"And why am I to take it seriously ?" Mr.Vimpany's reply was, to say the least of it, indirect.

If such an expression may be permitted, it smelt of the stage.

Viewed in connection with Mrs.Vimpany's persistent assumption of silent humility, it suggested to Mountjoy a secret understanding, of some kind, between husband and wife.
"What has become of your conscience, sir ?" Mr.Vimpany demanded.

"Is that silent monitor dead within you?
After giving me a bad dinner, do you demand an explanation?
Ha! you shall have it." Having delivered himself to this effect, he added action to words.
Walking grandly to the door, he threw it open, and saluted Mountjoy with an ironical bow.

Iris observed that act of insolence; her colour rose, her eyes glittered.