“It has come to that!” he answered. “How dare I, your husband, try to control your actions in any way? I tell you, Lavinia, I have had enough of your antics, and I will not longer put up with them!”

“You⁠—you⁠—What in heaven’s name ails you, Richard?”

“This! I will not countenance that puppy’s invasion of my house!” He made a furious gesture towards the wilted bouquet.

“Neither will I permit you to make yourself the talk of London through him!”

“I? I? I make myself the talk of London? How dare you? Oh! how dare you?”

“I beg you will cease that foolishness. There is no question of my daring. How dare you disobey me, as you have been doing all this past week?”