THE REASON WHY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 239, 7 October 1903, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE REASON WHY.

Mr Forbes Roh/jrtson's action m rebuking the uoiay occupants of a private box during a j. ecent performance of

'The Light thai. Failed," recalls to the 'Military Mail*' a story of Sothern, the actor of *'Du_ dreary" fame. He, as is well known, v/as peculiarly sensitive to praise or blivmc of his acting, and if he had any reason to suppose that he wa3 not holding the rapt attention of everyone in the house, he was quite distressed and embarrassed. One evening, when the play was more than half over, a party of young bloods came into the stage box They didn't look at the stage, which was maddening, but continued their cheerful conversation as if they Were s till in their club, and betrayed the most complete indifference to the play. At Last, after a very short stay, they thowght they had had enough of it, and rising from their seats, they commenced to reach for their hats and coats. This was too much foT the outraged actor. Advancing towards the box, he said, in tones of pained remonstrance: "Gentlemen J Gentlemen! There's another act!" "Ya'as, that's why we're going!" responded one of the dandies, looking over his shouflder, as he struggled into his coat.