IF THE FASHION SPREADS.
SCENE—Interior of a Fashionable Church. The Incumbent has read the Banns of Marriage between JOHN PLANTAGENET DE SMITH and MARY STUART DE BROWN, and asks the usual question.
Counsel (rising in pew). I beg to object.
Incumbent (surprised, but self-possessed). You will be good enough to communicate with us in the Vestry, at the end of the service,
Counsel. But I prefer to raise my objections at once. I may say, Reverend Sir, that I am here on behalf of Mr. JOHN PLANTAGENET DE SMITH, who is my client. I am instructed by the Messrs. CAPIAS of Bedford Row, and I contend that since the Members of the London County Council have instructed counsel to appear on their behalf at meetings in which they themselves act judicially, the right extends to Places of Public Worship.
Incumbent. Perhaps we might hear you later. If you were kind enough to raise your objections in the Vestry, it would be—
Counsel (interrupting). Pardon me, that would scarcely be satisfactory. We do not wish any hole-and-corner agitation. I am instructed by my client to say, that he courts the fullest investigation. Now, the facts are these:—
[Gives the facts, and ends an eloquent speech with a magnificent peroration.
Incumbent. In consequence of the rather long argument of our dear and learned brother, the customary quarter of an hour's sermon will not be given on this occasion. [Curtain.
AL FRESCO OPERA.—Cavalleria Rusticana at the Royal Shaftesbury, and Le Rêve in the Winter (Covent) Garden kept by Ex-Sheriff DRURIOLANUS. "About the latter," says Sir DRURIOLANUS, "some enthusiasts quite rave. See?" (Exit Ex-Sheriff, to note this down for the forthcoming Pantomime.)
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