_Mr. Gladstone_ (_returning_). I am deeply touched by this sign of public confidence. I would willingly continue my character illustrations indefinitely, but, unfortunately, I am required in another part of the country to repeat the same performances. I have only just time to catch my special train. Thank you again and again.
[_Exit hurriedly, after kissing his hand. The Footmen reappear, and take away the large box. Applause, and Curtain._
There, my dear _Mr. Punch_, is the rough idea. I feel sure it could be carried through with the greatest possible advantage.
Believe me, yours most truly, AN EARNEST PATRIOT.
_A NOVEL IN LITTLE FROM A DRAMA IN FULL._
CHAPTER I.--_LADY VIOLET MALVERN AT HOME._
It was a gorgeous entertainment, consisting chiefly of recitations and the "_Intermezzo_." Lady VIOLET MALVERN was _the_ life and soul of the party. But there were lesser lights in a Baron FINOT, an old diplomatist, and a Major GARRETT, an officer in retreat. Then came ARMAND SEVARRO. He was an adventurer, and a friend of Baron FINOT, and had a solitary anecdote.
"I am going to be married to a young lady of the name of DOROTHY BLAIR, but cannot reveal the secret, because her mother is not well enough to hear the news."
"I dreamed years ago of going to the City of Manoa to find its queen. I have found her this evening."
"You!" hissed the Brazilian (he was a Brazilian), and departed.
"What folly!" murmured Lady VIOLET, in the moonlight.
CHAPTER II.--_THE GARDEN OF DOROTHY BLAIR._
DOROTHY was on the Thames. There came to her ARMAND.
"Will you never publish our contemplated marriage?" she asked.
"How can I, child?" he replied. "How can I reveal the secret when your mother is not well enough to hear the news?"
She sighed, and then came a steam-launch. It contained Lady VIOLET, the other characters, lunch, and (played off) the "_Intermezzo_."
Then ARMAND preferred to flirt with Lady VIOLET to DOROTHY.
And her thoughts found an echo in the breasts of the audience.
CHAPTER III.--_SMOKE IN THE SMOKING-ROOM._
And the Right Hon. RICHARD MALVERN, having had supper, was jealous of his wife. He told Lady VIOLET that he considered ARMAND _de trop_. But he did it so amiably that it touched Lady VIOLET deeply.