Chantecler: Play in Four Acts

The customary three knocks are heard. The drop-curtain wavers and is rising, when a voice rings out, “Not yet!” and the Manager, a gentleman of important mien in evening dress, springing from his proscenium box, hurries toward the stage, repeating, “Not yet!”

The curtain is again lowered. The Manager turns toward the audience, and resting one hand on the prompter’s box, addresses them:

The curtain is a wall,—a flying wall. Assured that presently the wall will fly—why haste? Is it not charming to delay—and just look at it for a while?

Charming to sit before a great red wall, hanging beneath two gilt masks and a scroll—The thrilling moment is when the curtain thrills, and sounds come from the other side.