FREE AND INDEPENDENT.
SCENE—Manager's Room of the Ideal Theatre. Present—Committee of Taste.
Manager. Now, you fellows, I think we have settled what to do next. Carry out the notion of an afternoon performance of the Ideal Drama. We have got the moderate guarantee, and the good stock company, and hope to receive the cooperation of the leading artists from other theatres. Isn't that so?
Auditor. Yes, I can answer for the moderate guarantee—about £20—in the bank.
Stage Manager. And the good stock company was imported early this morning from Ireland. All very good Shakspearian actors with a taste of a brogue to give their remarks pungency.
Manager. That's all right. And what is the play?
First Member of the Committee of Taste. "Demons," by the Master.
Second Ditto. No, let us have something newer. Why not an adaptation (by myself) of that charming work by SODALA—I call it Blood and Thunder?
Manager (producing halfpenny). By the rules of the Company we toss for it. (Throws up coin.) Heads!—Blood and Thunder wins. We will do Blood and Thunder. Well, now as to casting it. Anything for IRVING in it?