By the way, this same _Henrico_, as performed by that excellent swimmer (in the water-piece), Mr. Spencer Forde, forms a very entertaining character. His imperturbable calmness while uttering the heart-stirring words, assigned by the author to his own description of the late affair-of-honourable assassination, was highly edifying to the philosophic mind. The pleasing and amiable tones in which he stated how irretrievably he was ruined, the dulcet sweetness of the farewell to his heart's adored, the mathematical exactitude of his position while embracing her, the cool deliberation which marked his exit--offered a picture of calm stoicism just on the point of tumbling over the precipice of destruction not to be equalled--not, at least, since those halcyon dramatic days when Osbaldiston leased Covent Garden, and played _Pierre_. Somehow or other--for one must not be too particular about the wherefores of stage political intrigues--_Felicia_ is promoted from the office of making dresses for the Queen to that of putting them on. Behold her a maid of honour and of all-work; for the Queen takes her into her confidence, and in that case people at Court have an immense variety of duties to perform. The Duchess's place is fast becoming a sinecure, and she trembles for her influence--perhaps, in case of dismissal, for her next quarter's salary to boot--so she shakes in her shoes. It is at this stage of the plot that we perceive why the part of _Henrico_ was entrusted to the gentleman who plays it,--the mystery we have alluded to being by this arrangement very considerably increased; for we now learn that no fewer than three ladies in the piece are in love with him, namely, _Felicia_, the Queen, and the Duchess. Now the most penetrating auditor would never, until actually informed of the fact, for a moment suspect a Queen, or even a Duchess, of such bad taste; for, as far as our experience goes, we have generally found that women do not cast their affections to men who are sheepish, insensible, cold, ungainly, with small voices, and not more than five feet high. Surprise artfully excited and cleverly satisfied is the grand aim of the dramatist. How completely is it here fulfilled! for when we discover that the personator of Henrico is meant for an Adonis, we _are_ astonished.