Original subtitles

P C R 7 double 2 O Thriller Ring Once for

Death Part 1 Take 1

Leaving a position where one has been happy is always sad, madam.

However, the splendid references which you've seen fit to sign are at least

consolation.

I would like to stay.

But I've always held the opinion that a man in my position should strive

constantly to be extended.

And I think we would both agree that my work here is finished.

All that remains is to tidy up.

You're a widow in a foreign land, Laura. You need the protection of the American

embassy. You forget I was born here.

Ah, yes, but you've lived most of your life abroad. You married an American.

have no friends here in England, no acquaintances. You're a stranger here.

Since when did strangers in England need diplomatic shelter?

Charming, though, my guardian would be.

Oh, not all strangers.

Just a beautiful, newly bereaved millionaires.

I know George would have wanted me to look after you. After all, he always

admitted he was lucky to have seen you six months before I did.

Hugo, dear, there is no one I'd rather be looked after by, if you'll forgive

undiplomatic grammar, but it's really too soon.

I came here to get away.

Away from Washington, away from people who knew me, from memories.

Anything that might remind me.

Well, you're going to be lonely.

Oh, Hugo, please don't think I'm not delighted to see you.

I am.

And I know that later I'll be glad you're here, but just now I want to be

strangers, anonymous. I want to become... empty for a while.

Does that make sense?

Very well.

But you do well to remember what they call me on the surface.

The bulldog, huh? You never let go.

It's rather comforting in a way.

Excuse me, madam.

There's a person in the hall, Mr. Masters.

Says he has an appointment with you. An interview for Butler?

Yes, sure, I'm in, Betty. Yeah, well, I'll be on my way.

By the way, if this fellow doesn't work out, I'd be a pretty mean hand at

butling myself.

Mr. Masters, madam.

Goodbye, Laura.

Think about it. I will.

Mr. Roger Masters, madam, at your service.

It was noon you suggested, I think. If you care to sit down, Mr. Martin. Thank

you, madam. I'm very well as I am.

Well, I've looked through the references you sent me.

They're most impressive.

Tell me, why did you leave your last employer?

She went abroad for her health, madam.

However, she was kind enough to write down her impressions of me before she

left.

So I see.

Look after Mrs. Valens, Betty. She's quite on her own, you know.

Oh, I will, sir. Don't you worry about a thing.

Your last post was in the country, I see.

Will you like it in town?

I'm sure I will, madam. I'm quite accustomed to London.

Well, I don't intend to maintain a large establishment.

If you came, there'd be yourself and the maid, Betty. She also does the cooking

and cleaning. The advertisement mentioned just yourself in the

That is so. Would it be your intention, madam, to have frequent houseguests?

That would be very far from my intention.

A staff of two would be perfectly adequate, madam.

I want quiet masters.

Peace and quiet.

Should we agree? I'll expect you to remember that.

I think I can promise to provide that, madam.

Is the salary satisfactory?

Perfectly, thank you.

Very well, the engagement is yours.

You may bring your things this evening and start tomorrow, if you wish. I do

wish you thank you.

I assure you, you won't live to regret it.

You got the job, then?

I was appointed to the post of butler, yes.

I saw your references the other day.

You move about quite a bit, don't you?

Mrs. Valance found them perfectly satisfactory.

I never said she didn't, did I?

It went like a dream.

We're in.

No problems.

There's a maid who'll need watching.

Thank you, Betty.

He's the new butler, is he then, madam?

Yes, I'm sure you'll get on very well with him.

He, uh, drives a bit of a flash car for a butler, madam.

Well, we all have our little weaknesses.

Even butlers.

Yes, madam.

A cigar?

No, thanks, Dan.

I ran into Laura Valance today.

Laura Valance? Yes.

Remember Mrs. Valance?

Laura Valance. Yes, I mentioned her the other day.

Oh, yeah.

Washington, wasn't she?

Married to that guy in the State Department. That's right. You got it.

bumped into her, did you? Yes.

Yes. Her husband died, you know, and she's over here on a kind of a

to get over it. And that's how you bumped into her? Yes.

Yes. She's taking a house near the park.

Sensible lady.

And where did this collision take place?

What? Oh, they... Yes.

Let's see what you... Well, no, she's... We met over at her house.

Rather too big for her, I would have thought.

Still, well, you know, she wants seclusion. Pretty shaken up, I suppose.

yes.

