Jo's Boys - Bibliotecadigital.puc-campinas.edu.br

Chapter 8 73no trace of actress in face or voice:'They did please me, dear, and so do you. I'm tired of praise; and love is very sweet, when it is simple andsincere like this.'Josie remembered to have heard, among many other stories, that Miss Cameron lost her lover years ago, andsince had lived only for art. Now she felt that this might have been true; and pity for the splendid, lonely lifemade her face very eloquent, as well as grateful. Then, as if anxious to forget the past, her new friend said, inthe commanding way that seemed natural to her:'Let me see what you can do. Juliet, of course. All begin with that. Poor soul, how she is murdered!'Now, Josie had intended to begin with Romeo's much-enduring sweetheart, and follow her up with Bianca,Pauline, and several of the favourite idols of stage-struck girls; but being a shrewd little person, she suddenlysaw the wisdom of Uncle Laurie's advice, and resolved to follow it. So instead of the rant Miss Cameronexpected, Josie gave poor Ophelia's mad scene, and gave it very well, having been trained by the collegeprofessor of elocution and done it many times. She was too young, of course, but the white gown, the loosehair, the real flowers she scattered over the imaginary grave, added to the illusion; and she sung the songssweetly, dropped her pathetic curtsies, and vanished behind the curtain that divided the rooms with abackward look that surprised her critical auditor into a quick gesture of applause. Cheered by that welcomesound, Josie ran back as a little hoyden in one of the farces she had often acted, telling a story full of fun andnaughtiness at first, but ending with a sob of repentance and an earnest prayer for pardon.'Very good! Try again. Better than I expected,' called the voice of the oracle.Josie tried Portia's speech, and recited very well, giving due emphasis to each fine sentence. Then, unable torefrain from what she considered her greatest effort, she burst into Juliet's balcony scene, ending with thepoison and the tomb. She felt sure that she surpassed herself, and waited for applause. A ringing laugh madeher tingle with indignation and disappointment, as she went to stand before Miss Cameron, saying in a tone ofpolite surprise:'I have been told that I did it very well. I'm sorry you don't think so.''My dear, it's very bad. How can it help being so? What can a child like you know of love and fear and death?Don't try it yet. Leave tragedy alone till you are ready for it.''But you clapped Ophelia.''Yes, that was very pretty. Any clever girl can do it effectively. But the real meaning of Shakespeare is farabove you yet, child. The comedy bit was best. There you showed real talent. It was both comic and pathetic.That's art. Don't lose it. The Portia was good declamation. Go on with that sort of thing; it trains the voice--teaches shades of expression. You've a good voice and natural grace--great helps both, hard to acquire.''Well, I'm glad I've got something,' sighed Josie, sitting meekly on a stool, much crestfallen, but not dauntedyet, and bound to have her say out.'My dear little girl, I told you that you would not like what I should say to you; yet I must be honest if I wouldreally help you. I've had to do it for many like you; and most of them have never forgiven me, though mywords have proved true, and they are what I advised them to be--good wives and happy mothers in quiethomes. A few have kept on, and done fairly well. One you will hear of soon, I think; for she has talent,indomitable patience, and mind as well as beauty. You are too young to show to which class you belong.Geniuses are very rare, and even at fifteen seldom give much promise of future power.'