The Project Gutenberg eBook, Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 93,
September 24, 1887, by Various, Edited by F. C. (Francis Cowley) Burnand
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Title: Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 93, September 24, 1887
Author: Various
Editor: F. C. (Francis Cowley) Burnand
Release Date: July 19, 2008 [eBook #26089]
Language: English
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VOL. 93, SEPTEMBER 24, 1887***
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PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI
VOL. 93
SEPTEMBER 24, 1887.
Illustration: RECORD OF THE SESSION--422.
AKERS-DOUGLAS }
COLONEL WALROND } Dead Heat.
BARON HENRY DE WORMS }
* * * * *
SALUBRITIES ABROAD.
_Royat Improved._--I have said Royat ought to be rebuilt. The Grand
Hotel is of a sort of Doll's House order of architecture, splendid
front, no depth to speak of, and built on so steep an ascent that it is
hoisted up at the back like a lady's skirt by a dress-improver. _Beau
site_ all the same, and magnificent view.
* * * * *
Last year the Hotel Continental formed part of a group of hotels--which
seemed to have been the result of some violent volcanic eruption, when
the mountain threw up several hotels, and left them there anyhow--is at
present separated from the Splendide and its other former companions by
an impromptu wall, and from all its front windows it commands varied,
beautiful, and, on the Clermont-Ferrand side, extensive views. It has a
pleasant garden, a most enjoyable terrace, and it only wants to be in
the hands of a firmly fixed and intelligent management to make it quite
the best hotel in Royat. "Personally recommended," that is, as managed
under the direction of M. HALL this year.
The service at the _Etablissement de Bains_ is about as good as it can
be. There are, however, no _bains de luxe_. A few of these would attract
those "whom" as the appeals to the charitable used to have it,
"Providence has blessed with affluence."
"La Compagnie Brocard," which manages Royat's bathing arrangements and
undertakes a portion of the mild yet (to my mind as a serious bather)
sufficient amusements, is not, unfortunately for the public, in accord
with M. SAMIE, the spirited Proprietor of an opposition Casino, where
there is a small theatre, in its way a perfect gem. Here all the "Stars"
of any magnitude make their appearance on visiting Royat. As a "Baigneur
de Royat" puts it, in a local journal, the Compagnie Brocard cannot
consider their stuffy little room ("_le petit étouffoir_") where
theatrical performances are given as a real theatre. It is a pity that
M. SAMIE and La Compagnie Brocard cannot, like the "birds in their
little nests," agree. But as to Theatres and spectacles, my rule at
Royat, or at any other Water-cure place, would be this:--
"_Any baigneur found out of his hotel or lodgings after 10.15, p.m.,
shall be arrested, conducted back to his hotel, his number taken, and
for the second offence he shall be fined. The fine to go to such objects
as the Direction shall determine._"
In short there should be introduced here the English University system
of Proctors and bull-dogs.
* * * * *
_Another Rule._--No theatrical entertainment should last more than two
hours with _entr'actes_ of seven minutes each. The ventilation of the
_salle de spectacle_ should be assured.
* * * * *
If a company wanted to play a piece in four Acts, they must stop here
two days; and, if they couldn't do that, then they must begin their
performance in the afternoon, have one _entr'acte_ of an hour and a half
to allow for dinner, and recommence at eight o'clock. I would discourage
all evening indoor entertainments. Music, coffee, _petits chevaux_, M.
GUIGNOL'S show, _ombres chinoises_, everything in fact that can be done
_al fresco_--(and why not good plays _al fresco_? After the Laboucherian
_Midsummer Night's Dream_, at Twickenham, which I am told was
perfection)--_cafés chantants_, and so forth, including the
"_consommation_ devoutly to be wished," and all the lights out by 9.30.
Lights in bedrooms to be extinguished same hour. This rule would mean,
Early to bed, and early to rise, and the "_baigneurs_" would receive
double the benefit they derive from these places, as now constituted.
Life in the open air should be the rule; plenty of exercise, riding and
walking, and regular hours for everything for three weeks. The
_baigneurs_ to choose their own hours, and be kept to them strictly.
* * * * *
But I have personally no sympathy with the _baigneurs_ who find such a
water-cure place as Royat dull. What do they want? If they cannot get on
without a sort of continuation of the London Season, let them stay away
altogether. Don't let them come and make night hideous with balls,
suppers, dances, and won't-go-home-till-morning parties.
* * * * *
The above are my suggestions for the improvement of Royat; and now I go
on to La Bourboule, and Mont Dore. By the way, the waters at these
places are all supplied, as I am credibly informed, from the same
source; but the waters flowing towards La Bourboule and Mont Dore
traverse certain _couches_ on their way, and come out arsenical. It is
strong drinking at La Bourboule and Mont Dore.
* * * * *
One Joanne Guide introduces you to another Joanne Guide, or a history,
you can't help yourself. The Joanne Guides are so united a family, that
as soon as any member of it establishes itself on a friendly footing
with you, your hand is always in your pocket while you are travelling on
that _Guide Joanne's_ account. An insidious tribe: and they make
themselves absolutely essential to the traveller's existence and
comfort.
* * * * *
Each _Guide Joanne_ tells you about his own country all that is
requisite for you to know, and just so much more as inspires you with a
thirst for further information. Say for example you see an old Château.
Let us say _Le Château de Jean_. You want to know everything about it.
Good. You inquire of the Guide Joanne which professes to show you all
over France, and which does it, mind you, in what would be an exhaustive
style if it was not written with such an evident eye to the bookselling
business. For example suppose you are looking for information about the
well-known ancient Château de Jean, here is a specimen of what Joanne
would say on the subject:--
"_Sur la rive g. (V. ci-dessous B.) restes d'un château, style ogival,
(mon. hist.,) bâti par le célèbre Jean Bienconnu-aux-enfants (V. mon.
hist, xe et xiie s.), beau portail, jolis détails d'architecture (mon.
hist.) et en particulier l'appartement dit de la Donzelle toute
désespéré (pour le visiter, s'addresser au gardien, pourboire), qui a
conservé une grande partie de sa décoration originale et de sa peinture
(mon. hist. xie). Le donjon renfermait une oubliette profonde nommée DU
RAT DÉVORANT, qui autrefois servait de grenier au malt (V. mon. hist.).
Ascension des Obélisques sur la terrasse (splendide panorama) et belles
promenades autour de la petite chapelle dite DU PRÊTRE CHAUVE. (V. vi.
L'ITINÉRAIRE DU PAYS-DE-BONNES, GUIDE DIAMANT.)_"
* * * * *
AN END OF THE SUMMER.
JUPITER PLUVIUS,
Sluicer, full-spout,
Downpour diluvious,
Pumped on the Drought.
Checked, aloud crying,
The voice of the Swain;
The rootcrops be dying,
From long lack of rain!
