“It’s all the same to me what he is or what he is not, whether in English or whether in French,” retorted Mr. E. W. B. Childers, facing about. “I am telling your friend what’s the fact; if you don’t like to hear it, you can avail yourself of the open air. You give it mouth enough, you do; but give it mouth in your own building at least,” remonstrated E. W. B. with stern irony. “Don’t give it mouth in this building, till you’re called upon. You have got some building of your own I dare say, now?”

“Perhaps so,” replied Mr. Bounderby, rattling his money and laughing.

“Then give it mouth in your own building, will you, if you please?” said Childers. “Because this isn’t a strong building, and too much of you might bring it down!”