Among the guests at the banquet was Mr. Abbey, the American manager, well known for his many daring and very successful _coups_ in management. In the course of the night there were some rumours circulated as to the motives of his presence in town; but an allusion in Irving’s speech, when he said pointedly that he hoped next year to have good experience of the cordiality of American audiences, set the matter at rest. This scheme had long been in his thoughts; and, indeed, already many invitations and proposals had been made to him to visit the United States. There was something dazzling and fascinating in this prospect of going forth to conquer a new great kingdom and new audiences. There was the chance, too, of riches “beyond the dreams of avarice.” No wonder, then, that the scheme began to take shape, and was presently to be decided upon. After one hundred and thirty nights’ performance of ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ the season was brought to a close, the manager taking “a benefit” on his last night. Some ungracious folk object to this old-established form of compliment, but he defended it in a very modest and judicious way. CHAPTER XI. 1882. ‘MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING’—AMERICAN VISIT ARRANGED. In his speech at the close of the season, the manager announced the new piece selected for the next season. With that judicious view to contrast or relief which directed all his efforts, he had settled on a true comedy—the effective ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ To this piece many had long since pointed as being exactly adapted to the special gifts of the two performers. Here was the fourth Shakespearian play of an Italian complexion and atmosphere, which entailed accordingly a fresh exhibition of Italian streets, manners, and costumes. A happy impression was produced by the very note of preparation, the air was filled with the breath of the coming piece; all felt, in anticipation, the agreeable humours and fancies of Benedick and his Beatrice. This feeling of comedy, it may be said, is ever a delightful one; it spreads abroad a placid, quiet enjoyment and good-humour with which nothing else can compare.