PLUVIUS poured away,
While the wind blew;
TONANS, he roared away,
Hullaballoo,
Kicking up, dweller
In quarters on high,
He, Cloud Compeller;
The Czar of the sky.
Clouds, in convulsion,
Or calm, he keeps under;
Rules, by compulsion:
The reason of thunder.
So did he lately
Compel them to rise,
Piled up in stately
Array on the skies.
Castles aërial,
Splendid when falls,
Sheen on etherial
Vapoury halls,
Battlements, bartizans,
Phantoms of towers,
Fenced round with partisans;
Cloud-cauliflowers.
Mountainous forms
In the realms of felicity,
By Jove, to move storms,
Fraught with force--electricity,
They serve to betoken
What mortals may tell;
The weather is broken:
Summer, farewell!
* * * * *
Light from Wind.
The _Times_ says that experiments are being made at Cap de la Hève, near
the mouth of the Seine, on the production of electricity for lighthouse
purposes by means of the force obtained by windmills. Light from wind!
_Could_ the notion be applied at St. Stephen's? The Session just over
has been mainly wind, so exceptionally "ill wind," that it has blown no
good to anybody, and most certainly has thrown no "light" on anything.
By all means let M. DE L'ANGLE-BEAUMANOIR be empowered to experiment on
the windbags of the House of Commons when they next meet.
* * * * *
QUITE ENGLISH.
(_New Version, as Sung by the Comte de Paris._)
Here I come in complete Constitutional coat
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know):
The type of true Monarchy based on the Vote.
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know.)
To have a legitimate King on the throne,
To make all the Country's best interests his own,
Great, grand, patriotic, but _not_ overgrown
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
_Chorus._
Oh, the things that you see and the things that you hear
Are English, you know; quite English, you know.
My mind, like my last Manifesto, 'tis clear,
Is English, quite English, you know!
Just now a great calm meets the national eyes
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
But imminent perils it cannot disguise
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
We have deserved well of Conservative France;
A Monarchy only her bliss can enhance;
And now of its nature I'll give you a glance
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
_Chorus._
The things will much please which you're going to hear
(They're English, you know; quite English, you know).
Legality banished must soon reappear
(That's English, quite English, you know).
What one Congress does can't another undo?
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know.)
The _Eternal_ Republic has gone all askew
(Not English, you know; not English you know).
'Twill presently get quite incurably queer,
And _then_ will the Monarchy promptly appear.
I fancy myself that the moment is near.
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know.)
_Chorus._
Mark the things which you see and the things which you hear
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
There's nothing that's solid or stable, I fear
(That's English, quite English, you know.)
Direct, universal, free suffrage, my friends,
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
Will vote--well for Me, and all trouble then ends
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
The King, with the Chamber's concurrence, will rule.
The Deputies then can no more play the fool,--
CLEMENCEAU, BOULANGER, and men of that school
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
_Chorus._
Heed the things which you see and the things you now hear
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
Economy, Order, and Justice _sans_ fear!
(They're English; quite English, you know!)
The Soldier and Citizen then will agree,
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know,)
The Press and the Priesthood alike will be free
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
Then will France to her ancient pre-eminence rise;
The German will watch her with reverent eyes;
All the Powers rush forward to be her allies
(_That's_ French, you know; _very_ French, you know).
_Chorus._
These things you shall see which you now only hear
(That's certain you know; quite certain, you know):
If only you'll let my new System appear.
(That's English; quite English, you know!)
Constitutional principles, these, my good friend!
(They're English, you know; quite English, you know)--
They Conservative needs and Equality blend,
(That's English, you know; quite English, you know).
_Do_ at my new Royal rig-out take a glance!
In this to the front I shall proudly advance,
As the true King of all, and first Servant of France,
(But English, you know; quite English, you know).
_Chorus._
The things which I say it is time you should hear
(They're English, you know; quite English, you know).
The principles these to make France without peer
(Though they're English; quite English, you know)!
* * * * *
Illustration: THE STATE OF THE GAME.
_Lady Customer._ "HOW MUCH ARE GROUSE TO-DAY, MR. JIBLETS?"
_Poulterer._ "TWELVE SHILLINGS A BRACE, MA'AM. SHALL I SEND THEM----"
_Lady Customer._ "NO, YOU NEED NOT SEND THEM. MY HUSBAND'S OUT
GROUSE-SHOOTING, AND HE'LL CALL FOR THEM AS HE COMES HOME!!"
* * * * *
Aphorism.
(_By a Snubbed Poet._)
"A Thing of Beauty is a joy for ever;"
Except a pretty girl, who thinks she's clever.
* * * * *
NOMENCLATURE.--Somebody calls the "Thunderer's" daily fulmination
against Mr. GLADSTONE an _ignis fatuus_, or foolish fire of Party
journalism. Would not "Whip poor Will" be a more suitable title?
* * * * *
MEM. FROM DERBYSHIRE.--The real "Lovers' Leap"--Marriage.
* * * * *
ALL IN PLAY.
MY DEAR MR. PUNCH,
I have seen _The Barrister_ at the Comedy, and want to see him again,
because he is a most amusing gentleman and figures in a case full of
good things. There are two authors--as there should be--a Leader and his
Junior. Mr. GEORGE MANVILLE FENN (a very excellent novelist) is the
"silk," and he has for his junior Mr. DARNLEY. This latter gentleman be
it understood, represents only the best kind of "stuff," for the play is
good throughout. It is in three Acts, and there is not a dull moment
from commencement to finish. I do not feel equal to describing the plot,
which is bustling and clever, nor to jotting down the jests which are
funny and novel, nor to criticising the acting, which is all that it
should be. My time was fully employed on the first night, in laughing,
an occupation shared by the entire audience. The play was never in
danger. There was not a weak spot. No, not even the space covered by Mr.
DARNLEY'S moustache. It may be said that an earnest Barrister should be
clean shaven, but the remark would only emanate from those who are
bachelors. The married advocate has not only to consider his Judge and
Jury, but also his wife, and nine times out of ten she combines in her
own person the judicial functions with the power of the executive. Where
all are good it seems invidious to particularise, but had I to call
witnesses for the defence, I think I should choose Miss SUSIE VAUGHAN,
and Messrs. MERVIN, CAFFREY AND PRINCE MILLER. Another great merit of
_The Barrister_ is that he is closely associated with the word "brief."
He makes his appearance every evening at nine and has retired for the
night before eleven. I fancy, that unlike many other "gentlemen of the
long robe," he will have plenty of work to do during the Long Vacation
and after.
* * * * *
Illustration: Winning a Verdict.
* * * * *
Illustration: A Witness for the Defence.
