Indeed, Sylvia, one might think so.
Personally I don't give a fig who Tessa is. But there is something Kafkaesque about being judged by someone whose identity is not permitted to be known. Why the reluctance, one wonders. Could it be lack of judgely confidence, or simply a fear of being mugged in the street by a band of vengeful Sphereans?
Though revealing a name would not make Tessa a better or a worse judge it might give a hint of the judgely credentials behind the burka.
Everyone knows that the pseudonym Jaspistos was the Spectator's James Michie,excellent poet, man of wit, discernment and civilised charm -- whose translation of Homer is said to be the best. And none of us ever mugged him in the street for spurning our never-ceasing brilliance.
Most of us, I suspect, regard competitions as something akin to the Lottery. But most of Brits know the name of the orange idiot who fronts that event on Saturday night telly. And even he has escaped my oft-contemplated muggings -- as yet!
So what's with Tessa's coyness?
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