_The Manageress_ (_all in one breath, without any stops_). Now then Miss SIMPSON don't you see these cups standing here ready to be taken and there's that Gentleman in the corner waiting to be attended to and tell Mrs. BINKS we shall want more milk and there put out those fancy cakes do two chocolates Miss JONES well you can't have them yet because I've used all the hot water what does the girl want next butter it's no use coming _to me_ for butter here take those cups to be washed up will you you leave me to look after everythink myself and customers leaving because they can't get served I declare I never saw such girls as you are in all my born days! _A Man from the Lyceum._ I'm not sure, after all, that IRVING'S finest moment wasn't in that last scene. I mean, when _Fitzurse_ and those fellows came in, and he---- _First Lady_ (_at adjoining table--from the Aquarium Theatre_). Sat up on his _dear_ tail, and struck out with those long hind legs of his, _sweet_ thing; he took such an _interest_ in it all, didn't he? _Second Lady_ (_on opposite side of table--who has been to "Hypatia"_). Oh, and didn't she look _distractingly_ lovely just after she had finished lecturing; _you_ know, when she---- _Third L._ (_close by, fresh from "Charley's Aunt"_). Stepped out of the gown, and walked about in the old Lady's cap and false front! I quite _cried_ with laughing! _Second L._ I liked the Proconsul--dear me, what _was_ his name? So _stupid_ of me--but it doesn't matter! I thought he looked so perfectly Byzantine when he came in with his lictors in the litter---- _Third L._ And played the piano so _beautifully!_ _Second Hypatian L._ And didn't you think TREE was very good?--that part where he found out about his daughter, and stood towering over her with a knife in his hand, and---- _Third L._ That enormous cigar stuck in his mouth--he was simply too _killing!_ [_And so on._ _Miss Camille Leon_ (_by voiceless motion of her lips, and expressive pantomime, for the guidance of her fiance_, Mr. FRED FORRIDGE, _who has gone to the counter to select dainties for her refection_). No, not _those_--in the _next_ dish--with chocolate outside ... no the _long_ ones--_oh_, how stupid you are! Yes, if those are preserved cherries on the iced sugar. Very well, the _pink_ one, then--that will do. _Mr. Forridge_ (_returning with a loaded plate_). I hope I've got what you wanted? _Miss C. L._ _Just_ what I like--_how_ clever of you! (_She helps herself, after dainty deliberation._) Quite delicious! Aren't you going to have any yourself? _Mr. Forr._ (_engaged in exploring his left-hand pocket surreptitiously, with a troubled expression_). Oh, thanks--presently, perhaps. (_To himself._) I must have more than that _somewhere!_ [Illustration: "I must have more than that _somewhere!_"] _Miss C. L._ (_gaily_). I advise you to make haste--or there'll be none left. They're too seductive for words. [_She chooses another._