Original subtitles

Cindy, I gotta get back to work. Got some paperwork.

Stay another hour. I'll give you a back rub.

Cindy, I can't let daddy down like that.

I noticed you don't have any problem letting me down.

Ben can hardly take his shoes off without you polishing them.

And you're so busy trying to keep every hair in place

that we've all forgotten what the real Cindy looks like.

Well, maybe you're just jealous

because I'm making you all look bad.

For your own sake, Cindy, ease off.

Mind your own business.

Cindy.

You should let up a little.

You're starting to look awful tired.

Oh, I forgot to put makeup on. I was busy finishing the cradle.

Oh!

Can you feel him? He kicked.

I sure can.

Cindy, I'm going to be a good father.

- Hey, find your own girl, boy. - Let me go!

- Boys! - Hey, cut it out!

(Jason) 'Hold on, you two.'

[dramatic music]

Jason, what are you doing here?

Hurry up and get dressed. Ben's in jail.

["The Waltons' Theme" by Jerry Goldsmith]

[music continues]

[birds chirping]

(John-Boy) Walton's Mountain seemed especially beautiful

to my brother Ben and his wife Cindy

during the months they awaited

the birth of their first child.

But the war made its demands.

Ben had to work harder than ever before

leaving Cindy alone at the time

when she needed him the most.

[Ben sighs]

Come back to bed, Ben.

I can't, honey. There's work to be done.

On Saturday?

'The war doesn't stop on Saturdays, and neither can I.'

Remember how we used to go dancing on Saturday nights?

Yeah, deadlines.

Seems like that's all we do, one from another.

We had such an exciting courtship.

It's not the millwork. It's the dumb paperwork.

Whirlwind, you'd call it.

I'm not even 22 years of age, I feel like an old man.

Ben, you're not listening to me.

Hey, Cindy, do I have any gray hair?

Ben, let's go out tonight, just, just us two.

'Casablanca is playing in Rockfish.'

'Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart.'

I wish I could, Cindy. We got a deadline to meet.

'Maybe next week.'

[door closes]

Next week.

Look what I found!

[all laughing]

- Name's Harold. - Can I hold him?

He just got here. He's a bit shy.

Here, let me have him. You're not holding him right anyhow.

- Serena, do you wanna hold him? - Yeah.

Don't-don't drop him.

I won't, and even if I did, it wouldn't matter.

'Cause cats have nine lives.

This cat looks awfully fat for a stray.

Where did he come from anyway?

He followed me home from baseball practice.

Let me see him.

Jeffrey, I'm afraid Harold is about

'to become a mother, and soon.'

You're kidding!

Gotta think of a better name than Harold, since he's a girl.

I can name her Harold if I want to.

I found her. She's going to sleep in my bed.

Aren't you?

Jeffrey, did you ask Uncle John if you could keep Harold?

No, but he won't mind, will he?

(female #1) 'What do you think, Elizabeth?'

I think he might.

- Hi, Ike. - Hi, kids.

Oh, Cindy, look what just arrived, the most amazing book.

I am so eager for my friends to see it.

You know, it is so important that we retain our femininity

during these war years.

'It will give the boys something to fight for.'

'Something to come home to.'

"The Fastidious Wife?" Sounds intriguing.

Oh, my dear, it really isn't for young girls.

Oh, I'm sorry, Corabeth. I wouldn't want to be corrupted.

Now, was there something you wanted?

Do you think we'd lose the war if I bought a pair of overalls?

'I know they're not very feminine'

'but they are handy in doing gardening.'

Yeah, and we got new stock right over here.

Thank you.

You know, I wish someone had given me this book

when I was a young bride.

Let's face it, Corabeth.

You're about as fastidious as they make them.

It was written by a woman social worker

who spent years counseling deserted wives.

Well, I don't think Ben's ready to desert me yet.

(Corabeth) 'She interviewed dozens of men'

to find out what a man preferred in a woman.

What a woman could do to make a man happy.

It is absolutely scientific with proven techniques

'about how to help your marriage.'

- 'You'll be impressed with it.' - Well, have you tried it?

Oh, my dear, I have resigned myself years ago to Mr. Godsey.

But it's not too late for you and Ben.

'Now you can cultivate his affections'

'win his undivided attention.'

Something I have been unable to do myself.

