Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens

Mr Dombey, Sir," said Major Bagstock, "Joey" B. is not in general a man of sentiment, for Joseph is tough. But Joe has his feelings, Sir, and when they are awakened-Damme, Mr Dombey," cried the Major with sudden ferocity, "this is weakness, and I won't submit to it!"

Major Bagstock delivered himself of these expressions on receiving Mr Dombey as his guest at the head of his own staircase in Princess's Place. Mr Dombey had come to breakfast with the Major, previous to their setting forth on their trip; and the ill-starved Native had already undergone a world of misery arising out of the muffins, while, in connexion with the general question of boiled eggs, life was a burden to him.