* * * * *
Mr. BEERBOHM TREE, who has become lessee of the Haymarket, has commenced
his management by producing a one-act romantic play, called _The Ballad
Monger_, a version (capitally adapted by the two WALTERS--POLLOCK and
BESANT) of M. THEODORE DE BANVILLE'S _GRINGOIRE_. I remember the same
piece was "done into English" some twenty years ago at a Gaiety
_matinée_, when the translator, Mr. ALFRED THOMPSON, appeared himself as
the principal character, with the probably unlooked-for result of
shelving the drama, so far as London was concerned, from that distant
date until last Thursday evening. However, the _motif_ of the play is
pretty well known. _Gringoire_, a revolutionary "Poet of the People,"
with the connivance of _Louis the Eleventh_ of France, is induced to
recite an anti-Royalist song in His Majesty's presence, and is then
promised his forfeited life by the same amiable sovereign if he can woo,
and win, a maiden who has never set eyes on him before, within a quarter
of an hour. In the scene at the Haymarket a table is discovered spread
with a meal (I could not quite make out from the text whether it was
intended to represent breakfast, dinner, supper, or tea), including some
wine, a few grapes, and a freshly-cooked goose redolent of savoury
perfumes. Mr. BEERBOHM TREE is the poet, and were his method of
performance only equal to his power of imagination, he would be very
good indeed. Unhappily his excellent ideas are not carried fully into
action, and consequently, after seeing him for forty minutes, or
thereabouts, sniffing at a property goose, staggering about the stage
with a wine-cup, and declaiming poetry of unequal merit to Miss MARION
TERRY, one feels that the piece could only have "a happy ending" were
_Gringoire_ to be carried away for immediate execution. It is a little
unfortunate, too, that the maiden to be wooed and won should be the
charming actress I have just mentioned. Miss MARION TERRY, in a "piece
of absurdity" called _Engaged_, made a great hit some years ago by
appearing as a young lady with a chronic appetite for food, that she was
for ever seeking to satisfy. Since then I have always looked upon her as
one craving for her meals. Consequently when I found her within easy
reach of a goose and in an atmosphere of herbs of a savoury character,
it seemed unnatural to me that she should deliberately turn her back
upon all these good things to listen to Mr. TREE'S poetically (but
lengthily) expressed views upon liberty. I could but wonder why her
choice had not fallen upon the goose on the table. Mr. BROOKFIELD as
_Louis the Eleventh_, incidentally suggests that that wily monarch was
guilty of a crime with which he has not hitherto been credited--a
proneness to give imitations of Mr. IRVING in the character of
_Mephistopheles_. For the rest, the piece itself is most interesting, is
capitally staged, and in the subordinate characters, fairly acted. In
the _Red Lamp_, which followed the _Ballad Monger_, Mrs. TREE appeared
as _Princess Claudia_, the part originally played, and excellently
played, by Lady MONCKTON. Although probably accustomed to _rôles_ of a
lighter kind, she was fairly equal to the occasion. As for her husband,
as _Demetrius_, he was simply admirable and inimitable.
* * * * *
Illustration: Beerbohm Tree-son.
* * * * *
Illustration: A Shooting Party in September.
* * * * *
At the Olympic Mr. WILLARD has made his mark as the _Pointsman_. Since
this clever actor first attracted attention by his wonderfully striking
assumption of a "gentleman-burglar," in one of the earlier successes of
Mr. WILSON BARRETT at the Princess's, he has never had so good a chance
of showing what he can do in the polished-scoundrelly line. He is the
most accomplished murderer on the modern stage, and really, if one were
forced to die a violent death, Mr. WILLARD seems to be the individual
one would naturally select to perform the necessary, but unpleasant,
operation. It does not in the least matter to an Olympic audience how
he comes to be the proprietor of a low Thames-side tavern when he seems
better qualified to lead a _cotillon_ in quite a fashionable West-End
Square. All that is required of him by the Pit and Gallery, ay, and the
Private Boxes and Stalls--is to do his little assassinations and kindred
villanies in an educated and refined manner that can be appreciated by
those who have benefited either from the good offices of the School
Board or the careful tuition of the leading Universities. Mr. WILLARD is
so good that no one pays particular attention to the efforts to please
of his fellow-actors and actresses. The scenery of the _Pointsman_ is
sufficiently ingenious to satisfy the cravings for sensation of a
typical British audience. The Railway collision worked as a sort of
transformation scene,--the interior of a signal-box changes into the
site of a fatal accident--creates much enthusiasm, but the winsome if
vindictive WILLARD still remains the centre of attraction. In the last
Act a good deal of gunpowder is burned advantageously to the
simplification of the issue. It is scarcely necessary to say that, when
the Curtain falls, what remains of Virtue is triumphant, and all that is
left of Vice is on the road to justly merited punishment. _The
Pointsman_ is likely to remain on the line of the Olympic bills for many
a week to come. I should not be surprised to find him still there at
Christmas.
Exhausted with the labour of looking in at all the principal London
Theatres,
I have the honour to remain, my dear _Mr. Punch_,
ONE WHO HAS GONE TO PIECES.
* * * * *
A BARR DRINK.
Hooray for the _Thistle!_ Scotch yacht without peer;
May she win in her race with the smart _Volunteer_.
_Punch_ hopes, Captain BARR, that no "slip" may turn up
'Twixt your lip and the yearned-for American Cup.
On both sides the Border we wish you success,
And we trust of the race you'll not make a BARR mess.
Your health in a cocktail, although you're afar,
And we can't call you--yet--an American BARR!
* * * * *
Illustration: INDEPENDENCE.
"I'M AFRAID YOU'VE FALLEN DOWN AND HURT YOURSELF, MY LITTLE MAN!"
"WELL, AND IF I 'AVE, IT AIN'T NONE O' YOUR BUSINESS!"
* * * * *
A REGULAR CELL.
SIR,--I am writing in the name of all the righteously indignant sons of
Erin, to protest against the base shameless and infamous treatment
accorded to that glorious champion and apostle of National freedom, the
hero, WILLIAM O'BRIEN, by the despicable set of traitors, who, under
cover of the title of "Her Majesty's Government," are trampling, at
Westminster, the liberties of my beloved country in the mud and
preparing to fling her sons by thousands into the depths of the foul and
filthy dungeons already marked out for their reception. It is reported
that this, the first victim of their malignant spleen and hatred, is to
be subjected to the gross indignity of receiving the ordinary treatment
of a common criminal, and be subjected to the usual regulations of gaol
discipline. Now, Sir, in the name of all that is enlightened and
progressive, I ask, if, at the close of the nineteenth century, such
outrage is to be committed? Surely in answer to my appeal the generous
people of England will rise in their might and with one voice compel the
myrmidons appointed to carry out the malignant and iniquitous behests of
the Castle to provide the noble spirit that they had intended to torture
with chains and darkness with a comfortable and roomy four-post
bedstead, cheerful apartments, a champagne dinner with not less than
seven courses, daily carriage exercise, the use of a piano and
billiard-table if required, and an introduction to the best society of
the neighbourhood, including the Bishop, the Mayor and other notables.
