Mrs. C.-Say no more, sir! You have made your meaning but too plain
already. There now, I think that's a speech for a tragedy.
Some time after, Sir Joshua, returning to his standing-place, entered
into confab with Miss Linley and your slave upon various matters, during
which Mr. Sheridan, joining us, said,
“Sir Joshua, I have been telling Miss Burney that she must not suffer
her pen to lie idle--ought she?”
Sir J.-No, indeed, ought she not.
Mr. S.-Do you then, Sir Joshua, persuade her. But perhaps you have begun
something? May we ask? Will you answer a question candidly?
F.B.-I don't know, but as candidly as Mrs. Candour I think I certainly
shall.
Mr. S.-What then are you about now?
F.B.-Why, twirling my fan, I think!
Mr. S.-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 J.-Anything in the dialogue way, I think, she must succeed in; and I
am sure invention will not be wanting.
Mr. S.-No, indeed; I think, and say, she should write a comedy.
SIr J.-I am sure I think so; and hope she will.