- Ann: The minute I'm finished I'm going straight up to Matron.
- Mary: No - don't.
- Ann: Lucy deliberately got me into trouble.
- Mary: I know, but squealing on someone is the worst thing you can do in a place like this - it's a sort of unofficial rule. If you do, everybody will be against you.
- Ann: Everybody is already. Except you.
- Mary: But it will make things worse for you, Ann. Believe me - I know.
- Ann: She can't keep getting away with it.
- Mary: Anything else you might do - anything - any of the girls would forgive you. But narking, telling on someone - none of the girls would ever forgive you for that, even if it wasn't them you narked on.
- Miss Smith: I didn't like that one from the moment I laid eyes on her, Ma'am. Thinks herself above everybody else.
- Miss Smith: I waited for 25 years to be promoted matron of Wilsham, Ma'am. I only just missed it - they chose you instead. But, I wanted to improve the place too, in my way. I still think the old days were best, when we could knock some sense into their heads.
- Matron: It only makes them harder. No, I prefer the modern methods - firmness and kindness - it's a step to helping them to rebuild their lives.
- Ann: I also know who the ringleaders were.
- Matron: Who were they?
- Ann: I'm sorry, Ma'am, but I can't tell you.
- Matron: You mean you won't tell me.
- Ann: Yes Ma'am.
- Matron: Well I'm fully aware of the unwritten code amongst you about not telling on each other, but in this case somebody was hurt, deliberately and viciously beaten up. It was no harmless escapade.
- Ann: A pretty harmless little girl hanged herself because of one of you wardresses, Ma'am. I'm sorry, I'm afraid I have no sympathy for Miss Smith.
- Miss Smith: One of these days, you and Matron won't be quite so cosy. That's the day that I'm waiting for.
- Miss Smith: You have been a silly girl haven't you. After all we've done for you too. Still, you've had your fun - we all have to pay for that.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
