[Illustration: Bob-Cherry Duet.] As to _L'Amico Fritz_, I should suggest that it be played in one Scene and two Acts. That this one Scene should be the Exterior of Cherry-Tree Farm (which should be _Fritz's_, not the _Rabbi's_) and that instead of lowering the Curtain, the _intermezzo_--not I venture to opine equal to the marvellous _intermezzo_ in _Cavalleria Rusticana_--should be played. _L'Amico_ is certain of an encore, and this will give the singers a rest. It could then commence at nine--a more convenient hour to those who would like to hear every note of it, than 8:15, and it would be over by eleven sharp. A nod is as good as a wink to Sir DRURIOLANUS, but all the same, Heaven forefend I should be guilty of either indiscretion in the Imperial Operatorial presence. Thus much at present. _Friday._--"It's the smiles of its AUGUSTUS and the heat of its July"--adapted quotation from "Old Song." "I cannot sing the old song"--except under a sense of the deepest and most unpardonable provocation; and when I do!!--_Cave canem, ruat coelum!_ I bring down the house as Madame DELILAH's SAMSON did. To-night _Manon_ is indeed warmly welcomed. "A nice Opera," says a young lady, fanning herself. "I wish it were an iced Opera," groans WAGSTAFF, re-issuing one of his earliest side-splitters. M. VAN DYCK strong as the weak _Des Grieux_, but Madame MRAVINA apparently not strong enough. "What made author-chap think of calling her _Manon_?" asks languid person in Stalls. WAGSTAFF, revived after an iced B.-and-S., is equal to the occasion. "Such a bad lot, you know--regular man-catcher; hooked a _man on_, then, when he was done with, hooked another man on. Reason for name evident, see?" The _Cavalleria Rusticana_ is the favourite for Derby Night. All right up to now, Sir DRURIOLANUS. * * * * * TENNER SONG FOR DERBY DAY.--"_He's got it on!_" * * * * * [Illustration: WHAT OUR ARTIST (THE SMALL AND SUSCEPTIBLE ONE) HAS TO PUT UP WITH. _Miss Binks._ "PRAY, MR. TITMOUSE, WHY DO YOU ALWAYS DRAW SUCH IMMENSELY TALL WOMEN?" _Our Artist._ "WELL, MISS BINKS, I SUPPOSE IT'S BECAUSE I'M SUCH A TINY LITTLE MAN MYSELF. CONTRAST, YOU SEE!" _Miss Binks._ "AH, YES, CONTRAST! THAT IS HOW WE TINY LITTLE WOMEN ALWAYS ATTRACT ALL THE FINE TALL MEN! THAT'S HOW _WE_ SCORE!" _Our Artist._ "EXACTLY. I ONLY WISH TO GOODNESS YOU'D ATTRACT THAT VERY FINE TALL MAN AWAY FROM MISS JONES--THEN _I_ MIGHT HAVE A CHANCE, PERHAPS!"] * * * * * A VERY "DARK HORSE."