“She actually laughed in his face, and said she had not any views; didn’t he consider views narrow?”
“She’s not a lady.”
“That’s not all. He met her in the lane next day. He nodded most affably; you know his rule: a nod to people who walk, a bow to those who keep a carriage. It is a wise rule—it defines the classes so well, which is absolutely necessary, or where should we be?”
One or two superior cousins sneered at each other across the teacups. The airs of these Jeremy Crisps!
“She cut him dead!”
“I spoke to her about that,” Mrs. Turle said gently.
“Well! What did she say? Short sight? She wears glasses for effect, no doubt.”
“Those eye-glasses make one look so intelligent, they really do,” put in a quiet cousin, who had scarcely spoken all the afternoon; “I thought of getting some.”
“She said that the men of her acquaintance might touch their hats or raise them—which they choose. If none of us would put that insufferable Mr. Meadows in his place, she must.”
“You never should have called on her, Aunt Sophy.”