for children's parts on the stage. For a time he
served as a midshipman in the British navy, and later became
a printer's apprentice. He was only fifteen when he wrote a
comedy, "More Frightened Than Hurt," which was well
received. His best-remembered play, "Black-Eyed Susan," was
produced in 1829. All in all, he wrote more than forty
plays, many of which enjoyed an ephemeral success.

Meantime he was constantly engaging in literary ventures.
When _Punch_ was founded, in 1841, he at once became a
contributor, and he continued the connection until his
death. "Mrs. Caudle's Curtain Lectures," "Punch's Letters to
His Son," and "Cakes and Ale" are well-known compilations of
his papers in _Punch_.

Jerrold was a lovable man, of an easy-going, generous
nature. Sociable, impulsive, simple, fiery--his faults were
those of carelessness or haste.

When _Mrs. Caudle_ was brought into public notice in the
forties, the type was quickly recognized, and England and
America chuckled aloud. _Mrs. Caudle_ still lives--and will
live as long as her sex; therefore, England and America
still chuckle.

You ought to be very rich, Mr. Caudle. I wonder who'd lend you five
pounds! But so it is: a wife may work and slave. Oh, dear! the many things
that might have been done with five pounds! As if people picked up money
in the streets! But you always _were_ a fool, Mr. Caudle! I've wanted a
black satin gown these three years, and that five pounds would have pretty
well bought it. But it's no matter how I go--not at all. Everybody says I
don't dress as becomes your wife--and I don't; but what's that to you, Mr.
Caudle? Nothing. Oh, no! You can have fine feelings for everybody but
those that belong to you. I wish people knew you as I do--that's all. You
like to be called liberal and your poor family pays for it.

And the girls want bonnets, and when they're to get 'em I can't tell. Half
five pounds would have bought 'em, but now they must go without. Of course
_they_ belong to you; and anybody but your own flesh and blood, Mr.
Caudle.

The man called for the water-rate to-day; but I should like to know how
people are to pay taxes who throw away five pounds to every fellow that
asks them.

Perhaps you don't know that Jack, this morning, knocked the shuttlecock
through his bedroom window. I was going to send for the glazier to mend
it; but, after you lent that f