Ottoline monologue (Act 4) — The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

How thoroughly I've grown away from them--ceased to be one of them. [_Stamping her foot._] Oh, I know I'm ungrateful; and that they're proud of me, and pet and spoil me; [_contracting her shoulder-blades_] but they make my flesh feel quite raw--mother, Dad, and my brother Bertram! Their intense satisfaction with themselves, and everything appertaining to them, irritates me to such a pitch that I'm often obliged to rush out of the room to stop myself from being rude. [_Impetuously._] And then to have to watch Dad and mother still pushing, scheming, intriguing; always with the affectation of despising _reclame_, yet doing nothing--not the most simple act--without a careful eye to it! Years ago, as I've said, there was an intelligible motive for our paltry ambitions; but now, when they have _force les portes_ and can afford to be sincere and independent----! [_Checking herself._] But I oughtn't to speak of my folks like this, ought I, even to you whom I can trust! [_Penitently._] It's awfully wrong of me. I--I beg your pardon.