Thus, and thus only, should Irish martyrs be allowed to suffer for
Ireland's wrongs, and in this way alone will the Irish people in their
thousands consent even to the momentary incarceration of the heralds of
that mighty struggle with a tyrannic despotism that they are heroically
maintaining, backed by the hearty and enthusiastic support of an
onlooking and applauding Universe, against the blind and blustering
bullying of a blood-thirsty Government. If I write with moderation and
temperately it is because I feel confidently that the trivial
relaxations I propose must, if not at once conceded by, be forthwith
instantly wrung from the thieves and scoundrels who at the present
moment are responsible for the Executive of my patient and law-abiding
country. Relying on the generous impulse of all those who would not wish
to see the patriot deprived of his home comforts, I beg, Sir, with much
self-restraint, to subscribe myself,
Your calm and dispassionate Correspondent,
EMANCIPATOR HIBERNICUS.
SIR,--What's all this fuss about pushing this fellow O'BRIEN into a
cell, nine feet by six? By all means push him in, or into one six feet
by six, for anything I care. If he can't breathe the fresh air he wants
inside, what of that? Serve him right. He has been egging on the dupes
and fools who have listened to him to commit acts that, if the Executive
were a trifle stronger, would soon crowd every gaol in the country to
the roof, and now he has got a taste of the same medicine himself. I
hope he likes it. As to his talking of "suffering in his health," who, I
should like to know, supposes he goes to prison to improve it. Again, I
say, "Serve him right!" and if he is let out some eighteen months hence
well broken down, perhaps the experience will teach him to hold his
tongue in future, and not go posturing on a platform with his political
claptrap, for the purpose of interfering with the vested interests and
inalienable rights of
Yours, rabidly,
AN IRISH TORY LANDLORD.
SIR,--That political prisoners should not be regarded precisely in the
same light as common criminals, public opinion, by a very generally
accepted consent, readily admits. Yet Mr. W. O'BRIEN can hardly expect
to find residence in a Government gaol in all respects as comfortable as
that supplied to him in his own chambers. Still he may probably
reasonably expect no harsh, certainly no vindictive treatment, at the
hands of the Authorities, but merely that constraint and subjection to
ordinary discipline which his detention necessarily involves. As, after
the issue of the warrant for his arrest, he was allowed virtually to
choose his own time for its service, ride on an open car with a Mayor,
preceded by a brass band, playing a solemn march, take up his residence
at an hotel, and subsequently address a crowd from the balcony, the
Executive cannot be said to have been very hard on him, at least in
their preliminary treatment, and probably they will follow it up
somewhat in the same lines, and, without making his incarceration a
farce, allow it to be softened with such relaxations that, while not
incompatible with the surrender of his liberty, may yet be found
consistent with a due regard to the requirements of his health, and the
circumstances which have led to his rather injudiciously placing it in
jeopardy. Such, at least, Sir, is the view of the situation taken by
Your devoted and constant Correspondent,
COMMON SENSE.
* * * * *
Illustration: SEA-SIDE WEATHER STUDIES. "THE SEVENTH WAVE."
* * * * *
WHAT WAS IT?
I had been reading a lot of "Letters to the _Times_." That may account
for any little confusion in the details of the subsequent events.
My interlocutor was tall and thin, and looming up lanky against a dusky
sky, reminded me equally of an attenuated M.P., a phantom
telegraph-pole, and PETER SCHLEMIL, the Shadowless Man.
"TYNDALL is quite right," murmured he.
"Glad to hear it," said I, earnestly. "I had been thinking lately that
the distinguished _savant_ was going decidedly wrong."
"Ah! he understands _me!_" sighed the Spectre.
It was more than _I_ did; and I said so.
"Who and what are you, anyhow?" I inquired.
The lines of Long-thin-and-hungry seemed to shift and reshape.
"Ah!" came his voice, the same yet not the same, "elevation does not
always give coolness, and one may be torrid and tempestuous even among
the Alps."
Somehow this statement, though a truism, did not seem to fit on to
previous remarks.
"I was once said to be 'Up in a balloon,'" continued Proteus (now
looking rather like the Ancient Mariner,) "long and lean and brown, but
letters written to the _Times_ even from the utmost height lately
attained by the French Aëronauts--to say nothing of the top of the
tallest Lightning Conductor--would, I fear, be hot and ill-balanced.
Look at Mr. H. O. ARNOLD-FOSTER!"
"Perhaps--in a sense--we _are_ Lightning Conductors, you know," pursued
my companion.
"As how?" I asked vaguely.
"Well we attract, and carry off harmlessly--it doesn't hurt us you
see--the accumulated political electricity, which otherwise might rend
and rive the State about which these Angry Amateurs are so passionately
anxious."
I felt more mystified than ever.
"TYNDALL, GRIMTHORPE, and SYMONS, F.R.S., are entirely right," continued
old Length-without-breadth; "A Lightning Conductor which does not
conduct lightning, like a Leader who cannot lead, or a Follower who will
not follow, is worse than a nullity, it is a nuisance and a danger."
"Quite so," I rejoined, grasping eagerly at something which seemed
definite and comparatively relevant.
"Lightning Conductors are, in their way, as essential as Law and Order.
But as TYNDALL says, in one case, and as I should say in the latter, all
depends upon quality, efficiency, accurate adaptation to ends. Would you
say, Oh! never mind about their quality or fitness, the first duty of
the Executive is to maintain its Lightning Conductors?"
I replied that it really had not occurred to me to make any such
statement, but I dared say I should.
"The _Times_ said of the 'Report of the Lightning Rod Conference,' 'The
book is one of the highest practical value, and all who are responsible
for the preservation of public buildings should endeavour to render
themselves familiar with the contents.' How true! That's my find old
temperate 'Thunderer.'"
"Who are you who are so down upon TYNDALL?" I asked.
"_I_ down on the learned Professor?" retorted my companion, shifting,
dislimning, and elongating singularly. "On the contrary, I am grateful
to him for being 'down upon' the incompetent architects and careless
surveyors who would make of me a pitiful sham. Only" (here another
phantasmagorical shift) "when he angrily declares a certain prominent
political personage, who shall be nameless, to be also 'a pitiful sham,'
why, then I think, like so many other and unscientific 'writers to the
papers,' he needs the Conductor of cool Common Sense to divert, carry
off, and disperse his too furious fulminations."
"Then _you_ are only a Lightning Conductor, after all?" I queried, with
some sense of being disappointed, not to say "sold."
"_Only!_" retorted my spectral and shifting visitant, again shifting
spectrally. "Why, I'm thinking of writing, for the _Nineteenth Century_,
an article on 'Political Lightning Conductors,' which, I rather flatter
myself, will comprehend everything, convince everybody, and conciliate
even Professor TYNDALL. If you like I will read, from the
advance-sheets, a few passages which----"
But here I roused myself to determined resistance, and--awoke.
* * * * *
On the Wing.
