`` Beneath them indeed ! Why , woman , it is condescension in my son to so much as look at your niece -- condescension , that is what it is . You are as poor as church mice . '' `` We come of good family , though , '' retorted Miss Susan . `` You Ellises are nobodies . Your grandfather was a hired man ! And yet you have the presumption to think you 're fit to marry into an old , respectable family like the Olivers . But talking does n't signify . I simply wo n't allow this nonsense to go on . I came here today to tell you so plump and plain . It 's your duty to stop it ; if you do n't I will , that 's all . '' `` Oh , will you ? '' John Ellis was at a white heat of rage and stubbornness now . `` We 'll see , Miss Susan , we 'll see . My son shall marry whatever girl he pleases , and I 'll back him up in it -- do you hear that ? Come here and tell me my son is n't good enough for your niece indeed ! I 'll show you he can get her anyway . '' `` You 've heard what I 've said , '' was the answer , `` and you 'd better go by it , that 's all . I sha n't stay to bandy words with you , John Ellis . I 'm going home to talk to my niece and tell her her duty plain , and what I want her to do , and she 'll do it , I have n't a fear . ''
Miss Susan was halfway down the steps , but John Ellis ran to the railing of the verandah XXXXX get the last word .
Beneath as at by for if in of that to