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Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:02:19,084 --> 00:02:21,751 - Evening, Mr Elliott. - Good evening. 2 00:02:25,084 --> 00:02:26,751 Brr. 3 00:02:26,792 --> 00:02:29,167 - Just sign the book, if you will? - Yes. 4 00:02:29,917 --> 00:02:32,751 - Been keeping you busy, Mr Elliott? - Oh, just nicely. 5 00:02:32,834 --> 00:02:35,417 Went up to Manchester on Monday, a poisoner. 6 00:02:35,501 --> 00:02:39,084 Baby-farmer at Holloway this morning. Very ordinary crimes, both of them. 7 00:02:39,126 --> 00:02:41,501 This one we've got for you tomorrow is something special. 8 00:02:41,584 --> 00:02:43,334 Yes, very much so. 9 00:02:43,417 --> 00:02:45,626 Even after all my years in the profession, 10 00:02:45,751 --> 00:02:47,834 I'm quite looking forward to him. 11 00:02:47,917 --> 00:02:49,959 - Well, I must be getting along. - Good night, Mr Elliott. 12 00:02:50,084 --> 00:02:51,792 - Good night. - Usual cup of tea at 7:00? 13 00:02:51,917 --> 00:02:52,917 Oh, please. 14 00:02:54,084 --> 00:02:57,834 Even my lamented master, the great Mr Barry himself 15 00:02:57,917 --> 00:03:00,334 never had the privilege of hanging a duke. 16 00:03:00,417 --> 00:03:01,626 Yes. 17 00:03:01,751 --> 00:03:05,084 What a finale to a lifetime in the public service. 18 00:03:05,126 --> 00:03:07,959 - "Finale"? - Yes, I intend to retire. 19 00:03:08,084 --> 00:03:10,584 After using the silken rope, 20 00:03:10,667 --> 00:03:13,834 never again be content with hemp. 21 00:03:13,917 --> 00:03:16,417 - Quite. Well, here we are. - Oh, thank you. 22 00:03:33,126 --> 00:03:34,876 How will he approach it? 23 00:03:34,917 --> 00:03:37,542 I should think as the calmest you've ever known. 24 00:03:37,584 --> 00:03:40,417 Noblesse oblige, doubtless. 25 00:03:40,542 --> 00:03:45,042 A difficult client can make things most distressing. 26 00:03:45,084 --> 00:03:47,917 Some of them tend to be very hysterical. 27 00:03:47,959 --> 00:03:49,876 So inconsiderate. 28 00:03:49,959 --> 00:03:53,917 Well, Colonel, considering the importance of the occasion, 29 00:03:53,959 --> 00:03:56,084 I shall retire early. 30 00:03:56,209 --> 00:04:00,709 The last execution of a duke in this country was very badly bungled. 31 00:04:00,751 --> 00:04:03,376 That was in the old days of the axe, of course. 32 00:04:03,417 --> 00:04:04,751 Yes. 33 00:04:05,584 --> 00:04:08,251 Oh, I... I almost forgot. 34 00:04:08,376 --> 00:04:11,376 Um, you must forgive my ignorance 35 00:04:11,417 --> 00:04:14,417 but when we meet in the morning, 36 00:04:14,459 --> 00:04:16,959 what is the correct form of address? 37 00:04:17,084 --> 00:04:19,459 - Your Lordship? - Your Grace. 38 00:04:19,584 --> 00:04:22,917 "Your Grace"? Oh. 39 00:04:22,959 --> 00:04:24,584 Thank you. 40 00:04:26,251 --> 00:04:27,959 Good morning, Your Grace. 41 00:04:29,084 --> 00:04:30,751 Good morning, Your Grace. 42 00:04:43,876 --> 00:04:46,751 - All right. Sit down. - Ah, good evening, Colonel. Glass of wine? 43 00:04:46,876 --> 00:04:49,459 Good evening, Your Grace. Uh, thank you, no. 44 00:04:49,584 --> 00:04:53,626 I, uh, I called to inquire whether you had any special wishes for breakfast. 45 00:04:53,751 --> 00:04:56,751 Just coffee and a slice of toast, thank you. 46 00:04:56,876 --> 00:04:58,751 Oh, and perhaps a few grapes. 47 00:04:58,876 --> 00:05:00,751 I hate to disappoint the newspaper-reading public 48 00:05:00,876 --> 00:05:03,792 but it'll be too early for the conventional hearty breakfast. 49 00:05:03,917 --> 00:05:05,917 The appointment is at 8:00, is it not? 50 00:05:05,959 --> 00:05:07,959 At 8:00, uh, yes. 51 00:05:08,084 --> 00:05:11,584 If I may venture to say so, I am amazed at your calmness. 52 00:05:13,584 --> 00:05:16,209 Dr Johnson was, as always, right, 53 00:05:16,251 --> 00:05:18,251 when he observed, "Depend upon it, sir. 54 00:05:18,292 --> 00:05:20,792 "When a man knows that he's going to be hanged in a few hours, 55 00:05:20,917 --> 00:05:23,292 "it concentrates his mind wonderfully." 56 00:05:23,792 --> 00:05:27,417 Yes. Well, if there is nothing further I can do for you... 57 00:05:27,542 --> 00:05:28,917 Nothing, thank you, Colonel. 58 00:05:28,959 --> 00:05:32,876 We shall have the opportunity of making our adieus in the morning, I presume. 59 00:05:32,917 --> 00:05:34,917 I regret to say, yes. 60 00:05:36,584 --> 00:05:39,084 - Good night, Your Grace. - Good night, Colonel. 61 00:05:48,126 --> 00:05:51,917 A brief history of the events leading thereto 62 00:05:52,042 --> 00:05:54,417 written on the eve of his execution 63 00:05:54,542 --> 00:05:58,417 by Louis D'Ascoyne Mazzini, 10th Duke of Chalfont 64 00:05:59,417 --> 00:06:01,959 who ventures to hope that it may prove not uninteresting 65 00:06:02,084 --> 00:06:04,917 to those who remain to read it. 66 00:06:10,917 --> 00:06:15,084 My good man, it is not by my choice that you keep me company. 67 00:06:15,126 --> 00:06:18,917 If you wish to sleep, pray do me the courtesy of sleeping quietly. 68 00:06:22,251 --> 00:06:25,459 With so little time remaining to complete my story, 69 00:06:25,584 --> 00:06:28,209 it is difficult to choose where to begin it. 70 00:06:28,251 --> 00:06:29,792 Perhaps I should begin at the beginning. 71 00:06:31,084 --> 00:06:36,292 I was a healthy baby, born of an English mother and Italian father... 72 00:06:37,792 --> 00:06:41,751 ...who succumbed to a heart attack at the moment of first setting eyes on me. 73 00:06:41,792 --> 00:06:45,959 In the circumstances, it will be understood that I have but slight memory of him. 74 00:06:46,084 --> 00:06:48,542 The little I know comes from what Mama told me. 75 00:07:10,042 --> 00:07:12,376 Your father was a very handsome man. 76 00:08:05,917 --> 00:08:09,084 Mama was the daughter of the seventh duke of Chalfont 77 00:08:09,209 --> 00:08:11,084 of Chalfont Castle. 78 00:08:12,126 --> 00:08:14,417 She eloped with her handsome singer 79 00:08:14,542 --> 00:08:18,251 and exchanged the medieval splendours of Chalfont Castle 80 00:08:18,376 --> 00:08:19,751 for the modern conveniences 81 00:08:19,792 --> 00:08:22,417 of No 73, Balaclava Avenue, SW. 82 00:08:31,417 --> 00:08:35,542 They were poor, but they had five happy and harmonious years 83 00:08:35,584 --> 00:08:39,251 before my arrival sent Papa off to join the heavenly choir. 84 00:08:45,126 --> 00:08:48,042 Reduced to even deeper poverty by my father's death, 85 00:08:48,084 --> 00:08:49,959 Mama swallowed her pride 86 00:08:50,084 --> 00:08:53,709 and made an effort at reconciliation with her family. 87 00:08:53,751 --> 00:08:56,417 They did not even reply to her letter. 88 00:08:57,584 --> 00:08:59,792 In order to keep us both alive, she was reduced 89 00:08:59,917 --> 00:09:02,209 to the horrible expedient of taking in a lodger. 90 00:09:04,334 --> 00:09:07,917 For him, she had to perform the most menial tasks. 91 00:09:08,042 --> 00:09:12,376 She felt that her family had conspired to cheat me of my birthright, 92 00:09:12,417 --> 00:09:14,584 and I passed from infancy to childhood 93 00:09:14,709 --> 00:09:18,001 in an atmosphere of family history and genealogies. 94 00:09:19,209 --> 00:09:20,917 The dukedom had been bestowed 95 00:09:21,042 --> 00:09:24,501 by Charles II on Colonel Henry D'Ascoyne 96 00:09:25,376 --> 00:09:28,667 for services rendered to His Majesty during his exile. 97 00:09:29,751 --> 00:09:32,584 Later, for services rendered to His Majesty 98 00:09:32,709 --> 00:09:35,667 after his restoration by the Duchess, 99 00:09:36,167 --> 00:09:38,084 the title was granted the unique privilege 100 00:09:38,167 --> 00:09:40,667 of descending by the female as well as the male line. 101 00:09:42,042 --> 00:09:43,084 Louis. 102 00:09:43,209 --> 00:09:45,584 It was therefore theoretically possible 103 00:09:45,709 --> 00:09:48,751 that via Mama I might inherit the dukedom. 104 00:09:51,417 --> 00:09:53,417 Mama scraped and saved 105 00:09:53,501 --> 00:09:56,667 and sent me to the best school she could afford. 106 00:09:56,751 --> 00:09:59,709 One little incident of my school days occurs to me as amusing 107 00:09:59,751 --> 00:10:01,542 in relation to my present situation. 108 00:10:01,584 --> 00:10:03,251 Lionel Holland. 109 00:10:04,417 --> 00:10:06,209 What is the Sixth Commandment? 110 00:10:07,417 --> 00:10:09,417 Come, come now. 111 00:10:10,542 --> 00:10:11,667 Someone else then. 112 00:10:11,751 --> 00:10:13,917 I know, please, Miss Waterman. 113 00:10:14,042 --> 00:10:16,334 Louis Mazzini. Tell him. 114 00:10:18,167 --> 00:10:20,751 - Thou shalt not kill. - Quite right, Louis. 115 00:10:20,834 --> 00:10:23,417 The Sixth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not kill." 116 00:10:23,542 --> 00:10:25,209 No, in those days, 117 00:10:25,251 --> 00:10:28,376 I never had any trouble with the Sixth Commandment. 118 00:10:28,417 --> 00:10:32,834 As to the Seventh, I was hardly of an age to concern myself with it. 119 00:10:32,917 --> 00:10:36,042 Although I was old enough to be in love. 120 00:10:36,084 --> 00:10:39,001 So Sibella enters my story. 121 00:10:39,084 --> 00:10:41,584 Sibella and her brother, Graham, were my only close friends 122 00:10:41,709 --> 00:10:43,834 and we grew up together. 123 00:10:43,917 --> 00:10:48,417 In their case, Mama relaxed her objection to my associating with the local children. 124 00:10:49,084 --> 00:10:53,084 At least their father, Dr Halworth, was a professional man. 125 00:10:54,209 --> 00:10:58,209 Louis, we must think very carefully about your future. 126 00:10:58,751 --> 00:11:00,584 Well, it should be quite easy to get a job. 127 00:11:00,709 --> 00:11:03,417 Not a job, dear. A career. 128 00:11:05,376 --> 00:11:08,001 I had hoped for Cambridge for you. 129 00:11:08,084 --> 00:11:10,417 The D'Ascoynes always go to Trinity. 130 00:11:10,501 --> 00:11:13,584 And then, perhaps, the diplomatic. 131 00:11:13,709 --> 00:11:16,834 But I'm afraid it's no use looking as high as that. 132 00:11:17,834 --> 00:11:20,251 However, when you've passed your examination 133 00:11:20,334 --> 00:11:23,251 that should equip you for a start in one of the professions. 134 00:11:23,334 --> 00:11:27,584 People of quite good family go into the professions nowadays, I understand. 135 00:11:28,751 --> 00:11:31,417 Now, who do we know who could help us? 136 00:11:32,417 --> 00:11:36,667 We don't really know anyone, except the family, and they don't know us. 137 00:11:36,751 --> 00:11:39,417 The least we can do is try once more. 138 00:11:41,917 --> 00:11:44,584 I shall write to Lord Ascoyne D'Ascoyne. 139 00:11:44,709 --> 00:11:47,417 He can surely do something in that bank of his. 140 00:11:47,542 --> 00:11:50,584 Bank, Mama? Is that a profession? 141 00:11:50,709 --> 00:11:53,417 This is a private bank, Louis, dear. 142 00:11:53,542 --> 00:11:56,001 They don't pass money over the counter. 143 00:11:56,084 --> 00:11:57,917 The letter was duly dispatched 144 00:11:58,001 --> 00:12:00,251 and this time we did get an answer. 145 00:12:00,376 --> 00:12:03,584 "Madam, I am instructed by Lord Ascoyne D'Ascoyne 146 00:12:03,709 --> 00:12:06,917 "to inform you that he is not aware of your son's existence 147 00:12:07,001 --> 00:12:10,084 "as a member of the D'Ascoyne family." 148 00:12:10,209 --> 00:12:12,584 Signed by his secretary. 149 00:12:12,709 --> 00:12:16,251 It's very stupid of him, of them all, not to admit your existence 150 00:12:16,376 --> 00:12:19,209 when one day you might be duke of Chalfont. 151 00:12:19,251 --> 00:12:21,251 It's a very big "might", Mama. 152 00:12:21,334 --> 00:12:23,751 There must be at least 12 people before me 153 00:12:23,876 --> 00:12:26,209 to say nothing of the ones who haven't been born yet. 154 00:12:26,251 --> 00:12:28,834 Stranger things have happened. 155 00:12:28,917 --> 00:12:31,917 I don't wish to be unchristian, but in view of their attitude, 156 00:12:32,042 --> 00:12:35,501 I could almost wish those 12 people should all die tomorrow. 157 00:12:36,917 --> 00:12:38,751 All except one, Mama. 158 00:12:38,876 --> 00:12:42,376 Because you must be duchess of Chalfont before I'm duke. 159 00:12:45,167 --> 00:12:49,251 It will have to be a job, not a career, after all, Mama. 160 00:12:49,334 --> 00:12:51,667 I'm afraid so, Louis. 161 00:12:51,751 --> 00:12:54,167 A D'Ascoyne in trade. 162 00:12:54,251 --> 00:12:56,709 Did poor Mama's silly dreaming 163 00:12:56,751 --> 00:13:00,251 plant in my brain some seed which was afterwards to grow 164 00:13:00,376 --> 00:13:03,834 into the most sensational criminal endeavour of the century? 165 00:13:03,917 --> 00:13:06,251 If so, I was not conscious of it at the time 166 00:13:06,376 --> 00:13:08,667 for there were things of more immediate concern. 167 00:13:08,751 --> 00:13:11,334 Even potential dukes have to eat. 168 00:13:11,417 --> 00:13:14,834 Mr Perkins, our lodger for nearly 15 years, 169 00:13:14,917 --> 00:13:16,542 did his best to be helpful. 170 00:13:16,584 --> 00:13:19,209 He was employed as shop walker in a local drapery store 171 00:13:19,251 --> 00:13:21,209 and found employment for me there. 172 00:13:21,251 --> 00:13:23,501 The possible future duke of Chalfont 173 00:13:23,584 --> 00:13:27,834 became what was known as a general assistant at the drapery. 174 00:13:27,917 --> 00:13:32,042 This humiliation continued for two dispiriting years. 175 00:13:33,167 --> 00:13:36,167 And then one day, Mama, who had broken her glasses 176 00:13:36,251 --> 00:13:38,584 and could not afford to have them mended, 177 00:13:38,667 --> 00:13:41,584 was knocked down by a tram near Clapham Junction 178 00:13:41,709 --> 00:13:43,584 and fatally injured. 179 00:13:45,584 --> 00:13:48,251 - Louis. - Yes, Mama. 180 00:13:49,709 --> 00:13:52,834 I should like to be buried at Chalfont, 181 00:13:53,542 --> 00:13:55,542 in the family vault. 182 00:13:57,251 --> 00:13:58,709 Yes, Mama. 183 00:14:07,917 --> 00:14:12,417 I wrote to the Duke informing him of Mama's dying wish. 184 00:14:12,501 --> 00:14:15,584 His reply was the curtest possible refusal. 185 00:14:15,709 --> 00:14:20,167 Standing by Mama's poor little grave in that hideous suburban cemetery, 186 00:14:20,251 --> 00:14:24,709 I made an oath that I would revenge the wrongs her family had done her. 187 00:14:26,084 --> 00:14:29,376 It was no more than a piece of youthful bravado 188 00:14:29,417 --> 00:14:34,167 but it was one of those acorns from which great oaks are destined to grow. 189 00:14:34,251 --> 00:14:36,876 Even then I went so far as to examine the family tree 190 00:14:36,917 --> 00:14:39,709 and prune it to just the living members. 