THE MODERN MATHEWS (_merrily, for he revels in talking about his favourite character_): Ah! "Davy"! I produced "Davy" in '86. I was about to produce a farcical comedy, and, as a matter of fact, had got within two days of the advertised first night--indeed, it came to within forty-eight hours of the time--when I became convinced that it was no use. On the Friday I frankly issued an announcement stating that I had no confidence in the piece. It was a toss-up between "Brighton" and "Wild Oats." Eventual decision--"Wild Oats." A great success--Miss Mary Moore and David James secured a big triumph. INTERVIEWER: And yourself? THE MODERN MATHEWS: Well, I played _Rover_. Up to this moment I had made up my mind never to play any part of Sotheran's or Charles Mathews', and when Mr. Calmour suggested my playing "David Garrick," I told him this. Others suggested "Davy," too, and finally Clement Scott, one night at supper, talked me into it. I was very nervous of "D.G." on the first night, because I had altered the intention of the dramatist in the second act by taking it more seriously. At one time I began to rehearse it with all the nonsense out of it, but finally decided to curtail the original "business" so as not to disappoint lovers of the old version. It ran from November, 1886, to August, 1887. I have revived it every year since, and so far as paying business goes, "Pink Dominos" is not in it. Ah! here we are. Come into my cabin. [Illustration: MR. WYNDHAM AS "DAVID GARRICK." _From a Photo by Barraud, London._] _Brougham stops at theatre._ THE MODERN MATHEWS _and_ INTERVIEWER _ascend a somewhat steep flight of stairs leading to_-- SCENE VI.--_A cabin. It is really an apartment fitted up exactly like a cabin on a wealthy man's yacht. Not a detail is missing. Even the portholes are there, and you peep out on to a sea of carriages, cabs, vans, and pedestrians. Luxuriously furnished. Table centre: papers scattered about, designs and estimates for scenes--one at a trifle above £1,000--huge pile of letters._ THE MODERN MATHEWS (_very busy--here, there, and everywhere_): Excuse me--M.L.! No, no--not my life--finished with that; my letters! (_Opens one--reads._) Look at that. (_Hands letter._) Fellow wants two for the dress circle. Has no claim on the theatre save his "great love for the drama!" (_Opens another letter._) Ah! nicely scented envelope. (_Reads_): "Dear sir, will you send us two seats for the matinée on Saturday? A gentleman friend told us you _always_ give seats away. We want to come to the afternoon performance, because ma hates theatres, and won't let us go if she can help it!" INTERVIEWER: Encouraging! THE MODERN MATHEWS: D.C., my boy, D.C.! INTERVIEWER: So you're going to send them? THE MODERN MATHEWS: Send what? INTERVIEWER: The seats--D.C.--dress circle?