(Freda is chatting with Penty, a soldier whom she met on the train to Southport.)

PENTY BARTHOLOMEW
I've got a present for you.

FREDA ASHTON
Oh!

PENTY
Now, the next time you go trout fishing in Somerset, you use that.

(He hands her a fishing lure.)

FREDA
Oh, it's lovely!

(She examines the colourful lure.)

FREDA
Did you make it?

PENTY
Yeah. Oh, it's a... It's a fly. You see, uh, that attracts the fish. Then when they bite on it, they're caught on a hook.

(Freda continues to study her gift.)

PENTY
It's a bit like a woman.

FREDA
(teasing)
What do you know about women?

PENTY
Oh...not very much. What do you know about men?

FREDA
Oh, not much.

(They both laugh.)

PENTY
I won't be seeing you again, I suppose.

FREDA
No, I suppose not.

PENTY
Well, it's a funny old war, isn't it?

FREDA
(nodding her head)
Mmm.

 

(from "Lend Your Loving Arms" by Geoffrey Lancashire)