LUD.-Really I'm afraid there's no chance of his lordship's wardrobe requiring any repairs at present, Master Tailor.

PETER.-But if you would only just hint to his honour that a button was loose, or a stitch likely to give way, the point of my ambition would be gained. Do, monsieur, and any present I can make you out of compliment

LUD-Oh! really you mustn't think of bribing me; I'll see what I can do for you without that.

PETER. You will? Then I'm a made man! I see the letters on my shop front already emblazoned in gol?: "Peter Spielberg, Court Tailor, by Appointment." By Appointment!

[Strutting and crossing to R.H. Enter HANS the shoemaker L.H. HANS.-Court tailor by appointment! What, you? PETER.-Yes, me! And why not, pray?

HANS.-Lucky man! Oh that I were court shoemaker! LUD.-Come, come, no words! I'll try and oblige both of you, since it's a matter of so much importance.

PETER and HANS (bowing).—Oh, thank your honour-thank you! LUD. Our arrival seems to have created excitement. [Exit L. H. PETER (proudly).-Court tailor by appointment! HANS (proudly).-Shoemaker to his Excelleney! PETER. I wonder if Karl Bardanou, the barber, has seen him? HANS.-You may be sure he has, and knows all about him, I warrant. Let's go to his shop and ask him.

PETER (looking L. H.)-Here he comes. (Enter KARL L. H.) Good morning, Karl. Have you seen the noble traveller? KARL.-Of course I have, and a very grand fellow he is-as far as looks and clothes go; but I've some doubts as to his brains. He has more money than wit, I expect, and more pride than either, it seems; for one of my customers told me that his lordship wouldn't dine in the travellers' room, but must have everything carried to a private apartment. Bah! how I hate such pride!

PETER.-Hush, hush!-suppose he were to send for you to shave him, there'd be an honour!

KARL-Where would be an honour ? Honour in shaving a baron! Pooh! there would be just as much honour in shaving a poodle, in my eyes. I look at the mind, my friends, not at the pocket. You should have heard how he called out for his servant just now! A great inan indeed-a great tyrant! Enter NICETTE R. H.

NIC.-And what makes you say that, Karl? You know very little of the gentleman, not even the reason of his travelling. KARL-Just as if a man could not travel without having a reason! NIC.-But he has a reason. His servant told it as a great secret. KARL-Did he? Then, as a matter of course, you're going to tell everybody; so tell me.

NIC.-Well, then, his servant tells me his master is going to be married, and to a rich heiress-a most beautiful young lady. KARL-Pooh! I know how it is with these purse-proud aristocrats. They order a wife just as Peter's customers order a pair of shoes. Nic.-Hold you tongue, Karl, and don't think`evil of others before you know them.

PETER (aside to HANS).-Well, I shall go home and trust to the baron's valet sending me a job, in spite of what Master Karl says. HANS (aside.)-So shall I. Come along. [Exeunt arm-in-arm L. H. KARL.-Now it's very likely that this baron has nothing but his title, and is only marrying to enrich himself.

Nic.-But all the world, Karl, don't marry for the sake of enriching themselves, and there are yet plenty of people I trust who marry only out of affection.

KARL (bowing and kissing her hand).-As I intend to do.
NIC.-Oh that has nothing to do with it!

KARL.-Pardon me, but it has everything to do with it. You know very well, my dear Nicette, that I am no seeker after wealth; that I don't admire you one bit the less because your father tells me he can't give you any marriage portion. No, no, not I indeed! Oh, if Providence would only put me in a similar position, what a pattern I'd set my betters!

Nic.-Ah, so you say, but that remains to be proved. Good for tune alters some people strangely.,

KARL.-Yes, those who have no fixed principles, and allow themselves to be turned about like a weathercock by every passing wind. No, no, Nicette, I've a philosophy of my own, and if I were to become rich in a single moment, I should be no more changed by it than our town clock. But as for this upstart_baron

NIC. (looking out.)-Hush! here he is. [Enter BARON R. H. BARON.-Really this inn is built in a very pleasant spot. I'm really gratified in looking at such a peaceful country. (Coming down C.) I hope plenty reigns in this village, and goes hand-in-hand with contentment. Is it really so?

