And just before the dinner I'm taken aside by a charming
young lady to be talked to about the play. How can you expect me to
be impartial? God forbid that I should set up to be a judge, or do
more than record an impression; but my impressions can be influenced;
and in this case youre influencing them shamelessly all the time.
FANNY. Dont make me more nervous than I am already, Mr Trotter. If
you knew how I feel!
TROTTER. Naturally: your first party: your first appearance in
England as hostess. But youre doing it beautifully. Dont be afraid.
Every _nuance_ is perfect.
FANNY. It's so kind of you to say so, Mr Trotter. But that isnt
whats the matter. The truth is, this play is going to give my father
a dreadful shock.
TROTTER. Nothing unusual in that, I'm sorry to say. Half the young
ladies in London spend their evenings making their fathers take them
to plays that are not fit for elderly people to see.
FANNY. Oh, I know all about that; but you cant understand what it
means to Papa. Youre not so innocent as he is.
TROTTER. [remonstrating] My dear young lady--
FANNY. I dont mean morally innocent: everybody who reads your
articles knows youre as innocent as a lamb.
TROTTER. What!
FANNY. Yes, Mr Trotter: Ive seen a good deal of life since I came to
England; and I assure you that to me youre a mere baby: a dear, good,
well-meaning, delightful, witty, charming baby; but still just a wee
lamb in a world of wolves.
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