sappearing through a trap._

Ye Youth, be warned by my Despair!
Avoid bad women, false as they are fair. (_This is just a little
hard on poor MARIA by-the-way._)
Be wise in time, if you would shun my fate,
For oh! how wretched is the man who's wise too late!

[_And with this the Drama comes to an end, and the Comic
Countryman begs the Audience to give the performance a good
word to their friends outside._

* * * * *

BETWEEN THE ACTS; OR, THE DRAMA IN LIQUOR.

SCENE--_Refreshment Saloon at a London Theatre. A three-play
bill forms the evening's entertainment. First Act over. Enter
BROWN, JONES, and ROBINSON._

_Brown_. Well, really a very pleasant little piece. Quite amusing.
Yes; I think I will have a cup of coffee or a glass of lemonade. Too
soon after dinner for anything stronger.

_Jones_. Yes, and really, after laughing so much, one gets a thirst
for what they call light refreshments. I will have some ginger-beer.

_Robinson_. Well, I think I will stick to iced-water. You know the
Americans are very fond of that. They always take it at meal-times,
and really after that capital _equivoque_ one feels quite satisfied.
(_They are served by the Bar Attendant._) That was really very funny,
where he hides behind the door when she is not looking.

[_Laughs at the recollection._

_Brown_. And when the uncle sits down upon the band-box and crushes
the canary-cage! [_Chuckles._

_Jones_. Most clever. But there goes the bell, and the Curtain will
be up directly. Rather clever, I am told. The _Rose of Rouen_--it
is founded on the life of _Joan of Arc_. I am rather fond of these
historical studies.

_Brown_. So am I. They are very interesting.

_Robinson_. Do you think so? Well, so far as I am concerned, I
prefer Melodrama. Judging from the title, _The Gory Hand_ should be
uncommonly good.

[_Exeunt into Theatre. After a pause they return to the
Refreshment Room._

_Brown_. Well, it is very clever; but I confess it beats me. (_To Bar
Attendant._) We will all take soda-water. No, thanks, quite neat, and
for these gentlemen too.

_Jones_. Well, I call it a most excellent psychological study.
However, wants a clear head to understand it. (_Sips his soda-water._)
I don't see how she can take the flag from the Bishop, and yet want to
marry the Englishman.

_Robinson_. Ah, but that was before the vision. If you think it over
c