_A Lodging-House Keeper_. Yes, nice people they was--I don't know when I've _'ad_ such nice people. I'll tell you what they _did_ ... They come on a Thursday--yes, Thursday it was--and took the rooms from the Saturday followin' to the next Saturday--and then they stopped on to the Saturday after that. I do call that nice--don't _you_? _A Mystic Plaint_ (_from a Bench_). Many and many a time I've borrered the kittles for them when the School Inspector was comin'--and now for them to turn round on me like this! It's a shame, it is. _A Lady of Economical Principles_ (_at a Bow-window, addressing her Husband at the railings_). Why, my dear _feller_, why ever did you go and do _that_--when there was a bed empty 'ere for him? _The Husband_ (_sulkily_). No one ever said a word to _me_ about there being a bed. And I've taken one for him now at the Paragon, anyway--so _that's_ settled! _The Economical Lady_. I call it downright foolishness to go paying 'alf-a-crown a night for a bed, when there's one all ready _'ere_ for him! And you don't know _how_ long he may mean to stop, either! _The Self-invited Visitor_ (_suddenly emerging from the shadow_).--You'll be 'appy to know, Mum, that your 'ospitality will not exceed the 'alf-crown. Good evenin'. [_Retires to the Paragon._ _The Econ. L._ (_regretfully_). And a lobster ordered in for supper a-purpose for him, too! _A Street Musician_ (_with a portable piano_). I will next attempt a love-song. I feel full of love to-night. Oh, Ladies and Gentlemen--(_earnestly_)--take advantage of a salubrious night like this! Anyone who has not yet contributed will kindly embrace this opportunity of placing his offering upon the instrument; after which I shall endeavour to sing you "_In Old Madrid_." Oh, _what_ a difficult ditty it is, to be sure, dear Ladies and Gentlemen--especially as it makes the twenty-seventh I've sung since tea-time--however, I will do my best. (_He sings it_.) That will conclude my _al-fresco_ Concert for this evening. And now, thanking you all for your generous patronage of my humble efforts, and again reminding those who have not yet expressed their appreciation in a pecuniary form, that I am now about to circulate with the hat for the last time, I wish you all farewell, and balmy slumbers! [_He collects the final coins, and wheels away the piano. The crowd disperses; the listeners in the lodging-house balconies retire; and the Crescent is silent and deserted._ * * * * * OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.