Page:Rachel (1887 Nina H. Kennard).djvu/217

 soon as the invalid could travel. On the 27th, therefore, she and her father and sister made their way by short stages to Charleston; the company there endeavoured to give three or four performances without her, but the theatre was quite empty. Rachel was the only attraction. A French play they could not understand was wearisome enough at all times, but without the great actress it was an infliction not to be borne. In spite, therefore, of the urgent representation of the doctor that absolute repose was necessary for her restoration to health, yielding to the persuasions of her brother, she consented to appear in Adrienne Lecouvreur.