KARL (placing his hand on his heart).-When contentment dwells within, one can be happy anywhere.

BARON-I hope these are the sentiments of your own experience, for he who so well understands the secret of happiness certainly ought to possess it.

Nic.-And so Karl does, sir. I hear him saying a dozen times a day he is perfectly contented.

KARL.-Yes; I make the best of my position. I never repine at my lot: for he who sows complaints seldom reaps anything but discouragements. I cut hair, shave beards, curl wigs, and live in hope that some day, perhaps, a lucky chance may turn up for me. BARON. And so it will, be assured. Fate has not imitated the example of your government and banished its lottery, and, with industry and contentment such as yours, a good number is always to be hoped for.

Nic-Talking of lotteries, Karl has a ticket. Oh, only to think if it should gain the château!

BARON. A château do you say? KARL.-Yes, my lord, a château with lands and forests. There was an agent here from Frankfort, some time ago, selling the tickets, and Nicette persuaded me to take one.

BARON.-Indeed? Does it relate to the splendid château and domains of Rovenbourg?

KARL-Really I hardly know, for I scarcely looked at either the prospectus or the number; but I have them both here. [Takes out pocket-book from his pocket. NIC.-I'm sure I should have forgotten all about it if your lordship hadn't mentioned the lottery.

KARL.-And I'm sure I should, for I look upon these things as so many soap-bubbles. (Takes paper out of pocket-book, and reads it.) "Domain of Rovenbourg, two miles from the Black Forest." The prize was to have been drawn at the end of this month. BARON.-The prize is drawn. It is past the appointed time, as you will find if you look at the prospectus.

NIC (to BARON).-And what was the fortunate number, my lord? BARON.-Sixty-six.

KARL (taking ticket from his pocket, and uttering a cry of surprise).-What! Sixty-six, did you say? Sixty-six ? BARON.-Yes, sixty-six.

KARL (putting his hand to his head).—Oh, Nicette!
NIC.-Oh, Karl, how pale you've turned!

KARL (agitated).-Sixty-six you say? You're certain you're right? (To BARON.)

BARON.-Positive. Why, what's the matter?

KARL.-Oh, my lord!-oh, Nicette! the castle and lands of Rovenbourg are mine!

BARON AND NICETTE.-Yours?

KARL.-Yes, mine; for, look, I have sixty-six! (Shows ticket).
BARON (looking at ticket).-Ha, ha, ha!-how strange!
KARL.-HOW fortunate, you mean!
BARON.-I congratulate you!

[Exit R. H. KARL-Thank you, my lord-thank you! Oh, Nicette, how my head does spin round!

NIC.-So does mine.

KARL. And how I tremble! I shall not be able to shave another soul to-day! Shave, did I say? What, I, the proprietor of a grand castle and grounds, take again between my finger and thumb the plebeian snouts of the common herd! Never never! NIC.-Oh, Karl, I must go and tell father you'll be able to make a lady of me, after all! Father-father! [Runs of R. H.

KARL.-I'll not go to bed this blessed night in case I should wake up and find it all a dream! I rich-I, the owner of a castle, instead of that hole of a shop I rent-I, the proprietor of a domain -of lands, instead of that little back garden of mine, six feet square, which grows three cabbages, a gooseberry bush, a scarlet runner, and a handful of parsley! How could I ever settle down in such a miserable hut! Oh, blessed, discriminating Fortune, for once you've opened your eyes and picked out a worthy individual to shower your blessings on! (Looks down and sees the apron he is wearing.) What's this an apron ?-a badge of servitude, and girded round the loins of a landed proprietor? Avaunt! (Plucks it off and throws it from him.) Let me resolve myself into a proper state of dignity! (Walks majestically up and down with his hand in his vest.) [Enter HARTMAN R. H., observing him. HART. (aside.)-There he is! Good fortune seems to have made him two inches taller already. (Aloud.) Karl, my dear boy, I must congratulate you. (About to shake hands.)

