THE RETURN OF THE SOLDIER
Kitty (sitting also) : Well, is there something I can do for you?
Margaret : No . . . oh, no . . . it’s not that. You see, it’s like this. . . . Well, there, I hardly know how to begin. (Another pause.) You see, my daily maid is sister to your second housemaid.
Kitty : I see. Then you’ve come about a reference?
Margaret : Oh, no. No. I’m not thinking of changing. I’ve only had Gladys a little while—I couldn’t afford a maid before—but I’ve found her a very good girl. (Looking round) Not for a house like this, perhaps, but, you see, my house is quite small and . . . oh, no, it’s not a reference.
Kitty : Well, then . . .
Margaret : But girls talk, you know. You mustn’t blame them.
Kitty : Really, Mrs. Grey, I’m afraid I take no interest in servants’ gossip. If that’s all that brought you here . . .
Margaret : Oh no, no! Please, you mustn’t think that. It isn’t servants’ gossip that I came about. I only mentioned Gladys because . . . well, because that’s how I heard you didn’t know.
Kitty : That I didn’t know?
Margaret : Yes. So, you see, I thought it my duty when Gladys told me . . . well, I mean . . . that’s why I came.
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