In getting fair hold of the Coburg, Prince FERDINAND,
Bulgaria palpably thought she'd a "bird in hand,"
But the Prince and the Bulgars, when put to the push,
Will probably wish the "bird" back in the bush.
* * * * *
Illustration: "OVERLOOKED!"
FIELD-MARSHAL PUNCH (_to H.R.H._). "REALLY, YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS, IN THE
PRESENT STATE OF OUR DEFENCES, _IS_ SIR EDWARD HAMLEY QUITE THE SORT OF
MAN TO BE _SHELVED?_"
[Sir EDWARD HAMLEY served in the Eastern Campaign of 1854-55, including
the affairs of Bulganac and McKenzie's Farm, the Battles of the Alma
(horse shot), Balaklava, and Inkerman (horse killed), the Siege and Fall
of Sebastopol, and repulse of the Sortie on the 26th October, 1854
(mentioned in Despatches, Medal with four clasps, Brevets of Major and
Lt.-Colonel, Knight of the Legion of Honor, Sardinian and Turkish
Medals, and 2nd Class of the Medjidie and C.B.). Sir _Edward Hamley_ is
the Author of _The Operations of War_, a work that may confidently be
characterised as one of the most valuable modern Military books
extant--"There exists nothing to compare with it in the English language
for enlightened, scientific, and sober teaching in the general art of
war"--_vide_ the _Times_ of 1st November, 1869. Served in the Egyptian
War of 1882, in command of the 2nd Division, and was present at the
Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, where he led the Division (received the thanks
of both Houses of Parliament, twice mentioned in Despatches, K.C.B.,
Medal with clasp, 2nd Class of the Osmanieh, and Khedive's
Star).--_Hart's Army List, July_ 1, 1887.]
* * * * *
MR. PUNCH'S MANUAL FOR YOUNG RECITERS.
The young Reciter is seldom happy in his delivery of blank verse. To
which the unsympathetic may retort, that he does not deserve to be. _Mr.
Punch_, however, recommends his pupils to treat such sneers with the
contempt they merit, and to study the little dramatic exercise which has
just been thrown off by a Blank Verse Bard who is kept on the premises.
It can be announced on programmes as
VENGEANCE FOREGONE!
(_You should have an ordinary wooden elbow-chair and a print
wrapper within easy reach. Come on crouching, with
an air of tigerish anticipation._)
'Tis he! Can I mistake the clustered curls
Upon his hated hyacinthine head?
Have they not wiled from me the fickle heart
Of perjured BANDOLINA! There, he stands
Before my window, where a winsome form,
Rotating slow with measured self-display,
Has caught his errant eye. Now, demi-siren,
[_Hands extended in passionate invocation._
Make languorous those lustrous crystal orbs!
Wreathe, waxen arms, and lure him in, to me!
So--once again!--he falters--he is Mine!
[_Savage exultation, with eyebrows._
Let me be calm.
(_Self-restraint, indicated by violent heaving of
shirt-front._)
Good morning, Sir, to you.
I pray you--
(_With a forced sickly smile_)
--step within, and seat yourself.
I will attend you in a moment.
(_Hold open imaginary door; then resume soliloquy
in fierce undertone._)
... Trapped!
He knows me not.
(_With dark suspicion, which is easily conveyed by half
closing eyes and pressing knuckle of bent forefinger
against lower lip._)
Unless I be deceived,
No hazard freak of hooded Fortune's urn,
[_A nasty line for the "h"-less._
But BANDOLINA'S dainty insolence
Decreed this visit ... Ha! my victim calls!
I come anon. Sir
(_fawningly, with a side-glance of withering hate at your
chair._)
Patience, peevish worm!
Are you in such a hurry, then, to writhe?
[_Fierce aside._ (_Here you draw the chair forward, and,
placing yourself behind it, speak the following lines with easy
fluency, accompanied by such pantomime as may suggest itself
to you._)
I crave your pardon for my tardiness,--
Allow me to dispose these lendings--thus:
[_Here you shake out the wrapper._
This band above the elbows--tighter--so.
I do assure you, Sir, this is no gag--
'Tis but a poor contrivance of mine own
To guard the mouth against th' encroaching sud.
Refreshing, Sir, indeed, this change of weather!
But one more knot.... and now
(_here you stride to a position in front of the chair, which
you survey with folded arms, and a mocking smile_)
--my feigning's done!
Writhe as you will, I have you at my mercy.
BALDWIN MCASSIR, have we met at last?
[_In a terrible voice._
You know me not?--then quail, for I am he
By you bereft of BANDOLINA'S love!
Fear not that I would stoop to seek your life--
My vengeance shall be sated on your hair,
And that is doomed to perish past recall!
Cast up your eyes to yonder whirling wheel:
[_Point to ceiling with air of command._
Then on this brush--'tis set with bristling wires
(Some frivoller termed it my _Cheveux de Frizz_),
Which, with revolving teeth, shall shortly rake
Those curls by BANDOLINA oft caressed,
[_With a cold sneer._
You like the prospect? I have fluids here--
"Elixirs to evolve the latent hair,"
With others, christened (in some franker mood)
"Depilatory Agents,"--scarce less potent:
Upon your helpless head I'll pour them _all_!
(_Arm raised--savage and threatening aspect._)
Nay, smile not thus defiance through your gag--
I swear to lay that haughty crest so low,
That never shall it soar in pride again!
Enough of words--to action!... Still that smile--
So bitter, yet so calm--it maddens me,
I'll stay my hand no longer!--
(_violent plunge with right arm--after which you recoil and
seem to gaze aghast at some object you are holding_)
--juggling fiend!
Was _this_ the secret of your dauntless port?
And could my practised eye be so deceived?
(_In a tone of lofty and dignified resignation._)
Yet, seeing I am thus forestalled by Fate,
I do renounce my purpose--since I must:
Take back your wig, MCASSIR, go in peace.
[_Bitter scorn._
Stay--while, in token that my heart is changed,
I coax it into comeliness anew.
Permit me to unloose you--you are free,
And owe me but a trifle--eighteenpence,
[_Mournfully._
Pay at the counter as you pass without.
(_Here you are supposed to watch your rival's exit with a gloomy
scowl._)
Thus ends my vengeance as some idle dream,
Yet no--'tis but deferred, with interest!
(_You conclude with a bitter apostrophe to your intended
victim._)
Back to your BANDOLINA, plumaged daw!
Be bald, but resolute, in your disguise,
Till haply on her honeymoon she learns
How you have drawn her with that single hair,
And I may be avenged! Till then, adieu!
(_Stalk gloomily off, and allow somebody else to remove
the chair._)
* * * * *
ON THE STUMP, IN TWO SENSES.--So the Parliamentary Session _and_ the
Cricket Season are over at last, and contemporaneously. The latter has
been productive of long scores and high averages, the former of little
but long speeches and low language. And now _two_ teams of British
Cricketers are outward bound by the _Iberia_, for a holiday campaign in
Australia. Nobody knows exactly how many teams of slogging politicians
are also going for _their_ holiday campaign--"on the stump," all over
the Kingdom. _Mr. Punch_ wishes the two lots of willow-wielders, led
respectively by Mr. VERNON and ARTHUR SHREWSBURY, a far merrier time and
much better "scores" than he fears will fall to the lot of the
peripatetic Parliamentarians.