Let's face it, Corabeth. You adore me.

I think I'll think about it, Corabeth.

Well, what do you think?

- Am I a vision of loveliness? - Absolutely.

I think I'll wear them home, Corabeth.

Well, I do hope you'll take the back roads.

[chuckles]

I'm sorry, son.

You'll have to take the cat back where you found her.

Oh, you can't get rid of her while she's pregnant.

- Yeah? Wanna bet? - Why can't we keep her?

Because before long, there'll be a lot of kittens here

and you won't wanna get rid of them either.

Then we'll have cats up to our ankles.

The time to stop it is now. The cat leaves after supper.

Well, it's a shame, with the children growing up

in the city and all, they can't see the kittens being born.

Cindy could learn a lot from it, too.

'Please, Uncle John.'

Harold's very ladylike.

The answer is no and that's final.

Come on, Harold.

He doesn't want you.

Once an orphan, always an orphan.

Jeffrey!

I guess, it's a little late to get rid of the cat now.

She looks like she's pretty near due.

[all laughing]

Well, at least she doesn't have swollen ankles.

Soon as those kittens are old enough to leave, they're gone.

'Do you understand?'

Sure. That'll be okay. Won't it, Serena?

(Serena) 'We'll put them up for adoption.'

Let's go make a bed for him now.

- Okay. - Her.

I'll eat this bread pudding later. Gotta go to the mill.

Ben will think I deserted him.

I'll be late for my date, too.

Anybody mind if I say goodnight now, too?

- You're going to bed already? - 'Let's play Chinese checkers.'

No thanks. I've started a new book, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.

Seems like you're reading a book a week.

I have a lot of time for reading these days.

For heaven's sake what am I gonna do

with all this bread pudding?

- I can't toast it. - See you later, everybody.

- 'Bye-bye.' - Bye.

Goodnight, Cindy.

- Goodnight. Have a good time. - Thanks.

We're going to see Casablanca.

Oh, I hear it's real..

...romantic.

I vow and declare, it gets hot enough

in that kitchen to melt wax.

It's nice out here.

It'd be a good night to take a drive down the river.

It's what Ben and I used to do.

Do a little sparking along the way I'll bet, huh?

Those days are gone forever.

I remember my 11th birthday party.

'Mama said I could have 11 friends'

and we played 11 games and she made hats

for us all out of the funny papers.

It was the most wonderful day.

'I cried when it was over.'

'I knew there would never ever be another day'

'like that in my whole life.'

'Well, it was just a beginning.'

There was the day I won the declamation contest

in high school.

And the day I met my Burt.

And the day John and Olivia asked me

to become a part of this family.

Well, there were a lot of other days in between.

'It's just that no sooner does one part of your life'

'come to an end than there's something better waiting.'

'You and Ben may not spark along the river again'

'but you're coming into a whole new'

'kind of closeness, Cindy.'

You're right, Rose.

I don't have any right to feel sorry for myself.

Goodnight.

[sighs]

Darn that moon.

- Hey, Jason. - How are you?

Rose told me I'd find you out here.

Meet my buddy, Ned Phillips.

- Hi. Good to see you. - My brother, Ben.

- My father, John Walton. - Welcome.

We're going to the Dew Drop.

Thought we'll see if you wanted to join.

If you're talking to me, no thanks.

You run along. You have a good time.

- But we're not finished yet. - I'll take care of it.

Cindy did want to get out. I'll go get her.

- We'll meet you in the car. - Sounds good.

- It was nice meeting you, sir. - Bye now.

- Thanks, daddy. Bye-bye. - Alright, have fun, son.

I will.

Cindy?

[whispering] Goodnight.

["Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition"]

* Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition *

* Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition *

* And we'll all say peace **

[all laughing]

I didn't know you could play the piano like that.

I haven't been in the army all my life.

Last call. You guys ready for another beer?

None for me. I've had about all I can handle.

'My friend here has had more.'

Besides, it's getting late. We should be getting home.

Hey, wait a minute. The night is still young.

I feel like having myself a dance.

- What do you say, sweetie? - Her name is Sue Ann.

I don't care what her name is as long as she can jitterbug.

Come on, Ned.

Soldier, you couldn't walk across the floor.

- Try me. Play something, Jase. - Hey, take your hands off me.

