“F. B.: I don’t know, but as candidly as Mrs. Candour I think I certainly shall.
“Mr. Sheridan: What then are you about now?
“F. B.: Why, twirling my fan, I think!
“Mr. Sheridan: No, no; but what are you about at home? However, it is not a fair question, so I won’t press it.
“Yet he looked very inquisitive; but I was glad to get off without any downright answer.
“Sir Joshua: Anything in the dialogue way, I think, she must succeed in; and I am sure invention will not be wanting.
“Mr. Sheridan: No, indeed; I think, and say, she should write a comedy.
“Sir Joshua: I am sure I think so; and hope she will.
“I could only answer by incredulous exclamations.
“‘Consider,’ continued Sir Joshua, ‘you have already had all the applause and fame you can have given you in the closet; but the acclamation of a theatre will be new to you.’