V.
“It was a glorious audience,” said the “Boston Daily Globe,” of February 26, “that welcomed Irving and Terry back to Boston last evening. No better evidence of the great popularity of the English artists could have been given than that which was implied in the presence of such an assemblage. The Boston was thronged, and the gathering represented the best class of our play-goers,—a company that accorded the stars a cordial greeting both, and that was appreciative of all the excellences that marked the entertainment.”
The theatre was crowded in all parts. “Louis XI.” and “The Belle’s Stratagem” were played. “Much Ado” closed the engagement. It was received by the audience as if it were a revelation of stage work, and criticised in the press in a similar spirit. At the end of the play the audience summoned the leading actors before the curtain over and over again. It was a scene of the most unaffected excitement. At last there arose cries of “A speech!” “A speech!” to which Irving responded, visibly moved by the enthusiasm of his Boston admirers and friends. He said:—
“Gentlemen and Ladies,—I have no words in which to express my thanks for your kindness; ‘only my blood speaks to you in my veins.’ A few weeks since we came here, and you received us with unbounded hospitality, and gave us a welcome that touched us deeply,—a true Boston welcome. (Applause.) We come back, and you treat us not as strangers, but as old friends. (Applause.) Again, I say, I can find no words adequately to convey our thanks. I need not tell you that this is to us a matter of the deepest gratitude and pleasure, for it is a proof that we have perhaps realized some of your expectations, and have not absolutely disappointed you. (Applause.) I say ‘we,’ because I speak in behalf of all,—not for myself alone, but for my comrades, and especially for one who has, I am sure, won golden opinions; you know to whom I allude (Applause, and cries of ‘Yes!’ ‘Yes!’)—my friend, and fellow-artist, Miss Ellen Terry. (Applause and cheers.) When we have recrossed the Atlantic, and are in our homes, we shall ever bear you in our kindliest memories. I hope to be here again. (Applause, cheers, and shouts, ‘Come again!’ ‘That’s right!’) Even before the present year closes I hope to be with you. (Cheers.) Once more I thank you with all my heart, and bid you good-night, only hoping that your memories of us may be as agreeable as those we shall cherish of you.” (Applause and cheers.)
This second visit, it is agreed on all hands, brought more money into the treasury of the Boston than had ever before been taken during one week at that or any other theatre in the city, namely, $24,087,—and this was the largest sum that had been received during any previous week of the Irving engagement.
It will be interesting, at this period of the tour, to glance at its financial results. The following figures are taken from the cash-book of Mr. J. H. Palser, the business manager and treasurer, who supplied them to the “Boston Herald,” and “vouched for their absolute accuracy”:—
| New York—first week | $15,772 00 |
| New York—second week | 18,714 00 |
| New York—third week | 18,880 00 |
| New York—fourth week | 22,321 50 |
| Philadelphia—first week | 16,128 50 |
| Philadelphia—second week | 16,780 50 |
| Boston—first week | 18,845 50 |
| Boston—second week | 16,885 00 |
| Baltimore—one week | 9,952 00 |
| Brooklyn—one week | 12,468 00 |
| Chicago—first week | 17,048 75 |
| Chicago—second week | 19,117 50 |
| St. Louis—one week | 13,719 00 |
| Cincinnati—one week | 11,412 00 |
| Indianapolis (4 nights) and Columbus (2 nights) | 8,700 50 |
| Chicago (return)—one week | 18,308 75 |
| Detroit (2 nights) and Toronto (3 nights)[54] | 13,430 50 |
| Boston (return)—one week | 24,087 00 |
The total receipts in cities where Mr. Irving has played more than one week were as follows:—
| New York—four weeks | $75,687 50 |
| Boston—three weeks | 59,817 50 |
| Chicago—three weeks | 54,475 00 |
| Philadelphia—two weeks | 32,909 00 |
The total receipts of the tour, thus far, have been $292,571.
XX.
WASHINGTON, NEW ENGLAND, AND SOME “RETURN VISITS.”
From Rail to River.—Once more on Board the “Maryland.”—Recollections of President Arthur.—At the White House.—Washington Society.—An Apt Shakespearian Quotation.—Distinguished People.—“Hamlet.”—A Council of War.—Making Out the Route of a New Tour.—A Week in New England Cities.—Brooklyn and Philadelphia Revisited.