- Hey, find your own girl, boy. - Let me go!

- Let go of her, Ned. - Ned, come on.

- Hey! Cut it out. - Boys.

(Jason) 'Hold on, you two.'

[dramatic music]

Cindy, wake up.

Jason, what are you doing here?

Hurry up and get dressed. Ben's in jail.

[intense music]

The reverend closed with one of my favorite proverbs.

"He that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat."

Nothing like a good sermon

to help a man see the errors of his ways.

Too bad it wears off by Saturday night.

Hey, Ben. How's the welterweight champion of Walton's Mountain?

[chuckles]

Cindy, could I speak to you a moment please?

Excuse us, this is private.

I'll just run home and fix dinner.

I heard about that incident

'at the roadside tavern last night.'

You have my deepest sympathy.

I would just like to forget about it, thanks.

I know exactly how you feel.

But, my dear, when a man goes out on the town

it is because there is something amiss at home.

I'm sorry, Corabeth, but I refuse to take

the blame for Ben getting into a fight.

I understand. It's hard to accept at first.

But this will explain everything.

'Read it and you will thank me for it the rest of your life.'

- I can't take this, Corabeth. - 'Won't take no for an answer.'

'I have already put it on your bill.'

If it does not help your marriage, return it.

Complete refund.

Cindy, what was that all about?

She just sold me a book, right in front of church.

[kittens meowing]

Harold.

Harold went and had her kittens while we were gone in church.

Serena will be mad. She wanted to be here when they were born.

(Jim-Bob) 'How about that? A quartet.'

[meowing continues]

(Jason) Poor old Ned will be doing KP for a month.

The sheriff looked at Cindy

and didn't have the heart to hold Ben.

A night in jail might have done him some good.

It was only a fight. No one got hurt or anything.

Cindy's been kinda cool to you lately, and I don't blame her.

'You got to start thinking more about her and the baby.'

If you wanna be the kinda papa he'll be proud of.

Don't worry, my baby is going to be perfect.

I'm glad to hear that.

I've been waiting a long time for a perfect Walton.

If anyone can do it, Cindy can.

[car approaching]

Sue Ann, what are you doing here?

Ben Walton, this is for last night.

I just don't know how to thank you.

Uh, Sue Ann, this is, uh, Ben's wife, Cindy.

You ought to be so proud of him. He's a real man.

He did tell you how he rescued me from an ugly drunk?

He told me about the drunk. He didn't tell me about you.

Well, he was wonderful.

I'm just sorry it caused so much trouble.

'You come in anytime, honey. I'll treat you to a beer.'

Next time, bring your wife.

Jason and me will make this delivery.

- You two have things to talk. - Oh, not me.

I wouldn't wanna hold up the war effort.

What if we go out to dinner tonight in Rockfish?

I'm sorry, Ben, but I'm awfully busy.

- Maybe next week. - Give me a chance, will you?

Looks like you're in the doghouse, Ben.

She's going to be cold for a week.

That's what you get for keeping bad company.

[instrumental music]

Hey, wait for me.

[knock on door]

Come on in.

What have you got there?

I've been meaning to bring it in from the attic.

Now that I see it in daylight, I'm not sure it was a good idea.

Well, it does look like it may need a little work.

John Curtis spent his first six months in this cradle

along with the rest of the newborn Walton's before that.

Hm, a family relic, huh?

More like a historical monument. Think it will go another round?

Well, it may have to.

Ben's been promising to take me into Charlottesville

to pick up a crib.

But I hardly see him these days.

He has been awfully busy lately.

He's been a lot more busy since I started looking like a tub.

You know, men do get crazy when they're expecting

no doubt about that.

Somebody ought to write a book about expectant fathers.

Even Curt got a little crazy when I came close to my time

and he was a doctor.

You reading a new book?

Corabeth gave it to me. I haven't even started it yet.

"The fastidious wife is the wife who fulfills her femininity

"by accepting with grace the domination and leadership

of a strong, masterful man."

'Sounds like Ben.'

Oh, Ben thinks of himself as masterful, alright.

"A woman need not be beautiful, but she will keep her person

'"delicate as a flower.'

"Her home must be more than immaculate.

'It must reflect her romantic nature."'

They ought to write a book called "The Fastidious Husband."

