One could write a great deal of these two, for they are really the whole of the play, but space must be spared for others who had obviously taken so much trouble over rather thankless parts. Mr. Hays, as the old entomologist, had few good lines and one short scene of opportuni comes under the sway of the charming Pamela. It was a thoughtful bit of character acting. So, too, was the brief but effective scene given to Mr. C. H. Ryde as the elderly husband. Helped by a most excellent make-up, he took the. centre of the stage and for a brief ten minutes was the leading part, which was just as it should be.
Miss Dora Evans made a most plucky attempt at the part of Ume in. As there was a real Japanese on the stage with her the whole time, it must have been most nerve ous work, and we are not going to indulge in any sort of comparison. We have seen Japanese playing "foreign" parts, and Miss Evans scores on the exchange. Mr. Graham-Barrow made a welcome re-Sppearance, as a Chinese boy, and looked the part to perfection. At times he seemed a trifle too intelligent, but after all China is said to be waking up.
Mr. Langley as the doctor, Mrs. Dudley Read as the nurse, Mr. Clarke as the porter, and Mrs. Hutchinson as Janet were all well in the picture, and Mr. Kakuzo Sena and the other Japanese did particularly well with the limited opportunities afforded them.
Mme. Serebriannixoff displayed to great advantage some very charming gowns. "A simple white muslin and large hat with blue ostrich feather in Act I was followed by a very pretty frock in pale pink taft fete over white lace in Act LI. In the third Act a very handsome evening gown, relieved by white lace on the corsage, was worn, while for the last Act a bat in orange tango, daring but very effective, with magnificent black furs over a long white serge coat formed a striking touch of colour.
The orchestra, under Mr. Inokay, enlivened the intervals with @ selection of lively music.
It only remains to be said that the audience enthusiastic
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.