Original subtitles

BIRDSONG FILLS THE AIR

'WHY do you tremble so?

'Are we not welcome in this desolate place?

'Only too welcome.

'We must escape this frightful castle and the power of its master.'

'What wild fancy is this?' 'No fancy, dear lady.

'Ah, mademoiselle, you are SO young.

'Pray God you may escape the horrors of that EVIL chamber...'

Where are you?! Cathy! >

CATHY!

Mother wants you!

Mrs Allen's here!

You DO realise, Edward,

you've interrupted a vital part of my education.

Literature is as necessary to a young woman's development

as sunshine is to ripe fruit.

Do I look tidy? Not very.

Can you imagine my joy this morning

when Mr Allen informed me he is so afflicted with the gout

that he has been ordered to Bath?!

I see I am rebuked... But at my age a little adventure

makes SUCH a pleasant change.

And at YOUR age, my dear Catherine,

if adventure does not find a young lady at home,

she must seek it abroad.

Oh...I'M invited to Bath? Quite so.

Emma, Charlotte!

Cathy's going to Bath!

Shall we go to the shops? Indeed!

And I shall dance!

And shall I have a room of my own? Naturally.

But, in Bath, there is no time for sleep, nor solitude.

Tom! TOM! What's that place there?

That, Miss? That's Northanger Abbey.

Are these our lodgings? Oh, Mrs Allen, are we REALLY here?

SINGING FROM AFAR

I hope you'll be comfortable. Dear Mrs Allen, can we not go out?

The evening is SO beautiful. Out? Like THIS? My dear child,

I thank God we arrived in darkness for we are shockingly ill-clothed.

We will go NOWHERE

until we have been provided with the latest fashions.

Come Friday, Miss Morland will make her entree into the world.

MUSIC: "Duple Time"

All our exertions are rewarded. Dear Catherine looks quite as she should.

Mr Allen! Oh, quite as she should.

You too, my dear, MOST charming.

I've never been able to get Mr Allen to know one gown from another.

I should know THIS one. This one I could not mistake.

Nothing will rival your brilliance.

There are NO tea things here!

How provoking! And no-one to fetch them.

I think we'd better go upstairs. One gets so tumbled in such a crowd.

I wish you could dance, my dear,

but I fear I haven't a single acquaintance here.

Well, ma'am, what's happening here?

Oh! I do declare my muslin is torn.

Madam, you have merely lost a ribbon from your sleeve.

I should be sorry to tear this gown

though it cost only nine shillings a yard.

That is exactly what I would have guessed. Do you understand muslin?

My sister often entrusts me with the choice of a gown.

I bought one for her just the other day.

You must be a great comfort to her, sir. I am, madam.

Pray, what do you think of Miss Morland's gown?

It is very pretty, madam.

But I do not think it will wash well.

MAN: Excuse me, Mr Tilney.

Excuse me.

It would have been shocking if I had torn my muslin, would it not?

I have seen nothing I like as well in the whole of the room.

Oh, I DO wish for your sake

we had a larger acquaintance in Bath.

I wish we had ANY.

The Government has lost all reason.

How is that?

That little shoemaker is charged

with High Treason for leading a harmless reform movement.

Soon any Whig will be charged with plotting to kill the king!

Yes, my dear, the Government has lost all reason.

Can we STILL not go out? In this rain?

Perhaps it may hold off soon.

Perhaps it may. But then it'll be dirty. THAT won't matter.

I never mind dirt.

No, I know you never mind dirt.

CLOCK CHIMES

Now there are FOUR umbrellas up!

How I HATE the sight of umbrellas.

They're VERY disagreeable things to carry.

Good heavens!

It's James!

James is here!

It's Catherine's brother. James!

James! I know you should be in Oxford, but, oh, how good of you

to come and see me.

Catherine, I love you dearly, and...

HORN BLOWS

Mrs Allen, good day. James.

What a happy chance brings us together in Bath. Most happy!

Allow me to introduce John Thorpe.

How do you do?

A capital place you have here.

Miss Morland.

John's a frightful rattle.

But that recommends him to your sex.

I'm here not only to introduce new friends, but reunite old ones.

John's mother was your dear school friend.

Do you not remember Mrs Thorpe? Mrs Thorpe?

Nee Williams!

I am her guest in Bath.

To think I told Catherine we had not a single acquaintance in Bath.

With dear old mater the case is quite the opposite.