Well, I guess I'm not very delicate.

This place really isn't romantic.

Listen to these chapter headings.

"Making him feel like a hero."

"The art of doting."

"Learning to be adorable."

I think you ought to throw this book out before Ben gets home.

Well, that won't be for hours yet.

Maybe you ought to read the chapter

about the husband who works late.

Oh, yeah.

"A husband will talk convincingly

"about the press of business.

"But when he works late night after night

you know you have failed."

And you just thought there was a war going on.

- I'll talk to you later, Cindy. - Bye-bye.

[instrumental music]

Darling.

Cindy, I thought you'd still be asleep.

And miss a chance to kiss you goodnight?

- You're not still mad at me? - Of course not.

Anger is such an unbecoming emotion, don't you think?

I always thought so.

Cindy, I'm sorry about last night.

That's alright.

You had every right to go out and have a good time.

A man needs to relax.

- Where are you going? - 'Start your bath.'

- You don't have to do that. - 'It's my pleasure.'

It'll be just a minute.

I don't want you to tire yourself waiting on me.

How can I get tired of doing things for the man I love?

Pregnant women sure are changeable.

Kissing's a lot more fun than fighting, isn't it?

Sure is.

I'd better get my bath ready, right?

Right, and I'm going to be in in just a second..

...to scrub your back.

But I have to get something from the house.

Till then.

[instrumental music]

Mary Ellen, you ever try and sleep in a room full of kittens?

I found some hot chocolate, Have a cup.

Okay.

- What's that you've got on? - It was a wedding gift.

I thought it was about time I wore it.

You look like something left over from a birthday party.

- What are you doing? - I was waiting up for Ben.

It's so dull for a husband to come home to a sleeping wife.

Cindy, have you been reading that book?

Oh, well, I just glanced at it.

Oh.

- Oh, let me make some-- - 'Oh, that's okay.'

I don't need it anyway.

I should stay slim and trim for Ben.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Boy, she's sure acting strange.

It's that crazy book about how to be a good wife.

That's how a wife's supposed to act?

'You should read that book.'

A Christian saint couldn't live up to it.

Sounding like Corabeth.

That's right.

- Poor Cindy. - Poor Ben.

We can name that one Mercury 'cause he's so quick.

What does a silly name like that have to do with being quick?

If you did your homework sometimes, you'd know.

'We should name that pretty gray and white one Aphrodite.'

- That's a dumb name for a cat. - 'It is not.'

Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty.

And we can name that one Puss and this one Boots.

That's even dumber than Asperdity and, uh, Mercury.

Why don't we have some regular names like George or Frank?

- We need animal names. - You mean like Serena?

Will you guys quit it? Wait a minute.

We have to think about the future of the cats.

I can't think of better names than gods and goddesses.

Nana, what do you think we should name the kittens?

I think you better not get too attached

to these little fellows.

You're gonna have to give them away.

I wish nobody would take 'em.

Besides, they aren't big enough a-a-and they do grow slow.

(Cindy thinking) The fastidious wife is conscious of her appearance

taking the extra time required to keep herself

fresh and beautiful.

"My wife is always a joy to look at."

It was the comment of one satisfied husband.

Inside every man is a little boy

who has not quite outgrown the need to be babied.

Wait on your husband. Fuss over him.

It is the little things you do

that will make him forever grateful.

Housework for the fastidious wife is never a burden.

For she knows her husband delights in a fastidious house.

A good long look in a mirror will convince most women

that daily exercise is a must.

Today's hidden curves may be tomorrow's bulges

and nothing will cause a man to lose interest faster

than unsightly fat.

I don't see how that's gonna do you any good.

[sighs]

George? Here, George.

Jim-Bob, can't you help me find George?

In a minute.

Is this what you're looking for?

Uncle John, where'd you find him?

On my bed.

Bad kitty. Don't go into Uncle John's room anymore.

Told you you can keep Harold if you gave the kittens away.

But, but they're not big enough yet, Uncle John.

They're weaned and they're running all over the place.

What if nobody wants them?

You can always give them to old man Baskin. Know what he'll do?

'He'll put them in a sack and throw them in the river.'

Don't worry. We'll find home for them.

Won't we, Jeffrey?

[sighs]

(Cindy) How do you like it?

