Abroad, and, indeed, during alien and lyrical performances in this country, he is hidden in a sort of gipsy-tent in front of the desk of the conductor.

The accommodation provided for him is limited enough; little more than his head can be permitted to emerge from the hole cut for him in the stage.

But his situation has its advantages.

He cannot possibly be seen by the audience; he can conveniently instruct the performers without requiring them "to look off" appealingly, or to rush desperately to the wing to be reminded of their parts; while the sloping roof of his temporary abode has the effect of directing his whispers on to the stage, and away from the spectators.

It seems strange that this system of posting the prompter in the van instead of on the flank of the actors has never been permanently adopted in this country.