"Fiddle!"
Quinney apologized for this breach of politeness after his own fashion:
"Be'ind the door, she was, Tom, when they collected threepence a head for manners. Now, sit you down!"
Tomlin waved a half-consumed cigar, addressing Susan:
"Any objections to my smoking, ma'am?"
"Not she," replied her husband, "neither in this world nor the next. You go on and talk to her. You understand women. Open fire on 'em!"
"May I say a few words, ma'am?"
"Provided they are few, you may, Mr. Tomlin."
Driven to the wall, she made no effort to conceal her dislike of this big fat man, whom she had ever regarded as an evil influence in her Joe's life. Quinney exclaimed:
"'Ark to Mrs. Don't-care-a-damn!"