THE SOUL'S AWAKENING.
Nalet, the valet (Mr. Leon Quartermaine), having been dismissed for not calling George de Lacorfe (Sir George Alexander) in the morning, makes good by waking his master's soul up at one o'clock at night.
A good deal of spontaneous and honest laughter, the best of testimonials, greeted this rather ingenuous extravaganza. I think Mrs. Clifford Mills would do well not to prolong her mystifications beyond the point when they are quite clear to her audience. May I without boastfulness record that I guessed all about what Richard was going to do with the tiara quite three minutes before a well-known editor in front of me gave away the secret in a hoarse whisper to his neighbour? And that was some time before the author had finished the "preparation" of the business. And may I ask why Richard was forced to so fatuous a contrivance as the pawning of the tiara to make the exigent Samuels stay their hands for a week? True he couldn't tell them about the Cheviot deal, which was a secret between himself and George; but he could surely have used the fact of his coming marriage with Diana's money? And why didn't Diana write to her mother and ask her what was the solemn warning about Richard that she had on the tip of her tongue when she was interrupted just before going abroad? There is a mail to Singapore, isn't there? And does a George, succeeding to a dukedom, become "Cheviot" to his sister?
Sir George Alexander was at his excellent best in the lighter moods of the Basker. But I did not like to see him in pain (especially as it all seemed so unnecessary). Mr. Leon Quartermaine, in the really engaging part of the Duke's valet, who learned to think for himself and read to such excellent effect the history so carelessly neglected by his master, was quite admirable. But then he always is. Mr. Norman Forbes had little to exercise his powers in a churchwarden version of the stage-parson with a tiresome wife. Miss Hilda Moore looked charmingly wicked and acted with intelligence. The too serious rôle tossed lightly by the author into the broadest farce presents an impossible problem. Miss Ellen O'Malley never mishandles a part. Sometimes, as here, a part is not too kind to her. As George's sister she could be no more than a competent peg. Miss Marie Hemingway had merely to look perplexed and pretty, which she did with complete success. Everyone was frankly delighted to welcome back to the stage that great artist Miss Genevieve Ward as the Dowager Duchess. She had the sort of reception that is only accorded to favourites of much more than common merit. And she played with decision, humour and resource. Sir George made a happy and generous little speech about her. The author was called to receive the felicitations of a gratified house.
T.
A Grand Concert is to be given at the Kingsway Hall by the Independent Music Club, on January 18th, at 2.30, in aid of Mr. C. Arthur Pearson's Fund for Blinded Soldiers and Sailors. The Independent Music Club, which has been of invaluable assistance to musicians suffering from the War, proposes to entertain at least five hundred Wounded Soldiers at this Concert.
Five shillings will provide ticket, transport and tea for one Wounded Soldier. Gifts for this purpose and for the object of helping our Blinded Soldiers and Sailors will be very gratefully acknowledged by the Treasurer, Independent Music Club, 13, Pembroke Gardens, Kensington, W.
The net proceeds of a "Special Night" at the National Sporting Club on Monday, January 17th, commencing at 8 P.M., are to be given to the Wounded Allies Relief Fund.