Mrs Lupex was in the room and heard the girl summon me, and, jumping up, she declared that if there was going to be bloodshed she would leave the house.
There was nobody else in the room but Miss Spruce, and she didn't say a word, but took her candle and went upstairs.
You must own it looked very uncomfortable.

What was I to do with a drunken man down in the parlour?
However, she seemed to think I ought to go.

"If he comes up here," said she, "I shall be the victim.

You little know of what that man is capable, when his wrath has been inflamed by wine!" Now, I think you are aware that I am not likely to be very much afraid of any man; but why was I to be got into a row in such a way as this?
I hadn't done anything.

And then, if there was to be a quarrel, and anything was to come of it, as she seemed to expect,--like bloodshed, I mean, or a fight, or if he were to knock me on the head with the poker, where should I be at my office?
A man in a public office, as you and I are, can't quarrel like anybody else.
It was this that I felt so much at the moment.