Preparing for Private Theatricals.

"I defer to your superior knowledge of stage-effect;"
i.e., "Stuck-up know-all! I could play his head off!"

"Well, I fear it's a little out of my line; still if I can do anything to help you, I shall be delighted;"
i.e., "What I've longed for for years. Now I shall have a chance of showing what's in me!"

"Bravo, Buffins, dear boy! That little bit of business was really first-rate;"
i.e., "If he plays like that I shall shine, if only by contrast."