(40)
accomplished troope who took the various characters. From old Father Neptune (Lieutenant Fitz-George) down to the Tritons (Messrs. Eyre, Rich, and Brown) there was not a character lacking the fullest and most humorous interpretation. Neptune was most ably seconded by his better half, Mrs. Amphitrite, (Mr. Key) whose visage alone, apart from her inimitable 'get up,' was a sight worth seeing. We hope that this gentleman does not throw such comicality into private life, for if he does, sobriety of demeanour in his presence must be an impossibility. Each of the worthy pair had noses which, like that of a well-known recent visitor to this Colony, would be worth a fortune if composed of real flesh and blood. Lord Charles Beresford, as Billy Bowline, was almost the lion of the piece, as he certainly was the terpsichorean favourite. His 'double shuffle,' accent, look, and general turn out, were as completely removed from anything like stage 'get-up' as was possible. He looked the sailor, which under more refined conditions, we suspect he really is, and he deserves to be congratulated on a very unusual measure of success. Ben Backstay, The Barber, and Policeman X, were important elements in the success of the piece. But we must give the palm amongst the 'humanities' to Marina, who as Neptune's little girl, was the most perfect little witch ever seen upon a Hongkong stage. As for Billy-coddy, whose difficulty in taking a chair was one of the most amusing touches of the piece, he was a perfect gem amongst fishes; and we never heard heartier laughter than that evoked by his touching, gasping appeal, acted, though not spoken, when he discovered that Billy Bowline was his accepted rival. We wish we knew who acted the part of Sambo for he certainly deserves decided recognition."
Page 40
Page 41
(41)
Sunday, November 14th.-His Royal Highness according to custom attended Divine Service on board the Galatea;
His Excellency the Governor and Lady MacDonnell forming on this occasion, by special invitation, part of the congregation. The singing by the Crew, in which the Prince takes great personal interest, was very effective, and the Reverend J. Milner, the Chaplain, preached on the Miracle of "The water turned into wine."
Tiffin and the inspection of the Prince's collection of Photographs, and of M. Chevalier's sketches of various incidents associated with the voyages of the Galatea agreeably occupied the former part of the afternoon.
Monday, November 15th.-His Excellency the Governor invited a select number of guests to meet His Royal Highness at dinner this evening; and a reception was afterwards held by Lady MacDonnell, which was attended by a large number of ladies and gentlemen, who assembled to do honour to the Prince for the last time. His Royal Highness moved freely among the guests, and probably so large an assembly never gathered together in Hongkong on the eve of the departure of the Home Mail. Government House and grounds were beautifully illuminated for the occasion, and the coup-d'œil on entering the gateway was very striking, a most enchanting effect being produced by the thousands of Chinese and Japanese lanterns which were hung on shrubs and trees on the spacious lawn and croquêt ground. The singing of Signor Pellico and of more than one Amateur, during the evening was greatly admired, and after a few dances in the well-lighted Central Hall, the company separated about midnight, highly pleased with the Royal Prince, and with the hospitality of His Excellency the Governor, in which he is ever charmingly seconded by Lady MacDonnell.
It may here be mentioned that during his visit, His Royal Highness and suite, accompanied by the Governor, the Honorable Julian Pauncefote, and several Officers of
Page 41
(51)