“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.”
And then he put down his trumpet, and began a violent clapping of his
hands.
I actually shook from head to foot! I felt myself already in Drury Lane,
amidst the hubbub of a first night.
“Oh, no!” cried I, “there may be a noise, but it will be just the
reverse.” And I returned his salute with a hissing.
Mr. Sheridan joined Sir Joshua very warmly.
“O sir,” cried I, “you should not run on so, you don't know what
mischief you may do!”
Mr. S.-I wish I may--I shall be very glad to be accessory.
Sir J.-She has, certainly, something of a knack at characters; where
she got it I don't know, and how she got it, I can't imagine; but she
certainly has it. And to throw it away is--
Mr. S.-Oh, she won't, she will write a comedy, she has promised me she
will!