So it goes on. Then enter the chief characters. All rise; the orchestra plays the "_National Anthem_," in German, suppose, out of compliment to our Imperial visitors; and afterwards in English (translated, and, I fancy, "transposed"), in honour of H.R.H. the Prince and Princess. All the wax-work figures form in a row, under the direction of Lord Chamberlain LATHOM; the machinery is put in motion; they all bow to the audience; glasses are riveted on them; everybody is craning and straining to get a good view; the people in the gallery and just over the Royal Box loyally enjoy the scene, being quite unable to see any of the distinguished persons who are, in this instance, "quite beneath their notice." And then Signor MANCINELLI turns his back on everybody, and gets to business. After this, I feel that a buckle, somewhere or other, has turned traitor, and inventing an excuse with a readiness worthy of TOMMY TUCKER himself, I suddenly, but cautiously, retire. I descend the grand staircase between two rows of beefeaters reclining drowsily at their ease. Fast asleep, some of 'em, after too much beef. Imagine myself a prisoner, in disguise of course, escaping from the Tower in the olden time. Then, fearing the collapse of another buckle or button, or the sudden "giving" of a seam, I steal cautiously past the Guards--then past serried ranks of soldiers under the colonnade--then--once more in the street of Bow, and I am free! I breathe again. Hie thee home, my gallant steed (an eighteenpenny fare in a hansom), and let me resume the costume of private life, trifle with a cutlet, drain the goblet and smoke the mild havannah. _Sic transit gloria_ Wednesday! (_Signed._) (Mysteriously.) THE DUKE OF DIS GUISE. P.S.--Although there was more money in the house than on any previous occasion, yet never did I see so many persons who had "come in with orders," which they displayed lavishly, wearing them upon their manly buzzums. * * * * * MEN IN POSSESSION. The Manager of Covent Garden is Sheriff HARRIS. Can all his operatic officials all over the house be correctly termed "Sheriff's Officers"? * * * * * [Illustration: THE GERMAN EMPEROR'S VISIT. SKETCHES ON THE SPOT.--BY OUR OWN _GAILY CHAFFIC_ ARTIST.] * * * * * IMPERIAL IMPRESSIONS. That they are not accustomed to ultra punctuality in the arrival of steam-yachts at Port Victoria. That some one ought to catch it for not looking after the water-pipes in the State dining-room. That it is rather trying to have to remain dignified with your boots in three inches of water. That the Eton Volunteers are just the sort of boys to follow the tradition of the past, and win a second Waterloo. That still it was a little awkward to have to review them in the pauses of a thunderstorm.