All language subtitles for They Were Sisters

Blast the thing. It's laddered.

Charlotte, be an angel
and lend me a pair.

Why can't you take more care of things?
- I never have time to take care.

Well, I suppose you must have them.
- Right. Everybody is nice to me.

There. But you don't deserve them.

A bit pink, aren't they?
- You don't have to wear them.

Here you are.
- Lucy to the rescue as usual.

Take care of them.
No more where they came from.

Heavenly, darling.
- Hurry up. Brian's waited for ages.

Why take life so seriously?

If somebody didn't in this house, I do
not know what would happen to you all.

Hello. Brian. Girls not down yet?

No.

Come in.

Mr Moore, sir.
- Uhuh.

How do you do?

Come in. Kind of you
Mr Moore to come out here.

I didn't want you to sign this lease
without a little talk. Sit down.

Thank you.

I'm afraid I can't advise it. No.

You can't?

I expect I'm better at building
houses than buying them.

To be sure, you're an architect.
- Sort of.

I spend most of my time restoring
houses. What's that row?

[ Car horn ]

I said, what's that?

My daughter goes to a tea dance.

A function invariably
prefaced by loud trumpeting.

Loud trumpeting.

Isn't it easier to work at the office?
- Much easier. But since I retired ..

My young partners expect me to do all
the work if I turn up there too often.

[ Car horn ]

Here I am. The others won't be long.
- Good, Charlotte. Pop into my car.

Hello Vera, how are you?
- Hello, Brian.

Do you mind waiting for Lucy?
She'll be hours. I go with the others.

Minnie, tell cook to keep the
sole for tomorrow's lunch.

We'll have the cold lamb
and salad tonight.

Minnie, if the laundry's come back,
see if they returned the missing sheet.

Father, do you mind if
supper is at 8:30 tonight?

I beg your pardon.

My daughter Lucy, Mr Moore.

How do you do.

How do you do.

Sorry for butting in.

Well.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

As I was saying, I think it would be
better if we were to alter this clause.

More tea?
- Might as well, perhaps.

Unless of course, you'd rather dance?

No.
- Not? Neither would I.

I don't shine on the dance floor.

It's a pity really, for it seems that ..

Vera only cares for people
who think with their feet.

She isn't very old you know.

I think it's rather nice she seems more
interested in having a good time than ..

Finding a rich husband.

Oh. What goes on?

Pardon me, sir. You're obstructing
the view. Thank you very much.

A hot number, what?
- Not bad.

Know who she is?
- Hmm. Vera Field.

Queen of the neighbourhood, old boy.

And behaves like one.
- Who will introduce me?

Not a hope. A frozen mitt is
all you'll get from that quarter.

You think so?

Very good. Very good.

Like an idiot I was watching your feet
and I didn't realize you are Vera Field.

Geoffrey Lee is the name. We met
at the Spencers. Remember?

When that idiot Porker Wilson poured
cream into Lady Waterford's ear trumpet.

Amazing luck, meeting you.
I think this calls for a quick one.

I'm afraid I don't know you
or the Spencers. Such a pity.

But ..

Hello, Brian. Shall we dance?

I'm so sorry my sister snubbed you.

Vera meets so many people. The ones you
mentioned I'm afraid slipped her memory.

So much the better if it's given
me the chance of meeting you.

May I say I wouldn't believe two members
of one family could be so different.

Oh.

Shall we dance?

Are you a professional dancer?

No, mine is a very grave calling.

I deal in matters of life and death.

You're not in the army?
- No, I sell life insurance.

Your sister seems to know
him, even if you don't.

Charlotte has a passion for stray dogs.
One of these days she'll get bitten.

I am so sorry.

I think we'll sit down.
- Of course. If you'd rather.

Do you know who Charlotte's dances with?
- No. I told him I didn't want to.

I don't like him.
- Who would?

Charlotte, apparently.

Now, what's it to be?
- Nothing thanks.

Drink always goes to my head.
- That's what it's meant to do.

The usual for me please, Smasher,
and a thimble full of milk for the lady.

Has anyone ever told you how
pretty you are when you laugh?

No, I .. I don't think so.

I think I ought to be going.
- Going, why?

It's late. Father hates to
be kept waiting for dinner.

So do I. How about having
dinner with me instead?

When shall we meet again?

Do we meet again?

You don't think I'll let a pretty thing
like you slip through my fingers.

I'll give you a ring.

He's not coming to tea again?

Yes, he is. Your friends come
here, so why shouldn't mine.

If you mean Brian, I'm not such a fool
as to have him or any of them every day.

When I want your advice I'll ask for it.
- That may be too late, darling.

Whose are the socks?
- Geoffrey's.

His landlady takes his money
and lets him go about in rags.

I wonder you don't pop over every
day to give his shoes a shine.

You've never done anything for anybody.

Geoffrey.
- Hello, everybody.

I couldn't wait to come by the front.
I have world-shattering news.

The day dawns when Geoffrey
leaps to the top of the tree.

What's happened? Or would you
like some tea before you tell us?

Tea? On this occasion?
Perish the thought.

Besides, a cab is waiting outside
with my luggage on board.

Where are you going?
- To Denborough.

I'm now the agent for the Denborough
branch of the Royal Assurance company.

That means a house of my own and
a dozen men to carry out my orders.

Oh.
- Oh?

Is that all you can say?
No gasps of astonishment?

No congratulations? Just 'Oh'?
- Of course I congratulate you.

Thank you, my dear from
the bottom of my heart.

With those generous words ringing
in my ears, I humbly take my leave.

And my socks. Goodbye Lucy. Bye Vera.

Someday perhaps we shall
meet again, at the Spencers?

Cheerio everybody.

Bye-bye, Charlotte. I'll send you
a postcard when I get settled.

I hope I never fall in love. That's all.

Spare a copper for a poor man, lady.

Geoffrey.

I was so glad you popped out.
There's something I want to ask you.

Over here where they won't hear us.

Oh dear.

I'll never stop her now.

What are we going to do?
- Nothing.

She's the kind that likes a man
to wipe the floor with her.

What a fool.

Let's have some tea and forget about it.
- Look.

Bye.

Lucy .. Vera.

He's asked me to marry him this month.
- Has he?

I thought he was going away but
he meant to propose all the time.

Did he?
- Yes, he was teasing me.

He made me think he wasn't but he was.

Isn't he funny? It's just like him.

Yes it is. Nobody but Geoffrey Lee
would think of a thing like that.

Charlotte, run. Run to the ends of
the earth before you marry him.

Stop .. stop. Don't you ever
talk about him like that again.

If you ever do, I shall never see or
speak to you after I'm married.

I love him. Do you understand?

I love him .. I do.

I do.

Hello, sir.
- Hello.

Some pals invaded your study.
I will run them out for you.

I see .. splendid .. a good idea.

I .. I haven't had much
chance of telling you how ..

Happy I am to have married Charlotte.

How grateful I am to you for
having such a daughter.

I'll do everything in the world to
make her happy. I promise you that.

You won't find it too difficult, my boy.

She's a naturally happy person.

A sweet girl and so very
like her dear mother.

I can't be too glad that she has a young
fellow like you to take care of her.

I say, steady on. That's not funny.

You should worry. It's only hired.

Put a cork in it.
I try to make an impression.

Why do you wear crepe
on your wedding day?

I've just had a talk with
my dear .. father-in-law.

We were both deeply touched.
Deeply touched.

Did you touch him for a policy?

I say, come along. Charlotte
is waiting to cut the cake.

Yes, yes, yes.

Come on, come on. We mustn't miss this.

What are we waiting for, my dear?
- Geoffrey of course, father.

Ah yes.

I've just had a very pleasant
conversation with that young man.

He's going to make you a
very happy woman, my dear.

Now let's do it.

No, you take it this way.

Like this?
- That's right.

Ladies and gentlemen.
- Shut up.

Ladies and gentlemen.

As the uncle of the bride.

And ..

Uncle by marriage of the bridegroom.

If he will so consent to be called.

There you are. Aren't you coming
to listen to the speeches?

No. I don't like my brother-in-law
even when he's silent.

But your uncle James is speaking now.
- I don't like uncle James either.

You don't really like anyone, do you?
- Yes, I do.

I'm always like this at weddings.
Especially this one.

What's wrong with them?
- I don't know except ..

People make all sorts of
promises they never keep. Then ..

The balloon goes up.

If that's the way you feel
I suppose it's no use ..

Asking you to marry me.

Darling, why look for trouble?
- Because I love you.

But you see, I don't love you.
- But I think I can make you.

Could you?

I'm afraid you'd find
me an awful handful.

Lucy always says nothing
lasts with me. That I ..

Pick things up and drop
them like a monkey.

I'd hate to do that to you, Brian.

I'm willing to take the
chance if you are.

I wonder.

If you wouldn't be catching
me on the rebound.

Rebound? But I'm ..
- Not exactly that, but ..

You are so sweet.

You offer something so different to what
Charlotte has pulled out of the hat.

I'm still ready to take a chance.

Well?

Alright, Brian.

But you've been warned.

And .. after these few brief words.

I give you long life and happiness.

To the bride and bridegroom.

Thank you very much indeed.

I won't make a speech as ..

Charlotte and I have a very
pressing engagement.

For he's a jolly good fellow.
For he's a jolly good fellow.

For he's a jolly good fellow ..

And so say all of us.

Mr Field?
- Yes, sir.

But you've missed most of it.
- Missed what?

The wedding reception.

But I came to see Mr Field on business.

Today, sir?

Then you'd better
wait in the study, sir.

Stop arsing about.

Charlotte, let's go out quickly.

Forgive me for asking, but ..

Are you crying for any particular
reason or just because it's a wedding?

I think I'm crying because
it's this particular wedding.

Oh.

I take it that the young man who jumped
over the bannisters, is the bridegroom?

Yes.
- I see.

Don't you know him?
- No.

I thought for one moment, but only for a
moment, you may be one of his friends.

No, I'm not a wedding guest.

