She also made observations on the general character of our paper, its utility, its claim to public support, the sense and wisdom of its contributors.
"I really don't see that it is our fault," urged the chief--he was a mild- mannered man; "he asked for information, and he got it." "Don't you try to be funny about it," said the lady (he had not meant to be funny, I am sure; levity was not his failing) "or you'll get something that _you_ haven't asked for.

Why, for two pins," said the lady, with a suddenness that sent us both flying like scuttled chickens behind our respective chairs, "I'd come round and make your head like it!" I take it, she meant like the boy's.

She also added observations upon our chief's personal appearance, that were distinctly in bad taste.

She was not a nice woman by any means.
Myself, I am of opinion that had she brought the action she threatened, she would have had no case; but our chief was a man who had had experience of the law, and his principle was always to avoid it.

I have heard him say: "If a man stopped me in the street and demanded of me my watch, I should refuse to give it to him.