Memoirs Of Joseph Grimaldi

164 MEMOIRS OF JOSEPH CKRIMALDI.

Grimaldi's seeldng, was very paltry. He immediately waited
upon Mr. "Wroughton and mentioned the circumstance, at which,
he too appeared greatly vexed, although it was not in his power
to order the additional sum to be paid. He then mentioned the
circumstance to his wife, dwelling upon it with great irritation;
hut she, observing that it was of no consequence, for they could
do very well without it, proposed that, having nothing to do at
Drury Lane that night, they should go for an hour or two to
Covent Q-arden.

To this proposition he made no objection; so, as he passed
down Bow-street, he called in upon Mr. T. Dibdin for an order,
and the conversation happening naturally enough to turn upon
theatrical affairs, mentioned what had just occurred at Drury
Lane. Mr. Dibdin immediately expressed himself in very
strong terms upon the subject, and counselled Grimaldi to with-
draw from the theatre, and to accept an engagement at the
other house. The advice generated a long conversation between
them, which terminated in Q-rimaldi saying, Mr. Dibdin might,
if he pleased, mention the subject to Mr. Harris, and say, if the
Management were willing to engage him, he was willing to enter
into articles for the following season.

in the course of the evening, he received a note begging his
attendance at Covent Garden on Monday, at twelve, and keeping
the appointment, was ushered into a room in. which were Mr.
Harris and John Eemble. The latter greeted him in a very
friendly manner, and said,

" Well, Joe, I see you are determined to follow me."
"Yes, sir," replied Grimaldi, who had been thinking of some-
liing polite; " you are a living magnet of attraction, Mr.
Eemble."

At this Mr. Harris laughed and congratulated the tragedian
on receiving so handsome a compliment. Eemble inquired of
Grimaldi whether he knew Mr. Harris, and receiving a reply
in the negative, introduced him to that gentleman as " Joe which night Grimaldi quitted the theatre, and never afterwards was within