Mr. Barlow, observing his pupil's excitement, laughed at Tommy in his usual good-natured manner, and pointed out to him the example of the poor Greenlanders as worthy of his imitation.
"What is that, Sir?" inquired Tommy.
"They are brought up to so much moderation and self-command," said Mr. Barlow, "that they never give way to the sudden impulses of passion so common among Europeans. And see, you have split your new white kid gloves in applauding this young lady." Then turning to Harry, he asked him if he had not been touched by the acting of Mr. Webster in this piece.
Harry. Indeed, Sir, I pitied him from my heart. Mr. Tibbetts was a hardly-used gentleman. And I think that no one could have played more admirably than the gentleman who took the part of Dexter Sanderson, Esq.
Mr. Barlow. You mean Mr. Phelps, and you are right. It is indeed a fine piece of acting. There is so much breadth, and yet such a thorough finish, in this performance, that it would be worth the while of many of our younger actors (who flatter themselves on their consummate art, in consequence of having been unduly praised for their few achievements) to come here and take a lesson from Mr. Phelps.
Mr. Barlow added that it was a pity so excellent a piece should be wellnigh spoiled by the introduction of a vulgar Sensation Scene, and its construction marred by the awkward contrivance in the last Act. He further complained that it should be thought necessary to commence it at seven, and to supplement such an attraction, as this ought to be, with a Pantomime.
Tommy and Harry were not, however, of his mind upon this point, and insisted upon stopping to see the Clown. They were somewhat disappointed with the Pantomime, but professed themselves prodigiously delighted with Mr. Lloyd's scenery.
On coming out, an obliging official handed to them their overcoats, wrappers, and hats. Tommy's little heart was much affected by this kindly attention; so, pulling out his purse, he poured its contents (four bright new farthings and three peppermint lozenges) into the honest fellow's hand, saying, "Here, my good man, take this, and Heaven bless you!" It is impossible to express the surprise of the poor man at the sight. He stared wildly round him, and would have fallen but for the tender support of his assistant, who imagined that his companion had lost his senses. But the man cried out, "O, William, I am not mad! See what Providence has sent us by the hands of this little angel!" Saying this, he held up the money and the lozenges. But Tommy went up to them both, and said, "My good friends, you are very welcome to this: I freely give it to you. Spend the money soberly; and, for the lozenges, give them to your children, if you have any, or suck them yourselves in your leisure moments." Before the entranced officials, who were totally unaccustomed to receive such benefactions, could dry their tears, Tommy was out of sight, having followed Mr. Barlow and Harry to the door.
Mr. Barlow now took Master Tommy and Harry to Evans's Supper Rooms, to enter which place they had to pay a shilling apiece. This troubled their worthy preceptor, who, indeed, was painfully struck, as he informed his young friends, by the altered aspect of the interior. Mr. Barlow explained to them that in his time the room was snug, cosy, and comfortable, and only one quarter of its present size. That then there were neither carpet nor tavern-like mirrors. "True," said Mr. Barlow, "that all that was objectionable in the entertainment of former days has long ere this disappeared, and now I see there is a gallery where the "opposite sex," in very private boxes, can, like fairy sprites, sit invisible, and listen to mortal melody. In the old time," continued Mr. Barlow, "you were welcomed by the Proprietor as a personal friend, who would call John to get the hot chop or kidneys for you at once, and give the order himself, returning to see if you were comfortably served. Then the waiters flew, and to command was to have. Now, Tommy, observe I have spoken to these waiters, and have ordered my supper more than twenty minutes since, and it has not appeared. See Mr. Green himself" (the veteran here came up, and having affectionately greeted his dear boys, Masters Sandford and Merton, wandered away to another part of the room), "he is no longer Proprietor; he is only nominally in authority, his occupation is, in effect, gone; he is the only connecting link between the past and present Evans's, 'retained,' to quote his own immortal line about the lamented Von Joel, 'on the establishment, in consequence of his long services.'"