191 00:14:39,751 --> 00:14:42,417 But what could I do to hurt them? 192 00:14:42,501 --> 00:14:44,792 What could I take from them, 193 00:14:44,876 --> 00:14:48,417 except, perhaps, their lives? 194 00:14:48,501 --> 00:14:51,209 I indulged for a moment in a fantasy of all 12 of them 195 00:14:51,292 --> 00:14:54,042 being wiped out simultaneously at a family reunion 196 00:14:54,126 --> 00:14:55,834 by my unseen hand. 197 00:14:55,917 --> 00:15:00,709 Of the penniless boy from Clapham being miraculously transplanted to his birthright. 198 00:15:00,792 --> 00:15:03,542 I even speculated as to how I might contrive it. 199 00:15:05,126 --> 00:15:07,084 But there were other more urgent problems. 200 00:15:07,167 --> 00:15:10,917 Mama's tiny income came from an annuity and had died with her. 201 00:15:12,417 --> 00:15:16,751 The problem of how to live on 25 shillings a week was solved for me 202 00:15:16,834 --> 00:15:20,001 by an invitation from Dr Halworth to lodge with them. 203 00:15:20,084 --> 00:15:23,834 It was galling to accept the status of a poor relation 204 00:15:23,917 --> 00:15:27,959 but the certainty of seeing Sibella every day was too tempting to be refused. 205 00:15:28,792 --> 00:15:32,292 Louis, I'm so glad you accepted. 206 00:15:32,376 --> 00:15:34,334 It was my idea, you know. 207 00:15:35,417 --> 00:15:37,917 - I've brought you something. - Oh, Louis, you shouldn't have. 208 00:15:38,001 --> 00:15:40,376 You can't possibly afford it. 209 00:15:43,001 --> 00:15:45,376 Oh, what a bother. There's Lionel. 210 00:15:45,792 --> 00:15:47,751 See you at supper. 211 00:15:58,251 --> 00:16:01,834 The next few years brought many such heartbreaks, 212 00:16:01,917 --> 00:16:03,834 but they also brought promotion. 213 00:16:03,917 --> 00:16:06,626 Laces and ribbons at 30 shillings a week, 214 00:16:06,709 --> 00:16:09,251 fabrics at 32 and six. 215 00:16:09,334 --> 00:16:12,251 Finally, ladies' underwear at 35. 216 00:16:23,417 --> 00:16:25,876 I decided that if I was to be a draper, 217 00:16:25,959 --> 00:16:29,292 at least I would not be a suburban draper. 218 00:16:29,376 --> 00:16:33,376 So I migrated to a large modern store which had just been opened in the West End, 219 00:16:33,459 --> 00:16:36,584 at the gigantic salary of £2 a week. 220 00:16:38,542 --> 00:16:41,917 Every lunchtime I went to see how my inheritance was proceeding. 221 00:16:42,001 --> 00:16:44,959 Sometimes the deaths column brought good news. 222 00:16:53,751 --> 00:16:56,917 Sometimes, the births column brought bad. 223 00:16:58,626 --> 00:17:02,251 The advent of twin sons to the Duke was a terrible blow. 224 00:17:04,917 --> 00:17:07,209 Fortunately, an epidemic of diphtheria 225 00:17:07,292 --> 00:17:10,292 restored the status quo almost immediately 226 00:17:10,376 --> 00:17:13,667 and even brought me a bonus in the shape of the Duchess. 227 00:17:14,876 --> 00:17:17,542 That summer, the Halworths gave a party. 228 00:17:25,334 --> 00:17:27,917 - Good evening, Sibella. - Hello, Louis. 229 00:17:29,001 --> 00:17:31,834 - You do look nice. - So do you. 230 00:17:31,917 --> 00:17:34,417 - Doesn't he, Lionel? - Very. 231 00:17:43,334 --> 00:17:45,209 Emboldened by her kindness to me, 232 00:17:45,292 --> 00:17:48,292 I made a decision I'd been toying with for some time. 233 00:17:49,751 --> 00:17:52,667 Well, that's the last of them, thank heaven. 234 00:17:53,626 --> 00:17:56,042 - What an evening. - I thought it was a very nice evening. 235 00:17:56,126 --> 00:17:58,167 It may have been for you. Oh! 236 00:17:58,251 --> 00:18:02,751 It's awful being a woman, having to dance with a lot of dull men, 237 00:18:02,834 --> 00:18:05,834 laugh at their jokes while they're treading on your feet. 238 00:18:05,917 --> 00:18:08,834 - I didn't tread on your feet. - You're not dull. 239 00:18:08,917 --> 00:18:11,501 - And your jokes are funny. - Thank you. 240 00:18:12,709 --> 00:18:14,959 - Sibella? - Mmm-hmm? 241 00:18:15,042 --> 00:18:17,792 Sibella, will you marry me? 242 00:18:20,001 --> 00:18:22,709 Louis, of course not. Do get up. 243 00:18:22,792 --> 00:18:24,792 You may be half Italian, but even so, 244 00:18:24,876 --> 00:18:27,417 you do look silly playing the stage lover like that. 245 00:18:27,501 --> 00:18:29,959 - Oh, I look silly, do I? - Yes. Very. 246 00:18:37,126 --> 00:18:39,084 Do I still look silly? 247 00:18:45,751 --> 00:18:47,834 Now, will you marry me? 248 00:18:48,667 --> 00:18:50,209 No. 249 00:18:50,876 --> 00:18:53,917 - Why not? - Because I just said I'd marry Lionel. 250 00:18:56,292 --> 00:18:58,834 - You can't. - Why not? 251 00:18:58,917 --> 00:19:01,334 Well, he's a clod. He's not a gentleman. 252 00:19:01,417 --> 00:19:03,417 Listen to who's talking. 253 00:19:03,501 --> 00:19:06,751 Whoever heard of a gentleman blacking the lodger's boots? 254 00:19:07,167 --> 00:19:10,042 That's a wicked thing to say. Just because Mama was poor. 255 00:19:10,292 --> 00:19:12,334 Lionel will be very rich one day. 256 00:19:12,626 --> 00:19:16,376 - I might be a duke one day. - Pigs might fly. 257 00:19:16,459 --> 00:19:19,834 No, I might. Really, I might. You see, Mama was the daughter... 258 00:19:19,917 --> 00:19:21,709 Oh, yes. I know. 259 00:19:21,792 --> 00:19:23,417 Well, when you are a duke, 260 00:19:23,501 --> 00:19:26,292 you just come and show me your crown, or whatever it's called 261 00:19:26,376 --> 00:19:28,667 and then I'll feel awfully silly, won't I? 262 00:19:28,751 --> 00:19:29,792 Yes, you will. 263 00:19:29,876 --> 00:19:33,376 Anyhow, I'm going to marry Lionel and now I'm going to bed. 264 00:19:37,292 --> 00:19:40,167 You will. 265 00:19:42,876 --> 00:19:44,459 If there was a precise moment 266 00:19:44,542 --> 00:19:47,626 at which my insubstantial dreaming took on solid purpose 267 00:19:47,709 --> 00:19:49,584 that was it. 268 00:19:49,667 --> 00:19:52,584 The D'Ascoynes had not only wronged my mother, 269 00:19:52,667 --> 00:19:56,167 they were the obstacle between me and all that I wanted. 270 00:19:57,334 --> 00:20:01,042 The more I thought of them, these people whom I had studied 271 00:20:01,126 --> 00:20:04,751 until I knew their names and histories as well as I knew my own, 272 00:20:04,834 --> 00:20:07,959 the more they became monsters of arrogance and cruelty 273 00:20:08,042 --> 00:20:12,126 whose only function in the world was to deprive me of my birthright. 274 00:20:14,876 --> 00:20:18,251 I had seen Chalfont only as Mama had painted it. 275 00:20:22,876 --> 00:20:25,709 To pass in through that magnificent gateway, 276 00:20:25,792 --> 00:20:30,501 on Visitors Day at a cost of sixpence was a humiliating experience, 277 00:20:30,584 --> 00:20:33,042 but I forced myself to undergo it. 278 00:20:33,126 --> 00:20:37,209 I wanted a closer view of the target at which I had determined to aim. 279 00:20:40,834 --> 00:20:44,126 I little expected to catch a glimpse of the bull's-eye. 280 00:20:48,501 --> 00:20:49,917 Excuse me, sir. 281 00:20:50,626 --> 00:20:53,792 There were then some eight people between me and the dukedom 282 00:20:53,876 --> 00:20:56,292 all seemingly equally out of reach. 283 00:20:56,376 --> 00:20:58,834 It is so difficult to make a neat job of killing people 284 00:20:58,917 --> 00:21:01,751 with whom one is not on friendly terms. 285 00:21:02,167 --> 00:21:05,292 I was almost resigned to its being an impossibility 286 00:21:05,376 --> 00:21:09,167 when one afternoon, at a moment when my thoughts were furthest from the subject, 287 00:21:09,251 --> 00:21:11,292 fate took a hand. 288 00:21:11,376 --> 00:21:14,334 If you've nothing better, those will have to do. 289 00:21:14,792 --> 00:21:17,209 These London shops are so far behind Paris. 290 00:21:17,292 --> 00:21:19,584 Parcel them up quickly, and we'll take them with us. 291 00:21:19,667 --> 00:21:22,501 - Charge them to my account. - Yes, sir. What is the name? 292 00:21:23,292 --> 00:21:25,334 Mr Ascoyne D'Ascoyne. 293 00:21:27,084 --> 00:21:30,251 At last, I was face to face with one of them. 294 00:21:30,334 --> 00:21:33,626 This was the son of Lord Ascoyne D'Ascoyne, the banker, 295 00:21:33,709 --> 00:21:36,667 whose refusal to help me towards a more dignified career 296 00:21:36,751 --> 00:21:39,459 had led to my present ignominious occupation. 297 00:21:40,376 --> 00:21:42,167 What right had this arrogant puppy 298 00:21:42,251 --> 00:21:45,959 to be standing on the other side of the counter ordering me about? 299 00:21:46,042 --> 00:21:49,167 In my excitement and anger, I listened openly to their conversation. 300 00:21:49,251 --> 00:21:52,042 I've booked rooms at Cruickshanks' at Maidenhead. 301 00:21:52,126 --> 00:21:53,917 We'll go down late on Friday afternoon. 302 00:21:54,001 --> 00:21:55,667 Are you sure it's safe? 303 00:21:55,751 --> 00:21:59,126 It's the most discreet place. In fact, anonymous. 304 00:22:00,376 --> 00:22:03,834 Hey, you. Get on with that parcel, and never mind what we're talking about. 305 00:22:03,917 --> 00:22:06,292 Don't you dare touch me like that! 306 00:22:06,376 --> 00:22:09,251 I'm not interested in your idiotic conversation. 307 00:22:09,334 --> 00:22:12,792 If you want to add impertinence to your eavesdropping, 308 00:22:13,542 --> 00:22:15,709 we'll soon see about that. 309 00:22:17,459 --> 00:22:20,834 The upshot was that I was dismissed on the spot. 310 00:22:20,917 --> 00:22:23,459 I decided to repay him in kind 311 00:22:23,542 --> 00:22:27,459 by dismissing him with equal suddenness from this world. 312 00:22:27,542 --> 00:22:31,709 His conversation had told me where I could probably find the opportunity to kill him. 313 00:22:31,792 --> 00:22:35,334 Dr Halworth's dispensary had provided me with a means. 314 00:22:37,626 --> 00:22:40,501 With the week's wages I had received in lieu of notice, 315 00:22:40,584 --> 00:22:43,959 I invested in suitable apparel for a weekend at Maidenhead. 316 00:22:53,751 --> 00:22:56,417 It was possible they might remember me 317 00:22:56,501 --> 00:22:58,126 but I thought it unlikely, 318 00:22:58,209 --> 00:23:01,459 shop assistants being commonly regarded as an inferior race 319 00:23:01,542 --> 00:23:04,667 who never emerge from the other side of the counter. 320 00:23:07,834 --> 00:23:10,751 I decided to take the bull by the horns. 321 00:23:12,209 --> 00:23:14,876 Forgive me. I wonder if you could oblige me with a match. 322 00:23:14,959 --> 00:23:16,792 - Certainly. - Thank you. 323 00:23:17,751 --> 00:23:21,417 - Haven't we met before somewhere? - I don't think so. 324 00:23:22,084 --> 00:23:25,126 Funny, 'cause I could have sworn I knew your face. 325 00:23:25,209 --> 00:23:27,417 - Were you at Monte last year? - The year before. 326 00:23:27,501 --> 00:23:30,209 Ah, that must be it. Won't you join me? 327 00:23:30,292 --> 00:23:32,459 Thank you. Not this evening. 328 00:23:32,542 --> 00:23:34,459 We are rather tired. 329 00:23:40,792 --> 00:23:43,959 I deprecated their retiring so early, 330 00:23:44,042 --> 00:23:45,959 but it was hard to blame them, 331 00:23:46,042 --> 00:23:48,626 for weekends, like life, are short. 332 00:23:49,792 --> 00:23:52,709 The next morning, I waited for them to come down 333 00:23:52,792 --> 00:23:54,751 and the next afternoon. 334 00:23:57,542 --> 00:24:00,001 They didn't appear the whole day. 335 00:24:05,376 --> 00:24:06,667 Nor the morning after. 336 00:24:23,042 --> 00:24:24,959 I no longer felt sentimental. 337 00:24:25,042 --> 00:24:27,376 The weekend was nearly over, and I could hardly expect providence 338 00:24:27,459 --> 00:24:30,917 to offer me so promising a chance again. 339 00:24:31,001 --> 00:24:32,959 I was in a state of desperation 340 00:24:33,042 --> 00:24:36,251 and I followed them, hoping for I knew not what. 341 00:24:37,376 --> 00:24:41,417 I had the poison with me, but they hadn't even taken a picnic basket. 342 00:24:41,501 --> 00:24:45,167 It was possible, however, that they might stop somewhere for refreshment. 343 00:24:48,001 --> 00:24:50,959 They did stop shortly afterwards, 344 00:24:51,042 --> 00:24:53,001 but not for that. 345 00:24:54,209 --> 00:24:57,667 Judging by past experience, they would be there for hours. 346 00:25:17,959 --> 00:25:19,792 The rest followed automatically. 347 00:25:19,876 --> 00:25:23,251 I had fortunately learned to swim at the Clapham Municipal Baths, 348 00:25:23,334 --> 00:25:26,292 though I never had occasion to try it underwater. 349 00:25:27,459 --> 00:25:30,251 I had no wish to surface under their noses, 350 00:25:30,334 --> 00:25:33,542 though I doubt if they would have noticed me even if I had. 351 00:25:38,959 --> 00:25:40,917 It was beautifully timed. 352 00:26:15,417 --> 00:26:17,292 I was sorry about the girl, 353 00:26:17,417 --> 00:26:20,251 but found some relief in the reflection that she had presumably, 354 00:26:20,334 --> 00:26:23,959 during the weekend, already undergone a fate worse than death. 355 00:26:33,417 --> 00:26:37,292 I decided to defer consideration of where and how I should next strike 356 00:26:37,417 --> 00:26:40,251 until my nerves were thoroughly restored. 357 00:26:40,834 --> 00:26:42,917 It must be remembered that I was very young 358 00:26:43,001 --> 00:26:46,334 and, furthermore, I am not naturally callous. 359 00:26:48,417 --> 00:26:50,751 I suddenly conceived a brilliant idea. 360 00:26:52,459 --> 00:26:57,501 I would write a carefully phrased letter of condolence to old Ascoyne D'Ascoyne. 361 00:26:57,584 --> 00:27:01,751 It would be an agreeable feeling of revenge for his cruelty to Mama. 362 00:27:01,834 --> 00:27:04,834 And, further, it had not failed to occur to me that there was, at the moment, 363 00:27:04,917 --> 00:27:07,001 a vacancy in the banking house. 364 00:27:08,084 --> 00:27:10,626 Ascoyne D'Ascoyne duly rose to the bait. 365 00:27:12,626 --> 00:27:15,084 Please be seated, Mr Mazzini. 366 00:27:19,417 --> 00:27:21,417 How do you do? 367 00:27:27,084 --> 00:27:29,001 My late son. 368 00:27:33,417 --> 00:27:34,751 A great loss. 369 00:27:35,251 --> 00:27:36,959 He was young and foolish 370 00:27:37,084 --> 00:27:40,626 but I believe had he been spared until his maturity... 371 00:27:40,751 --> 00:27:44,417 It was my consciousness of that which led me to presume to tender you my sympathy. 