The Sun. — 1851-12-10 (London, England)

HAYMARKET THEATRE. A new comedy, entitled The Man of Law, was produced here last evening, and achieved a great and de, served success. It is a translation, by Mr. Webster, from Regnier's clever adaptation of Jules Sandeau's novel, entitled " Madlle. de la Siogliire," which adaptation was produced about a month since at the Theatre Francais, where it has been performed every night since, and as the English translation is to the full as well written, as well acted, and as well put on the stage as the French original, we doubt not but that it will have a similar lengthened run. The following is the plot. M. Destournelles (Mr. Webster), the " man of law," has been somewhat haughtily refused by Madame de Vaubert (Mrs. Stirling), an intriguing baroness, who is rejoicing in the newly-culled fruits of the Restoration, the action of the peace taking place in 1817. She has already persuaded an old plebeian proprietor of the Seighere estate, who purchased it while confiscated during the absence of its ancient proprietor, to restore it to the aristocrat on his return to the land of his fathers, and she hopes to take advantage of her good deed by marrying her brother Raoul (Mr. Leigh Murray), to Helen (i\liss A. Vining), daughter of the old Marquis de la Seiglitre (Mr. Lambert). The plebeian proprietor is dead at the commencement of the piece, but his son Bernard (Mr. Howe), supposed to bave been killed at the battle of Moskowa, has returned to France, and can claim a restitution of tho estate, for his father, according to the code, had no power to deprive him of all his inheritance. Bernard appears to the discarded Destournelles an apt instrument for vengeance, and attaching himself to his cause, he urges him to prosecute with vigour his claims against the marquis. The marquis himself is a mere voluptuary of the old school, but Destournelles has a formidable adversary in the baroness, who is on a visit to the chateau, and disarms the honest zeal of Bernard by opposing to it the hospitality of the marquis, and, what is more potent, the fascination of Helen. Bernard, a frank open-hearted soldier, who really loves and is really loved by Helen, is so delighted to remain at the cletteau as a guest, that he practically forgets his legal rights, and the triumph of the baroness seems complete. Destournelles at first conceives that his cause is desperate, but after a little reflection he conceives the notion of turning the baroness's weapons against herself, To further the union of her brother with Helen, she has worked upon the feelings of Bernard. So far so good, but Destournelles, having found out that the young people really love each other, can make a stern reality out of the intended romance. lie boldly proposes to the Marquis the union of Bernard and Helen as the best method of settling the contending claims to the Seigliire estate, and by an artful chain of sophisms succeeds in breaking through the old man's aristocratic scruples. Another obstacle or two is raised up by the enemy, but the " man of law " is victorious in the end, and Bernard and Helen are united. Thus difficulties are removed in a much pleasanter way than in the novel, where poor Bernard commits suicide. The piece was admirably acted. The Baroness of Mrs. Stirling was ono of the finest pieces of high comedy we have seen for many a day. Mr. Webster's " man of law" was worthy of his Tartuffe—subtle, yet bold; wily, yet enthusiastic: it was ono of the most artist-like personations ever presented; the scene between himself and the Marquis, in which he overcomes tho scruples of the latter, was a perfect piece of acting, on the part both of Mr. Webster and Mr. Lambert, the latter of whom has added immensely to his reputation by his performance of last evening. Mr. Howe was excellent as Bernard, and Mr. Leigh Murray made a great deal of a somewhat small part. The play was announced for repetition every evening amidst loud applause.