CINDERELLA (recognising his face). You!
POLICEMAN (stepping triumphantly out of his disguise). Me!
(As sometimes happens, however, the one who means to give the surprise gets a greater. At sight of his dreaded uniform the child screams, whereat two other children in other boxes bob up and scream also. It is some time before the policeman can speak.)
So that’s what the boxes was for!
CINDERELLA (feebly). Yes.
POLICEMAN (portentously). Who and what are these phenomenons?
CINDERELLA (protectingly). Don’t be frightened, children. Down!
(They disappear obediently.)
There’s no wrong in it. They’re just me trying to do my bit. It’s said all should do their bit in war-time. It was into a hospital I wanted to go to nurse the wounded soldiers. I offered myself at every hospital door, but none would have me, so this was all I could do.
POLICEMAN. You’re taking care of them?