Well, I remember what it was like when your mother died. Takes a bit of getting

used to. I should think the best thing for her would be to get married again.

Well, she was very happy with what's -his -name, wasn't she? That's the

It's the people that were happy the first time around who have the best

of making a go of it again.

So when's the wedding?

When are you going to marry Laura Valance? Well, that's what you were

around to in about two hours' time, isn't it?

I mentioned her the other day. Do you realize exactly how many times you've

mentioned her recently?

Oh, dear.

The house is too big for her, if you ask me.

Too big and too quiet.

No friends, no relatives.

What she wants to do is marry that night with Hugo and have a life again.

This is Madam's study, where she does all the accounts and correspondence and

such like.

She should have a man to do all that for her.

Oh, she has now, Betty.

Me. I mean a husband, not a butler.

What's in here?

Madam's personal papers.

Bank things, checkbooks, documents, things like that.

They're none of your concern.

You've evidently not been in service very long. The whole house and all its

problems are the concern of the butler.

Is that what it was like achieving manner?

What do you know of Chevening Manor?

Don't know nothing about it. Just thought on your references, that's all.

Prying into other people's affairs is one of the little habits you're going to

have to get out of. Now I'm in charge.

Thank you, Masters. The temperature is perfect. I think we shall get on very

well. I shall use my very best endeavours to that end, Madam. You may

Thank you, Madam. Good night, Madam.

Good night, Masters.

Oh, you did give me a turn.

What are you doing?

No, on the contrary, what are you doing?

I've just been upstairs to see if she wanted anything.

Well, that's my responsibility now.

Kindly remember your station.

My station?

Where do you think you are, bleak house?

Queen Victoria's dead, you know.

Anyway, what were you doing in there?

I was checking the doors and windows.

The security of the house is my concern.

The security of the house?

Creeping about like Frankenstein?

It's enough to give a girl curly hair.

Come in, Betty.

Betty, this is most distressing, and I hope you don't... Forgive me, madam. I

know how embarrassing these matters can be.

The fact is that a valuable ring is missing from Mrs. Valance's jewel case.

What? It was there when Mrs. Valance went to sleep last night. It is not

now, since there are only the two of us in the house.

Oh, excuse me, madam. That will be the police. The police? I didn't tell you to

tell the police.

I'm sorry, madam, but I am at a disadvantage in this matter.

I am the newcomer.

And I therefore felt it essential in my own interests that the matter be

investigated in the proper manner.

If you'll forgive me, madam.

Madam, I swear...

It's

absolutely horrible.

There are police all over the house.

The maid is miserable.

I should never have let it get this far.

Well, it's a rotten thing to have happened, but after all, you had Betty,

two weeks?

Master's arrived just yesterday. It's best to get it straightened out. Oh,

I'm so glad you're here.

I don't think I could have cooked by myself.

Well, I thought I'd just drop by on my way to the madhouse, see if you care to

have lunch with me.

I think we've got it sorted out, Mrs. Valance.

Is that the ring?

Yes.

Yes, that's the one.

Where did you find it?

I dropped it somewhere and not realised.

No, madam, you hadn't dropped it. Not in that sense.

We found it in your maid's bedroom.

Roll up in a pair of tights.

But she couldn't.

She wouldn't.

In any case, she's far too sensible. She must have known I'd miss it.

You'd be surprised, madam, how careless lots of ladies are with their jewellery.

They don't know whether it's on their hand or their... Well, these girls know

that. They tread on it.

Do you wish us to prefer charges, Mrs. Valance?

No, no, no, no. Good heavens, no.

Oh, Hugo, please, will you deal with it?

I just couldn't face her.

Tell Martha to give her the customary amount in lieu of notice.

Oh, deal with it in any way you like. Tell her... I'm sorry.

Please don't distress yourself, madam. You did the only thing you could.

You seem such a straightforward person.

She probably has a record of such thefts. The girl was lucky not to find

prosecuted.

That makes me a bit nervous about finding a replacement.

Might I suggest, madam, that you leave it to me?

I'm confident of finding a suitable person.

Yes.

Yes, of course, master.

Why don't you do that?

I'll leave it in your hand. Very good, madam.

Will madam be at home for lunch?

No, no, I shall be lunching out with Mr. Fane.

I've also asked him to dine here the day after tomorrow, so if you could arrange

something before then. Of course, madam.

Will that be all, madam?

Yes, thank you, masters.

