Terrace near Portia’s Palace, Portia, Bassanio and the Doge discovered enjoying a pasteboard banquet.

(A Lady in the Stalls “wonders whether it is correct to represent Portia as knowing a Doge so intimately as all that,” and doubts whether it is in Shakspeare.)

The supper-table is removed, and the proceedings terminate by a Grand Al Fresco Carnival.  Ladies of the ballet dance bewitchingly, while soldiers play at Bo-Peep behind enormous red hoops.  Finally the entire strength of the ballet link arms in one immense line, and simultaneously execute a wonderful chromatic kick, upon which the blue draperies descend amidst prolonged and thoroughly well-deserved applause from a delighted audience.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  GRACE-LESS!

Nursery Governess. “NOW, ETHEL, SAY YOUR GRACE, LIKE A GOOD LITTLE GIRL!”

Ethel. “SHAN’T!”

Nursery Governess. “OH, ETHEL!  DON’T YOU KNOW IT’S VERY NAUGHTY NOT TO BE THANKFUL, AND FOR SUCH A NICE PUDDING TOO?”

Ethel. “I WOULD BE THANKFUL, BUT”—­(much distressed)—­“I CAN’T FINISH IT!”]

* * * * *

THE (POLITICAL) LADY-CRICKETERS.

(A COLLOQUY NEAR THE NETS.)

[At the meeting of the Women’s Liberal Federation the following “operative mandatory resolution” was carried:—­“That in pursuance of the resolution passed in May 1890, the Council now instructs the Executive Committee that they shall promote the enfranchisement of women, including the local and parliamentary votes for all women, who possess any of the legal qualifications enabling them to vote, among the other Liberal reforms now before the Country, whilst not making it a test question at the approaching Election.”]

SCENE—­"At the Nets” on the St. Stephen’s Cricket Ground.  “The Champion” has been practising in the interval, prior to playing in the Great Match of the Season, “Unionists v.  Home-Rulers.”  Various admiring Volunteers of both sexes have been “scouting” for him.

First Admiring Bystander. By Jove, that was a slashing hit!  What powder he puts into it, eh?  At his age too!

Second A.B. Oh, the Grand Old ’Un’s in great form this season.  Like ’tother W.G., who’s just back from the Antipodes and, at forty-four, can knock up his sixty-three in sixty-five minutes.  There he goes again, clean over all the “scouts”!

First A.B. Oh! he gives ’em plenty to do, “in the country.”  Keeps ’em on the shift, eh?

Second A.B. Bless you, yes.  Why a hit like that, run out, would be worth seven to his side-in a match!

First A.B. (knowingly).  Ah, but I notice that in a match these tremendous swipes don’t always come off, don’tcher-know.  I’ve seen some tremendous sloggers at the nets make a wonderful poor show when between wickets with a watchful “field” round ’em.