The Count
approaches them hospitably].
SAVOYARD. Count O'Dowda, gentlemen. Mr Trotter.
TROTTER. [looking at the Count's costume] Have I the pleasure of
meeting a confrere?
THE COUNT. No, sir: I have no right to my costume except the right
of a lover of the arts to dress myself handsomely. You are most
welcome, Mr Trotter. [Trotter bows in the French manner].
SAVOYARD. Mr Vaughan.
THE COUNT. How do you do, Mr Vaughan?
VAUGHAN. Quite well, thanks.
SAVOYARD. Mr Gunn.
THE COUNT. Delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr Gunn.
GUNN. Very pleased.
SAVOYARD. Mr Flawner Bannal.
THE COUNT. Very kind of you to come, Mr Bannal.
BANNAL. Dont mention it.
THE COUNT. Gentlemen, my daughter. [They all bow]. We are very
greatly indebted to you, gentlemen, for so kindly indulging her whim.
[The dressing bell sounds. The Count looks at his watch]. Ah! The
dressing bell, gentlemen. As our play begins at nine, I have had to
put forward the dinner hour a little. May I shew you to your rooms?
[He goes out, followed by all the men, except Trotter, who, going
last, is detained by Fanny].
FANNY. Mr Trotter: I want to say something to you about this play.
TROTTER. No: thats forbidden. You must not attempt to _souffler_
the critic.
FANNY. Oh, I would not for the world try to influence your opinion.
TROTTER. But you do: you are influencing me very shockingly. You
invite me to this charming house, where I'm about to enjoy a charming
dinner.
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