A sad day for Sheila

Part 1

Sheila Morgan I used to like going home but today I'm sad. I wish I weren't going home. I can't believe I've already been here for two and a half weeks. I used to think that three weeks was plenty of time for a holiday. Now I wish I had six weeks. We're at Dover because I'll be going back by boat. The Hunts have come to see me off. If the weather's good, I'll be spending a lot of time on the deck. If it's not good, I'll be sitting below feeling ill. I know I'll be thinking about Tim. Although we've only known each other for two weeks, I'll miss him. He's promised to write and we'll be seeing each other in November. He'll be staying in Geneva for a week. He hasn't travelled abroad on business before. He used to travel only in Britain.

Part 2

A Letter

Mrs. Hunt This letter belongs to you, Sheila.

Sheila I wonder who it's from. Oh, it's from the Blakes.

6 Park Drive,

Mountbay,

Sussex.

13th July, 1971

Dear Sheila,

We wish we could be at the boat to say good-bye to you but, unfortunately, Michael's got to work.

Thank you for the beautiful vase you sent us. I've put it on the little table under the window. First I put it on the narrow shelf above the television but I was afraid that it might drop and break.

Don't forget to ring our friend David Kilgour when you get back to Geneva. He's a very interesting person. He used to work at Michael's bank but now he works for another bank. If you come back to London, remember to ring us. We'd like to see you again.

We'll be thinking of you.

Much love,

Clare and Michael

A Surprise

Mr. Hunt There's someone waving to us over there.

Sheila I wonder who it is.

Tim Hello, everyone.

Sheila Tim! What are you doing here?

Tim I've got to see a client in Dover this afternoon, so I drove here first.

Sheila How nice!

Mr. Hunt Sarah, it's time we looked for Simon and Jane. I think they've got lost.

Mrs. Hunt I wonder where they are.

Sheila You didn't forget to ask about your business trip to Europe, did you?

Tim No, I remembered to ask.

SheilaHow long will you be staying in Geneva?

Tim I'll be staying there for nine days.

Sheila I'm sorry! What did you say?

Tim I said 'I'll be staying there for nine days'.

Sheila How wonderful!

A form

Sheila Oh dear!

Tim What's the matter?

Sheila I've lost the form they gave me.

Tim Have you looked in your handbag?

Sheila Yes, it's not there.

Tim Is it under your suitcase?

Sheila No.

Tim Between these two books?

SheilaNo.

Tim Among those papers?

Sheila No. Oh, here it is. ...

Tim Where?

Sheila I found it in my pocket. I suppose I'm nervous. I wonder why that is. I used not to be nervous.

Tim If you give me a pen, I'll fill in the form. Last name?

Sheila Morgan.

Tim First name?

Sheila Sheila.

Tim Address?

Sheila34 Rue Temple, Geneva, Switzerland.

Tim Date of birth?

Sheila Second (2nd) May, 1950.

Tim Place of birth?

Sheila Exeter, Devon.

Tim Sex?

Sheila Female.

Tim Nationality?

Sheila British.

Tim Passport number?

Sheila F296387.

Tim Marital status?

Sheila Single.

Tim All right. Now you sign it.

It’s a joke

Simon When are you two getting married?

Mr. Hunt Don't be silly, Simon. They've only known each other for two weeks.

Simon Sorry. It was only a joke.

Mr. Hunt I think it's time we left.

Sheila Thanks for everything.

Mrs. Hunt We wish you were going to Scotland with us.

Sheila So do I. Thanks again. Good-bye.

Mr. Hunt Good-bye. We'll be watching from the quay.