Memoirs Of Joseph Grimaldi

126

3CEMOIES OF JOSEPH GffilMALDI.

consequences arose from his interview with John Hemble. The
only perceptible difference was, that when they met, Kemble,
instead of accosting him familiarly, as he had before been
accustomed to do, would pull off his hat and make him a formal
bow, which Grimaldi would return in precisely the same man-
ner ; so that their occasional meetings were characterised by
something about half-way between politeness and absurdity.
All this pleased Grrimaldi very much, but rather surprised him
too, for he had confidently expected that some rupture would
have followed the announcement of his determination not to act.
He was not very long, however, in finding that his original
apprehensions were correct, for on the 26th of June he received
the following epistle :—

"Drury Lane Theatre.
"Sra,

" I am requested by the proprietors to inform you that your
services will be dispensed with for the next ensuing season."

This notice was signed by Powell, the then prompter, and its
contents considerably annoyed and irritated the person to whom
it was addressed. To command him in the first place to perform
what was out of his engagement and out of his power, and to
punish him in tih.e next by dispensing with his services, which
of consequence involved his dispensing with Ms salary, seemed
exceedingly harsh and unjust treatment. For a time he even
contemplated bringing an action against Sheridan, against whom,
tinder the terms of his agreement, he would in all probability
have obtained a verdict; but he ultimately gave up all idea of
seeking iius mode of redress, and determined to consult his
staunch and sincere friend MX. Hughes, by whose advice he was
always guided. To that gentleman's house he repaired, and
showing Mm the notice he had received, inquired what in Ms
opinion he had best do.

"Burn the letter," said Hughes, "and don't waste a mmute
in thinking about it. You shall go with me to Exeter as soon asme night and hour