caught by the inspector. It is time that we went to chatter elsewhere.
[Exeunt Street-Sweepers. Pause. A faint rumbling, which dies away. A change of scene, projected by shop-fronts.]
First Gossip:
Oh, dearie me—oh, dearie me! I’m all of a heap, and can hardly drag one foot after the other. Holy Virgin! Rolls, twopenn’orth of pepper and stewing-meat. And milk. My goodness, the price of things! And then soap and lye. And a rag to clean the floor with. And vinegar—I mustn’t forget that.
Second Gossip:
A new mop and the clock to be mended. And syrup. I heard that you can get it a lot cheaper from the man in the other street. Gracious me! My good woman, haven’t you any eyes in your head? Running into anybody like that. Ah! it’s you, ma’am, is it?
First Gossip:
And you! Good-morning. What a fright I’ve had! I was just thinking of you, and wondering how you are and whether you’re all well.
Second Gossip:
My goodness, what a night it was!
First Gossip:
I should just think so, indeed. A dreadful night.
Second Gossip:
I tell you, ma’am, no words can describe the terror I’ve been through. The crockery was all on the
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