Sure doesn't look like that old, simple handmade cradle.

Oh, thanks. I wanted something special for our baby.

It's special, alright.

Look, I thought that maybe I could drape off

this corner as a nursery.

I'd put a chest of drawers right here for baby's things

and then I'd have a rocker here where I could nurse him.

Cindy...don't you think you should let up a little?

You're starting to look awful tired.

Oh, I forgot to put makeup on this morning.

I was so busy finishing the cradle.

Oh!

Can you feel him? He kicked.

I sure can.

Cindy, I'm gonna be a good father.

Remember, I used to burp John Curtis for Mary Ellen.

That's woman's work.

I want you to save your strength for man's work, for me.

It's getting close.

Are you scared?

I'm just scared that you'll stop loving me.

That'll never happen.

Uh, Cindy, I gotta get back to work. Got some paperwork to do.

Stay another hour. I'll give you a back rub.

Cindy, I can't let daddy down like that.

Well, I noticed you don't have any problem letting me down.

[sighs]

Ben, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.

You know I'd rather be with you.

It's just that we're awfully rushed these days.

Well, I guess the sooner you go, the sooner you're gonna be back.

Cindy, are you sure you're alright?

I'm fine. Come on.

[bell chimes]

- Hi. - Hi, Cindy.

I came in for some oatmeal.

Ooh! Stocking up on baby food? Oh, how very wise.

One never knows when a shortage may occur.

Well, actually, I'm making cookies for Ben.

They're his favorite.

Sounds like you're still being the fastidious wife, huh?

(Corabeth) 'Well, I do hope that you are spreading the word'

about our little book.

Guess Corabeth didn't say the book isn't selling.

She's about to lower the price.

Mr. Godsey, why must you undermine me at every turn?

(Godsey) 'Because I think that book is just full of nonsense.'

- 'I do not.' - 'But I do.'

Mr. Godsey, it is inconceivable to me

why we have remained together.

We have absolutely nothing in common.

(Godsey) 'You're absolutely wrong. We've got everything in common.'

We got the store, our livelihood and two people.

Men who have to do those things together.

They just don't need anything else.

Well, a little understanding and consideration

might be helpful.

However, there is some truth in what Mr. Godsey says.

Have you read the chapter

on taking an interest in your husband's work?

But I'm still practicing 10 ways to please.

Oh, Cindy, you can skip ahead.

Thanks, Corabeth. Bye.

[instrumental music]

- You still got it? - Right here.

- Think it will really work? - It's got to.

It's our only chance.

Well, hi, Jeffrey. Hi, Serena. What do you got there?

We're giving away kittens, absolutely free.

Absolutely free, huh? Look at this, Corabeth.

Ain't that the sweetest thing you ever saw?

We've already given away two.

I do hope you're not thinking of accepting one of these things.

'They're absolutely worthless.'

'It's good for nothing except to eat and make a nuisance.'

(Godsey) 'Corabeth has never allowed us to have a cat.'

Look!

[both shrieking]

- I'll get it. I'll get it. - Mr. Godsey, get it out!

[gasping]

It's only a little mouse.

The most loathsome creature on the phase of the Earth.

- Aphrodite could help. - Who?

Aphrodite. That's the kitten's name.

Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty.

Well, yeah, maybe that's not a bad idea, Corabeth.

'It might cut down the mouse population.'

What do you think? Psst, psst.

Well..

...with a name like Aphrodite, who could resist?

Yes, nice kitty. Yes, precious, she's a nice kitty.

Kill!

[Godsey laughing]

- Hey. - Hi.

- What you got there? - Oatmeal cookies. A surprise.

Don't tell Rose I got into the raisins.

They're hard to come by.

I'll eat the evidence before she gets suspicious, okay?

Thank you.

What are you doing?

Just straightening up. This place is a mess.

Cindy, you shouldn't do that.

You look tired. You should take a nap.

I'm fine. I wanna help you. I'm interested in your work.

I'll just start by doing these papers.

Okay.

- 'And I'll be very quiet.' - Good.

You know, a woman shouldn't hinder her husband in his work.

That's true.

She should give him all the support that she possibly can.

'It's nice being here together, isn't it?'

I mean, with me helping you

we're gonna have more time to ourselves.

Where are you going?

