Your old "partic.,"
DAVID JAMES.
A. Goring Thomas, Percy Reeve, Sir Percy Shelley, Fred. Barnard (with humorous sketch), John T. Bedford (author of "Robert," in Punch).
Lyceum Theatre,
16th February, 1887.
Dear Grossmith,—Greeting! Right hearty congratulations on your recovery and reappearance this evening.
Sincerely yours,
H. IRVING.
A letter from Lady Freake reminds me of (to me) a memorable performance at Cromwell House. The musical triumviretta, Cox and Box, formed part of the programme:
Box … … … … … … Mr. ARTHUR CECIL.
Cox … … … … … … Mr. GEORGE GROSSMITH.
Serjeant Bouncer… … … Mr. CORNEY GRAIN.
Piano … … … Mr. ALFRED CELLIER.
Harmonium … … Sir ARTHUR SULLIVAN.
I remember seeing at this entertainment the Dowager Countess of Waldegrave, who was the daughter of John Braham, the celebrated singer. But what most impressed me was an incident at the first rehearsal. Cecil, Grain, and I were under the impression that we had the well-fitted little theatre to ourselves; but suddenly two elderly and very prim ladies came and sat in the front row and watched us. There is nothing so disconcerting to actors as to watched at the preliminary rehearsal. I cannot bear it even at the dress rehearsal. In the present instance we grumbled to ourselves and delayed commencing, hoping the two ladies would take the hint and depart. No such luck. One of them, the mother of an exceedingly clever amateur who has played Cox and Box all his life (I believe he was born playing it), suddenly said in a loud voice:
"Why don't they begin? Don't they know what to do? I wish Johnnie were here; he could show them at once."