372 00:27:44,459 --> 00:27:46,584 I am glad that you did so. 373 00:27:46,626 --> 00:27:50,917 A loss so tragic serves to put lesser matters in their proper perspective. 374 00:27:51,959 --> 00:27:54,459 If I remember rightly, Mr Mazzini, 375 00:27:54,584 --> 00:27:58,917 some years ago I received a communication 376 00:27:58,959 --> 00:28:00,917 from your mother. 377 00:28:01,417 --> 00:28:02,792 My late mother. 378 00:28:10,501 --> 00:28:13,084 Hello, Louis. You look very pleased with yourself. 379 00:28:13,167 --> 00:28:15,334 - So do you. - I have news. 380 00:28:15,417 --> 00:28:16,917 - So have I. - What is it? 381 00:28:16,959 --> 00:28:18,001 No, yours first. 382 00:28:18,084 --> 00:28:22,084 Lionel and I have fixed a date for our wedding, in two months' time. 383 00:28:22,167 --> 00:28:23,751 My congratulations. 384 00:28:23,834 --> 00:28:27,001 No, I should congratulate him. I compliment you. 385 00:28:27,084 --> 00:28:29,917 - Now yours. - Nothing as exciting as yours. 386 00:28:30,917 --> 00:28:33,501 I went today to see Lord Ascoyne D'Ascoyne, my cousin, you know. 387 00:28:34,167 --> 00:28:36,251 He has a private banking house in the city. 388 00:28:36,292 --> 00:28:38,917 He offered me employment at once at £5 a week 389 00:28:39,001 --> 00:28:41,334 with excellent prospects for promotion. 390 00:28:42,584 --> 00:28:46,334 Louis, I'm so glad for you. 391 00:28:47,959 --> 00:28:51,584 - Louis, do you remember? - What? 392 00:28:52,084 --> 00:28:54,501 Once, in this room, 393 00:28:55,751 --> 00:28:57,834 after my party... 394 00:28:58,417 --> 00:29:00,834 - I kissed you. - Yes. 395 00:29:00,917 --> 00:29:02,792 And you were horrible to me. 396 00:29:02,917 --> 00:29:04,167 Yes. 397 00:29:05,084 --> 00:29:08,667 I made fun about you being related to the D'Ascoynes. 398 00:29:09,917 --> 00:29:11,834 I'm sorry. 399 00:29:11,917 --> 00:29:13,501 You'll take it more seriously now? 400 00:29:13,584 --> 00:29:15,084 Yes. 401 00:29:16,126 --> 00:29:18,167 Louis, kiss me, 402 00:29:19,417 --> 00:29:21,751 to show you forgive me. 403 00:29:25,251 --> 00:29:28,834 No, it would be wrong. You're pledged to Lionel. 404 00:29:28,917 --> 00:29:31,751 I behaved like a cad that night. 405 00:29:31,792 --> 00:29:34,751 I like you when you behave like a cad. 406 00:29:41,626 --> 00:29:44,834 You're a person who must dance through life, Sibella, 407 00:29:44,917 --> 00:29:47,626 and I hope Lionel won't tread on your feet too often. 408 00:29:52,251 --> 00:29:54,584 My new employment was humble enough 409 00:29:54,626 --> 00:29:58,251 but I had to test the rungs of the ladder before I could climb it. 410 00:30:04,667 --> 00:30:07,626 That's very nice. 411 00:30:08,084 --> 00:30:12,126 The next candidate for removal seemed to be young Henry D'Ascoyne, 412 00:30:12,251 --> 00:30:14,834 24 years old, recently married, 413 00:30:14,917 --> 00:30:17,084 as yet, without issue. 414 00:30:17,167 --> 00:30:20,126 I had quite an accumulation by now of D'Ascoyne data 415 00:30:20,251 --> 00:30:22,959 culled from newspapers and periodicals, 416 00:30:23,084 --> 00:30:25,959 and I looked through it for a possible approach to Henry. 417 00:30:26,084 --> 00:30:27,917 I found one. 418 00:30:28,001 --> 00:30:31,084 I bought the necessary equipment, second hand, 419 00:30:31,126 --> 00:30:34,001 and bicycled down the following weekend. 420 00:30:34,084 --> 00:30:37,417 I had studied a couple of photographic manuals during the week, 421 00:30:37,459 --> 00:30:40,167 and found that, in practice, the mysteries of the camera 422 00:30:40,251 --> 00:30:42,959 demand a little more than ordinary intelligence, 423 00:30:43,084 --> 00:30:46,834 plus the ability to judge a subject upside-down. 424 00:30:46,917 --> 00:30:50,251 It was thus, indeed, that I first saw Henry D'Ascoyne. 425 00:31:05,334 --> 00:31:08,834 My method of approach proved an instantaneous success. 426 00:31:08,917 --> 00:31:12,334 Excuse me. Isn't that a Thornton Pickard? 427 00:31:12,417 --> 00:31:14,626 Yes. Are you a photographer? 428 00:31:14,751 --> 00:31:17,001 Dabble in it. Got a Sanger Shepherd. 429 00:31:17,084 --> 00:31:18,917 - A Sanger Shepherd? - Nice little camera. 430 00:31:19,001 --> 00:31:21,667 Focal plane shutter, rapid rectilinear and all that. 431 00:31:21,751 --> 00:31:24,501 Look here. Why not come up to my house and I'll show it to you? 432 00:31:24,584 --> 00:31:26,751 Well, I'd be most interested. 433 00:31:28,126 --> 00:31:31,417 - My name's D'Ascoyne, by the way. - Mine is Mazzini. 434 00:31:32,167 --> 00:31:34,626 He seemed a very pleasant fellow 435 00:31:34,751 --> 00:31:37,292 and I regretted that our acquaintanceship must be so short. 436 00:31:38,459 --> 00:31:41,126 Had one of the potting sheds fixed up as a darkroom. 437 00:31:41,251 --> 00:31:43,417 Couldn't have suited better if it had been built for it. 438 00:31:43,459 --> 00:31:45,251 Had the equipment sent down from town. 439 00:31:45,751 --> 00:31:49,084 And I must say the results have been absolutely top-hole. 440 00:31:49,126 --> 00:31:53,209 I'll show you some quarter-plates I've taken about the village. 441 00:31:55,084 --> 00:31:58,417 There we are. Absolutely lightproof, except for this. 442 00:31:58,542 --> 00:32:03,251 Everything to hand, developing dishes here, toning bath here, whole-plate enlarger. 443 00:32:03,376 --> 00:32:05,751 - Perfect. - Not too bad, is it? 444 00:32:06,792 --> 00:32:09,292 Talking of the village, by the by, I don't know if you're thinking 445 00:32:09,417 --> 00:32:12,209 of sending any of your efforts here to some periodical, 446 00:32:12,251 --> 00:32:14,251 but there's just one thing. 447 00:32:15,709 --> 00:32:18,209 I'm sure you're a good fellow, or I wouldn't like to ask. 448 00:32:18,251 --> 00:32:20,251 Ask what? 449 00:32:20,292 --> 00:32:23,917 I'd be most grateful if you'd keep back that last plate you exposed. 450 00:32:24,584 --> 00:32:27,251 - The inn? But it was delightful. - Yes. 451 00:32:27,876 --> 00:32:30,917 The fact is, my wife has views about such places, 452 00:32:30,959 --> 00:32:33,084 so I never go in them, you understand? 453 00:32:33,126 --> 00:32:35,209 Naturally, I wouldn't dream of embarrassing you. 454 00:32:35,251 --> 00:32:38,792 I knew you were a good fellow. Suppose we drink on it? 455 00:32:41,084 --> 00:32:44,251 Unless you have views yourself, of course. 456 00:32:44,292 --> 00:32:45,917 - None. - Splendid. 457 00:32:46,417 --> 00:32:49,251 What shall it be? Sherry? Whisky? 458 00:32:52,417 --> 00:32:54,542 I think a small developer. 459 00:32:55,876 --> 00:32:59,251 The mental picture of his wife that I had formed from Henry's words 460 00:32:59,292 --> 00:33:03,084 left me unprepared for the charm of the woman I was to meet. 461 00:33:03,126 --> 00:33:06,584 She was as tall and slender as a lily and as beautiful. 462 00:33:06,626 --> 00:33:09,459 My dear, this is Mr Mazzini. He has a Thornton Pickard. 463 00:33:09,584 --> 00:33:11,751 Mr Mazzini, my wife. 464 00:33:12,459 --> 00:33:14,917 I'm no photographer myself, Mr Mazzini, 465 00:33:15,042 --> 00:33:18,209 but I share my husband's pleasure in welcoming a fellow enthusiast. 466 00:33:18,251 --> 00:33:21,126 - You'll take some sherry? - Well, thank you, I... 467 00:33:26,751 --> 00:33:30,292 My husband and I never touch alcohol, but we see no reason, on that account, 468 00:33:30,417 --> 00:33:32,584 to enforce our views on our guests. 469 00:33:32,709 --> 00:33:34,042 Glass of sherry, Harwood. 470 00:33:34,084 --> 00:33:36,709 I have some printing frames out in the sun. 471 00:33:36,751 --> 00:33:39,042 If you don't mind, I'll just run out and see to them. 472 00:33:40,751 --> 00:33:43,251 Have you been in the neighbourhood long, Mr Mazzini? 473 00:33:43,376 --> 00:33:45,084 A few hours only. 474 00:33:45,209 --> 00:33:47,251 I was cycling through the village 475 00:33:47,292 --> 00:33:49,917 and felt compelled to stop and make a study or two of the inn. 476 00:33:50,042 --> 00:33:52,917 - It looked so charming. - It does look charming. 477 00:33:53,709 --> 00:33:55,209 But I'm afraid it's, by no means, 478 00:33:55,251 --> 00:33:57,792 an influence for good in the lives of our people here. 479 00:33:57,917 --> 00:33:59,584 The landlord is a former coachman of ours. 480 00:33:59,709 --> 00:34:02,876 I have spoken to him several times about the amount of drinking that goes on there 481 00:34:02,917 --> 00:34:04,959 but he continues to allow it. 482 00:34:05,084 --> 00:34:07,251 It is, after all, I suppose, his livelihood. 483 00:34:07,292 --> 00:34:09,417 I do not consider he has the right to make a livelihood 484 00:34:09,542 --> 00:34:11,876 by exploiting the weaknesses of his fellow men. 485 00:34:13,126 --> 00:34:15,417 Put as you put it, it does sound deplorable. 486 00:34:15,542 --> 00:34:18,209 It is deplorable. Will you excuse me a moment? 487 00:34:19,126 --> 00:34:20,251 Harwood. 488 00:34:21,209 --> 00:34:23,626 I could well understand Henry's visits to the village inn 489 00:34:23,751 --> 00:34:26,251 and his stock of refreshments in the darkroom. 490 00:34:26,292 --> 00:34:29,542 Mrs D'Ascoyne was beautiful, but what a prig she was. 491 00:34:30,251 --> 00:34:33,459 I wondered how to ingratiate myself with her, 492 00:34:33,584 --> 00:34:36,917 and decided to attack on her own ground and with her own weapons. 493 00:34:36,959 --> 00:34:40,417 I'm afraid we can offer you only a simple luncheon, Mr Mazzini. 494 00:34:40,459 --> 00:34:43,792 You are most kind, but I feel I should not intrude. 495 00:34:43,917 --> 00:34:46,959 - It is no intrusion. - I'm afraid it is. 496 00:34:48,417 --> 00:34:51,251 - May I explain? - Please do. 497 00:34:54,876 --> 00:34:57,251 It was only when your husband told me his name 498 00:34:57,376 --> 00:35:02,417 that I realised that I'd come by chance into the most embarrassing situation. 499 00:35:02,542 --> 00:35:05,751 My mother was a member of the D'Ascoyne family. 500 00:35:05,876 --> 00:35:08,751 She married, as they thought, beneath her. 501 00:35:08,792 --> 00:35:11,376 And from that day, they refused to recognise her 502 00:35:11,417 --> 00:35:13,584 or my existence. 503 00:35:14,251 --> 00:35:18,959 I feel that, although in the circumstances you might hesitate to say so to my face, 504 00:35:19,084 --> 00:35:22,917 you and your husband would prefer not to receive me at your table. 505 00:35:23,042 --> 00:35:26,584 Perhaps you would be good enough to explain matters to your husband for me. 506 00:35:26,626 --> 00:35:29,417 I shall, naturally, leave the neighbourhood at once. 507 00:35:29,459 --> 00:35:31,917 Mr Mazzini, please sit down. 508 00:35:33,084 --> 00:35:34,209 Oh. 509 00:35:36,459 --> 00:35:39,251 You have exhibited the most delicate feelings. 510 00:35:39,792 --> 00:35:42,709 I know nothing of the history to which you refer, 511 00:35:42,751 --> 00:35:45,584 but I have often felt that the attitude of my husband's family 512 00:35:45,626 --> 00:35:47,709 has failed to move with the times, 513 00:35:47,751 --> 00:35:50,209 that they think too much of the rights of nobility 514 00:35:50,251 --> 00:35:52,542 and too little of its duties. 515 00:35:52,584 --> 00:35:57,084 The very honesty of your behaviour would appear to me to prove them wrong. 516 00:35:57,126 --> 00:36:00,292 Was Lord Tennyson far from the mark when he wrote, 517 00:36:00,417 --> 00:36:02,751 "Kind hearts are more than coronets 518 00:36:02,792 --> 00:36:05,042 "and simple faith than Norman blood"? 519 00:36:06,084 --> 00:36:07,626 I hope you will stay to luncheon. 520 00:36:08,501 --> 00:36:12,417 Oh, in that case, I shall be delighted and honoured. 521 00:36:12,626 --> 00:36:15,751 My impersonation of a man of sterling character 522 00:36:15,876 --> 00:36:17,584 was such a resounding success 523 00:36:17,709 --> 00:36:22,084 that Mrs D'Ascoyne invited me to spend the following Saturday-to-Monday with them. 524 00:36:24,084 --> 00:36:27,917 When I returned to the somewhat contrasting atmosphere of Clapham, 525 00:36:27,959 --> 00:36:31,584 I found the house in a whirl with preparation for Sibella's wedding to Lionel 526 00:36:31,709 --> 00:36:34,042 which was to take place next day. 527 00:36:34,084 --> 00:36:37,126 Before going to bed that evening, I wandered into the old nursery 528 00:36:37,251 --> 00:36:39,209 to fetch a book I'd left there. 529 00:36:48,376 --> 00:36:50,126 Penny for them. 530 00:36:50,251 --> 00:36:52,417 Oh, hello, Louis. 531 00:36:55,459 --> 00:36:58,251 You're not looking as radiantly happy as young females in your situation 532 00:36:58,376 --> 00:36:59,417 are supposed to look. 533 00:36:59,542 --> 00:37:02,917 I was just thinking of all the fun we've had in this room. 534 00:37:03,042 --> 00:37:05,959 - You and I and Graham. - And Lionel. 535 00:37:06,751 --> 00:37:08,917 Yes, and Lionel. 536 00:37:11,584 --> 00:37:15,417 Oh, Louis, I don't want to marry Lionel! 537 00:37:15,459 --> 00:37:17,792 - Why not? - He's so dull! 538 00:37:19,376 --> 00:37:22,376 I must admit he exhibits the most extraordinary capacity for middle age 539 00:37:22,417 --> 00:37:25,959 that I've ever encountered in a young man of 24. 540 00:37:26,084 --> 00:37:29,709 However, it's a bit late in the day to think of that, isn't it? 541 00:37:29,751 --> 00:37:33,084 I know. That only makes it worse. 542 00:37:33,126 --> 00:37:36,084 - I always told you, you should marry me. - I know. 543 00:37:37,459 --> 00:37:39,917 That makes it worse too. 544 00:37:54,417 --> 00:37:57,584 You look more lovely today than I've ever seen you. 545 00:38:01,042 --> 00:38:04,251 You're a lucky man, Lionel. Take my word for it. 546 00:38:09,126 --> 00:38:12,084 I could not help feeling that even Sibella's capacity for lying 547 00:38:12,209 --> 00:38:14,751 was going to be taxed to the utmost. 548 00:38:14,876 --> 00:38:17,584 Time had brought me revenge on Lionel. 549 00:38:18,251 --> 00:38:20,209 And as the Italian proverb says, 550 00:38:20,251 --> 00:38:24,417 "Revenge is a dish which people of taste prefer to eat cold." 551 00:38:27,584 --> 00:38:30,251 The following Saturday I left London in the middle of the night 552 00:38:30,376 --> 00:38:32,417 and reached Henry's house just before dawn. 553 00:38:36,959 --> 00:38:39,376 It took a mere three minutes to substitute petrol 554 00:38:39,417 --> 00:38:42,209 for the paraffin in the darkroom lamp. 555 00:38:42,584 --> 00:38:45,292 And I then repaired to a meadow and took a few hours' sleep 556 00:38:45,417 --> 00:38:48,209 while awaiting the hour at which I could reasonably arrive at the house. 