“Just a Wife” was written by Mr. E. Walter and was first acted at the Colonial Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio, January 17, 1910, and at the Belasco Theatre, New York, on the 31st of that month. As a playwright that writer has exhibited a persistent, morbid preoccupation with the subject of illicit sexual relations which suggests the possible utility of vigorous open-air exercise, the cold sitz-bath and potassium bromide. In this play a libertine named _John Emerson_, who has consorted with a widow named _Lathrop_ until their relation has become a public scandal, by way of “keeping up appearances” marries an impecunious vestal from South Carolina, named _Mary Ashby_. As he immediately installs _Mrs. Emerson_ in a luxurious rural habitation somewhere on Long Island and practically deserts her, this expedient would hardly seem to be of much social service. However, after neglecting his wife for about six years, _Emerson_ grows weary of his mistress, quarrels with her and runs away from her to visit his wife. The mistress, much incensed, follows him, and a sort of three-cornered debate,--protracted, sophistical, and indelicate,--on the sexual relation is held at _Mrs. Emerson’s_ country residence, in the course of which that lady manifests a sweet temper and admirable self-control. After it is over, _Mrs. Lathrop_ (to whom it has been intimated that in men the ruling passion is sex impulse and that she is growing somewhat elderly) goes away in a peaceful and much chastened mood. _Mrs. Emerson_ then snubs her neglectful spouse and signifies that he may not hope to possess her as his wife until he has recognized the supremacy of Love, which it is implied he will soon do. It is all very edifying, of course,--especially as the author of it, apparently, knows as much about love, as distinguished from carnal concupiscence, as a tomcat on the tiles does. This was the cast: _John Emerson_ Edmund Breese. _Bobby Ashby_ Ernest Glendinning. _Maxcy Steuer_ “Bobby” North. _Wellesley_ Frederick Burton. _Mary Ashby Emerson_ Charlotte Walker. _Eleanor Lathrop_ Amelia Gardner. A CHANGE OF NAMES.--THE FARCE OF “THE CONCERT.”