goes straight to the heart of his listeners, and this is the secret of his oratory and of the remarkable success which has attended his long and useful career.
On the other hand, I did not like the preacher of the City Temple. He no doubt feels his subject and speaks with feeling, but there is something theatrical in his delivery which I do not like. I have often noticed this theatrical attitude in speakers, both religious and political, and it has its effect with listeners, but I could never reconcile myself to it even when the speech was otherwise excellent.
I need hardly say that we went to many of the principal theatres of London. Irving's Faust at the Lyceum was the rage of the season, Theatres, Tournaments, Races &c.but I must say I was disappointed with it. As a scenic representation it was the finest thing I had ever seen or ever expect to see on the stage; nothing can surpass the marvellous spectacle of the Hell-scene with its sulphurous fires and yelling demons. But the acting did not seem to me of a very high order. Irving acted the part of Mephistopheles, of course with all the appearance of that deliberate wickedness and that ironical sneer at goodness which befit that character.
I was also disappointed with Mrs. Langtry in her performance of the "Lady of Lyons." She was elegant and dignified of course, and sustained her part well, but she did not give any indication of that power which marks the true actress. I was disappointed too a little, I must confess, with what I saw of her grace and beauty,