I've come to see your father
about .. buying a house.

Today?
- Hmm.

Ha. Just like father.

He must have forgot about
Charlotte's wedding.

Yes, I fancy he must.

I'm inclined to believe you'd
like to forget about it too.

I would.

Rightly or wrongly, I'm going to
pour you out a glass of champagne.

Only if you have one too.
- Yes, of course.

My name is William Moore.

You are Lucy Field, aren't you?

How did you ..?

You remembered?

Yes, I remembered.

Tell me about this house
you're going to buy.

It is.

It's old and it's calm.

It stands on a village green.

Overlooking one of those parks.

Where the oaks look
like bits of English history.

I know exactly what you mean.

I'd like to see it.

I'd like you to see it.

Your breakfast, sir.

I hope you haven't forgotten something.

What makes you think I have?

When people have been
married as long as you.

They're apt to.

Snubs to you.

Don't you want your present?
- Darling, I thought you'd forgotten.

William.

It's lovely.
- Yes, I quite agree.

What about mine?

It's in the stable, darling.
- It's not a horse?

No. A motor-mower.

Marvellous. I shall be able to
wear it on my watch chain.

Happy anniversary, madam.
- Thank you, Janet.

By the way, there's a
letter for you from Vera.

A motor-mower, eh?

Now, shall I have breakfast
or mow the lawn?

Breakfast.

You're an idiot, William.

Sugar please, darling.

Pass the sugar, woman.

Alright, live your own life.

Listen, darling.

Vera is arriving on the same
train as Charlotte and Judith.

It shall be a full house. Is she
bringing Sarah with her?

I wish she was. It would be
somebody for Judith to play with.

Look. I'll not let you wear yourself to
shreds with this invasion of sisters.

Darling, I've scarcely seen
them since father died.

I shall love having Judith.
- Yes, I know you will.

It's a rotten shame really.

What's a shame?

Charlotte with three kids
she can't cope with.

Vera with one, because
she was careless probably.

And you, the only one of
them fit to be a mother.

Shut up, William.

By the way.

I was wondering if we ought to take
that down now Judith is coming.

Why?
- I don't know.

She'll probably start asking questions.

It isn't good for a child to
know that a child can die.

William, darling.

For eighteen years I've been
finding out how nice you are.

Don't be an idiot.

Can I get some ice-cream when I go out?

Yes, darling. That would be lovely.

You in for lunch?
- Good heavens, no.

I can't stand these family reunions.

They make me jealous.

You darling.
- How nice to see you.

Here you are.
- There's another under the seat.

I know.
- Where's Charlotte?

She's in one of those
Ladies Only carriages.

Charlotte.

Charlotte.

Bless you.

It will be wonderful all
to be together again.

You look so happy and young.

I don't know about young.

Hello, Judith darling.

Did you have a nice journey?
- Yes.

Look. Father's old clock.
It still doesn't go.

You and Judith go in the blue room.

How lovely.

Up you go, straight away.
Be on the safe side.

Did somebody really catch
that fish, or only pretend to?

Don't talk so silly.
Your uncle William did.

She will stare at everything.
It annoys Geoffrey so.

She can stare as much
as she likes in here.

I'm along here.
- I'll help you unpack in a minute.

That's right. In here.

Oh it is a blue room.

Will I really sleep in here with mummy?
- Yes, darling. Of course.

Good. I haven't done that
since I can't remember.

Bring Mrs Sergeant's case up, Janet.
That will be all.

I should hope so, if
anyone is expecting lunch.

Mummy, would you please
get Angela out her case.

I'm sure she must be
awfully stuck in there.

Give me a moment darling, please.

Is she in here, dear?
- No, in that one.

Oh.

Mummy, look. Little stags.
Do come and have a look.

Darling, be quiet.

Geoffrey hates noisy children.

We love them. They're a change
for us. Here you are, Judith.

Thank you. I'll put her in this
bed to show that it's mine.

Do I have to have that little room?

Can't I be here with Charlotte?
We don't see very much of each other.

Won't Judith be rather disappointed?
- No. Judith won't mind.

She'll do just what her aunt Vera wants.

I'll probably keep you awake
all night gossiping, darling.

I hope you won't mind.

This is fun, just like old times.

You remember that ridiculous Christmas
when we went to stay with the Parsons?

William, I can't help feeling that Vera
is much harder than she used to be.

She's had quite a job to do there.

What are you worrying about now?

Charlotte looks so worn.

I think you'd better go to sleep.

I think I'm the lucky one in the family.

Most of us get what we deserve.

I think I'll just make sure
that Judith is asleep.

Aunt Lucy.

Darling, still awake?
- Yes.

Why?

I heard the stairs
walking by themselves.

Old houses always creak at night.

That chair made a noise as
if someone was sitting in it.

I expect it was stretching itself.

Oh.

Now you lie down.
I'll tuck you up for the night.

Aunt Lucy, don't you wish nights
weren't such long dark things?

But they aren't. Only if you
think of them like that.

Why not think of them as
something friendly and quiet?

Where all your bothers
fly away into dreams.

I'll try.

There's a good girl.

Goodnight, Judith.
- Goodnight, aunt Lucy.

Do you think I could please
have a drink of water?

How would you like to come
and sleep in my bed tonight?

Aunt Lucy, may I?

Good.

She was lonely.

Goodnight uncle William.

Goodnight.

You too.

And so I stepped back.

And back.

And back.

And fell into the water.

I can't believe half our
week has gone already.

Isn't it extraordinary how time
runs away with you when you're ..

Happy?

No. In the country. That's
quite enough honey, Judith.

I like honey.

It sort-of stays with you, doesn't it?
- You're quite right, Judith.

I have very sweet memories of licking
the front of my blazer when I was a boy.

William, don't be so disgusting.

You look better, Charlotte.

Need the car today?

No. William and I take
Judith to the kennels.

Uncle William says they
have 48 dogs there.

We haven't got one.
- Hounds, Judith. Hounds.

I must do some shopping.

Is there anywhere I can
get presents for the kids?

Vera, you're so extravagant.

Nonsense. Money is no use to you
if you don't get any fun out of it.

What would you like, Judith?
- Me?

Mummy. Do you think
I could have a hound?

A dog, Judith. A dog.
- A toy dog?

No. A real one.

Judith, why bring that up? You know
very well what your father always says.

It doesn't matter.

But Steven and me always
wanted a real, live dog.

I dare say we'll find something nice.

By the way, how old is Steven?
- Just on thirteen.

That will be rather difficult.
- Not at all.

The answer is an air-gun.
A BSA or a Gem.

Not one of the silly, tinny things that
open and shut like a pair of scissors.

Somebody should write it down.
I'm sure to forget.

I'll write it on The Times.
Then you can take both of them.

If we're going to see those
hounds, we'd better be off.

Come along, Judith.

Oh .. I say.

We are going to stick
together, aren't we.

Yes.

You're awfully sweet to Judith.

Nonsense. William is
having the time of his life.

I do wish Geoffrey would spend
more time with the children.

Why doesn't he?

He's rather busy, and lately
he's had some heart trouble.

But the doctor said it was only wind.

Come along young woman, or we
shall be gossiping here all day.

That's what he did say, uncle William.

I believe daddy only has these attacks
to make mummy sorry for him.

After he's been horrid to her. You know.

Come on.

Got him.

It's nice of you to have Steven's
gun to play with while I'm busy.

Yes. I shall miss it very
much after you've gone.

I suppose you'll take washing seriously
now Vera gave you the right things?

Yes, I will.

But daddy doesn't
approve of water games.

He thinks they're messy.

You've hit it again.

Uncle William.

Would you like to shoot
an apple off my head?

Why on earth should I?

To show that I trust you like anything.

You'd better wash now and put a comb
through your hair to be ready for tea.

Who, me?

Uncle William. Don't be so silly.

Then, as punishment you locked
me and Vera up in daddy's study.

I was very angry.
- You pretended to be.

Because when we looked out the window.

There you were, sitting in the
garden crying like anything.

Was I?

It doesn't seem so very
long ago, does it.

No.

How nice it is to be here, remembering
all the idiotic things that used to be.

I don't know when I felt so smooth.
- That's exactly the right word.

Smooth.

Would Margaret and Judith like
to spend Christmas with me?

They'd love it.

I'll have to ask Geoffrey first though.

You see, since Margaret
became his secretary ..

I don't know he can spare her.
- Can't the office do her work?

The office more or less runs itself
so he does most of his work at home.

At home? How awful.

I'd hate to have Brian hanging
round the house all day.

Aunt Vera.

I had a most lovely time
washing Anthony's things.

Uncle William shot a tin
when it was swinging.

Judith, darling. Look at your frock.
You're wet through.

Pop upstairs and change it.
- Alright, mummy.

I think we're silly to go tomorrow.
Let's take off on Thursday, Charlotte.

That is, if you can deal with us.
- Yes, why don't you?

I'd love to, but Geoffrey
hates a change of plan.

Bother to Geoffrey.
Please yourself for once.

Ring him up.

No, I can't.
- Then I will.

No, really ..
- Nonsense. He can't eat me.

Oh dear, I hope he won't be angry.

I want Denborough 282.

Thank you.

It's a wonder that machine doesn't
wear out, the way some people use it.

Hello. Is that you, Geoffrey?
This is Vera speaking.

Yes. Vera. How nice to hear your voice.

I'm ringing up to say that Charlotte
won't be home until Thursday.

The change is doing her so much good.

She sends her love. Goodbye.

You should have asked him.
That wasn't the way.

It's done now.
- How did he sound? Did he mind?

Of course not. Why should he?
Don't worry. Go and have some tea.

I'll have to send for Brian.

I'll see if Judith is ready.

Trenton 784.

Will it really be alright?

I hope he doesn't take it out
on her when she gets home.

He is sure to.
I'm worried about Charlotte.

So am I.

Do you think we should
go there sometimes ..

To show Geoffrey she has two sisters
who are going to keep an eye on him.

Yes. We'll do that.

Now, for Brian.

