This preliminary proceeding laying bare his head, the expert lady, clasping him tightly round the throat with one hand, inflicted a shower of blows (dealt with singular vigour and dexterity) upon it with the other.

This done, she created a little variety by scratching his face, and tearing his hair; and, having, by this time, inflicted as much punishment as she deemed necessary for the offence, she pushed him over a chair, which was luckily well situated for the purpose: and defied him to talk about his prerogative again, if he dared.
'Get up!' said Mrs.Bumble, in a voice of command.

'And take yourself away from here, unless you want me to do something desperate.' Mr.Bumble rose with a very rueful countenance: wondering much what something desperate might be.

Picking up his hat, he looked towards the door.
'Are you going ?' demanded Mrs.Bumble.
'Certainly, my dear, certainly,' rejoined Mr.Bumble, making a quicker motion towards the door.

'I didn't intend to--I'm going, my dear! You are so very violent, that really I--' At this instant, Mrs.Bumble stepped hastily forward to replace the carpet, which had been kicked up in the scuffle.