Why "rip's" Grandfather Suddenly Stopped A Performance

Three generationa of the Jeflfersons have deliglited the Washington city playgoers. Thegrandfatherfamiliarlyknow'n, as "Old Joe," was the manager of the theater on Louisiana avenue, naai tincity hall, and had inscribed In solden letters along the arch of nis prosceriuim, "To useful mirth and salutary woe." He used to appear on kis own stage, in commedy, and was a fair actor, with a good voice and a thoroujrh knowledge of stage business. John Jefferson, son of the oid and father of the young Joe, was also a coniic actor in the company, tliough geldom appearing, being the scenic aiti-i at well. A favonte part of the thcatrical entertainment frequently presented w;is the duet of "Tommy Tompkins and Polly Hopkins," sung by old Joe and son, Joe, email of stature, as the unfortunate lover Tommy, and John as Polly, the fair and cruel, nearly twlce the height of her ardent lover and presenting a most ridiculous appearance in female attirc. One ïiight, after the eider Boota had appeared in "Holla," a farce was produced, in wliich "Old Joe" was the principal actor, and lus young grand cm (Our Kip Van Winkle, Joe Jeireraou) sang a sonr, entltled "The mlnstrels return from the war." The farce was merrily progreaslng when the veteran manager Boddenly ceased to speak his "part," slowly advanced to the front center of the stam and stood there in silence araon all ilio actors, his right hand raised. There was silence among all the ictors, dlence In the benches and boxea and the late roaHng galleries. Down rustled the dark cartain and forthwith every seat in the theater was quietly vacated, for it was Satnrday night, and the play a few moments later would have invaded the lirst hour of the Sabbath, which, under no ciieustances,