Such merit as “Valerie” contains was derived from the French original. It is a piece of journeyman work, undertaken as such, and as such well enough done. Wallack seems to have been conscious of its defects: in a letter of his to Belasco, which the latter has carefully preserved, he says: (_Lester Wallack to David Belasco._) “13, West Thirtieth Street, “[New York] December 31, [1885.] “Dear Mr. Belasco:-- “We must, have another ’go’ at the last act. “The dialogues are infinitely too long, and we have missed the opportunity for a strong scene for Mr. Bellew and Miss Robe. “I rehearsed the two first acts yesterday. “Yours always, “LESTER WALLACK.” [Illustration: From an old photograph. The Albert Davis Collection. ANNIE ROBE Photograph by Sarony. Belasco’s Collection. KYRLE BELLEW About 1886, when they acted in Belasco’s “Valerie”] Handsome scenes were provided for the play at Wallack’s and it received some measure of public support, holding the stage till March 14. Wallack’s first appearance in it was his first appearance in the season of 1885-’86, and _Walter_ was the last new part that he ever acted. Belasco had great respect for Wallack, recognizing and appreciating his wonderful powers as an actor and his extraordinary achievements as a manager. Wallack, while Belasco was writing “Valerie,” offered him employment, as stage manager, to produce it, but Belasco wisely declined. “I knew,” he said, “that Wallack would not be able to sit by and let me direct his company--much less himself--and so I thanked him but declined, telling him, ’Mr. Wallack, I should be afraid of Mr. Bellew and Miss Robe, and of _you_!’ When he asked me to ’come in from time to time and watch the rehearsals,’ of course I agreed, and I did go in and made a few suggestions to him. I could have remained at Wallack’s, in charge of the stage, but I saw my doing so would lead to nothing, so I refused an offer he made me and kept myself free. I treasure the memory of Wallack and my association with him. He was one of the big figures of our Stage, very pathetic, to me, in his last efforts to stem the tide running against him, and he was the most courteous gentleman I ever met in the Theatre.” MORE ERRORS CORRECTED.