* * * * *
"When the farce was finished," said Mr. Parke, "and the applause which
greeted the fall of the curtain had subsided, I dreamed also the
following author's note: 'The elapses' in this farce may seem rather
long, but the reader must remember that it is the author's intention
that his farce, if acted, should last throughout a whole evening. If it
were not for the elapses the acting time would be scarcely longer than
twenty minutes, instead of two hours and a half."
"I mention this," Mr. Parke added, "not only in justification of myself,
but also as a possible explanation of certain shortcomings in the work
of the original master. Sometimes the action may seem to drag a trifle,
but that is not the fault of the author, but of life itself. To be real
one must be true, and truth is not to be governed by him who holds the
pen."
* * * * *
Mr. Parke's explanation having been received in a proper and
appreciative spirit by his fellow-Dreamers, Mr. Jones announced that Mr.
Monty St. Vincent was the holder of the sixth ball, whereupon Mr. St.
Vincent arose and delivered himself as follows:
V