THE RETURN OF THE SOLDIER
Jenny : Yes . . . we all do, these days.
Ellen : Excuse me, miss. I think that’s him now.
[She goes out R.
Jenny stands waiting, expectantly. She returns with two letters on a salver, which she hands to Jenny, who takes them eagerly and looks at them with disappointment.
Jenny : Bills. (As Ellen is going) Have you heard from your young man lately, Ellen?
Ellen : Not since last week, miss, and then only just one of those printed postcards. It’s not the same thing as a letter, is it?
Jenny : No. Still, it lets you know he’s safe and well. And that’s the main thing.
Ellen : Yes, miss. You’re worrying about the master, miss?
Jenny : A little. It’s a fortnight now—more.
Ellen : P’raps he’s busy, miss . . . what with one thing and another . . . can’t find time to write.
Jenny : Yes, I suppose so.
Ellen : Still, it’s hard waiting, and a letter does make all the difference, doesn’t it? Just a word, like. The mistress bears up wonderful.
Jenny : Yes.
Ellen : Cook says it'll all be over by July. And that’s what the paper said, too. But, then, that’s how they’ve gone on talking ever since it began.
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