Great as is the success to-night of new Opera, I feel sure that _Cavalleria_, with its simple story, and its marvellous _intermezzo_, is still at the head of the poll. Yet is _Pagliacci_ melodious and dramatic. Madame MELBA at her best in _Nedda_, and the dramatic power, specially of Signor DE LUCIA as _Canio_ and of Mons. ANCONA as _Tonio_, would have carried the piece, as a piece, even without the musical setting. To-night _De Lucia_ shows himself a great actor. There were _encores_ in plenty. _Ancona Tonio_ interrupts the overture in order to sing a prologue. This he does admirably, both vocally and histrionically. But _cui bono_? It is as pointless as is nowadays the prologue of CHRISTOPHER SLY to the _Taming of the Shrew_. It seems as if LEONCAVALLO said to himself, "_Mascagni_ gave 'em a novelty in his _intermezzo_; I'll give 'em something new in the shape of a prologue." _Pagliacci_ and _Cavalleria_ will assist each other, and Sir DRURIOLANUS is fortunate in being able to run two winners. The new Opera is admirably rendered in every respect, and when Mr. RICHARD GREEN, as the gallant young farmer, is matured--that is, has less of the GREEN about him and more of the ripeness of artistic perfection--there will not be a single fault to find with the representation. To-night second Opera didn't end till just on twelve. Too late; but the hospitable RULE'S in Maiden Lane is open to exceptions for half an hour or so, and, "after the Opera is over," a little supper _chez_ BAYLISS is a B(ay)lissful idea. _Saturday.--Faust_ to finish. MELBA as _Marguerite_. First week augurs well for the season. * * * * * [Illustration: DELIGHTFUL! _Smithson, having read and heard much of the pleasures of a Driving Tour, determines to indulge in that luxury during his Whitsuntide Holidays. He therefore engages a Trap, with a Horse that can "get over the ground," and securing the services of an experienced Driver, he sets forth._ _Smithson._ "A--A--ISN'T HE--A--A--HADN'T I BETTER HELP YOU TO PULL AT HIM?" _Driver._ "PULL AT 'IM? WHY YER'D SET 'IM CRAZED! JIST YOU LET ME KEEP 'IS 'EAD STRAIGHT. LOR BLESS YER, THERE AIN'T NO CAUSE TO BE AFFEARED, AS LONG AS WE DON'T MEET NOTHING, AND THE GATES AIN'T SHUT AT SPLINTERBONE CROSSING, JIST ROUND THE BEND!"] * * * * * THE LITIGANTS VADE MECUM. _Q._ What is your opinion about Chancery? _A._ That, thanks to work being given to Solicitors in preference to Barristers, litigation is more expensive in that branch of the science than in any other. _Q._ How comes it that this should be so? _A._ A Barrister is forced to do his best for his client, but a Solicitor is not. As a rule the Solicitor deputes to his Chief Clerk if he has one, or somebody in the office if he has not, the duties of conducting a suit through Chambers. _Q._ What is the practical result of this arrangement?