He doesn't like it, but it does
do him good to miss me.

Lucy, why not talk to Charlotte?
Try and put some backbone into her.

That means abusing Geoffrey.

Remember what she said 18 years ago.

It's an awful risk.

A revered chief likes a good butter-up.
Read back that last paragraph, Margaret.

'Dear Terry'.

'I must add that the remarks made in the
letter meant considerably more to me ..'

'Than the substantial rise in my
salary which accompanied them'.

Very neat. Very neat.
- 'Yours sincerely'.

I'll sign it in the morning. Pour me
out my nightcap, there's a dear.

Why do you keep looking at the clock?

If you're going to the station for mummy
and Judith you haven't much time.

Thank you, my dear.

I haven't any time. The train
got in five minutes ago.

I see.

When people do selfish things,
they've got to pay for them.

Yes I know, but ..
- Then why the worried look?

Things seem to go from bad
to worse with you and mummy.

You can hardly blame me for that.
- I don't blame anyone.

But .. you do seem to get
on each other's nerves.

Wouldn't it be better ..

If perhaps .. she went away for a bit?

Much better from a
domestic point of view.

One essential of a
successful businessman.

Is to keep up the appearance of a
happy family even if he hasn't one.

Surely ..

Mummy's happiness and yours is more
important than a successful business.

Does that seem so awfully miserable?

It would be if we hadn't
each other, Margaret.

[ Car horn ]

What are you doing there, Steven?

I think I heard mother's taxi, daddy.
- I think I told you to go to bed.

No dear. No, no.

Good evening, madam.
- Good evening, Burton.

Mr Lee and Miss Margaret
are in the study.

Hello, mummy.

Hello, darling.
- Hello, Steven.

Did you have a good time?
Come and tell me about it.

Oh.

Go to bed, Steven.

Good gracious. Visitors.
- Hello, daddy.

Surely we've met before? Am I mistaken?
- How are you, Geoffrey?

'Geoffrey'? That's a very familiar way
to address a comparative stranger.

Don't be so silly, daddy.
Mummy, how lovely ..

Bless my soul. Charlotte.
That's who it is.

Better be off to bed, my dear.
We've worked late.

All of us can't afford to take
these protracted holidays.

Goodnight, my dear.
- Goodnight, daddy.

Coming, Judith? Are you coming, mummy?
- In a minute, dear.

Geoffrey, I'm sorry if I ..
- Don't bother me.

Do you mind?

There's supper for you in
the dining room, madam.

Thank you, Burton.

I bet it would kill a
rabbit at twenty yards.

I bet it would too.

Uncle William broke bottles
with it like anything.

Did he?

He sounds an absolute ripper.
- He is too.

I think uncle William is the most
ripping-est man I ever met.

To prove it, I said he can shoot an
apple off of my head if he wanted to.

More fool you.
- Why?

I trust uncle William like anything.

Well young woman. Had a good time?
- Yes thanks, daddy.

Splendid.

Hello, what have we got here?
- Aunt Vera gave it to me.

I say, I say.

I must have a go with it. Got any slugs?
- A thousand.

Dead-eyed-Dick was nothing to me.

Here, come over here.

I don't want you to.

I see.

So you don't trust your
own father? Is that it?

Be careful how you handle that gun
or I may have to take it from you.

Goodnight.

Geoffrey.

I'm ..

I want you to understand why we
spent those extra few days at Lucy's.

We hadn't all been
together since father died.

Fresh air and sunlight did Judith good.
- If I want an explanation I'll ask.

I doubted you'd mind if I
stay a few more days.

Mind? You flatter yourself.
It's a mystery anyone wants you.

Geoffrey.

We're all fond of each other.
We always have been.

How wonderful.

I'm not interested in mutual
admiration societies.

When my own child comes back slopping
with praise for dear uncle William.

Don't expect me to be enthusiastic.

Nobody can be kinder than he was.
- Really?

It's a wonder you managed
to drag yourself back at all.

I knew I wasn't wanted here
so I decided perhaps ..

You decided?
Since when did you decide anything?

You hadn't the guts to ring
and tell me yourself.

Making out I'm a bully so your
sisters can pet and pity you.

You know that isn't true.

You know that ..
- Stop whining.

You're no more use to
me than a headache.

Geoffrey. Don't talk to me like that.
I can't stand scenes.

Right. Get out and stay out.

From now on this isn't
our room. It's mine.

No Geoffrey, no.
You can't do this to me.

For 17 years I've done everything for
you. Put up with everything. Because ..

You can't do this, Geoffrey.
I won't let you.

Get out.

Did they have words, then?

'Words' does not describe it.

But there's no gainsaying.
He talks nasty if the mood's on him.

Burton, fetch my suitcase
and call me a taxi.

Sorry, madam.
- At once. It wasn't unpacked.

I beg your pardon.

I beg yours, Burton.
Where you off to in a hurry?

Madam asked me to fetch her
suitcase and call a taxi.

Geoffrey.

No. Leave me alone.

That's what you intended
to do, isn't it?

Run away just when I need you most.

You needn't have bothered.

I shan't be with you much longer.

Geoffrey, how can you talk like that?

I'll ring for the doctor.
- Don't do that.

I forbid it.
What do I want with a doctor?

What does it matter what happens to me?
- How can you say things like that?

The pain.

The pain.
- Where is it?

My heart, of course.

Yes .. that's better.

That's better.

I beg your pardon madam, I'm sure.

I put your suitcase in the hall.
I was just off for the taxi.

No don't, Burton. The master's been
taken ill. Take my suitcases upstairs.

Very good, Madam.

Feeling better now, dear?

A little .. a little.

There.

The shock of hearing
what you intended to do.

You told me I wasn't wanted.

It was the only thing to do.
- Was it?

A sense of humour was
never your long suit, my dear.

But you must know me well enough
to realise I was pulling your leg.

But you said last night ..
- I know I did.

It never occurred to me you would
be silly enough to take me seriously.

You meant every word.

Perhaps I was a little cross.
If that isn't a compliment, what is?

A man doesn't expect
his wife to run away.

Especially if he loves her.

You don't love me anymore.

Oh Geoffrey.

How can you be so cruel to me?

Cruel? Me?

Come here.

I don't think you have
much to cry about.

Have you?

When you're like this to me, it ..

I forget everything.

Even last night?

Geoffrey.

I do love you so.

You mustn't cry, darling.

Here, this will do you good.

There you are. Sorry not to be at the
station. Mr Ainsworth and I went ..

Didn't matter.

Hello, aunt Vera.
- Hello, Judith.

I think we'd better go up now.
Goodbye Cyril.

Get yourself a drink if you want.
- Thanks.

What a lovely tree.

Did you have it lighted
up for Christmas?

We didn't have one.
- Didn't you?

I expect you had a lot of nice presents.
- Yes.

Daddy gave me an awful pair of shoes.

Steven gave me some
slugs for his air-gun.

Come along.

Thanks for letting me take you.
- Goodbye.

Did you have a comfortable journey?
- No.

I had to sit with my back to the engine.

And I was sick in a tunnel.

Hello Sarah, can I help?

No. Nobody must touch Eva but me.

What a pretty dress. Muslin, isn't it?

Of course, it's a ballet dress.
- How lovely.

Shall I do that?

No. I don't care for people
messing my things about.

'Don't care' was made to care.

Brian.

You're in good time.

Yes. Almost too good.

Vera, when you finish with your
admirers, must you leave them about?

What? Cyril, you mean?

Don't take them seriously, darling.
I never do.

I do not have your gift for
not taking things seriously.

You grudge me my simple pleasures?

I doubt I ever grudged you anything.

Perhaps that's why our
life is such a mess.

Brian, darling. Need we strike such a
tragic note just before a dinner party?

Besides, the children have arrived.
Now run along. Say hello to them.

Is Miss Margaret getting along alright?
- Yes, madam. I think so.

What sort of dress is she wearing?

Nothing special of course.
But quite pretty.

That's nice.

You think I should lend her something?
- No. I don't think so, madam.

After all, she has youth on her side.

Don't do that. You're so clumsy.

I'm sorry, Webster.

'As he never bothered
to do anything nice'.

'Indifferent was ignored by everyone and
lived to a miserable, lonely old age'.

'While Bad, who only succeeded
in making enemies ..'

'Was gobbled up by a
dragon for his supper'.

'So only Good came back home
with a whole string of friends'.

'As a good sausage should'.

'To show how pleased they were the King
and Queen awarded him a brand-new skin'.

'And he lived in it happily ever after'.

Thank you. That was very nice.

I didn't think so.

Bad was the only one I cared for.

I thought Good was a great prig.
- I don't know.

A lot of good people seem that way.

Uncle Brian.

I suppose it's true that good people
do live happily ever afterwards?

I couldn't say, my dear. They should,
of course. But whether they do or not ..

Is another matter.

Yes. I must go and change.
- Thank you very much for reading to us.

Thanks for listening as
though you enjoyed it.

It's so pleasant to do things
for people who enjoy them.

I don't think Sarah likes being read to.

Nor would you if you
heard it every night.

Yes, I dare say there
is something in that.

When you've only got one
or two tricks up your sleeve.

What are you to do?

Goodnight, Judith.
- Night, Uncle Brian.

Goodnight Sarah, dear.

You might have pretended to like it.

Nobody pretends to daddy.
Mummy least of all.

It isn't that at all.

But it must be ..

Jolly nice to have a
daddy .. who bothers.

You don't like me, do you.

Not much.

I expect that's because you
have all the friends you want.

As a matter of fact I have hardly any.

That's better than not
having any at all.

I don't ..

I don't expect you'd
like to have me for one?

I might.

But if I was, I wouldn't
behave like Good did.

I dare say that wouldn't matter.

Oh, Judith.

What's this for?

You. If you have a friend
you've got to show it.

Oh, Sarah.

Now you give me something.

How do you do.

Who was that?
- My husband.

I see you got my roses.
- Were they from you?

You're coming to the
ice-hockey next week?

You'd better give me a ring.

