(It is Freda's wedding day. Feeling a bit jittery before taking this big step in her life, she converses with her older sister.)

FREDA ASHTON
I saw Ian this morning.

MARGARET PORTER
Oh, Freda!

FREDA
It's supposed to be bad luck, isn't it?

MARGARET
Well, it's supposed to be. His Mum wouldn't like it.

FREDA
She didn't see me. I didn't mean for him to see me. I just wanted to see him...the man I'm going to marry this afternoon. Do you want to know why?

MARGARET
Oh, I know why.

FREDA
Do you?

MARGARET
Yes, I felt the same way about John. Same day. I wanted reassurance, I suppose.

FREDA
Are you glad you married John?

MARGARET
Of course I am.

FREDA
Well, I mean are you really, or do you just take it for granted and not think about it?

MARGARET
No. No, I think about it a great deal, as a matter of fact.

FREDA
What about Michael?

MARGARET
Why do you want to keep talking about Michael?

FREDA
Well, it's just making sense all of a sudden, that's all. I mean, the way you felt about him...and then John coming back. Well, you settled for doing the right thing, didn't you?

MARGARET
Did I? How could you possibly know what I settled for?

 

(from "The Fundamental Things Apply" by John Finch)