Is it likely—that anybody on the Free List ("the public press excepted") can gain admittance at a theatre when there is anything worth seeing or hearing?
Is it likely—that any account of a fire can be inserted in the newspapers, unaccompanied by "further particulars?"
Is it likely—that an unfavourable review of a work can appear, without the author's declaring that the writer has been actuated by private malice?
Is it likely—that you will find the National Gallery, or British Museum, open at the day or hour a country cousin has selected for visiting it?
Is it likely—that you can receive a present of game from the country without paying, in carriage, more than it is worth, and being expected to send a basket of fish in return?
Is it likely—that your servant will find a coach or cab, on the nearest stand, when you are in a hurry?
Is it likely—that a friend will remember to return your umbrella until the dry weather sets in?
Is it likely—when you get into an omnibus at the Bank, that you will arrive at Bond-street in the time in which you could have pedestrianised the distance twice over?
Is it likely—that the "positively last night" of a dramatic Star will be the end of his performances?
Is it likely—that a publisher will omit to announce a work as "just ready," when it is not even written by the author?