J. B. Priestley
An Inspector Calls - Mrs Birling
MRS B: I'll ring from the drawing room when we want coffee. (act 1)
MRS B: You know very well why she wanted help.
MRS B: I don’t think we need to discuss it.
MRS B: If you think you can bring any pressure to bear upon me, Inspector, you’re quite mistaken. Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of or that won’t bear investigation. The girl asked for assistance. We were asked to look carefully into the claims made upon us. I wasn’t satisfied with the girl’s claim-she seemed to me to be not a good case-and so I used my influence to have it refused. And in spite of what’s happened to the girl since, I consider I did my duty. So if I prefer not to discuss it any further, you have no power to make me change my mind.
Mrs B: Please don’t contradict me like that.
Mrs B: forget about this absurd business.
Mrs B: That-I consider- is a trifle impertinent, Inspector.
Mrs B: You know of course that my husband was lord mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate.
Mrs B: (angrily) I meant what I said.