te of all desolate, dreary, dingy places,
the inside of a theatre by daylight. On her still handsome countenance
alternated emotions of pride, regretful feeling, as well as of deep
interest. After looking across the pit for a few moments, she turned to
the hall-porter and requested him to announce to Mr. Clarke that a lady
wished to see him for a few minutes. The man quickly returned,
requesting the lady to follow him, but she, passing him, made her way to
the treasury with the air and mien of one who well knew the way to that
place of torture when a "ghost does not walk." The lady accosted Mr.
Clarke with a winning air, and seeing that she was not recognised, said,
"So you don't recollect me?" "No, indeed, I do not." "Well, that is
strange, considering the money you have paid me. Why," she continued,
"do you not recollect who played _Little Pickle_ at Swansea and Bristol
in 18--?" "Bless me!" exclaimed Mr. Clarke. "Ah! I see you know me
now," said the lady laughing. "And many a week's salary I have had
there," continued the buxom visitor, pointing to the pay-place, "and now
just let me have something paid to me to remind me of old times."
Whereupon she went to the pay-place, when the gallant stage-manager put
down a week's salary as of old, which the lady took up, returning it
however, and placing at the same time in Mr. Clarke's hand, a note for 20
pounds, which she desired him to distribute amongst the most needy of the
company. The lady was the Duchess of St. Alban's. When Miss Mellon, she
had been engaged at the Theatre Royal, and the first benefit she had was
in Liverpool. I knew a gentleman who exerted himself greatly on her
behalf on that occasion, and the success of it was mainly attributable to
his efforts. This she always gratefully acknowledged, and I recollect
his telling me that once, being in London, this admirable and
kind-hearted lady--who so worthily used the wealth at her command, after
she was ennobled--recognised him while passing down Pall Mall and
beckoned him to the side of her magnificent equipage, and there recalled
the old time to his recollection acknowledging the old obligation,
assuring him that if she could in any way serve him she would be
delighted to do so.

The Theatre Royal, about forty odd years ago was under the lesseeship of
Messrs. Lewis and Banks. Mr. Banks was extremely fond of a good and
well-dressed dish; he had a person as cook who had been with him some
years,