"The man is a respectable, wealthy man. To refuse him is presumption on your part."
"I refuse, point-blank! Cease to annoy me with the subject: I forbid it!"
"Is it your intention ever to marry, or do you prefer celibacy?"
"I deny your right to claim an answer to that question."
"May I ask if you expect some man of title—some peer of the realm—to demand your hand?"
"I doubt if the peer breathes on whom I would confer it."
"Were there insanity in the family, I should believe you mad. Your eccentricity and conceit touch the verge of frenzy."
"Perhaps, ere I have finished, you will see me overleap it."
"I anticipate no less. Frantic and impracticable girl! Take warning!—I dare you to sully our name by a misalliance!"
"Our name! Am I called Sympson?"
"God be thanked that you are not! But be on your guard!—I will not be trifled with!"
"What, in the name of common law and common sense, would you, or could you do, if my pleasure led me to a choice you disapproved?"
"Take care! take care!" (warning her with voice and hand that trembled alike.)
"Why? What shadow of power have you over me? "Why should I fear you?"
