"Don't you call me names."
"I shall call you what I please, you dirty upstart, to put yourself on a level with ladies like us! We always said you was common."
"What—what's it you dared me to say?" asked Miss Impett breathlessly, as her face went livid.
"Don't—don't say it," pleaded Miss Allen; but her interference was ineffectual.
"That I picked up gentlemen in evening dress," bawled Miss Potter. "Say it: say it: say it! I dare you!"
"I do say it. I'll tell everyone. I've watched you pick up gentlemen in—"
She got no further. Miss Potter struck her in the mouth.
"You beast!" cried Miss Impett.
Miss Potter struck her again.
"You beast: you coward!" yelled Miss Impett.