LET SECRETS LIE

The scene is set for a room off the village hall on the day of the annual craft fair held by Springfield women’s circle.

Mrs. Gee the cleaner is pushing a broom vigorously and singing a dirge like song. hearing footsteps, Mrs. Gee stops sweeping and leans over on her broom, sighing heavily.

MARGUERITE Good morning Mrs. Gee. .Whatever’s the matter?

MRS. G. It may be a good morning for them that don’t have to work, I suppose.

MARGUERITE Oh, I haven’t come to WORK have I? The scones have just baked themselves this morning and the sponges came out of the air I suppose. Anyway, what’s wrong?

MRS. G. It’s me back. It’s a killer. Even to push a broom.

MARGUERITE Why are you doing the cleaning today? I thought you always did it on Tuesdays.

MRS. G. I couldn’t yesterday. It was me H’usband. Proper poorly he was. He’s got a back too. I wonder sometimes if it’s catching, ‘cos if he gets it one day, I always get it the next. Or vicky verky as they say.

MARGUERITE Vicky verky, oh yes, I see. Could be.

MRS. G. Of course, his back’s worse than mine, that’s why he gets the infidelity benefit

MARGUERITE Infidelity benefit? Invalidity benefit, oh yes. I thought perhaps you had both gone on the pensioners outing as it was such a nice day.

MRS. G. No, no Mrs. Foster, you know me, duty first always.

MARGUERITE Funny, I saw the coach go by and could have sworn.... oh never mind. You’d better you home. I can’t have all that dust stirred up while I’m preparing food.