I'd sooner go without--much." Rufus remained absolutely unmoved.

He made no attempt at self-justification, though Mrs.Peck was staring from one to the other in mystified interrogation.
Columbine turned swiftly and caught up a cover for the savoury dish that steamed on the table.

"You'd better let me take this in before it gets cold," she said.
"No; put it on the rack!" commanded Mrs.Peck.

"There's a drop of soup to go in first.

And, Columbine, my dear, I don't think it's right of you to go losing your temper that way.