We are delighted--everyone is delighted, and that is much the same
thing--to know that Mrs. BANCROFT is by this time on the high road to
recovery from the effects of what might have been a serious accident.
The "inimitable" was in a Hansom, when the horse suddenly fell. Had
Mrs. BANCROFT been only what is professionally known as "A Walking
Lady," this could not have happened. The _Daily Telegraph's_ account
of it informed us that "Mr. BLAKELEY, now of the Criterion Theatre,
and once a member of Mr. and Mrs. BANCROFT'S own company, who was
happily passing immediately after the occurrence, was the means of
having the lady taken to her private residence." Mr. BLAKELEY is
always "happy" in any part he undertakes, _nihil tetigit quod non
ornavit_, and no doubt he was "happily passing," perhaps gaily
whistling, lightly stepping, merrily twirling a stick, and walking
along "thinking of nothing at all," when he became aware of the danger
to the popular ex-manageress, which at once changed his note from a
tenner to an alto: in fact alto-gether altered it. [The above comment
would have been impossible had the reporter stated that, "Happily for
Mrs. BANCROFT, Mr. BLAKELEY, &c., &c., was passing at the moment, and,
&c., &c."]
* * * * *
"BEN TROVATO!"--Yes, found at last; this Ben is Mr. BEN DAVIES, who
sang five songs before the QUEEN, that is--to avoid all appearance of
rudeness--in Her Gracious Majesty's presence, one day last week. He is
now "Big Ben Trovato-re" in chief, and long may he remain so.
* * * * *
A PROPER NAME.--That peculiar but not uncommon ornithological species
known as "Gaol-birds" ought to be kept in a _Knave-iary_.
* * * * *
[Illustration: TOO CONSCIENTIOUS BY HALF.
"IS THAT ENOUGH, SIR?"
"YES; THAT'LL DO VERY WELL. AND NOW SHAVE ME, PLEASE."
"I OUGHT TO MENTION THAT SHAVING IS THREEPENCE EXTRA, SIR. DO YOU
REALLY THINK IT'S WORTH WHILE?"]
* * * * *