“Yes, my dear, polite,” persisted Mr. Bolingbroke, who was now come to such a pass, that he would defend his opinion in opposition to hers, stoutly and warmly. “Yes, polite, my dear, I maintain it; the most polite people pronounce it as I do.”
“You may maintain what you please, my dear,” said the lady, coolly; “but I maintain the contrary.”
“Assertion is no proof on either side, I acknowledge,” said Mr. Bolingbroke, recollecting himself.
“No, in truth,” said Mrs. Bolingbroke, “especially such an absurd assertion as yours, my dear. Now I will go no farther than Mrs. Granby:—Mrs. Granby, did you ever hear any person, who knew how to speak, pronounce wi*nd—wi*nd?”
“Mrs. Granby, have not you heard it called wi*nd in good company?”
The disputants eagerly approached her at the same instant, and looked as if their fortunes or lives depended upon the decision.
“I think I have heard the word pronounced both ways, by well-bred and well-informed people,” said Mrs. Granby.
“That is saying nothing, my dear,” said Mrs. Bolingbroke, pettishly.
“This is saying all I want,” said Mr. Bolingbroke, satisfied.
“I would lay any wager, however, that Mr. ——, if he were here, would give it in my favour; and I suppose you will not dispute his authority.”