CORDER is finishing a pipe, and two of the Angelic Visions
are dancing, in blue velveteen and silver braid, to the
appropriate air of "The Bogie Man."_

INSIDE.

_The front benches are occupied by Rustic Youths, who beguile
the tedium of waiting by smoking short clays, and trying to
pull off one another's caps._

_First Youth_ (_examining the decorative Shakspearian panels on the
proscenium._) They three old wimmin be a-pokin' o' that old nipper,
'ooever he be.

[_The "old nipper" in question is, of course, MACBETH._

_Second Youth._ Luk up at that 'un tother side--it's a Gineral's
gho-ast a-frightenin' th' undertaker (_A subject from "Hamlet"_)
They've gi'en over dancin' outside--they'll be beginning soon. (_The
company descend the steps, and pass behind the scenes._) We shall see
proper 'ere, we shall.

[_The Curtain draws up, and reveals a small stage, with an
inclined sheet of glass in a heavy frame in front; behind this
glass is the Cottage Home of MARIA MARTIN._

_Maria_ (_coming out of Cottage, and speaking in an inaudible tone_).
At last--WILLIAM CORDER--to make me his wife--I know not why--strange
misgiving 'as come over me.