557 00:38:50,542 --> 00:38:53,209 The day dragged by in an agony of suspense for me. 558 00:38:53,626 --> 00:38:56,584 Henry took photograph after photograph, 559 00:38:56,709 --> 00:39:00,626 but seemed to have no urge whatever to follow it up with a visit to the darkroom. 560 00:39:04,417 --> 00:39:05,626 Bravo, Edith! 561 00:39:06,042 --> 00:39:09,959 I began to fear that he had suddenly taken the pledge. 562 00:39:10,959 --> 00:39:14,584 I think I'll just go and develop these before tea. Care to come? 563 00:39:14,709 --> 00:39:17,417 I would, indeed, but I have a slight headache. The sun, I think. 564 00:39:17,542 --> 00:39:19,959 And I'm afraid the chemicals wouldn't improve it. 565 00:39:20,084 --> 00:39:22,542 Mr Mazzini and I will have tea under the tulip tree. 566 00:39:22,584 --> 00:39:24,751 I've always found that most beneficial for a headache. 567 00:39:25,251 --> 00:39:27,792 I'm afraid Henry will think me a poor enthusiast. 568 00:39:27,917 --> 00:39:31,251 I sometimes think that he is too great a one. 569 00:39:31,292 --> 00:39:33,209 In a way, I am to blame for it. 570 00:39:33,626 --> 00:39:36,126 Before we were married, he had few interests. 571 00:39:36,251 --> 00:39:38,209 He used to spend the greater part of each day at his club. 572 00:39:39,917 --> 00:39:41,251 I felt that such a life was unhealthy 573 00:39:41,292 --> 00:39:44,084 and persuaded him to come and live here in the country. 574 00:39:45,251 --> 00:39:46,917 I hoped that perhaps he would interest himself 575 00:39:46,959 --> 00:39:49,917 in the welfare of our tenantry, as I do. 576 00:39:50,209 --> 00:39:52,251 But he became interested in photography on our honeymoon 577 00:39:52,876 --> 00:39:57,042 and since then it has become the major preoccupation of his life. 578 00:39:58,042 --> 00:40:00,292 - Mr Mazzini... - Yes? 579 00:40:00,417 --> 00:40:02,959 I hope you will forgive my speaking to you on a personal matter, 580 00:40:03,626 --> 00:40:06,209 but it worries me that Henry should spend so much time on his hobby 581 00:40:06,251 --> 00:40:08,417 that he has little left for any more useful activity. 582 00:40:09,251 --> 00:40:11,376 Am I right to let him go on like this? 583 00:40:11,417 --> 00:40:14,251 I could hardly point out that Henry now had no time left 584 00:40:14,292 --> 00:40:16,084 for any kind of activity, 585 00:40:16,126 --> 00:40:18,751 so I continued to discuss his future. 586 00:40:18,876 --> 00:40:20,917 He has never shown any wish for a career in politics? 587 00:40:21,751 --> 00:40:24,376 - None. - Nor any other ambitions? 588 00:40:24,417 --> 00:40:27,917 One only. To win a prize at the Salon Photography in Brussels. 589 00:40:29,292 --> 00:40:30,792 What is it? 590 00:40:30,917 --> 00:40:34,751 Oh, they're just burning some leaves at the bottom of the garden. 591 00:40:34,876 --> 00:40:37,626 But they can't be at this time of year. 592 00:40:39,751 --> 00:40:41,917 - Henry! - No. You stay here. 593 00:40:42,584 --> 00:40:44,292 Needless to say, I was too late. 594 00:40:46,084 --> 00:40:49,251 The funeral service was held in the village church at Chalfont, 595 00:40:49,376 --> 00:40:52,209 prior to interment in the family vault. 596 00:40:53,584 --> 00:40:56,126 Mrs D'Ascoyne, who had discerned in me 597 00:40:56,251 --> 00:40:59,459 a man of delicate sensibility and high purpose 598 00:40:59,584 --> 00:41:02,417 asked me to accompany her on the cross-country journey. 599 00:41:03,251 --> 00:41:05,251 "To everything there is a season 600 00:41:05,292 --> 00:41:09,251 "and a time to every purpose under the heaven. 601 00:41:10,126 --> 00:41:13,751 "A time to be born, and a time to die." 602 00:41:14,126 --> 00:41:16,542 The occasion was interesting, in that it provided me 603 00:41:16,584 --> 00:41:19,751 with my first sight of the D'Ascoynes en masse. 604 00:41:20,584 --> 00:41:23,126 Interesting and somewhat depressing, 605 00:41:23,251 --> 00:41:26,417 for it emphasised how far I had yet to travel. 606 00:41:26,876 --> 00:41:28,709 There was the Duke. 607 00:41:32,417 --> 00:41:35,376 There was my employer, Lord Ascoyne D'Ascoyne. 608 00:41:37,376 --> 00:41:40,251 There was Admiral Lord Horatio D'Ascoyne. 609 00:41:42,751 --> 00:41:45,917 There was General Lord Rufus D'Ascoyne. 610 00:41:48,917 --> 00:41:51,792 There was Lady Agatha D'Ascoyne. 611 00:41:55,876 --> 00:41:59,417 And in the pulpit, talking interminable nonsense 612 00:41:59,542 --> 00:42:01,626 the Reverend Lord Henry D'Ascoyne. 613 00:42:01,751 --> 00:42:03,542 The life cut short 614 00:42:04,292 --> 00:42:09,084 was one rich in achievement and promise 615 00:42:09,542 --> 00:42:11,959 of service to humanity. 616 00:42:12,084 --> 00:42:14,542 The D'Ascoynes certainly appeared to have accorded 617 00:42:14,584 --> 00:42:16,751 with the tradition of the landed gentry 618 00:42:16,792 --> 00:42:20,084 and sent the fool of the family into the church. 619 00:42:21,584 --> 00:42:24,084 Well, goodbye, my dear. 620 00:42:24,959 --> 00:42:27,251 - Goodbye. - No fretting now. 621 00:42:27,292 --> 00:42:30,417 After all, one thing to be said, we all have to come to it. 622 00:42:31,417 --> 00:42:35,751 Great thing, you know, family vault like ours. Constant reminder of one's heritage. 623 00:42:35,792 --> 00:42:37,959 Now, take this new cremation nonsense. 624 00:42:38,084 --> 00:42:41,376 Who wants to see his nearest and dearest put in an incinerator? 625 00:42:41,417 --> 00:42:44,417 I think, sir, Mrs D'Ascoyne should leave. The wind is turning cold. 626 00:42:44,542 --> 00:42:46,876 As Mrs D'Ascoyne thinks best. 627 00:42:48,459 --> 00:42:51,126 Glad we had Cousin Henry to take the service. 628 00:42:51,251 --> 00:42:54,751 Boring old ass, but it keeps the thing in the family. 629 00:42:55,251 --> 00:42:57,251 People getting strange ideas these days. 630 00:42:57,376 --> 00:42:59,417 Had a fellow write to me not so long ago, 631 00:42:59,542 --> 00:43:02,709 wanted to bury his mother here from Tooting or somewhere. 632 00:43:02,751 --> 00:43:05,584 Start letting strangers in, the place will be full up. 633 00:43:05,709 --> 00:43:07,459 No room for us, eh? 634 00:43:08,417 --> 00:43:11,084 I privately promised him that I would make it my business 635 00:43:11,126 --> 00:43:13,459 to see there was room for him. 636 00:43:18,542 --> 00:43:21,542 Uncle Ethelred is not the most tactful of men. 637 00:43:21,584 --> 00:43:23,792 I could gladly have struck him. 638 00:43:23,917 --> 00:43:26,709 Thank you for intervening when you did. 639 00:43:29,251 --> 00:43:31,417 The house will be so empty 640 00:43:31,917 --> 00:43:34,584 and yet he will be in it everywhere. 641 00:43:35,876 --> 00:43:38,917 I find the thought of life there hard to face. 642 00:43:38,959 --> 00:43:41,251 Must you stay there? A new environment... 643 00:43:41,917 --> 00:43:43,459 I must, 644 00:43:43,584 --> 00:43:45,417 for one reason if no other. 645 00:43:45,542 --> 00:43:49,251 They would say I was running away, that there was truth in all these rumours. 646 00:43:49,376 --> 00:43:52,084 - Rumours? - In the village. 647 00:43:52,876 --> 00:43:54,709 There's been gossip. 648 00:43:55,251 --> 00:43:58,251 They say that Henry drank in secret. 649 00:43:59,917 --> 00:44:01,876 They even say that that was the cause of the accident. 650 00:44:02,751 --> 00:44:06,292 I'm sure that Henry would never have professed one thing and practised another. 651 00:44:07,917 --> 00:44:09,584 I, too, am sure. 652 00:44:11,376 --> 00:44:13,376 Otherwise, I think I could not survive. 653 00:44:13,917 --> 00:44:17,209 We have a long way to go. Try to sleep a little. 654 00:44:18,417 --> 00:44:19,876 Sleep does not come easily. 655 00:44:20,417 --> 00:44:21,792 Please try. 656 00:44:23,042 --> 00:44:24,376 Allow me. 657 00:44:28,251 --> 00:44:30,042 I was conscious that a new obsession 658 00:44:30,084 --> 00:44:34,251 was about to join the one that I should wear the coronet of the duke of Chalfont, 659 00:44:34,917 --> 00:44:38,417 that Edith D'Ascoyne should wear that of the duchess beside me. 660 00:44:39,376 --> 00:44:42,459 Her dignity of bearing at the worst moments of her grief 661 00:44:42,584 --> 00:44:44,751 had impressed me with the feeling that here was a woman 662 00:44:44,792 --> 00:44:47,292 whose quality matched her beauty. 663 00:44:47,917 --> 00:44:50,126 I resolved to embark upon her courtship 664 00:44:50,251 --> 00:44:53,917 as soon as a decent period of mourning should have elapsed. 665 00:44:54,251 --> 00:44:58,584 Sibella? Yes, Sibella was pretty enough in her suburban way. 666 00:44:59,251 --> 00:45:01,209 And, indeed, there was no reason why we shouldn't continue 667 00:45:01,251 --> 00:45:03,292 to meet on friendly terms. 668 00:45:03,417 --> 00:45:06,792 But her face would have looked rather out of place under a coronet. 669 00:45:09,751 --> 00:45:12,751 That, sir, is a list of bills due for redemption this week. 670 00:45:12,876 --> 00:45:15,209 I've marked in red those asking for renewal. 671 00:45:15,251 --> 00:45:19,376 Aitcheson, yes. Pole and Carter, I suppose so. 672 00:45:19,417 --> 00:45:21,709 Knollis Limited, oh, no. 673 00:45:21,751 --> 00:45:23,751 Redbank and Holland... 674 00:45:23,792 --> 00:45:25,917 You have a friend there, have you not? 675 00:45:26,042 --> 00:45:28,626 An acquaintance. I know Lionel Holland. 676 00:45:28,751 --> 00:45:31,084 Would you say that he's sound? 677 00:45:31,584 --> 00:45:32,959 I wouldn't say not, sir. 678 00:45:33,084 --> 00:45:34,709 Hmm. Thank you. 679 00:45:40,251 --> 00:45:42,626 - Mazzini. - Yes, sir? 680 00:45:43,417 --> 00:45:46,542 I've watched your progress here with great care 681 00:45:46,584 --> 00:45:49,917 and have been gratified to note that it has fully justified my judgement 682 00:45:49,959 --> 00:45:52,251 in inviting you into the firm. 683 00:45:52,376 --> 00:45:56,792 In view of that, and in order that you may be able to adopt a style of living 684 00:45:56,917 --> 00:45:59,751 befitting a member of the D'Ascoyne family, 685 00:45:59,876 --> 00:46:03,209 I have decided to appoint you my private secretary 686 00:46:03,251 --> 00:46:06,251 at a salary of £500 per annum. 687 00:46:07,084 --> 00:46:10,376 - Sir, I cannot begin to... - Oh, please do not try. 688 00:46:10,417 --> 00:46:14,084 I had intended that my son should occupy the position. 689 00:46:14,917 --> 00:46:18,876 I can only say that I will try to make my occupancy of it 690 00:46:18,917 --> 00:46:20,792 worthy of his memory. 691 00:46:24,709 --> 00:46:26,417 I left the Halworths' house 692 00:46:26,542 --> 00:46:29,292 and took a bachelor apartment in St James's. 693 00:46:29,417 --> 00:46:32,084 Clapham no longer held Sibella's presence to compensate me 694 00:46:32,126 --> 00:46:34,792 for the tedious journey between the suburbs and the city. 695 00:46:37,084 --> 00:46:41,459 Anyhow, it would be vastly more convenient for her to visit me here. 696 00:46:54,417 --> 00:46:57,959 Now, let me have a look at the beautiful Mrs Holland. 697 00:46:58,084 --> 00:47:01,251 - No, I think I prefer Miss Halworth. - So do I. 698 00:47:02,417 --> 00:47:05,751 Louis, it's very wrong of me to visit you here. 699 00:47:05,876 --> 00:47:08,959 - Why? - A married woman calling on a bachelor? 700 00:47:10,292 --> 00:47:12,126 A dangerous bachelor 701 00:47:13,084 --> 00:47:14,751 in his apartment. 702 00:47:14,876 --> 00:47:16,376 I? Dangerous? 703 00:47:19,084 --> 00:47:21,792 These things only become wrong when people know about them. 704 00:47:21,917 --> 00:47:24,792 This is a very discreet apartment. That's why I chose it. 705 00:47:24,917 --> 00:47:28,126 So that young women could call on you in safety? 706 00:47:29,417 --> 00:47:31,917 So that one young woman could. 707 00:47:32,959 --> 00:47:35,251 How did you know she'd want to? 708 00:47:35,376 --> 00:47:36,626 I hoped. 709 00:47:40,542 --> 00:47:43,542 - How did you enjoy your honeymoon? - Not at all. 710 00:47:45,251 --> 00:47:46,626 Not at all? 711 00:47:47,626 --> 00:47:49,084 Not at all. 712 00:47:51,376 --> 00:47:53,626 - And how was Italy? - Oh, impossible! 713 00:47:54,126 --> 00:47:57,376 Every time I wanted to go shopping, Lionel dragged me off to a church 714 00:47:57,417 --> 00:47:59,209 or picture gallery. 715 00:47:59,251 --> 00:48:02,751 - Said he wanted to improve his mind. - He has room to do so. 716 00:48:03,417 --> 00:48:07,042 I should reprove you for saying unkind things about him 717 00:48:07,084 --> 00:48:08,584 but I can't. 718 00:48:10,209 --> 00:48:14,709 Louis, I think I've married the most boring man in London. 719 00:48:14,751 --> 00:48:16,876 - In England. - In Europe! 720 00:48:20,584 --> 00:48:24,209 Oh, the Italian men are so handsome, 721 00:48:24,751 --> 00:48:28,251 but I could never get away from Lionel for a moment. 722 00:48:29,542 --> 00:48:32,251 But I was forgetting, you're Italian. 723 00:48:32,709 --> 00:48:33,876 Half. 724 00:48:39,542 --> 00:48:40,876 Louis... 725 00:48:42,126 --> 00:48:44,917 I can speak frankly to you? 726 00:48:46,709 --> 00:48:48,917 Well, if not to me, to whom? 727 00:48:49,751 --> 00:48:51,376 I shall go mad. 728 00:48:51,876 --> 00:48:54,917 Already when he touches me, I want to scream. 729 00:49:09,751 --> 00:49:11,417 What am I doing? 730 00:49:13,251 --> 00:49:14,917 You know very well. 731 00:49:14,959 --> 00:49:17,084 You're playing with fire. 732 00:49:17,584 --> 00:49:19,459 At least it warms me. 733 00:49:20,959 --> 00:49:22,376 I must go. 734 00:49:24,584 --> 00:49:26,751 Lionel's dining at home tonight. 735 00:49:26,792 --> 00:49:28,626 Where is Lionel dining tomorrow night? 736 00:49:28,751 --> 00:49:31,251 With some business acquaintances. 737 00:49:31,959 --> 00:49:34,626 And where are you dining tomorrow night? 738 00:49:34,751 --> 00:49:36,251 Here? 739 00:49:36,376 --> 00:49:37,542 Here. 740 00:49:44,376 --> 00:49:46,376 Poor little imprisoned bird. 741 00:49:46,417 --> 00:49:50,417 Well, she was welcome to come and flutter her wings with me. 742 00:49:50,459 --> 00:49:53,084 I could think of many more disagreeable ways of killing time 743 00:49:53,126 --> 00:49:55,042 pending the arrival of the moment 744 00:49:55,084 --> 00:49:57,126 when the conventional decencies would permit me 745 00:49:57,251 --> 00:49:59,626 to make my declaration to Edith. 