ore, and coats. You were most welcome to them."

The letter was dispatched to Covent-garden Theatre, and in a brief time
the bearer returned with the following answer:--

"MY DEAR ROBERT,

It is with the most acute pain that I am compelled to refuse your
trifling request. You are aware, my dear Sir, of the unfortunate situation
of Covent-garden Theatre; it being at the present moment, with all the
'dresses, scenery, and decorations,' in the Court of Chancery, I cannot
exercise that power which my friendship would dictate. I have spoken to
Bartley, and he agrees with me (indeed, he always does), that I cannot
lend you an ass's head--he is an authority on such a subject--without
risking a reprimand from the Lord High Chancellor. Trusting to your
generosity, and to your liberal construction of my refusal--and hoping
that it will in no way interrupt that mutually cordial friendship that has
ever subsisted between us.

Believe me, ever yours,

CHARLES KEMBLE."

"P.S. When I next see you advertised for _Rover_, I intend to leave myself
out of the bill to come and see it."

Of course this letter did not remain long unanswered. Ben was again in
requisition, and the following was the result of his labours:--

"DEAR CHARLES,

I regret the situation of Covent-garden Theatre--I also, for your sake,
deeply regret that the law does not permit you to send me the 'property'
in question. I knew that law alone could prevent you; for were it not for
the vigilance of Equity, such is my opinion of the management of
Covent-garden, that I am convinced, if left to the dictates of its own
judgment, it would be enabled to spare asses' heads, not to the Surrey
atone, but to every theatre in Christendom.

Yours ever truly,

ROBERT WILLIAM ELLISTON."

"P.S. My wardrobe-keeper informs me that there are no less than seven
buttons missing from the captains' coats. However, I have ordered their
places to be instantaneously filled by others."

We entreat our readers not to receive the above as a squib of invention.
We will not pledge ourselves that the letters are _verbatim_ from the
originals; but the loan of the Surrey music and coats to Covent-garden,
with the refusal of Covent-garden's ass's head to the Surrey, is "true as
holy writ."

_Monthly Magazine._

* * * * *

NOTES OF A READER.

THE BOOK OF INSTRUCTION.

This is styled by the publisher "The Child's _Annual;_" we do not think
rea