everybody for the procession. Intrigue, and Ways and Means, you're all
up in, so we shall only want one rehearsal. Everybody at ten, if you
please.'

'Everybody at ten,' repeated Mrs Grudden, looking about her.

'On Monday morning we shall read a new piece,' said Mr Crummles; 'the
name's not known yet, but everybody will have a good part. Mr Johnson
will take care of that.'

'Hallo!' said Nicholas, starting. 'I--'

'On Monday morning,' repeated Mr Crummles, raising his voice, to drown
the unfortunate Mr Johnson's remonstrance; 'that'll do, ladies and
gentlemen.'

The ladies and gentlemen required no second notice to quit; and, in
a few minutes, the theatre was deserted, save by the Crummles family,
Nicholas, and Smike.

'Upon my word,' said Nicholas, taking the manager aside, 'I don't think
I can be ready by Monday.'

'Pooh, pooh,' replied Mr Crummles.

'But really I can't,' returned Nicholas; 'my invention is not accustomed
to these demands, or possibly I might produce--'

'Invention! what the devil's that got to do with it!' cried the manager
hastily.