ELLISTON (awakening). Silence there, gentlemen, or it will be impossible to settle this important point--and my property will, in consequence, be much deteriorated. (Enter Boy with brandy and water.) Proceed, sir--(to Author, after a sip)--Very spirited indeed. [Illustration: page367] Enter Sam. Spring, touching his hat. SPRING. Underline a special desire, sir, next week? Elliston. No, Sam., I fear our special desires are nearly threadbare. Prompter's boy calling in at the door. Mr. Octavius Clarke would be glad to speak with Mr. Elliston. ELLISTON. He be d----d! Silence that noise between Messrs. Winston and Bunn--and turn out Waterloo Tom. MADAME VESTRIS. My dear Elliston, do you mean to keep us here all day? ~368~~ELLISTON (whispering). I had rather keep you all night, madame. SHERWIN (to G. Smith). I wish it may be true that one of our comedians is going to the other house; I shall then stand some chance for a little good business--at present I have only two decent parts to my back. LISTON (as stiff as a poker). If I pass an opinion, I must have an increase of salary; I never unbend on these occasions. MRS. ORGER (to the author). This part is not so good as Sally Mags. I must take my friend's opinion in the city. MISS STEPHENS (laughing). I shall only sing one stanza of this ballad--it's too sentimental. MISS SMITHSON (aside, but loud enough for the manager to hear). Ton my honour, Mr. Elliston never casts me any thing but the sentimental dolls and _la la_ ladies. G-- SMITH (in a full bass voice). Nor me any thing but the rough cottagers and banditti men; but, never mind, my bass solo will do the trick. GATTIE (yawning). I wish it was twelve o'clock, for I'm half asleep, and I've made a vow never to take snuff before twelve; if you don't believe me, ask Mrs. G. After the hit I made in Monsieur Tonson, it's d--d hard they don't write more Frenchmen. MADAME VESTRIS. Mr. Author, can't you make this a breeches part?--I shall be _all abroad_ in petticoats. BERNARD BLACKMANTLE. I should wish to be _at home_ with Madame Vestris. MRS. HARLOWE. Really, Mr. Author, this part of mine is a mere clod's wife--nothing like so good as Dame Ashfield. Could not you introduce a supper-scene?