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She met someone on the other side of the park. I expect she'll be along in a minute. I was on

my own walking by the lake and I found my mind wandering onto other things.

You’ve been day dreaming again. Something must be troubling you.

I do have one or two matters on my mind. I am worried about Parthe. She is beginning to drain me of all my energy. Everything I say or do is a subject of annoyance to her. She keeps insisting that I stay by her side. I dread waking up in the morning. I find it difficult to face the day. I sometimes lie awake for hours, not daring to get up. Knowing that when I do, Parthe will need all my attention.

I’m sorry to hear she troubles you in this way.

Parthe is almost my age but she often behaves as if she is nothing more than a child. 

You must be referring to ‘Miss Pop’?

I can’t stand the way she always keeps calling herself by that silly name. She constantly       pretends to be this very small person. ‘Miss Pop’ is a tiny fairy princess who sits on a tiny chair and writes tiny letters. She sends tiny presents of coloured leaves to her friends. Why doesn’t she grow up, for pity’s sake?

Parthe is probably jealous of your many friends.

Perhaps Momma. (Pause) But despite this wretched feeling, I still feel a sense of duty to care for her.

I hope so. She isn’t well. She needs you. (Pause) You spoke of one or two matters.

I’ve been thinking.

Day dreaming you mean. 

No, not day dreaming. This is something much stronger. It isn’t easy for me to say this.

Speak you mind.

I was hoping you might permit me to go away for three months, to Salisbury Infirmary. I want to learn about nursing.

(Suddenly very annoyed) Learn about nursing! At the Salisbury Infirmary! Why do you keep raising this subject? I am ashamed to think you still persist in this ridiculous idea. I thought you had put it out of your mind. We have many important friends who can offer you far better opportunities.

I could stay with the Fowlers.

You are not listening to me. Why do you want to go there? (Pause) Oh I see. You’re probably in love with one of those vulgar surgeons.

(Forcefully) I want to become a nurse!

There’s no need to raise your voice. You forget you are speaking to your Momma. Nurses are the lowest form of people.

(Enter PARTHE)

I’m sorry I’ve been so long... Momma you're upset. What is it?

(Taking out a handkerchief) It’s Flo. 

I don’t understand.

She’s started talking again about this ridiculous idea of becoming a nurse. She wants to go to Salisbury Infirmary for three months.

You said you wouldn’t leave me Flo.

What about Parthe’s health? Surely you can’t be so heartless. Where’s your gratitude for     everything we’ve done for you?

Please! Please! Please don’t go.

I only...

Now you are upsetting your sister with this silly idea.

But I...

You’re always wanting to go away. No respectable woman would become a nurse! They are filthy! They are indecent!

If I could just...

Come Parthe, it’s time to go. (To Flo) Before you get home, I want you to put this idea           completely out of you head.

                           (Exit FANNY and PARTHE. Musical introduction)

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WHO AM I? and DREAM DANCE SEQUENCE

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(Song develops into a musical fantasy dream sequence, in dance form, representing the aspirations of Flo. Voices (off) repeat over this ‘She’s dreaming, keeps on dreaming’ and finishes with ‘She’s dreaming. She’s got a guilty mind.’)

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I FEEL UNFULFILLED IN A CURIOUS WAY

THEY’RE DETERMINED THAT I SHOULD CONFORM

BUT CAN’T THEY SEE I’M UNHAPPY
WHY MUST I DO WHAT’S EXPECTED OF ME
I WANT TO SPECIALISE IN SOMETHING WORTHWHILE

AND DEDICATE MYSELF TO IT

WHO AM I? WHAT PURPOSE CAN I SERVE?

WHAT FUTURE LIES AHEAD?

WHAT FATE SHALL I DESERVE?
WHO AM I? OH, WHO AM I, DEAR GOD?

WHY DO PEOPLE FIND IT ODD

THAT I’M WHO I AM?

SHE’S DREAMING
SHE HAS A GUILTY MIND ABOUT IT

KEEPS ON DREAMING

SHE’S GOT A GUILTY MIND

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I’VE REJECTED THE LIFE OF A SWEET CARING WIFE

I’VE DECIDED TO FIGHT FOR A CAUSE

I’M NOT THE TYPE WHO WILL MARRY
YET ALL I DO IS DONE TO BENEFIT MEN
HOW CAN I PERSUADE MY FAM’LY AND FRIENDS

TO ALLOW ME A LIFE OF MY OWN?

WHO AM I?... etc.

                                   (Song ends after the dream sequence)