* * * * *
THE HOME RULE CURE.--Mrs. M. understands that the only remedy possible
for Irish complaints is Antimony.
* * * * *
GREAT NEWS FOR THE IMPECUNIOUS.
I have just received intelligence of so astounding a character and
fraught with such glorious results to the great majority of mankind,
that, although I may be said to have partly promised to keep the
wondrous secret to myself until after I had turned the information to my
own enormous advantage, I do not hesitate to reveal to a delighted
universe, information which, if true, will so revolutionise the whole
constitution of society, that every individual member of the almost
innumerable class of the indebted, will feel at once enfranchised from
the demon that now pursues him with his insatiable demand for more, and
his poor oppressed soul will, as of old, sing with joy. What then is
this glorious discovery that is thus wondrously to relieve the gentlemen
of society from the base bondage of debt? I am naturally forbidden to
reveal all its minute details, but a general outline I feel justified in
laying before the world.
My informant, then, who will be one of the very first to take advantage
of the discovery directly it has reached a practical stage, assures me
that in an island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, named I rather think
Ungyway, a discovery has been made of a Gold Mine of so extraordinary a
character that the precious metal lies in it in huge seams like those of
a copper or lead mine.
Now comes the financial part of this great discovery. My friend has
calculated that the money, owing by the various respectable classes of
society to whom I have already alluded, and the great National Debt,
could all be paid off for, say, a sum of 2000 millions. This somewhat
considerable amount could be raised from the Ungyway Gold Mine at a cost
of two millions of money only, and leave a large profit. The quantity of
gold to be so raised would be a mere trifle of 20,000 tons, which, at
the fixed price of £3 17_s._ 10_d._ per ounce, at which price the Bank
of England is compelled to purchase any quantity offered to it, would be
amply sufficient for all the glorious purposes to which I have referred.
The members of the class above alluded to, would be permitted to
purchase the quantity required by them to free them from their cruel
liabilities, at the cost price of the gold, so that a debt of £1,000
could be extinguished by, say, an expenditure of twenty shillings! and
the crushing National Debt by an immediate payment of about £750,000!
Away fly at once the iniquitous Income-Tax, and the duties on tea and
coffee, and wine and beer, and figs, and almonds and raisins!
No wonder that both France and Germany have been sending out expeditions
to discover this Fortunate Island, but all in vain; and long before
these lines meet the gaze of my astonished readers, the flag that has
braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze will be fluttering
bravely on the topmost towers of Ungyway. I need scarcely add that we
shall in future pay for all our imports in gold, and send away our
superabundant pauper population, native and foreign, each with about one
hundred golden sovereigns in his capacious pockets, the cost price of
which being about two shillings.
Of course the one thing to do before the great scheme is finally settled
by Messrs. ROTHSCHILD and BARING, will be to get largely into debt at
the present price of gold, and pay it off at the price of the future,
and so, as ROBINSON says, spoil the Israelites; and so great is his
faith in the success of the scheme, that he actually offers to join me
in the transaction, and to obtain the money on our joint security. I am
to give him my final answer on Saturday.
JOSEPH GREENHORN.
* * * * *
THE BOY AND THE BEAR.
_A Ballad of Bulgaria._
It was the little Bulgar boy, and oh! it was the Bear,
Whose affectionate relations were remarkable as rare;
For the Bulgar boy of Bruin was the glory and the joy,
And if anyone loved Bruin, 'twas that little Bulgar boy.
It was very very touching, for your Bear, however good,
Has seldom any liking for your boy--except as food;
And your boy--or man--from feelings that humanity _may_ blame,
Has commonly no yearning for your Bear--unless as game.
But this Bear--on his own showing--was a Bear of simple worth,
He was not a western "Grizzly," but a Bruin from the North,
Which we know is "true and tender," or at least so poets swear,
And these Northern traits--who doubts it?--are conspicuous in the Bear.
Had he not that boy befriended in the kindest sort of style,
In a fashion full of valour, as 'twas destitute of guile,
When a Bubblyjock gigantic from the Bosphorus who hailed,
Had assaulted that small Bulgar boy, and--thanks to Bruin--failed?
And all that Bear expected in return for what he'd done,
(And who of such a sentiment will venture to make fun?)
Was the gratitude, and confidence, and love, and--well subjection,
Of the boy whom he had taken 'neath his
paws--I mean protection.
But alas for human nature, which is radically bad!
(And conservatively sinful) this same little Bulgar lad,
When he found himself in safety from that Stamboul Bubblyjock,
Took and acted in a manner that humanity must shock,
For says he, "Oh, thank you, Bruin dear,--and now I'll go and play,
And I'll just select the game myself, and work it my own way.
You were quite disinterested, for you said so your own self,
And I'm sure you don't want power, and of course you can't seek pelf,
At your little friend's expense, Bear. No, I thank you very much,
You have made a free boy of me--and I mean to act as such."
So he ups and makes selection, this ungratefullest of boys,
Of his soldiers, and his swords and guns, and crowns, and other toys;
And when Bruin put his paw down in expostulation vain,
The Bulgar boy suggested he should--take it up again.
You may easily imagine gentle Bruin's sore disgust,
At this sad reciprocation of his fondness and his trust.
Says he, "This little rascal is just rushing on his ruin,
For his only place of safety is the guardian arms of Bruin."
And sundry other animals, and birds, and things, agreed with him,
And cried, "The boy is mad, Bear; we must preach to him, and plead
with him.
Ay, even if 'tis needful, though against our natures mild,
We must--well, we mustn't spare the rod, and spoil the--Bulgar--child."
There were several Eagles thought this way; the Lion didn't quite,
But he had a sort of feeling that this fight was not _his_ fight;
And the Bubblyjock at Stamboul was found acting with the Bear,
From rather mingled motives, which that fowl did not declare.
Well, the Bulgar boy persisting still in making his own game,
The Bear assumes a sternness it is difficult to blame,
From the Bruin point of view, at least, for strength must be put forth
Now and then, e'en by a (so-called) Divine Figure from the North.
And so Bruin rears his carcase, and his sanctimonious "mug,"
Takes a menacing expression, "Come," he cries, "into my hug,
And be happy, naughty Bulgar boy; what _can_ you have to fear?"
And the rest of the Menagerie of Europe say, "Hear! hear!"
But like another "little boy," of whom you may have heard,
With a cabalistic action as discourteous as absurd,
(The Bulgar boy maintains it means no more than prudent doubt)
He "puts his thumb unto his nose, and spreads his fingers out."
