professional might be proud. Hawkshaw (Mr. Dickinson), too, was excellent, and the Bob Brierly of Mr. Thornton, the Sam Willoughby of Mr. Theobald, the Green Jones of Mr. Norman, and the Maltby of Mr. Martineau, were all good in their several ways. As for the ladies—but who does not know the A. D. C. ladies, those visions of female loveliness, with big hands bass voices, and projecting knees? Mr. Agar, whose waist cannot have really measured more than twenty inches round, was refined and charming as Emily St. Evremond, while Mr. Cornish, though taller than most of his male associates, played May Edwards quietly, and sympathetically. Mrs. Willoughby, the stage realisation of Arthur Sketchley's Mrs. Brown, had full justice rendered to her garrulous good-nature by Mr. Stone. But enough. It was a good performance. Memories came floating back of a notable performance of this same play by the A. D. C. far back in the remote ages between '70 and '80. The Bob Brierly of those days has been Under-Secretary of State for India, Hawkshaw, the Detective, occupies a thorny throne as Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, while Jem Dalton has become the Burglar at the Court Theatre—a very natural transition. Very great was Mr. Brookfield fifteen years ago as the Cracksman, but great, also, was Mr. Bromley-Davenport last week. Dixi!

DEARTH OF DANCING-MEN.

My Julia has been unusually fortunate this evening. She has only had to sit out thirteen dances, and has already been given half a polka by Mr. Laysibohns, who, however, seemed too tired to finish it. Her view is, that "half a loafer is better than no dance."

In order to get men, we have been obliged to invite the gentlemanly crossing-sweeper at the end of our road, two hawkers who sell blocks of wood in the street, a respectable coal-heaver, and our green-grocer's assistant. They have each had half-a-dozen dancing lessons (at our expense), and are to be paid a guinea a-piece, on condition that they dance at least six dances before going down to supper.

Our boy Bob, who is always trying to be funny, says he is afraid engaging these people will turn put a "valse step."

It certainly is rather slow for the Girls who have not had a partner all the evening. Still, I did not expect them to bring pencils and paper with them, and play games of "consequences" in the billiard-room.

Since Gentlemen have taken to sharing a dance among several Ladies, they have become very conceited. My Emily is congratulating herself that she has secured one undivided sixteenth part of the next Lancers with that dear Mr. Wynn Ingways.

A good part of Mr. Masher's income is, it is said, derived from the fact that Mothers, sooner than see their Girls sit idle all the evening, are willing to allow him a handsome commission on suitable introductions.

Bob has asked Julia a riddle, which is—"What is the difference between a game of whist and a ball-room?" The answer seems to be, that in whist you cut for partners, but, in a ball-room, possible partners cut you.

It is quite true that we have decided to emigrate to North-West Colorado, as my Girls say they will have far more chance of partners in a country where the "surplus population" consists entirely of males.