FOR BETTER OR WORSE!
(Two Views of the Same Subject.)
POSSIBLE ROMANCE.
SCENE—A Dungeon beneath the Castle Moat. Wife chained to a post, with bread and water beside her. Enter Husband, with cat-o'-nine-tails.
Husband. And now, after ten days' seclusion, will you make over your entire property to me, signing the deed with your life's blood?
Wife (in a feeble voice). Never! You may kill me, but I will defy you to the last!
Husband. Then die! [He is about to leave the dungeon, when he is met by a Messenger from the Court of Appeal.
Messenger. In the name of the Law, release your prisoner!
Husband. Foiled! [Joy of Wife, and tableau, as the Curtain falls.
PROBABLE REALITY.
SCENE—The Church-door of a fashionable Church. Wife bidding adieu to Husband.
Husband. Surely, now that my name and fortune are yours, you will reconsider your decision, and at least accompany me back to our wedding breakfast?
Wife (in a firm voice). Never! You may kill me, but I will defy you to the last!
Husband. This is rank nonsense! You must take my arm. [He is about to leave the Church-porch, when he is met by a Messenger from the Court of Appeal.
Messenger. In the name of the Law, release your prisoner!
Husband. Sold! [Joy of Wife, and tableau, as the Curtain falls.
"WHAT'S IN A NAME?"
The "Cony" is feeble, the Bear's a rough bore.
But CONYBEARE'S both, and perhaps a bit more!
