Nicola monologue (Act 2) — Arms and the Man

Discharge you for untruthfulness. Who would believe any stories you told after that? Who would give you another situation? Who in this house would dare be seen speaking to you ever again? How long would your father be left on his little farm? (_She impatiently throws away the end of her cigaret, and stamps on it._) Child, you don’t know the power such high people have over the like of you and me when we try to rise out of our poverty against them. (_He goes close to her and lowers his voice._) Look at me, ten years in their service. Do you think I know no secrets? I know things about the mistress that she wouldn’t have the master know for a thousand levas. I know things about him that she wouldn’t let him hear the last of for six months if I blabbed them to her. I know things about Raina that would break off her match with Sergius if—