WILSON BARRETT'S JOKF.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 360, 17 April 1889, Page 3

W IL SO N BARR ET T'S JOKF .

It happened at 'Ye Okie English Fayre," which I organised in 3883 at iho Albeit Hall. Mr Toole and jSJ r Uarrett wore both to play in the West Theatre. Mr Toole lost his way in the corridor and, bccing a clerical gentleman standing in the shadow of the d or, a«ked if that was the way to the We3b Theatre. ' Theatre, sir ?' says Barrett, recogni&ing Toole and disguising his own voice. 'Yes, sir,' responded Toole. ' I believe there is a theatre somewhere here. May I venture to inquire the name of the gentleman whom I am addressing '?' 1 Mv name is Toole,' says the comedian. 4 \Vhafc ! Toole, the play actor ?' asks Barrett, with an expression of feigned surpiise. ' Yes, J. L. Toole,' was the reply. ' V\ hy do you ask ?' ' And you are Toole, the comedian ?' ex claimed Banett, half turning away. • Ib Toole, the come 'inn, such a hornblo person ?' responded Toole, waimly. •He may not be ; but the so-called profession to which he belongs is a dreadful one.' ' Dreadful !' exclaimed Toole. ' Dreadful ! Why dreadful?' 1 The theatre, sir, is an immoral thing; ! it always has been, I fear it always must i be. Oh ! my dear friend, be warned in time. Leave it while you may find the better path !' ' Leave it •' exclaimed Toole. ' I don't ! know who you are, but allow me to say that you are a very bigoted, not to say impertinent, person.' • Parson, sir ! That ib the character I am assuming at the moment.' ' Thon you are assuming it in a very offensive manner, sir, and I am sorry to seem rude in making that remark. I have known and do know many of your cloth, and have invariably found them men of charity and benevolence, and — ' ' That will do, Johnny, old friend,' cjaid Barrett, in his own voice : ' I have made a clerical error, evidently. You had better so on. You'll miss your cue. The}' have called you, I believe, ever so long since.'