52

THE AMERICAN EXHIBITION.

BY A LADY.

The American Exhibition was opened on Monday, the [?] inst. Thanks to the kindness of a curteous editor I was able to be present, and also by invitation to partake of the first-rate luncheon usually provided for privileged few. It was a feast indeed. Every luxury that the sea on does and does not afford was on the table. The fruit [?]; the wines also. I can treat my readers to a sort of [?] feast by describing my share of the repast. First, soup, then salmon, with mayonnaise sauce; then chicken, tongue and salad, ices, and two slices of pine apple, followed by muscatel grapes. I was kept in countenance at the luncheon table by very few of my own, sex, only about six I think, while there must have been at least three hundred gentlemen present; and I noticed the number of my waiter was 175, so that we were well cared for.
I sat very near to Mr. Wyndham, the David Garrick of Criterion celebrity, and he seemed quite as attractive off the stage as he did upon it. I noticed Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft also, and later Mr. and Mrs. Ledger, he being the editor of the theatrical organ, the Era.
The heat and the crush were terrible. I advise those who go to take their opera glasses with them. I left mine behind and suffered in consequence. As in the case of similar recent echibitions held at South Kensington, everything looked as if in need of the touch of the "Fairy Order."
Beyond the Hon. W. F. Cody's "Wild West" Show, there was nothing particularly satisfied with the entertainment provided for them.