The two characters which
opened the comedy of The Rivals, "Fag" and "The Coachman," appeared on
the scene--looked many sizes too tall for their canvas background, which
represented a "Street in Bath"--exhibited the customary inability to
manage their own arms, legs, and voices--went out severally at the wrong
exits--and expressed their perfect approval of results, so far,
by laughing heartily behind the scenes. "Silence, gentlemen, if you
please," remonstrated the cheerful manager. "As loud as you like _on_
the stage, but the audience mustn't hear you _off_ it. Miss Marrable
ready? Miss Vanstone ready? Easy there with the 'Street in Bath';
it's going up crooked! Face this way, Miss Marrable; full face, if you
please. Miss Vanstone--" he checked himself suddenly. "Curious," he
said, under his breath--"she fronts the audience of her own accord!"
Lucy opened the scene in these words: "Indeed, ma'am, I traversed half
the town in search of it: I don't believe there's a circulating library
in Bath I haven't been at." The manager started in his chair. "My heart
alive! she speaks out without telling!" The dialogue went on. Lucy
produced the novels for Miss Lydia Languish's private reading from under
her cloak.
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