LORD ORWELL. No profession, I see, however rude, can prevent the growth of humanity, where religion affords its kindly influence. Even conversation with this butcher I perceive to improve my humanity! _Enter_ SIR WILLIAM RIGHTLY. Good morning to you, Sir William; you rested well, I hope? SIR W. Quite so, I thank you; your Lordship is well this morning, I hope? You have been sending your butcher away in tears, I see. I passed him in the hall; he gave me a look that spoke I know not what; I felt it at my heart. * * * * * LORD ORWELL. I think you must have heard me mention this butcher before; he is not only the best butcher for many miles round, but one of the best men! His Lordship then characterises Goodman thus:-- I have a great regard for him. In addition to all I have said, there is a civility and gentleness in his manner--an ease and frankness--civil without servility--ease without familiarity, and gentle, with much animation! SIR WILLIAM. It seems, then, that the butcher, if not a gentleman has much of the gentleman about him. LORD ORWELL. Exactly so. But let us join the breakfast party. [_Exeunt._ There is so much genuine nature in all this, that we certainly should have no hesitation in foretelling the reception it would meet with on the stage, if acted. The _dénoûment_ may easily be anticipated; Mr. Shepherd, instead of being continued as curate, gets the rectory at Gladford; and Lord Orwell and Sir William Rightly having walked down to the butcher's, there conclude the play thus: [Lord Orwell and Sir William alternately shake hands with Mrs. Shepherd and Mrs. Goodman; Mr. Shepherd and Goodman then take each other cordially by the hand, in the centre, while Lord Orwell takes Goodman's hand and Mrs. Goodman's; Sir William takes Mrs. Shepherd's and Ruth's; Mrs. Goodman takes Muggins's, and Muggins George's; Ruth takes Crusty's, and Crusty his wife's. The curtain drops.] As we have already said, the great charm of these pieces is the perfect representation which they give of _real life_. The intimate knowledge of human nature, and of society, which shines throughout all of them; and, above all, that consummate skill which, while it affords the richest dramatic treat, conveys the purest moral lesson. It certainly is not for us to prescribe to Mr. Elliston; but we do think that if the play, whence we have made the above extracts, were acted at Drury Lane, the effect produced would be extraordinary. To Mr. Plumptree we return our thanks for his volume, which having read with admiration, we lay down with infinite satisfaction; and if every author were to pursue _his_ plan and publish the piece, which managers have refused, it would very soon put an end to all doubts as to the cabals and intrigues which agitate, divide, and govern theatrical cabinets. PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE OF PUBLIC MEN.