Jack Redburn, too (_M.H.C._), seems to have found consolation
in this instrument, spending his wet Sundays in 'blowing a
very slow tune on the flute.'

There is one, and only one, recorded instance of this very
meek instrument suddenly asserting itself by going on strike,
and that is in the sketch entitled _Private Theatres_ (_S.B.S._
13), where the amateurs take so long to dress for their parts
that 'the flute says he'll be blowed if he plays any more.'

We must on no account forget the serenade with which the
gentlemen boarders proposed to honour the Miss Pecksniffs. The
performance was both vocal and instrumental, and the description
of the flute-player is delightful.

It was very affecting, very. Nothing more dismal could
have been desired by the most fastidious taste.... The
youngest gentleman blew his melancholy into a flute. He
didn't blow much out of it, but that was all the better.

After a description of the singing we have more about the flute.

The flute of the youngest gentleman was wild and
fitful. It came and went in gusts, like the wind. For
a long time together he seemed to have left off, and
when it was quite settled by Mrs. Todgers and the
young ladies that, overcome by his feelings, he had
retired in tears, he unexpectedly turned up again at
the very top of the tune, gasping for breath. He was
a tremendous performer. There was no knowing where to