THE OPERA IN THE FUTURE.

(_AS SUGGESTED BY "MUSICAL PAUPERS."_)

SCENE--_Interior of Covent Garden on a Subscription Night.
The house is filled in the parts reserved for Subscribers. The
remainder of the Auditorium is less crowded. The Overture is
over, when there is a loud cry for the Manager. Enter before
the Curtain Courteous Gentleman, who bows, and waits in an
attitude of respectful attention._

_Person in the Amphitheatre._ I say, Mister, look 'ere, after charging
me sixpence for a seat, I'm 'anged if they don't want an extra penny
for a bill of the play.

_Courteous Gentleman._ Highly improper, Sir. I will look into the
matter to-morrow, and if you are kind enough to identify the attendant
who has attempted this overcharge, I will have him dismissed. And now,
with your permission, your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, Ladies, and
Gentlemen, we will go on with the Musical performances.

[_The Opera continues. At the end of the Third Act there
is another cry for the Manager. The Courteous Gentleman
re-enters before the Curtain, as before._

_Very Stout Person in the Amphitheatre Stalls._ I say, look here--I
paid two shillings for this seat, and the back's coming off.

_Cour. Gen._ Perhaps, Sir, you have been leaning with a weight it is