Partiality of George the Third for Theatrical Entertainments--Sheridan's kindness to Grimaldi--His domestic affliction and severe distress--The production of Harlequin Amulet a new era in Pantomime--Pigeon-fancying and Wagering--His first Provincial Excursion with Mrs. Baker, the eccentric Manageress--John Kemble and Jew Davis, with a new reading--Increased success at Maidstone and Canterbury--Polite interview with John Kemble. The summer passed pleasantly away, the whole of Grimaldi's spare time being devoted to the society of his wife and her parents, until the departure of the latter from London for Weymouth, of which theatre Mr. Hughes was the proprietor. It is worthy of remark, as a proof of the pleasure which George the Third derived from theatrical entertainments, that when the court were at Weymouth, he was in the habit of visiting the theatre at least four times a week; generally on such occasions commanding the performance, and taking with him a great number of the noblemen and ladies in his suite. Drury Lane opened for the season on the 15th of September, and Sadler's Wells closed ten days afterwards: but while the latter circumstance released Grimaldi from his arduous labours at one theatre, the former one did not tend to increase them at the other, for pantomime was again eschewed at Drury Lane, and "Blue Beard," "Feudal Times," and "Lodoiska" reigned paramount. At the commencement of the season he met Mr. Sheridan, when the following colloquy ensued:-- "Well, Joe, still living--eh?" "Yes, sir; and what's more, married as well." "Oho! Pretty young woman, Joe?" "Very pretty, sir." "That's right! You must lead a domestic life, Joe: nothing like a domestic life for happiness, Joe: I lead a domestic life myself." And then came one of those twinkling glances which no one who ever saw them can forget the humour of. "I mean to do so, sir." "Right. But, Joe, what will your poor little wife do while you are at the theatre of an evening? Very bad thing, Joe, to let a pretty young wife be alone of a night. I'll manage it for you, Joe: I'll put her name down upon the free list; herself and friend.--But, mind, it's a female friend, that's all, Joe; any other might be dangerous,--eh, Joe?" And away he went without pausing for a moment to listen to Grimaldi's expressions of gratitude for his thoughtful kindness. However, he did not omit performing his friendly offer, and his wife, availing herself of it, went to the theatre almost every night he played, sat in the front of the house until he had finished, and then they went home together.