Little House on the Prairie

Annie: (about a very dark, ugly drawing she has painted) What do you think of it? Helen: Oh, I don't know......it's so different from your other work. Annie: I know, but what do you think of it? Helen: I'm not the one to ask, Annie. Who is it? Annie: It's Marge. Mother Marge. Helen: Annie. Annie: It's the way I see her. It's the way I feel about her. Helen: It's been like this since we got back. No matter what she did, she's your mother. Annie: No she's not. Helen: I know you're angry. I was, too, when it first happened, because I was afraid I was going to lose you. I was even glad you didn't want to see her. But we can't hate her. We can't hate somebody we don't know. Annie: Yes, I can. Oh yes I can, Mama. She lied to me. "I'll be back for you," she said, and she held me, and she said "I love you." I can remember, and I hate her!

Percival: Nellie, I have to talk to you. Nellie: Certainly. Percival: All right. Now, you have asked me not to yell at your mother, and I have been trying very hard, have I not? Nellie: Yes, you have. Percival: I didn't yell when your mother insisted that you eat your supper lying on the sofa, now did I? Nellie: No, you didn't. Percival: And I didn't yell when your mother began serving you breakfast in bed whether I was up or not, did I? Nellie: No, you did not. Percival: And I didn't yell at your mother when she told me not to hold you too close because I might squish the baby, now did I? Nellie: No, you did not. Percival: But now, just now, your mother has informed me that I am no longer allowed to sleep in bed with my own wife! Now, Nellie, I am going to ask your permission to yell at your mother Harriet: (calling) Percival! Nellie: You have my permission. Percival: (smiles) In here, Mother! Harriet: (comes in) Percival Dalton, I am not finished with you! Oh, Nellie, why aren't you lying down? Percival: Because I don't want her to lie down, I want her to stand up. And I want her to sit down while she is eating, and if she is going to have breakfast in bed, she is going to do so with me, and I am going to sleep in the same bed with my wife! And if I want to hold my wife, or kiss my wife, I will do so anytime or anywhere I darn well choose to, like right now! (kisses Nellie passionately) Harriet: Ugh! Oh, you animal! NELS! NELS!!!! (storms out) Percival: Thank you, dearest. Nellie: You're welcome, my love. Percival: I'll be back in about an hour. You get some rest. (leaves) Nellie: Isn't he wonderful? Caroline: He's pretty amazing.