Original subtitles

Well, Mr. Gray, what do you think?

Don't know. I want to sell you the land, almanzo,

but I'd sure feel better if you could come up with some more cash.

Well, that's every penny I've got saved.

You see, my problem, son...

I need some hard cash coming in in the next 6 months.

How much?

Oh, $1,000.

One good crop, and I've got it.

I can do it, sir.

I need it in writing.

Strictly business.

You don't pay on the note, the land's mine again.

I understand.

You just write up the papers, and I'll sign them.

All right, young man. You got a deal.

Mr. Gray: Come on up to the house. We'll get the paperwork done.

Yes, sir.

Almanzo: Mr. Ingalls, can I have supper over tonight?

Yeah, if you don't kill yourself first!

Most of the trouble you all had on the test

was in not remembering to carry over.

Almanzo: Beth! Oh, Beth! I got it!

Eliza Jane: Almanzo Wilder, do you mind?

I'm sorry, sis. I'm just so excited.

Can you come with me right now?

I'm in the middle of a math lesson.

I can't leave in the middle of a class!

Oh, sis, can you let her go just this once? Please!

Yes! Anything! Just so I can get on with the class.

Thanks, sis. Come on, Beth!

Come on, sue!

Willie!

Sorry, sis,

I just got a little excited.

In the corner.

Hey, almanzo! Hey! Hey, slow down!

That's my daughter you got in that rig!

Almanzo: Whoa!

What do you think of all this?

Laura: I think you drive too fast.

Almanzo: Forget that!

Laura: Where are you going?

- Look at all this! Look at up here! - Look at what?

Now, look, don't you think this is the perfect spot?

Perfect for what?

Now, I'm not set on it. I wouldn't make that decision without you,

but don't you think it's a perfect spot?

Perfect for what?!

For our house.

Almanzo Wilder, what are you talking about?

The land...

It's ours.

I bought it today.

Almanzo: All of this...

It's going to be our home.

Our home?

Our home?!

Oh, manly, our home!

This Mr. Gray drives a hard bargain.

If you don't pay on the button, you lose it all.

I know, but I didn't have much choice.

Besides, with this piece of land,

I don't think I have much to worry about.

Almanzo: It's got its own water, and I'm going to start digging irrigation ditches

as soon as I finish busting the soil.

I was here when the hail wiped US out.

One year out of 7. The odds are in my favor.

That they are.

It's a fine piece of land, there's no doubt about that.

Almanzo, how are you going to work your land, work at the feed & Seed...

Well, it's our land.

Laura: How are you going to work our land, work at the feed & Seed,

and take care of your sister's place?

Well, I've made arrangements for that already.

A fellow I met in sleepy eye named harve Miller...

I think I mentioned him to you...

The one that's joking all the time?

Yeah. Well, he wanted to get out of the city.

I told him there might be a job, and he jumped at it.

He can keep an eye on sis' place, too.

Well, then everything's all arranged.

All you have to do is bring in the crop, build a house,

and, uh... Pray.

I'm going to do all three.

I feel like I could do anything.

Mr. Ingalls, I can't tell you how I feel

owning my own piece of land.

Our own piece of land.

Our own.

Well, Mr. Big landowner, why don't you and I go out and walk off some supper

and have a little talk?

- Yes, sir. - I'll put on another pot of coffee.

Thank you, darling.

He's so happy.

I know.

What about my girl?

I'm excited.

It's all happening so suddenly.

In 6 months, I'll be Laura Ingalls Wilder.

You told me a long time ago you knew you would.

I know.

What?

Hmm?

What are you thinking?

I don't know.

Yes, you do.

Come on.

What is it?

I just realized for the first time...

That I won't be teaching.

- Miss Wilder? - Oh.

Sorry to startle you, ma'am.

I do talk kind of loud, don't I?

Comes from living in the city, I guess.

I'm harve Miller, I'm a friend of your brother's.

Oh, yes, Mr. Miller.

Almanzo wasn't expecting you until tomorrow.

I know, but I got a chance to leave all that noise a day early, so I took it.

I stopped off and saw almanzo out working his field,

and he asked if I could take you home.

Oh, that would be very kind.

Well, think nothing of it, ma'am. It's just part of the deal.

Uh, you about ready?

Oh, yes. I can finish this in the morning.

