(by myself) of that charming work by SODALA--I call it _Blood and
Thunder_?

_Manager_ (_producing halfpenny_). By the rules of the Company we toss
for it. (_Throws up coin._) Heads!--_Blood and Thunder_ wins. We
will do _Blood and Thunder_. Well, now as to casting it. Anything for
IRVING in it?

_Second Mem._ Oh, yes--if he would play it. A Policeman who dies
by cutting his throat in Scene 1. Not the sort of part he usually
selects, but capital.

_First Mem._ It is not for Mr. IRVING to pick and choose, it is the
cause of Art we serve.

_Second Mem._ Well, yes. We might telephone and learn his views on the
subject.

[_Subordinate takes instructions_.

_Manager_. All right! Ah, here we have the piece! Rather long, but
the parts seem mild enough. Who's to do this soldier--a sort of heavy
dragoon, with a cold, who dies in the First Scene of the Second Act?

_Second Mem._ Oh, anybody! KENDAL or FARREN; or if they can't, then
HARE or LIONEL BROUGH.

_Manager_. But do you think they will like it? You see they each have
their line, and--