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 malicious insolence of Ireton, who, while he openly enjoyed the scene, negligently said to Loddard, "What, my boy, hast got a new nurse?"

Mrs. Ireton, having stood some time leaning upon the balustrade of the steps which she was descending, in vain expectation of the arm of her son, who had only slightly bowed to her, with an "How do do, Ma'am?" to which he waited not for an answer; now indignantly called out, "So I am to be left to myself, am I? In this feeble and alarming state to which I am reduced, incapable to withstand a gust of wind, or to baffle the fall of a leaf, I may take care of myself, may I? I am too stout to require any attention? too robust, too obstreperous to need any help? If I fall down, I may get up again, I suppose? If I faint, I may come to myself again, I imagine? You will have the goodness to permit that, I presume? I may be mistaken, to be sure, but I should presume so. Don't you hear me,