While he did this , the woman who had already spoken threw her bundle on the floor , and sat down in a flaunting manner on a stool ; crossing her elbows on her knees , and looking with a bold defiance at the other two . `` What odds , then ? What odds , Mrs. Dilber ? '' said the woman . `` Every person has a right to take care of themselves . He always did ! '' `` That 's true , indeed ! '' said the laundress . `` No man more so . '' `` Why , then , do n't stand staring as if you was afraid , woman ! Who 's the wiser ? We 're not going to pick holes in each other 's coats , I suppose ? '' `` No , indeed ! '' said Mrs. Dilber and the man together . `` We should hope not . '' `` Very well , then ! '' cried the woman . `` That 's enough . Who 's the worse for the loss of a few things like these ? Not a dead man , I suppose ? ''
`` No , indeed , '' said Mrs. XXXXX , laughing .
Dilber Mrs. bundle elbows holes knees laundress odds right stool