And, Catherine, John's sister is a suitable companion for you.

She has so much good sense.

She's unaffected and amiable.

You could be proud of such a friendship.

What are we waiting for? Catherine, put on your hat.

Let James take us to this paragon.

I should have known you for James's sister.

You are excessively alike. ALL: Excessively like!

And I consider us friends already,

Miss Morland, through our brothers' friendship.

And I'd have you notice that my sister and I always agree.

Good day, Mother.

Where DID you get that hat? It makes you look like a witch!

And how does today find you two dear things?

As ugly as ever it seems!

What a pretty coincidence, Mrs Thorpe.

I should never have known you after all these years

but HOW glad I am to see you.

We must make sure to attend our next ball together, Miss Morland.

And we shall be dressed exactly alike. The men take notice of that.

My chief pleasure in life is shopping.

I have no children to introduce into the world.

No children to worry about!

I did not come to Bath

to drive my sisters about and look like a fool.

I never mind what THEY think.

I have no intention of treating them with such respect - it spoils them.

You're fond of an open carriage? Very. I've rarely been in one.

What say you to a drive?

You'll do no such thing. Drive, indeed!

Miss Morland, it is true, Bath is unworthy of you.

You should find yourself in Brighton.

But scorn pleasure until you have sufficient reason for it

and you may wait a long time.

Now that your dear sister and I have met, we would not be separated.

Tomorrow, then? At noon?

What say you to my gig, Miss Morland? Neat, is it not?

Curricle-hung, you see.

Fan splash boards, swung body, dished wheels.

Swan-necked shaft. I've not had it a month.

I chanced on a friend last term. "Ah, Thorpe", says he.

"Do you happen to want this thing? It's capital, but I'm tired of it."

"I'm your man" says I. "What do you ask?"

Walk on, Samson.

And how much do you think he did?

I know so little of such things.

50 guineas, Miss Morland. I closed with him directly.

I hate haggling, and poor Freeman wanted cash.

That was very good-natured of you. When one has the means

to do a kindness by a friend, I hate to be pitiful.

He's a rich old devil, isn't he?

The old man you're with. Rich as a duke, isn't he?

Mr Allen? Yes, I believe he is very rich. And no children? No.

A famous thing for his next heirs. And you're his godchild?

I? Mr Allen's godchild? No.

But you are very much with them.

Yes, I am. I think I take the place of the child they never had.

How prettily you put it.

So...money still comes to Bath.

JAMES: Right, Miss Thorpe! We'll give them a race!

Where are you, John?

Mr Morland, take care!

You're in safe hands, Miss Thorpe.

Look to your wheels, man!

But where is my brother going? Don't fret.

I'm glad you're fond of a gig

for I have determined to drive you out every day.

I met young Thorpe at billiards

where I respect his skill as little as I respect his word.

My dear, we thought you'd come by an accident. No, not at all.

I'm glad to see you safe. I wish the scheme had not been undertaken.

Mrs Allen, are you not of my way of thinking?

Yes, very much so indeed.

Open carriages are nasty things.

A clean gown becomes so dirty!

I HATE an open carriage myself.

I know. But that's not the question.

It has an odd appearance for ladies to be driven about

by young men who are not relatives. Very odd!

I cannot bear to see it.

Madam, why didn't you say so?

If I'd known it was improper I wouldn't have gone.

One must not be OVER particular.

Young people do not want to be thwarted.

But this was important.

I would not have been hard to persuade...

I don't find Mr Thorpe entirely agreeable.

But did you have a pleasant walk home? VERY pleasant.

Did you meet anyone of interest?

Why, yes. When you passed us on the crescent, we met a Mrs Hughes.

Curious woman, all nose, and in a remarkable hurry.

She introduced us to Mr Tilney and his sister.

The young lady we saw with him at the Upper Rooms.

Why, yes! She is Mr Tilney's SISTER?

She IS.

Hey-dey, Miss Morland.

I thought you and I were going for a ride?

My only acquaintance...

has torn my gown.

My dearest Catherine!

I may call you Catherine?

I couldn't wait a moment longer.

Only you, who saw into my heart the moment we met,

only YOU could guess my happiness.

But what's the matter? You're not ill, my sweet?

You've been losing your sleep over Mrs Radcliffe.

Isn't it amazing horrid?

Have you got to the black veil yet? Oh...

Oh, that dreadful dungeon!

Can the poor girl ever escape?

I wouldn't tell you her fate for all the world.

