? ? ? ? Mr. Creakle, looking hard at Mr. Mell, put his hand on Tungay's shoulder, and got his feet upon the form close by, and sat upon the desk. After still looking hard at Mr. Mell from his throne, as he shook his head, and rubbed his hands, and remained in the same state of agitation, Mr. Creakle turned to Steerforth, and said:
? ? ? ? 'Now, sir, as he don't condescend to tell me, what is this?'
? ? ? ? Steerforth evaded the question for a little while; looking in scorn and anger on his opponent, and remaining silent. I could not help thinking even in that interval, I remember, what a noble fellow he was in appearance, and how homely and plain Mr. Mell looked opposed to him.
? ? ? ? 'What did he mean by talking about favourites, then?' said Steerforth at length.
? ? ? ? 'Favourites?' repeated Mr. Creakle, with the veins in his forehead swelling quickly. 'Who talked about favourites?'
? ? ? ? 'He did,' said Steerforth.
? ? ? ? 'And pray, what did you mean by that, sir?' demanded Mr. Creakle, turning angrily on his assistant.
? ? ? ? 'I meant, Mr. Creakle,' he returned in a low voice, 'as I said; that no pupil had a right to avail himself of his position of favouritism to degrade me.
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