Random reminder

Press, 23 August 1976, Page 21

Random reminder

PATTER. AND TINY FEET

It is better to be on good terms with the people next door than to regard them with the suspicion and hostility one might muster for a member of the KGB; but there are times when bonhomie can become a bore. This was certainly the experience of Vicki, newly-married, not long in her, new home. Almost immediately, she found that the woman next door was developing a habit ol popping in for a cup Qf I tea and a lot of aimless i gossip m which Vicki found absolutely no interest. It began casually, but the practice of tea and I prattle became firmly

established, although any casual observer would soon have concluded that the women had very little in common. Vicki soon became tired of the tea and tedious talk, but her relatives offered her little sympathy. They told her it was up to her to keep her neighbour at a firm if friendly distance. But she was much too softhearted U- get to grips with the situation. Vicki’s sister was especially critical. Her visits to Vicki often coincided with those ■ of the neighbour. After a while, Vicki became busy making baby clothes: whether the neighbour was present or not, the sisters found the

forthcoming event a lively topic of conversation. Came Christmas Eve, and a brand-new aunt. Vicki’s husband rang her to tell her the splendid news that it was a girl and that everything was fine. Then he began to laugh — and it was not just from sheer relief, ah round. He was able to explain that the woman next door had popped in — “as she has for the last 365 days, without fail.” He told her the news. She was thunderstruck, and clearly put out. In a decidedly accusing tone, she said: “Well! Vicki never told me she was expecting.”