A New Plan.—To Everyone whom it may Concern.
is a gratification to Mr. Punch, to be able to announce that he has entered into an arrangement with descendants of the celebrated Masters Sandford and Merton, who, with their admirable preceptor, the grandson of the illustrious Mr. Barlow, will, during the present Christmas Holidays, visit most of the Metropolitan amusements.
One morning, as they were sitting, after breakfast, in their lodgings in the Strand, Tommy said to Mr. Barlow, "May I ask you a question, Sir?"
Mr. Barlow considered for a few moments, and then granted the desired permission.
Tommy. What, Sir, is a Pantomime?
Mr. Barlow (smiling). Perhaps Harry can tell you.
Harry. Willingly, Master Tommy.
Tommy. I should like very much to hear.
Harry. You must know, then, Master Tommy, that in London there are a great many buildings called Theatres, or Theayters, to which some people go, and, in cases where the free list is entirely suspended, and the absurd system of orders is abolished, actually pay money in the expectation of being amused by the performers. Indeed, at Christmas-time, when nearly every sort of entertainment is open to the public, it is a person's own fault if he is not constantly amused.