THE MODERN MATHEWS (_with gaiety a trifle forced_): Let me see--where were we when we left the house? Paradoxical that, eh? Oh! yes--I remember--of course. Well, after playing about for some years, at last came a moment when I seemed to be on the horns of a dilemma. I had just advanced beyond the position of a stock actor, and hadn't achieved any particular individual reputation--that is, I felt unless I adopted some special line managers wouldn't offer me engagements. One morning--I was playing at Brighton--at breakfast I had three telegrams in succession. One read: "Would you accept an engagement at a West-end theatre to manage it yourself?" A second--from T. E. Smale: "Would you like a theatre in London? I can find money for it." And a third from Alexander Henderson: "Could you open at Criterion in 'Brighton' next Monday?" This seemed direct. I rushed to town. Henderson said: "Rare chance. If open next Monday--can have theatre rent free!" INTERVIEWER: Of course----? THE MODERN MATHEWS: Yes--I went! Played a month. Went to Paris. Returned at Easter. Opened in "The Great Divorce Case," and I started with the principle of making it a farcical comedy theatre. Made a contract with Henderson for seven years. This was in 1--8--7--6. Always a good memory for dates of that kind. "Pink Dominos!" Forced on me--absolutely forced on me. "The Great Divorce Case" was free to anybody to use, and when I produced it I wrote to the authors in Paris telling them I was prepared to pay them. A week or two after they sent their agent to me, saying that the same authors had just produced a piece in Paris and would like me to have it. It very much resembled "The Great Divorce Case," you know; and, on this basis, I refused it. They sent three or four times. At last I bought it for a mere song--I didn't want it--£40 down and £1 a night for a hundred nights! [Illustration: MR. WYNDHAM AS "DAVID GARRICK." _From a painting by John Pettie, R. A._ (_By kind permission of Mr. T. McLean, 7, Haymarket, S. W._)] (INTERVIEWER _excited. More so when_ THE MODERN MATHEWS _encourages him to take to playwriting as a profession by remarking, with a glorious twinkle in both eyes_: My half share of the profits was £15,000! INTERVIEWER _accepts another much-needed cigarette_!) INTERVIEWER (_breaking the silence_): "Where's the Cat"? THE MODERN MATHEWS: Very decent spec. Gave £25 for it! INTERVIEWER: Why, it's all profit! THE MODERN MATHEWS (_wisely_): But, I have given thousands for plays, and all turned out no good! INTERVIEWER: And "David Garrick"?