... To come, then, to those particular instructions I received myself,
and which must not be regarded as having anything to do with general
rules.
“I do beg of you,” said dear Mrs. Delany, “When the queen or the king
speak to you, not to answer with mere monosyllables. The queen
often complains to me of the difficulty with which she can get any
conversation, as she not only always has to start the subjects, but,
commonly, entirely to support them: and she says there is nothing she so
much loves as conversation, and nothing she finds so hard to get. She
is always best pleased to have the answers that are made her lead on to
further discourse. Now, as I know she wishes to be acquainted with you,
and converse with you, I do really entreat you not to draw back from
her, nor to stop conversation with only answering 'Yes,' or 'No.'”
This was a most tremendous injunction; however, I could not but promise
her I would do the best I could.
To this, nevertheless, she readily agreed, that if upon entering the
room, they should take no notice of me, I might quietly retire. And
that, believe me, will not be very slowly! They cannot find me in this
house without knowing who I am, and therefore they can be at no loss
whether to speak to me or not, from incertitude.