"Is it your intention ever to marry; or do you prefer celibacy?"
"I deny your right to claim an answer to that question."
"May I ask if you expect some man of title--some peer of the realm--to demand your hand?"
"I doubt if the peer breathes on whom I would confer it."
"Were there insanity in the family, I should believe you mad. Your eccentricity and conceit touch the verge of frenzy."
"Perhaps, ere I have finished, you will see me over-leap it."

"Is it your intention ever to marry; or do you prefer celibacy?"
"I deny your right to claim an answer to that question."
"May I ask if you expect some peer of the realm to demand your hand?"
"I doubt if the peer breathes to whom I would give it."
"I almost believe you are mad. 