CHAPTER LII
MRS. CARBUNCLE GOES TO THE THEATRE
Mrs. Carbuncle and Lizzie Eustace did not, in these days, shut themselves
up because there was trouble in the household. It would not have suited
the creed of Mrs. Carbuncle on social matters to be shut up from the
amusements of life. She had sacrificed too much in seeking them for that,
and was too conscious of the price she paid for them. It was still mid-
winter, but nevertheless there was generally some amusement arranged for
every evening. Mrs. Carbuncle was very fond of the play, and made herself
acquainted with every new piece as it came out. Every actor and actress of
note on the stage was known to her, and she dealt freely in criticisms on
their respective merits. The three ladies had a box at the Haymarket taken
for this very evening, at which a new piece, "The Noble Jilt," from the
hand of a very eminent author, was to be produced. Mrs. Carbuncle had
talked a great deal about "The Noble Jilt," and could boast that she had
discussed the merits of the two chief characters with the actor and
actress who were to undertake them. Miss Talbot had assured her that the
Margaret was altogether impracticable, and Mrs.
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