But I can see by your expression

you've guessed my secret.

Do sit down, Isabella, and catch your breath.

Your brother is the most charming of men.

Oh, if only I were worthy of him.

Good heavens! You mean...?

I can't believe it, you're in love!

Yes!

And he with me.

All that remains is to have your parents' permission to marry.

James has gone to ask for it. Isabella!

Oh, but I'm SO afraid they'll refuse.

How can they refuse James's desire? Why refuse a girl like you?

Why not?

What am I?

My fortune will be almost nothing whereas James could marry anyone.

Isabella, you are too humble.

A difference in fortune is unimportant.

What is important is your LOVE.

James and I think to marry for money is wicked. Oh, Isabella,

I had NO idea!

And you, my sweet girl, will be dearer to me than my own family.

You're SO like your darling brother.

And from the moment I saw him my heart was gone.

He's vanished? Still, mystery is awful becoming in a hero.

Isabella, how shall I find him?

Isabella is so sensitive to the heat. Is she, my dear?

I notice she WEARS as little as possible.

I'm so pleased to meet you, Miss Tilney.

Have we not met before? Not quite.

I met your brother in the Upper Rooms. Though we never danced.

How very amusing Mr Tilney is.

Henry? Yes, he is amusing. I find that an important consideration.

That a...person should be amusing.

VERY important.

What of this? I suspect the only argument against fresh air is that it is free.

Have you explored the walks in Bath? No.

Perhaps we could do so together.

Oh, yes! Thank you.

What's this, pussy?

Are we to be supplanted?

I am NOT slighting you, Isabella.

I had made the arrangement

with Miss Tilney before you told me about the drive.

I cannot do what I think is wrong.

I suspect there is no great struggle.

Hey-dey, Miss Morland!

Miss Morland!

We may make our outing after all.

I've told Miss Tilney you cannot go with her.

You have NOT. I have. Upon my soul.

She said tomorrow is just as convenient.

We shall make Clifton before dark. This will NOT do.

Let go!

I'm glad to see you are not entirely agreeable,

for it obliges one to be the same.

Do let her go, John, if she must.

I could not be persuaded into doing wrong,

and I'll not be tricked into it. I must go to Miss Tilney.

Oh, but Isabella... do come to me tomorrow

to wait for James's letter.

I like a girl with spirit, Belle.

I must speak to Miss Tilney this moment.

VOICES FROM ANOTHER ROOM

I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I came in a great hurry.

It was all a mistake, Miss Tilney.

I told them I could not go! Indeed, I did not want to.

I never asked Mr Thorpe to bring a message to you.

I didn't care what you might think, I just ran, I wouldn't stay...

Miss Morland, allow me to present you to my father, General Tilney.

Delighted, Miss Morland.

I-I'm so sorry... I cannot believe you have anything to be sorry for.

Mr Thorpe did not come to you with a message, Miss Tilney?

He did. I admit I was surprised. But now all is well.

You were surprised, Eleanor, and Henry and I are much perplexed.

It's quite simple.

Miss Morland and I WERE going to go for a walk, then we were NOT

and now we ARE.

How foolish of me not to have guessed.

The afternoon was made for walking.

Were I invited I should accept immediately. You ARE invited.

I accept immediately.

Do you find Bath agreeable, Miss Morland? Very agreeable.

Take care, or you may forget to be tired of it at the proper time.

How can anyone tire of Bath?!

Not those who bring such freshness.

But you ought to be tired at the end of six weeks.

I'm told so by those who've stayed for ten or 12 weeks

and then left because they could afford to stay no longer.

Others must judge for themselves.

But I live in a small village

and there I can only call on Mrs Allen.

Only Mrs Allen. What a picture of intellectual riches(!)

Now, Henry, don't go exhausting

this young lady walking up hill and down dale.

Though I can see by the charming elasticity of your walk...

that there's no great danger of that...

Miss Morland.

How this makes me think of Italy or France. You've been abroad?

No. I only mean what I've read.

This reminds me of the country

Emily travelled through in the Mysteries Of Udolpho.

But you never read novels? Gentlemen read better books.

Do they? In my opinion, anyone who has no pleasure

in a good novel is stupid.

I've read all of Mrs Radcliffe's works. The Mysteries Of Udolpho?

I read it in two days with my hair standing on end.

Yes, you ran off with MY copy and I had to wait till you finished.

What else do you read, Miss Morland?

Nothing very much. Really?

