AMPHITRE (_in the Gallic tongue_). Mesdarms et Messures, j'ai l'honnoor de vous sooayter le bong jour! (_Floats, with no apparent support, in the air, and performs various graceful evolutions, concluding by reversing herself completely._) Bong swore, Mesdarms et messures, mes remercimongs! [_She dives below, and the Curtain descends._ THE F. S. Is that all? I don't see nothing in _that_! HER COMP. (_who, having paid for admission, resents this want of appreciation_). Why, she was off the ground the 'ole of the time, wasn't she? I'd just like to see _you_ turnin' and twisting about in the air as easy as she did with nothing to 'old on by! THE F. S. I didn't notice she was off the ground--yes that _was_ clever. I never thought o' that before. Let's go and see the other things now. HER COMP. Well, if you don't see nothing surprising in 'em till they're all over, you might as well stop outside, _I_ should ha' thought. THE F. S. Oh, but I'll notice more next time--you've got to get _used_ to these things, you know. [_They enter the Mystic Gallery, and find themselves in a dim passage, opposite a partitioned compartment, in which is a glass case, supported on four pedestals, with a silver crescent at the back. The illusions--to judge from a sound of scurrying behind the scenes--have apparently been taken somewhat unawares._ THE FEMALE SIGHTSEER (_anxious to please_). They've done that 'alf-moon very well, haven't they? VOICE OF SHOWMAN (_addressing the Illusions_). Now then, 'urry up there--we're all waiting for you. [_The face of "Atalanta, the Silver Queen of the Moon," appears strongly illuminated, inside the glass-box, and regards the spectators with an impassive contempt--greatly to their confusion._ THE MALE S. (_in a propitiatory tone_). Not a bad-looking girl, is she? ATALANTA, THE QUEEN OF THE MOON (_to the_ ORIENTAL BEAUTY _in next compartment_). Polly, when these people are gone, I wish you'd fetch me my work! [_The Sightseers move on, feeling crushed. In the second compartment the upper portion of a female is discovered, calmly knitting in the centre of a small table, the legs of which are distinctly visible._ THE FEMALE S. Why, wherever has the _rest_ of her got to? THE ORIENTAL BEAUTY (_with conscious superiority_). That's what you've got to find out. [_They pass on to interview "Galatea, or Pygmalion's Dream," whose compartment is as yet enveloped in obscurity._ A Youthful Showman (_apparently on familiar terms with all the Illusions_). Ladies and Gentlemen, I shell now 'ave the honour of persentin' to you the wonderful Galatear or Livin' Statue; you will 'ave an oppertoonity of 'andling the bust for yourselves, which will warm before your eyes into living flesh, and the lovely creecher live and speak. 'Ere, look sharp, earn't yer! (_To_ GALATEA.)