The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 96: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

DOMESTIC SCENES IN HIGH LIFE —= 79 assume. However, understand me well. I am not only the mistress of this house, but am likewise your parent, and you are dependent upon me. Therefore, once for all, take heed how you manifest any undutiful conduct toward me.’’ “One would think that I had committed some grievous crime by the language which your ladyship uses,” and as Juliana thus spoke, the rich red blood mantled upon her cheeks and her eyes flashed fire. “ Insolent girl, beware how you provoke me! ”’ cried Lady Saxondale. Juliana drew herself up haughtily, and turned away with an air of complete defiance. At this moment a door communicating with the landing outside was flung violently open, and a woman, whose age appeared to be fifty, and who was dressed in the matronly garb of a housekeeper, entered the room, exclaiming, in a sharp, querulous voice, “‘ It is abominable, and I am deter- mined to have satisfaction. My lady, I demand protection at your hands. I cannot be insulted any longer in this way; it exceeds all human patience. ‘The impertinent coxcomb, the petty tyrant, the cowardly hound! ”’ ‘“ Mabel, what in Heaven’s name does all this mean?” cried Lady Saxondale, rushing toward the old housekeeper, for such was the situation occupied by the woman at the mansion. ‘ Compose yourself, tranquillize your feelings; you know that I will not suffer you to be insulted with impunity.” ‘“ But this is constantly going on,’’ Mabel again burst forth, advancing farther into the room, and both speaking and looking as if she were desperately angry with every- body and everything. “ He is always insulting me. He hates me, just because I possess your ladyship’s confidence, and have been in the family for so many years. What did he mean by calling me an old beldame when he met me on the stairs?’ Was it that on account of my rheumatism I couldn’t get out of his way quite quick enough to please my lord? But I will teach him better manners, I will! He shall respect me, the impudent puppy! ”’ “Mabel, Mabel, mind what you are saying,” exclaimed Lady Saxondale, evidently much agitated. ‘‘ You must not speak thus ‘of his lordship.”’ “ This woman’s conduct is perfectly disgusting,” said COnnNIEOOOkKS (C(O)