"Och thin, Colonel darling, just Threppence for a Glass o' Whiskey!"—"No, I tell you!"
"Git out wid ye thin, ye Boa Conshthructor, sure an' I know'd ye all the toime!"
[N.B.—The Fare is the Head of an eminent Firm of Furriers in Kilconan Street, and cultivates a martial appearance.]
A BIG LION AMONG THE LITTLE 'UNS.
"Daniel in the Lions' Den" will occur to many on reading how Henry Irving ventured into and actually dined as the distinguished guest of a society styling itself "The Playgoers' Club." But after all, whether these were real leonine cubs, or only "lions stuffed with straw," the Real Lion of the evening was the Daniel come to Judgment, Henry Irving, who, having partaken of the "chicken and champagne," and acknowledged the goodness thereof, gave them the less smooth side of his own tongue with charming frankness.
"I do not hesitate to tell you," purred the Lion, sweetly, "that there have been times when the genius of frankness which possesses the Club"—he did not allude to the existence among them of any other sort of genius—"has not appeared to be allied with the finest discrimination. (Laughter.)"
Yes—the poor little Lions laughed—it was all they could do, unless they had whimpered, and promised not to offend again. It must have been a delightful evening. To what other banquets will our leading Histrion be invited? To the Pittites' Club Dinner? To the Wreckers' Banquet? Will he be entertained by the Dissentient Gallery-Boys' Club, and finish up with a supper strictly confined to the upper Circles' Society? Instead of "Give your orders, Gents—the Waiter's in the room!" of old days, the Chairman will probably advise the enterprising Playgoers to "Ask for 'orders,' Gents—the Manager's in the room." However, if these heaven-born dramatic critics occasionally hear a few words of good advice from so honest a guest as Henry Irving, such gatherings may perhaps serve some useful purpose.