KARL (extending two fingers).-How do ?-how do ?-don't bother, I'm busy; I'm reckoning up what I'm worth. It can't be less than a hundred thousand florins at least. HART.-A hundred thousand, my dear boy! Why, the baron tells me it's worth two hundred thousand.

KARL (excitedly).-Two hundred thousand!
HART.I warrant it is; and, from what I've heard of the p

place, it's

a residence fit for the King himself. [Enter NICETTE R. H. Nic.-Oh, my dear-dear Karl! (Embraces him, overjoyed.) KARL.Don't rumple me-don't rumple me! I'm valuable now! Nic. And so you always were to me, dear Karl. KARL (ruminating).-A residence fit for a King! I ought to buy a title ! [Enter PETER and HANS L. H. PETER. My dear friend, Karl. (About to take his hand.) KARL (drawing himself up).-Who are you, my good fellow? PETER. Are you going to cut your old friend the tailor? KARL (affectedly).—Nothing in your way at present, my man! NIC (aside to PETER).-Don't mind him, he's hardly himself. HANS (to KARL.)-Pardon my presumption, your honour, but if you should want anything in my way, pray don't forget me. KARL.-Don't presume upon former friendship; and as to patronising you-why, I'll see about it. (Goes up stage.) HANS (bowing to KARL).-Oh, pray don't forget me! I have a pair of shoes at home which I shall feel honoured by your wearing. KARL fconceitedly.)-Well, well, let me see these things. PETER and HANS.-Immediately-immediately, your worship! [They exeunt, hastily, L.H. KARL.-What a bore these tradespeople are! For the future I shall leave my valet to deal with these people.

[Enter BARON R. Ħ. KARL.-Pray tell me, my lord, what steps I have to take to get the title-deeds, and all other legal et cæteras of my property. BARON. I believe a notary always calls on the lucky winner of the property after he has been settled on it for a day or two. KARL.-What! can I take possession at once? BARON.-Yes, at once.

KARL.-Then I'll do so.

~

[Enter LUDWITZ R. H.

LUD.-The carriage is waiting, my lord. BARON (to KARL and NICETTE.)-Let us go, then. KARL (to PETER and HANS.)-Adieu, good people; and mind, if we ever meet again in public, see that you remember the difference in our positions, and only recognize me by a respectful bow. Come, my lord (to BARON) I am ready to attend you. (Goes up grandly, taking the hand of NICETTE. BARON takes her other hand, and as they are going up stage with the others, bowing to them, the Act drop falls.

ACT II.

Scene: A well-furnished apartment in the Castle of Rovenbourg, chairs R. L., a table C., all good furniture, so as to make as great a contrast as possible to the scene in First Act.

Enter CASPAR the STEWARD, and MADAME, L. H., followed by LUDWITZ. CASP.-The evil day has arrived, then. The lands and castle are disposed of, and the new-comer already in the house. LUD.-Even so; and isn't he a vulgar, conceited fellow ! CASP.-He is, indeed.

[Enter BARON L. H.

BARON.-Well, Caspar, has the gentleman risen yet? CASP.-Yes, your lordship, full an hour ago. He ordered breakfast in his bed-room, and during the meal rang his bell at least every three minutes to give some trifling order or the other. BARON-Go to the lodge and let me know when Madame de Randoux arrives. [Exit LUDWITZ L. H.

CASP. Oh, my lord, how it grieves me to see the château and its beautiful lands fall into the hands of a man like the present owner! Had you been the lucky man, my lord, why then

BARON.-Patience-patience, my old friend.

KARL (without R).-Caspar, you old rascal, where are you?
CASP. (to BARON.)-There, my lord, you hear!
BARON.-Never mind, Caspar, strange things happen.

