But if it had been only the plot that was original, I should not have been so anxious to direct attention to _The Trumpet Call_. But the incidents and characters are equally novel. For instance, unlike _The Lights o' London_, there is a caravan and a showman. Next, unlike _In the Ranks_, there are scenes of barrack-life that are full of freshness and originality. In _Harbour Lights_, if my memory does not play me false, the hero enlisted in the Guards, in _The Trumpet Call_ he joins the Royal Horse Artillery. Then, again, unlike the scene in the New Cut in _The Lights o' London_, there is a view by night of the exterior of the Mogul Music Hall. Further, there is a "Doss House" scene, that did not for a moment (or certainly not for more than a moment) recall to my mind that gathering of the poor in the dark arches of a London bridge, in one of BOUCICAULT's pieces. By the way, was that play, _After Dark_, or was it _The Streets of London_? I really forget which. Then, all the characters in the new play are absolutely new and original. The hero who will bear everything for his alleged wife's sake, and weeps over his child, is quite new. So is the heroine who takes up her residence with poor but amusing showmen, instead of wealthy relatives. That is also quite new, and there was nothing like it in _The Lights o' London_. The villain, too, who will do and dare anything (in reason) to wed the lady who has secured his affections, is also a novelty. So is a character played by Miss CLARA JECKS as only Miss CLARA JECKS can and does play it. And there are many more equally bright and fresh, and, in a word, original. So, my dear _Mr. Punch_, hasten to the Royal Adelphi Theatre, if you wish to see something that will either wake you up or send you to sleep. Go, my dear _Mr. Punch_, and sit out _The Trumpet Call_, and when you have seen it, you will understand why I sign myself, Yours faithfully, ONE WHO HAS SEEN NOTHING LIKE IT BEFORE. * * * * * "FRENCH AS SHE IS SPOKE." [Illustration] _From Admiral Gervais to My Lor' Maire._ Much we regret, Lor' Maire, _mon cher_, Your banquet to refuse; But if you fear not _mal de mer_, Pack up your _malle de mer, mon cher_, And join us in a cruise. _From My Lor' Maire to Admiral Gervais._ _Mon cher_ GERVAIS, Can't say "_Je vais_," Except "_Je vais L'autre côté._" GERVAIS, _tu vas,-- Moi--je ne vais pas._ * * * * * LE ROI (EN GARÇON) EN VOYAGE, S'AMUSE; _OR, WHAT HIS JUVENILE MAJESTY PACKED IN HIS "GLADSTONE," AND SET DOWN IN HIS NOTES, &C._ _Ollendorff_--Servian--in French, German, Russian, and any other Eastern tongues, as yet published. Twelve dozen Boxes of Tin Soldiers. Ditto, ditto, Bricks to Match. _Complete Letter Writer_ (with addenda), specially added by his "Papa," as models to be followed more or less closely when addressing his mother on matters of a homely and domestic character.