You're a genius.

These are the best oeuf en cacade I've had since Brussels.

Where'd you find it?

I didn't.

Master did it. You know, he really is turning out to be quite a prize.

No chance for me to do my stuff then, huh?

Hugo.

Beautiful.

My compliments to the chef.

But one vital ingredient missing.

At the moment, the creamed spinach.

I got that out of her when we discussed the menu.

Your dog, Spinach.

He never touches it.

Wise man.

Congratulations, masters.

Where did you dig up this goddess of the kitchen?

We've worked together before, sir. I remembered her, and she happened to be

free. I can't think why.

If it weren't you, my dear, I'd steal her away myself tomorrow.

A little more spinach, madam?

Yes, yes, I believe I will.

I don't feel very well, Mark, do I?

Oh, dear, I'm sorry to hear that, madam.

You should be down to breakfast.

I know how wretched these little upsets can make one feel.

Might I suggest, madam, that you return to bed, and I'll instruct Lisa to

prepare something simple.

I'll bring up the mail and the household checks for you to sign later.

I think that's a very good idea.

I really do feel most odd.

Just some coffee and a little dry toast, and, oh, please, telephone Mr. Fane and

ask him if we could meet at one o 'clock rather than noon. Very good, madam.

That's enough.

We don't want to kill her, do we?

May I take the train?

Forgive me, madam, but I really don't think you should be up.

I must make an effort. Mr. Fane is expecting me.

Did you give him my message?

I hope you won't be offended, madam, that I took the liberty of cancelling

appointment with Mr. Fane.

I really didn't think you'd be well enough to go, and I informed Mr. Fane

accordingly.

I think you're right.

He was very thoughtful of you, master. It's probably gastric flu. It's very

prevalent at the moment.

If I might venture, the only way to deal with it is to retire to bed and to

remain there for a day.

I've always found it works wonders.

I believe you're right again, master.

I'm always recommending it to other people, always reluctant to do it

If you'll permit me. No, no, really, really, I'm perfectly all right.

Here we are, madam.

I'm being spoiled outrageously. I hope you'll feel better soon, madam. That

be all, Lisa.

That is the sixth time in a row.

I know you're cheating, but I can't spot how.

Just about on schedule.

Well, go on, then.

Take it easy.

It'd never do to show her I was expecting it, would it?

I should be in bed and pass the sleep, shouldn't I?

Mint.

Mr. Roger Masters reporting for duty.

I'm sorry, madam. I sleep like the dead. Have you been ringing long?

I'm sorry.

I didn't wish to disturb you, Masters.

I really believe I'm quite ill. I think I'd better have a doctor.

Well, certainly, madam. I know an excellent man. Oh, no, no, no. Mr. Fane.

There's an embassy list.

It's in my address book on the dressing table. There's a doctor's number in

there.

Yeah, of course, madam.

Oh.

I'm sorry to ring you at this late hour. I'm speaking with Mrs. Laura Valance, a

friend of Mr. Hugo Fane.

Could I speak to Dr. Eastor, please?

I see.

Yes, I see.

When will he... Not till then.

Oh, thank you. My apologies again for disturbing you.

I'm sorry, madam. Apparently Dr. Eastor is aware at a medical convention in

Bermuda. He'll not be back for two weeks.

Oh, no.

However, as I say, I do know an excellent man, used by a number of my

employers. He's a most conscientious doctor. I'm sure he'll be in good hands.

May I fetch him?

Oh, yes, yes, please do. Certainly, madam.

His number's downstairs. I'll telephone him immediately.

Yes, it's a virus infection, Mrs. Vallance. I know that sounds alarming,

it's not. It's very minor.

The symptoms are distressing, I know. But his bark is worse than his bite, if

you understand me. I'm sorry to be in so much trouble. Not at all, not at all. I

wish all my patients were sensible.

Hit small things early and they don't develop to big things. That's what I

always say.

How long will I be?

What, in bed?

Depends on you, largely. If you're a sensible girl, do as you're told.

Take your medicine.

Four or five days.

Five days?

Well, it could be much longer if you don't behave yourself.

Now then.

I've written out some prescriptions there which I'm leaving with your chap,

I'm relying on him to see that you play the game.

So, when I'm not here, he is, as it were, in loco parentis for me. You

understand?

And I'm telling him you need lots of rest and lots of quiet, and he's to see

that you get him.

All right?

Good.

