lse. There's a little--what shall I call
it?--a little canvassing takes place on these occasions.'

'Among the patrons, I suppose?' said Nicholas.

'Among the patrons; and the fact is, that Snevellicci has had so many
bespeaks in this place, that she wants an attraction. She had a bespeak
when her mother-in-law died, and a bespeak when her uncle died; and
Mrs Crummles and myself have had bespeaks on the anniversary of the
phenomenon's birthday, and our wedding-day, and occasions of that
description, so that, in fact, there's some difficulty in getting a good
one. Now, won't you help this poor girl, Mr Johnson?' said Crummles,
sitting himself down on a drum, and taking a great pinch of snuff, as he
looked him steadily in the face.

'How do you mean?' rejoined Nicholas.

'Don't you think you could spare half an hour tomorrow morning, to call
with her at the houses of one or two of the principal people?' murmured
the manager in a persuasive tone.

'Oh dear me,' said Nicholas, with an air of very strong objection, 'I
shouldn't like to do that.'

'The infant will accompany her,' said Mr Crummles. 'The moment it was
suggested to me, I gave permission for the infant to go. There will not
be the smallest impropriety--Miss Snevellicci, sir, is the very soul
of honour. It would be of material service--the gentleman from
London--author of the new piece--actor in the new piece--first
appearance on any boards--it would lead to a great bespeak, Mr Johnson.'

'I am very sorry to throw a damp upon the prospects of anybody, and
more especially a lady,' replied Nicholas; 'but really I must decidedly
object to making one of the canvassing party.'

'What does Mr Johnson say, Vincent?' inquired a voice close to his ear;
and, looking round, he found Mrs Crummles and Miss Snevellicci herself
standing behind him.

'He has some objection, my dear,' replied Mr Crummles, looking at
Nicholas.

'Objection!' exclaimed Mrs Crummles. 'Can it be possible?'

'Oh, I hope not!' cried Miss Snevellicci. 'You surely are not so
cruel--oh, dear me!--Well, I--to think of that now, after all one's
looking forward to it!'

'Mr Johnson will not persist, my dear,' said Mrs Crummles. 'Think better
of him than to suppose it. Gallantry, humanity, all the best feelings of
his nature, must be enlisted in this interesting cause.'

'Which moves even a manager,' said Mr Crummles, smiling.

'And a manager's wife,' added Mrs Crummles, in her accustomed trage