FANNY. Jane thought this style--[with a gesture]--more appropriate
to Lady Bantock.

VERNON. Um! Wonder if she's right? [To the Doctor] What do you
think?

DR. FREEMANTLE. I think it a question solely for Lady Bantock.

VERNON. Of course it is. [To Fanny] You know, you mustn't let them
dictate to you. Dear, good, faithful souls, all of them. But they
must understand that you are mistress.

FANNY [she seizes eagerly at the chance]. You might mention it to
them, dear. It would come so much better from you.

VERNON. No, you. They will take more notice of you.

FANNY. I'd so much rather you did it. [To Dr. Freemantle] Don't
you think it would come better from him?

DR. FREEMANTLE [laughs]. I'm afraid you'll have to do it yourself.

VERNON. You see, dear, it might hurt them, coming from me. It would
seem like ingratitude. Mrs. Bennet--Why, it wasn't till I began to
ask questions that I grasped the fact that she WASN'T my real mother.
As for old Bennet, ever since my father died--well, I hardly know how
I could have got on without him. It was Charles Bennet that taught
me to ride; I learned my letters sitting on Jane's lap.