“My dear Sir, my dear sir,” said the little man, laying his hat on the table, “pray, consider⁠—pray. Defamation of character: action for damages. Calm yourself, my dear sir, pray⁠—”

“How dare you drag my sister from my house?” said the old man.

“Ay⁠—ay⁠—very good,” said the little gentleman, “you may ask that. How dare you, sir?⁠—eh, sir?”

“Who the devil are you?” inquired Mr. Jingle, in so fierce a tone, that the little gentleman involuntarily fell back a step or two.