But about "confiscation" they chatter and fuss
At all talk of attaching the soil to poor us!

* * * * *

FREE AND INDEPENDENT.

SCENE--_Manager's Room of the Ideal Theatre.
Present--Committee of Taste._

[Illustration]

_Manager_. Now, you fellows, I think we have settled what to do next.
Carry out the notion of an afternoon performance of the Ideal Drama.
We have got the moderate guarantee, and the good stock company, and
hope to receive the cooperation of the leading artists from other
theatres. Isn't that so?

_Auditor_. Yes, I can answer for the moderate guarantee--about £20--in
the bank.

_Stage Manager_. And the good stock company was imported early this
morning from Ireland. All very good Shakspearian actors with a taste
of a brogue to give their remarks pungency.

_Manager_. That's all right. And what is the play?

_First Member of the Committee of Taste_. "_Demons_," by the Master.

_Second Ditto_. No, let us have something newer. Why not an adaptation