you make this disgusting match, you will never see Hector again if I can help it.
ELLIE [unmoved]. I nailed Mangan by telling him that if he did not marry me he should never see you again [she lifts herself on her wrists and seats herself on the end of the table].
MRS HUSHABYE [recoiling]. Oh!
ELLIE. So you see I am not unprepared for your playing that trump against me. Well, you just try it: that's all. I should have made a man of Marcus, not a household pet.
MRS HUSHABYE [flaming]. You dare!
ELLIE [looking almost dangerous]. Set him thinking about me if you dare.
MRS HUSHABYE. Well, of all the impudent little fiends I ever met! Hector says there is a certain point at which the only answer you can give to a man who breaks all the rules is to knock him down. What would you say if I were to box your ears?
ELLIE [calmly]. I should pull your hair.
MRS HUSHABYE [mischievously]. That wouldn't hurt me. Perhaps it comes off at night.
ELLIE [so taken aback that she drops off the table and runs to her]. Oh, you don't mean to say, Hesione, that your beautiful black hair is false?
MRS HUSHABYE [patting it]. Don't tell Hector. He believes in it.
ELLIE [groaning]. Oh! Even the hair that ensnared him false! Everything false!
MRS HUSHABYE. Pull it and try. Other women can snare men in their hair; but I can swing a baby on mine. Aha! you can't do that, Goldylocks.
ELLIE [heartbroken]. No. You have stolen my babies.
MRS HUSHABYE. Pettikins, don't make me cry. You know what you said about my making
