All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

2o6 ALL LN A GARDEN FAIR.
' Aud there cannot be in the whole world,'
said Allen with a sigh, ' a happier man to-night
than the author of the piece.'
'There Avill be one man as happy some
day,' Claire whispered. ' Do yon know who,
Allen?'
He blushed. Yes, to sit in a theatre to see
your own noble thoughts nobly rendered ; to
witness the faces of a large audience all moved
by the same emotions ; to say to yourself, ipse
feci—it is my handiwork ; this is indeed solid
and substantial reward. The time is coming
again when the best genius of England will be
drawn back to the stage, and the writing of
dramas will be the chosen life's-work of the
future Thackeray. Allen knew what Claire
meant. It would be when lie himself should
so stand before a crowded House and hear
those plaudits ;
but he remembered, prudently,
that first he must produce a piece as worthy of
applause. He must work ; he nnist lead ; he
must meditate.
Mrs. Enizledew about this time became uu-