The Stage Door; Stories by Those Who Enter It

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 Excerpt: ...on the part of the company, I naturally felt highly nervous and diffident. The comedy was ultimately finished, and the date fixed for me to read it to the ladies and gentlemen concerned in its representation. I was trembling with apprehension when the hour and Mr. Foster's brougham arrived. The ordeal had to be passed anyhow, so I strung up my failing courage, and announced that I was ready; but I presumed, as twelve o'clock had only that moment struck, a little margin of time was to be permitted to the company. Margin! My dear sir, laughed the manager, you do not know the Utopian regulations yet! Follow me. No one is ever late here. We passed down the lonely corridor, and Mr. Foster opened a side door. I was in the greenroom. Imagine a spacious and lofty apartment, half drawing-room, half conservatory, with every luxury in the way of couches, fauteuils, ottomans, etc., panelled with rich mirrors, and hung with satin of the most delicate olive tint. The odour of adjacent flowers floated on the atmosphere, and the plashing of the tiny scent-fountains lent a dreamy influence of repose. Such was the greenroom of the Utopian. But if the apartment was magnificent, the assembled company was even more brilliant. As I shall give the ever-memorable cast of my comedy in its proper place, I need not specially refer here to the array of genius before me. I may casually, however, mention that one face which I had not expected to meet, as belonging to a distinguished gentleman for whom I had not provided in the comedy, met mine with a pleasant and frank smile. It was the beaming countenance of Mr. Barry Sullivan. I hastily whispered to Mr. Foster. It's all right, my dear sir, returned that amazing man. I t...