Well, there's no need to rush, now. Can I help you with any of that?

Oh, no, I'm fine, thank you.

Willie: Miss Wilder?

Oh, Willie, I forgot you were in the corner.

I'm always in the corner!

You may go home.

That boy!

Not one of your prize students, I take it.

I'm afraid not.

His main concern in school is making jokes.

Kind of reminds me of me when I was in school.

I spent my share of time in the corner...

That and getting whuppings.

Then why on earth did you keep doing it?

I don't know. It's better than being ignored, I guess.

I wasn't too popular in school,

but being a clown at least gets you noticed.

So does studying harder than anyone else.

I suppose.

Eliza Jane: Good heavens! I've never heard of such a thing.

Are you sure that's a true story?

Harve: True as an arrow from Robin's bow.

Of course, the bobcat was really an alley cat,

and the next time I tell it, it's probably going to be a mountain lion.

Well, I'd better get your rig unhitched

and get on to my chores.

I want to thank you again for the ride.

I'd be happy to do it every day.

I finish up at the feed & Seed

about the same time school lets out,

and I'd be coming out here then anyway.

We might as well keep each other company, don't you think?

We might as well. Till tomorrow, then.

Mr. Miller?

Yes, miss Wilder?

Since we'll be seeing each other every day,

perhaps we should be less formal...

Eliza Jane: On a first-name basis.

Be happy to.

Good.

It'd be a mite easier for me if I knew your first name.

Oh.

Of course.

It's Eliza Jane.

Well, I'll see you later...

Eliza Jane.

See you later...

Harve.

Almanzo.

Almanzo!

Yeah?

You fell asleep again.

Finish your tea and get up to bed.

Yes, ma'am.

How well do you know Mr. Miller?

Hmm, I know him pretty well, I'd say.

He seems very nice.

Well, he's always been a good friend to me.

He sure is a lot of fun to be around.

He told me one story after another on the way home today.

That's harve.

That's what I call him.

What?

That's what I call him...

Harve.

He calls me Eliza Jane.

You don't seem surprised.

- At what? - That he calls me Eliza Jane.

Why should I be?

Who else calls me Eliza Jane?

- Lots of people. - Who?

The children call me miss Wilder.

Their parents call me miss Wilder.

The only one who doesn't call me miss Wilder is you,

and you call me sis.

I guess I never really thought about it much.

I know.

Better get yourself to bed.

Yeah.

- Are you all right? - Certainly.

Why do you ask?

I don't know. You just seem to be acting kind of funny tonight.

I'm all right, really.

Good night.

Good night, almanzo.

Eliza Jane, voice-over: Dear diary...

I'm not going to write about school this time.

I met a man today.

His name is harve.

He calls me Eliza Jane.

- Here are all the readers. - Thank you, Laura.

- See you in church. - Oh, Laura.

Yes, miss Wilder?

Could I speak to you for a moment?

Certainly.

This isn't easy for me to do,

but I need someone to talk to,

and I thought your being a teacher, too...

Oh, never mind.

I shouldn't be bothering you with this anyway.

Oh, I'm sure it wouldn't be a bother to me.

I'm going to be a part of the family.

I feel so silly...

A woman of my age

asking a woman of your age...

But how do you...

How did you get my brother to notice you?

I don't mean notice.

I mean...

Oh, for heaven sakes.

I've driven home with Mr. Miller... harve...

Every day for weeks now,

and he's always so nice and friendly,

and I just don't want to be nice and friendly,

and I don't know what to do.

And I feel so foolish

talking to you about this.

Well, don't.

Everybody needs somebody to talk to.

I'm at my wit's end. Can you help me?

Well, I'll try, but you should know more

about how to handle men than I do.

Because I'm older?

Yes.

I've just...

Wrong. Very wrong.

Well, how did you do it with your other beaus?

I've never had a Beau.

I've never been close to having a Beau.

I've never really been out with anyone.

I've never...

Kissed anyone.

Eliza Jane: I've never even danced with anyone,

except your brother Albert.

Laura...

There's just something about me.

Nonsense.

What is it?

I don't know.

Your brother's awfully shy.

Maybe you're the same way.

Laura: Sometimes when a person's shy,

and the other person doesn't realize it's shyness,

and he kind of takes it for not being interested

when you really are.

I am shy.

Well, that's it, then.

