certainly not for more than a moment) recall to my mind that gathering of the poor in the dark arches of a London bridge, in one of BOUCICAULT’s pieces.  By the way, was that play, After Dark, or was it The Streets of London?  I really forget which.  Then, all the characters in the new play are absolutely new and original.  The hero who will bear everything for his alleged wife’s sake, and weeps over his child, is quite new.  So is the heroine who takes up her residence with poor but amusing showmen, instead of wealthy relatives.  That is also quite new, and there was nothing like it in The Lights o’ London.  The villain, too, who will do and dare anything (in reason) to wed the lady who has secured his affections, is also a novelty.  So is a character played by Miss CLARA JECKS as only Miss CLARA JECKS can and does play it.  And there are many more equally bright and fresh, and, in a word, original.

So, my dear Mr. Punch, hasten to the Royal Adelphi Theatre, if you wish to see something that will either wake you up or send you to sleep.  Go, my dear Mr. Punch, and sit out The Trumpet Call, and when you have seen it, you will understand why I sign myself,

  Yours faithfully,
  ONE WHO HAS SEEN NOTHING LIKE IT BEFORE.

* * * * *

“FRENCH AS SHE IS SPOKE.”

[Illustration]

From Admiral Gervais to My Lor’ Maire.

  Much we regret, Lor’ Maire, mon cher,
    Your banquet to refuse;
  But if you fear not mal de mer,
  Pack up your malle de mer, mon cher,
    And join us in a cruise.

From My Lor’ Maire to Admiral Gervais.

Mon cher GERVAIS, Can’t say “Je vais,” Except “Je vais L’autre cote.” GERVAIS, tu vas,—­ Moi—­je ne vais pas.

* * * * *

LE ROI (EN GARCON) EN VOYAGE, S’AMUSE;

OR, WHAT HIS JUVENILE MAJESTY PACKED IN HIS “GLADSTONE,” AND SET DOWN IN HIS NOTES, &C.

Ollendorff—­Servian—­in French, German, Russian, and any other Eastern tongues, as yet published.

Twelve dozen Boxes of Tin Soldiers.

Ditto, ditto, Bricks to Match.

Complete Letter Writer (with addenda), specially added by his “Papa,” as models to be followed more or less closely when addressing his mother on matters of a homely and domestic character.

The Boy-King’s Guide to the proper and decent method of presiding at a Cabinet Council, showing how the same may be conducted conjointly with the introduction of Ninepins, or some other equally interesting, intellectual, and manly game.

List of the best Sweet-stuff Shops.

Ditto, ditto of what’s going on, and most worth looking up in places we visit.

Hand-Book to Leger de Main, with special reference to Practical Joking at State Functions, and other High Jinks!