She said it must be war, and war it was; and Mrs Pipchin lived from that time in the midst of surprises, harassings, and defiances, and skirmishing attacks that came bouncing in upon her from the passage, even in unguarded moments of chops, and carried desolation to her very toast.
Miss Nipper had returned one Sunday night with Florence, from walking back with Paul to the Doctor's, when Florence took from her bosom a little piece of paper, on which she had pencilled down some words.
'See here, Susan,' she said.

'These are the names of the little books that Paul brings home to do those long exercises with, when he is so tired.

I copied them last night while he was writing.' 'Don't show 'em to me, Miss Floy, if you please,' returned Nipper, 'I'd as soon see Mrs Pipchin.' 'I want you to buy them for me, Susan, if you will, tomorrow morning.

I have money enough,' said Florence.
'Why, goodness gracious me, Miss Floy,' returned Miss Nipper, 'how can you talk like that, when you have books upon books already, and masterses and mississes a teaching of you everything continual, though my belief is that your Pa, Miss Dombey, never would have learnt you nothing, never would have thought of it, unless you'd asked him--when he couldn't well refuse; but giving consent when asked, and offering when unasked, Miss, is quite two things; I may not have my objections to a young man's keeping company with me, and when he puts the question, may say "yes," but that's not saying "would you be so kind as like me."' 'But you can buy me the books, Susan; and you will, when you know why I want them.' 'Well, Miss, and why do you want 'em ?' replied Nipper; adding, in a lower voice, 'If it was to fling at Mrs Pipchin's head, I'd buy a cart-load.' 'Paul has a great deal too much to do, Susan,' said Florence, 'I am sure of it.' 'And well you may be, Miss,' returned her maid, 'and make your mind quite easy that the willing dear is worked and worked away.

If those is Latin legs,' exclaimed Miss Nipper, with strong feeling--in allusion to Paul's; 'give me English ones.' 'I am afraid he feels lonely and lost at Doctor Blimber's, Susan,' pursued Florence, turning away her face.
'Ah,' said Miss Nipper, with great sharpness, 'Oh, them "Blimbers"' 'Don't blame anyone,' said Florence.