746 00:50:00,626 --> 00:50:04,251 As to the other undertaking, I had not forgotten or forgiven 747 00:50:04,292 --> 00:50:06,917 the boredom of the sermon at young Henry's funeral 748 00:50:07,292 --> 00:50:10,376 and I decided to promote the Reverend Lord Henry D'Ascoyne 749 00:50:10,417 --> 00:50:11,959 to next place on the list. 750 00:50:12,542 --> 00:50:16,709 I therefore assumed the garb and character of a colonial bishop 751 00:50:16,751 --> 00:50:21,917 spending his vacation making a collection of brass rubbings from country churches. 752 00:50:24,084 --> 00:50:26,042 Good evening, my lord. 753 00:50:27,251 --> 00:50:28,751 It was, for a moment, a shock to be addressed 754 00:50:28,792 --> 00:50:31,917 by my ecclesiastical title, but I recovered quickly. 755 00:50:31,959 --> 00:50:36,459 Good evening. I was just taking a rubbing of this most interesting brass. 756 00:50:36,751 --> 00:50:39,792 An ancestress of my dear late wife. 757 00:50:40,584 --> 00:50:43,084 Allow me to introduce myself. 758 00:50:43,126 --> 00:50:47,084 Henry D'Ascoyne, rector of this parish. 759 00:50:47,126 --> 00:50:50,542 Septimus Wilkinson, bishop of Matabeleland. 760 00:50:51,959 --> 00:50:56,542 I was spending my vacation taking a cycling tour around your beautiful country churches. 761 00:50:56,584 --> 00:51:00,876 - Ah! Have you noticed our clerestory? - Cle... 762 00:51:03,251 --> 00:51:05,084 Ah, exquisite! 763 00:51:05,209 --> 00:51:07,751 - The corbels are very fine. - Hmm. 764 00:51:08,584 --> 00:51:12,709 Perhaps Your Lordship would permit me to show you one or two other things 765 00:51:12,751 --> 00:51:14,417 in which we take a pride. 766 00:51:14,459 --> 00:51:16,584 I should be most interested. 767 00:51:16,709 --> 00:51:19,376 Our most notable features, of course, 768 00:51:19,751 --> 00:51:22,417 are the D'Ascoyne memorials. 769 00:51:23,084 --> 00:51:25,584 Every member of the family 770 00:51:26,042 --> 00:51:29,751 to a cadet branch of which I have the honour to belong 771 00:51:29,876 --> 00:51:33,584 is buried here in the family vault. 772 00:51:35,126 --> 00:51:39,959 Here you will see the first duke and his duchess. 773 00:51:40,709 --> 00:51:44,876 The dead watching, as it were, over the living. 774 00:51:46,292 --> 00:51:49,542 The church is exceptionally endowed also 775 00:51:49,584 --> 00:51:52,959 with items of architectural interest. 776 00:51:54,376 --> 00:51:57,584 You will note that our chantry 777 00:51:57,709 --> 00:52:01,626 displays the crocketed and finialed ogee 778 00:52:01,751 --> 00:52:06,084 which marks it as very early Perpendicular. 779 00:52:07,917 --> 00:52:10,751 The bosses to the pendant are typical. 780 00:52:12,626 --> 00:52:14,584 And I always say 781 00:52:15,459 --> 00:52:18,292 that my west window 782 00:52:18,417 --> 00:52:21,792 has all the exuberance of Chaucer 783 00:52:22,751 --> 00:52:28,251 without, happily, any of the concomitant crudities of his period. 784 00:52:28,292 --> 00:52:29,584 Hmm. 785 00:52:30,084 --> 00:52:32,251 Now we approach the font. 786 00:52:33,251 --> 00:52:36,376 At last he did as I had hoped and invited me to dinner. 787 00:52:36,417 --> 00:52:39,959 The Reverend Lord Henry was not one of those newfangled parsons 788 00:52:40,084 --> 00:52:43,751 who carry the principles of their vocation uncomfortably into private life. 789 00:52:43,792 --> 00:52:46,376 However, he exhibited a polite interest 790 00:52:46,417 --> 00:52:48,917 in the progress of the Christian faith in Matabeleland 791 00:52:49,042 --> 00:52:50,917 which I was at some difficulty to satisfy. 792 00:52:51,042 --> 00:52:53,709 The SPCK have provided us 793 00:52:53,751 --> 00:52:56,459 with a large number of copies of the Good Book 794 00:52:56,584 --> 00:52:58,792 translated into Matabele. 795 00:52:58,917 --> 00:53:02,251 But as none of the natives can read even their own language... 796 00:53:02,292 --> 00:53:06,251 - You speak Matabele yourself? - Not as a native. 797 00:53:07,251 --> 00:53:09,626 It would be most interesting 798 00:53:09,751 --> 00:53:12,751 to hear a sample of the language. 799 00:53:13,584 --> 00:53:15,626 I'm afraid my Matabele is a little rusty. 800 00:53:15,876 --> 00:53:18,251 Oh, come, my lord. 801 00:53:20,209 --> 00:53:25,084 Daniel cast into the lions' den, for example. 802 00:53:36,917 --> 00:53:39,751 It is a colloquial rendering, of course. 803 00:53:40,251 --> 00:53:41,959 Most interesting. 804 00:53:44,126 --> 00:53:46,209 My lord, the port is with you. 805 00:53:46,542 --> 00:53:47,584 Oh. 806 00:53:50,917 --> 00:53:53,917 - How do you find the wine? - Admirable. 807 00:53:54,584 --> 00:53:57,126 - Courban '69. - Oh. 808 00:53:57,251 --> 00:53:59,584 No finer year, in my view. 809 00:54:02,376 --> 00:54:06,042 My doctor, though, is of a different opinion. 810 00:54:06,584 --> 00:54:08,584 And what does he favour? 811 00:54:10,251 --> 00:54:11,792 Abstinence. 812 00:54:14,626 --> 00:54:16,917 Would you care for a cigar? 813 00:54:18,126 --> 00:54:19,584 Thank you. 814 00:54:47,084 --> 00:54:48,251 Yes. 815 00:54:50,292 --> 00:54:55,251 He's continually warning me about the state of my arteries. 816 00:55:00,751 --> 00:55:02,459 But I say to him, 817 00:55:03,417 --> 00:55:06,584 "What possible harm can there be 818 00:55:06,626 --> 00:55:09,042 "in one glass of an evening 819 00:55:11,292 --> 00:55:12,792 "or even two?" 820 00:55:13,251 --> 00:55:14,959 What harm, indeed. 821 00:55:16,917 --> 00:55:20,251 - You do not condemn me then? - Not in the least. 822 00:55:21,751 --> 00:55:23,376 If I may say so, 823 00:55:24,209 --> 00:55:27,751 without disrespect to my superiors, 824 00:55:28,751 --> 00:55:32,126 your visit has brought me something 825 00:55:32,751 --> 00:55:37,584 which I could not expect from any churchman in this country. 826 00:56:11,042 --> 00:56:13,584 I surmised, correctly, as it proved, 827 00:56:13,709 --> 00:56:17,584 that Lord Henry's doctor would assume that he had succumbed to a surfeit of port 828 00:56:17,626 --> 00:56:20,084 and would politely ascribe death to a heart attack. 829 00:56:20,917 --> 00:56:23,959 On my return to London, I decided to proceed methodically 830 00:56:24,084 --> 00:56:27,209 with the elimination of the remaining minor obstacles. 831 00:56:27,251 --> 00:56:32,084 Lady Agatha D'Ascoyne was a pioneer in the campaign for women's suffrage. 832 00:56:38,417 --> 00:56:40,917 With the inconvenient consequence that her public appearances 833 00:56:41,042 --> 00:56:44,917 were invariably made under the watchful eyes of the metropolitan police. 834 00:56:45,042 --> 00:56:47,292 When she was not making public appearances, 835 00:56:47,417 --> 00:56:50,584 she was in prison and still more inaccessible. 836 00:56:50,709 --> 00:56:54,084 In fact, before I could learn of a favourable opportunity, 837 00:56:54,126 --> 00:56:56,626 I had to join the movement myself. 838 00:56:57,126 --> 00:56:59,376 Secret plans had been made for Lady Agatha 839 00:56:59,417 --> 00:57:01,376 to celebrate her latest release from Holloway 840 00:57:01,417 --> 00:57:04,459 by a shower of leaflets over Whitehall and the West End. 841 00:57:38,376 --> 00:57:40,042 I shot an arrow in the air, 842 00:57:41,584 --> 00:57:44,292 she fell to Earth in Berkeley Square. 843 00:57:45,459 --> 00:57:49,209 Admiral Lord Horatio D'Ascoyne presented a more difficult problem. 844 00:57:50,459 --> 00:57:52,917 He scarcely ever set foot ashore 845 00:57:54,126 --> 00:57:58,626 and I was beginning to feel that this task was beyond even my ingenuity. 846 00:58:01,251 --> 00:58:04,209 When he was conveniently involved in a naval disaster 847 00:58:04,251 --> 00:58:07,376 which arose from a combination of natural obstinacy 848 00:58:07,417 --> 00:58:09,542 and a certain confusion of mind. 849 00:58:09,584 --> 00:58:11,417 Unfortunate in one of his rank. 850 00:58:12,709 --> 00:58:14,417 Bring her to port. 851 00:58:17,084 --> 00:58:20,084 - Surely you mean starboard, sir. - Port! 852 00:58:29,209 --> 00:58:31,917 Both ships sank almost immediately. 853 00:58:31,959 --> 00:58:35,459 Though, fortunately, all hands were saved, save one. 854 00:58:37,417 --> 00:58:40,417 Admiral Lord Horatio, obstinate to the last, 855 00:58:40,459 --> 00:58:43,209 insisted on going down with his ship. 856 00:58:46,917 --> 00:58:50,251 General Lord Rufus D'Ascoyne, on the other hand, 857 00:58:50,292 --> 00:58:52,626 who never tired of demonstrating how he had fought 858 00:58:52,751 --> 00:58:55,709 the most calamitous campaign of the South African War, 859 00:58:55,751 --> 00:58:57,209 was a fairly easy proposition. 860 00:58:57,251 --> 00:59:03,459 At that moment, the concealed enemy emerged from behind the kopje. 861 00:59:04,084 --> 00:59:08,917 I held our guns' fire until we could see the whites of their eyes. 862 00:59:09,042 --> 00:59:12,417 Then I gave the order. "Fire!" 863 00:59:13,792 --> 00:59:15,209 Boom, boom, boom. 864 00:59:16,459 --> 00:59:19,417 It seemed appropriate that he who had lived amidst the cannon's roar 865 00:59:19,542 --> 00:59:21,542 should die explosively. 866 00:59:21,917 --> 00:59:26,917 I therefore concealed in a pot of caviar a simple but powerful homemade bomb 867 00:59:27,626 --> 00:59:31,376 and through the post, I sent the caviar to the general. 868 00:59:31,626 --> 00:59:34,292 I pretended to be deceived by the feint 869 00:59:34,417 --> 00:59:36,626 and sent our horse to meet it. 870 00:59:36,751 --> 00:59:41,709 At that moment, the concealed enemy emerged from behind the kopje. 871 00:59:42,292 --> 00:59:44,417 I held our guns' fire 872 00:59:44,542 --> 00:59:47,459 till we could see the whites of their eyes. 873 00:59:52,959 --> 00:59:56,292 Used to get a lot of this stuff in the Crimea. 874 00:59:56,417 --> 00:59:59,251 One thing the Russkies do really well. 875 01:00:03,292 --> 01:00:05,459 Not an atom of him was left. 876 01:00:08,792 --> 01:00:13,876 One could almost believe there was a curse on our unfortunate family, Mazzini. 877 01:00:13,917 --> 01:00:15,251 Indeed, sir, one could. 878 01:00:15,376 --> 01:00:18,751 I don't know if you realise how close this series of tragedies 879 01:00:18,792 --> 01:00:20,959 has brought you to the succession. 880 01:00:21,084 --> 01:00:22,792 I had not actually given the matter any thought, sir. 881 01:00:22,917 --> 01:00:24,751 Then it's time that you did. 882 01:00:24,792 --> 01:00:28,626 Do you not realise that you are heir presumptive to the dukedom? 883 01:00:28,751 --> 01:00:31,251 That is to say, in the event of the present duke dying without issue, 884 01:00:31,376 --> 01:00:34,417 I alone intervene between you and the title. 885 01:00:34,876 --> 01:00:36,709 And I am an old man. 886 01:00:37,459 --> 01:00:40,417 I've never really recovered from the first of these calamities. 887 01:00:41,209 --> 01:00:43,251 You mean I might become Duke of Chalfont? 888 01:00:43,376 --> 01:00:45,292 I mean that you almost certainly will. 889 01:00:46,751 --> 01:00:48,917 In view of that, I feel it would be more fitting 890 01:00:49,042 --> 01:00:52,209 that you should cease to be an employee here. 891 01:00:52,251 --> 01:00:55,459 - Oh. - And become instead my partner. 892 01:00:56,876 --> 01:00:58,959 I am most deeply grateful and honoured. 893 01:00:59,084 --> 01:01:03,417 If you'll come round here, I will make everything very clear to you. 894 01:01:12,626 --> 01:01:17,626 Uh, had she lived, your mother, of course, would have succeeded before you. 895 01:01:18,167 --> 01:01:20,084 One of my first tasks as partner 896 01:01:20,126 --> 01:01:22,417 was to interview Lionel, who came cap... 897 01:01:22,959 --> 01:01:25,251 or rather, silk hat in hand. 898 01:01:26,417 --> 01:01:29,834 To save time, I presume you have called to ask for renewal of your bill? 899 01:01:30,917 --> 01:01:33,251 The fact is, old boy, we sold short 900 01:01:33,334 --> 01:01:36,417 and the market hasn't dropped as we expected. 901 01:01:36,501 --> 01:01:40,167 I feel entitled to point out that we here regard our function 902 01:01:40,251 --> 01:01:43,251 as the encouragement of constructive investment 903 01:01:43,334 --> 01:01:46,251 and not the financing of mere gambling transactions. 904 01:01:46,334 --> 01:01:47,584 Now... 905 01:01:48,626 --> 01:01:50,917 It would have delighted me to refuse him. 906 01:01:51,001 --> 01:01:53,667 However, a bankrupt Lionel could hardly have continued 907 01:01:53,751 --> 01:01:56,292 to support Sibella in her extravagances 908 01:01:56,417 --> 01:01:58,751 and I had no wish to do so myself. 909 01:01:58,792 --> 01:02:03,084 Very well. We will renew at three and a half percent. 910 01:02:03,501 --> 01:02:06,167 I judged that the time was now ripe to make a move 911 01:02:06,251 --> 01:02:07,917 in the matter of Edith D'Ascoyne. 912 01:02:07,959 --> 01:02:10,084 It's becoming cold. Shall we go in? 913 01:02:11,084 --> 01:02:13,584 I know why you shivered just now. 914 01:02:13,667 --> 01:02:15,917 It was not because you were cold. 915 01:02:15,959 --> 01:02:17,084 No. 916 01:02:18,459 --> 01:02:20,501 I couldn't help remembering. 917 01:02:20,584 --> 01:02:23,459 I know. But do you try to forget? 918 01:02:24,501 --> 01:02:27,667 - I may sound harsh, but believe me... - Please. 919 01:02:28,292 --> 01:02:29,667 Not there. 920 01:02:32,001 --> 01:02:34,501 Because it was Henry's chair. 921 01:02:34,584 --> 01:02:37,167 It hasn't been used since that day. 922 01:02:37,667 --> 01:02:39,501 Nothing of his. 923 01:02:39,584 --> 01:02:43,751 Everything is just as he left it, his writing desk, his clothes. 924 01:02:44,459 --> 01:02:47,417 I cannot bear that it should be otherwise. 925 01:02:49,251 --> 01:02:51,834 You want this house to be a shrine. 926 01:02:51,917 --> 01:02:55,959 You're wrong. Shrines are not meant to house the living. 927 01:02:57,167 --> 01:03:01,667 I have always respected you, your principles, your courage, 928 01:03:01,751 --> 01:03:04,167 above any woman I've ever met. 929 01:03:04,251 --> 01:03:07,584 It is your duty to yourself and to others, 930 01:03:07,626 --> 01:03:09,459 to Henry even, 931 01:03:09,584 --> 01:03:12,667 to live again in the present, in the future. 932 01:03:13,751 --> 01:03:15,167 What future is there for me? 933 01:03:22,167 --> 01:03:25,459 I am now going to say something presumptuous. 