As Mr.Collier suggests, the discordances between the authorities on this question arise, probably, from the fact that "different prices were charged at different theatres at different periods." In our early theatres, the arrangements for receiving the money of the playgoers were rather of a confused kind.

There would seem to have been several doors, one within the other, at any of which visitors might tender their admission money.

It was understood that he who, disapproving the performance, withdrew after the termination of the first act of the play, was entitled to receive back the amount he had paid for his entrance.

This system led to much brawling and fraud.

The matter was deemed important enough to justify royal intervention.