[Enter KARL R. H. in rich dressing-gown. KARL-Ah, baron, how do-how do! Fine morning! BARON.-Beautiful! I'm glad the weather has had the good manners to put on its best face in honour of your arrival. KARL.-So am I. It should do so when the gentry travel. BARON.-Oh, most decidedly!

KARL (to CASPAR.)—What are you waiting for, fellow ?
CASP.-Nothing, my lord.
KARL.-Take it and go, then.

[Exit L. H.

CASP. (aside.)-He gives himself the airs of an emperor ! BARON.-I hope you rested well last night. KARL-I couldn't sleep for dreaming. I fancied myself at Court, my breast covered with crosses and ribbons, and thought I was opening the State Ball with Her Majesty for my partner. Well, who knows, my lord, more unlikely things than that have come to

pass.

BARON.-Oh, decidedly!

KARL-By-the-by, I fancy I'm rather out of practice in my dancing. Still, I am not deficient in grace, as you may perceive. BARON.-You have the Court style in every movement. KARL.-When does the lady who resides here until I receive the title-deeds make her appearance ?

BARON.-I expect her every moment. She has only gone into the town to order the necessary papers to be signed for the lucky winner of the estate.

KARL (dancing with joy).-That's me-that's me!

BARON.-I'll walk through the park, and see if I can meet her. KARL.-Do, do-you're quite welcome. Tell her she needn't hurry herself to leave for a day or two.

BARON.-Really, you are very kind.

KARL.-Heaven forbid, baron, that a gentleman should fail in gallantry to the fair sex; for when I see a pair of bright eyes, sharp as my razor, I (Aside, slaps his head.) You're letting the shop out again, are you? (Aloud.) I was about to say, baron, that I never forget what is due to the dear creatures that Nature formed for us to protect.

BARON. And I hope you never will, Karl; for, remember, with Bone men prosperity is harder to bear than adversity. [Exit R. H. KARL (looking round room).-I begin to have a respect, almost amounting to veneration, for this place. In fact, I feel myself already a legitimate descendant of the house of Rovenbourg. (Struts about.) [Enter NICETTE L. H.

KARL (stopping his ears with horror).-Oh, horrible words! Would you remind me of my former degradation? NIC.-Degradation, Karl!

KARL.-Am I not a rich man-a landed proprietor? Woman! have you no dignity in your soul?

NIC. (weeping.)-Yes, Karl-yes; but don't call me a woman-I don't like it: I, whom you promised to make a great lady ofKARL.-And so I will; but you must behave like a great lady. NIC.-Oh, do forgive me!

KARL.-Sink the shop for ever, then.

NIC.-Forgive me this once, and I'll be more prudent. I will

indeed.

KARL. This time I do.

NIC. (embracing him.)-I knew you would-I knew you would. KARL (disengaging himself).-Don't rumple me-don't rumple me! Depart-obey me!

NIC.-I will, Karl. I'll go and write to father, and describe this lovely, elegant duck of a place, and sign my name at the bottom of the letter as Nicette, the future mistress of a landed proprietor. [Exit. KARL (dancing).-I must send for a dancing-master without delay, for if the baron praises my dancing, there's no question about the gentility of my movements. (Looking L.) Hollo! who's this grand lady coming? It must be Madame de Randoux.

[Exit R. H., dancing and humming a tune. Enter LADY CLARA DE RANDOUX L. H. CLARA. So the new proprietor of Rovenbourg has arrived, they say. I have seen the baron, and he has given me my instructions. They told me the new proprietor was here, but I don't see him. Oh, here he comes, I presume. (Enter KARL, in a new coat R. H.; they bow and curtsey to each other.) The new lord of the manor, I beliove ?

KARL-At your service; and although this castle has changed hands, it is not the less entirely at your service. (Bows.)

CLARA (curtseying).-Really, sir, I am indebted to you extremely. KARL (bowing).-Not at all-not at all.

