A MERRY EVENING AT PETERSFIELD.
Petersfield always strikes us being a very comfortable little place; and the red lion dancing so merrily on the tip of his toe at the well-known hostelrie bearing that name may be regarded as typical of the place. We thoroughly appreciate the spirit which animates the “Young Men’s Improvement Society.” There is something extremely jolly in the “annual conversazione” reported in our paper this day. There is a good deal to envy in those who could cheerfully take part in “Mr. Higgins at his Hotel.”Probably this was written by one of the dramatis personæ. Then we can imagine the unction with which “The Friar in the Convent Cellar” was given (in character), and ‟The Grandmother’s Apology” and ‟The Bumpkin’s Courtship.” All these little things serve to give those who take part in them a character which better fits them for the world. Young men who can take their part in frivilous things are generally better adapted to take part in the concerns of the world when they have entered it. The wisest of men cannot despise a little nonsense now and then; and we feel almost merry in reading the account of the cheerful evening spent by the members of the Petersfield Young Men’s Improvement Society and their friends on Tuesday week. There was an object, too, in the entertainment, for the proceeds went towards the Lancashire Relief Fund. We are glad to see such societies flourish.