, indeed! Why are you to blame
anybody because father chooses to ask whom he pleases to dinner? A
pretty thing indeed, if father isn't to have whom he likes in his own
house."

"Polly, you know what I mean."

"I know you made a great goose of yourself last night, and I didn't
feel a bit obliged to you."

"No, I didn't. I wasn't a goose at all. I don't say but what I'm as
big a fool as most men. I don't mean to stick up for myself. I know
well enough that I am foolish often. But I wasn't foolish last night.
What was he there for?"

"What business have you to ask, Mr. Moggs?"

"All the business in life. Love;--real love. That's why I have
business. That young man, who is, I suppose, what you call a swell."

"Don't put words into my mouth, Mr. Moggs. I don't call him anything
of the kind."

"He's a gentleman."

"Yes;--he is a gentleman,--I suppose."

"And I'm a tradesman,--a bootmaker."

"So is father a tradesman, and if you mean to tell me that I turn
up my nose at people the same as father is, you may just go back to
London and think what you like about me. I won't put up with it from
you or anybody. A tradesman to me is as good as anybody,--if he is as
good. There."

"Oh, Polly, you do look so beautiful!"

"Bother!"

"When you say that, and speak in that way, I think you as good as you
are beautiful."

"Remember,--I don't say a word against what you call--gentlemen. I
take 'em just as they come. Mr. Newton is a very nice young man."

"Are you going to take him, Polly?"

"How can I take him when he has never asked me? You are not my
father, Mr. Moggs, not yet my uncle. What right have you to question
me? If I was going to take him, I shouldn't want your leave."

"Polly, you ought to be honest."

"I am honest."

"Will you hear me, Polly?"

"No, I won't."

"You won't! Is that answer to go for always?"

"Yes, it is. You come and tease and say uncivil things, and I don't
choose to be bullied. What right have you to talk to me about Mr.
Newton? Did I ever give you any right? Honest indeed! What right have
you to talk to me about being honest?"

"It's all true, dear."

"Very well, then. Hold your tongue, and don't say such things. Honest
indeed! If I were to take the young man to-morrow, that would not
make me dishonest."

"It's all true, dear, and I beg your pardon. If I have offended you,
I will beg your pardon."

"Never mind about that;--only don't say foolish things."

"Is it foolish