“But I am acquainted with these chaps,” said Bounderby. “I can read ’em off, like books. Mrs. Sparsit, ma’am, I appeal to you. What warning did I give that fellow, the first time he set foot in the house, when the express object of his visit was to know how he could knock religion over, and floor the established church? Mrs. Sparsit, in point of high connections, you are on a level with the aristocracy⁠—did I say, or did I not say, to that fellow, ‘you can’t hide the truth from me: you are not the kind of fellow I like; you’ll come to no good’?”

“Assuredly, sir,” returned Mrs. Sparsit, “you did, in a highly impressive manner, give him such an admonition.”

“When he shocked you, ma’am,” said Bounderby; “when he shocked your feelings?”