of the gay _Turiddu_. Were Sir AUGUSTUS inclined to introduce a
little light English jocosity into this serious Opera, he might give
a line to the implacable _Alfio_, saying, "I've come to rid you of
_Turiddu_!" If MASCAGNI had heard this, he would have composed an
additional _Intermezzo_ expressing the whole force of the idea.

_Thursday_.--_Carmen_ expected, but tenor off colour, so change of air
(or should say airs) recommended, and adopted. Audience sent to the
country, or, rather, _Rusticana_ brought to them.

_Friday_.--House crammed. Great excitement to hear MELBA as _Aïda_,
the darky girl. Everybody delighted, except perhaps MELBA herself,
who, on seeing the bouquets, must have murmured, "_Trop de fleurs_!"
Everybody good. Quite the best night of the Season. To-night
BAUERMEISTER appears as _Sacerdotessa_. So this week she has been
Cupid, an old Peasant woman, _Frascita_, a Brigand's Young Woman;
and then, being repentant, she finishes as a Priestess! It's a whole
life-time in a few days.

* * * * *

LADY GAY'S DETECTION.

_Berkeley Square, W._

MR. PUNCH, Sir,

I am surprised to find a Journal of your standing lowering itself to
follow the example of the so-called "Society Journals" by inserting
contributions from women!--I have discovered, no matter how, that My