Fanny and the Servant Problem

BENNET. I thought I would let you know he had arrived, in case you might be getting anxious about him. I propose giving him a glass of beer and sending him away again.

FANNY. One of the younger members of the family has been detected “telling a deliberate lie.” [_Vernon is near the door listening_, _with his back towards her_, _or he would see...

VERNON. To tell the honest truth, Bennet, the very thing we were afraid of—why we walked from the station, and slipped in by the side door. [_Laughing_.] Has the luggage come?

_The Lady Bantock’s boudoir_, _Bantock Hall_, _Rutlandshire_, _a spacious room handsomely furnished_ (_chiefly in the style of Louis the Fourteenth_) _and lighted by three high...

FANNY [_laughing—kisses her_]. So I am. It was a brilliant idea. [_By this time she has kissed or shaken hands with the whole dozen_.] I can’t introduce you all singly; it would...

FANNY. You never tried the door for yourself, dear. [_She pretends to rearrange something on the mantelpiece—any excuse to turn away her face for a moment_. _She turns to him ag...