Jack and Phryne in “Ruddy Gore”

There is one thing you didn't figure out.

And that is?

My aversion to operetta.

You know I like a mystery. Let me see. [She takes a moment to think.] A bad experience on the stage?

The Pirates of Penzance. [Phryne can't help but laugh.] The reviewer thought my performance as the Major General was…underwhelming.

Why don't you let me judge for myself?

I can't remember a word of it.

Oh what rot! Once you learn one of those patter songs, it's in there for good.

Ah, I'm more of a Shakespeare man.

The stage is yours.

"Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale/ Her infinite variety: other women cloy/ The appetites they feed; but she makes hungry/ Where most she satisfies."

[impressed] Perhaps a career in the theatre beckons after all, Inspector.

[smiling wryly] Think I'll stick to crime.