Well, I read poetry and plays.

But history, for instance, real solemn history,

I just can't be interested in.

Can you? Yes. I'm fond of history.

Oh, dear... I wish I were, too.

It's not so much a question

of what we read, Miss Morland.

But of HOW we read it.

We must exercise judgment and not mistake fantasy for reality.

But... You may argue that the art of Art lies in its power to deceive.

But that is a dangerous course.

Look there. The work of man and nature

brought together to make a perfect picture -

air and water moving harmoniously.

But Art is as different from reality as water is from air.

And if you mistake water for air, you drown.

Of course, if you are a fish then danger lies in the air.

How I should like to return one day to draw this scene.

Would you take in the temple and the sweep of the lawn, Eleanor?

No... Just the lake.

There... where it curves between the trees.

Nature, not artifice. How very modern.

But will it not lack perspective? Miss Morland?

Oh, I know nothing of drawing.

My only talent lies in writing and, well, even there...

No, I am ashamed of my ignorance.

Ashamed?

The advantages of natural folly in a pretty girl are well-known.

And you, Miss Morland, strike me as nothing if not natural.

Miss Morland will think you a brute.

A brute? My dear sister,

to a larger part of my sex imbecility in females is charming.

Own it. You know it's true. Whereas I am too reasonable

to demand any more than ignorance.

I think you should add something

in case Miss Morland misunderstands. She's not used to you.

I shall be happy to become better acquainted.

I meant only that Miss Morland is not one of those heroines

she enjoys reading about.

She is not accomplished in music,

nor has exaggerated displays of feeling,

and, worst of all, I do believe she says what she means.

She will not do. How impertinent.

Miss Morland, he treats you like his sister.

Miss Morland is so natural she disgraces her sex.

But it is a quality I shall be sad to see her lose.

As lose it she must.

Shall you be going to the Cotillion Ball tomorrow?

I don't think so.

Good day, sir.

Miss Morland. We are too late to join you. Magnificent spot.

Allow me to present my brother Captain Tilney. Delighted.

My daughter is mistaken, we ARE going to the Cotillion Ball.

Why else would a young lady come to Bath?

We look forward to seeing you dance, Miss Morland.

"Emily had entered the forbidden chamber.

"She perceived a black veil, which descending from ceiling to floor

"was drawn along the side of the chamber.

"Suddenly conjecturing..."

CLOCK CHIMES

Isabella...

What? It's four o'clock.

I know it is.

The last post comes by four o'clock.

"Suddenly conjecturing that it concealed her aunt's body,

"she seized the curtain..."

Oh, I can't bear it!

"Beyond appeared a corpse

"stretched on a kind of low couch

"which was crimsoned with blood, as was the floor beneath it.

"The features, deformed by death, were ghastly and horrible.

"Emily bent over the body..." Here it is!

Here it is, my darling! James's letter.

Success! We have their consent.

What did I say? I cannot pretend I am surprised.

What does surprise me is that James should have gone without telling me.

For certainly...

I would have troubled him...

And, Isabella? And?

He says we must wait two years.

"In two years, a living of £400 will be mine.

"No small sum for one of ten children.

"Later, an estate of equal value."

£400?

I'm sure if he finds he can do more by and by, he will.

£400 is a low income to BEGIN on.

But YOU, my dearest girl, are so very moderate in your wishes.

For myself it's nothing. I never think of myself.

You never do, my dear.

Mr Morland has every right to do as he chooses with his money.

I'm sure it's as much as he can afford.

Oh, Catherine...

It's not the want of money,

but the wait that it entails.

Come now! Put on a happy face!

Tonight is the Cotillion Ball. And we all have NEW gowns.

I couldn't possibly go without James.

Not go? How can I enjoy myself without you, Isabella?

And you would meet Mr Tilney.

Nay...

Since you make such a point of it. Until tonight.

MUSIC: "Cotillion"

What's the meaning of this? I thought you and I were to dance?

I wonder why you should think so. You never asked me. A shabby trick.

What chap have you? It's Mr Tilney.

Yes, so it is. A good figure of a man.

Does he want a horse, do you know?

Sir, I have some information concerning Miss Morland.

A dance is like a marriage.

Fidelity and politeness are paramount in both.

Men who do not marry have no business with neighbours' wives.

But they're very different things!

But in both, man has the advantage of choice,

woman only the power of refusal.

Do not underestimate the power of refusal.

