"Come home?" said Todd, with a well-acted look of surprise. "Come home? What do you mean, my dear madam? I am particularly glad to see you, and was particularly desirous to do so."
"Indeed!"
"Yes, to be sure. Really, do you know, I told the lad here, to deny me to anybody but you."
"And he made the slight mistake of denying you to me only."
"Is it possible?—Can such things be? Oh, you careless rascal. Upon my word, some employers would pull your ears—that they would. I'm ashamed of you—that I am. Really, Mrs. Lovett, these boys are always annoying one in some way or another; but walk in, if you please—walk in, and we will soon settle our little affairs."
"Excuse me," said Mrs. Lovett, "I prefer the shop, Mr. Todd."
"You don't say so?"
"You hear me say so, and you might know by this time, that when I say anything—I mean it."
"Of course, Mrs. Lovett, of course," said Todd; "I know you for a lady of infinite powers of mind—of great susceptibility—of feeling—of uncommon intellect and thrift. Please to step into the parlour, and I will settle with you at once, for I believe you call for a small trifle that you are entitled to from me, Mrs. Lovett."
"I do call for what I am entitled to, and I will have it here."