prologues and epilogues, and the young
actors were careful to omit nothing that would make the performance
complete. James, the eldest son, brought into play his skill in
verse-making; and we read of Henry Austen speaking a prologue (from his
brother's pen) to _The Rivals_, while the prologue to _Matilda_ was
given by Edward Austen, and the epilogue by Thomas Fowle.

Midsummer and Christmas were the two seasons when George Austen
dismissed his pupils for their holidays, and it was at these two periods
that the theatricals usually took place. For the year 1787 we have a few
details as to contemplated performances. Eliza de Feuillide had come to
England with her mother in the summer of 1786, and probably went to
Steventon at midsummer. In September 1787 she was at Tunbridge Wells
with her mother and her cousin Phila. In a letter to her brother, Phila
tells us that they went to the theatre, where (as was the custom in
those days) the Comtesse--presumably as a person of some
importance--'bespoke' the play, which was _Which is the Man?_[46] and
_Bon Ton_.[47] This is interesting, because later on in the same letter
Phila says: 'They [i.e. the Comtesse and her mother] go at Christmas to
Steventon and mean to act a play, _Which is the Man?_ and _Bon Ton_. My
uncle's barn is fitting up quite like a theatre, and all the young folks
are to take their part. The Countess is Lady Bob Lardoon [_sic_] in the
former and Miss Tittup in the latter. They wish me much of the party and
offer to carry me, but I do not think of it. I should like to be a
spectator, but am sure I should not have courage to act a part, nor do I
wish to attain it.'

Eliza was, however, very urgent with Phila that she should send all
diffidence _to Coventry_.

Your accommodations at Steventon are the only
things my Aunt Austen and myself are uneasy about,
as the house being very full of company, she says
she can only promise you 'a place to hide your
head in,' but I think you will not mind this
inconvenience. I am sure I should not--to be with
you. Do not let your dress neither disturb you, as
I think I can manage it so that the _Green Room_
should provide you with what is necessary for
acting. We purpose setting out the 17th of
December. . . . I assure you we shall have a most
brilliant party and a great deal of amusement, the
ho