Now take these, and I'll help you to sleep.

Here we are.

Good. Good.

Fine.

Well, that's it, then.

There we are.

Now, then.

Yes. Oh, yes. And remember, your butler is the boss.

I will remember.

Right.

Same as last time, I suppose.

Impossible to detect and gradual in the way that it hits them. It's the only

stuff. As for tonight, there'll be more later as usual. There was a time, you

know. Yeah.

That's before you got struck off.

Come off it, Ledworth.

You haven't lived so well for years.

And try and stay at least one quarter sober, would you? I may want you again.

Now, don't you push me around.

You need me.

I own you.

Don't forget that, Ledworth.

I picked you up out of your own filth, dusted you off, and made you useful

again. Money, the clothes you stand in, the liquor you pour down your gullet,

they're there by the grace of me.

I even put a roof over your head.

Oh, perhaps you'd like to go back where I found you, eh, Ledwin?

The alcoholic ward? All right, all right, all right. I didn't mean

I'll do what you say.

Of course you will.

Of course you will.

And get back to the house.

What's the matter with him?

I think it's the time of night when bent doctors remember their Hippocratic

oath.

Good morning, madam. I trust you slept well. Oh, yes, thank you. I'm very

thirsty. Breakfast will be up in five minutes, madam.

What are you doing?

Dr. Letterworth prescribed complete rest and quiet, madam. No telephone calls. I

don't think that's necessary. He warned me you might be a difficult patient,

madam. I'm afraid I shall have to be quite heartless.

What do you mean, no telephone calls?

The doctor was quite explicit, sir. He said no telephone calls and no visits.

He said it was most important that Mrs. Valance had complete rest.

What's the matter with it, did he say?

He said it was a virus.

Not serious, but it could become so if Mrs. Valance did not observe his

Oh, Dr. Eastall, here's one thing.

Doctor, this is going to sound rather odd, but has Mrs.

Laura Valance consulted you? And if so, and just completely in confidence, of

course, what the devil's wrong with her?

She hasn't consulted you?

No, no, no, no, nothing at all. Thank you, Doctor.

I'm hungry, Martin.

You hardly gave me any breakfast either.

I'm sorry, Madam, Doctor's orders.

You know what they say, feed a cold and starve a fever. Is that what I've got, a

fever? I'm afraid I know nothing about the art of medicine, madam. But I do

a great respect for medical men.

Dr. Letterworth says it's for your own good.

Oh, did Mr. Fane telephone this morning?

No, madam.

I see. Thank you.

I don't see there's anything odd about it at all, Dad.

Well, I recommended our own doctor to her. Now she's gone and gotten herself

ill. She's called in somebody else.

Woman's privilege.

She decided not to take your advice.

Maybe that's what it's all about, is it?

I mean, after all, she couldn't choose her own doctor without starting a

congressional debate.

Yeah, I suppose you're right.

Can I borrow your car tonight?

Hmm?

Yeah.

What's wrong with your own?

Great then, madam.

I've had hardly anything to eat for the past two days. I think that's why I'm

feeling so weak.

I'm sorry, madam, but I'm only following the doctor's instructions.

I'm sure it's doing you good.

I'm sorry, sir. I'd be wrong to disobey the doctor's and madam's instructions.

The treatment requires complete rest and no visitors.

Who's looking after?

He's an American doctor, sir.

He's a friend of Madam's who happened to be over here.

Well, where can I get in touch with him?

I'm afraid I don't know, sir.

Mrs. Balance called him herself.

He seems very strict.

Thank you. There we are, Madam.

Why has Mr. Fane called?

No, I'm afraid not, Madam.

Will that be all, Madam?

Yes.

Hugo? It all seems very unnecessarily complicated to me.

Hugo! Just y 'all do as I call.

Certainly, sir. Goodbye, sir.

I'm sorry, madam. I wasn't able to get away at once.

Was that Mr. Fane?

Yes, he was, madam.

I asked him if he'd like to come up, but he said he'd spoken to Dr. Ledworth,

and the doctor had advised against it.

He came to say goodbye, madam.

Goodbye? Mr. Fane has been posted back to Washington, madam.

His plane leaves at noon. He called here on his way to the airport.

Oh, no.

Oh, sugar.

It's not like Laura.

To be so uncommunicative, I mean.

Well, she is ill.

Well, that's true. What does it take to pick up a telephone?