CLARA.-I am deeply grieved at my uncle having consented before his death to dispose of this castle and estate by lottery. It has hitherto been an heirloom in the family. The money which this speculation adds to my dowry is far from appearing to me as a sufficient recompense for my loss, and I would rather sacrifice the whole of the purchase-money out of my private fortune to retain, were it possible, the castle and lands in my possession.

KARL.-Is that an indirect hint for me to part with 'em? If so, I've too great a desire for playing the part of the lord of the manor to be willing to exchange my newly-acquired privileges for money. CLARA (sighs).-The end of the whole matter is, I must abandon all hope of seeing this castle again mine.

KARL (aside).-What a beautiful creature!

CLARA-I was on the point of sacrificing the whole happiness of my life to this one object.

KARL (aside).-What does she mean? (Aloud.) Oh, indeed!
CLARA.-You know Baron de Robach?

KARL.-Yes, madame. He's a friend of yours, I believe. CLARA.-Yes, an old family friend who has rendered me many services, and repeatedly made me an offer of his hand; but liberty was sweet to me, and I refused him. However, when this castle and lands were put up to lottery, he perceived my distress on the subject, and playfully urged me to marry him if he was the winner; but now it has become another's property, and I feel as if I should not purchase it too dearly even at the price of my hand.

KARL (aside).-Can I believe my ears? That's a hint for me.
CLARA (aside).-He's tempted by my words.

KARL-I see my fortune doubled-tripled !-it's as good as another prize in the lottery. It would be madness not to take advantage of such an opportunity. (Aloud, agitated.) You say, madame, you could purchase back this castle with the price of your hand? CLARA.-Yes, and I say so still.

KARL (kneeling to her).-Then give me your hand, and let this castle call you still its mistress, and me its master. CLARA.-Sir, are you really serious?

KARL-I swear to you I am, on the honour of a barb-a baron! CLARA.-But are you at liberty to make this proposal? KARL.-Never till this moment did I know what it was to love. You, and you alone are my heart's idol-my soul's joy, my spirit's existence-my all in all. (Aside.) I learnt that speech at the play. CLARA.-Oh, sir, if you are really sincere

KARL-I swear it! My heart is frizzled-hem!-fired, I mean, by thee, my angelic, my celestial, my adored one! (Kissing her hand.) CLARA.-Oh, pray rise, I beg of you (KARL rises), and allow me to retire! When we meet again we will speak further of this. KARL (grasping her hand).-May I-may I hope? CLARA.-Yes-hope for the best. KARL.-I'm a rising man-a very rising man. In a few short moments I've doubled my fortune. I see no limit to my luck; my heart feels light as air; I can't contain myself; I'm a bottle of quicksilver with the cork out. (Dancing.)

[Exit L. H.

[Enter NICETTE L. H.

Nic.-Lor, Karl! have you been dancing ever since I left you? KARL (aside).-Why, I've forgotten that I was promised to her! NIC.-What's made you stop dancing so suddenly-I, my dear Karl? (About to embrace him.)

KARL (keeping her off).-Don't rumple me-don't rumple me! (Aside.) I wish I knew how to set her against me!

NIC.-Why, what's the matter? (Taking his hand.) KARL (withdrawing it).-Don't take liberties, Nicctte NIC.-Liberties, Karl! Why, what do you mean? KARL.-Don't be so familiar; it's unpleasant to me! Be kind enough to keep your distance.

NIC.-My distance! Why, what's come to the man? Are we not about to become man and wife?

KARL.-Well, I'm not quite so sure about that.
Nic.-What! have you changed your mind?
KARL-No; circumstances have changed it for mo.
NIC.-Circumstances!

KARL-Since you left me, something has happened which will raise me to such an immense height in the world, that it is impossible for me to look down upon you again.

NIC.-Look down upon me! What do you mean? KARL.-Position is position, and must be maintained. Nic.-Oh, Karl, don't go on like that! If I've offended you, tell me so, and I'll beg your pardon; but, oh, don't talk like that (weeping). One would think I was a stranger to you.

