s a most amusing gentleman and figures in a case full of
good things. There are two authors--as there should be--a Leader and his
Junior. Mr. GEORGE MANVILLE FENN (a very excellent novelist) is the
"silk," and he has for his junior Mr. DARNLEY. This latter gentleman be
it understood, represents only the best kind of "stuff," for the play is
good throughout. It is in three Acts, and there is not a dull moment
from commencement to finish. I do not feel equal to describing the plot,
which is bustling and clever, nor to jotting down the jests which are
funny and novel, nor to criticising the acting, which is all that it
should be. My time was fully employed on the first night, in laughing,
an occupation shared by the entire audience. The play was never in
danger. There was not a weak spot. No, not even the space covered by Mr.
DARNLEY'S moustache. It may be said that an earnest Barrister should be
clean shaven, but the remark would only emanate from those who are
bachelors. The married advocate has not only to consider his Judge and
Jury, but also his wife, and nine times out of ten she combines in her
own person the judicial functions with the power of the executive. Where
all are good it seems invidious to particularise, but had I to call
witnesses for the defence, I think I should choose Miss SUSIE VAUGHAN,
and Messrs. MERVIN, CAFFREY AND PRINCE MILLER. Another great merit of
_The Barrister_ is that he is closely associated with the word "brief."
He makes his appearance every evening at nine and has retired for the
night before eleven. I fancy, that unlike many other "gentlemen of the
long robe," he will have plenty of work to do during the Long Vacation
and after.

* * * * *

Illustration: Winning a Verdict.

* * * * *

Illustration: A Witness for the Defence.

* * * * *

Mr. BEERBOHM TREE, who has become lessee of the Haymarket, has commenced
his management by producing a one-act romantic play, called _The Ballad
Monger_, a version (capitally adapted by the two WALTERS--POLLOCK and
BESANT) of M. THEODORE DE BANVILLE'S _GRINGOIRE_. I remember the same
piece was "done into English" some twenty years ago at a Gaiety
_matinee_, when the translator, Mr. ALFRED THOMPSON, appeared himself as
the principal character, with the probably unlooked-for result of
shelving the drama, so far as London was concerned, from that distant
da