But what can I do about it?

Force yourself not to be shy.

Have you asked him over for supper?

Oh... heavens, no.

I was hoping he'd ask me.

Well, maybe he's shy, too.

Maybe he's just waiting for you.

But what if he's not shy, and he just doesn't want to have supper with me?

There's only one way to find out.

I suppose you're right.

Harve: Eliza?

You about ready?

Just a moment. I have to check these readers.

I'll just be outside.

I'll check the readers. You go ahead.

Go ahead?

Yes, go ahead.

Hope I didn't keep you waiting.

No, I was just watching the kids play.

Could I ask you a question?

Sure enough.

Are you shy?

Me?

Heck no.

Oh.

Why'd you ask?

No reason.

Are you angry with me or something?

- No. - Well, you ain't hardly said a thing all the way home.

You can talk about Willie getting in trouble

or Albert doing some good or nothing.

I guess I'm just quiet today.

But you sure it's nothing I've done?

Believe me, it's nothing you've done.

Yeah, well. I just wanted to make sure.

Ahh.

I've a little extra water today.

What with this drought we've been having your flowers could sure use it.

Thank you. That would be very nice.

Well, I'll get right on to it.

Could I ask you another question?

Sure.

Do you ever have supper?

Matter of fact, I do,

most every night.

I mean, with someone.

Oh. Not lately.

Would you like to?

Yes, I would.

Tonight?

Um, well...

Yeah, tonight'd be just fine.

Tonight, then, 6:00.

I'm a good cook.

My brother will be here, too.

Oh.

Eliza Jane, voice-over: Dear diary...

I asked harve to supper.

He said, "yeah, sure. Tonight would be just fine."

I am having trouble breathing.

Hi, everybody! Is ma in the kitchen?

Shh! Yes. Will you, for heaven sakes, not be so loud?

Can't you see my Nellie is sick?

I'm sorry.

Ma, look what came in the mail today!

- What is it? - Well, just look!

Let me dry my hands.

Oh, Laura!

You've been awarded a teaching position at radnor.

You were chosen above several applicants.

Isn't it wonderful?

Yes.

But you're not going to take it. You can't.

I know that. It's just the idea.

They want me!

I could have been a good teacher, ma.

I know.

Have you shown this to almanzo?

No, I wanted you to see it first.

I think you should show it to him.

He'll be very proud of you, I'm sure.

I'll take it to him right now.

- Congratulations. - Thanks, ma!

Mrs. Oleson: Shh! Laura. Laura: Sorry.

Oh! Oh, dear. I'm sorry about that, honey.

Eat your soup, just a little bit of it.

I can't, mother.

I don't think I could hold it down.

Oh! Here, let me get it out of your way.

I wish I knew what it was.

Yeah, well, I'll tell you what I think it is.

I think it's that strange food that you make for your husband.

But he likes it, and it doesn't make him sick.

Well, of course he likes it.

He's used to it. He's Jewish!

A person can get used to anything.

Look at the cannibals.

They eat each other, and they think it's just dandy.

Mother, I hardly think it's the same thing.

Well, I think it is.

I mean, whoever thought of making that little flat bread?

What's he call it again?

Matzo.

Matzo.

Yes, then you have to mash it all up

and make little rubber balls out of it and put it in his soup.

It's not normal to put things like that in a person's stomach.

Mrs. Oleson: I mean, even the names alone should make you know.

What's that noodle thing called?

Kreplach.

Kreplach, ah, yes.

Kreplach.

I mean, it sounds like the person who named it was gagging.

Mother, please.

All right. All right, all right.

Don't listen to me. I'm only your mother.

But I am taking you to see Dr. Baker this instant,

and Dr. Baker is going to tell you

the proper kind of food to eat for your health.

Now, come along with me.

Yes, mother.

Almanzo: Hi, Beth! Laura: Hi, manly!

Whoa. What's the big hurry?

Look what came in the mail today.

Let me see.

What do you think?

Well, I don't understand it.

Well, that's nice.

I'm accepted over all the other applicants,

and you say you don't understand it?

I am a good teacher, you know.

Oh, I know that.

I just don't know why you applied.

Just to see what would happen.

That doesn't make sense.

Well, it does to me.

I worked hard for my teaching certificate.

Who knows? Maybe someday it will come in handy.

