Page:Punch Vol 148.djvu/573

with him. In the last Act Leighton is visited in succession by all the principal characters. Ruth Langworthy (Sir George's daughter) tells him of her love for Harold; Sir George seeks his advice as to the recovery of his wife's affections; and Harold comes to confess the forgery. At last Lady Langworthy arrives, a pathetic little figure in white, ready to surrender herself to save her brother, though she admits that her love still remains with her husband. By this time, one suspects, Leighton is heartily tired of the whole family. At any rate he refuses the sacrifice, packs Lady Langworthy off with Sir George, and is last seen lighting Harold's cigarette with the forged bill.

The play, though a little old-fashioned both in plot and presentment, is well worth seeing, if only for the admirable acting. Leighton, a sort of Robin Hood among money-lenders, is not an easy character to make convincing, but Mr. Lewis Waller goes as near success as is possible, and in his scenes with Lady Langworthy maintains his reputation as one of the best lovers on our stage. Miss Madge Titheradge, who seems to advance with every part she plays, has done nothing better than her Lady Langworthy, whose naughtiness never overcomes her charm. As the husband Mr. Charles V. France makes us believe that the anti-gambling stockbroker is not only possible but probable; while the comparatively small part of Harold, with which Mr. du Maurier contents himself, fits him like a glove. The minor characters are all adequately filled, and a special word of praise is due to Miss Agnes Glynne's performance as a tempestuous flapper.

"Mr. Lloyd George announces the withdrawal of beer and wine duties, and the prohibition of the sale of spirits to those under three years of age."—Ceylon Sportsman.

This part of the late Chancellor of the Exchequer's policy had hitherto escaped notice, even the persons directly affected having raised no articulate protest.

"Here the party was courteously received by Miss Broach, secretary to the Rev. Canon Rawnsley (who, owing to absence, was unable to be present)."—Manchester City News.

Nothing else would have kept him away."

"The press are specially reminded that no statement whatever must be published dealing with the places in the neighbourhood of London reached by aircraft, or the curse supposed to be taken by them."—Aberdeen Free Press.

But for the Censor's warning we should have hazarded the suggestion that it was G——— S——— E———.

"The War Office has issued respirators to all the staff of the Press Bureau."

Evening Standard.

The rest of the world can now breathe more freely.

By custom a half-quartern loaf is understood to weigh 21lbs., and purchasers who require a loaf weighing 21lbs. should ask for a 21lb. loaf."—Cambridge Weekly News.

Of course they should also see that they get it.

From a notice of Marie-Odile:—

"The theme is a very frail one, and honestly Mr. Kuolsland has not the skill or delicacy to save it...

What Mr. Knolslanch knows of nuns would go into a very small compass."

Evening News.

In the circumstances it is just as well that Mr. Knoblauch wrote the play, and not either of these other gentlemen.