Lady X Will Be At Home Thursday Between 4 and 6 Mr. Bernard Shaw Likewise

George Bernard Shaw

“Lady X Will Be At Home Thursday Between 4 and 6”

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“Mr. Bernard Shaw Likewise” George Bernard Shaw possessed a razor-sharp wit. The legendary playwright often used his intellect to dismantle social pretensions. He particularly despised “celebrity hunters.” These wealthy socialites viewed famous writers as trophies to collect. One famous anecdote perfectly illustrates his disdain for such superficial gatherings. It involves a brief but devastating exchange of notes. ## The Art of the Polite Refusal The story centers on a persistent society hostess. She desperately wanted Shaw to attend her event. Consequently, she sent him a formal invitation card. The card utilized the standard etiquette phrase of that era. It stated simply that she would be “At Home” during specific hours. This phrasing implied an open invitation for guests to visit her residence. However, Shaw interpreted the message literally. He refused to accept the implied social convention. Instead, he returned the card to her. On it, he wrote a brief addendum. He declared that he would be “likewise” at home. Effectively, he told her he would stay in his own house. He had absolutely no intention of visiting hers. This response dismantled the invitation’s logic. It used the hostess’s own words against her. Furthermore, it established a firm boundary. Shaw valued his time immensely. He refused to waste it on idle chatter with strangers. This tale demonstrates his mastery of language. He needed only two words to deliver a stinging rejection. ## Tracing the Story’s Origins Historians have tracked this anecdote for decades. . This timing is significant. Shaw was still alive in 1939. He lived until 1950. Therefore, he could have refuted the story if it were false. He chose not to do so. Winchell published the item in The Morning Post. He quoted the invitation anonymously as “Lady X.” Shortly after, Reader’s Digest reprinted the story. They cited an Austrian newspaper as their source. This indicates the story had global reach. It traveled from Europe to America quickly. The public clearly delighted in Shaw’s rudeness. In November 1939, columnist W.W. Dunkle shared the tale in Indiana. He added context to the narrative. He claimed the hostess had “pestered” Shaw repeatedly. Thus, the card was a “final invitation.” This detail justifies Shaw’s bluntness. It frames him as the victim of harassment. Readers love a story where the underdog bites back against a nuisance. ## Variations and Embellishments As with all great legends, details shifted over time. Storytellers added flavor to the narrative to keep it fresh. For instance, a 1944 account named the hostess. Ladies’ Home Journal identified her as “Lady Sybil Merlin.” This version changed the time to Tuesday. Specificity adds realism to any story. However, it also raises doubts about historical accuracy. Later, Irish actor Donal Donnelly performed a one-man show about Shaw. He recounted a more theatrical version of the event. In his telling, the invitation featured gold edges. He called the hostess “Lady Knocks-Doggery.” This name is clearly satirical. Donnelly also claimed Shaw used red ink for his reply. These visual details enhance the drama. They make the story better for a radio audience. Another variation appeared in 1985. The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes described the sender as notorious. It labeled her a “courting” lady. This implies she chased fame aggressively. Such descriptions paint Shaw as a hero. He defends his privacy against intrusion. We cheer for him because he protects his solitude. ## The Verdict on Authenticity Is the story true? We cannot say for certain. No physical card exists today. . Source Nevertheless, the circumstantial evidence is strong. The story appeared while Shaw lived. He was famous for correcting errors about himself. Yet, he let this story stand without correction. Additionally, the tone fits his persona perfectly. Shaw was famously curmudgeonly. He often mocked social norms. The brevity of the reply matches his writing style. He preferred sharp, concise insults over long explanations. Consequently, scholars accept it as “characteristic” if not fully proven. The story survives because it resonates with us. We all face unwanted obligations. We all wish for the courage to say “no.” Shaw did so with style. He turned a rude rejection into a clever joke. Therefore, we continue to share the tale. It reminds us that “no” is a complete sentence. Sometimes, “likewise” is even better.

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