The Project Gutenberg EBook of Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 98,
January 18, 1890, by Various

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Title: Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 98, January 18, 1890

Author: Various

Editor: Francis Burnand

Release Date: May 23, 2007 [EBook #21590]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

VOL. 98.

January 18th, 1890.

AMONG THE AMATEURS.

No. III.--REALISATION.

SCENE--_Theatre Royal, Blankbury, on the first night of
the performance of the well-known Comedy of_ "Heads or
Tails?" _by the "Thespian Perambulators." Time_, 7:50
P.M. _A "brilliant and fashionable assemblage" is
gradually filling the house. In the Stalls are many
distinguished Amateurs of both Sexes, including_ Lady
SURBITON, _who has brought her husband_ and Mrs.
GAGMORE (Lady SURBITON'S _particular friend_). _The
rest of the Stalls are occupied by the immediate
friends and relations of the Actors. A few professional
Critics are to be seen. They are addressed with much
politeness by the Amateurs in front of the House, and
"played to" with feverish anxiety by the Amateurs on
the Stage. The Orchestra is composed of excellent
Amateur Musicians. The Curtain has not yet risen._

_Lady Surbiton_ (_to_ Mrs. GAGMORE). My dear, it's a wonder we ever got
here. CHARLES of course forgot the date, and told me only yesterday he'd
invited some men to stay for a shoot. He had to listen to reason, though,
and so we spent all yesterday sending telegrams to put them off. I've been
at every performance of The Thespians for years, and it wouldn't do to
begin missing them now, would it?

[Illustration]

_Mrs. Gagmore._ Certainly not, dear, it would have been quite a calamity.
There's the Duchess of MIDDLESEX nodding to you.

_Lady S._ So it is. (_Smiles sweetly at the Duchess, who is sitting three
rows off._) I call it scandalous of her to come out like this when both her
twins have got the measles. Did I te