[They enter a small room, at the further end of which are a
    barrier and proscenium with drawn hangings.

The Exhibitor (in a confidential tone, punctuated by bows).  I will not keep you waiting, Ladies and Gentlemen, but at once proceed with a few preliminary remarks.  Most of you, no doubt, have read that celebrated story by Mr. RIDER HAGGARD, about a certain She-who-must-be-obeyed, and who dwelt in a place called Kor, and you will also doubtless remember how she was in the ’abit of repairing, at certain intervals, to a cavern, and renooing her youth in a fiery piller.  On one occasion, wishing to indooce her lover to foller her example, she stepped into the flame to encourage him—­something went wrong with the works, and she was instantly redooced to a cinder.  I fortunately ’appened to be near at the time (you will escuse a little wild fib from a showman, I’m sure!) I ’appened to be porsin by, and was thus enabled to secure the ashes of the Wonderful She, which—­(draws hangings and reveals a shallow metal Urn suspended in the centre of scene), are now before you enclosed in that little urn.  She—­where are you?

She (in a full sweet voice, from below).  I am ’ere!

Showman.  Then appear!

    [The upper portion of an exceedingly comely Young Person
    emerges from the mouth of the Urn.

The F.S. (startled).  Lor, she give me quite a turn!

Showman.  Some people think this is all done by mirrors, but it is not so; it is managed by a simple arrangement of light and shade.  She will now turn slowly round, to convince you that she is really inside the urn and not merely beyind it. (She turns round condescendingly.) She will next pass her ’ands completely round her, thereby demonstrating the utter impossibility of there being any wires to support her.  Now she will rap on the walls on each side of her, proving to you that she is no reflection, but a solid reality, after which she will tap the bottom of the urn beneath her, so that you may see it really is what it purports to be. (She performs all these actions in the most obliging manner.) She will now disappear for a moment. (She sinks into the Urn.) Are you still there, She?

She (from the recess of the Urn).  Yes.

Showman.  Then will you give us some sign of your presence! (A hand and arm are protruded, and waved gracefully.) Thank you.  Now you can come up again. (She re-appears.) She will now answer any questions any lady or gentleman may like to put to her, always provided you won’t ask her how it is done—­for I’m sure she wouldn’t give me away, would you, She?

She (with a slow bow and gracious smile).  Certingly not.

The F.S. (to her Companion).  Ask her something—­do.

Her Comp. Go on! I ain’t got anything to ask her—­ask her yourself!