This is my transcription of a printed copy of the Lowell Daily Courier November 12, 1884 Page 8. It was provided by Pam Colt, Reference Department, Pollard Memorial Library Lowell Daily Courier, November 12, 1884, p8 The Twain-Cable Entertainment. The presence of such men as Samuel L. Clemens and George W. Cable on the platform as interpreters of their own works is a decided novelty in the line of entertainments. It is nothing new for an author to figure as a public reader, but a combination of writers appearing as elocutionists is. Hence the very large audience at Huntington Hall last night was justified in anticipating a treat, and it can be said with truth that it was not disappointed. The fact that the entertainment was for the Home for Young Women and Children materially added to the number of auditors, but many went simply to see and hear the distinguished writers. Mr. Cable came first to the desk, unannounced and unaccompanied. After a moment there was some applause and he began. He first commented on the programme which announced the “Music of Place Congo” as the first selection. This he said he would change, and begin at once with “Posson Jone'.” The incoming of tardy persons interfered with the success of the first portion of the story, but when quiet was restored the closest attention was paid. Mr. Cable's work was admirable. The story introduces three characters, a good-hearted but simple-minded West Floridian preacher, a shrewd sophisticated Creole, and a “nigger.” All three were vividly impersonated. The rapid changes from the voice and style of one character to another were made with rare precision and success, while the narrative was carried along in an easy, graceful and highly entertaining manner. Mr. Cable's acting was capital, and his elocution perfect. Frequent ripples of applause interrupted the recitation and at the close he was generously applauded. He then gave an illustration of Creole music by singing a love song to ma belle p'tit' fille, and this ended his share of the entertainment. His singing was as well liked as his reading, and the audience would gladly have heard more of it. Mark Twain followed and he, too, had something to say about the programme, and his determination not to be bound by it. This appears to be a part of the performance, as the readers have objected in other places to the bill and changed it to suit their own notions. Mr. Clemens proved a decided change from the style of his partner. While Mr. Cable was refined to a degree, and of polished manner, the witty Connecticut man was much broader in his humor and less graceful in his work. He was not free from affectation, and some detected an imitation of A. Ward. He told the story of “King Sollermun,” related an anecdote not on the bill, and read the “Tragic Tale of the Fishwife,” “A Trying Situation” and “A Ghost Story.” The laughter was constant throughout, and the audience evidently found their enjoyment of the Twain characteristics much increased by the peculiar delivery of the reader. The explosive ending of the ghost story startled half the people from their seats. Altogether the performance was very enjoyable. The fair proper opens tonight. Ballads in Black will be given and there will be a shadow pantomime performance of “The Rivals” and “The Four Lovers” Beautiful and useful goods will be for sale.