"Of whom, then ?" "Oh, psha! nonsense! Of you, my dear, to be sure; who else should he care for?
And, besides, what business is it of mine ?" And herewith the Corporal began whistling, as if he would have no more of the conversation.

But Mrs.Cat was not to be satisfied,--not she,--and carried on her cross-questions.
"Why, look you," said the Corporal, after parrying many of these,--"Why, look you, I'm an old fool, Catherine, and I must blab.

That man has been the best friend I ever had, and so I was quiet; but I can't keep it in any longer,--no, hang me if I can! It's my belief he's acting like a rascal by you: he deceives you, Catherine; he's a scoundrel, Mrs.Hall, that's the truth on't." Catherine prayed him to tell all he knew; and he resumed.
"He wants you off his hands; he's sick of you, and so brought here that fool Tom Trippet, who has taken a fancy to you.

He has not the courage to turn you out of doors like a man; though indoors he can treat you like a beast.

But I'll tell you what he'll do.