So. One of the actors should be dressed as a schoolmistress; some children can be seated by her with patchwork in their hands. The mistress can teach them sewing, while in another part of the room an actor must hold some papers of seeds, and pretend to be sewing the seeds in a box or pot of earth.
Ro. Place the actors all in a row; let them stand gazing at the audience a moment, then all at the same time make a low bow to the audience, and that scene is over.
Sis. Have a school, and the master should call “sis” to come and recite; any little girl can take the part of “sis,” or some boy can complain of his “sis” to the teacher.
Sorosis. Can be made very amusing by representing an assembly of strong-minded women. The gentlemen actors can dress in outlandish dresses, and act the part of women. They can choose a president, and other officers, &c.
7.—LAMENTABLE.
FRENCH CHARADE.
“L’amont” can be acted well in pantomime by representing an old deaf man, and his young wife; the old man with spectacles on nose, sitting in a large chair, reading the newspaper, his young wife standing behind the chair. A low tap is heard at the door. She starts and listens; the door opens slyly and discovers a young man. She starts with delight, but points to the old man, motioning the young man to go. He makes gestures of despair; then appears to have a sudden thought, bows, and retires. Soon a loud knock is heard; she goes to the door, and returns with a letter, giving it to the old man; he reads, shakes his head, and hands it to her; she looks at it, runs for his hat and coat, and motions him to go. He leaves at one door, while L’Aman enters at another. Then they act a lover-like scene, and the curtain drops.
Table. She again appears with sleeves rolled up, apron on, rolling-pin in hand, making cakes, the young lover standing by, and now and then eating one of the cakes. They hear a heavy step, and the lover runs for a hiding-place. At last he springs under the table, and she pulls a table cloth down around it, and goes on rolling cakes. In comes the old man, hobbling along. He looks around and suspects something, and begins a strict search. Thus ends that scene.
Lamentable. The same actors appear, but the table is turned over, and, behold! the old man has seized the young lover, and is brandishing aloft a heavy cane, while the young wife appears, weeping bitterly.