'I don't know about "long before,"' replied Nicholas; 'but BY that time
I think I can undertake to be ready.'

'Very good,' pursued Mr Crummles, 'then we'll call that settled. Now,
I want to ask you something else. There's a little--what shall I call
it?--a little canvassing takes place on these occasions.'

'Among the patrons, I suppose?' said Nicholas.

'Among the patrons; and the fact is, that Snevellicci has had so many
bespeaks in this place, that she wants an attraction. She had a bespeak
when her mother-in-law died, and a bespeak when her uncle died; and
Mrs Crummles and myself have had bespeaks on the anniversary of the
phenomenon's birthday, and our wedding-day, and occasions of that
description, so that, in fact, there's some difficulty in getting a good
one. Now, won't you help this poor girl, Mr Johnson?' said Crummles,
sitting himself down on a drum, and taking a great pinch of snuff, as he
looked him steadily in the face.

'How do you mean?' rejoined Nicholas.

'Don't you think you could spare half an hour tomorrow morning, to call
with her at the houses of one or two of the principal people?' murmured
the manager in a persuasive tone.

'Oh dear me,' said Nicholas, with an air of very strong objection, 'I
shouldn't like to do that.'

'The infant will accompany her,' said Mr Crummles. 'The moment it was
suggested to me, I gave permission for the infant to go. There will not