This is a vivid memory of my friend Matilda. We were partners in crime but in a nice way.
Matilda was 14 years old while I was 13 years old. We were always together. I must say we were a mischievous and noisy pair.
There was a road behind the high wall of the school. The road goes down to Wilkie Road. It was usually very quiet and deserted in the evening and night. It is also a haunt for lovers and sometimes we would hear someone singing.
One evening when we were ready for bed and the lights were out in the dormitory, Matilda and I heard a beautiful voice serenading “Strangers in the Night”, a song made famous by Frank Sinatra who was popular at that time. We opened the window, much to the annoyance of the other boarders who complained about the mosquitoes and other bugs flying in.
We were curious as to who was serenading to his girlfriend and craned our necks were stretched out of the window to catch a glimpse of this man who sounded like Frank Sinatra.
We did not hear Miss Norah Inge coming and that she was standing right behind us. We only learnt of her presence when we heard the familiar voice say, “Girls, what do you think you are doing? Lights are out and you should be in bed.”
As punishment, we had to stay in while the others went to a funfair the following weekend.
My time as a boarder in St Margaret’s School taught me what true friendship is. It is by the grace of God that the friendship of our little group lasted 60 years and will continue to do so.
Sadly, however, to say we have lost touch with Matilda. She may just get in touch with us after reading this book!