That's what worries me. You know, I'm beginning to think she's not just ill,

she's very ill. I wouldn't worry too much if I were you.

You say a butler's a pretty competent man.

He seems to have a grip on things.

Yes, he does indeed.

You see my notes, anyway?

Notes? Yes, for this broadcast of mine tomorrow.

Pretty sensitive subject, isn't it? Arab nationalism. Somebody's got to speak

out.

I thought this was supposed to be live.

And unscripted. Is it?

It is.

Twenty years in the embassy have taught me that a few notes never win a match.

Madam, what are you doing out of bed?

You shouldn't. You really shouldn't.

I've discovered.

Here, let me help you back.

Thank you.

There we are.

I don't know what Dr. Ledworth would say, I'm sure.

Supposing you got out on the landing and fallen down the stairs.

I wouldn't have done that.

I dare say not, madam, but where would I have been if you had?

I was worried about disturbing you, but now I'm glad I did.

There's simply some household checks for you to sign, madam.

I'm sorry to trouble you, but they have to be attended to.

Yes. If you'd be so kind.

Thank

you,

madam.

I don't mind telling you you alarmed me just now, madam.

I can see you're not to be trusted.

Your feet?

I shall have to take precautions.

Or Dr. Ledworth will have my hide.

There now, that's better, isn't it? Keep the light out of your eyes. I don't

want that. Try and get some sleep now.

What time is it? What day is this?

Oh.

She's a tough girl.

She's had enough of the stuff to knock us sideways, but she keeps fighting

More? Not yet.

It won't be long now. She's beginning to lose touch.

Mr.

Fane?

Yes, well, I've come along here this afternoon to... Hugo.

You haven't gone away.

My throat. I'm choking.

Some water, please. Quickly.

Hello?

Hello? This is Laura Valance.

Please, don't interrupt. Tell Mr.

Fane.

Hello?

This won't do, madam.

This really won't do at all. You're not helping yourself, you know.

This is exactly what you shouldn't be doing.

You said Mr.

Fane had gone away.

And so he has, madam.

No, I heard him on the radio.

It was probably recorded, madam, before he went away. No, it was live. They said

it was live.

Madam probably imagined it was live, knowing the voice.

You're in a very weak state, you know. It's easy for one's mind to play tricks.

Nothing wrong with my mind. I want another doctor, a second opinion.

I'll speak to Dr. Ledworth, madam.

He'll be very hurt, I'm sure, but nevertheless, if it's what you wish, I

so. Yes.

Now I suggest you settle down and conserve your energy.

You've only to ring if you need me.

No food at all today.

But the milk's got the stuff in it.

Salvation's what she needs now.

Hunger's a great little spirit breaker.

What did she actually say?

That's what she said, that all she said, hell meant to fame.

Then she hung up.

She found all right?

No, she found a bit odd.

Very odd, in fact.

And she said nothing more?

Not a thing.

Look, I thought I'd better just hang on and tell you in person, but now I've

really got to go.

You won't forget I'm staying in Oxford overnight, will you? No, sir, I'll

remember. Fine. Bye.

Mrs. Valentine's residence.

Oh, yes, sir.

Yes, she did phone you.

Completely against doctor's orders.

And then she had a little fainting fit.

Just what the doctor said might happen if she overexerted herself.

She just wanted to tell you she was all right, sir, and to apologize for not

being in touch.

Well, she's asleep now, sir. I wouldn't wish to disturb her.

But I'll certainly tell her you called.

Thank you, sir.

Goodbye, sir.

Now, look, I had enough of your interference. Now, get out of my way.

Hugo!

Hugo!

They made me prisoner. They took the phone away. They were starving me.

All right, now. They told me you'd gone away. I haven't gone away, have I?

I'm here to look after you. Just sit down a minute.

Yes. You need a doctor.

Yes. And we both need the police.

Come on.

Lisa?

A miscalculation.

Another few days and it'll be over.

We'll be out of here and on our way.

Just another few days.

I'm going to have to leave you for a while.

I'll be all right.

Of course you will.

Because you trust me, don't you?

Completely trust me.

Don't open the door to anyone.

No loose end.

Hello, Jeremy?

Here it is.

You don't have my old man with you, do you?

Well, it's just that he didn't sleep here last night. No wonder.

Don't be disgusting.

Fine. Thanks.

Hello, Peter?

Piers.

Look, I don't want to be an alarmist or anything, but Hugo seems to be missing.