934 01:03:25,584 --> 01:03:28,251 You must order me from your house if you wish. 935 01:03:28,334 --> 01:03:29,917 It is this... 936 01:03:30,626 --> 01:03:34,917 If you should ever feel that the constant support of a devoted admirer 937 01:03:34,959 --> 01:03:37,334 would be of assistance to you, 938 01:03:37,417 --> 01:03:40,584 I should be most honoured if you would permit me 939 01:03:40,626 --> 01:03:43,126 to offer you my hand in marriage. 940 01:03:44,959 --> 01:03:46,417 Mr Mazzini... 941 01:03:53,626 --> 01:03:55,292 This is a shock. 942 01:03:57,292 --> 01:03:59,001 I'm most touched. 943 01:03:59,959 --> 01:04:02,251 Most grateful, 944 01:04:02,334 --> 01:04:06,251 but I could not consider even the possibility of remarrying. 945 01:04:07,292 --> 01:04:10,626 I have spoken too boldly and too soon. 946 01:04:12,334 --> 01:04:16,292 Please regard what I have said merely as something to draw upon 947 01:04:16,417 --> 01:04:18,084 should you ever feel so inclined. 948 01:04:18,792 --> 01:04:21,417 Sibella was waiting for me when I got back. 949 01:04:21,459 --> 01:04:24,417 I was pleased to see her, for while I never admired Edith 950 01:04:24,501 --> 01:04:26,584 as much as when I was with Sibella, 951 01:04:26,626 --> 01:04:29,584 I never longed for Sibella as much as when I was with Edith. 952 01:04:31,959 --> 01:04:34,751 I'm afraid I'm late. Have you been bored? 953 01:04:34,834 --> 01:04:36,001 No. 954 01:04:36,501 --> 01:04:39,417 I've been looking into the fire and thinking. 955 01:04:39,459 --> 01:04:41,501 - What about? - Oh. 956 01:04:41,584 --> 01:04:44,959 How we used to roast chestnuts round the other fire 957 01:04:45,084 --> 01:04:47,584 and what a lot has happened since. 958 01:04:47,667 --> 01:04:49,084 Such as? 959 01:04:49,126 --> 01:04:53,251 How you told me not to marry Lionel because you might be a duke one day 960 01:04:53,292 --> 01:04:55,417 and how I laughed at you. 961 01:04:56,126 --> 01:04:58,251 And how I married Lionel 962 01:04:58,751 --> 01:05:01,417 and now you very nearly are a duke. 963 01:05:02,834 --> 01:05:04,667 We're much better off as we are, you and I. 964 01:05:04,751 --> 01:05:09,417 It's all very well for you to say that. You're not married to Lionel. 965 01:05:09,459 --> 01:05:12,167 We see each other when we want to. 966 01:05:12,251 --> 01:05:14,251 We're not obliged to see each other when we don't want to. 967 01:05:14,292 --> 01:05:17,459 We don't see each other as often as I'd like to. 968 01:05:17,584 --> 01:05:20,417 - You've been away the whole weekend. - I had to go. 969 01:05:20,459 --> 01:05:22,834 - Where? - To see Mrs D'Ascoyne, 970 01:05:22,917 --> 01:05:25,667 the widow of that cousin of mine who was killed. 971 01:05:25,751 --> 01:05:28,584 All your cousins seem to get killed. 972 01:05:28,626 --> 01:05:32,792 I really wouldn't be in the least surprised if you'd murdered them all. 973 01:05:32,917 --> 01:05:35,126 - Oh. - How clumsy of me. 974 01:05:47,251 --> 01:05:50,667 - Whatever made you say that? - Just silliness. 975 01:05:51,501 --> 01:05:54,834 Well, if you promise not to tell anyone, I'll let you in to my guilty secret. 976 01:05:54,917 --> 01:05:56,251 I did murder them all. 977 01:05:57,751 --> 01:06:00,292 I've suspected it for a long time. 978 01:06:01,417 --> 01:06:03,584 - What's she like? - Who? 979 01:06:03,626 --> 01:06:07,792 - Mrs D'Ascoyne. - Oh, she's tall, slender... 980 01:06:08,334 --> 01:06:09,667 Beautiful? 981 01:06:09,751 --> 01:06:11,667 Yes, I suppose some people would call her beautiful. 982 01:06:11,751 --> 01:06:13,251 Would you? 983 01:06:13,292 --> 01:06:16,626 I suppose so. I never really thought about that. 984 01:06:16,751 --> 01:06:19,834 What would you say if she asked you about me? 985 01:06:28,501 --> 01:06:32,292 I'd say that you were a perfect combination of imperfections. 986 01:06:32,417 --> 01:06:36,001 I'd say that your nose was just a little too short, 987 01:06:36,084 --> 01:06:38,584 your mouth just a little too wide, 988 01:06:39,251 --> 01:06:41,751 but that yours was a face that a man could see in his dreams 989 01:06:41,834 --> 01:06:43,959 for the whole of his life. 990 01:06:44,626 --> 01:06:47,459 I'd say that you were vain, selfish, 991 01:06:48,334 --> 01:06:50,917 cruel, deceitful. 992 01:06:52,751 --> 01:06:55,126 I'd say that you were adorable. 993 01:06:55,917 --> 01:06:58,751 I'd say that you were Sibella. 994 01:07:00,084 --> 01:07:02,167 What a pretty speech. 995 01:07:02,251 --> 01:07:03,626 I mean it. 996 01:07:04,751 --> 01:07:07,001 Come and say it to me again. 997 01:07:12,126 --> 01:07:14,751 I'd say your nose was just a little too short, 998 01:07:14,834 --> 01:07:19,292 and your mouth, yes, your mouth just a little too wide. 999 01:07:26,876 --> 01:07:29,917 Shortly afterwards, my employer had a stroke. 1000 01:07:30,417 --> 01:07:32,126 There was little that could be done 1001 01:07:32,251 --> 01:07:35,417 and the doctor gave him a month, at the most, to live. 1002 01:07:35,459 --> 01:07:38,084 I was glad, after all his kindness to me, 1003 01:07:38,167 --> 01:07:40,626 that I should not have to kill the old man. 1004 01:07:40,751 --> 01:07:44,084 Soon the only obstacle between me and my inheritance 1005 01:07:44,126 --> 01:07:45,917 would be the Duke himself. 1006 01:07:46,292 --> 01:07:48,584 I could lay no plan for disposing of him 1007 01:07:48,667 --> 01:07:52,584 as the life he led within those great stone walls was a closed book to me. 1008 01:07:52,626 --> 01:07:55,834 I was gloomily examining the problem for the hundredth time 1009 01:07:55,917 --> 01:07:59,459 as I awaited one day the expected arrival of Sibella at my apartments. 1010 01:08:06,917 --> 01:08:10,084 - Good afternoon, Mr Mazzini. - Mrs D'Ascoyne. 1011 01:08:10,584 --> 01:08:12,001 I was passing through St James's 1012 01:08:12,084 --> 01:08:15,751 and thought I would take the opportunity to call on you. 1013 01:08:19,084 --> 01:08:20,917 Was that wise? Discreet, I mean? 1014 01:08:21,334 --> 01:08:24,751 There are some conventions which must be governed by individual circumstance. 1015 01:08:24,792 --> 01:08:27,792 Surely it is safe for a woman to visit a man of your reputation. 1016 01:08:27,917 --> 01:08:29,751 It is of your reputation that I'm thinking. 1017 01:08:29,834 --> 01:08:33,334 Without being inhospitable, I would be happier if your visit were not a long one. 1018 01:08:33,417 --> 01:08:36,292 I appreciate the scrupulousness of your motives. 1019 01:08:36,417 --> 01:08:39,084 I have, anyhow, only one important matter to speak of. 1020 01:08:39,126 --> 01:08:40,292 That is? 1021 01:08:40,417 --> 01:08:44,084 I have thought a great deal about what you said at our last meeting 1022 01:08:44,167 --> 01:08:47,792 and I have tried to think what Henry's wishes would be. 1023 01:08:48,084 --> 01:08:50,417 I remember he said to me once, 1024 01:08:51,126 --> 01:08:54,167 "You have too much good in you, Edith, for one man. 1025 01:08:54,251 --> 01:08:56,251 "I sometimes wish that others could have a share of it." 1026 01:08:59,459 --> 01:09:01,667 I have reconsidered the offer you made to me. 1027 01:09:01,751 --> 01:09:04,417 Thank you again for it, and accept it gladly. 1028 01:09:05,584 --> 01:09:07,417 You rob me of words. 1029 01:09:08,084 --> 01:09:11,667 I think, however, we should make no announcement for three months, at least. 1030 01:09:12,126 --> 01:09:13,751 As you think best. 1031 01:09:13,834 --> 01:09:15,751 In these new circumstances 1032 01:09:15,792 --> 01:09:18,584 I think it more than ever desirable that your unconventional, 1033 01:09:18,667 --> 01:09:21,251 though in its purpose delightful visit should be cut short. 1034 01:09:21,751 --> 01:09:26,626 If your attention as a husband is equal of your consideration as a friend, 1035 01:09:26,751 --> 01:09:29,751 I shall have made a most fortunate decision. 1036 01:09:36,917 --> 01:09:39,167 Do you not think, though, that perhaps Uncle Ethelred, 1037 01:09:39,251 --> 01:09:42,417 as head of the family, should be told at once? 1038 01:09:42,917 --> 01:09:45,792 Perhaps so. Yes, I'll write to him. 1039 01:09:45,917 --> 01:09:47,917 Goodbye, Louis. 1040 01:09:48,001 --> 01:09:49,917 Goodbye, Edith. 1041 01:09:51,584 --> 01:09:54,834 You leave behind you the happiest man in London. 1042 01:10:02,917 --> 01:10:04,292 This was not a piece of news 1043 01:10:04,417 --> 01:10:07,792 which I was looking forward to breaking to Sibella. 1044 01:10:07,917 --> 01:10:09,751 She had no rights in the matter, 1045 01:10:09,792 --> 01:10:13,417 but women have a disconcerting ability to make scenes out of nothing 1046 01:10:13,459 --> 01:10:17,417 and to prove themselves injured when they themselves are at fault. 1047 01:10:19,126 --> 01:10:23,251 Anyhow, I had three months' grace before I need face that storm. 1048 01:10:34,251 --> 01:10:37,167 Have you taken to using attar of roses? 1049 01:10:37,251 --> 01:10:40,292 - No. Why? - Thought I could smell it. 1050 01:10:41,501 --> 01:10:45,001 I met such a beautiful woman on the stairs just now. 1051 01:10:45,917 --> 01:10:47,417 I expect that would be Mrs D'Ascoyne. 1052 01:10:47,501 --> 01:10:49,626 - What was she doing here? - She called in to see me. 1053 01:10:49,751 --> 01:10:52,626 - What about? - Business. Family business. 1054 01:10:52,751 --> 01:10:55,251 Let me get you a glass of sherry. 1055 01:10:58,917 --> 01:11:01,917 A day or so later, I received a letter from Lionel. 1056 01:11:01,959 --> 01:11:06,084 He requested an interview with me at his house on a matter of some delicacy. 1057 01:11:06,167 --> 01:11:09,292 I was somewhat perturbed, for nine times out of 10 1058 01:11:09,417 --> 01:11:12,042 what is referred to as a matter of some delicacy 1059 01:11:12,126 --> 01:11:15,376 is, in point of fact, one of extreme indelicacy. 1060 01:11:15,667 --> 01:11:19,334 Two days later, I made the tedious journey to Bayswater. 1061 01:11:20,126 --> 01:11:23,334 It was typical of Lionel that he should live on the wrong side of the park. 1062 01:11:23,417 --> 01:11:25,709 Hello, old boy. Have a drink. 1063 01:11:26,584 --> 01:11:29,376 No, thank you. Never during the day. 1064 01:11:29,459 --> 01:11:32,709 You don't mind if I do? Keep out the cold. 1065 01:11:33,251 --> 01:11:35,584 I was about to remark on the warmth of the day. 1066 01:11:35,667 --> 01:11:38,292 - Just a joke, old boy. - Ah, yes. 1067 01:11:38,876 --> 01:11:42,626 - Sit down, old boy. - No, thank you. I would rather stand. 1068 01:11:45,001 --> 01:11:48,626 A warm day, isn't it? For the time of the year, I mean. 1069 01:11:48,709 --> 01:11:52,292 Distinctly. It's also a very busy day. 1070 01:11:52,376 --> 01:11:54,667 May we proceed to the matter about which you wished to see me? 1071 01:11:54,751 --> 01:11:58,209 Right. A matter of some delicacy, actually, old boy. 1072 01:12:00,001 --> 01:12:03,251 But I said to myself, "Louis is a sport and a man of the world. 1073 01:12:03,792 --> 01:12:06,501 - "Always been a sport." - Thank you. 1074 01:12:06,584 --> 01:12:11,584 Always admired the sporting way in which you took to Sibella marrying me and not you. 1075 01:12:11,667 --> 01:12:13,709 Some fellows would have taken it very differently. 1076 01:12:14,584 --> 01:12:16,709 But "May the best man win," you said. 1077 01:12:17,209 --> 01:12:19,667 And when I won, you behaved like a gentleman. 1078 01:12:19,751 --> 01:12:24,167 So I thought as you being keen on Sibella at one time 1079 01:12:24,626 --> 01:12:29,084 and you and I are old friends, I... I'd ask you to help us. 1080 01:12:29,167 --> 01:12:30,334 Help you? 1081 01:12:30,417 --> 01:12:33,167 I told you some time back business hasn't been going so well. 1082 01:12:34,167 --> 01:12:37,292 Since then, it's gone worse. I'm bankrupt. 1083 01:12:37,959 --> 01:12:42,167 So I say to myself, "Why not talk to my old pal, Louis Mazzini 1084 01:12:42,959 --> 01:12:47,667 "who we used to have such jolly times with round the old nursery fire 1085 01:12:48,209 --> 01:12:49,834 "roasting chestnuts." 1086 01:12:49,917 --> 01:12:52,001 I'm afraid your memory is deceiving you. 1087 01:12:52,084 --> 01:12:56,667 By no stretch of imagination could you and I be described as ever having been "pals". 1088 01:12:56,751 --> 01:12:59,292 If I remember correctly, we detested each other cordially 1089 01:12:59,376 --> 01:13:00,542 from the first day we met, 1090 01:13:00,626 --> 01:13:03,126 with a detestation which increased with our years. 1091 01:13:03,209 --> 01:13:06,834 Always thought of you as a pal. Always have done. 1092 01:13:07,626 --> 01:13:08,917 That's why I said to myself... 1093 01:13:09,001 --> 01:13:11,459 It's only fair to warn you that any further expense of breath 1094 01:13:11,542 --> 01:13:13,459 on this subject would be a waste. 1095 01:13:14,626 --> 01:13:16,626 You know what you're doing? 1096 01:13:16,709 --> 01:13:19,667 - Condemning me to death. - What do you mean? 1097 01:13:19,751 --> 01:13:23,292 Only one way out for me, do away with myself. 1098 01:13:23,792 --> 01:13:26,209 If you knew how absurd these histrionics sounded... 1099 01:13:26,292 --> 01:13:29,751 I'm insured. At least the little woman will be provided for. 1100 01:13:29,834 --> 01:13:33,167 - Oh, don't be ridiculous. - Louis, I appeal to you. 1101 01:13:33,542 --> 01:13:37,459 Not for my sake, but for the sake of the little woman. 1102 01:13:37,542 --> 01:13:39,876 Please rise from that absurd position. 1103 01:13:55,126 --> 01:13:58,334 All I can say is I think you're a cad. 1104 01:13:58,876 --> 01:14:00,417 A selfish cad. 1105 01:14:02,667 --> 01:14:05,001 Let me remind you of a little not-so-ancient history. 1106 01:14:05,751 --> 01:14:08,584 When I was a draper's assistant and you a rich father's son, 1107 01:14:08,667 --> 01:14:10,251 you showed me no kindness. 1108 01:14:10,334 --> 01:14:14,001 Now our positions are reversed, and you come whining to me for favours. 1109 01:14:14,084 --> 01:14:16,917 Draper's assistant. That's right. 1110 01:14:17,001 --> 01:14:19,459 Rotten little counterjumper. That's all you are. 1111 01:14:20,417 --> 01:14:22,792 Very high and mighty now 1112 01:14:22,876 --> 01:14:26,084 but your mother married an Italian organ-grinder. 1113 01:14:29,042 --> 01:14:30,417 - Stand up. - Huh? 1114 01:14:30,501 --> 01:14:32,459 I said stand up. 1115 01:14:33,834 --> 01:14:37,292 I will not tolerate hearing my mother's name on your coarse tongue. 1116 01:14:45,459 --> 01:14:49,042 If you take my advice, you'll go and put your head under a cold tap. 1117 01:14:49,126 --> 01:14:52,792 I refuse to demean myself by fighting with a drunken oaf. 1118 01:15:04,876 --> 01:15:07,959 There seemed no point in prolonging this vulgar brawl 1119 01:15:08,042 --> 01:15:10,167 so I returned to my apartment. 