It’s Just the very Biggest Thing in the World

           HardlywasitshutwhenMrs.Challengerdartedoutfromthedining-room.Thesmallwomanwasinafurioustemper.Shebarredherhusband’swaylikeanenragedchickeninfrontofabulldog.Itwasevidentthatshehadseenmyexit,buthadnotobservedmyreturn.

           "Youbrute,George!"shescreamed."You’vehurtthatniceyoungman."

           Hejerkedbackwardswithhisthumb.

           "Hereheis,safeandsoundbehindme."

           Shewasconfused,butnotundulyso.

           "Iamsosorry,Ididn’tseeyou."

           "Iassureyou,madam,thatitisallright."

           "Hehasmarkedyourpoorface!Oh,George,whatabruteyouare!Nothingbutscandalsfromoneendoftheweektotheother.Everyonehatingandmakingfunofyou.You’vefinishedmypatience.Thisendsit."

           "Dirtylinen,"herumbled.

           "It’snotasecret,"shecried."Doyousupposethatthewholestreet—thewholeofLondon,forthatmatter——Getaway,Austin,wedon’twantyouhere.Doyousupposetheydon’talltalkaboutyou?Whereisyourdignity?You,amanwhoshouldhavebeenRegiusProfessoratagreatUniversitywithathousandstudentsallreveringyou.Whereisyourdignity,George?"

           "Howaboutyours,mydear?"