Punch (62.1872)

14

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

[January 13, 1872.

--" We a he such Stuff

As Dr.ea.m8 ake made of-"

Tempest.

EVENINGS FROM HOME.

The next place of Amusement to which Mr. Barlow took his two
young pupils was the Strand Theatre. Here they saw Arion, or the
Story of a Lyre, and were highly diverted with the two Showmen,
played by Messrs. Paulton and Terry, whose duet of " Walk Up
and See my Show" they so vehemently applauded as to draw forth
a reproof from their worthy preceptor, who, however, on observing
that these comedians seemed to be possessed of an inexhaustible
stock of fresh verses applicable to the circumstances of the times,
was induced to join Tommy and Harry in the commendations
which were most liberally bestowed by the audience upon this
portion of the performance. On returning to their lodgings both
Tommy and Harry, neither of whom had up to this time ever
evinced any musical capacity, attempted to recall the pleasing airs
they had heard at the Strand Theatre, and only ceased from their
praiseworthy endeavours on receiving Mr. Barlow's promise that
he would take them again to witness the same piece, if Tommy
(whose father, being a very wealthy man, had recently bestowed
upon his son a handsome Christmas gratuity) would pay for three
stalls, or at least three places, in the Dress Circle.

On the following night they went to the Princess's, to see Mr.
Watts Phillips's play of On the Jury, followed by a Pantomime
called Little Dicky Dilver.

At the entrance to the Stalls a civil person relieved them of their
overcoats and hats ; and Tommy, upon whom his tutor's example,
on the occasion of their visit to Drury Lane, had not been lost,
expressed his gratitude to the honest stranger in the most affectionate
manner.

Tommy now discovered a further opportunity of making himself
acquainted with the science of Astronomy, which he had already set
himself diligently to learn.

Mr. Barlow. At this theatre you will behold a constellation of
talent.

Tommy. But pray, Sir, what is a " constellation " ?

"Persons," answered Mr. Barlow, "have observed certain stars
remarkable either for their brightness or position, or both. These
stars, joined together, are termed ' constellations.' Here you have
three Stars—Mr. Webster, Mr. Phelps, and Miss Furtado."

Tommy. Then these are, as you say, Sir, "remarkable for their
brightness or position."

Mr. Barlow. Yes. And in time, no doubt, I shall be able to make
yoii acquainted with the names and the appearance of all the Stars-
in London.

» Tommy. Sir, I am much obliged to you, indeed. But of what use
is it to know the Stars ?

Mr. Barlow. There are some, and those very important, uses to
be derived from an acquaintance with the Stars. Harry, do you
tell Master Merton the story of The Free Admission and the
Grateful Turk.

Harry was commencing the story when the curtain, being drawn
up, disclosed to them the First Scene of On the Jury.

Mr. Barlow. This would indeed be a very good piece, but for
faulty construction. Yet, for epigrammatic dialogue and dramatic
situations, it has not, at this present moment, its equal in town.
You have been silent, Tommy, for some time.

Tommy. Indeed, Sir, I never was more surprised or diverted ;
and as for one of your Stars, Miss Furtado,—Dear Heart! I protest
I could watch her every evening with the greatest delight.

Mr. Barlow, observing his pupil's excitement, laughed at Tommy
in his usual good-natured manner, and pointed out to him the
example of the poor Greenlanders as worthy of his imitation.

" What is that, Sir ? " inquired Tommy.

" They are brought up to so much moderation and self-command,"
said Mr. Barlow, "that they never give way to the sudden im-
pulses of passion so common among Europeans. And see, you have
split your new white kid gloves in applauding this young lady."
Then turning to Harry, he asked him if he had not been touched
by the acting of Mr. Webster in this piece.

Harry. Indeed, Sir, I pitied him from my heart. Mr. Tibbetts
was a hardly-used gentleman. And I think that no one could have
played more admirably than the gentleman who took the part of
Dexter Sanderson, Esq.

Mr. Barlow. You mean Mr. Phelps, and you are right. It is
indeed a fine piece of acting. There is so much breadth, and
yet such a thorough finish, in this performance, that it would be
worth the while of many of our younger actors (who flatter them-
selves on their consummate art, in consequence of having been
unduly praised for their few achievements) to come here and take
a lesson from Mr. Phelps.

Mr. Barlow added that it was a pity so excellent a piece should
be wellnigh spoiled by the introduction of a vulgar Sensation Scene,
and its construction marred by the awkward contrivance in the last
Act. He further complained that it should he thought necessary to
commence it at seven, and to supplement such an attraction, as this
ought to be, with a Pantomime.

Tommy and Harry were not, however, of his mind upon this
point, and insisted upon stopping to see the Clown. They were
somewhat disappointed with the Pantomime, but professed them-
selves prodigiously delighted with Mr. Lloyd's scenery.

On coming out, an obliging official handed to them their over-
coats, wrappers, and hats. Tommy's little heart was much affected
by this kindly attention; so, pulling out his purse, he poured
its contents (four bright new farthings and three peppermint
lozenges) into the honest fellow's hand, saying, " Here, my good
man, take this, and Heaven bless you ! " It is impossible to express
the surprise of the poor man at the sight. He stared wildly round
him, and would have fallen but for the tender support of his assist-
ant, who imagined that his companion had lost his senses. But the
man cried out, " 0, William, I am not mad! See what Providence
has sent us by the hands of this little angel! " Saying this, he held
up the money and the lozenges. But Tommy went up to them both,
and said, " My good friends, you are very welcome to this : I freely
give it to you. Spend the money soberly; and, for the lozenges,
give them to your children, if you have any, or suck them yourselves
in your leisure moments." Before the entranced officials, who were
totally unaccustomed to receive such benefactions, could dry their
tears, Tommy was out of sight, having followed Mr. Barlow and
Harry to the door. •

Mr. Barlow now took Master Tommy and Harry to Evans's
Supper Rooms, to enter which place they had to pay a shilling
apiece. This troubled their worthy preceptor, who, indeed, was
painfully struck, as he informed his young friends, by the altered
aspect of the interior. Mr. Barlow explained to them that in his
time the room was snug, cosy, and comfortable, and only one quarter
of its present size. That then there were neither carpet nor tavern-
like mirrors. "True," said Mr. Barlow, "that all that was
objectionable in the entertainment of former days has long ere this
disappeared, and now I see there is a gallery where the "opposite
sex,' in very private boxes, can, like fairy sprites, sit invisible, and
listen to mortal melody. In the old time," continued Mr. Bar-
low, " you were welcomed by the Proprietor as a personal friend,
who would call John to get the hot chop or kidneys for you at