1120 01:15:17,334 --> 01:15:19,751 I took a bath and decided to relax for half an hour 1121 01:15:19,834 --> 01:15:22,126 and efface this disagreeable scene from my memory. 1122 01:15:24,542 --> 01:15:26,501 I was not allowed to relax for long. 1123 01:15:32,167 --> 01:15:33,584 Sibella. 1124 01:15:36,751 --> 01:15:40,251 Louis, I'm sorry to worry you when you must be so busy 1125 01:15:40,334 --> 01:15:42,459 but I have a piece of important news. 1126 01:15:43,042 --> 01:15:44,167 Bad news. 1127 01:15:44,751 --> 01:15:46,751 I thought you ought to know it at once. 1128 01:15:54,376 --> 01:15:56,167 Lionel has found out about us. 1129 01:15:57,584 --> 01:15:59,751 About me coming here. 1130 01:15:59,834 --> 01:16:01,542 - Really? - Yes. 1131 01:16:01,626 --> 01:16:02,667 Oh. 1132 01:16:04,001 --> 01:16:07,626 I had the most dreadful scene with him last night. 1133 01:16:08,709 --> 01:16:12,376 Well, I suppose even Lionel isn't stupid enough to be deceived forever. 1134 01:16:12,459 --> 01:16:14,792 You won't take it so calmly when you hear. 1135 01:16:16,084 --> 01:16:18,334 He's going to start divorce proceedings. 1136 01:16:18,417 --> 01:16:20,459 How very unsophisticated of him. 1137 01:16:22,209 --> 01:16:26,542 There's only one possible way out that I can see. 1138 01:16:28,042 --> 01:16:31,542 - And that is? - Lionel is still in love with me. 1139 01:16:32,376 --> 01:16:34,751 My happiness is all he cares about. 1140 01:16:35,459 --> 01:16:38,542 He might do the gentlemanly thing and let me divorce him. 1141 01:16:39,542 --> 01:16:40,626 If? 1142 01:16:42,167 --> 01:16:44,709 If I were in a position to explain to him 1143 01:16:44,792 --> 01:16:47,751 that otherwise he will be jeopardizing the social position 1144 01:16:47,834 --> 01:16:50,167 not only of the future duke, 1145 01:16:50,251 --> 01:16:52,917 but also the future duchess of Chalfont. 1146 01:16:55,084 --> 01:16:56,292 I see. 1147 01:17:02,917 --> 01:17:06,167 You're a clever little thing, Sibella, but not quite clever enough. 1148 01:17:06,251 --> 01:17:07,584 What do you mean? 1149 01:17:07,667 --> 01:17:10,209 I mean that not only do I know that you're blackmailing me, 1150 01:17:10,292 --> 01:17:12,501 an ugly word, but the only appropriate one, 1151 01:17:12,584 --> 01:17:15,167 but I also know that you're bluffing me. 1152 01:17:15,251 --> 01:17:17,292 Call my bluff and see. 1153 01:17:17,376 --> 01:17:18,709 I will. 1154 01:17:22,792 --> 01:17:24,501 Let me explain. 1155 01:17:24,584 --> 01:17:27,126 It must have seemed to you that you hold a very strong hand. 1156 01:17:27,209 --> 01:17:29,584 But... A very important "but", 1157 01:17:29,667 --> 01:17:34,001 it so happens that I hold a card which you did not even know to be in the pack. 1158 01:17:34,084 --> 01:17:35,376 Who's bluffing now? 1159 01:17:35,459 --> 01:17:38,626 It so happens that I was with Lionel less than an hour ago. 1160 01:17:38,709 --> 01:17:42,126 And it was transparently clear from his demeanour and conversation 1161 01:17:42,209 --> 01:17:45,667 that he had not the faintest suspicion that you and I had any relationship 1162 01:17:45,751 --> 01:17:48,501 other than that of, as he would probably put it, 1163 01:17:48,959 --> 01:17:53,084 old pals who used to roast chestnuts together round the jolly old nursery fire. 1164 01:17:55,084 --> 01:17:58,292 So, while thanking you for the honour that you've done me, 1165 01:17:58,376 --> 01:18:01,209 I must decline your offer because I have other arrangements 1166 01:18:01,292 --> 01:18:03,084 which make it impossible for me to accept it. 1167 01:18:03,167 --> 01:18:04,626 Namely? 1168 01:18:04,709 --> 01:18:08,084 I'm shortly going to announce my engagement to Mrs D'Ascoyne. 1169 01:18:17,001 --> 01:18:20,042 May I say that I think you've behaved despicably? 1170 01:18:22,584 --> 01:18:27,042 Has it ever occurred to you, Sibella, that we serve each other right, you and I? 1171 01:18:32,167 --> 01:18:35,959 Would it be asking too much of your manners to escort me to the door? 1172 01:18:43,376 --> 01:18:46,209 I had suspected that to confide our secret to the Duke 1173 01:18:46,292 --> 01:18:49,459 might be an adroit manoeuvre, and I was proved correct, 1174 01:18:49,542 --> 01:18:54,167 for it produced an invitation for Edith and me to spend a few days at the castle. 1175 01:18:55,251 --> 01:18:59,084 I must confess that I could not suppress an agreeable sensation of triumph 1176 01:18:59,167 --> 01:19:01,334 as I approached the castle gateway 1177 01:19:01,417 --> 01:19:04,792 in circumstances so different from those in which I had last done so. 1178 01:19:05,751 --> 01:19:08,209 It was just an informal little house party. 1179 01:19:09,209 --> 01:19:13,167 Our fellow guests were Lady Redpole and her daughter Maud, 1180 01:19:13,251 --> 01:19:16,542 who most suitably resembled nothing so much as a red poll cow 1181 01:19:16,626 --> 01:19:18,584 and had little more conversational ability. 1182 01:19:18,667 --> 01:19:21,667 - Did you go to the opera this season? - No. 1183 01:19:24,917 --> 01:19:28,334 In the afternoon, Ethelred invited me to inspect the castle. 1184 01:19:28,417 --> 01:19:30,626 It was pleasant to stand on the battlements 1185 01:19:30,709 --> 01:19:34,001 and know that the acres which stretched as far as the eye could see 1186 01:19:34,084 --> 01:19:35,917 would soon be mine. 1187 01:19:36,334 --> 01:19:40,376 And it amused me to cover much the same ground as that of my sixpenny tour. 1188 01:19:41,501 --> 01:19:43,959 I had never been in a building so lavishly equipped 1189 01:19:44,042 --> 01:19:46,376 with the instruments of violent death. 1190 01:19:46,459 --> 01:19:48,376 Feel the weight of that. 1191 01:19:48,459 --> 01:19:51,001 Our ancestors must have been fine men, Louis. 1192 01:19:54,042 --> 01:19:55,959 They seemed, however, ill-adapted 1193 01:19:56,042 --> 01:19:58,959 to the discreet requirements of 20th-century homicide. 1194 01:20:00,042 --> 01:20:05,167 And the end of the day found my host still intact and myself still without a plan. 1195 01:20:12,126 --> 01:20:14,417 Beautiful woman, Edith. 1196 01:20:14,501 --> 01:20:16,209 You're a lucky fellow, Louis. 1197 01:20:16,292 --> 01:20:18,501 I never cease to be conscious of that. 1198 01:20:18,876 --> 01:20:20,917 - Thank you. - What do you think of Maud? 1199 01:20:21,417 --> 01:20:22,876 A charming girl, 1200 01:20:22,959 --> 01:20:26,251 though perhaps at times her conversation is a little lacking in sparkle. 1201 01:20:26,334 --> 01:20:28,709 Dullest woman I ever met in my life. 1202 01:20:31,167 --> 01:20:32,959 Plain too. 1203 01:20:33,584 --> 01:20:35,709 But good breeding stock. 1204 01:20:38,292 --> 01:20:40,584 Good breeding stock, the Redpoles. 1205 01:20:41,292 --> 01:20:43,501 And they litter a very high proportion of boys. 1206 01:20:45,876 --> 01:20:47,751 Do I gather you to mean... 1207 01:20:47,834 --> 01:20:52,876 Spoke to old Lady Redpole this afternoon. Only too glad to get the girl off her hands. 1208 01:20:53,459 --> 01:20:54,834 My congratulations. 1209 01:20:56,834 --> 01:20:58,917 Duty to the family, really. 1210 01:20:59,542 --> 01:21:01,792 And when does the union take place? 1211 01:21:01,876 --> 01:21:04,501 Very soon. I'm not growing any younger. 1212 01:21:04,584 --> 01:21:08,459 Mightn't get a son the first time. Quiet wedding, I thought. 1213 01:21:08,542 --> 01:21:10,626 Maud's hardly the type for St Margaret's. 1214 01:21:11,792 --> 01:21:15,792 We shall honeymoon on the Riviera and then go on to Italy afterwards. 1215 01:21:15,876 --> 01:21:18,501 No sense inflicting her on one's friends. 1216 01:21:20,292 --> 01:21:23,334 When she's got a family, that'll keep her out of the way. 1217 01:21:25,251 --> 01:21:28,209 This news threw me into such distress of mind 1218 01:21:28,292 --> 01:21:30,084 that had I had poison in my possession 1219 01:21:30,167 --> 01:21:33,334 I would probably have administered it to Ethelred there and then 1220 01:21:33,417 --> 01:21:35,792 and chanced the consequent inquiries. 1221 01:21:37,376 --> 01:21:41,126 One thing was clear, if I did not succeed in disposing of him 1222 01:21:41,209 --> 01:21:43,626 during this present visit to the castle, 1223 01:21:43,709 --> 01:21:46,667 I was likely to see the ruin of my whole campaign. 1224 01:21:49,876 --> 01:21:52,709 My best wishes for a successful outcome. 1225 01:21:54,751 --> 01:21:57,001 The next morning I went out shooting with Ethelred 1226 01:21:57,084 --> 01:21:59,001 or rather, to watch Ethelred shooting 1227 01:21:59,084 --> 01:22:02,876 for my principles will not allow me to take a direct part in blood sports. 1228 01:22:02,959 --> 01:22:05,667 - Been round the traps this morning, Hoskins? - Not yet, Your Grace. 1229 01:22:05,751 --> 01:22:08,376 Sounds as if we've bagged one there. 1230 01:22:08,459 --> 01:22:13,584 Ah. Been losing so much game lately, we've started setting the mantraps again. 1231 01:22:22,334 --> 01:22:26,667 Hoskins is now going to thrash you. Then he'll let you go. 1232 01:22:26,751 --> 01:22:29,917 Let this be a lesson to you not to poach on my land. 1233 01:22:40,792 --> 01:22:42,209 That'll do. 1234 01:22:51,292 --> 01:22:54,501 Keep moving them around, Hoskins, or they'll tell each other where they are. 1235 01:22:54,584 --> 01:22:56,209 Yes, Your Grace. 1236 01:22:58,001 --> 01:23:00,292 - I thought mantraps were illegal. - They are. 1237 01:23:01,001 --> 01:23:02,292 What happens if he tells the police? 1238 01:23:02,376 --> 01:23:05,959 He comes up before the bench for poaching, gets six months in jail. 1239 01:23:06,042 --> 01:23:09,834 If he keeps his mouth shut, he just gets a few days in bed. 1240 01:23:10,417 --> 01:23:12,167 Which would you choose? 1241 01:23:17,417 --> 01:23:20,876 Only way to deal with these ruffians, I assure you. 1242 01:23:20,959 --> 01:23:25,167 Oh. I must have dropped my cigarette case back there. I'll catch you up. 1243 01:23:42,709 --> 01:23:44,376 - Find it? - Yes, thanks. 1244 01:23:44,459 --> 01:23:48,042 Might have another walk round this afternoon, if you feel like it. 1245 01:23:49,001 --> 01:23:50,626 That would be most pleasant. 1246 01:23:50,709 --> 01:23:55,209 After luncheon we went out to massacre a few more unfortunate birds. 1247 01:23:56,209 --> 01:23:58,209 - Listen. - What is it? 1248 01:23:58,292 --> 01:24:01,084 I thought I heard something, like someone running through the bracken. 1249 01:24:01,167 --> 01:24:03,459 Another poaching ruffian! Come on! 1250 01:24:08,292 --> 01:24:10,584 There was someone here. Look. 1251 01:24:12,292 --> 01:24:13,917 Blast! 1252 01:24:14,001 --> 01:24:16,876 Louis, get me out of this. Hurry up, man. 1253 01:24:21,084 --> 01:24:23,584 - Have you gone mad? - Be quiet, Ethelred. 1254 01:24:24,209 --> 01:24:26,376 I want to talk to you for a minute. 1255 01:24:26,459 --> 01:24:29,542 If you make a noise, I shall blow your head off at once. 1256 01:24:31,417 --> 01:24:33,459 By the time anyone has heard the shot, 1257 01:24:33,542 --> 01:24:37,001 I shall be running back toward the castle, shouting for help. 1258 01:24:38,042 --> 01:24:40,417 I shall say that you stepped on the trap 1259 01:24:41,042 --> 01:24:43,959 and that your gun went off accidentally as it fell. 1260 01:24:44,042 --> 01:24:45,167 So be quiet. 1261 01:24:46,626 --> 01:24:49,126 To spare you as much pain as possible, 1262 01:24:49,584 --> 01:24:50,667 I'll be brief. 1263 01:24:55,459 --> 01:24:57,917 When I've finished, I shall kill you. 1264 01:24:59,626 --> 01:25:02,001 You'll be the sixth D'Ascoyne that I've killed. 1265 01:25:02,084 --> 01:25:03,459 You want to know why? 1266 01:25:04,917 --> 01:25:07,792 In return for what the D'Ascoynes did to my mother. 1267 01:25:08,709 --> 01:25:13,959 Because she married for love instead of for rank or money or land, 1268 01:25:14,834 --> 01:25:18,167 they condemned her to a life of poverty and slavery 1269 01:25:18,251 --> 01:25:20,584 in a world with which they had not equipped her to deal. 1270 01:25:20,667 --> 01:25:23,709 You yourself refused to grant her dying wish, 1271 01:25:23,792 --> 01:25:25,876 which was to be buried here at Chalfont. 1272 01:25:26,376 --> 01:25:29,834 When I saw her poor little coffin slide underground, 1273 01:25:30,417 --> 01:25:33,251 saw her exiled in death as she'd been in life, 1274 01:25:34,417 --> 01:25:38,084 I swore to have my revenge on your intolerable pride. 1275 01:25:40,251 --> 01:25:44,917 That revenge I am just about to complete. 1276 01:25:47,876 --> 01:25:50,001 It's clear that you are insane. 1277 01:25:50,751 --> 01:25:52,001 Give me that gun at once. 1278 01:25:52,626 --> 01:25:53,917 No. 1279 01:25:56,251 --> 01:26:01,209 From here, I think, the wound should look consistent with the story that I shall tell. 1280 01:26:10,584 --> 01:26:11,709 Help! 1281 01:26:12,792 --> 01:26:13,917 Help! 1282 01:26:14,501 --> 01:26:15,667 Help! 1283 01:26:17,126 --> 01:26:20,292 And so Ethelred, Eighth Duke of Chalfont, 1284 01:26:20,584 --> 01:26:23,376 duly came to his place in the family vault. 1285 01:26:28,042 --> 01:26:30,501 There were few D'Ascoynes left to mourn him. 1286 01:26:30,584 --> 01:26:34,626 My employer, who was Ninth Duke of Chalfont for the shortest possible period, 1287 01:26:34,709 --> 01:26:38,209 having expired of shock on hearing that he had succeeded to the title. 1288 01:26:40,501 --> 01:26:45,001 And so, I became the 10th Duke of Chalfont. 1289 01:26:48,584 --> 01:26:52,001 Fortunately, the Ninth Duke had found time before he expired 1290 01:26:52,084 --> 01:26:55,459 to make a will bequeathing to me his interests in the business. 1291 01:26:58,292 --> 01:26:59,876 You may remove that. 1292 01:27:08,209 --> 01:27:11,626 A day or two later, an affecting little feudal ceremony took place 1293 01:27:11,709 --> 01:27:13,459 to welcome me into residence at the castle. 1294 01:27:13,542 --> 01:27:16,876 And I promise you that my first consideration, 1295 01:27:16,959 --> 01:27:21,542 and that of Mrs D'Ascoyne, who has done me the honour to consent to be my bride, 1296 01:27:22,126 --> 01:27:26,917 will be the welfare of the estate and of the people who live on it. 1297 01:27:27,001 --> 01:27:29,251 God bless you all. 1298 01:27:36,584 --> 01:27:38,292 Long live His Grace! 