Gladstonian Enthusiast (to Friend, who, with the perverse ingenuity of patrons of Waxworks, has been endeavouring to identify the Rev. John Wesley among the Cabinet in Downing Street). Oh, never mind all that lot, Betsy; they're only the Gover'ment! Here's dear Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone in this next! See, he's lookin' for something in a drawer of his side-board—ain't that natural? And only look—a lot of people have been leaving Christmas cards on him (a pretty and touching tribute of affection, which is eminently characteristic of a warm-hearted Public). I wish I'd thought o' bringing one with me!
Her Friend. So do I. We might send one 'ere by post—but it'll have to be a New Year Card now!
A Strict Old Lady (before next group). Who are these two? "Mr. 'Enery Irving, and Miss Ellen Terry in Faust, eh? No—I don't care to stop to see them—that's play-actin', that is—and I don't 'old with it nohow! What are these two parties supposed to be doin' of over here? What—Cardinal Newman and Cardinal Manning at the High Altar at the Oratory, Brompton! Come along, and don't encourage Popery by looking at such figures. I did 'ear as they'd got Mrs. Pearcey and the prambilator somewheres. I should like to see that, now.
IN THE CHILDREN'S GALLERY.
An Aunt (who finds the excellent Catalogue a mine of useful information). Look, Bobby, dear (reading). "Here we have Constantine's Cat, as seen in the Nights of Straparola, an Italian romancist, whose book was translated into French in the year 1585—"
Bobby (disappointed). Oh, then it isn't Puss in Boots!
A Genial Grandfather (pausing before Crusoe and Friday). Well, Percy, my boy, you know who that is, at all events—eh?
Percy. I suppose it is Stanley—but it's not very like.
THE G. G. Stanley!—Why, bless my soul, never heard of Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday?
Percy. Oh, I've heard of them, of course—they come in Pantomimes —but I like more grown-up sort of books myself, you know. Is this girl asleep She?