'Who ever saw such a piece of impudence as that!' 'What's the matter, my dear ?' inquired Mrs.Jawleyford, alarmed lest it was her dunning jeweller writing again.
'Matter!' shrieked Jawleyford, in a tone that sounded through the thick wall of the room, and caused the hobbling old gardener on the terrace to peep in at the heavy-mullioned window.

'Matter!' repeated he, as though he had got his _coup de grace_; 'look there,' added he, handing over the letter.
'Oh, my dear,' rejoined Mrs.Jawleyford soothingly, as soon as she saw it was not what she expected.

'Oh, my dear, I'm sure there's nothing to make you put yourself so much out of the way.' 'No!' roared Jawleyford, determined not to be done out of his grievance.

'No!' repeated he; 'do you call that nothing ?' 'Why, nothing to make yourself unhappy about,' replied Mrs.Jawleyford, rather pleased than otherwise; for she was glad it was not from Rings, the jeweller, and, moreover, hated the monotony of Jawleyford Court, and was glad of anything to relieve it.

If she had had her own way, she would have gadded about at watering-places all the year round.
'Well,' said Jawleyford, with a toss of the head and a shrug of resignation, 'you'll have me in gaol; I see that.' 'Nay, my dear J.,' rejoined his wife, soothingly; 'I'm sure you've plenty of money.' 'Have I!' ejaculated Jawleyford.