Well, don't you think I can provide for US?

Of course I do.

Well, then what are you talking about working for?

I wasn't.

I was just saying in case.

My ma works, you know?

I know.

And that may be all right with your pa, but it's not all right with me.

You understand?

Yes.

I don't think it's worth getting upset over.

You're right.

I'm sorry.

I'm all done with work for the day.

Can I take you home?

Sure.

I'm sorry to be so long.

Harriet: No, no, no, it's perfectly all right.

I must say, Dr. Baker, that I'm quite shocked

at the kind of reading material

you keep in your office.

The reading material is on the table.

This is a medical book, which you took from my desk.

Well, nevertheless, it should be kept under lock and key.

And I must say, Dr. Baker,

I am most definitely going to discourage my Willie

from joining the medical profession.

I'm sure that will be best for all concerned.

Nellie's getting dressed. Then you can go right in.

Dressed?

Dressed?!

Now, please, Mrs. Oleson,

I can't examine a patient who is fully clothed.

But Dr. Baker, I brought her in here with an upset stomach.

I don't understand why she has to...

I'm sure you don't. Nellie will explain.

What do you mean Nellie will explain?

Yes, she wanted to be the one to tell you.

To tell me?

Oh, no.

Oh, dear, no.

Mrs. Oleson: Oh, my god!

Mrs. Oleson...

Oh!

Dr. Baker!

That poor baby...

Mrs. Oleson: Isn't there anything you can do?

I'm afraid not.

Oh, doctor, how long?

How long?

6 months.

Oh, my!

At the most.

Mrs. Oleson: Oh, no!

Nellie: Mother!

It's all right, doctor.

I'll be all right.

She'll need me now.

I'll be strong.

Nellie: Mother...

Mrs. Oleson: Yes, my darling?

Nellie: I'm going to have a baby!

Harve: And so I said, "yes, but you best look for yourself."

And he was back there, laughing, and here I am all covered in ketchup.

And she let out a scream!

And she took off a-running up the street.

Almanzo: I swear she could have won the hero township foot race championship.

I'm sure it was a sight to see.

Almanzo: Oh, you should have seen her the next day

when she found out he was really alive.

Perhaps Mr. Miller could tell me outside.

Oh. Oh, my goodness.

Uh... well, you're right.

Uh, I'd best be going.

Oh, I didn't mean for you to go.

No, uh, no. I understand. Really, I do.

I didn't mean to impose on you this late,

but you know how it is when...

An old friend gets together.

Almanzo: I'll take you out, harve.

Almanzo, why don't you put some wood on for a fire?

I'll walk out with harve.

No need to go to no trouble now, ma'am.

It's no trouble.

I'll see you, almanzo.

Sis... you sure you want to make a fire?

It's hotter than Hades in here.

Just do it.

No, you go ahead.

Smell that night air.

You don't get that in the city.

It's beautiful.

Could you take my arm?

These steps are so hard to see at night.

Certainly.

Thank you.

You were about to tell me about miss Mabel...

Harkins? Yeah.

Well, the next day, she and her fellow were on their way to church

in this buckboard, and, as they drove by,

I stepped out.

Well, sir, she crossed her arms like this,

she went, "brrr! Brrr!"

And fainted dead away.

You didn't find that too funny, did you?

Yes. Yes, I did.

Well, you kind of had to have been there.

Actually, it wouldn't have made any difference if you'd have been there or not.

You wouldn't have found it funny.

Miss Mabel didn't find it funny either.

She never spoke to me again.

Can't say as I blame her.

Just crazy harve trying to get attention again, the same as always.

But like I always say,

it's better than not being noticed.

I think a lot of people would notice you

if you didn't act crazy all the time.

I would.

That was nice.

It was real nice.

I meant it.

I know you did.

How come you look different?

I don't know.

It's the glasses.

Harve: I don't think I've ever seen you without them.

You got real pretty eyes, Eliza.

That was nice, too, harve.

Well...

Guess I'd better be going.

Thanks for the supper.

You'll come again?

I'd love to.

After church on sunday?

I'll be there.

See you sunday.

See you sunday.

Hey!

Almanzo!

Almanzo!

Yeah, sis?

Would you help me?

What's the matter? Are you all right?

I'm fine. You'll have to help me to the house.

You know I can't see a thing without my glasses at night.

