The Small One: They seem to think the war will be over very soon now, Mrs 'Arris The Ohter: I shouldn't be surprised, Mrs. Green; twenty-five shillings a week and me 'usband away. I always said it was too good to last. A humorous comment on the separation allowance, awarded to wives of serving soldiers during the First World War. For many, the income was more than they were used to and there was widespread criticism that working class women spent their allowance on drink.