Anne Feversham

BY J. C. SNAITH
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK AND LONDON 1914
Copyright, 1914, by D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
Published in England as “The Great Age”
Printed in the United States of America
ANNE FEVERSHAM
A DISTINGUISHED member of the Lord Chamberlain’s company, Mr. William Shakespeare by name, had entered the shop of a tailor in the town of Nottingham. This popular and respected actor and playwright was about thirty-five years of age. Of middle height, he had the compact figure of one in the prime of a vigorous manhood. His hair was worn rather long, but his beard, inclining to red in color, was trim and close. His dress was plainer than is the rule with those who follow his calling. Indeed at a first glance he had less of the look of an actor than of a shrewd, cautious man of affairs who has prospered in trade. Close observation might have amended this estimate. There was a vivid pallor about the face, and the somber eyes, slow-burning and deep-set, were like a smoldering fire. Even when the mobile features were in repose, which was seldom the case, the whole effect of the countenance was vital and arresting.
“That is a very choice coffin-cloth you have there, Master Tidey.”
The manner of the actor and playwright was simplicity itself. There was not a suspicion of affectation in it. He passed his fingers over the rich pall that lay on the tailor’s knee. Upon the hem of the cloth an armorial device was being stitched by the hand of a master craftsman.
“Yes, it is Master Shakespeare,” said the tailor gravely. “Choice enough, choice enough.”
“Who is the happy man?”
“A young gentleman who lies in the Castle yonder. He is to have his head cut off a Tuesday by order of the Queen.”