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"What cases are you engaged in at present?' 'Are you stopping many teeth just now?' 'What people have you converted lately?' Do ladies put these questions to the men-- lawyers, dentists, clergymen, and so forth-- who happen to sit next them at dinner parties?

"I do not know whether ladies thus indicate their interest in the occupations of their casual neighbours at the hospitable board. But... More

"What cases are you engaged in at present?' 'Are you stopping many teeth just now?' 'What people have you converted lately?' Do ladies put these questions to the men-- lawyers, dentists, clergymen, and so forth-- who happen to sit next them at dinner parties?

"I do not know whether ladies thus indicate their interest in the occupations of their casual neighbours at the hospitable board. But if they do not know me, or do not know me well, they generally ask 'Are you writing anything now?' (as if they should ask a painter 'Are you painting anything now?' or a lawyer 'Have you any cases at present?'). Sometimes they are more definite and inquire 'What are you writing now?' as if I must be writing something-- which, indeed, is the case, though I dislike being reminded of it.

"In truth I never did write any fairy books in my life, except 'PrincePrigio,' 'Prince Ricardo,' and 'Tales from a Fairy Court'-- that of the aforesaid Prigio. I take this opportunity of recommending these fairy books-- poor things, but my own-- to parents and guardians who may never have heard of them. They are rich in romantic adventure, and the Princes always marry the right Princesses and live happy ever afterwards; while the wicked witches, stepmothers, tutors and governesses are NEVER cruelly punished, but retire to the country on ample pensions. I hate cruelty: I never put a wicked stepmother in a barrel and send her tobogganing down a hill. It is true that Prince Ricardo DID kill the Yellow Dwarf; but that was in fair fight, sword in hand, and the dwarf, peace to his ashes! DIED IN HARNESS."

Andrew Lang

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