Transformation Scenes.

A Pantomime, what fun! what jollity! what gorgeous Pageantry, what Fairy Transformation Scenes, what troops of merry children crowding to the sight, accompanied by parents whose hearts beat with pride and joy, as they watch the dancing lights of pleasure in their darlings' eyes, and the exclamations of rapturous delight with which they gaze on the brilliant scene.

When the curtain, however, falls, and the excited little ones return to their happy homes, and still under loving care sink to sleep in their downy beds, how few persons, we fear, give a thought to that curtain's reverse shadows, or inquire into the well-being of the human machinery which provided their evening's amusement.

Turn off however, the gas, slip off the tinselled raiment, and follow those other little ones, too often through pitiless rain and biting cold, to their so-called "Homes" in some fireless London garret, and compassion will surely arise to learn what Transformation Scenes await them there, what surroundings environ their young lives, what horrible temptations lie like quicksands in their homeward path, making shipwreck of their Innocence and Purity.—Pantomime Waifs.