Lady M. (calmly). It's really very rash of you. Your livelihood's at stake. I say nothing about your immortal soul, which is endangered if it's not already lost.
Mar. Suppose you leave my soul out, Lady Mottram.
My employment is in your hands. You have the power to take that from me.
Lady M. Persist in your defiance and I shall be compelled to exercise that power.
Fred, (to Mar.). Speaking from long and intimate acquaintance with my mother, I should just like to interpolate the remark that she invariably means what she says.
Mar. (coldly). Thank you. I haven't worked for Socialism without knowing the risks I took. There's nothing unusual in this. Since Socialism's been the bogey of the employing class, dismissal for Socialists is an everyday occurrence.
Lady M. (mildly angered). This is too much. To associate me with cowardly employers who abuse their power, when my only object is to secure respectability in our teaching staff.
Mar. Oh, they all do it for excellent motives. How long have I, Lady Mottram?
Lady M. Till Miss Allinson can replace you.
Mar. Till then I can go on contaminating my pupils! However, to replace me won't take an hour. Unemployed teachers aren't scarce.