[emphatically] I think I know the sort of entertainments
you mean. But please do not beg a vital question by calling them
plays. I dont pretend to be an authority; but I have at least
established the fact that these productions, whatever else they may
be, are certainly not plays.
FANNY. The authors dont say they are.
TROTTER. [warmly] I am aware that one author, who is, I blush to
say, a personal friend of mine, resorts freely to the dastardly
subterfuge of calling them conversations, discussions, and so forth,
with the express object of evading criticism. But I'm not to be
disarmed by such tricks. I say they are not plays. Dialogues, if you
will. Exhibitions of character, perhaps: especially the character of
the author. Fictions, possibly, though a little decent reticence as
to introducing actual persons, and thus violating the sanctity of
private life, might not be amiss. But plays, no. I say NO. Not
plays. If you will not concede this point I cant continue our
conversation. I take this seriously. It's a matter of principle. I
must ask you, Miss O'Dowda, before we go a step further, Do you or do
you not claim that these works are plays?
FANNY. I assure you I dont.
TROTTER. Not in any sense of the word?
FANNY. Not in any sense of the word. I loathe plays.
TROTTER. [disappointed] That last remark destroys all the value of
your admission. You admire these--these theatrical nondescripts? You
enjoy them?
FANNY.
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