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So great is the craze for the newest idea in locomotion that it is calculated that including Duchesses no less than 1470 grandes dames whose names are well-known in Society, now pass Piccadilly Circus on the outside of the London General Omnibus Company’s vehicles, between the hours of 8 A.M. and 10 P.M. daily.

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A PASSPORT TO THE BEST SOCIETY, AND A GUARANTEE FOR RESPECTABILITY, is to be a diligent student of Mr. Punch’s works, and to have earned the abuse of the Pall-Mall Gazette.

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THE OPERA-GOER’S DIARY.

Monday.—­Les Huguenots.  Great night in consequence of police strike in Bow Street.  Rioting, and Life Guards called out late, just as they were retiring for the night.  Down they came, in regimentals, in undress, anyhow, to quell the disturbance.  At least, such is the report inside the house.  But inconvenient to be in two places at once.  Henceforth they ought to record this incident by having an extinguisher (typical of going to bed and also of quelling the row) slung on to their breast-plates.  Extinguisher clinking against armour would make pretty noise.  Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of WALES, having come to enjoy the Opera, remain undisturbed, and leave in perfect tranquillity.  Excellent example to perturbed audience.  Excitement within the house.  DRURIOLANUS, Earl DE GREY, Mr. HIGGINS, and other members of the Organising Operatic Committee, ready to charge the mob at a moment’s notice, to charge up to two guineas a stall, if necessary.  Not necessary, however.  Calls for the Sheriff-elect.  DRURIOLANUS, not having the official costume ready, cannot appear in it, but uses his authority and his persuasive powers in clearing lobbies, saloons, and hall.  At any moment he is ready to march out with all the Huguenot soldiers and charge the rioters.  Peace restored about midnight, Household troops sent home to bed, and constables decided to strike only on the heads of roughs, rowdies, and burglars.  This shows how useful it is to have a Sheriff on the premises.  At Her Majesty’s last winter they had the nearest approach to it, that is, Sheriff’s officers on the premises.  But this is not precisely the same thing, as Sheriff’s officers wear no uniform, and not being permitted to go out of a house when once it is given into their custody, they, however valiant, are of no use in a crowd.

[Illustration]

Tuesday.—­Lohengrin.  Regardless of rioters, their Royal Highnesses again here.  Much cheered outside on driving away.  Yet crowd in Strand (so we hear) not particularly good-tempered, and have wrecked a private brougham or two.  No effect on Opera, which goes as well as ever.  Rumours that the player of the grosse caisse has struck at rehearsal are confirmed, he appears in his place and strikes again, so does the Shakspearian performer “Cymbaline.”