SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.

* * * * *


(_Concluded from, page 254_.)


"_N'importe!_" exclaimed Stubbs, gaily; "there are more admirers, in this
world, of the ridiculous than of the true, that let me tell you. But I
must to my studies, for the night approaches. Next Monday--and this is
Thursday--and I am by no means _au fait_ yet in my part. So good
morning--let me see you soon again--and meanwhile adieu! adieu! remember
me!"

Mr. M'Crab departed; and Mr. Henry Augustus Constantine Stubbs prepared
to go through the soliloquy of "To be--or not to be," before a mirror
which reflected the whole of his person.

Monday came, and oh! with what a flutter of delight Mr. Stubbs cast his
eyes upon that part of the paper, where the play for the evening was
announced, and where he read, "_This evening will be acted the tragedy of
Hamlet: the part of Hamlet by a gentleman, his first appearance on any
stage._"

* * * * *

His carriage was at the door--and he told the coachman to drive down ----