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. 28, 1861.]

“I hope [sic] everybody’s dressing for the burlesque!” exclaimed Scott, bustling into the green-room. “They’re ready to begin the overture as soon as we send them word. “Come,Come, [sic] I do think it went pretty well! What’s that terrible critic out there saying?”

“Why, Scott,” replied the gentleman appealed to, who either was, or at least by universal consent was reputed to be a great judge, “I’m telling Miss Temple that she might command an engagement on her own terms.”

“Oh yes,” laughed Lilian, “you would like to get me on the real stage for the pleasure of cutting me into small bits with that dreadful pen of yours.” Nevertheless, Lilian was delighted with the praise.

“Most sceptical of young ladies, I affirm that there’s no one on the stage who could have evinced more delicate feeling, combined with power, in that end of the second act.”

“I agree with you,” said Scott; “yet it’s very curious, Lilian, but you did that scene a great deal better when we rehearsed it just before going on—it was more spontaneous!”

Scott’s words fell with a cold chill on Lilian, but the feeling passed off in the glow of excitement which surrounded her.

“Nobody is allowed in the green-room except on business!” exclaimed Scott, addressing a young gentleman who had mildly wandered in. “This information is tendered for the benefit of Mr. Vincent. The ‘supers’ are requested to expel the intruder at the point of the sword.”

Two property swords and a dagger were instantly