When his wife and her relations declared him to be a mere animal, he never contradicted them--and so gained the reputation of a person on whom reprimand was thrown away.

Under the protection of this unenviable character, he sometimes said severe things with an air of perfect simplicity.

When the furious doctor discovered him in the laboratory, and said, "I'll be the death of you, if you tell any living creature what I am doing!"-- Lemuel answered, with a stare of stupid astonishment, "Make your mind easy; I should be ashamed to mention it." Further reflection decided Benjulia on writing.

Even when he had a favour to ask, he was unable to address Lemuel with common politeness.
"I hear that Morphew has written to you by the last mail.

I want to see the letter." So much he wrote, and no more.