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Didn't Seem to Place Him

It is a well grounded fact that in all the world's history there was probably no greater master of the art of subtle sarcasm than the late Sir Henry Irving, England's greatest actor. And during the latter part of the life of the great tragedian he enjoyed a position of despotic power and place in England that no other actor in history has ever known.

The story goes that when Beerbohm Tree came into prominence on the English stage, it was a thorn in his fesh that Irving never accorded him the slightest notice, never came to see him act, or acknowledged his existence in any manner. Growing more popular, and more sure of himself as he developed, Mr. Tree decided that if he could just force Irving to see him act, he would be bound to acknowledge his worth, so he took the bull by the horns, and sent the famous head of the English stage an invitation to come and occupy a box on a certain night, and see Mr. Tree play the part of "King Herod." And to Tree's delight,

Sir Henry came, accompanied by his usual retinue. He occupied a front box, and sat there with immobile countenance during the entire performance, watching it through his long, slender fingers, of which he was so proud.

When the curtain fell on the last scene, Mr. Tree stepped from the stage to Mr. Irving's box, still in costume, bade him welcome, expressed his thanks that Irving should have come, and then put the question direct: "And how did you like my rendition?"

Sir Henry looked at him as though puzzled, and asked in the most perfect manner: "Oh, yes ! Oh yes ! And which were you?"

Mr. Tree drew himself up indignantly, and replied, ,.Sir ! I was King Herod !"

"Oh, yes, yes indeed," said Sir Henry, "and-WHfCH WAS HE?''