I admit it.

But I don't see yet that you've proved any actual malice.

Lots of quite good men are asses, and mean to do what's right.

Simpkins may have been acting from a mistaken sense of duty." "He wasn't.

He was acting from a fiendish delight in worrying peaceable people." "Prove that," said Meldon, "and I'll make the man sorry for himself.
There's no crime I know more detestable than nagging and worrying with the intention of making other people uncomfortable.