Snapshots [to George and Doris] Now listen, you two. I want to have a private little talk with Mrs Fitz— [she corrects herself hastily] with Mrs Pearson, so I’ll be obliged if you’ll leave us alone for a few minutes. I’ll let you know when we’ve finished. Go on, please.
I promise you that you won’t regret it. There’s something here that only I can deal with. GEORGE: [rising] I’m glad somebody can— ’cos I can’t. Come on, Doris.
[George and Doris exit left. As they go Mrs Fitzgerald moves to left of the small table and sits. She eagerly beckons Mrs Pearson to do the same thing.] MRS FITZGERALD: Mrs Fitzgerald, we must change back now — we really must... MRS PEARSON: [rising] Why?
MRS FITZGERALD: Because this has gone far enough. I can see they’re all miserable — and I can’t bear it... MRS PEARSON: A bit more of the same would do ‘em good. Making a great difference already...
[She moves to right of the table and sits.] MRS FITZGERALD: No, I can’t stand any more of it — I really can’t. We must change back. Hurry up, please, Mrs Fitzgerald. MRS PEARSON: Well — if you insist...
MRS FITZGERALD: Yes — I do — please — please. [She stretches her hands across the table eagerly. Mrs Pearson takes them.] MRS PEARSON: Quiet now. Relax.
[Mrs Pearson and Mrs Fitzgerald stare at each other. Muttering; exactly as before. Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona... They carry out the same action as before, going lax and then coming to life.
But this time, of course, they become their proper personalities.] MRS FITZGERALD: Ah well — I enjoyed that. MRS PEARSON: I didn’t. MRS FITZGERALD: Well, you ought to have done. Now — listen, -