STRICTLY PRIVATE.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2004, 7 June 1875, Page 3

STRICTLY PRIVATE.

A curious mistake occurred some years fcgb' at' the levee' of a vrell known theatrical manager. A gentleman was shown into his presence whose object ,was to treat about an engagement for His daughter^ and at the same hour a , horse-dealer, was expected by the manager, whose head just then fan rery much upon his stud j so he began By asking the father of Melpomem, f How old is f she ?" " Sixteen,last May, sir.""" Dear me—that's aged. She'll not do .for hard-work.. Is,she quiet?" "'Perfectly ! I never knew a gentler creature. 1' , „";Has she been long in town 7? 0' "'No', sir, I only brought her up with jne from East Grinstead a ■ week ago." " Has she Veen'properly handled ?" ••-Handled? .Oh, yes! < Mr Shellwall gave her lessahs." " Well, well, if your terms are moderate, I ,dare say we .shall agree." " I hope so; but she is waiting below, . Shall.l bring her up? " " Bring her up P " (smiling grimly) " Oh, no; give her £0 my-groom to put-intp. a stallj and I'll come down and looEVat her." "Jnto.a-s.tall, sir I" Certaijii^r I want; something very gentle—l presume she'ls? sgund---for jnyself. Morton is'writing^ melodrama for me, and if we can agree, Si ■jiallmake my entree upon her back.T '-' Upon her back, sir 1 Do you mean to insult me?" •/ Insult .you? Certainly not. You are from Cumberland Mews ?" "tNq, sir, from East Grihstead I" "With a mare?" "No, sir! With the first; born of my late lamented wife, Mary Muggings^ — my only,,'daughter !" **fDatlghter! Bleasmy soul, sir—l have been betrayed into a great mistake ! But I am glad we happened to be alone/ (solemnly taking a pinch of snuff); " such meetings should be strictly private."