We're gonna get these figures over to Murdock Lumber.

- Daddy's closing a deal. - Oh, can I go?

I'll not let you get on that bumpy road in your condition.

If we're not home by suppertime

tell Rose to keep things warm for us. Bye-bye.

[sighs]

- Bye, Apollo. - See you later, Charlie.

He can't take care of himself out here in the woods.

(Serena) 'It's either that or drown him in the lake.'

(Jeffrey) 'He's just too little. He needs his mama.'

She'll take care of him.

You run home and get her. I'll stay here.

[intense music]

Where's Harold?

He's getting fur all over the living room.

(Rose) 'Jeffrey, where are you going with that animal?'

It's an emergency.

- Well, what was all that about? - Beats me.

(Serena) 'Well, Harold, you stay.'

I feel like Hansel and Gretel's wicked stepmother.

(Jeffrey) 'We couldn't just leave Harold's kittens out here alone.'

(Serena) I know.

Come on. Turn around and don't look back.

Don't look back.

Aren't you coming in for supper?

Oh, I thought I would wait and eat with Ben later.

You shouldn't be skipping meals in your condition.

Anyway, it looks like you're finished in here.

Well, I'm gonna start on the mill next.

It's ankle-deep in sawdust.

All this trying to be a perfect wife is wearing you out, Cindy.

I'll be better at it once I get the hang of it.

'If you live that long.'

- Don't start, Mary Ellen. - Oh, it can't be much fun.

Ben can hardly take his shoes off without you polishing them.

And you're so busy trying to keep every hair in place

that we've all forgotten what the real Cindy looks like.

Well, maybe you're just jealous

because I'm making you all look bad.

For your own sake, Cindy, ease off.

Mind your own business.

I'll be here if you need me.

[crickets chirping]

Did you leave the light on in the mill?

No, Cindy was working in here. I guess she left the light on.

- Cindy! - What are you doing here?

I meant to have this finished by the time you guys got back.

- You okay? - Yeah.

Let's get her in the house. Take it easy. Take it easy.

- Cindy! I got her. - Let's go.

What's been keeping them?

Just checking her out real careful.

This is all my fault. I should've made her slow down.

There was no way you could know this was gonna happen.

I took it for granted she was strong like mama.

Calm down. You're not gonna do Cindy or anybody else any good.

Past few weeks she's been waiting on me

while I should've been waiting on her.

You're gonna be a father soon.

I'd hate to see you blame yourself every time

one of your children gets sick.

You're gonna be feeling guilty all the time.

Guess I have a lot to learn about having a family.

You'll learn. One step at a time.

[footsteps]

How is she, doctor?

Suffering from exhaustion, and she may be going into labor.

- But she's not due yet. - 'I know.'

The baby would have a hard time of it right now.

Shouldn't she be in the hospital?

I don't wanna move her unless I have to.

Keep her in bed. Watch her.

'And call me if there's any change.'

- Thanks for coming by. - I'll be back tomorrow.

[gasping]

How's she doing?

She's been having some contractions.

'It's too soon to tell whether it's the real thing or not.'

I'll stay with her now, Mary Ellen.

Okay, but you call me if you need me

even if you have to get me out of bed.

Mary Ellen?

Thank you.

How are you feeling?

The doctor said we might lose the baby.

You'll be fine.

[groans]

- Should I get Mary Ellen? - No. Just stay with me.

I'm not going anywhere.

[sobbing] I'm sorry, Ben.

[Ben shushing]

[softly] Cindy, I love you.

Shh.

Shh.

[kitten meowing]

What is it?

Cross your heart and hope to die. Swear not to tell.

- I swear. What is it? - Come on.

Harold must have brought her kitten all the way home.

- Gotta hide them. - They can sleep with me.

You always kick off your covers.

Does Jim-Bob hang up his clothes in the closet?

Sometimes.

We've gotta take a chance.

I'll make a nest for them in there.

There, doesn't that feel better?

Can't I even get up and wash myself?

Not until we're sure that that baby's alright.

Here's breakfast.

I'll come back and check on you in a while.

Thanks.

Want you to eat a big breakfast

so you can build up your strength.

Oh, I can't. I just wanna go to sleep.

Look, it's here if you get hungry.

I'll check in on you in a little while, okay?

- Ben? - Yeah?

