Lucy: Well, Mrs. Prim, this is at the very least, a serious conversation as you put it—and if I were to respond as seriously I don't know where it might end. But the respect I have for your age, and for the aunt of my mistress prevents me from responding to you without respect.
Mrs. Prim:
My age! You're a model of moderation!
Lucy: It would be nice if you were, too, Madam. You are not the first to spread scandal about your niece; remarks that have no foundation except in your disordered imagination.
Mrs. Prim: My disordered imagination! What impudence. (furiously) It's the disorder of your actions which make me speak out—and there is nothing worse than the life you are living.
Lucy:
How is that—what's wrong with our life if you please?
Mrs. Prim: What? Is there anything more scandalous than the expenditures Belinda is constantly making—a girl without a penny in income.
Lucy:
You have credit, Madame.
Mrs. Prim:
Just what she needs to maintain a large house and extravagant tastes.
Lucy:
Is she forbidden to make her fortune?
Mrs. Prim:
And how is she to make her fortune?