Money Speaks

At the Drury Lane Theatre, London, the management announced that, despite the praise of critics, Ned Kean of Old Drury--a play depicting the struggles and triumphs of the famous actor, Edmund Kean--would be withdrawn in a few days, as the support from the public, while enthusiastic, was small--too small. H. A. Saintsbury, the principal actor, was about to speak when a white-haired old gentleman stood up in the stalls. He said he had never missed a Drury Lane production for 50 years. The audience told him to sit down; he refused. "I'm so sorry," he continued, "that this beautiful play is to stop that I'll guarantee its run for two more weeks. But being a Scotsman, I'll drive a hard bargain with the management--all profits must go to theatrical charity." The speaker was Samuel Greenlees, millionaire. Indescribable enthusiasm greeted his speech, which was soon disciplined into one mighty song, For He's A Jolly Good Fellow, followed by Auld Lang Syne.