Some simple visitors, no doubt, expected that chocolate would be really served to them.

But the majority were content with an announcement from the stage that, while chocolate was preparing, Mr.Foote would, with the permission of his friends, proceed with his instruction of certain pupils he was educating in the art of acting.

Under this pretence a dramatic representation was really given, and repeated on some forty occasions.

Then he grew bolder, and opened the theatre in the evening, at the request, as he stated, "of several persons who are desirous of spending an hour with Mr.Foote, but find the time inconvenient." Instead of chocolate in the morning, Mr.Foot's friends were therefore invited to drink "a dish of tea" with him at half-past six in the evening.

By-and-by, his entertainment was slightly varied, and described as an Auction of Pictures.