Who are you looking at
with such despairing eyes?

Me? Nobody.
- I see. Margaret.

Somebody wants to be introduced.

To me?

John Watson, my niece Margaret Lee.

He lives next door, so if you happen
to throw a ball over the wall ..

Perhaps he will throw it back again.

How do you do.

Joan.

Michael let me down, darling.
So I brought Terry Crawford.

The man I was telling you about. He
didn't want to come, so I persuaded him.

This is Vera, Terry.
- Who else could it be?

How do you do.

So sorry you didn't want to come.

Joan said you'd go anywhere
for a good dinner.

Or a day's shooting.
- So I will.

I hope you won't be disappointed.
- I hope neither of us will.

Isn't it funny, your living next door?
- Yes, extraordinary.

You're a most surprising person.

You're unused to hear
the truth about yourself.

What has Joan Clary told you?
- A lot, but I didn't listen.

I'll form my own conclusions.

Have you?
- Yes.

You are very amusing.

You're lovely .. and
you're as hard as nails.

How right you are. Now, is it my turn?
- Go ahead.

Physically, you'd pass in a crowd.
A little over-sophisticated perhaps.

And there's a danger of your head
swelling to the size of a balloon.

How right you are.

Our swords are ready for an affray.
- Affray?

We're in for a fight surely?

But remember a nail can be bent.

And a balloon can be punctured by a pin.

Dinner is served, madam.

Let's make it an armistice
while we eat, anyway.

Come along everybody?

Hello Margaret.
- You really do live next door.

Funny, isn't it.
- Extraordinary.

Doing anything this afternoon?

If not, how about
coming to the pictures?

I'd love to.
- Straight away?

I'll meet you out front in one minute.

Alright.

Do you think we should
take your kid sister too?

We can't. She's gone to tea
with Sarah's grandmother.

That's splendid. Then we'll
make it a quarter of a minute.

Mr Terry Crawford.

Hello.
- Hello.

You seem surprised.
- I am, rather.

Won't you sit down?
- Thanks.

Isn't it proper, to call
the day after a party?

Quite. I had no idea you
were so conventional.

Or so interested in
doing the proper thing.

I'm not really. Last night there were
ten people at dinner besides ourselves.

One of them was your husband.
A fact you clearly overlooked.

What's this, an arithmetic lesson?
- You can call it 'the rule of two' ..

Because you behaved like
the other ten didn't exist.

Being on my best behaviour,
I couldn't do that.

A pity you had no interpreter with you.
- I think we'll manage without one.

Do you mind if I smoke?

You see, I got the impression.

That you looked upon me as another
victim of your .. bow and spear.

Was I wrong?
- Entirely.

That is if you think I'm likely to
become a permanent casualty.

So you think you'll get over it?
- We'll both get over it.

But as ten in to two won't go.

I'm here now to finish
what you started last night.

Do I go now? Or wait long enough
to have my face slapped?

You can go.

It may surprise you but I'm not the sort
of woman who lets herself be kissed.

Of course not. You're the kind who
likes to leave everyone in mid-air.

I thought a change of
diet can do you good.

Of all the nerve ..

Aunt Vera.

Afternoon, Mr Crawford.

Afternoon. Been to the pictures?
- How did you know?

Dust on his hat from
leaving it under the seat.

Oh.

Go on, John. Ask her.

Oh yes.

Mrs Sergeant, I don't know if you'll
want Margaret tomorrow morning.

If not, I can try to
teach her to play golf.

What, in one morning?
- No. We'll take a ticket for the week.

Yes, of course. Why bother to ask?

Thanks awfully.
- Thanks most awfully.

Then I call for you about ten?

I'll see you out.
- Thanks awfully. Goodbye.

Well, well, well.

Isn't it nice when people aren't
ashamed of being in love.

Good afternoon.

No, not yet.

Nor can I, but never mind.

You look for a friend by the fireplace.
I'll look for one by the door.

Alright.

But Bad never found a friend anyway.

Hello brats. What are you doing?
- Playing the three sausages.

You silly. You're in a mess.

No I'm not.

We're only playing two of them.

We've left Indifferent
lying on the bank.

You know, I think daddy's ..

Daddy's story was rather fun.

Do you?

Have you learnt to play golf yet?
- No, but I'm much better.

I only had four air-shots
the whole round.

There's a telegram for
you on the mantelpiece.

For me?

Brian has tickets for a rugby match on
Saturday. Says he can't use them.

How about it?
- Sorry, I'm shooting at the Carters.

Do you ever do things others want to do?

Seldom. Do you?

Aunt Vera, daddy telegraphed
for us to come back today.

Why?

He wants us home by the weekend.
That we've been here too long already.

We wondered if ..

You can have a word with him?

The last time I rang your father
wasn't exactly a howling success.

It looks as if you'll
have to go, doesn't it.

Alright.

I'm so sorry.

But you could come again.

Can you pack, or shall I
send Webster to help you?

No thank you. I can manage.

Poor kid.

Why not call him up and ask him?

It would do no good. Honestly.

Too much trouble, eh?
- I said, honestly.

I'm sorry, sweet.

Any luck?.

No .. you'd better collect
your things from the nursery.

Oh, how sickening.

I knew something would
happen if I had a friend.

Denborough 334, please.

This is Margaret Lee. May I
speak to Mr John Watson?

Gone out?

Mercy, honest. It's a dog.

Where on earth did you get it, sir?

My boss.

I should say I persuaded
my boss to let me ..

Well I never.

The young ladies just got back.

Why didn't you say so? Margaret.

So you're back, eh? Good girl.
- Hello, daddy.

I bet you're glad to be home.
- Where on earth did you get that?

I thought the kids might like it.

Judith, Steven.

Look what daddy's got.
- Steven, look at him.

Father, he isn't for us, is he?

You've always asked me for a
dog and now I've got you one.

Come, Margaret.
We've a lot to talk over.

Oh daddy, thank you.

Let me hold him.
- I think he knows us already.

What will we call him?

Friday. Because he came on a Friday.

Like in Robinson Crusoe you mean?

I've got it. We call him 'Crusoe'.

Yes, that's lovely.
- Then Crusoe it is.

Let's show him to mummy.
- Yes, let's.

No, better not, perhaps. Daddy has been
beastly to her while you were away.

She has a headache.

Come here. Let's have a look at you.

That's a long face for a holiday girl.

I expect the truth is you were homesick.
- We did have such a nice time.

Now you're back you're going
to have an even nicer time.

You may not know it my pet,
but you're taking up golf.

Then you and I work together during
the week and play at weekends.

How's that for an idea?

I should like it very much.

Funnily enough, I played
a little golf at aunt Vera's.

Oh?

Who with?

A boy.

Who lives next door. John Watson.

Hmm.

Now you're going to learn properly.

You see, I haven't forgotten my
little girl because she was away.

Yes .. no.

Margaret, you did want
to return, didn't you?

Yes of course I did, although ..

We had planned things ahead.

But, if you needed me it didn't matter.
- But dammit, you've had a fortnight.

Yes I know, but ..

But what?

Nothing.

Look at all those letters.

Just as well I'm back ..

What have they been doing at the office?

The post?

Here, I'll take it.
- There's one for Miss Margaret.

Yes, I see.

'Your devoted friend, John Watson'.

Damned young pup.

Good morning, daddy.

The post's come.

Isn't that very unusual
at this time of day?

No. Of course not.
- You were expecting something, perhaps?

Not really.

Margaret.
- Yes, daddy?

Never mind.

Why hasn't Davis sent these
potted shrimps I ordered?

The manager said mummy closed
our account with them.

Done what?

She complained the delivery man was rude
to her. She asked him not to call again.

She did, did she?

So it wouldn't occur to your mother
to consult my wishes in the matter.

I really don't know.

But if he was rude.

There are other shops.

Yes. But the man who pays the piper
calls the tune. I'll tell Charlotte so.

Daddy.

You can't go against her
with a tradesman, surely?

I'm not impressed by your
attitude this morning, Margaret.

Get on the telephone and tell Davis
to carry on with the account as usual.

And in future to take orders from
no-one in this house but me.

That applies to the lot of you.

Charlotte.

I have something to say to you.

What the devil do you mean by
closing our account with Davis?

Geoffrey, I had to.
They were rude to me.

Rude? Of course they were rude to you.
Why shouldn't they be?

You never know what you want.
You alter your mind six times a day.

You make a fool of yourself
every time you open your mouth.

Denborough 346, please.

Mr Davis? This is Miss Lee
of The Elms speaking.

My mother has decided to overlook
the delivery man's rudeness ..

And to carry on with
the account as before.

Thank you.

William, you don't really mean that.
- Of course I do.

Women love and hate far
more ruthlessly than men.

Especially the nice ones.
- What nonsense.

No it isn't. If anyone did me down ..

You'd have their scalp if you had
to go to the ends of the earth for it.

I'm fond of you.
- There you are.

[ Telephone ]

I'll go.
- No, don't bother. I will.

I'll go.

Hello?

Yes Judith, this is aunt Lucy.

Darling.

Don't cry, darling.

I'll catch the 6:35 and
be with you tonight.

Yes. Right away.

Goodbye, darling.

What's the matter?

Judith said Charlotte's been very ill.
She seems terribly upset about it.

I am sorry.

I must go to her, William. She needs me.

Come to that, so do I.

Go on, run upstairs and put something
in a bag. I'll drive you to the station.

Why is she sleeping at
the top of the house?

Because daddy says it upsets
him having ill people near him.

Judith, darling.

I think perhaps I'll go
and see her alone.

Charlotte.

Charlotte, darling.

It's Lucy.

Lucy.

Only you .. you shouldn't have.

Why didn't you let me know?

Geoffrey might ..

You should have asked him.
- Never mind about Geoffrey.

I felt I had to see you,
that you needed me.

And you do.

You're ill.
- No.

No, I'm not ill. I ..

Just get a little tired. That's all.

There is nothing ..

The matter with me. Really there isn't.

All I need is ..

