TROTTER. Skate! What has that to do with it?
FANNY. Thats not all. It goes on, "The ice of life is slippery."
TROTTER. Ice of life indeed! You should be eating penny ices and enjoying yourself. I wont hear another word.
The Count returns.
THE COUNT. We're all waiting in the drawing-room, my dear. Have you been detaining Mr Trotter all this time?
TROTTER. I'm so sorry. I must have just a little brush up: I [He hurries out].
THE COUNT. My dear, you should be in the drawing-room. You should not have kept him here.
FANNY. I know. Dont scold me: I had something important to say to him.
THE COUNT. I shall ask him to take you in to dinner.
FANNY. Yes, papa. Oh, I hope it will go off well.