Inversion
Tumultuous applause followed but received an unexpected check, for the cot bed, on which the dress circle was built, suddenly shut up and extinguished the enthusiastic audience. Roderigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue, and all were taken out unhurt, though many were speechless with laughter. The excitement had hardly subsided when Hannah appeared, with "Mrs. March's compliments, and would the ladies walk down to supper."
Could you tell me why it's not "the ladies would walk down to supper" but "would the ladies walk down to supper"? Plus, would you tell me Mrs. March complimented whom? I'm not sure if Mrs. March complimented Hannah or Roderigo and Don Pedro.
Top answer
anonymous Could you tell me why it's not "the ladies would walk down to supper" but "would the ladies walk down to supper"? It's a kind of reported request. What Hannah probably actually said was something like "I bring you Mrs.
- anonymous Could you tell me why it's not "the ladies would walk down to supper" but "would the ladies walk down to supper"?
- It's a kind of reported request.
- What Hannah probably actually said was something like "I bring you Mrs.
- March's compliments.
- " anonymous Plus, would you tell me Mrs.
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anonymousCould you tell me why it's not "the ladies would walk down to supper" but "would the ladies walk down to supper"?
It's a kind of reported request. What Hannah probably actually said was something like "I bring you Mrs. March's compliments. Will the ladies please walk down to supper?"
anonymousPlus, would you tell me Mrs.
0The quotation marks show that the writer has switched to direct speech.
Hannah said "would the ladies walk down to supper."
The word order makes this a polite request.
Including the phrase (with) Mrs March's compliments adds more politeness.
She is talking to everyone.
Also, remember this is written in old-fashioned English.
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