MARY. You've a fancy for going out o' nights.
RUTH. I suppose I'm old enough to please myself when I go out.
MARY. I suppose you think you are. Times are changed since I was young. I'd have got the rolling-pin at my head if I'd answered your grandmother back the way you answer me. I'd never any time for going out at nights. Too busy spinning. (She busies herself getting out crockery, etc., putting it on table without cloth.)
RUTH. Machines spin now.
MARY. And women and children watch the machines. But of course I mustn't say owt of that. Send you to the factory and I'd know where to put my hand on you. But no. What's good enough for others isn't good enough for you.
RUTH. They're fitted for the factory.
MARY. And what are you fitted for? Nowt, but to fancy yourself a fine lady. I know if I was your father, I'd have you working for the bread you eat and the clothes you wear, like every other girl about. But he's got his way and made an idler of you.
RUTH. Perhaps he's right.
MARY. It's not my way of bringing up a girl.
RUTH. Never mind, mother. I'll be surprising you one of these days.