“Now you know, this good lady is a born lady, a high lady. You are not to suppose because she keeps my house for me, that she hasn’t been very high up the tree⁠—ah, up at the top of the tree! Now, if you have got anything to say that can’t be said before a born lady, this lady will leave the room. If what you have got to say can be said before a born lady, this lady will stay where she is.”

“Sir, I hope I never had nowt to say, not fitten for a born lady to year, sin’ I were born mysen’,” was the reply, accompanied with a slight flush.

“Very well,” said Mr. Bounderby, pushing away his plate, and leaning back. “Fire away!”