He drew himself bolt upright, as if his backbone had suddenly been straightened by a spring.
"Madam! I would have you to know that I wear no one's clothes but my own."
"You are wearing my husband's clothes at this present moment."
"Your husband's clothes?"
"Were they not purchased with his money?"
"Madam! you have a very extraordinary way of putting things. Is it possible that you intend to be offensive?"
"Is it possible to be offensive to such as you?"
"I, madam, am a gentleman, born and bred."
"That you are a gentleman of a certain kind I have no doubt whatever."
The man began to look badgered, as if he were growing conscious of a feeling of tightness about the region of the chest. He commenced to smooth the nap of his hat, violently, with his gloved hand.