next to approach are two elderly women the narrator describes as being lower middle class. they are fascinated by the old man's actions, but they cannot determine if he has mental health problems or is simply eccentric. the narrator recounts apparently isolated words and phrases: "he says, she says, i says", "sugar, flour, kippers, greens". the stouter of the two women becomes detached from the conversation, and drowsily stares at the flowerbed. finally, she suggests that they should find a seat and have their tea.