A DUDE'S DISCOMFITURE The "Desiree" Opera Company Make Unexpected Use of a Foolish Letter.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 91, 28 February 1885, Page 4

A DUDE'S DISCOMFITURE The "Desiree " Opera Company Make Unexpected Use of a Foolish Letter.

Among the disadvantages of the position of prima donna of the light opera are the innumerable missives from masculine ad niirers, sometimes tender and apologetic, but often grossly impertinent. Last evening, despite the watchful care of the stage doorkeeper at Haverly's Theatre, a note was delivered to Miss Lily Post, who was singing the title role in " Desiree." It read as follows : My Dear Jl/iss Post : I have seen your charming impersonation of T^iree, and am desirous of becoming acquainted with you, and for that purpose invite you to sup with me after the performance. I am aware that I have more cheek than brains, but 1 have plenty of money and am a New Yorker I shall be seated on the sixth row left, third seat fiom the centre aisle. It you accept my invitation, when you come forward for your solo in the second act please wink with your right eye. I will have a carriage at the stage door. Amused, in spite of her vexation, at the insufferably cool impertinence of the letter, Miss Post exhibited it to various members of tho company. It was resolved that the conceited New Yorker should be punished, and in as open a manner as possible. So when the curtain rose on the second act and the whole company was on the stage, Mr De Wolf Hopper, who, as Pommeret, should be the first to speak, walked deliberately to the footlight with the letter in his hands, and putting og his eyeglasses, began to count, in a manner which attracted tne attention of the entire audience, until he singled out the New Yorker, who was beginning to squirm under such close scrutiny. Mr Hopper then removed his glasses, and, after once more glancing at the letter, slowly and solemnly winked his right eye and pointed over his shoulder toward the back door. The audience by this time began to suspect the position of affairs, and all eyes were fixed upon the sixth row. Then Mark Smith stepped to the front, and inthe same manner as Mr Hopper winked ana pointed over his shoulder, while the unlucky dude seemed trying to shrink out of sight behind his neighbours. But the end was not yet, for, as though at a concerted signal, the en I tire company, principalsand chorus, fastened their gaze upon the now thoroughly uncomfortable young man, and each deliberately winked the rignt eye. This was too much for his dudeehip, and, rising in his aeat, he beat a hasty and inglorious retreat amid shouts of laughter. — " Philadelphia Press."