-14-. portrayed than the younger ones. Impassioned speeches, and the like were given well and easily, but the ordinary interchange of schoolboy conversation showed a certain amoxmt of stage con sciousness,while the scenes depicting nervousness and embarrass ment seemed rather artificial, even though these scenes have their replica a dozen times per day in the lives of the actors. One hesitates to criticise the characters too fully, lest the impression be gained that those not mentioned were failures. There was no failure in this play. Each actor, in his own way, interpreted his part as well as could be hoped. And in choos ing Mr. Entwhistle and Puddifer as the most convincing charact ers, we do not ii»anto infer thatthe others were poorer actors but simply tteit these two parts were rather easier to play. A butler's part, well played, is always very satisfying. The cool dignity of the man under all circumstances,his impassiveness,and his control invariably focuses one's attention, and Puddifer kept our spirits up iamensely. His dignity formed our admirable foil to Cook's volubility, though he allowed himself to be some what unnerved by her hysteria when the young folk failed to arrive back from the theatre. Otherwise Puddifer continued throughout in his quiet, serene, unruffled way. Similarly, v/hen he was on the stage, Mr.Entwhistle held the attention of all. He appeared not merely to be acting, but to be living his part. Firm and restrained, ho stood like a rock amid the irresponsible rising generation,- at first rather overwhelned by their display of independence,but later becoming more reconciled, and finally realising that there was a good deal of good in these young folk after all. His was a piece of really natural and convincing acting, the best we have seen for some time. Space forbids a detailed criticism of all the actors. The girls were very pretty - rather to the surprise of those of us irtio know them in real life. Mrs. Entwhistle was kindly and mother]y, trying to be sympathetic towards the attitude of her children, though obviously disconcerted by it. Vane was coy and aggressively gay in turn, but was pcaitedly rude to Selina who, sulky and equally rude in return, was convinced that every one was agaiiist her. Winnie provided us with "that;schoolgirlcomplexion" and was ather best in the delightful love-making in-
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