Take the cradle with you.

I haven't felt the baby move all morning.

Good morning.

Morning.

How's Cindy?

Tired. Very worried. So am I.

Thank you, Rose.

Hey, does anybody know how Apollo got in my shoe?

I thought I told you to get rid of those kittens.

We tried, Uncle John.

Harold's in my bathrobe.

Well, you didn't try hard enough.

Remember now, you two promised to find homes for those kittens.

We gave every single one of them away.

Except for Apollo. Nobody would take him.

(Jeffrey) 'We asked everyone.'

Then we took him into the woods with Harold.

We thought that they'd stay there.

You mean, they found their way home?

Sounds like a couple of real smart cats to me.

(Serena) 'Don't let that man throw him in the river. Please.'

[meows]

What do you think, Mary Ellen? Make a good mouser?

They look like prime stock to me.

[laughs]

I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll let Harold and, uh..

-'Apollo.' - Yeah.

-'And Charlie.' - Whatever.

'Go to work in the barn.'

'Maybe they can help keep down the mouse population.'

That's a good idea, Uncle John.

Hurry, let's get the kittens to work

before Uncle John changes his mind.

Hey, daddy, you know there's no rats in the barn

since that old black snake moved in a couple of years ago.

I know, son, but do you ever know of a snake that would purr

when you scratch it behind the ears?

[knock on door]

- Hello, doctor. - Evening. How's our patient?

That's what we're waiting to find out.

Let's have a look then.

Keep working this hard, we're gonna be way ahead of schedule.

Will be the first time since this war began.

What we need around here is more workers.

Trouble is, it just takes too much time to train them.

Ben, is something wrong?

Yes, daddy.

I don't want to see Cindy hurt.

Hm.

Why don't you tell me about it?

I don't know what to do.

What did you do when mama was big like that?

As I recall..

...when she first got pregnant with John-Boy

I was pretty excited.

Of course, I got to admit that toward the end I got nervous.

By the time Elizabeth come along

I figured it was just something Liv did every year

with my help, of course.

Do you know the feeling of being afraid to touch your own wife?

That if you touch her too hard, you may break something?

'Cause that's what I'm feeling right now.

Take it easy, son.

What's happening is just a natural process.

You can touch her, she's not gonna break.

In fact she probably needs to be held more than ever right now.

Dr. Lewis is here.

The labor stopped.

I think you're going to be fine, Mrs. Walton.

- How's my baby? - The baby, too.

That young fellow's got a strong, steady heartbeat.

You see to it that she stays in bed for at least a week.

I want you to take it easy, young lady.

I promise.

And you stop working her so hard, you hear?

I'll sit on her if I have to.

I'll be back tomorrow. But call me if you need me.

We will. I'll walk you to your car.

Thank you, doctor.

I guess you can bring that cradle back in.

Cindy, you're wonderful.

Aw, I didn't think you noticed.

I'm sorry if I made you feel that way.

You're just so special to me.

I haven't known how to act.

What's this?

"Our research indicates that men who spend

"excessive amounts of time at work often do so to escape

coming home to an uninteresting wife."

Where did you get this?

Well, it came highly recommended.

Is that why you've been doing all these things?

Like running my bath, and trying to help me out in the mill?

I just wanted to make you happy.

Cindy.

There's a miracle going on inside you right now.

You're creating life.

Our baby.

It's enough.

Ben.

I love you the way you are.

I always have. And I always will.

I'll just remember to say it more often.

- I love you. - I love you.

Cindy took it easy for the rest of her term.

And her relationship with my brother

grew stronger every day.

In the years to come, she accomplished many things.

But she remained true to her own spirit

and never again tried to become a fastidious wife.

[crickets chirping]

(Mary Ellen) 'Good grief, Elizabeth, what do you have on your face?'

- 'Cindy gave me her mud pack.' - 'Take it off.'

(Elizabeth) 'Not now.'

'Seven secret ingredients are miraculously softening my skin.'

(John) 'Sounds good. Let's see how it looks in the morning.'

- 'Goodnight, daddy.' - 'Yeah, daddy. Goodnight.'

(John) 'Goodnight.'

(Elizabeth) 'Oh, no. I cracked my mud.'

["The Waltons' Theme" by Jerry Goldsmith]

[music continues]