Just rest and quiet.

And I'm having it.

Is that what the doctor said?

Geoffrey doesn't approve of doctors.

But that's unforgivable of him.

No.
- He has no right.

No, I told you years ago ..

I wasn't going to let
you run Geoffrey down.

I meant it then and I mean it now.

Please, please don't let us quarrel
about this anymore. I can't stand it.

I can't.

I just need to have some rest.

Alright, darling.

Alright.

It's no good interfering
with people's lives.

It's no good.

No good.

That's awfully good.
- Yes, not bad.

You see. Elbow tucked well into the
side, left toe pointing toward the hole.

Then stroking the shot ..

Now you try.

Aunt Lucy.

Lucy.

Where on earth did you spring from?
- I came because Charlotte is ill.

Did she write to say so, or is it one of
the family affinities we hear of?

She's very ill. I doubt you tried to
find out what's the matter with her.

There's nothing wrong with
her that she herself can't cure.

A doctor must see her.

A doctor tells you anything to fill his
pockets. I won't have one near here.

Charlotte is the last person to feign
illness. Least of all in her own home.

Her home is also mine.
I need no advice on how to run it.

Possibly not. But when I see my sister
too weak to get out of a chair ..

Something has to be done.

What?

She needs careful nursing.

I should have thought Margaret ..
- She doesn't want anyone with her.

I did suggest to daddy ..
- Yes.

Apart from being my secretary, Margaret
is the one woman here who does anything.

You have two servants.

But oddly enough, I don't like
to have my life run by servants.

Alright, engage a nurse.

Or turn this establishment
into a hospital.

Then I shall take a room close
by and look after her myself.

As you please.

Geoffrey .. aren't you taking
on rather a big responsibility?

Daddy.

What's the matter with mummy?

The matter? She drinks.

Daddy.

Excuse me, sir. Does the Mistress
say when she'll be back?

No, Janet.

She's taken her sister and the
children to Mirthwaite for Easter.

She wants me to put in
a few days with them.

If my wife was to stay
away for weeks on end ..

I know what my answer would be.

Perhaps you'd better not tell me.

It's not for me to ask.

But have you found your Easter egg yet?
- No, Janet. I haven't.

As a grass widower, I have little
inclination to hunt for eggs.

I can well imagine that.

But to save you the trouble it's in the
same place Mistress hid it last year.

Thank you, Janet.

Let me see. That's under
the bed where the fluff is.

There's no fluff in this house.

Crusoe.

Am I getting warm, aunt Lucy?
- Very warm.

In fact, red hot.

Isn't he a lovely one.

It's a 'she' darling. 'He's' don't
lay eggs, not even chocolate ones.

I wonder if uncle William would help
me teach Crusoe to retrieve birds.

I doubt he's that sort of dog, Steven.

I don't know. There isn't much he
can't do when he puts his mind to it.

Is there, old man?

Hello. Getting ready to
have a good time, eh?

You're lucky. Luckier than I am.

Why do you say that?

Sudden rush of work.
No holiday for Margaret or me.

Won't you be coming at all, Geoffrey?

No .. and it's an infernal nuisance
having to drive you and Lucy in the car.

The sooner you get your
luggage aboard the better.

How many times have I told you
not to put that dog near your face?

Sorry, dad.

I'll put his basket in the car.

Basket?

Certainly not. Crusoe isn't going.
He stays home.

What? Of course Crusoe is going.

You heard what I said, Steven.
- But why? Why can't he go?

Somebody has to stay and
entertain me, my boy.

I hate him .. I hate him!

Aunt Lucy, it isn't fair.

Charlotte, you've got to
do something about this.

I'm afraid when Geoffrey says a thing ..

I must get on with my packing.
Otherwise I shall be late.

Why wait until now to do all this?

However, you'll get there, I suppose.

We'd better be going.

It will only make it worse if we don't.

Alright.

Here, hold this.

Steven. What are you going to do?

Take him with us, that's what.

Steven, what will daddy say?

He'll be on his way back
by the time we get there.

We won't see him again for a week.

I wish it was never.

No. I don't think so.

Perhaps you'll drink it for me.

It's just as you'd rather.
- I'd much rather.

Thank you.

I'm not surprised you don't like to
take a holiday without Mr Lee.

He's such a lively one.
Still, a week isn't long.

My gracious, the children already.

How are you, my dears? By the way
you've sprung up, I wouldn't know you.

Afternoon, Mrs Purley.

I'll go and see about your lunch.
I'm sure you must be famished.

I brought Crusoe.
- Steven.

What did you do that for?

I couldn't leave him behind.
I had to bring him.

Hadn't I, aunt Lucy? You understand.

Yes, of course I do.

I don't care what father does.
- Don't worry, Steven.

Perhaps he won't mind, or even notice.

Run along and enjoy yourselves.

Lucy, dear.

Charlotte, darling. Don't worry.

Here we are.

Come along.

I bet my boat wins the race.

I hope mine does.
Then I can stick with a half-crown.

William, look at you.
You're wet through.

He likes it.
- Of course I do.

You feel younger getting your feet wet.

Am I right, Judith?
- Right.

Except being wet all over.
- Except being wet all over.

Are you ready, Steven?
- Yes, ages ago.

Then let them go.

They're off.

They're off!

Mine is winning.
- I Bet you cheated.

I bet I didn't.

It's falling behind. Get on, get on.

Where is mine?
- Miles behind.

Mummy's is in front.

Come on, come on.

Mine's catching up.

As close a race as ever I saw.

5-4 against Charlotte. Any takers?
- Taken. In three-penny bits.

Ah, mine is pipped at the post.

Mine won.
- No, mine did.

Yours was miles behind.
Mine led all the way.

Don't be silly. That's mine.
- Cheater.

As Chief Steward, I declare
the verdict a dead heat.

And have pleasure in dividing the
cup between the two winners.

Thank you awfully, uncle William.
- Don't mention it.

Where was mine?

I'm afraid yours didn't quite
complete the course, Charlotte.

Shall we have another race or eat?
- Eat.

Carried unanimously.

Uncle William, do you mind taking
Judith off my hands after lunch?

Crusoe and I are trying for a bunny.

Your aunt Lucy and I are rather ..
- Judith comes with me.

We can go and pick bluebells.
- That is, if she'd like to.

Of course I'd like to.

I'd love to.
- Then we will, darling.

I don't know when I've enjoyed
a day as much as this one.

That's aunt Lucy and uncle William.

You can't help enjoying
yourself when they're about.

Pass the ginger beer and stop talking
with your mouth full, you little brat.

General Dalewood Marshbridge Littlewood.

General Dalewood Marshbridge ..

I've brought round the bikes.
- Good. Then we'll get off right away.

I worked out we don't use the main road.
So no chance of meeting father.

He isn't due for half an hour
which gives us a jolly good start.

Yes.

Here. Hold the bag while
I put Crusoe inside.

Listen. Isn't that a car?

Half a minute.

It's him, it's him.
- Gosh.

Let's nip round the back way and
get off while he's paying the bill.

Charlotte.

Charlotte.
- Yes dear, we're coming.

Hurry up. We must be back by noon.
- Lucy won't be a minute.

Steven.

Come here.

Here you are, Mrs Purley.
The maids can have the change.

Thank you, Mr Lee.

I think the children have
enjoyed themselves.

It's wonderful how time
flies when you're young.

Yes, father?

I should think 'good morning, father'
would be a more polite greeting.

What have you there?
- It's ..

It is ..

Just so.

My word he's filled out, hasn't he.

Yes, it bears out what I always said, it
isn't fair to a dog to keep it in town.

Mrs Purley, I'd like you to
have a souvenir of this visit.

Here you are.

What are you doing?
- Get on your bicycles and be off.

Mrs Purley, you can't take him.
- Of course not.

I wouldn't dream of depriving
the children of Crusoe.

They're so attached to him.

We must think of what's
best for the dog, Steven.

If Mrs Purley won't accept
him, he must be put away.

You can't do that. He's ours.
- Get on your bicycle, Steven.

This time I shall be driving behind you.

Mr Lee, if you don't mind ..
- But I do mind, Mrs Purley.

I'm sure you wouldn't wish anything
unpleasant to happen to the dog.

Goodbye.

Geoffrey, you can't be so cruel to
Steven as that. I won't believe it.

If you can't distinguish between
cruelty and justice, it's a pity.

There's no justice in giving
something only to take it away.

He was naughty, but he's only a boy and
you must stand by the things you love.

That's all he did.

I'm just as much to blame as he
is for not sending Crusoe back.

You can't punish him as badly as that.
- Oh, dry up.

He's your own son.
You want him to hate you?

I get ample sentimentality from you.

Without you making
the children that way.

I'll pack him off to a boarding school.
That will knock some sense into him.

Geoffrey, please.

If you don't want me to go and drown the
dog, you hold your tongue from now on.

Justice works both ways, Geoffrey.
Remember it before it's too late.

What are you talking about?

You never took much notice of me before.
But from now on, look out.

Who's there?
- Shush. It's me.

Why are you dressed in
the middle of the night?

It's just dawn.

Yes, but why?
- Don't make a noise.

I've come to say goodbye.
I'm running away.

Steven.

Where?
- I don't know.

I don't care much. To sea, probably.

Anywhere, as long as
it's away from here.

Do you feel as awful about it as that?

Worse .. I'd kill him if I stayed here.

I'd have to.

Can't you take me with you?

I wish I could.

But someday, when I've got
some money, I'll send for you.

Have you any money for now?
- Eight and fourpence.

That isn't much to go to sea with.

Wait a minute.

You can have the one and threepence
I won at the Mirthwaite Park.

No. Thanks awfully. I've got enough.

Goodbye, Judith.

Oh, Steven.

You're crying.

No, I'm not.

I swear I'm not.

Goodbye.

[ Crusoe barking ]

Crusoe .. Crusoe.

But what am I going to do with you?

Judith .. Judith.

Crusoe?

But how did he get back?
- He found his way home.

What am I going to do with him?
- Hide him.

Daddy will kill him if he sees him.
- Yes, I know. But, where?

I've got it.

Take him to uncle William.
- Yes, of course.

I'll catch the first train.
But keep it dark.

Swear not to say a word
about where I've gone.

I swear.

I swear I won't say a word.

Are you or are you not going
to tell me where he's gone?

No, I'm not.

He went back to Mirthwaite
after that dog, did he?

No, he didn't.
- That's a lie.

I rung Mrs Purley and she
told me it had gone.

Steven never went to Mirthwaite.

Very well, Judith.

There's only one thing to do
with a liar and I will do it.

Geoffrey, just a minute.

They ask about Steven.

Well?
- He's with William.

I'm on the phone to William now.

So you're in this, are you?

Hold on a minute, William.

Crusoe ran away from
Mirthwaite and came home.

Aware what you threatened to do to him,
Steven asked William to take him.

Of course he will, in any case.
- In any case? What do you mean by that?

Steven never meant to return.
He had a wild idea of going to sea.

Give me that. I want to talk to Steven.
- There's no need.

William persuaded him it's
no good to run from trouble.

He made him promise to come
home and go to school as agreed.

He has more sense than I thought.

There's a condition, Geoffrey.
- Condition?

That you say no more about
this matter, now or later.

I have plenty to say.

You must speak to William yourself.
Some things he's dying to say to you.

I'll tell Mr Newcombe how you treated
the dog he gave your children.

What a very stupid threat.

Alright. I accept your condition
because I admire the boy's courage.

He probably got it from his mother.

It's alright, William. It will be
quite safe to send him home.

Poor Lucy. You must have
had an awful time. Go on.

While we were at Mirthwaite,
Charlotte drank nothing at all.

Then after this awful scene about
Steven's dog, she was worse than ever.

Poor darling, I don't wonder.
- Being sympathetic isn't enough.

We must do something for Charlotte.
- Yes. I wish I knew you were coming.

I'm terribly late already.

I simply must keep this date with Terry.

If this Terry means more to
you than your own sister ..

Don't you start going for me.
I've trouble enough with Brian as it is.

He talks of selling the business to go
America. Charlotte is only one problem.

But it's much too big to be swept aside.

Vera, can't you stop thinking
about yourself for one minute?

Charlotte's whole future
depends on me. On us.

Darling, what do you want me to do?
- Look.

I asked Hamish Nair, the psychiatrist,
to see Charlotte on Friday at 3 o'clock.

He comes from London specially.

You know Geoffrey won't have
doctors near the place.

I count on you to keep him away.

On me?
- Yes.

Write to Geoffrey. Say you'll be at his
office at 3 o'clock on Friday afternoon.

To discuss taking out a life policy for
�5,000. He'll go anywhere for money.

Say you can't get to the house as
you must get the next train home.

Oh dear, it sounds
dreadfully complicated.

Vera, please.

Very well.

But you'd better write the times down
or I'm sure to make a mess of it.

I have.

Here they are.

Darling, I'm very sorry about this date
with Terry but it means a lot to me.

Vera.

You're not in love with him?

Yes.

For the first time in my life.

I'm in love.

Does Brian know?

I expect so.

It always showed when I wasn't.

I'm not likely to be better
at hiding it when I am.

Yes. I know it's Friday.

What?

Of course. It's the day you do
your sister-of-mercy act, isn't it?

What time does your train get in?

Alright.

I'll meet you at the station
when I get back from the races.

And ..

Good luck to the crusade, my sweet.

Goodbye, darling.

Going out?

Yes. In ten minutes.
I've a train to catch.

Then you can spare me a moment?
- Of course.

Vera.

Several times I've tried to talk to
you about selling the business.

You didn't seem interested.

I have sold it.

I'm free to go to America and
run our New York branch.

When did you think of going?

I've booked passage for Wednesday.
- Wednesday? That's only ..?

I see it doesn't give you much
time to clear up and join me.

Wait a minute, Brian.
I've no intention of going to America.

All my interests are over here.
- But Vera.

Don't you think it a mistake to
take a snap decision like that?

Well, what are you doing?

You suggest tearing me up by
the roots at a moment's notice.

Yes I do.

Rightly or wrongly, for some
time past, I've felt that ..

Any affection you may have had for
me has been quite .. perfunctory.

Now I'm putting my doubt to the test.

I like you, Brian.

I always have.

It's no use pretending ours
has been a lifelong romance.

I warned you of the danger of that
when you asked me to marry you.

Didn't I?

You've been very, very sweet.

But I've never been in love with you.

I know.

But you're in love now.

With Terry Crawford.
- Well?

There's no point in
us going on together.

He's a lucky man.

Anyway, you know you can count on me to
put no hurdles in the way of a divorce.

We'll have to talk about Sarah.

Vera, darling.

I hope you have better luck this time.

Brian, wait a minute.
This is ridiculous.

I do love Terry. I don't deny it.

There's never been any idea of our going
away together. He may not even want to.

Unless I'm very much mistaken.

He will.

Trenton 6882.

Madam.
- Yes?

To catch the train, you must hurry.

Alright, just a minute.
Hello, is that the squash club?

I want to speak to Mr Crawford, please.

Mr Crawford left for the races
five minutes ago, ma'am.

Yes, ma'am.

Pardon, ma'am?

He was catching the 12:50 train
from Lane Street Station.

Thank you.

Lane Street Station. Can you get me
to Lane Street Station before by 12:50?

Yes, but you'll miss your own train.

I can't help that. Come on.

Let me through. I must catch that train.
- I'm sorry Miss, you're too late.

Tell me, what is the
matter with your sister?

Only one thing .. fear.

Fear?

Yes, and because she's afraid,
she's been drinking. Secretly.

You said in your letter her husband
wouldn't be present this afternoon.

Yes, I did.

Does he want to hear my opinion?

He doesn't know you're coming.
I've arranged it that way.

Then it's her husband she's afraid of.

Yes.

I see.

Anything wrong, daddy?

Nothing. Except your precious aunt
Vera didn't keep her appointment.

Just like her.
- How extraordinary.

She must have missed the train.
- She could telephone, couldn't she?

If that policy wasn't worth 5,000,
I'd give the woman a piece of my mind.

Here.

Perhaps that's aunt Vera now.

Let me see.

Good afternoon, Burton.

Hello. I thought you'd gone home.
- I just came back for this afternoon.

This is Sir Hamish Nair.
My brother-in-law, Mr Geoffrey Lee.

Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.

Hamish is a psychiatrist. I persuaded
him to come and see Charlotte.

This is news.

Isn't it more usual for a husband
to ask a doctor to see his wife?

It is, Mr Lee. As your sister-in-law
is an old friend of mine ..

And asked me to come, I naturally
thought it was with your consent.

Ah, but suppose it was
without my consent?

Then I shall be driven to
one of two conclusions.

Either there's nothing wrong.

Or you prefer to remain in
the dark as to what is wrong.

Very neat, doctor. Very neat.

Naturally, if she were ill, I should be
the first to welcome your presence.

Just let me see her for a few minutes?
Then all our doubts can be satisfied.

An excellent solution, but unfortunately
my wife has a phobia for doctors. She ..

She refuses to see them.

That's not true, Geoffrey. You know it.
- Really, Lucy? I rather resent that.

However, we'll let her
speak for herself.

Charlotte. Come down here for a moment.

Lucy is a born worrier.

But I see you've found that worrying
about each other is a family failing.

Yes, Geoffrey?

There you are, dear.

Without consulting either of us ..

Lucy has brought along
a doctor to see you.

Is it your wish he should?

Come along, my dear.

No.

It's very kind of Lucy, but ..

I'd rather not.
- Charlotte.

There you are, doctor.
Nothing further to be done.

Mr Lee.

Patients are often the worst
possible judges of their own needs.

From a brief glimpse, I'm confident,
whether she admits it or not ..

Your wife needs medical aid.

Sorry, Sir Hamish, but at the risk of
discourtesy, her wishes must come first.

If you let me have your account
I'll send a cheque. Good afternoon.

Will you wait in the taxi for me?

That was the wickedest
thing you ever did.

No wonder you're angry, Lucy.

Thanks to Vera not turning up,
your little plan didn't work.

It seems that in spite of
your constant interference ..

I still contrive to manage my own and
Charlotte's affairs. And another thing.

Because you've no children of your own,
you've done your best to steal mine.

Judith in particular.

You had your chance and lost it.

Because once you're outside that
door, you're not coming back.

You've ruined Charlotte, bit by bit,
from the first moment you met her.

You've ruined her health, her nerves and
character. She's broke under the strain.

She loved you. So you destroyed her.

You're killing Steven's
love too, and Judith's.

It won't be so long before Margaret
finds out what you're worth.

Nobody can live near you,
Geoffrey. You're fatal.

Since neither of us is likely to
improve on what we've said ..

We'd better call it a day.

Charlotte, I shall be staying at the
Connaught hotel if you want me.

Aunt Lucy. Aunt Lucy.
- Judith .. darling.

What's the matter?

I've just had a terrible
quarrel with your father.

He told me never to come to the
house or see any of you again.

He can't. He can't.
- Darling, I know he can't.

I'll find a way of seeing you somehow.

I'll write to you at school and you
must write and tell me everything.

Yes, of course I will. Every day.

Judith .. I want you to help your
mother as much as you can.

Don't leave her alone.
Try and interest her.

All the little things.

Judith.

She's very, very ill.

Come with me in the car to the station
and I'll try and tell you what I mean.

Stop crying, Margaret.

Daddy.

If the doctor could have helped mummy ..

I can't see why you
wouldn't let him see her.

Mummy.

I want to speak to your father alone.

You aren't well enough.
- Please, Margaret.

I'm busy. Another time.

Now.

What is it?

I came to say goodbye to you, Geoffrey.
I'm leaving you now. At once.

The old refrain.
You should set it to music, Charlotte.

Now I go away for good.

Why not say 'au revoir'?
We know you'll be back.

I'm not coming back.

I shall apply for a legal separation
and the custody of Judith and Steven.

I won't have their lives
poisoned as mine has.

What are you talking about?

Hmm?

No.

I overheard every word Lucy said to you.

Every word of it was true.

You have destroyed me, Geoffrey.

You've done your best to ..

Destroy the love I have for you.

That's why I'm going.

Now listen, darling.
You couldn't go a yard without me.

Why, I am you. I always have been.

We're alright if we're left alone.

It's Lucy who upsets the applecart
with her damned interference.

If you want a doctor, ask me.

Now, unscrew that tragic look.
Muster up a smile and ..

Everything will be
forgiven and forgotten.

Please.

Please don't, Geoffrey.
- Hmm?

You know I never can refuse you
anything when you're gentle with me.

Please.

Please!

I must do what I know is right.

But you won't.

You've never once stood on your
own feet. You haven't the guts.

You've whined and crawled ever since
the day I was fool enough to marry you.

Now go to the devil and stay there.

Mummy .. Mummy!

Mummy. Mummy.

Mummy. Mummy.

What have you done?
God, what have you done?

I couldn't avoid her. She ran in
front of the car. I couldn't stop.

Mummy.

Well?

She doesn't answer.

How did this happen?
- I couldn't avoid her.

It's my wife. She ran
out to post a letter.

Yes?

Shall I read it back?

'Sorry, couldn't meet train'.

'Have been offered job in South Africa'.

'Am going to London
to discuss details'.

'Wish me luck. Terry'.

Thank you.

But hasn't he been back to the club?

I see.

Thank you.

A telegram, madam.
- What?

Thank you.

Oh no.

No.

Hello?

Yes?

Lucy.

Listen darling.

If it's about breaking the appointment
with Geoffrey, I'm very sorry, but ..

Brian's going off to America
in a day or two and I ..

Lucy.

It isn't true.

It isn't .. true.

Very well .. I'll get the
car and come at once.

I'll get you some milk. Go to the dining
room and see if you can find a biscuit.

There's nothing like
milk to make you sleep.

Yes, I know.
- Listen.

I believe that's aunt Vera.

You'd better go back to your room.
She wants to see me alone.

I'll bring your milk up.

Yes. Don't be too long, because ..
- I know.

Suppose you pop into my bed?

Oh yes.

Darling.
- Lucy.

Don't be nice to me. Don't. If I'd done
what I said this wouldn't have happened.

We couldn't have done anything.
We were too late to save her.

I've always let everybody
down, haven't I.

Charlotte .. Brian ..

Myself worst of all.

I might have done so much.

I've done nothing.
- The same with me too.

She wouldn't let me.

What little I tried to do ..

Did more harm than good.

Lucy, was it an accident?

Did she do it on purpose?

I don't know.

I can't think of Charlotte being dead.

Isn't that because the real
Charlotte died years ago?

On her wedding day.

What a waste her life has been.

Oh no.

All that power she had
for loving and loyalty.

Couldn't have been wasted.

I like to think that was true.
- It must be true.

Or there would be no sense in anything.

Where is she?

Upstairs.

I've never seen a dead person before.

Is it any use asking her to forgive?

When you see her.

You'll know that she has
forgiven .. everybody.

I'd like to go up alone.

Was that Vera?

Yes.

She's gone up.

Would you like to come in here for
a moment? I want to speak to you.

Very well.

This is a terrible
business for all of us.

Terrible.

For you, especially.
- Yes, yes.

The tragic thing is, after you
left we had a reconciliation.

A complete reconciliation.

Charlotte realized that what was
going on could only lead to disaster.

It has, hasn't it.

Her secret drinking, I mean.

I see.

That comes as a surprise
to you, perhaps?

Until now, I've never
mentioned it to a soul.

That was very good of you, Geoffrey.

Now this has happened,
it never must be mentioned.

We haven't got on too
well in the past, Lucy.

Now you know what I had to
endure, you'll forgive me that.

When you try to conceal an ugly fact, it
isn't always easy to do so graciously.

I suppose not.

It's a relief to feel that
whatever is before us ..

We shall be standing together.

We?
- The family.

Which has always meant so much to you.

I've been thinking.

After this, Margaret and I might
go away for a few months.

But if we did, the problem is Judith.

The child has been devoted to you.

It would be a real weight off my mind if
you consent to look after her for a bit.

Or even indefinitely.

At my expense, of course.
- You needn't worry about who pays.

I'll ring William. He can come
and fetch her tomorrow.

Thank you, Lucy. Thank you.

She's an affectionate little girl.
I'm sure you'll never regret it.

I know I shan't.
- Now ..

About this inquest.

I know you wish, as I do, to keep
Charlotte's memory fragrant ..

The affair will be purely formal.

Why shouldn't it be formal?
It was an accident.

Exactly. And if we treat it as such, no
question of her state of mind arises.

Of course not.

In my evidence, I'll emphasise what a
good wife and mother she'd always been.

You want me to say the same?
- That's unnecessary.

I'd like to give evidence, Geoffrey.
- Thank you.

I knew I could count on
your loyalty to Charlotte.

You can.

I must go up to Vera.

I need hardly say how grateful
I am that you're taking Judith.

I'm the one to be grateful.

You've given me back what I lost.

It's curious it should
be you of all people.

Thank you, John.

Yes, I came back yesterday.

I shan't be at the inquest. My husband
leaves for America this morning and ..

There was nothing more I could do.

I was going to ask you if you'd
deliver a letter to Margaret.

I haven't heard from her since she
left here, but I'd like her to know ..

That I was thinking about her.

I bet she would too, John.

Why not take the letter yourself?
The inquest isn't until 3 o'clock.

Well.

Perhaps after all, I'll post it.

Yes. Thank you. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Are you going already?

Yes .. the luggage is in the car.

I like to be in good time.

If you wait a minute.

Come down.
- No. Please don't do that.

I don't want to bring
sentiment into this.

Yes. But I've got so used
to seeing you about.

Knowing it's the last time has given
me an awful lump in my throat.

Saying goodbye is a miserable business.

The less said about it the better.

Maybe.

There are a whole lot of things I ..

I shall wish I'd said.

Anyway .. thanks for putting
up with me for so long.

Have you got everything
packed for the voyage?

Yes. I have a packing method, you know.

Vera.

I'm terribly sorry about Charlotte.

I know you are, Brian.

Well?

I must be going.

You deserved a better fate, Brian.
- I don't know.

Perhaps we both did.

The trouble with me is ..

I could never help being a bore.

Darling. There you are. I've been
looking for you everywhere.

I just got a postcard from Judith.

She says she's staying at aunt Lucy's.
- Yes, I know.

Daddy must be off now, darling. He won't
forget to send you a new outfit for Eva.

I would like it to be blue.

Eva looks best in blue.
- Blue it shall be.

Goodbye, darling.

I know there are all sorts
of things I wish I'd ..

Look after yourself.

Daddy.

Daddy, I did really like
you reading to me.

Leave me alone, please.

Wasn't that Mr Sergeant?
- Yes, sir.

Is Mrs Sergeant in?
- Yes. I don't think she's dressed yet.

Terry. Terry.
- What's up?

Terry darling, I'm glad you came.
Something terrible has happened.

What?

Let's go into the room.
- What's happened?

Yesterday I had a phone-call from Lucy.
- Yes.

It was about Charlotte.

My poor girl, you have had a beating.

Haven't I.

Why didn't you write or telephone?
- I meant to.

This African business was
only settled last night.

Settled?
- Yes, I'm ..

I'm leaving on the Kenilworth
Castle at the end of the month.

The job's right down my street.

I didn't know any job
was down your street.

Maybe you're right.
It seemed to me high time to find out.

Yes. Isn't that what's called
'recovering one's self-respect'?

Perhaps it is, but I ..

Where's Brian off to
with all that luggage?

America.
- America?

Yes. We agree to separate.
He's giving me a divorce.

He knows about us?
- Yes.

He's giving you a divorce? But why?

He was always sweet
and generous about me.

But why the divorce? Did you ask for it?
- No.

Vera.

Did you want it? Are you quite sure?

I understand.

Listen.

Why not be sweet and generous about
him and do a little giving for once?

Nonsense, Terry.
It's understood that a husband ..

Hold on a minute.

What in hell do you think
I'm going away for?

Making a graceful exit?

Oh no.

Because of you.

I want to marry you.

Terry ..
- Now, wait a minute.

When we start life together in Africa,
it will be like starting from scratch.

Where there are no understood things.

I should like to have thought that we ..
- We paid our bills?

So would I.

You realize that coming with me means
giving up everything you're used to?

Everything I'm used to has given me up.

Except you.

I don't mean things are absolutely
primitive, but they're not luxurious.

At times, it may be fairly tough.
- I know, darling.

And you're willing to risk it?
- There's no risk.

You idiot. Don't you realise that if
I have you, nothing else matters?

Now what? Are you regretting it already?

No. But ..

Terry, isn't that typical of me?

I'd forgotten all about Sarah.

Hmm.

That is a problem.

Please, this is Sarah Sergeant.

Will you ring up Underwood 24.

Tell Judith I'm coming
as quick as I can.

Because I'm not wanted here anymore.

You have identified the body as being
that of your wife, Charlotte Lee?

Yes.

When did you last see your wife alive?

About 3:45 on Friday afternoon.

And was your wife enjoying
her normal health?

Yes.

She was never in
better health or spirits.

As a pedestrian, would you
describe her as .. prudent?

Most prudent.

Though like many women she was sometimes
a little impetuous when crossing a road.

I see.

Nothing had disturbed her mental balance
and failure to see the oncoming vehicle?

Nothing whatever.

My daughter, Margaret and
my wife's sister, Mrs Moore ..

Saw her that afternoon and
could bear out this statement.

We shall be hearing their
evidence in due course.

Any questions?

No thank you, sir.
- Yes, sir.

You said just now that your
wife was a prudent pedestrian.

As a second thought.

You added she was impetuous.

She was.

But which?

You can't have it both ways.

Did you tell the policeman she
was going to post a letter?

I believe I did.

But there was no letter found
at the scene of the accident.

It must have been overlooked.

That's not very likely, Mr Lee.

Did your wife tell you she
was going to the post?

I can't remember. I may have
concluded that she was.

In other words, you made a statement
which isn't borne out by the facts.

Really, Sir. I cannot see the
point in my friend's question.

I was merely trying to find a reason ..

For the deceased's extraordinary
indifference to an obvious danger.

Which isn't in line with
a person posting a letter.

Thank you, Mr Lee.

Mr Lethbridge, are you calling
the deceased's daughter ..

Miss Lee, and her sister, Mrs Moore?

No, sir. I think Mr Lee's
evidence is all that's necessary.

Sir, my daughter feels faint.

Can I take her out of court?

No. Not at all. Mr Channing.

Is it over yet?
- Not yet, sir.

You can go into court if you wish.

Margaret.

Sit down here.

Feeling better, darling?

It's the thought of standing
there to tell all those lies.

It's for her sake, remember that.

Don't worry.

I'll be back as soon as it's over.

Did you have the impression she
was unaware the car was so near?

She was unaware of everything, sir.

She must have been.

Did she turn towards you at any time?

For the fraction of a moment,
just before the car struck her.

In that moment, did you notice
the expression on her face?

Yes.

It was quite blank.

But her eyes were unnaturally bright,
as though blinded by tears or something.

After that, she .. disappeared
under the wheels.

Any questions?
- No thank you, sir.

I have several questions.

Now, Mr Channing.

You say the distance between you and Mrs
Lee was too small for you to avoid her?

It was.

The whole thing happened like a flash.
- Exactly. In a flash.

Yet you've the effrontery to say you had
time to study her face closely enough ..

To claim her expression was
blank and her eyes full of tears.

How much time is one supposed
to want to notice that?

You're here to answer
questions, not ask them.

Very well then. I did have time.

What is more.

If I hadn't heard her
husband's evidence.

I might have thought that she
ran before the car deliberately.

No doubt the coroner appreciates
just how much that remark is worth.

That will do, Mr Channing.

In the absence of further witnesses ..

Just one moment, sir. If I may be
allowed one word with my client.

Yes, Mr Lethbridge.

In view of this unwarrantable
statement from the last witness.

I should like to put Mrs Moore,
sister of the deceased, in the box.

As you wish. Call Mrs Moore.

Take the book in your right hand.

You are Mrs Lucy Moore of
Lower Runnon, Underwood?

You are a sister of the deceased?
- Yes.

When did you last see
her alive, Mrs Moore?

About a quarter past three
on Friday afternoon.

Was she then in her
usual state of health?

Yes.

She was in her usual state of health.

And what was her usual state of health?

She was dying.

Dying?

Have you any reason for saying that?

She was being slowly killed
by her husband's cruelty.

Sir, I must protest.

You called her, Mr Lethbridge.
I think we must hear her evidence.

Do you realise the implication
of your words, Mrs Moore?

Yes.

I accuse my brother-in-law of murder.

Don't listen to her. She's lying.

She's lying.

How can there be any question of murder?

Isn't a person, who by
shabby little cruelties ..

Kills the life and soul
of another, a murderer?

You mustn't generalise, Mrs Moore.

You cannot bring a terrible accusation
like this without substantiating it.

I know. I know how difficult it will be.

But my sister was rather a simple woman.

Who just wanted a happy home.

A husband and children.

Soon he found her dull and too simple.

So he set out on a deliberate
course of snubbing her.

I mean in front of everybody, tradesmen,
servants, and even the children.

He humiliated her.

Until at last she became the fool
that he so often said she was.

And couldn't manage the simplest things.

She answered stupidly.

Was incapable of even shopping properly.

She wavered and fumbled
and dropped things.

You see, she was afraid of him.

Terribly afraid.
- That may be so, Mrs Moore.

But I'm still waiting
for a specific instance.

Then I shall have to tell you something
that hasn't been mentioned before.

Because of her fear.

My sister took to drinking.

Yes .. well ..?

When I found out, I begged him to let
her to see a doctor but he refused.

So I chose a moment when I
thought he wouldn't be there.

And took Sir Hamish Nair to see her.

One moment, Mrs Moore.

Is Sir Hamish Nair in court?

No.

But he sent this letter
that I'd like you to see.

Denborough double-0-1.

Denborough Express? Martin here.

Listen .. headline stuff
on the Lee case.

'Husband accused by
sister-in-law of wife's murder'.

'Charges him with persistent cruelty'.

'States morally responsible
for wife's death'.

'Has humiliated her for years'.

'Refused to allow her to see a doctor'.

Got that?

It says here.

Although he saw your sister for a
moment and formed the opinion ..

That she was in urgent
need of medical help.

He was not allowed to examine her.

How was that?

My brother-in-law was at home
after all, and prevented it.

That isn't true. My wife
herself refused to see him.

Mr Lee, you must not give
evidence in the body of the court.

Did she refuse, Mrs Moore?

Yes, of course.

She was afraid to do otherwise.

Sir Hamish appears to confirm that.

And states that you stayed in the house
for some moments after he left.

I waited long enough to say
that he was killing my sister.

That he was fatal.

What did he reply to that?

Nothing.

I think he was proud of it.

He felt he'd beaten the lot of us.

Have you any knowledge of
what happened afterwards?

No.

It isn't hard to guess.

That last humiliation was even
more than Charlotte could stand.

She ran from the house.

To her death.

One moment, Mr Lethbridge.

Mrs Moore, who asked you to
give evidence in this case?

Her brother-in-law.

He was afraid the truth would come out.

So he bribed me to come here.

Bribed you?
- Yes.

I haven't any children.

He promised if I'd say what a happy wife
and mother Charlotte had always been ..

To let me bring up his
youngest daughter, Judith.

I suppose I'm taking a terrible
risk with her whole future.

But I couldn't let him kill
Charlotte and get away with it.

I couldn't.

I couldn't.

I protest.

I submit that this letter purporting
to be from Sir Hamish Nair ..

Cannot be accepted as evidence.
- I agree, Mr Lethbridge.

When confronted as I am, with two
entirely contradictory statements ..

Regarding the state of
mind of the deceased.

I shall adjourn this inquest until
Sir Hamish Nair can be present.

Thank you, Mrs Moore.

I won't have it adjourned. There isn't
a shred of truth in anything she's said.

This is a conspiracy against me.

In that case, you'll welcome
a second opportunity ..

To prove the honesty of your statement.

I demand that my word is accepted.

This doctor will say anything she
tells him to. They're hand in glove.

I think you've forgotten
where you are, Mr Lee.

In this court you're in no
position to demand anything.

Your action in resisting an adjournment
indicates only one interpretation.

In your own interest I would
advise you to be quiet.

The court is adjourned
until this day week.

Everybody stand up.

Who's this?

Go away. Leave us alone.

Wait for me in the car please, John.

Very well.

Margaret.

She told them your mother took to
drink because of the way I treated her.

Accused me of treating her
badly. Me, your father.

It will ruin me. That's all.

I know I should have put you in the box.
You'd have shown her up.

I'm glad she said it, because it's true.

Mummy never would have
died if not for you.

You're wicked, selfish, horrible.
- Margaret, what are you talking about?

Even to me, who you pretended to love.

Horrible.

You knew about John and me.
You must have known.

You tore up his letters.

Margaret, what nonsense.
How can you say such things?

Don't touch me.

You did kill my mother.

I never want to see you
or speak to you again.

I never will see you
or speak to you again.

Margaret, listen to me.

Come back, Margaret.

[ Doorbell ]

Was that the postman?
- Was it? I'll see.

I say, we have got on, haven't we.

Yes, we want everything ship
shape when Steven gets here.

Ship shape. And so it is.

All ship shape and Bristol fashion.
Whatever that means. So don't ask me.

Uncle William, don't you think
Eva looks nice in her new blue?

Yes, I do. But perhaps a trifle
smart for a battlement.

I don't know.

She's an American now, and
American women are always like that.

I see.

Steven wrote that he had a white straw
hat and he doesn't want it laughed at.

Doesn't he, by Jove? That
isn't going to be too easy.

He should be here any minute. How about
joining Crusoe in the front garden?

Yes. Let's.

Aunt Lucy, I'm going to meet Steven.

Sarah. I've just had a letter
from mummy in South Africa.

She says the farm is lovely.
She wishes you were there to see it.

Does she? Judith, wait for me.

Poor Vera. I'm afraid she's
missing Sarah terribly.

Yes, I expect she is.

But you can't live as Vera did and not
get an occasional jolt now and again.

I suppose not.

But I wish Sarah didn't feel
quite so unfriendly towards her.

There's only room in a child's
heart for a certain amount of love.

You've grabbed the lot, my dear.
From both of them.

Oh dear.

To have one is an awful responsibility.

A responsibility, yes.

But don't let's make our adopted
one an awful responsibility.

I wonder what you really
thought of us all.

We three sisters.

I've kept most of my thoughts for you.

You were a very ordinary lot, really.

There are millions like you.

Walking in and out of trouble,
aiming at goals they never reach.

Making the best, or worst, of things.

But in the main, muddling through.

And that's the best you can say?
- Isn't it good enough?

We're apt to think of what
happens to us as being rather ..

Rather over life-size.

And to forget because of the
bricks and mortar in between.

That just the same triumphs and
disasters are going on next door.

Yes, I'm talking too much.

Let's go and join the
reception committee.

There's a car. There's Steven.

Steven .. Steven.

Steven, darling.
- Easy on, you kids.

Hello Crusoe.

Uncle William. Aunt Lucy.

Hello, Steven.

Where's my air-gun?

In the hall, uncle William was using it.

Oh gosh, it's good to be home.

Home.

William.
- Hey, none of that.

God is in his heaven.
All was right with the world.

Uncle William.

A boy at school says he
shot a running rabbit.

Really?
- Yes.

..t-g..