Be My Baby

The lights rise on a split scene. In the Adams’ home, Mary is sat in her bedroom while her mother packs her things to leave. In St. Saviours, Matron reads her latest case file while the voices of Queenie, Dolores, and Norma are heard in prayer for the latest girl in childbirth.

Arriving at the home, Mrs. Adams gives Mary’s details to Matron. Mary is seven months pregnant and has managed to conceal her pregnancy from her mother until recently. Mrs. Adams wants to keep the shameful secret from her husband and asks Matron not to contact Mary’s doctor. Matron informs the women about the daily routine at St. Saviours and Mrs. Adams is a little alarmed to discover that visiting is not permitted. As Mrs. Adams hands over the fee for Mary’s stay at the home, Matron informs Mary that her baby will be handed over to the Welfare Service shortly after it is born. She leads mother and daughter out to show them to Mary’s room.

Meanwhile, in the laundry, Dolores, Queenie, and Norma wring out the bed