But I cannot see my child in a stuff frock, on promenade days in the Palace Gardens, when other people's children are wearing silk.

And plain as my own dress may be, I must and will have the best material that is made.

When the wife of the military commandant (a woman sprung from the people) goes out in an Indian shawl with Brussels lace in her bonnet, am I to meet her and return her bow, in a camelot cloak and a beaver hat?
No! When I lose my self-respect let me lose my life too.

My husband may sink as low as he pleases.

I always have stood above him, and I always will! "And so I am in debt, and my creditors threaten me.