' (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 the opportunity
of saying a word to you, before you go. Mrs. Sparsit, ma'am, I
rather think you are cramped here, do you know? It appears to me,
that, under my humble roof, there's hardly opening enough for a
lady of your genius in other people's affairs.'
Mrs. Sparsit gave him a look of the darkest scorn, and said with
great politeness, 'Really, sir?'
'I have been thinking it over, you see, since the late affairs have
happened, ma'am,' said Bounderby; 'and it appears to my poor
judgment - '
'Oh! Pray, sir,' Mrs.
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