KARL.-That's just the word. You must be a stranger to me; and, for the future, I must be one to you.

NIC (aside).-Oh, he's bewitched! He's going mad: his good for

tune has been too much for him.

KARL.-But I shall not forget you.

NIC (embracing him).-Oh, my dear Karl, I knew you wouldn't! KARL (releasing himself).-I will not be rumpled, I tell you; and, as I said, I'll not forget you. You shall have a liberal marriage portion; and I hope you'll be happy with the man you may select for your husband."

Nic.-Why, haven't I selected you?

KARL (grandly).-Me, my dear? Don't think of such a thing! I am about to unite myself with one of the aristocracy. Nic.-What! going to be married to somebody else? KARL-Yes; a lady of fortune has fallen in love with mo.

Nic (enrage)-Oh, you base, wicked, cruel, heart-breaking wretch! You paltry, pitiful barber!

KARL.-Oh, hush, Nicette, for Heaven's sake!

NIC.-I won't! I'll tell everybody what you rose from. I'll expose you the length and breadth of the whole land. (Calls of L. H.) Come here, everybody, and look at the paltry, upstart, purse-proud barber! I'll fetch a mob about the door. Ugh, you crocodile! Exit. KARL. My pride will be lowered; she'll tell everybody. What's perpetual motion to a woman's tongue when she once sets it going! I am sorry now I didn't get married to Madame de Randoux before I said a word to Nicotto. (Rings handbell.). [Enter CASPAR L. H. KARL.-Is luncheon served ?

CASP.-Luncheon has been over some time, sir.

KARL.-Over some time, rascal! Why was I not called? CASP.-His lordship the baron gave me no orders on the subject. KARL (enraged).-Don't talk to me about the baron! To whom does this castle belong, he or I?

Well,

CASP.-I know nothing positive about it as yet. KARL-Oh, you know nothing positive about it, eh? then, I'll soon let you know something about it, you old rascal You shall leave this house instantly, and never dare to set your foot in it again! [Enter BARON R. H., observing them. CASP.-I'll see my lady about this. [Exit L. H. BARON (coming down R. H.)-You treat that poor fellow very roughly, Master Karl.

KARL (proudly).-I shall treat him in whatever way I choose; and I think I have some grounds for astonishment when I hear that others venture to give orders here beside myself.

BARON-I forgot to tell you that the arrangement of this property is in my hands until the arrival of the new possessor. KARL-And I beg of you to observe-what you very well know -that the new proprietor is here.

BARON.-So I believe. You come, then, to the conclusionKARL.-That everyone should be master in his own house. BARON.-I entirely agree with you; and it only remains to be seen in whose house we are.

KARL-Surely you can't pretend to be ignorant of that fact, since it was you who first informed me what number drew the prize? BARON.-Oh yes, I remember that perfectly.

KARL.-And inost probably you have not forgotten also that this number was 65? And here it is. (Takes card with the number on it out of his pocket, and shows it to the BARON)

BARON (looks at it as KARL holds it).-Pardon you have made a slight mistake.

KARL.-How so?

me, but I think

BARON-I fancy you have not noticed that on your ticket the dots precede the ciphers, instead of following them? KARL.-Well, what of that?

castle and estate. (Takes deeds from his pocket and shows them to KARL.) Here they are, duly sealed and signed. (KARL looks over the papers, rubs his eyes, groans, trembles, and staggers into chair.) BARON-Now, sir, in whose house are you? Mine or your own? KARL (rising from chair, enraged).-You have deceived me-you have fooled me! Oh, vile, treacherous man! You saw me build up hopes only to crush them! (Falls back in chair exhausted.) BARON-Karl, you have received a chastisement and a lesson. KARL.-And so you deceived me like that?

BARON.-Say, rather, left you undisturbed in your error. Farewell; I leave you to recover from your disappointment. [Exit R.H. KARL (groaning).-Oh, the villain !-the scoundrel! My fortune, my wife, and my shop have all melted away like a cake of soap under the lathering-brush.