Forgive me, Miss Thorpe, if I disturb your peace.

We have not been introduced,

yet there exists a connection

between us that emboldens me to ask you to dance.

MUSIC: "Minuet"

I suppose your brother saw Isabella

sitting down and fancied she must wish for a partner.

How little trouble it costs you to understand other people. Sir?

With you, it isn't what would make PEOPLE behave in such a way,

but what would make ME behave so.

I don't understand you.

Then we are on unequal terms for I understand you perfectly. Me?

I can't speak well enough to be unintelligible. Bravo!

An excellent satire on modern language.

I did not look for attention, Captain Tilney.

My spirit is pretty independent.

I wish your heart were independent.

My heart, indeed. What can you have to do with hearts?

None of you men have hearts.

But we have eyes and they give us torment enough.

I hope this may please you, then. I hope your eyes are not tormented.

Never more so, for the edge of a blooming cheek is still in view

at once too much and too little.

I can't think how this happened.

She was determined not to dance.

And did she never change her mind before? She is very firm in general.

Miss Tilney does not care to dance? No.

That is, I believe there's no-one here she chooses to dance with.

It vexes our father.

Who is that lady?

The Marchioness de Thierry.

She is a friend of my father's.

She keeps him in touch with all the latest gossip.

When she was 16, she ran off with a French nobleman.

20 years later, he kindly married her.

Last year, he was guillotined.

How terrible. Terrible, yes, it is.

But at least it clears her from suspicion of Jacobin sympathies.

We live in curious times - on the one hand barbarity,

and on the other... greater civilisation.

I see you look doubtful.

But in my father's youth,

every man would be drunk by now,

and half the women losing fortunes at the gaming table.

But, I forget, you are not fond of history.

I do entreat you, make Isabella's engagement known to your brother.

Frederick does know of it.

Why does he persist in pursuing her?

Why do you not stop him? I repeat, Frederick knows what he is about.

He does NOT know what he's about.

Is it my brother's attentions to Miss Thorpe

or Miss Thorpe's admission of them that gives the pain?

Isn't it all one? Your brother would acknowledge a difference.

And what of the woman's power of refusal?

I could have predicted your every move this evening, Frederick.

I should hope so, little brother,

since I've misspent so much time teaching you the same tricks.

I don't wonder at your surprise. Really, I'm tired!

He's such a rattle. Amusing.

But I wanted to sit down. Why didn't you?

Because it would have looked awful. Besides, you know men!

He'd take no denial. Amazingly conceited, I'm sure.

I took him down several times, in my own way.

Goodness, is that his father?

How like his son he is.

And how he stares at you, my sweet.

Father? Yes.

Since we shall be leaving Bath so soon,

and since I shall find myself so often alone at home,

I wondered if I might ask Miss Morland to be my guest.

You may.

I was going to suggest it myself.

This evening, all my hopes concerning Miss Morland

have been confirmed.

I shall call on Mrs Allen... in the morning.

Poor gentleman, I DO hope he does not regret it.

You MUST try to be tidy, Catherine,

and at all times decent.

You're not listening!

Yes, I AM, truly, Mrs Allen.

General Tilney has just called

and he has MOST kindly, MOST gratifyingly

asked you to be his daughter's guest at Northanger Abbey.

Northanger Abbey!

Have I mistook the place?

Northanger ABBEY!

Your father's temper is beyond all reasoning!

The mess room will drink Isabella Thorpe for a fortnight!

Come, stupid boy! Damned late start!

Frederick, chasing after every damned... Father!

And good riddance to Bath, Miss Morland, what do you say?

Oh, yes, good riddance to Bath!

Good luck, little brother. When did I ever need luck, Frederick?

The devil take you, then!

My father was right to insist on you riding with me.

Your first view of Northanger will be better.

I must thank you for your kindness in becoming my sister's visitor.

It is an act of real friendship,

for Eleanor has no female companion and often no companion at all.

How sorry you must be for that. Yes.

You must be sad to leave the Abbey, too. Not so very much.

I have my own estate, where my present passion is a pinery.

You have formed a favourable idea of the Abbey. To be sure I have.

My passion is for ancient buildings. I hope you are not disappointed.

"One cannot be surprised at anyone taking a fancy to Catherine.

"Still, to be blunt, we ARE surprised." Dear Mrs Allen.

"Such a fine family

"and the General known to be particular for his children."

This is it...

