A "GAG" THAT SPOILT A SCENE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 113, 26 November 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

A "GAG" THAT SPOILT A SCENE.

The other day, Madame Sarah Bernhardt, the great French actress, made Her first appearance on the stage since her recent operation, and it was characteristic of her that she stipulated that the profits of the performance should be given to war funds. Madame Bernhardt is fond of relating a very tunny experience she had, during her early days as an actress, with an actor who was something of a wit, and, who was addicted to "gauging." "It is so long ago," she says, "that I recall neither the player nor the play, only the part wherein the scene was spoiled. The hero said to me, 'Do yofc object to this cigar?' which he had already lighted and was puffing vigorous- * ■ ..,.,.

" 'No, no, no!' I answered, which was the cue for him to tell me the story of his life. "Ho looked at me instead, and said, rolling the cigar between his lingers, 'That, madame, is because you do not have to smoke it!' "The audience appreciated the hut that he was smoking a cigar furnished by the property man, and roared with laughter; but thUs interference made him forget hit linos. He could not recollect a word so, taking my arm, lie said, 'Come with me for a walk, and 1 will tell you the story of my life.' "We walked off the stage, and on at the next entrance, which required no more than two seconds of time,' and then he said, 'Now T have told you the storv of my life.' "

Recompense injury with justice and kindness with kindness. —Confucius.

Nothing inn )>c unconditional, consequently nothing can bo free.—Bernard Shaw.