Yeah, I mean, I know it's nothing, but... Well, he was pretty outspoken

Arab affairs yesterday.

Getting to be a habit, though, isn't it?

Funny the way it happens, I've not had an inquiry on this patch for over a

and suddenly I'm in and out like the tide.

What is it this time?

Just a few routine inquiries, sir.

Oh, certainly, Sergeant. Please do come in.

Going away, are you?

My employer's been rather ill. She's gone to Bermuda to recuperate. I am to

follow.

This is the life, eh, Constable?

Butler.

Nothing but the best.

Best houses.

Best food.

Of course, you are a servant.

But then so am I.

Servant to the public on tap, day and night.

I'm inquiring about a Mr. Fane.

Mr. Hugo Fane.

He's not in his usual haunts.

We heard he might have called here last night. Mr. Fane, yes, he did call here

last night. He's a friend of Mrs. Vallance.

I told him he'd just missed her.

He was very disappointed.

And then Mr. Fane got into his car and drove away.

He didn't say where he was going, did he, sir?

No, I'm afraid not, Sergeant.

Oh, thank you kindly, sir.

Oh, thank you. See that, Constable?

That's what I call the perfect butler.

Smart, too.

Look at those buttons, almost regimental.

He didn't say anything about anyone following him, nothing like that, sir.

did seem a little strained, but no, he said nothing like that.

All right, sir, thank you very much.

Sorry to have bothered you. Not at all.

Did your father get any other strange calls after the broadcast, sir?

No, Mrs. Valance was the only one.

Well, that one seems to be a dead end with her going away and all.

Maybe that's what she was calling to say.

Well, why should she hang up, sir, suddenly?

Who knows? With women, sir.

I'm simply asking you to be sensible, madam. A little business before lunch.

I'm not signing any will.

I wouldn't dream of asking you to, madam.

It's not a will, it's a simple power of attorney.

With you like this, someone has to look after your affairs.

Sign this and I will be able to do so.

I'd be signing my death warrant.

Madam is being fanciful.

Perhaps we'd better leave you to think it over.

My lunch.

I need food.

You're starving me. All in good time, madam.

I don't think you're well enough to eat anything at the moment.

We'll see how you feel a bit later.

Please.

Please.

Rog, I wish you wouldn't go.

I've told you I've got to clear up one or two things down at the manor before

leave. We're leaving the manor as well?

Well, this job's got to be too hard.

Let's pick up sticks and clear off when we get that signature.

When we get it?

Another 24 hours without food and she'll sign her life away for a dog biscuit.

You really enjoy all this, don't you?

No, it's purely business.

Now, you play it cool and don't go near her no matter how much she rings. Got

it? Yes.

I'll be back this evening.

No. I'll pray so, sir.

In a wood in Somerset.

In the boot of his car, he'd been stabbed.

I've just heard from the county police they think it could be political.

Obviously nothing to do with Mrs. Valance.

Yeah,

I suppose you're right.

I just can't help thinking... No, I guess not.

Yeah, yes, I will.

Thank you, Sergeant.

I walked straight in here.

The front door was open and I walked straight in here.

All you have to do is stay here, sit tight and make sure no one comes

and I walk straight in here. I must have forgotten.

You are drunk.

All those advantages.

A good family, the right education, a medical degree and you just fritter them

away.

Do you know how I was educated, Ledworth?

Here and there and not very often.

My father was an underporter.

He blacked people's boots.

He lived for 66 years, and all that time, all he ever did was black other

people's boots.

While my mother helped out in the kitchens.

That's my heritage, Ledworth.

Not like yours.

Good part.

Solid background in the upper bracket.

And yet... Look at you now.

And look at me.

Fetch me a drink, Ledworth.

A drink?

Scotch. With ice.

In a crystal glass. On a silver tray.

Well, go on. It must obey your orders.

Here, Ledworth.

No, no, no, you're doing it all wrong, Ledworth. You're catching my eye.

Never look directly into the master's eye.

Deferential, Ledworth, deferential.

Otherwise the master might think you were getting above your station.

Might think you were regarding yourself as an equal.

No, stay where you are.

I swear I'll chop you one day.

Chop me?

You wouldn't do that.

Bring me down and you go down too.

Besides, you know I'd kill you, don't you?

Anyway, you won't have to put up with me for much longer.

What?

The balance woman.

Close to the kill now.

