‘Interference you mean.’

‘I didn’t say so, but perhaps that’s about it.’

‘I’d interfere to save any woman that God ever made,’ said Mrs Hurtle with energy.  ’We’re all apt to wait a little too long, because we’re ashamed to do any little good that chance puts in our way.  You must go and leave her, Sir Felix.’

‘I suppose she may do as she pleases about that.’

‘Do you mean to make her your wife?’ asked Mrs Hurtle sternly.

‘Does Mr Paul Montague mean to make you his wife?’ rejoined Sir Felix with an impudent swagger.  He had struck the blow certainly hard enough, and it had gone all the way home.  She had not surmised that he would...