Seymour crept off the patio and out into the middle of the lawn and pretended to be looking at a rockery, so that when Angie called him, she wouldn’t guess he’d overheard that anguished conversation which wasn’t meant for anyone else’s ears. At the front door as they went out, Mrs Easterbrook’s face was composed and neutral, and she even chided Angie gently for wearing such tight jeans instead of a cool dress in the heat, but not in a nagging way. Angie bent forward to kiss her on the cheek, but Mrs Easterbrook just held her face still, suffering the kiss, not returning it, and the door closed before they even reached the front gate.

Mrs D. Rusden

Supervisor

Mountain Gate Child Minding Centre

Mountain Highway

Elthwick

Dear Mrs Rusden,

I’d like to apply for the position of Childcare Worker you advertised last week. I haven’t had any experience professionally in this area, but I know I could handle it very well. I really like kids and being with them, and I have a younger brother and sister I used to babysit for.

Previous jobs include the following: Working at a race stable; flower stall assistant florist; dress shop assistant; barmaid waitress; pizza hut assistant manageress; vet’s receptionist; home help for an elderly lady. (Unfortunately, as I’ve moved recently, I can’t enclose copies of references as the box they were in is still in storage). However, I would appreciate it very much if I was given the chance of an interview. I can begin work at any time and also work flexible hours if you like. I’m sorry I don’t have the phone on yet for you to contact me, but either of the two people mentioned below will pass on any messages.

Yours sincerely,

Angela Fleur Easterbrook

1) Judy Anderson, Tel. 656 1123

2) Rick Harkmann, Tel. 798 7756

P.S. I’d really love working in a creche and am very anxious to find a steady job. I know it wouldn’t matter that I’ve had no experience working in a creche before, as I’m a hard worker and learn things really fast!

Big White Mansion

Gresham Avenue

Nobbs Hill

Sunday or something

Hey, Seymour, little buddy!

Don’t even know if you were planning to pop around, but let yourself in with the spare key if I haven’t got back yet. Had to go out unexpectedly. Don’t take any notice of the pair of jeans soaking up the water in the fridge (defrosting it and couldn’t find the drip tray thing)!

I left a Mars bar and some marshmallows on the sink for you—(Vant some nice candy, liddle boy?)

Hey, heard this joke?

Q: What’s the difference between ‘Ugh!’ and ‘Ugh! Ugh!’

A: ‘Ugh!’

(Pretty sick, huh?)