Almanzo: Why'd you take them off, for heaven's sake? Eliza Jane: They hurt my nose.

Almanzo: Oh.

Harve is coming to supper again on sunday.

Oh, good. I get a real kick out of talking to him.

I thought perhaps you could have supper with Laura.

You usually do on sunday.

I know. I just didn't want you to be stuck alone with harve.

I'll manage.

All right. I made a little fire for you inside.

I think I'll just sit out here and let it cool off a little.

Good night, almanzo.

Good night, Eliza.

Eliza Jane, voice-over: Dear diary...

Tonight a man said I have pretty eyes.

I can't tell you how it made me feel

because I'm too embarrassed to write it down.

Ready for bed, son?

Yeah, just about. I want to get a glass of milk.

All right.

Laura's crying again.

Caroline: What?

Well, I was only joking about being glad she was getting married

so I could have the loft all to myself.

Then she just started crying.

I know what it is.

Well, I was only joking.

Well, I know that, because when Laura gets married and leaves,

we're moving Carrie up in the loft with you.

Thanks.

Let me brush the back a little.

You used to love me to brush your hair

when you were little.

You'd say, "more, mommy, more!"

Till I thought my arm wanted to fall off,

but I loved it.

You know...

When your pa and I were first married,

it...

It was a very difficult time for me.

I'd been teaching and...

I felt as though I was doing

my students some good,

and myself some good.

I missed that after I was married.

I loved your pa, but...

I wasn't always happy.

And when you're young and...

First married,

well, you expect to be happy all the time.

I still wanted to teach,

but I couldn't...

And live with your pa.

There just wasn't a school close enough.

And I doubt if he would have let me anyway.

It's one of the first things

that's hard to get used to.

When you're first married,

your life just...

Isn't totally your own anymore.

You can't do everything you want to.

And it's not just the women folk either.

Oh, I'm sure there are things your pa

would have liked to have done...

Places I know he wanted to see.

But neither one of US would change a thing.

Because if we did,

there wouldn't be a Mary...

And a Laura...

And a Carrie and a grace...

And an Albert.

I know how you're feeling.

Believe me.

But don't worry,

you'll be a teacher.

- How? - Oh, Laura...

A mother is all things:

A cook, a dressmaker...

A disciplinarian,

a nurse,

but above all, a teacher.

And I know that when your children

are ready to graduate from your family,

they'll be as ready to face the world as you are.

I know they will.

That concludes our regular services for today.

I have just a few announcements.

Rev. Alden: We would all like to wish happy birthday

to elvira horngrist.

She'll be 86 years young this Tuesday.

And we'd all like to offer our congratulations

to Nellie and percival Dalton

on the coming arrival of their first child.

How time flies.

It seems just yesterday Nellie was a baby,

and now, in just a few short months,

Harriet oleson is going to be a grandmother.

Nellie: Mother! Nels: Doc baker!

It sure took Dr. baker a long time to revive Mrs. Oleson.

That woman faints more than any 10 women I know.

Nels sure took it calm.

He's used to it. Probably likes it.

If she's unconscious, she can't talk.

Almanzo: Beth.

You want to come with me? I'm going to check my irrigation ditches.

On sunday?

Well, I don't think the lord will mind.

He knows it's not my fault that he won't let it rain.

You go ahead. I want to help ma with supper anyway.

All right. I won't be long.

We'll have supper in two hours. Don't be late.

See what I mean, sir?

Not even married yet, and she's already giving me orders.

The roast is in the oven.

Can't wait.

Is your lemonade cold enough?

Uh, yeah.

Is it sweet enough?

It's just... Just fine.

You're sure?

I tend to make it a little tangy sometimes.

Oh.

No... ahem. No, it's perfect.

It's, uh... Ahem... It's a shame that

almanzo couldn't join US.

Yes.

It's kind of fun talking about old times.

It must be.

- I'm sorry that... - Do you like...

- I'm sorry. - Oh, you go ahead.

Uh...

I forgot what I was going to say.

Oh.

No, I didn't.

I was going to say that I'm sorry that I don't have anything to say.

I mean, it's not that I don't have anything to say, it's...

Uh...

I guess, uh... I just feel more comfortable around men folk.

I don't think that's unusual.

You don't?

No.

I feel more comfortable around women...

Or children.