Then I think Lisa and me will take a little holiday on the Riviera.

Relax a bit, catch our breath.

And then, when we're both nicely rested...

The world is rich pickings on the Riviera, Ledworth.

People crying out for an exemplary butler.

What about me?

What about you? Well, you can't do it alone. You need me, a doctor.

I expect there's a French equivalent to you, Ledworth.

The gutters of the world are filled with Ledworths. Oh, no, no, you couldn't.

You couldn't leave me behind here.

No, you're right. I couldn't.

Slip out from under my thumb and you'd go to pieces. Start talking.

You'll have to think of a happy solution, won't I?

To stop you talking.

Just my little joke, Ledworth.

Just to show you how easy it could be.

You behave yourself and I'll look after you.

And behaving yourself means keep the front door locked.

Your nose clean and pacing your drinking.

I wouldn't leave you behind, Ledworth.

I like looking at you.

You're the mirror of my success.

I'm ever so sorry. I didn't know.

How could you?

Mr. Fane was very nice to me the times I saw him.

Oh, dear.

Please, sit down.

What did you want to see my father about?

Well, it's not your problem, really.

If you thought my father could help, maybe I can, too.

Well, it was about Mrs. Vallance, really.

What about Mrs. Vallance? No, perhaps another time. No, please.

What about Mrs. Vallance?

Well, it was about me being sacked for stealing the ring.

Well, I didn't do it.

And there was only me and him there. The butler, I mean.

So I knew he must have arranged it. You know, tried to get rid of me to get me

the sack. Why should he want to do that? Well, that's what I asked myself.

So I went down to the village where his last job was at Chevening Manor. I saw

it on his references.

Yeah, so you went there. Well, I didn't get any joy at the house. Just an old

doctor living there.

Doctor? That's what the locals told me. At least he used to be a doctor.

Struck off. A drunk.

But that wasn't all they told me.

You see, it seems there was a maid living there, too, when Masters arrived.

And one day some silver went missing, and they found it in her room, so she

sacked. What was the name of his employer there? Oh, that's no good. She

abroad.

What? She was ill for a long time. Didn't see anyone. Then she went abroad

recuperate. The village people say she must have left him in charge of the

manor. They see him down there sometimes. Right. Call Sergeant Rayner.

to get around to Mrs. Valance's right away.

I'm Detective Constable Kane, Rochester Row.

Sergeant Rayner about?

Here.

I'm here.

Sergeant Rayner isn't here.

If you'd like to come back later when Mr. Masters the butler's here, I'm sure

he... That's funny. The sergeant said he'd meet me.

He said he was coming to collect his notebook.

I think he left it in your kitchen this morning.

Is Mrs. Valance about?

gone away?

We told your sergeant this morning.

Of course, you're right. He told me.

Well, if the sergeant isn't going to show up, perhaps I'd better collect his

notebook for him.

Which way is the kitchen? It's all right. I'll go and look for it. You stay

here. Thank you very much, miss.

In food. Then starving.

Signature.

It's over.

You're getting out of here.

Can you stand?

I don't know.

No.

We're in the news.

There's a policeman in the house.

What? Where is he?

I don't know. I left him there. He said he was looking for Sergeant Rayner.

So that's him.

That's the man.

Here's Fane. How nice.

The house is about to burn down, and your charred remains are going to be

mistaken for mine. The gallant butler, burned to a crisp, trying to save his

mistress. Pity, really. You and your father, you did have style.

Come on, sir.

Oh, but it will, sir.

Fire is your great leveler.

Makes no distinction between master and bondman. Rog, we can't! Text the other

Kansas. Shut up!

Come on, Lisa.

Roger!

That reminds me, I just have to find a new name.

Goodbye!

It's been fun.

Oh, good evening, sir.

Going out, were you?

I don't know, I despair of the public sometimes.

But keep telling them before you go out, make sure you've left no lighted

candles burning down into pools of paraffin.

Take care of it, Constable.

In the bedroom, are they, sir?

What?

They found this button in Mr. Fane's hand, sir.

I remember admiring it when we had our little chat.

Funny you're not noticing a thing like that, sir.

You being the perfect butler and all.

Leading a position where one has been happy is always sad, madam.

However, the splendid references which you've seen fit to sign are at least

consolation.

I would like to stay.

I've always held the opinion that a man in my position should strive constantly

to be extended.

And I think we will both agree that my work here is finished.

All that remains is to tidy up.