I am all attention." "I am quite willing to suppose," continued she, "that it is ignorance on your part rather than intentional misconduct which has led you into this; but from henceforth I wish it to be clearly understood that I shall expect you to remember your proper station in this house.

Miss Atherton, let me tell you, has no need of your attentions.

You perfectly understand me, Mr Jeffreys ?" Jeffreys bowed, still rather abstractedly.
"You do not reply to my question, Mr Jeffreys." "I perfectly understand you, madam." "I trust I shall not have to speak to you again." "I trust not," said Jeffreys, with a fervour which startled the lady.
He left the room, outraged, insulted, sorely tempted to shake the dust of the place once and for all from off his feet.

The evil temper within him once more asserted itself as he flung himself into his room, slamming the door behind him with a force that made the whole house vibrate.
The narrow room was insupportable.

It stifled him.