_From the Same to his friend, Buskin Browne, actor._
Dear B.B.,--By this post I am sending my new comedy, _Men and
Munitions_, to your manager, whom I believe it should suit. If an
occasion served for you to put in a word about it without too much
trouble, I should be eternally grateful.
Yours ever, G.S.S.
_From Buskin Browne, in answer._
My Dear Man,--With all the pleasure in life. I fancy we're changing
our bill shortly, and, as farce is all the rage just now, I'll boom
your _Munition Mad_ directly I get a chance. Best of luck.
Yours, BEE-BEE.
_From G. Sheridan Smith, in reply. A telegram._
Thousand thanks play called men and munitions comedy not farce.
_From the Same to the Same, six weeks later._
Dear B.B.,--I hate to trouble you, but as I've heard nothing yet from
the management about my comedy I am writing to ask if you can give me
any idea of Sir J.B.'s intentions regarding it. Did he say anything
that you dare repeat?
Yours, G.S.S.
_From Buskin Browne, in answer, a fortnight later._
Dear old Boy,--No chance as yet, as the chief has been away ill.
But he comes back on Saturday, when I will mention the farce to him
without fail.
Yours "while this machine is to him," BEE-BEE.
_From G. Sheridan Smith, to Sir James Benfield, a month later._
Dear Sir,--I was profoundly grieved to learn from a mutual friend
that you had been so long on the sick list. Now, however, that you
are at work again, and (I trust) fully restored to health, may I hope
for a verdict upon my comedy, _Men and Munitions_, at your earliest
convenience?
With warmest congratulations,