PYGMALION'S DREAM (_from the Mystic gloom_). Wait a bit till I've done warming my 'ands. Now you can turn the lights up ... there, you've bin and turned 'em _out_ now, stoopid! THE Y. S. Don't you excite yourself. I know what I'm doin'. (_Turns the lights up, and reveals a large terra-cotta Bust._) At my request, this young lydy will now perceed to assoom the yew and kimplexion of life itself. Galatear, will you oblige us by kindly coming to life? [_The Bust vanishes, and is replaced by a decidedly earthly Young Woman in robust health._ THE Y. S. Thenk you. That's all I wanted of yer. Now, will you kindly return to your former styte? [_The Young Woman transforms herself into a hideous Skull._ THE Y. S. (_in a tone of remonstrance_). No--no, not that ridiklous fice! We don't want to see what yer will be--it's very _loike_ yer, I know but still--(_the skull changes to the Bust._) Ah, that's more the stoyle! (_Takes the Bust by the neck and hands it round for inspection._) And now, thenking you for your kind attention, and on'y 'orskin one little fyvour of you, that is, that you will not reveal 'ow it is done, I will now bid you a very good evenin', Lydies and Gentlemen! THE F. S. (_outside_). It's wonderful how they can do it all for threepence, isn't it? We haven't seen _She_ yet! HER COMP. What! 'aven't you seen wonders enough? Come on, then. But you _are_ going it you know! [_They enter a small room, at the further end of which are a barrier and proscenium with drawn hangings._ THE EXHIBITOR (_in a confidential tone, punctuated by bows_). I will not keep you waiting, Ladies and Gentlemen, but at once proceed with a few preliminary remarks. Most of you, no doubt, have read that celebrated story by Mr. Rider 'Aggard, about a certain _She-who-must-be-obeyed_, and who dwelt in a place called Kôr, and you will also doubtless remember how she was in the 'abit of repairing at certain intervals, to a cavern, and renooing her youth in a fiery piller. On one occasion, wishing to indooce her lover to foller her example, she stepped into the flame to encourage him--something went wrong with the works, and she was instantly redooced to a cinder. I fortunately 'appened to be near at the time (you will escuse a little wild fib from a showman, I'm sure!) I 'appened to be porsin by, and was thus enabled to secure the ashes of the Wonderful SHE, which--(_draws hangings and reveals a shallow metal Urn suspended_ _in the centre of scene_) are now before you enclosed in that little urn. She--where are you? SHE (_in a full sweet voice from below_). I am 'ere! SHOWMAN. Then appear! [_The upper portion of an exceedingly comely_ YOUNG PERSON _emerges from the mouth of the Urn_. THE F. S. (_startled_). Lor, she give me quite a turn!