"I believe Mrs Tilney is dead. Indeed, I am certain,

"for I remember now that Miss Tilney has got a beautiful set of pearls

"that were put by for her when her mother died."

Mrs Allen rattles on to impress... She can't help rattling on.

If there's no MRS Tilney,

was it wise, I wonder, to give our permission so readily?

Come along, now. Come along!

Father always likes to arrive first.

PEACOCK CRIES

You see how simply we live, Miss Morland.

Nothing in this room pretends to more than comfort and convenience.

It is within 20 minutes of six.

Allow me to show you to your rooms.

Oh, how pretty!

We eat at six, Miss Morland.

Please make as little alteration to your dress as possible.

HE CLICKS HIS FINGERS

SHE SCREAMS

TWEETS

What is it?

A canary. Did you never see one before?

Poor thing, shut up like this.

He knows no other way of life.

Do you think you have a heart

stout enough to bear the horrors of this place?

Horrors? How does your novel put it? A young girl,

alone in a strange dwelling,

full of gloomy passages,

mysterious stairways...

Go on. Are you not afraid?

Why should I be?

But come, Miss Morland,

I am here to rescue you and bring you to dinner.

DOOR OPENS

I am very sorry. Miss Morland was lost.

Your fair friend is quite out of breath.

You should not plague your guest

with such an excess of punctuality.

There was no occasion for hurry.

I suppose, Miss Morland,

you are used to much better-sized apartments at...

Mr Allen's? No, indeed. Mr Allen's dining parlour isn't half this size.

I never saw such a large room in my life.

As you see, our way of life is unassuming.

But we shall spare no pains

to make Northanger Abbey agreeable to you.

We are fortunate to have Henry here with us.

His commitments so often take him away.

But then, all young men should be...employed.

Even Frederick, my eldest son, who will perhaps inherit

as considerable a landed property as any man.

Even HE has his profession.

HE SLURPS LOUDLY

How very elegant your dinner service is, General Tilney.

You flatter me, Miss Morland, for it was my choice,

but, for my part, soup or even tea,

tastes as well from Staffordshire clay

as from Dresden.

I think it only right to encourage the manufacture of my own country.

I trust the opportunity will soon arise

for me to choose another service.

Though not for myself.

Some more soup for my father.

I DON'T want any more soup! Take it away!

THUNDER CLAPS

Eleanor!

WOMAN SOBS

WEEPING CONTINUES

How long must I go on living in this house?

(It won't last forever. You'll see.)

THUNDER CLAPS

Aah!

QUIET FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

CLOCK CHIMES MIDNIGHT

Ma'mselle! My lady.

CLOCK CHIMING

Do please come inside, ma'mselle.

The bandita are closing in on us. You are not safe out here,

and if you come with me now I will show you the picture. The picture.

Yes, ma'am, of the late lady of this place.

RUNNING WATER

Here's a right mess! What have you been up to, miss?

What are you doing? No, don't take those, Alice.

Be a lot of old laundry bills, miss.

"The same day at three,

"you and I beside the Unknown Woman."

Good morning, Miss Morland.

Thank you.

Must you really be gone all day, Mr Tilney? I'm afraid so.

After four weeks' neglect, my estate claims some attention.

But Eleanor will keep you happily occupied.

Oh, Eleanor, I... Ah!

Henry's duties must lie heavy on him this morning,

depriving him, as they do, of your company.

I hope the storm did not disturb you. Only a very little.

Father, I thought to show Miss Morland over the house.

I insist that you delay

that pleasure till I am free to accompany you.

Besides, I believe I see in Miss Morland's eye a desire

to make use of the fine weather.

You see, I'm right. What say you

to allowing my daughter to show you the gardens?

Oh, what a deliciously secret spot this is. Yes, it is.

Part of my fondness for it is

that it was my mother's favourite walk.

You were with her, I suppose, to the last? No.

I was, unfortunately, away from home.

"Away from home"!

Her illness was sudden and short and before I arrived it was all over.

Her death was so sudden, but I suppose you saw the corpse.

How did it appear?

It looked as if my mother had fallen asleep.

Forgotten us in a fit of absent-mindedness. That's all.

Would you like to see her chamber?

Oh, VERY much!

Eleanor, where are you going?

There's nothing worthy of Miss Morland's attention there.

Come, my dear, I need your help.

Miss Morland, we are expecting guests at four.

May I hope you will join us?

"My dearest Isabella,

"You cannot imagine how I long to talk to you.

