MRS. R., on hearing that a Cricket-team, though not first-rate, had _a
leaven_ of good players, inquired how they could have more of them.

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW.

MEDITATIONS OF THE LORD MAYOR'S FOOTMAN.]

* * * * *

OPERA-GOERS' DIARY.

_Covent Garden, Tuesday, Nov. 1st._--_Tristan und Isolde_. About the
dullest thing that even a much-enduring Wagnerite ever heard. Glass
down to zero.

[Illustration: OUR CRITIC AT THE OPERA.

He heareth _Tristan | He heareth _Cavalleria | He seeth and heareth
und Isolde_ wrapt | Rusticana_ rapt in | _Aïda_, "More power
in slumber. | ecstasy. | to your Melba!'"]

_Wednesday_.--Glass up again. _Orféo_ with the two RAVOGLI and
the marvellous BAUERMEISTER as _Cupid_. Wonderful little lady
BAUERMEISTER-singer! I've said it before, and I repeat it
emphatically, BAUERMEISTER is "a little treasure" to an Operatic
Manager. MASCAGNI's _Cavalleria Rusticana_ was the second course
to-night, in which this adaptable lady, the _Cupid_ of the first
piece, appeared as old heart-broken grey-haired _Lucia_, the mother