Well, I'll be darned.

I always been like this.

If I'm joking, I'm fine, but...

Just plain talking to a woman...

Well, that's... That's hard for me.

And for me.

Well...

Guess we could just...

Sit here and listen to the grass grow.

Then later we could hear the sunset.

Or the stars twinkling.

Well, we're talking.

It's kind of silly, but we're talking.

Yes.

Do you like music?

I've got a victrola.

I just love music.

It's so restful.

It's so...

Do you dance, harve?

No, ma'am.

Oh.

Do you?

Yes.

I've taken lots of lessons.

I always wanted to dance,

but, um...

I don't know, um...

I just never learned.

You can't just get up and do it, you know?

Would you like me to teach you?

Oh, no, it's...

It's probably no use.

I wouldn't get it right anyhow.

Of course you would.

Come on.

Try.

All right.

But I won't be any good!

Now...

Hold this hand here.

Put this hand

around my waist.

Now, I'll lead until you get the hang of it.

Uh... I feel real embarrassed.

I know that's silly to you because you're used to it, but...

I never, uh... Danced with a lady before.

You'll get used to it...

Too.

Whoa!

Mr. Ingalls.

Charles: What's the matter?

He's dammed it up. He's gone and dammed it up.

- Who? - Gray.

He dammed up the stream. There's not a drop of water on my land.

But why on earth would he do that?

I don't know. I went up the stream to the fork.

His foreman's there keeping an eye on the dam.

He said he didn't know a thing about it

except that gray told him not to let anybody tamper with it.

Almanzo: Well, I got mad, and he threw me off the place.

He had a shotgun!

All right, take it easy. Calm down.

This gray is new around here.

He probably just doesn't understand our ways.

Come on, let's ride out there and have a talk with him.

Be careful, you two.

I don't like talk of shotguns.

We'll be careful, darling.

Mr. Gray.

Mr. Gray: Afternoon, Mr. Wilder, and, uh...

Charles Ingalls.

Yes, I've seen you at the mill, I think.

- Yeah. - What can I do for you?

You can explain why you got the south fork dammed up.

Nothing to explain. It's on my land.

Mr. Gray: Your ditches were pulling too much water.

The north fork's got all the water you need.

That's your opinion, boy, not mine.

Now, Mr. Gray, we're not challenging your right to do it.

All we're saying is we need some water, too.

There's no telling how long this dry spell is going to last.

Almanzo could lose his whole crop without irrigation.

Not easy being a farmer.

Never was.

Are you saying you won't give the boy any water?

Mr. Gray: That's right.

If I don't have a crop, that means I can't pay off the note I owe you.

Then the land just reverts back to me.

And I lose all the money and sweat I have in the land?

Maybe not all.

You see your way clear to turning the title to me now,

I'll pay you $100 for the crop and the field.

It's worth 10 times that much!

Not if it's dead.

Take it or leave it.

I'll leave it...

And I'm going to leave you with something.

Come on, easy! Come on, take it easy!

Easy, now.

Get off my land!

Go on home!

Pray for rain.

Come on, now!

Just let me hit him once!

It's not going to do you any good.

Just come on.

Almanzo: I just can't believe one person would do that to another.

I know, but he's done it.

He's right. All we can do now is pray for rain.

Mr. Gray: Don't forget that $100.

It's better than nothing.

Almanzo, wait here. I'm going to ask him one question.

Mr. Gray.

Thought you were going off to pray.

Well, I just wanted to apologize

for the actions of my future son-in-law.

He just doesn't understand you're a businessman, and these things happen.

He's just a boy, you know what I mean?

I suppose.

Because, when you made that offer,

that very generous offer of $100 for his crop...

That was $100, wasn't it?

- That's right. - Right.

Well, when you made that offer, he really got upset.

I mean, see, he was planning

to take the money from the crop and pay off the note

and build a house for my daughter and himself

and live on the land for the rest of their lives.

I mean, you can't blame him for being upset.

Of course.

But it's business.

Well, I know that, and you know that,

but like I said, he's just a boy.

I mean, he's... He's ornery,

and he's hotheaded, you know?

Hey, you know who he reminds me of?

His future father-in-law.

And you know when he's going to sell you that crop for $100?

When hell freezes over!

It's hard to believe. You just can't talk to some people.

Let's go.