Scene—Prince's Hall, Piccadilly. Among the Audience are—A London Aunt, and her Eldest Daughter, with a Cousin from the Country, who is just a little difficult to amuse; a Serious-minded Lady from Brixton, with a more frivolous Friend; a pair of Fiancés; and an Unsophisticated Father, with an Up-to-date little Daughter. An exhibition of "Pure Sleight-of-Hand" has just been given on the Stage.
The Serious Lady. Clever? Yes, my dear, it is clever enough, if that's all; but I never can quite reconcile my conscience to encouraging a fellow-creature to make a living by deliberate deception!
Her Friend. Oh, I don't see any harm in conjuring, myself.
The S. L. I can't forget that Pharaoh had his Sorcerers and Magicians, and how they acted!
Her Friend. Ah, I never saw them.
The London Aunt (to her Niece). Enjoying it, Sophy? Such a treat for you, to see really good conjuring!
Sophy. Yes, Aunt, thank you. But our new Curate did that trick with two rabbits at the last Penny Readings we had!
[A calico screen is brought forward on which the Entertainer throws various shadows with his hands.
The S. L. Is that a little house at the corner? Oh, he doesn't do that with his hands—then I see no merit in it. Who's that? (A small male shadow, cast by the performer's right hand, crosses the screen, and knocks timidly at the door, which is opened by the left hand, in the character of a little Lady. The couple embrace effusively, and retire inside.) Ah, that's the husband coming home!
[Another male shadow enters and knocks furiously, while the little Lady reconnoitres cautiously from the window above.