sister carrie

Chapter 28 (1)

Chapter No.16 Stupid Alating: The Gate of Human Life (1)
During this time in Chicago, Drouet paid little attention to the secret society he was a part of.But the last time I went out, I gained some new understanding of the importance of this secret society.

"I'll tell you," another salesman said to him, "it's a marvel. Look at Hashenstadt. He's not a very bright guy. Of course, he's got a big store to back him up, That's not enough, though. I'll tell you about his position in the gang. He's a senior Freemason, and that's in charge. He knows certain codes that have special meaning."

Drouet then made up his mind to pay more attention to such matters in the future.So when he returned to Chicago, he went to the local headquarters.

"I say Drouet," said Harry Quincel.He was an important figure in the local branch of the secret society. "You are the one who can help us."

This is said after the meeting to discuss the affairs of the conference, when social activities are active.Drouet was nodding to everyone around him, chatting and joking with some of the people he knew.

"What are you doing?" he asked kindly, smiling broadly at his secret brother.

"We'd like to do a play two weeks from today. We'd like to know if you know any young girl who could play a part - it's not an easy role."

"Of course," said Drouet, "what role?" He did not need to worry about the fact that he knew no one who could help him in that regard.However, based on his natural talkative nature, it is decided that he will agree to it.

"Well, let me tell you what we want to do," went on Mr. Quincel, "we want to buy a new furniture for the branch. We don't have enough money for the counting office at the moment, and we want to do a little entertainment, plan Pay."

"Of course," interrupted Drouet, "that's a very good idea."

"Some of the boys here have a bit of talent. There's Harry Bullback, he's good at playing niggers. Mike Lewis is good at playing tragedies. Did you ever hear him read 'Over the Hill'?"

"Never heard of it."

"Ah, I tell you, he did a great job."

"Do you want me to look for a woman to play?" asked Drouet, eager to put an end to the subject and say something else. "What are you going to do?"

"Under Gaslight," said Mr. Quincel.He also said that the masterpiece of Oguston Darry (Oggston Darry (1839-1899), American playwright and director. The popular opera "Under Gaslight" is his work. - translator), It has changed from a sensational and popular play to a regular program in amateur theater performances.Some annoying details were cut out, and the characters in the play were reduced to a minimum.

Drouet had seen this play in the past.

"True," he said, "it's a good show. It's sure to be a success. It's sure to make a lot of money."

"We think it's going to go well," replied Mr. Quincel, "but don't you forget," he said at last.Drouet looked disturbed. "Looking for a young woman to play the part of Laura."

"Of course, I will find a way."

He just walked away.Meanwhile, as soon as Mr. Quincel had finished, he forgot the whole thing.It never occurred to him when or where to ask.

A day or two later, Drouet received a letter reminding him of his promise, and that it had been decided to have the first rehearsal on Friday night, and that he should give them the address of the girl at once, so that they could get the part she was going to deliver. send it to her.

"Oh, I know what the hell?" thought the salesman, scratching his red ear. "I don't know anyone who knows how to do amateur acting."

He thought about the women he knew, and finally chose one.This was mainly because her home in the West District was easy to find, so he decided to look for her when he was out on the street that night.However, when he hitchhiked westward, he forgot about it again, only to be reminded of his mistake by three lines of small news in the "Evening Paper"-the small news said that Freemasonry On the 16th there will be a play at the Alfre House by the Weekster Section called Gaslight.

"My God," cried Drouet, "I forgot that."

"What?" asked Carrie.

They were at a small table in the room.This room was sometimes used as a kitchen, and Carrie served meals here.Tonight, she suddenly thought of eating here, and the small table was full of delicious food.

"Ah, our branch fun. They're going to have a play. They want me to find them a young woman to act in."

"What do they want to play?"

"'Gaslight'."

"when?"

"NO.16."

"Well, then why don't you look for it?"

"I don't know anyone," he replied.

Suddenly, he raised his head.

"Listen," he said, "what do you think of your participation?"

"Me?" said Carrie. "I can't act."

"How do you know?" asked Drouet thoughtfully.

"Because," replied Carrie, "I've never acted."

However, she was happy that he could ask her that and thought of it.Her eyes light up.For if there was anything that aroused her sympathy, it was stagecraft.

Naturally, he clings to the idea as a means of relief.

"It's nothing. When you get there, you can act whatever you want, and you will act."

"No, I can't act," said Carrie feebly.Both very fond of this idea, but also afraid.

"Yes, you can. Oh, why don't you try? One needs someone, and you'll have fun."

"Oh, no, it's not fun," said Carrie gravely.

"You're going to like it. I know you're going to like it. I've seen you dance around here and mock and all, so I'm proposing it to you. You're smart and you can do it."

"No, I can't," said Carrie shyly.

"Ah, I'll tell you what to do. You go over there and see for yourself. You'll like it. The rest of the show isn't all that good. They don't have any experience. They don't understand either." What acting."

He frowned at the thought of their ignorance.

"Pass me the coffee," he went on.

"I don't believe I can, Charlie," said Carrie, pettishly, "and you don't think I can either, do you?"

"Of course, absolutely. I'll bet you'll be successful. Oh, you want to go, and I know you do. I knew it when I came home. That's why I'll bring it up to you. "

"What play, what did you say just now?"

"'Gaslight'."

"Which part do they want me to play?"

"One of the heroines—I don't know."

"Ah," said Drouet.He doesn't have a great memory for things like that, "it's about a girl who got kidnapped by some thugs—a guy in the ghetto, a girl. She had some money, or something, and they wanted to fuck I got it. As for what happened afterwards, I don't know."

"Do you know what part I have to play?"

"No, I don't know, to be honest." He thought for a moment. "Oh, yes, I remember. Laura, that's her—you're going to be Laura."

"Do you remember what this character was like?"

"Forgive me, Carrie, I don't remember," he answered, "but I should. I see it a lot. There's a girl in it who was kidnapped as a baby—in Abducted from the street, something like this—she was taken by the two habitual offenders I just mentioned." He stopped, and took a bite of a piece of pie that was picked up on the fork in front of him. "She was almost drowned in the river—no, no. I'll tell you what I do," he said resignedly. "I can get the book. I can't remember anything now." .”

"Well, I don't know," said Carrie when he had finished.Her eagerness to show off her talents on stage was contested by her timidity, "If you think I can do it, I might."

"Of course you can," said Drouet.While encouraging Carrie, he aroused interest himself. "Do you think I'll come home and tell you to do something I don't think you'll do? You'll play. It'll be good for you, too."

"When shall I go?" said Carrie, after some thought.

"The first rehearsal is Friday night. I'll go up tonight and get your lines."

"Okay," said Carrie softly, "I'll try, but if it fails it's all your fault."

(End of this chapter)