'These women at least shall continue to respect the prerogative.

Hallo! hallo there! What do you mean by this noise, you hussies ?' With these words, Mr.Bumble opened the door, and walked in with a very fierce and angry manner: which was at once exchanged for a most humiliated and cowering air, as his eyes unexpectedly rested on the form of his lady wife.
'My dear,' said Mr.Bumble, 'I didn't know you were here.' 'Didn't know I was here!' repeated Mrs.Bumble.

'What do _you_ do here ?' 'I thought they were talking rather too much to be doing their work properly, my dear,' replied Mr.Bumble: glancing distractedly at a couple of old women at the wash-tub, who were comparing notes of admiration at the workhouse-master's humility.
'_You_ thought they were talking too much ?' said Mrs.Bumble.

'What business is it of yours ?' 'Why, my dear--' urged Mr.Bumble submissively.
'What business is it of yours ?' demanded Mrs.Bumble, again.
'It's very true, you're matron here, my dear,' submitted Mr.Bumble; 'but I thought you mightn't be in the way just then.' 'I'll tell you what, Mr.Bumble,' returned his lady.

'We don't want any of your interference.