Neither will I bear all this tamely.

He shall hear his true character from me; I will tell him all he deserves, in spite of his threats and cruel treatment.' Emily seized a pause of Madame Montoni's voice, to speak.

'Dear madam,' said she, 'but will not this serve to irritate the Signor unnecessarily?
will it not provoke the harsh treatment you dread ?' 'I do not care,' replied Madame Montoni, 'it does not signify: I will not submit to such usage.

You would have me give up my settlements, too, I suppose!' 'No, madam, I do not exactly mean that.' 'What is it you do mean then ?' 'You spoke of reproaching the Signor,'-- said Emily, with hesitation.
'Why, does he not deserve reproaches ?' said her aunt.
'Certainly he does; but will it be prudent in you, madam, to make them ?' 'Prudent!' exclaimed Madame Montoni.

'Is this a time to talk of prudence, when one is threatened with all sorts of violence ?' 'It is to avoid that violence, that prudence is necessary.' said Emily.
'Of prudence!' continued Madame Montoni, without attending to her, 'of prudence towards a man, who does not scruple to break all the common ties of humanity in his conduct to me! And is it for me to consider prudence in my behaviour towards him! I am not so mean.' 'It is for your own sake, not for the Signor's, madam,' said Emily modestly, 'that you should consult prudence.