Teresa, we recall, is the novel's allegory of material benefit, who wants Nostromo (the People) to dispense with reputation in favor of physical enrichment. As the paragraph continues, we learn that Nostromo has just gone unpaid for the invaluable (and dangerous) service of bringing down the mountain the carriage with Sir John, whose railroad is at that time planning to demolish the Violas' house. No wonder she scolds!