Private Theatricals. — A Chinese Interior. 489 



melancliolious ditty, and then retired, without there appear- 

 ing to be the slightest connection between this and the fol- 

 lowing scene. We noted the evident predilection of the 

 Chinese actors for a higli-pitched falsetto tone of voice when 

 speaking, which, by the way, must render their assumption of 

 female parts much more easy, and on the present occasion 

 they probably were desu'ous of giving us a specimen of their 

 skill in this accomplishment. The music on such occasions 

 is, if possible, even more discordant and monotonous than 

 the delivery, and is not confined to merely accompany- 

 ing the couplets, but continues to play during the intervals 

 till the ear is utterly wearied. 



At the close of each act a large board covered with a red 

 cloth was brought on the stage and placed beneath the feet 

 of the actors ; on this the steward of the house placed a pre- 

 sent for the trouj^e about four dollars' worth of copper cash, 

 which was forthwith carried away. This was apparently 

 the only intimation to most of the spectators that a piece was 

 ended, and a fresh one about to begin. 



After these theatrical representations had lasted about an 

 horn' and a half a long pause ensued. One longed to escajDe 

 outside into the fresh air, to get rid of the wearying sensation 

 of the performances, and the stifling heat which prevailed in 

 the room. The guests were at liberty to walk without ob- 

 struction through the various apartments of the extensive 

 residence, and accordingly stumbled upon rooms which are 

 usually, as it were, hermetically sealed to a foreigner, viz. 



