How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
-"I wish I had feathers, a fine sweeping gown,
And a delicate face, and could strut about Town"- (21-22)
The other woman really wishes she could escape her poverty and elevate herself to a different social class. She wants the fine things that 'Melia has, and wants to be pretty, too. She seems completely oblivious to the price 'Melia has paid.
Quote #8
"My dear - raw country girl, such as you be,
Cannot quite expect that. You ain't ruined," said she. (23-24)
'Melia displays some high-class snobbery here, basically saying, "listen you poor little girl, you're not ruined like me." She also, however, reveals her own class origins in the word "ain't." As high class as she now is, 'Melia still hasn't completely assimilated.