That play was greeted by the writers for the Chicago newspapers with extreme and derisive censure. Belasco and Greene, reading the adverse reviews, were much disheartened and expected that Lotta would withdraw their play and revive one of her early and successful vehicles. “I had been in Chicago, for the dress rehearsal,” writes Belasco, in a memorandum, “but my duties as stage manager at the Lyceum required me to return to New York before the first performance. The rehearsals hadn’t been satisfactory to me. And when, on top of the scathing notices, I received a wire from Lotta [after “The Pearl” and “Editha’s Burglar” had been produced] asking us to come out to Chicago again, I felt sure it meant that our play was to be dropped.” When, however, in company with Greene, he called on the actress, his dismal forebodings were happily dispersed. “Don’t pay any attention to the criticisms,” admonished the sensible little Lotta; “I have just had word from my manager saying there is a line that extends around the block, trying to get to the box office. The house has been packed to the roof, at every performance. None of my plays has ever received good notices--but the public comes. We have a great big success in this piece!” Lotta’s mother, who was present, by way of confirming this auspicious view, said, “We’ll show you what _we_ think of it,” and forthwith handed to the delighted authors a check for the second payment of $2,500,--although, writes Belasco, “it was a month ahead of the stipulated time.” “Pawn Ticket 210” was the chief reliance of Lotta during the season of 1887-’88, and thereafter it was utilized by several of the various performers who sought to emulate her,--conspicuous among them Amy Lee. This is the cast of the original production at McVicker’s: _Mag_ Lotta. _Uncle Harris_ John Howson. [Illustration: Photograph by Sarony. Belasco’s Collection. LOTTA (CHARLOTTE CRABTREE) About the time of “Pawn Ticket No. 210”] _John Sternhold_ Charles L. Harris. _Montague Flash_ G. C. Boniface. _Charles Saxe_ Cyril Scott. _Osiah Gregg_ J. W. Hague. _Postman_ F. Waldo Parker. _Ruth_ Augusta Raymond. _Alice Sternhold_ Lilian Richardson. _Aunt Dorothy_ Ernestine Floyd. “BARON RUDOLPH” AND GEORGE S. KNIGHT.