The Lancers, now running at WALLACK’S, (a proceeding which implies no want of bravery on the part of that distinguished corps,) is, however, unlike most military dramas, inasmuch as it is a bright and brilliant play.  Moreover, it is acted by the best members of the Company in their very best manner.  Miss LOUISA MOORE, whose golden hair and silvery voice become an actress of genuine mettle as well as gentle grace, is ESTELLE, the heroine; Miss EMILY MESTAYER is the Commanding Sister of Col.  EPEE who is personated by Mr. FISHER; Mr. WYNDHAM is the Graceless Private, who, having spent his last penny, enlists in the Lancers and spends vast sums in beneficiary beer in company with his comrades; Mr. WILLIAMSON is the Kindly Sergeant; Mr. RINGGOLD is the Genial Artist, whose velvet coat suggests that he has recently managed a Starr opera bouffe enterprise; and Mr. STODDART is happy in the congenial character of a Clumsy Trumpeter.  If any speculative manager pretends that he has a better hypothetical cast in his eye than the present cast of the Lancers, let him be given to the surgical tormentors to be operated upon for malignant strabismus.

The curtain rises upon the Genial Artist searching for his friend, the Graceless Private, in the empty jugs and glasses at the Golden Sun Inn.  To him enters the Clumsy Trumpeter.

Genial Artist.  “Where can he be?  It—­it must, and yet—­”

Clumsy Trumpeter (without Stoddart’s usual oath.) “He’s got ’em.  Hallo! friend.  Do you want any thing?”

Genial Artist.  “Yes—­no—­that is—­or rather it isn’t—­” (Exit, while Trumpeter makes faces at the gallery.)

Enter ESTELLE and her maid, disguised as peasants, and pursued by a troop of lancers.

All the Lancers.  “Let me kiss ’em.”

Both the Girls.  “Scr-r-r-r-e-e-e-ch.”

(Enter Graceless Private.)

Graceless Private.  “I will protect you.  Get out, all you fellows.” (They get out.)

A flirtation between the Private and ESTELLE is at once begun, from which it appears that she came to catch a glimpse of the Colonel, who wants to marry her.  She and the Private sit on the table, and fall instantaneously in love.  As soon as they are well in, the Lancers return, and ESTELLE flies.  Graceless Private, having no money, pays for the co-inebriation of the entire corps, and while engaged in this praiseworthy occupation is found by the Genial Artist, who makes him promise to attend a ball at a neighboring chateau.  Enter Kindly Sergeant, who arrests the Graceless Private, and puts him in the guard-house.  Curtain falls amid faces from STODDART (without his usual oath) and applause from the audience.

Veteran Play-goer.  “Well, I’ve seen STODDART in every thing he has played this year, and this is the first time he has failed to swear on every ineligible occasion.”