ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 151, 26 June 1907, Page 8

ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY.

A well-known society entertainer had been engaged to give a performance at a country house. The hostess had "risen," and was of snobbish instincts. She left instructions that the entertainer was to dine with the servants. The butler, who knew better, apolo- • jised; but the entertainer was not easily iiseoncerted. , "Well, now, my good friends," said he, after he had dined well, "if we have all finished, and you are all agreeable, I will give you mv little show." The servants were delighted, and i though there was no piano, the enter- • fcainer managed very well for half an "■ hour without it. At ten o'clock a mes- i aage came down asking Mr. Dash if he < svould "kindly come into the drawing- 1 room. He went..and found the comnanv 1

iw_i. i_t? w __ll,._,i__ xinuiu. Lmi cunipaaiv waiting. "We are quite ready, Mr. Dash," -said the hostess. , "Beady for what?" he demanded. '■"Why, for your entertainment, to be sure," was the answer. "But I have given it already," explained the entertainer; "and my engagement was for one performance only." "Given it! Where? When?" "Downstairs; an hour ago." "But this is nonsense," exclaimed the hostess. "It seemed to mc somewhat extraordinary," was the steady reply; "but it has always been my privilege to dine with the company I am asked to entertain. I took it you had arranged a little treat for the servants." Then he left to catch Ms train.