National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1868-03-06
INc,npNr or THE DICKENS READ

INCIDENT OF THE DICKENS READ |
ING.-The Washington correspond
ent of the Cincinnati Commercial Is
responsible for the following: An
incident worth mentioning occurred
in Carroll Hall on the secopd night
of Dickens readings. Ben. Butter
entered after the performance had
commenced, and walked down the
centre aisle while Dickens was de-
scrlbing one of the most interesting
scenes in his selections from DaFid
ooppeIfeld. Perhaps Bemamin
was unavoidably detained, or per
haps he wished to make his appear
ance at a time when he would at
tract that amour, OF attention
which he thinks is due &c his emil
nent abilities and great public serYi-
ccs. There are those who adopt
this as one of the ways Of keeping
before the people: some OF them
men Of marred zeal in religious al
fairs, who never enter the church till
the congregation is well seated, and
then walk straight to the front pew.
If General Butler hadn't his minds
eye on this idea on the occasion re
ierred to, his motives were misun-
derstood by many that's all.
Well, the hero Of Bermuda walk
ed down the aisle the observed OF
all observers. and took his seat IN a
very select and advantageous part
Of the hall. The first selection was
soon concluded. and Mr.. Dickens
retired, as is his wont, for ten min
utes rest and refreshment. The re-
suit and hustle consequent upon the
relaxation Of attention followed.
There were whispering among the
Older folks, and flirting among the
younger. III the midst Of which up
rose Batter from his seat, either to
observe, OF be observed, hard to tell
which, though | incline to the latter
belief. There was no installing
that bald head, or that statistic eye,
1t was Benjamin T. Butler, and no.
body else
The intcrmission, like all things
on this earth, had its end, Dickens
reappcared, and the reading was re
sumed. This time it was a selec
ton from Pickwick-thc famous
Bob Sawyer party scene. 1t was
very funny, as we all know, and tho
laughing was at times immoderate
| There was point however, at which
the laugh became very much like q
vulgar roar, and it wasn't the iunni
est part Of the reading by any means
Mr.. Dickens felt a little confused
thought, for man of his nice per
ceptionS knows exactly where The
fun comes in. and we all know there
is such thing possible as laugh
, at the expense of the actor, Whicl
is always more vivid than that pro
voked by the play. Dickens evident
~ thought he had blundered. Blu
he hadn't. He had simply read tn,
following collOquy between Hop
kins and N0ddy-and the audienc
+ had just seen Butler, and every on
- knew he was present.
: 81 request that you'll favor IN
with Your card, SIR
an do nothing of the kind, sir.
5 "Why not, SIR"
4 because you'll stick it up owe
your chimney peice, and delude YOU
visitors into the false belief that
| gentleman has been to see you, sir.
. "Sir, a friend Of mine shall wal
on You in the morning"
; "Sir, | am very much obliged t.
{ YOU for the caution; and I'll leav
particular directions with the sery
h ant to lock up the opooas."
c The laugh, Mr.. Dickens, whic
e exceeded all bounds so as to perple
e you, was due solely to connectio
n in the popular mind between Gel
!. Butler and spoons!