Talking of hospitals. . .

The letter from Gran last week reminded me of a spell in hospital I had myself. I was about to go on tour with two plays. We were going to perform 'To Have And To Hold' on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday and 'She Only Reached The End Of The Bed' on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Unfortunately during rehearsal I touched on an old nerve and outstretched myself, the next thing I knew I was in a bed with the legs raised. I remember Dr. Golightly calling to see me and clutching my hand as he told me that I'd never play croquet again.

But, one had to make the best of it, I was lying there one rainy afternoon - I'd just finished reading 'The War Cry' and was waiting for a friend to bring in 'A Young Soldier' - When suddenly my thoughts turned to last Summer, and one day in particular. I was wandering hither and tither looking for a four leafed clover and hoping my luck would change . Then, suddenly, an old gypsy woman appeared as if from nowhere. I recalled her first words to me "Hello dearie, how are you off for clothes pegs?"

Well we struck up conversation and soon I found myself sat next to her campfire with a cup of nettle tea and a sponge finger. I was so overcome I agreed to buy three dozen pegs, and she was so overcome she started telling me my fortune by saying "You have a trusting nature, never turn your back on anyone, but your biggest attribute is that you have a wonderful memory, yes a wonderful memory"

I thanked her for everything and walked slowly away deep in thought at what she had told me. Then suddenly something hit me on the back of the neck, it was a large turnip. I turned and there was the gypsy woman behind me.

I'd forgotten to pay for the pegs.