pied with the effect of their own beauty on the audience than of the smiles of their Cupids.
At last the day came on which her fate was to be decided. It fell in Christmas week, 1775, and the audience present is described as "numerous and splendid."
The following is a copy of the play-bill:—
(Not acted these two years.)
By Her Majesty's Company at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane.
This day will be performed
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE.
Shylock Mr. King. Antonio Mr. Reddish.
Gratiano Mr. Dodd.
Lorenzo (with songs) Mr. Vernon.
&c. &c.
Then Jessica (with a song) Miss Jarrett.
Nerissa Mrs. Davies.
Portia, by a Young Lady (her first appearance).
The result can best be known by the judgment of the newspaper critics. One says: "On before us tottered rather than walked a very pretty, delicate, fragile-looking young creature, dressed in a most unbecoming manner, in a faded salmon-coloured sack and coat, and uncertain whereabouts to fix either her eyes or her feet. She spoke in broken, tremulous tones; and at the close of each sentence her voice sank into a 'horrid whisper' that was almost inaudible. After her first exit, the judgment of the pit was unanimous as to her beauty, but declared her awkward and provincial."
In the famous Trial scene she regained her courage, and delivered the great speech to Shylock with "critical propriety," but with a faintness of utterance which seemed the result of physical weakness rather than of want of spirit or feeling. Another paper, who
