“Yes,” said Dr Fairbairn. “Very. And then there’s the interesting question of those who use thethird person about themselves.”
“Oh,” said Irene, vaguely. It occurred to her that she used thethird person on occasion when talking to Bertie. She said things such as: “Mummy is watching, Bertie. Mummy is watching Bertie very closely.” That was using thethird person, was it not? In fact, it was a double use of thethird person; first (I, mother figure) became third, as did second (you, son). What did this reveal about Irene? she asked herself. No, deliberate play; what does that reveal about me?
