What Am I to Come Back For?

Oh, don't be absurd. You've got to come back. You know you have.

What am I to come back for?

For the fun of it. That's why I took you on.

And you may throw me out tomorrow if I don't do everything you want me to?

Yes; and you may walk out tomorrow if I don't do everything you want me to.

And live with my stepmother?

Oh, come! You know I can't live without you.

You said you could.

I said I could do without anybody. I have my own soul—my own spark of divine fire. But I shall miss you, Eliza. I have learnt something from your idiotic notions: I confess that humbly and gratefully.

I don't care how you treat me. I don't mind your swearing at me. I shouldn't mind a black eye—I've had one before this. But I won't be passed over.

Then get out of my way, for I won't stop for you. You talk about me as if I were a motor bus: all bounce and go, and no consideration for anyone.

So you are a motor bus: all bounce and go, and no consideration for anyone. But I can do without you: don't think I can't.

I know you can. I told you you could. You've had a better education than most girls. A woman who can stand on her own, that's what I've made of you.

That's not what I want. I want a little kindness. I know I'm a common ignorant girl, and you a book-learned gentleman; but I'm not dirt under your feet.

Of course you're not. You were never dirt under my feet. You're a tower of strength: a consort battleship. You and I and Pickering will be three old bachelors instead of only two men and a silly girl.