Marianne & Hilda A

Marianne
Um. Hilda? I wanted to thank you for helping me in the infirmary.

Marianne
I brought you these pastries...

Hilda
Ooh, thanks! I'll put some tea on. Have a seat.

Marianne
That sounds lovely, but...I also wanted to apologize for always causing you such trouble.

Hilda
It's no trouble, no trouble at all. Everything tastes better with friends, don't you think?

Hilda
I give you help, you give me sweets, we have a little tea party... It's a good arrangement, I'd say.

Hilda
I'm used to it now, so if it changed suddenly, I would feel disoriented.

Marianne
I suppose if you're enjoying yourself, then it can't be that bad.

Hilda
Sure. You don't seem to mind listening while I gab, so I'm enjoying myself plenty!

Hilda
But do let me know if I'm too boring.

Marianne
No, no. You're not boring at all. In fact, you're, um, very good at talking.

Marianne
You're also good with your hands. You can clean and organize better than almost anyone. I envy you...

Hilda
Oh stop, I'm blushing! I'm not as great as all that.

Hilda
We're both a lot different on the inside than we look on the outside. Don't you think?

Marianne
How do you mean?

Hilda
People who see you think you're so proper, but you're actually clumsy!

Hilda
That's why I help you. Because there are some things you just can't do.

Marianne
I'm sorry you always have to clean up after me...

Hilda
I didn't say I hated it. In fact, you've taught me a few new techniques I can use to persuade people.

Hilda
Maybe I'll start imitating you a little bit. I'll do the Marianne.

Hilda
That sheepish "sorry," and those quavering downcast eyes...

Hilda
But that might not work as well for me. People would probably assume that I'd hit my head.

Marianne
Oh, well...

Hilda
Aw! Marianne, laughing at me! So rude, and yet, so adorable.

Marianne
I'm so sorry. I just can't help it. When I imagine you doing those things, I—

Hilda
Yeah, yeah. It's rather un-Hilda-like, I'll admit... Ahem. OK. That's enough laughing.

Marianne
Hahaha! I'm so—haha!—so sor-sor—

Hilda
Hey, are you all right? That tea's hot, Marianne! Be careful!

Marianne
Ah, yes. Ouch! Hot!

Hilda
Come on! What did I just say?!

Marianne
I know. I'm sor—owowow! Hot!

Hilda
Oh boy. A real steady hand, that Marianne. It's nice to see her laugh...

Hilda
Sure, she was laughing at me. But how can I get mad when she looks so dang cute?