He is the very best Marcello,
With a voice like the deepest violoncello.
Monsieur Dufriche as San Bris, "quite the brie," or cheese. Madame Tetrazzini a dramatic Valentina. Dan Drady a first-rate Conte di Nevers-too-late-to-mend. Curfew-Watchman in perfect tune. Soldiers' rataplanatory chorus very nearly perfection at finish, though starting shakily. Little Palladino danced so delightfully as even to bewitch the Hug-me-not soldiers. I've seen this Opera any number of times, and I have been at considerable trouble and expense to master the plot. An idea strikes me. I shall publish Examination Papers on Popular Operas. What the prize will be for the one who answers correctly from memory, without reference to any libretto, is a matter for further consideration. Here is a specimen of examination paper on the Huguenots:—
Act I.—Why is Raoul blindfolded?
What is Miss Valentine doing in somebody else's house?
Why does Raoul's servant come in and sing a hymn?
Why is he apparently pleased when Raoul is blindfolded and taken away?
Raoul di Nangis Ybos. "'Tu m'ami!' How dare you! 'Tu m'ami!' I can't tell you how angry I am with you. I'll vibrato you!"
[Shakes himself, and her at the same time.]