The Rainbow Page #4

"After a year as an uncertified instructor, you could take a degree."

"That would give you the self-respect nothing else can."

She even sent an application form.

What's this about Kingston?

It's her old school. They've a vacancy. I can apply for an interview and have you sign it.

There's no way you're dancing off to London.

It's a good place to go.

How do you know?!

It's on the Thames, it's lovely.

You said, Mother, we have a right to what we want.

It's up to your father.

Why not get a post near here?

Something in town.

That slum!

I'd rather go right away. I'm fed up with housework.

Indeed?! You have too much opinion of yourself.

There's a place for me and I want to go.

You're not going.

Why not?!

That's why not!

London's full of troops off to South Africa - no place for a girl.

We'll see the local authorities about a place here.

You can put me off, but one day I'll get a place and I won't stop at home.

NOBODY WANTS YOU TO STOP AT HOME!

# Il etait une bergere Et ron et ron petit patapon #

# Il etait une bergere Qui gardait ses moutons Qui gardait ses moutons... #

KNOCKING:

Come in.

Isn't it a nasty morning?

Yes, not much of weather.

Am I early?

Twenty-five past - you're second to come. I'm first this morning.

Must you do so many?

COUGHS:

Fifty-six.

But they're not all for your class.

Why aren't they?

It's too many.

- CHUCKLES:

- You've got about the same.

FOOTSTEPS:

That'll be Miss Hardy, Headmaster's assistant.

Oh! You are early.

I'll warrant you don't keep that up.

That...is Mr Harvey's peg.

This...is yours.

Aren't you taking your hat off?

Standard Five teacher always has that one.

Isn't it a beastly morning?

POKES FIRE VIOLENTLY

Beastly!

If there's one thing I hate it's a wet Monday morning...

..kids trailing in anyhow.

This...belongs over there.

You've brought your apron, haven't you?

You've no idea what a sight you'll look before half past four.

Jim Richards! What are you doing, peering in? Come here!

I want you to go and askmyma for a pinny for Miss Brangwen.

Yes, miss.

What are you going for? And what shall you say to my ma?

School pinny, miss.

"Please, Mrs Harby, Miss Harby says to send down another pinafore for Miss Brangwen...

..because she's come without one."

Yes, miss.

What are you going to say?!

Miss Harby wants a pinny for Miss Brangwin.

Miss BrangWEN. Be quick about it.

He's a caution, that boy - but not bad. Follow me!

Here we are. Standards Three, Four, Five and Six.

This is your place - Standard Five.

- TUTS:

- Mr Harvey will be teaching through there.

He'll be keeping an eye on you.

If you can find your way back to the teachers' room he'll be there.

You had a wet walk.

I don't mind. I'm used to it.

You will sign your name here.

And the time when you come and go.

CHILDREN PLAY OUTSIDE

Miss Brangwen, there are some exercise books on the top shelf.

Get them, would you ?

I'm so sorry.

CLEARS THROAT:

I'd let them in now.

Miss Brangwen, you will go to the lobby with Mr Brunt.

Door!

Sharp! Sharp!

Wake up! Wake up!

QUIET DOWN! QUIET!

In line!

WHAT DID I SAY?! QUIET!

Leaders in place! Standards Four, Five and Six...

..FALL IN!

PIANO PLAYS MARCHING TUNE

Class Five, quick march.

HALT!

Who told Standard Five to come in first like this?

I am responsible, Mr Harby.

This is Miss Brangwen, replacement teacher for Standard Five.

For her benefit we'll start again.

CRACKS KNUCKLES:

PIANO:

Describe the modern factory and the assembly of a given product.

I will expect you...

We will start with a composition.

Write me a short essay on...

..the rabbit.

ALL GROAN:

Miss, I got the pinny.

Thank you. Timmy, isn't it?

No, miss, it's Jim.

I'm sorry. Thank you.

ROARS OF LAUGHTER

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?!

Yes, Richards?

Sir, Miss forgot her pinny, and Miss Harby sent me for one of hers.

I put it in my satchel so it wouldn't get rained on...

..and there were chalk in it. I forgot, sir.

Spell the word "pinafore".

P-I-N-A-F-O-U-R

CHILDREN LAUGH:

You will write "pinafore" 100 times on the blackboard after school.

Miss Brangwen will supervise you. This time she will supply the chalk.

LAUGHTER:

Silence. Resume your studies.

I will examine your efforts in the morning.

Isn't it done?

Not yet.

I didn't know we had a stove. Must be jolly bringing lunch.

On the other hand, if one lived here it would be jollier to go home.

Miss Brangwen, if I were you I'd get a tighter hand on my class.

Would you? Aren't I strict enough?

They'll get you down if you don't tackle them.

They'll pull you down till Harby has you shifted.

You won't last a month if you don't tackle them.

But I...

He's got his eye on you.

Get in his bad books and you'll be out.

Not that it matters to me, except I might have to cope with your class.

Will it be so terrible?

I don't know about terrible.

I do feel frightened. The children seem so...

So...what?

Mr Brunt says I must tackle my class.

You have to keep order to teach.

If you want to survive.

If you can't do that, what good are you?

You'll have to do it by yourself.

Indeed.

Some people can't be helped.

Do you think there will be a war?

More like a bloody massacre in your case.

When you say "Their fur is brown", how do you spell "their"?

Please, miss - T-H-E-I-R!

Richards. Stand up.

Who told you to call out?

I was answering, sir.

Go to my desk.

Pens down.

Fold arms.

What is the subject of your composition?

I wouldn't advise you to call out.

Well, Alice?

The rabbit, sir.

Not very difficult for Standard Five. Or very original.

Don't nibble your lip. You've written about rabbits so often you're turning into one.

BEATS BOY SIX TIMES

That'll do, Richards, you can go.

But the master said 100 times.

I know, but you may go home now.

I said go home.

OW!

I cut my finger on a nail.

Where was that?

Erm...on my desk.

Show me, I'll take care of it.

Yes, thank you, I will tomorrow.

That Richards, Miss Brangwen, you've made a rod for your own back.

You're very young and inexperienced.

Hardly out of school yourself.

I could be very useful to you, Miss Brangwen.

I could make it easier for you.

So much easier. If only you'd...

I could swallow you whole.

You see, Miss Brangwen, only my cane rules this school.

SOBS:

Hello, lass! How did it go?

Fine, Dad. It was a bit strange at first.

Bound to be. Hey, you just missed your Uncle Henry.

Oh?

Dropped in with a lady.

Oh?

Your old teacher.

Miss Inger?

Aye. Seems they're getting married.

And guess what.

They want you to be chief bridesmaid.

LAUGHS:

TAPPING ON GLASS

Relations, neighbours, friends, lift up your glasses and drink to the hearth and the home.

The hearth, the home, and may they enjoy them.

- ALL:

- The hearth, the home!

Night and day and may they enjoy it.

- ALL:

- Night and day!

Hammer and tongs, and may they enjoy them.

Hammer and tongs!

Bed and blessings, and may they enjoy them.

- LAUGHS:

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