The Argosy — page 308: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

204 The Début of Mademoiselle Agathe. too, were reasonably perfect in their respective parts, and Chambertin, the jeune premier (his real name, by the way, was Greluchon), whose business it was to make fierce love to Ernestine during the piece, re- marked at the conclusion of the sixth rehearsal that he guaranteed 2 triumphant success, provided that Amanda would for once in a way condescend not to sing false. _ “T sing false!” retorted the lady alluded to, reddening with anger ; ‘Monsieur Chambertin, you may be a very tolerable jeune premier (mind, I don't say you azz), but you never sang a note in tune in your life. M. Darbois, I wonder you can stand by, and allow me to be! ‘exposed to such insolence !” } “ My good Amanda,” interposed the manager, “ Chambertin is not altogether in the wrong. Between ourselves, I really thmk it would be advisable to leave out the couplets. What do you say, Monsieur Guichardot ? ” continued he, addressing the chef-d’orchestre. ‘‘ What is your opinion of mademoiselle’s singing ?” ‘*Faux comme un jeton,” replied that ADAIORETY; decisively. “Then, some one else may play the part,” exclaimed Amanda, “ for I'll not say a word of it. Give it to one of your grues,” added she, drawing on her gloves [with such violence as gréatly to endanger the button$; “‘ you’ve plenty of them !” Now, in theatrical parlance, a grue betng the very acme of awkward- ness and stupidity, no more humiliating epithet can be applied to an actress ; and the indignant looks of the two or three present plainly showed that they fully appreciated the allusion. ‘Am I, then, to understand, mademoiselle,” said Darbois, in his gentlest tone, “‘ that you positively refuse to play Ernestine ? ” “Since you wish me to repeat what I have said, monsieur,” replied Amanda, who had by this time partially recovered herself, “I do positively refuse,—and I have the honour of wishing you a good morning !” ‘Pack of idiots!” was her reflection as she descended the stairs - “if it were not for the Count, I’d never set foot on these boards again. However, I’ve put a spoke in Darbois’ wheel, that’s one comfort. Plenty of water will pass under the Pont Neuf before he finds another Emestine |” Left to themselves, the actors looked at each other somewhat discon- solately. ‘*Sac-d-papier!” muttered Chambertin. “I didn’t mean it to go so far as that. Here’s a charming piece, with a glorious part for me, shelved for the next three months! Monsieur Darbois,” pursued he, aloud, ‘‘ I presume we are to go back to the old répertoire ? ” “On the contrary, my children,” replied the manager, “ to-morrow at twelve a final rehearsal ; and on the following evening the first perform - ance of ‘ Les Hasards de T'Amour.” COMIC OOOlKS.,.CO