"Mr. Wilfrud! and I can see too, and it's three weeks and ye kissed little Belloni in the passage, outside this vary door, and out in the garden."
The blow was entirely unexpected, and took Wilfrid's breath, so that he was not ready for his turn in this singular piece of harmony.
"Ye did!" Mrs. Chump rejoiced to behold how her chance spark kindled flame in his cheeks. "It's pos'tuv ye did. And ye're the best blusher of the two, my dear; and no shame to ye, though it is a garl's business. That little Belloni takes to 't like milk; but you—"
Wilfrid strode up to her, saying imperiously, "I tell you to listen!"
She succumbed at once to a show of physical ascendency, murmuring, "It's sure he was seen kissin' of her twice, and mayhap more; and hearty smacks of the lips, too—likin' it."
The ladies rewarded Wilfrid for his service to their cause by absolutely hearing nothing—a feat women can be capable of.
Wilfrid, however, was angered by the absurdity of the charge and the scene, and also by the profane touch on Emilia's name.
"I must tell you, ma'am, that for my father's sake I must desire you to quit this—you will see the advisability of quitting this house for a time."
"Pole's promus! Pole's promus!" Mrs. Chump wailed again.
"Will you give me your assurance now that you will go, to be our guest again subsequently?"