We will give Fanny’s account of her first dinner at Streatham in the words of her Diary:
“When we were summoned to dinner, Mrs. Thrale made my father and me sit on each side of her. I said that I hoped I did not take Dr. Johnson’s place;—for he had not yet appeared.
‘No,’ answered Mrs. Thrale, ‘he will sit by you, which I am sure will give him great pleasure.’
Soon after we were seated, this great man entered. I have so true a veneration for him, that the very sight of him inspires me with delight and reverence, notwithstanding the cruel infirmities to which he is subject; for he has almost perpetual convulsive movements, either of his hands, lips, feet, or knees, and sometimes of all together.
Mrs. Thrale introduced me to him, and he took his place. We had a noble dinner, and a most elegant dessert. Dr. Johnson, in the middle of dinner, asked Mrs. Thrale what was in some little pies that were near him.
‘Mutton,’ answered she; ‘so I don’t ask you to eat any, because I know you despise it.’
‘No, madam, no,’ cried he; ‘I despise nothing that is good of its sort; but I am too proud now to eat of it. Sitting by Miss Burney makes me very proud to-day!’
‘Miss Burney,’ said Mrs. Thrale, laughing, ‘you must take great care of your heart if Dr. Johnson attacks it; for I assure you he is not often successless.’
‘What’s that you say, madam?’ cried he; ‘are you making mischief between the young lady and me already?’
A little while after he drank Miss Thrale’s health and mine, and then added: