrugged his shoulders carelessly at their derisive merriment, aud “continued in the same drawling tone: #*Bet a stipper for the party that I bring her here to-morrow night.” Rosebud’s face flushed, and her little fingers drove their pink nails into her soft palms, her breast heaving with suppressed anger. Stanhope trod on her foot, warningly, and surveyed the dandy, whom he at once recognized as a young swell who had thrown Rosebud a bouquet that same evening. She saw a dangerous light in her companion’s dark eyes, and heard his teeth grate viciously. “J’ll take the bet, ” cried one of tho others, promptly, nnd ns he and Rosebud left the case Stanhope muttered, with a grim smile: ‘“You'll win, my friend." Sho was very thoughtful as they walked along, and looked up at him curiously every now aud then, Carefully scanning bis face. A bright light shone in her blue eyes, and a pleasant smile played about her lips, until she reached the solitude of her room. Once alone, she gave her pentup feelings full sway, and; the room reechoed with tho music of her merry laugh. The next night, as Rosebud, alone and unattended, left the theater, a hand was laid on her arm, and a voice said: “I beg pahdon, but is this Miss Layton?” “Yes, sir.” “Delighted, I’m sure. Will you permit one of your most devoted admirers to escort you to your hotel?” “No, sir, decidedly not,” said Rosebud, disdainfully, recognizing the person who had made the wager the night before, and moving away. • “Wait a moment, my pretty one. You are very unkind and ungrateful, after accepting my flowers,” he said, insinuatingly. “Tho mere acceptance of your flowers, sir, has no significance, and places me under no obligations to you. Knowing well from whom they came, to have kept them would have been as much of an insult to myself as their presentation, and so 1 gave them to a laundry girl'in the hotel.” “Ah, one so lovely should not be so cruel,” he drawled, seeking to detain her. But his hand was rudely drawn away, and as he was hurled to one side n voice rang out: “Ob, you dishonorable our!” Recovering himself, the would-be escort, maddened by the strange turn of affairs, gave vent to a curse, nnd launched a blow at the interloper, which was deftly parried, and a crushing stroke from Stanhope’s right hand sent him reeling against the building. He drew a revolver, one of those silver-plated toys affected by just such harmless characters; and with a cry of fear Rosebud threw herself between them, her arms clasping Stanhope; but she was gently thrust aside, while' her champion, always as cool as an iceberg, knocked the pistol from his antagonist’s white hand, and with a terrible blow of his left hand knocked him into the gniter. “The next rime you make a wager, my inexperienced friend, give the matter a little more thought," said Stanhope, looking down upon him, and then walking away with his fair charge, who clung to him with all a woman’s trustfulness. What was said as they walked so slowly along has always been their secret, but when Rosamond lift him at the foot of the staircase, a ring sparkled on fasr finger that had never been seen there before. “Where on earth have you been sc long?” growled Redfern, who was waiting for him to come and join him in a game of euchre. “I have been making arrangements whereby I can add a Rosebud to my numerous personal charms. We are to be married in New Orleans,” he said, dealing the cards and turning up the queen of hearts, and indulging in a quiet laugh at his friend’s unbounded amazement. * * * * * * * * * There was a quiet wedding in the Crescent City,nnd Redfern was best man. That afternoon, on the train, Stanhope drew a paper from his pocket and handed it to his golden-haired bride. It certified that Edward Stanhope Hastings and Rosamond Layton had been duly joined in the holy bonds of matrimony. He watched her narrowly as she read, and was considerably taken aback to find no traces of surprise in her face. “So, you see, my dear, your new name is not Stanhope.” “1 knew that it was not your real same,” she said with an arch smile. “The deuce you did! ‘How long ago?” “I recognized you that night in the case, when we overheard that wager. 1 could not place you before, try ns I might. But then I knew you to be Dick's old friend,Ned Hastings, who was so kind to a poor, friendless little soubrette in D . Who, unknown to her, bore all the expense of her illness and then disappeared before she could repay, or even thank him for his kindness,” she said, her eves growing luminous as they looked lovingly up at him. He arose, with an expression of mvt-ic despair on his fine face, and was standing iff the aisle, when she laid a band on his arm, and asked: “What is the matter, Ned?” “I intend to throw myself under the wheels for being such a confounded fool as to try to deceive a woman” he replied, in a crestfallen manner. “Don't dec that,” she whispered, taking, his hand; f we will be so happy, roaming together.” < “Agreed, but not as actors, Rosebud.” “Why not? How will we live? I am heartily tiyed of the life, but how else can “Ah, my flower, it seems that ion do net know all yet," he said, handing her a clipping from one of the papers. She read: “Hastings-Layton— Edward S. Hastings and Rosamond Layton, two of the most talented members of the Sardon Company, now playing in this city, were married this morning by the Reverend Barr. The lucky groom is a wealthy resident of Boston, who, it appears, has been traveling incognito during the past season, nnd acting merely for amusement. To add spice to the affair, Mr. Richard Redfern, of the same company, informed a reporter that Mr. Hastings became attracted to Miss: Layton during a visit to a northern city, and disguising himself by removing Iris beard and mustache, joined the company under an assumed name, with the fixed intention of winning her in this truly romantic manher." “So, my darling, you have nearly reached the end, and it is a palace—not a garret." “And you have married a beggar for herself alone.” she said, the tears falling thick and fast npon the clipping. He took het hand apd carried it to his lips. ! “No, not a beggar, but a princess—fail Rosamond. - .