‘ Now, I’ll tell you what, ma’am,’ said Bounderby, ‘I am not come here to be bullied. A female may be highly connected, but she can’t be permitted to bother and badger a man in my position, and I am not going to put up with it.’ (Mr. Bounderby felt it necessary to get on: foreseeing that if he allowed of details, he would be beaten.)
Mrs. Sparsit first elevated, then knitted, her Coriolanian eyebrows; gathered up her work into its proper basket; and rose.
‘ Sir,’ said she, majestically. ‘It is apparent to me that I am in your way at present. I will retire to my own apartment.’
‘ Allow me to open the door, ma’am.’
‘ Thank you, sir; I can do it for myself.’
‘ You had better allow me, ma’am,’ said Bounderby, passing her, and getting his hand upon the lock; ‘because I can take th