"Northanger Abbey is everything, and more than I had imagined.

"And Mr Tilney... Mr Tilney must be the most agreeable man alive.

"But he is much preoccupied with concerns of his own."

HE SINGS: "Nel cor piu non mi sento"

# ..cagion del mio tormento,

# Amor, sei colpa tu. #

"Yet something is happening at Northanger

"to make the blood run cold.

"The General has done everything possible

"to prevent me from looking over the Abbey,

"and one room in particular is forbidden me.

"I am sure Eleanor is afraid of her father

"who shows every sign of an uneasy conscience.

"I must wait for an opportunity to unravel this mystery, alone."

# Di-sperar mi fa. #

Very amusing, sir.

But your sister's fair guest

may not have the taste for such satirical entertainment.

Her pleasure is our responsibility since we stole her away from Bath,

the place of her public triumph.

I greatly fear that the monotony of our days here may disgust her.

There is nowhere in the world I would rather be.

Miss Morland's youth allows her to be transparent.

A pretty licence my dogs also indulge in.

We could ride tomorrow. I have no habit.

We will FIND you a habit, Miss Morland. Then it is settled.

Have you no duets, Henry? I am sure we do.

And now, my dear Emily, you must give me all the gossip from Bath.

Tell me,

how did you find Lord Sumpter's new mistress?

Just as silly, just as cross,

and just as extravagant as any of us could have hoped.

DUET: "Non Ti Sdegar" by Giovanni Clari

SINGING CONTINUES

Help me, Alice, do! Now I can't even do these buttons!

You're in a fine old dither this morning.

This was a habit of the late mistress. Poor Mrs Tilney.

Why do you say "poor" Mrs Tilney?

I was only in the kitchens,

but my mother was the mistress's favourite,

and she used to say the General made his wife's life a perfect misery,

though she never would say why, not exactly.

Then her dying so sudden...

Why, whatever is it, Miss? Are you ill?

I feel a little sick. I...

Alice, be kind enough to tell the General I will not go riding today.

Oh, dear! Not go riding?

It was long ago, Miss, and a man does quieten down with the years.

I should know, I married an old 'un.

Alice, please tell the General I am not well and cannot go riding.

Mr Tilney!

How came you up that staircase?

How? Because it's the quickest way from the stable-yard.

I decided to stay. I was concerned about you.

How do you come to be here?

I came to see your mother's room. So it seems.

And is there anything extraordinary to be seen here? Nothing at all.

You know my father does not like this room to be entered. No...I...

Eleanor sent you to look? No.

It has been your own doing entirely.

But then, Eleanor has spoken a great deal about our mother,

I suppose? Yes, a very great deal.

Well, not much, but it WAS interesting. Her dying so suddenly,

none of you here, and your father...

I thought perhaps he had not been so very fond of her.

And from these circumstances you infer perhaps some negligence?

Or could it be something less pardonable?

The seizure that killed my mother

WAS sudden but her illness was constitutional,

and she often suffered from it.

Besides, during her last illness, Frederick and I were here.

Eleanor was far away, but we were here.

And your father, did he suffer?

For a while, very much so.

He loved her, I am sure,

insofar as he was able. We are not equally tender.

And I cannot pretend that while she lived she did not have much

to put up with, but he WAS distressed.

Why did he never marry again? Why?

A widower is not obliged to marry again, you know.

Besides, I'm sure there was no-one my father wished to marry.

It would have been very shocking otherwise.

Shocking?

If I am to understand you,

you've been imagining things of such horror I've hardly words...

What have you been judging from?

Remember the age and country.

Consult your own sense of the probable,

your own understanding.

Could such atrocities be perpetrated in a land such as this,

where roads and newspapers lay everything open?

My father has his faults,

and Mother would joke he married her for her money...but murder?

My dear Miss Morland, has reading one silly novel

unbalanced your judgment so completely?

Catherine?

Catherine!

Forgive me for waking you, but you have been asleep for hours.

There's a letter, perhaps from Isabella?

Thank you. Where is everyone?

Our guests have left for London. And Henry? He is away on business.

So you see how glad I am of your company, Catherine?

No, this isn't Isabella's hand, this is from James.

JAMES: "Dear Catherine, I think it is my duty to tell you

"everything is at an end between Isabella and me.

"I suffered her flirtation because she swore her heart was mine

"but all the while she deceived me,

"and I'm ashamed to think how long I bore with it.

"I can only hope...