Now whether Bear will bear it, after all his love and care,
Or whether that small Bulgar boy will cave in to the Bear,
And how those Birds, the Eagles and the Bubblyjock, will turn,
Are questions none can answer now; but he who lives will learn.
* * * * *
Illustration: COSTUMES FOR THE RECESS.
* * * * *
(NOT SO) BAD HOMBURG.
TRAVEL NOTES, FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.
_Homburg, Monday._--GEORGE TREVELYAN once told me that his eminent
Uncle, having gone all abroad to Dieppe, wrote to his sister, describing
voyage from Dover by five groans. Our journey from Dover to Calais might
be described by five smiles. Sea not absolutely calm; but dancing waves,
curling in sunlight, nothing to _Victoria_--not our Gracious Sovereign,
but Queen of L. C. & D.'s fleet. Made passage smoothly and swiftly in
little over hour. Railway journey hither, by Brussels and Coblenz,
pretty fair for _le Continong_, but not a patch on the L. C. D. Express
from Victoria Station to Dover. They manage some things better abroad;
certainly not express trains or express boats.
Arrived here to find it raining in torrents. Everybody said it hadn't
rained for two months before. Glad to hear this, but didn't keep us dry.
Rain only just commenced; all the shops and doorways thronged with
people, in full summer costume; not an umbrella among twenty; forgotten
what rain was like; now forcibly reminded of its peculiarities. With
intermission of one full day, and occasional hours, been raining ever
since. If it must rain, Homburg as good a place to be in as most public
haunts; lies within narrow compass; soil rapidly absorbent; if it rains
in torrents at ten o'clock, and sun afterwards comes out, roadways dry
by noon. Then there is the Kurhaus always open; palatial building, not
to be outdone in size and beauty by Casino at Monte Carlo; but sound of
roulette tablets silent. The "game is made" for ever; _on ne va plus_.
Sometimes, on wet afternoons, there is found in the lofty, and otherwise
cool room, one or two elderly gentlemen, who play doleful game of
_écarté_, poor shivering ghosts of departed gamesters. Gambling played
out, but there remain the magnificent halls. The Ball-room still used,
the music on the Terrace still listened to, the banqueting-hall still
crowded, and the gardens still glowing with roses, and shaded by
lindens. Only disappointed gamesters who call the place Bad Homburgs;
even with the rain, it is not so bad after all.
By the way, talking of nature of soil, a dog I met here drawing
milk-cart, told me curious story. Homburg resorted to by invalids of
both sexes and all conditions; take the waters inside and out; but my
friend told me of another cure not less remarkable. Soil of Homburg
composed of Fuller's-earth, warranted to absorb superfluous grease from
cloth substances. Obese Englishman hearing this on arrival, asked why
this quality should be confined to application to cloth? if
Fuller's-earth took superfluous fat from piece of cloth, why not from
body of stout Englishman? Decided to solve question; dug hole in
back-garden; lay in it for twenty minutes with loose soil shovelled over
him up to chin; repeated bath on alternate days for three weeks; end of
first week hole too roomy; end of second week had to be further filled
in; end of third week his clothes no use to him; had to lie in bed for
three days whilst re-fitted. Went home quite a slim person.
Prince of WALES still here when I arrived. Been the lifes and souls of
the party for nearly three weeks. "You here, TOBY?" says he, when we met
on first morning; "is House up, then?" "Not yet, Sir; but _I_'ve been
all night. Doctor ordered me to be here at seven in morning; this an
immaterial extension to us who have been sitting up at Westminster every
night of week till three or four in morning. So had all-night sitting,
and here I am punctually at seven o'clock."
Don't see how I'm going to keep it up though, through three weeks; must
find some other way of getting up at half-past six. Can't imagine how
H.R.H. does it; but here he is every morning at seven o'clock, taking
his glasses of water with the rest of the "patients," and going the
regulation walk in the intervals. For an invalid, looks uncommonly
robust; does his final four miles well within the hour.
_Saturday._--Rain again, but really so occupied with cure that haven't
time to notice it, and certainly can't let it interfere with Doctor's
orders. No more all-night sittings now. End of third went off to sleep
at noon after bath. Didn't wake till six next morning, just in time to
dress and down to Elizabeth Well with the rest. Found this much better
arrangement. So now go to bed about nine in the afternoon; get up at
6.30 in dead of night. Arrived at Well, take glass of water, then march
up and down for fifteen minutes by Homburg clock. Another glass and
another fifteen minutes; a third glass, and hour's walk; after which
allowed to totter home, and breakfast. Amount of things you are not to
eat and drink amazing; some of them never tasted in my life; now
strongly tempted. But hotels under sceptre of Doctor DEETZ. He watches
unseen over _table d'hôte_, and prevents most nice things from coming to
dinner.
After breakfast (bread, tea, or coffee, no butter, much less mild
breakfast bacon), bath on alternate days, between eleven and noon.
Something like a bath; on first investigation, seems bottomless; but
plummet reaches conclusion at last. Here sit up to the chin for twenty
minutes, shivering at thought of what would happen supposing bath sprang
a leak. Luncheon at one, strictly supervised; between three and five,
more tumblers of water at another Well, with more vigorous walks round
and round, as if you were looking for the Post Office, couldn't find it,
and began to feel certain you would miss the next despatch. Dinner at
six, with the shadow of the good Doctor DEETZ pervading the place, and
ordering off all the toothsome dishes. Afterwards a stroll in the
Kurhaus, where the band is playing, and men, maids, and matrons, not all
quite so young as they were, chatter and flirt.
Such is our life in Homburg, enlivened, about a fortnight ago, by great
scandal, which wild horses shall not drag from me. But ask any lady
fresh from Homburg. Will, at first, say, "No, she really can't; too
painful," and so on. But _après, le déluge_ of confidence.
* * * * *
SOME NOTES AT STARMOUTH.
In Professor SKITTLES' chair--with the sun in my eyes. He has not begun
to read my character yet; he is still measuring--with tape this time. I
must say he takes great pains. Blazer contingent has moved up closer;
they pretend to recognise me as "Cousin BILL." Take no notice of
them--try to fix my thoughts far away--on ETHEL DERING. How pretty she
looked that night! Wonder, if I had plucked up my courage and spoken,
whether she might not have----However, I didn't, and she couldn't. How
full is life of these missed opportunities! ("You're leaving out his
nose, Guv'nor!" from a Blazer, and giggles from idiotic girls in front.)
I feel very forlorn and friendless up here. Professor has finished
measuring, and is preparing to "delineate" me.
Cross my legs, and compose myself to listen seriously. ("Cheer up, Sir;
he'll tell you when he's going to 'urt you!" _yelps a beast in the
background_.)
"Here we 'ave a gentleman," says the Professor, passing his hand along
the top of my head, "in some respects rather a contrast to our last
subject." (_I should hope so, indeed!_) "This gentleman's 'ed is the
second largest we have had under examination to-day." ("'Ear-'ear!"
