> > What does it say a lady should do to punish a stronger and more
> impudent fellow of the lower classes?
> >
> Good question.
>
> This being the 1800s, I'd imagine swooning, at which point her
> gentleman companion would box the ruffian's ears?

Well, there *were* women boxers in the 19th century, but they probably
wouldn't have been described as "ladies."

Jason