Mrs. Dudgeon monologue (Act 1) — The Devil's Disciple

(_half sneering_). I thought that would be more in your way than getting the house ready. (_Essie comes back._) Oh, here you are! (_Severely_) Come here: let me see you. (_Essie timidly goes to her. Mrs. Dudgeon takes her roughly by the arm and pulls her round to inspect the results of her attempt to clean and tidy herself—results which show little practice and less conviction._) Mm! That’s what you call doing your hair properly, I suppose. It’s easy to see what you are, and how you were brought up. (_She throws her arms away, and goes on, peremptorily._) Now you listen to me and do as you’re told. You sit down there in the corner by the fire; and when the company comes don’t dare to speak until you’re spoken to. (_Essie creeps away to the fireplace._) Your father’s people had better see you and know you’re there: they’re as much bound to keep you from starvation as I am. At any rate they might help. But let me have no chattering and making free with them, as if you were their equal. Do you hear?