CLARA (without L. H.)-Never mind, I'll seek the baron myself. KARL (starts up).-Ha! there may be a chance for me yet; although I have lost the estate, I may yet gain a wife, and a rich one, too. Let me compose myself. [Enter CLARA L. H.

CLARA.-I thought the baron was here. KARL.-He's just this moment left me; we've been talking over money matters-the title-deeds of the estate, et cetera et cætera. CLARA. The lawyer has arrived then? I thought, perhaps, there was something wrong, seeing you so pale.

KARL-That's caused by the impression you have made upon me. Oh! Madame de Randoux! (kneels) you don't know how happy the possession of your hand would make me! Oh! let us fly together! Away with all idle ceremony and long courtships! I love you, you love me-come, then, and let the marriage vows bind together two loving, faithful hearts. (Rises, grasping her hand.) Oh! come-come. CLARA Sir! I most respectfully decline the honour of your hand. I know you for a fickle, false man. [Bows, and exits R. H. KARL.-And she was in the plot too! Why, of course she was! [Enter HARTMAN, PETER, and HANS, L. H. HART. (pointing to KARL.)-There's the false rascal! PETER. And who owes me for a suit of clothes. HANS.-And me for a pair of shoes..

HART. to KARL (seizing him)--Imposter! jackdaw in borrowed plumes! rascal! why have you thus dared to trifle with my daughter? PETER (seizing KARL by the collar).-Give me my clothes! HANS (seizing him by the legs).-Give me my shoes. KARL (groaning).-Oh, has it come to this? HART. (shaking him).-It will come to worse. My daughter! ] PETER (shaking him).-My clothes!

HANS (trying to pull of his shoes).-My shoes!

[As they are all struggling with him, enter BARON R. H. BARON-Gentlemen-gentlemen, command yourselves. I'll undertake to see you all righted. [They release KARL and bow to BARON. KARL (pointing to BARON).-There, there-that's the man who caused us all to be deceived. Yes, you proud aristocrat! BARON.-And, pray, since you left your native village, who has shown himself the proudest?

KARL (bitterly). Then it was to teach me this lesson that you so deceived me.

BARON.-Pardon me, Master Karl, but myself and Madame de Randoux, who was in the plot, have repaired the mischief you might have done yourself; and the best proof of her success is that she is bringing you back Nicette.

[Points L. H. Enter CLARA and NICETTE (L. H.), who is weeping. CLARA (to NICETTE).-Nay, nay, Karl's quarrel was only to try your affection: he loves you now better than ever; don't you, Karl? KARL.-Much better-much better !

NICETTE (going to KARL and embracing him). Oh, my dear Karl! KARL.-That's right-go on; I don't mind being rumpled now. BARON.-I think after all I ought to make Karl some recompense for the trick I played him, so I'll present him with eight thousand florins the day he marries Nicette."

CLARA. And I'll give the bride a similar sum.

KARL-Then, in that case, your reverences, I don't mind being experimentalized upon every year on the same terms. (To PETER and HANS.) You see, I shall be able to pay for my outfit after all; marry Nicette; reclaim my shop, and make it an elegant emporium of fashion. (To audience.) Ladies and gentlemen, I respectfully solicit your patronage. I assure you I'll give you my best atten tion, and this piece of advice to boot: If ever you buy a lottery ticket, take care you don't read it as I did-Upside down.

W

Dogs.

[Curtain falls

66

HO does not love a dog? Perhaps there is hardly a man, woman, or child, in all the land, who can say "P" to this question; for, next to a child, the Dog is our most amusing and intelligent companion. And not only our companion

KARL (staggered)-Ninety-nine! What-what then of sixty-six? BARON (takes ticket from his pocket-book). Sixty-six is here. KARL.-You-you-yours?

BARON.-Yes. The lawyer from Frankfort has just been here, and ought me the deeds which place me in full possession of the

them one and all.

The Dog is found in evory region of the carth, and every species of the animal has become the property of man, devoting itself to