Our present Drama (No. VI.) represents an attempt to illustrate upon the Music-hall Stage the eternal truth that race _will_ tell in the long run, despite--but, on second thoughts, it does not _quite_ prove that, though it certainly shows the unerring accuracy of parental--at least, that is not exactly its tendency, either; and the fact is that _Mr. Punch_ is more than a little mixed himself as to the precise theory which it is designed to enforce. He hopes, however, that, as a realistic study of Patrician life and manners, it will possess charms for a democratic audience. COMING OF AGE. _A Grand Social Psychological Comedy-Drama, in One Act._ DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. _The Earl of Burntalmond._ _The Countess of Burntalmond_ (_his wife_). _Robert Henry Viscount Bullsaye_ (_their son and heir_). _The Lady Rose Caramel_ (_niece to the Earl_). _Horehound._ } (_Travelling as "The Celebrated Combination_ _Mrs. Horehound._ } _Korffdropp Troupe," in their refined and_ _Coltsfoot Horehound._ } _elegant Drawing-room Entertainment._) _Tenantry._ SCENE--_The Great Quadrangle of Hardbake Castle; banners, mottoes, decorations, &c. On the steps, R., the Earl, supported by his wife, son, and niece, is discovered in the act of concluding a speech to six tenantry, who display all the enthusiasm that is reasonably to be expected at ninepence a night._ [Illustration] _The Earl (patting_ Lord BULLSAYE'S _shoulder)._ I might say more, Gentlemen, in praise of my dear son, Lord BULLSAYE, here--I might dwell on his extreme sweetness, his strongly marked character, the variety of his tastes, and the singular attraction he has for children of all ages--but I forbear. I will merely announce that on this day--the day he has selected for attaining his majority--he has gratified us all by plighting troth to his cousin, the Lady ROSE CARAMEL, with whose dulcet and clinging disposition he has always possessed the greatest natural affinity. [_Cheers._ _Lord Bullsaye_ (_aside to_ Lady R.). Ah, ROSE, would such happiness could last! But my heart misgives me strangely--why, I know not. _Lady R._ Say not so, dear BULLSAYE--have you not just rendered me the happiest little Patrician in the whole peerage? _Lord B._ 'Tis true--and yet, and yet--pooh, let me snatch the present hour! [_Snatches it._ _The Earl._ And now, let the Revels commence. _Enter the_ Korffdropp Troupe, _who give their marvellous Entertainment, entitled, "The Three Surprise Packets;" after which--_ _Horehound._ This will conclude the first portion of our Entertainment, Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen; and, while my wife and pardner retires to change her costoom for the Second Part, I should be glad of the hoppertoonity of a short pussonal hexplanation with the noble Herl on my right. [_Exit_ Mrs. HOREHOUND. _The Earl_ (_graciously_). I will hear you, fellow! (_Aside._) Strange how familiar his features seem to me!