Memoirs Of Joseph Grimaldi

.162 MEMOIBS OF JOSEPH GEIMA1DI.

exceedingly desirable to avoid doing, if possible,—briefly nar-
rated the circumstances in which the theatre was placed, and
concluded by offering him two pounds per week in addition to
his regular salary, if he would arrange the dance in question,
and assist in getting up any other little dances and processions
that might be required. This offer he readily accepted, merely
stipulating that the increased salary should be understood to
extend over the whole season, and not merely until another
ballet-master was engaged. Mr. Wroughton observed, that
nothing could be fairer, that this was what he meant, and that
Grimaldi had his instructions to engage as many male dancers as
he might deem necessary. He at once entered upon his new office,
immediately engaged as many hands (or legs) as he required,
arranged the dance during the night, called a rehearsal of it at
ten in the morning, got it into a perfect state by twelve, rehearsed
it again in its proper place in the comedy, and at night had the
satisfaction of hearing it encored with great applause.

At the end of the week, he received his increased salary from
Mr. Peake, the treasurer, a gentleman well known and highly
respected by all connected with the stage or theatrical literature,
who shook him by the hand, congratulated him on this new
improvement of his income, and cordially wished him success.

Before he accepted the money, he said, " My dear sir, to pre-
vent any future difference, it is thoroughly understood, is it, that
this increase is for the season ?"

"Undoubtedly," replied Mr. Peake: "I will show you, if
you like, Mr. Graham's written order to me to that effect."
This he did, and Grrimaldi of course was perfectly satisfied. Mr.
©raham, who was then a magistrate at Bow-street, was at the
head, of affairs at Drury Lane.

All went on well for some little time. Mr. James D'Egville
was engaged as ballet-master shortly afterwards; but this made
no alteration in the footing upon which Grrimaldi was placed.
There was no difference of opinion between the ballet-master "Wells, with what reputation thousands