I carry others ’gainst a time of need. My poor success in life I trace to this That never yet I passed a pin unheeded. _Emily._ And is that all you have to say to me? _Peter._ I think so--save that I shall wish you well, And pray that henceforth you may bear in mind What vast importance lies in seeming trifles. _Emily_ (_with a pale smile_). Peter, your lesson is already learned, For precious has this pin become for me, Since by its aid I gain oblivion--thus! [_Stabs herself._ _Peter_ (_coldly._) Nay, these are histrionics, Emily. [_Assists her to sofa._ _Emily._ I’d skill enough to find a vital spot. Do not withdraw it yet--my time is short, And I have much to say before I die. (_Faintly._) Be gentle with my rabbits when I’m gone; Give my canary chickweed now and then. ... I think there is no more--ah, one last word-- (_Earnestly_)--Warn them they must not cut our wedding-cake, And then the pastrycook may take it back! _Peter_ (_deeply moved_). Would you had shown this thoughtfulness before! [_Kneels by the sofa._ _Emily._ ’Tis now too late, and clearly do I see That I was never worthy of you, Peter. _Peter_ (_gently_). ’Tis not for me to contradict you now. You did your best to be so, Emily! _Emily._ A blessing on you for those generous words! Now tell me, Peter, how is your poor foot? _Peter._ The agony decidedly abates, And I can almost bear a boot again. _Emily._ Then I die happy!... Kiss me, Peter ... ah! [_Dies_. _Peter._ In peace she passed away. I’m glad of that, Although that peace was purchased by a lie. I shall not bear a boot for many days! Thus ends our wedding morn, and she, poor child, Has paid the penalty of heedlessness! [_Curtain falls, whereupon, unless Mr. Punch is greatly mistaken, there will not be a dry eye in the house._ V.--BRUNETTE AND BLANCHIDINE. _A MELODRAMATIC DIDACTIC VAUDEVILLE._ _Suggested by “The Wooden Doll and the Wax Doll,” by the Misses Jane and Ann Taylor._ DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. _Blanchidine,_ } By the celebrated Sisters STILTON, the Champion _Brunette._ } Duettists and Clog-Dancers. _Fanny Furbelow._ By Miss SYLVIA SEALSKIN (_by kind permission of the Gaiety Management_). _Frank Manly._ By Mr. HENRY NEVILLE. SCENE--_A sunny Glade in Kensington Gardens, between the Serpentine and Round Pond._ _Enter_ BLANCHIDINE _and_ BRUNETTE, _with their arms thrown affectionately around one another._ BLANCHIDINE _is carrying a large and expressionless wooden doll._ _Duet and Step-dance._ _Bl._ Oh, I do adore BRUNETTE! (_Dances._) Tippity-tappity, tappity-tippity, tippity-tappity, tip-tap! _Br._ BLANCHIDINE’S the sweetest pet! (_Dances._) Tippity-tappity, &c.