"..that before Cpt Tilney announces the engagement

"you may be removed from Northanger.

"Her cruelty has all but killed me.

"Dearest Catherine, beware how you give your heart.

"Your loving brother, James."

How can this be?

James writes to tell me that Isabella has deserted him,

and that he expects her engagement

to Captain Tilney to be made known at any hour!

Can any heart be so fickle?

Not everyone is ruled by their heart, Catherine.

As for Frederick marrying Isabella,

my brother would never think of such a thing. Why do you say that?

Isabella is as poor as a church mouse.

That will not signify with your family.

General Tilney was saying... You were there.

He values money only as it allows him

to promote his children's happiness.

Have I misunderstood the General in SO many ways?

I know that we appear to be rich and fortunate,

but things are NOT as they seem.

Father is an inveterate gambler and loses vastly.

The Marchioness encourages him

with schemes to make dazzling matches for us.

But if the General is so concerned with money,

what does he want with me?

Oh, Catherine, don't let him ruin your happiness.

And YOUR happiness?

On my 14th birthday, at my first ball,

I fell in love with Thomas, a young officer in Frederick's regiment.

Until three years ago, our happiness was perfect.

Then Thomas's family was ruined,

and my father forbade me ever to see or communicate with him again.

Although we do, of course, still meet in secret.

And do you meet here, beside the statue of the Unknown Woman?

Yes, we do. Alice told me that you'd found some of our old notes.

Now you must both keep my secret.

You know I shall do nothing foolish, for I value good sense above all.

Even in love?

Most of all in love.

The General asks to see you, Miss. I've never seen him half so mad.

Cathy!

Cathy is home!

Cathy's home!

Your behaviour surprises me, Sir.

MY behaviour, damn you?

It's Miss Morland's behaviour surprises me.

The Marchioness arrived from Bath

with rumours that persuaded me to make more careful enquiries.

I discovered Miss Morland was what you probably always knew her to be,

a common little fortune seeker.

As you may well imagine,

Thorpe's deceit has given Bath some pretty amusement

at my expense. Thorpe misled you?

Yes, Thorpe, damn it.

Thorpe, his vulgar sister

and Miss Morland colluded to ruin the Tilney family.

They attempted it at our weakest point, Frederick and you.

There was none of it on Miss Morland's part.

Oh? Did she not pretend herself an heiress from the start?

No. You readily believed her to be one.

She is not an heiress, nor a pauper.

So, you've been making enquiries on your own? You amaze me!

HE WHISTLES

Pray, be good enough to tell me how much the young lady may expect?

400 a year.

400?

Have you any notion how much it costs to keep this place?

This morning I have formed a notion and I believe it costs too dear.

You should look to your own weakness, Father.

Have you forgot yourself, sir?

On the contrary. Good God,

and I believed Catherine's picture of you to be too black.

Too black, you say?

Damn nonsense! I always had a bark that was worse

than my BITE.

Maybe the young lady should occupy her imagination writing novels.

One cannot imagine a better bred man than General Tilney,

and very particular for his children.

But then Catherine is agreeable in both dress and manners.

MR ALLEN: My dear, whatever the reasons,

the General's not acted honourably.

Neither as a gentleman, nor as a parent.

It is a strange business.

I cannot think the General has acted honourably.

The General's behaviour is something not worth understanding.

We are happy to have Catherine safely back.

I am sure you are.

It is a comfort to know she is not a sad shatter-brained creature,

but can shift well for herself.

It is the Tilneys' loss. Catherine!

Catherine!

Bath was a nice place, was it not?

My dear, do you not think these gloves wear well?

I put them on new the first time we visited the Upper Rooms.

Do you remember that night? Perfectly.

We met Mr Tilney there.

I always thought him a great addition.

I have a notion you danced with him,

but I am not quite sure.

No, really, I have NO patience with him!

Though I shall never forget his last words to me -

"Mrs Allen!"

Such a commanding voice he had.

"Mrs Allen, it has been a pleasure to meet you."

Well...one lives and learns.

Miss Morland?

Don't be afraid.

I promise not to oppress you with too much remorse,

or too much passion.

Though since you left us,

the white rose-bush has died of grief.

Catherine.

Are you still a disgrace to your sex?

Does your face express all that your heart feels,

or may I hope it holds a secret?

You know that I do not need my father's permission to marry.

But he knows you are here?

Yes.

Cathy!

Cathy!

Cathy?