_from the Blazers, and a meaningless suggestion that I should_ "make a
good 'atter!") "His Mental Brain is scarcely so large as we might
expect; in fact, if the development of the lower brain were in
proportion, we should find the gentleman--well, I _was_ going to say, an
idiot. Fortunately the brain, though not tall, is wide. He has Firmness,
Energy, and what we call Driving Power, very large. This is a very
curious gentleman"--("Oughter be stuffed!" _puts in a ruffian, and
everybody laughs--even the Professor--confound him!--smiles
indulgently_.) "He likes to go everywhere, and see everything. He can
sit down to a good dinner, and enjoy it." (_Shouldn't have thought that
a rare characteristic--but it delights the audience._) "His Self-Esteem
is large." (_There he is quite wrong--I haven't nearly_ enough!)
"Acquisitiveness also large; this gentleman believes in getting the full
value for his money." (_Don't believe I shall get it here, at all
events!_) "He is very cheerful and social." ("Don't he _look_ it, too!"
_from a Blazer, and, of course, roars of laughter._) "In fact, if he
were a little _less_ social, it would be better." (_This to me--who have
come down here for absolute seclusion. This Professor is a fool!_) "He
will be fond of his children and of his wife." ("And can't she comb his
'air for him!" _from the usual quarter_. _I am a bachelor, and this sort
of thing is getting scandalous._) Professor says, "I must appeal to this
gentleman's friends"--(_this gentleman's "friends!"_)--"to keep a little
more quiet while we are delineating. There is very small Eventuality--we
should like to see a little more Eventuality--he must try to cultivate
his Eventuality." (_Indeed? Perhaps he will kindly tell me how I am to
set about it!_) "Approbativeness large; so we shall see him very anxious
to gain the good opinion of others." (_When I don't care a straw what
people say of me! Phrenology is bosh--absolute bosh!_) "Destructiveness
small; this is not a gentleman who will do very much damage." (_Sighs of
mock relief from Blazers._) "Nor is he, we should find, particularly
combative." ... ("You 'aven't seen 'im of a Saturday night," _interrupts
some vulgar brute_.) Psha!--I won't listen; regard the audience with
calm reproach. What a face that is on the second bench! what a pair of
brown eyes!--kind of eyes _Juliet_ must have had. ETHEL'S are light
grey--what a serious, simple expression! She is not giggling, like all
those fools--I could almost fancy she feels for me. How superior she
seems to all the rest. ETHEL DERING herself could not look more
exquisitely out of place. In fact, I am not sure that ETHEL would keep
her countenance so well as this girl, who is bending forward with parted
lips, and that sweet, interested light in her eyes.... I am getting
sentimental. Was _Romeo_ ever "delineated"? Professor is summing me
up--I may as well listen.
* * * * *
Illustration: July yet.
* * * * *
Illustration: Row me O!
* * * * *
Illustration: "Parting is such sweet sorrow." _Shakspeare._
* * * * *
Illustration: "Here's for thy panes." _Shakspeare._
* * * * *
"This is a gentleman of excellent business ability, and I should say he
would be perfectly capable of managing a tolerably large business
concern." ("Then how was it he got the sack from the 'am-and-beef shop?"
_inquired one of the pests_.) "He is pushing and energetic, and he would
get on well--even in a 'olesale business." (_He is growing absolutely
fulsome!_) "If in business for himself, we shall not find him in a hurry
to shut up his shop exactly at the hour of closing, if he thinks he
could make more by keeping open a little longer." (_Considering that I
am in Government employ, with a decided leaning to literary pursuits,
which has not, as yet, met with much support--this is rather too much,
but it would be snobbish, perhaps, to say anything._) "I may add,"
concludes the Professor, with the air of a man who is conceding
somewhat, "that this gentleman would be qualified to succeed, would do
very well, as an artistic decorator. Are there any questions you would
like to ask?"
Not after that--no, none; I haven't the heart to ask him if he thinks I
could write even a creditable Nautical Drama! Besides, my faith in
Phrenology is shaken. Let me get away--out of sight and hearing of these
infernal Blazers.
Rise and leave with ironical dignity. Professor calls me back--thinks I
forgot to pay my shilling. Annoying, because it _had_ escaped me. "You
didn't tell us he had a bump for bilking!" jeers a fiend--"bilking," I
believe, is 'Arryan for going away without paying. Ironical dignity a
failure. "Will I pay half-a-crown extra, and have a written report of my
character?" I will _not_. Blazers seem sorry to part with me.
_Afternoon._--Too much depressed to work at Drama. Sands again.
Crowd--Conjuror. I shall see this time. "I want a soft gentleman's hat,"
he says, suddenly. "Do you mind?" He takes mine--the crowd roar. "Will I
assist him in this trick?" I did not mean to catch his eye--but I don't
like to be disobliging.
I am in the centre with the Conjuror. "May he do what he pleases with my
hat?" "By all means," I say, graciously. Then he'll _keep_ it, he says.
Childish joke that! "You're quite sure there's no hole in it?" he asks.
I am not, I tell him, in the habit of wearing a hat with a hole in it.
"Ain't you really? how do you get your head in?" he retorts, sharply.
Very old--but Starmouth people easily amused.
"Do I ever toss for drinks?" No, I do not. Then he will show me how to
do so, and win every time. He tosses up a penny on the little table, and
covers it with my hat. "Which do I think it is?" I say heads--to please
him. Again. "Now, Sir, heads or tails?" I happen to have seen it fall
head uppermost--but no doubt he has manipulated it some way--if I say
tails, he will look rather foolish. Tails, then. Will I lift my hat? I
do--a _guinea-pig!_ Renewed roars. I ought to be above feeling annoyed
at this tomfoolery--but these conjuring fellows go too far.
_Evening,_--On Pier. Military Band. Bazaar: ladies and children touting
for it. Wonder whether my "Firmness" is as large as Professor SKITTLES
declared.--Because I certainly never _intended_ to buy a box of
cracker-bonbons, or a basket of ripe tomatoes--and yet here I am,
carrying them about! And when I took a ticket for a raffle, I hardly
counted upon winning this particularly gaudy sofa-cushion. Clergyman
wants to sell me a very small plumcake, only three shillings.... I find
I _can_ be firm after all.
The girl with the brown eyes is on the pier, too, with a stout
respectable old female--probably her maid. I think they recognise me as
the victim of Phrenology; they glance at me with interest. Ah me! I
wish--I wish, but what is the use of wishing?
In the Bazaar again. Young lady proposes to tell me my fortune for a
penny, with a revolving card. I am in a superstitious mood--I want
encouraging. She spins the card; the dial indicates, as she informs me,
with unnecessary glee, "You spend your time in trifles."--Is a Nautical
Drama a "trifle," I should like to know? I can't be quite the thing, for
this incident affects me almost to tears. I have had a depressing day.
Bed in low spirits.
* * * * *
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