“Aye, to be sure, but ... O my lady, if he be truly dangerous——”
“Tush! I know the breed, and forewarned is forearmed. And he mistaketh me for a country simpleton dazzled by his fine airs! So I intend to make it my duty to teach him a shrewd lesson, Betty.”
“Yes, mem, but how?”
“I intend to lower his pride, girl—to shame him cruelly.”
“Why, then, ’tis as good as done, mam. But——”
“I’ll drag his insufferable self-esteem in the dust ... through the mud ... trample it ’neath my feet ... make him a mock—a jest and byword.”
“I’m sure you will, my lady, but how?”
“How, Bet? Why, by running away with him to begin with, for sure.”
“O mem!” ejaculated Betty, lifting imploring hands. “O my dear lady——”