1299 01:27:38,376 --> 01:27:40,001 Long live His Grace. 1300 01:27:47,001 --> 01:27:49,626 Pennyman, Your Grace, from Sprockett's Farm. 1301 01:27:49,709 --> 01:27:51,334 Mrs Pennyman. 1302 01:27:51,417 --> 01:27:53,334 My son, Tom, from Sprockett's Farm. 1303 01:27:54,001 --> 01:27:56,459 Mr Wyvold, from Sprockett's Farm. 1304 01:27:57,917 --> 01:27:59,501 Sprockett's Farm? 1305 01:28:00,959 --> 01:28:03,292 No, Your Grace. From Scotland Yard. 1306 01:28:05,959 --> 01:28:07,501 Scotland Yard? 1307 01:28:08,251 --> 01:28:10,126 A matter of some delicacy. 1308 01:28:15,959 --> 01:28:17,459 Follow me, please. 1309 01:28:17,959 --> 01:28:21,459 The blow was so sudden that I found it hard to collect my thoughts. 1310 01:28:23,167 --> 01:28:25,042 Which of them could it be? 1311 01:28:25,834 --> 01:28:29,376 Young Ascoyne? Henry? Ethelred? 1312 01:28:30,251 --> 01:28:33,584 The parson? The general? 1313 01:28:33,667 --> 01:28:35,251 Lady Agatha? 1314 01:28:35,334 --> 01:28:37,459 Or could it be all of them? 1315 01:28:42,626 --> 01:28:43,959 Now. 1316 01:28:44,042 --> 01:28:46,876 You are, I take it, His Grace, the Duke of Chalfont? 1317 01:28:46,959 --> 01:28:48,084 I am. 1318 01:28:48,167 --> 01:28:52,667 I am Detective Inspector Burgoyne of the Criminal Investigation Department. 1319 01:28:52,751 --> 01:28:55,084 And I hold a warrant for your arrest on a charge of murder. 1320 01:28:55,501 --> 01:28:56,667 Murder? 1321 01:28:57,376 --> 01:28:59,001 Of murdering Mr Lionel Holland at... 1322 01:28:59,084 --> 01:29:00,251 Murdering whom? 1323 01:29:00,334 --> 01:29:01,876 Mr Lionel Holland 1324 01:29:01,959 --> 01:29:05,376 at number 242 Connaught Square, Bayswater, 1325 01:29:05,459 --> 01:29:07,626 on the 17th of October last. 1326 01:29:18,292 --> 01:29:21,584 Utterly bewildered, I tried to fathom what series of events 1327 01:29:21,667 --> 01:29:24,834 could conceivably have led to this not-very-amusing irony. 1328 01:29:25,292 --> 01:29:27,626 I could only suppose that Lionel had actually carried out 1329 01:29:27,709 --> 01:29:29,459 that drunken threat of suicide. 1330 01:29:30,667 --> 01:29:32,876 But how then had the blame fallen on me? 1331 01:29:33,542 --> 01:29:36,876 Time alone, and the trial, would reveal the answer. 1332 01:29:36,959 --> 01:29:40,834 Seeing no reason to forego any of the available privileges of my rank... 1333 01:29:45,584 --> 01:29:48,501 I exercised my right to be tried before the House of Lords. 1334 01:29:48,584 --> 01:29:53,167 Louis D'Ascoyne Mazzini, Duke of Chalfont, 1335 01:29:53,251 --> 01:29:56,126 you, as a peer of England, are indicted for murder. 1336 01:29:57,001 --> 01:29:58,709 How say you, Your Grace? 1337 01:29:58,792 --> 01:30:02,667 Are you guilty of the felony with which you are charged or not guilty? 1338 01:30:03,209 --> 01:30:05,542 - Not guilty. - How will you be tried? 1339 01:30:07,209 --> 01:30:12,042 - By God and my peers. - God send Your Grace a good deliverance. 1340 01:30:12,459 --> 01:30:17,084 It shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, 1341 01:30:17,167 --> 01:30:18,751 so help me God. 1342 01:30:19,417 --> 01:30:23,084 Mrs Holland, will you tell Their Lordships in your own words 1343 01:30:23,167 --> 01:30:25,417 the substance of the conversation you had with your husband 1344 01:30:25,542 --> 01:30:27,417 the evening before his death? 1345 01:30:29,251 --> 01:30:32,417 He told me that Louis...the prisoner, 1346 01:30:33,209 --> 01:30:36,334 was coming to see him the next day on a rather delicate matter. 1347 01:30:36,417 --> 01:30:38,417 Did he indicate what that matter was? 1348 01:30:40,584 --> 01:30:43,667 He had discovered that the prisoner and I had been... 1349 01:30:45,209 --> 01:30:47,167 Had been on terms of intimacy? 1350 01:30:48,584 --> 01:30:51,251 - Yes. - And what was his attitude? 1351 01:30:52,417 --> 01:30:55,209 He felt that the correct thing to do was to tell him to his face 1352 01:30:55,251 --> 01:30:58,084 that he intended to start proceedings for divorce. 1353 01:30:58,751 --> 01:31:00,209 From your knowledge of the prisoner 1354 01:31:00,251 --> 01:31:02,667 how would you expect him to receive that news? 1355 01:31:04,251 --> 01:31:06,584 I should expect him to be very angry. 1356 01:31:07,501 --> 01:31:10,917 Now he was heir to a dukedom, he had no more use for me. 1357 01:31:11,251 --> 01:31:14,167 I see. He was trying to discard you. 1358 01:31:14,834 --> 01:31:15,917 Yes. 1359 01:31:16,042 --> 01:31:19,376 Mrs Holland, I apologise for submitting you to this ordeal 1360 01:31:20,042 --> 01:31:23,876 but will you tell Their Lordships how you found your husband's body? 1361 01:31:26,251 --> 01:31:29,001 I came back about 4:30. 1362 01:31:31,584 --> 01:31:35,167 Their Lordships have no objection to the witness being seated. 1363 01:31:39,584 --> 01:31:41,167 Yes, Mrs Holland? 1364 01:31:43,042 --> 01:31:45,251 I came back about 4:30. 1365 01:31:45,917 --> 01:31:48,251 I went into my husband's study. 1366 01:31:49,001 --> 01:31:51,501 He was lying on the floor 1367 01:31:52,501 --> 01:31:54,667 with a dagger stuck in his chest. 1368 01:31:55,376 --> 01:31:56,917 One last question, Mrs Holland. 1369 01:31:57,584 --> 01:32:01,084 Had your husband ever, at any time, threatened suicide? 1370 01:32:02,084 --> 01:32:04,709 - Never. - Thank you, Mrs Holland. 1371 01:32:07,876 --> 01:32:10,251 My client craves Their Lordships' permission 1372 01:32:10,334 --> 01:32:12,251 to cross-examine the witness himself. 1373 01:32:12,917 --> 01:32:14,917 Their Lordships grant their permission. 1374 01:32:18,584 --> 01:32:22,584 Mrs Holland, you understand the meaning of being on oath? 1375 01:32:22,667 --> 01:32:24,542 Of course. 1376 01:32:26,251 --> 01:32:29,876 You realise that a life may depend upon the truthfulness of your evidence? 1377 01:32:32,001 --> 01:32:33,251 Yes. 1378 01:32:35,251 --> 01:32:37,751 I put it to you that your story of your conversation with your husband 1379 01:32:37,876 --> 01:32:40,501 on the night before his death is a complete fabrication. 1380 01:32:40,584 --> 01:32:42,042 It is not. 1381 01:32:43,251 --> 01:32:45,501 I put it to you that your husband committed suicide. 1382 01:32:45,917 --> 01:32:48,751 He would never have done that without leaving a message for me. 1383 01:32:48,876 --> 01:32:50,751 Can you swear that he did not? 1384 01:32:52,084 --> 01:32:54,084 The police searched the room very thoroughly. 1385 01:32:55,667 --> 01:32:57,417 They didn't find anything. 1386 01:32:58,917 --> 01:33:03,501 I suggest that your evidence is a tissue of lies dictated by motives of revenge. 1387 01:33:08,542 --> 01:33:10,334 It is not. 1388 01:33:10,917 --> 01:33:12,417 It is not. 1389 01:33:12,501 --> 01:33:16,417 I presume that the prisoner has some purpose in these submissions 1390 01:33:16,501 --> 01:33:18,376 other than that of distressing the witness. 1391 01:33:19,042 --> 01:33:21,209 My purpose, my lord, is to determine the truth. 1392 01:33:22,167 --> 01:33:25,417 That, Your Grace, is the whole purpose of this assembly. 1393 01:33:27,751 --> 01:33:31,667 ...the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God. 1394 01:33:35,209 --> 01:33:38,667 You're Edith D'Ascoyne Mazzini, Duchess of Chalfont? 1395 01:33:38,751 --> 01:33:40,001 I am. 1396 01:33:40,084 --> 01:33:42,917 When and where did you become the wife of the accused? 1397 01:33:43,584 --> 01:33:46,251 Yesterday morning, in Pentonville Prison. 1398 01:33:47,751 --> 01:33:50,751 I wanted to publish irrevocably before the whole world 1399 01:33:51,501 --> 01:33:52,917 my faith in his innocence. 1400 01:33:54,876 --> 01:33:57,001 I wanted to show by my marriage 1401 01:33:57,917 --> 01:34:00,334 that though he was led astray, as I believe 1402 01:34:00,417 --> 01:34:03,334 by that innate kindliness and courtesy of his 1403 01:34:03,417 --> 01:34:06,376 which made it so hard for him to rebuff the advances of a woman, 1404 01:34:07,084 --> 01:34:08,667 I nevertheless regard him as a man 1405 01:34:08,751 --> 01:34:11,167 to whom I can happily entrust the remainder of my life. 1406 01:34:11,751 --> 01:34:14,084 I am not alone in these opinions of him. 1407 01:34:14,709 --> 01:34:16,542 My late husband, Henry, 1408 01:34:16,584 --> 01:34:18,709 and his late Uncle Ethelred, the Eighth Duke, 1409 01:34:19,751 --> 01:34:22,751 both unfortunately unable to testify today... 1410 01:34:23,751 --> 01:34:27,709 These and other members of the D'Ascoyne family, had they been alive, 1411 01:34:27,751 --> 01:34:30,542 would, I know, have echoed every word that I have said. 1412 01:34:31,251 --> 01:34:33,084 Thank you, Your Grace. 1413 01:34:34,417 --> 01:34:36,251 The deceased was a client of the banking house 1414 01:34:36,376 --> 01:34:38,417 of which you are chairman and managing director. 1415 01:34:38,542 --> 01:34:39,667 He was. 1416 01:34:39,751 --> 01:34:44,042 In the normal course of business transactions he would have come to see you at your office. 1417 01:34:44,084 --> 01:34:45,209 Yes. 1418 01:34:45,251 --> 01:34:47,542 Instead of which, he asked you to go to his house. 1419 01:34:47,584 --> 01:34:48,667 Yes. 1420 01:34:48,751 --> 01:34:51,251 He invited you to his house to discuss business. 1421 01:34:51,334 --> 01:34:52,417 Yes. 1422 01:34:52,501 --> 01:34:54,584 And you ask Their Lordships to believe that? 1423 01:34:55,167 --> 01:34:56,334 Yes. 1424 01:34:56,917 --> 01:34:59,084 In the course of this, business discussion 1425 01:34:59,167 --> 01:35:02,584 he burst into tears, fell on his knees and threatened suicide. 1426 01:35:02,709 --> 01:35:05,584 - Yes. - Is that usual in business discussions? 1427 01:35:06,084 --> 01:35:08,709 - Not usual. No. - But it happened on this occasion. 1428 01:35:08,792 --> 01:35:12,042 - Yes. - And you ask Their Lordships to believe that? 1429 01:35:12,542 --> 01:35:14,126 Yes. 1430 01:35:14,209 --> 01:35:16,959 Then this, business discussion became so heated 1431 01:35:17,042 --> 01:35:20,251 that blows were exchanged and he made a murderous attack on you. 1432 01:35:20,334 --> 01:35:21,501 Yes. 1433 01:35:21,584 --> 01:35:24,376 - Is that usual in business discussion? - No. 1434 01:35:24,459 --> 01:35:27,792 - But it happened on this occasion. - Yes. 1435 01:35:27,876 --> 01:35:32,042 - And you ask Their Lordships to believe that? - Yes. 1436 01:35:32,792 --> 01:35:33,917 Very well. 1437 01:35:34,751 --> 01:35:38,209 You've heard of cases of a jealous husband and his wife's lover coming to blows? 1438 01:35:38,709 --> 01:35:40,626 - Yes. - Frequently? 1439 01:35:41,251 --> 01:35:44,001 It is one of the clichés of the cheaper kind of fiction. 1440 01:35:47,792 --> 01:35:51,209 I put it to you that, in this case, it happened not in fiction, 1441 01:35:51,292 --> 01:35:52,501 but in fact. 1442 01:35:52,584 --> 01:35:55,792 - I put it to you that it did not. - I put it to you further 1443 01:35:55,876 --> 01:35:59,751 that being unaware at that time of your future wife's forgiving nature 1444 01:35:59,834 --> 01:36:02,709 you assumed that if you were cited in a divorce suit 1445 01:36:02,792 --> 01:36:06,376 it would ruin your chances of making this advantageous match 1446 01:36:06,459 --> 01:36:08,917 with a wealthy and beautiful woman. 1447 01:36:10,042 --> 01:36:11,709 No. Not at all. 1448 01:36:11,792 --> 01:36:15,959 Still, you were proposing to discard Mrs Holland. 1449 01:36:16,042 --> 01:36:17,501 No. 1450 01:36:17,584 --> 01:36:20,959 Even though you were about to be married to the other lady? 1451 01:36:28,209 --> 01:36:31,667 I must confess to feeling quite intrigued as to their decision. 1452 01:36:40,917 --> 01:36:45,959 My lords, the question for Your Lordships is this... 1453 01:36:47,167 --> 01:36:49,209 Is the prisoner guilty 1454 01:36:49,292 --> 01:36:52,917 of the felony whereof he stands indicted 1455 01:36:53,001 --> 01:36:55,001 or not guilty? 1456 01:36:58,376 --> 01:36:59,917 Guilty, upon mine honour. 1457 01:37:01,042 --> 01:37:03,209 Guilty, upon mine honour. 1458 01:37:04,001 --> 01:37:06,542 Guilty, upon mine honour. 1459 01:37:14,542 --> 01:37:18,626 I considered it both seemly and touching that my dear wife should visit me 1460 01:37:18,709 --> 01:37:21,542 as she did this morning, to make her farewells. 1461 01:37:22,834 --> 01:37:26,084 Your arrival, on the other hand, appears to me unseemly 1462 01:37:26,167 --> 01:37:28,126 and tasteless in the extreme. 1463 01:37:28,876 --> 01:37:32,709 I couldn't bear my last sight of you to be that look of hatred you gave me 1464 01:37:32,834 --> 01:37:34,584 as you went out from the trial. 1465 01:37:35,542 --> 01:37:39,709 In view of the fact that your evidence had put the rope round my neck 1466 01:37:39,792 --> 01:37:42,667 you could hardly expect a glance of warm affection. 1467 01:37:42,751 --> 01:37:46,001 - Isn't there any hope? - What hope could there be? 1468 01:37:47,334 --> 01:37:49,542 I was only thinking. 1469 01:37:49,626 --> 01:37:51,959 That question you asked at the trial 1470 01:37:52,834 --> 01:37:55,417 about Lionel leaving a suicide note... 1471 01:37:56,667 --> 01:38:00,084 Suppose he did? Suppose that one were found 1472 01:38:00,167 --> 01:38:03,084 even now, this last evening? 1473 01:38:03,959 --> 01:38:07,459 - It would savour of a miracle. - Miracles can happen. 1474 01:38:08,626 --> 01:38:10,459 Miracles could happen. 1475 01:38:15,167 --> 01:38:16,417 I see. 1476 01:38:17,917 --> 01:38:20,792 Oh, strange, isn't it, how things turn out? 1477 01:38:20,876 --> 01:38:23,501 Now, if you had married me, instead of Edith... 1478 01:38:24,334 --> 01:38:26,959 Or you had married me, instead of Lionel. 1479 01:38:27,709 --> 01:38:29,167 He would still be alive, 1480 01:38:29,251 --> 01:38:32,209 and you wouldn't be going to be hanged tomorrow morning. 1481 01:38:33,209 --> 01:38:36,126 Unless, of course, you've murdered somebody else. 1482 01:38:40,376 --> 01:38:42,376 All of which is rather beside the point, isn't it? 1483 01:38:42,459 --> 01:38:43,542 Is it? 1484 01:38:46,167 --> 01:38:48,501 Do you remember in the old days 1485 01:38:48,584 --> 01:38:51,834 how we used to play Eeny, meeny, miny, mo? 1486 01:38:51,917 --> 01:38:56,876 - Catch a nigger by his toe. - If he hollers, let him go. Out goes he. 1487 01:38:58,292 --> 01:39:01,834 Quite a lot of little niggers have gone out, haven't they, one way or another? 1488 01:39:02,834 --> 01:39:05,792 And every one of them a D'Ascoyne. 1489 01:39:09,792 --> 01:39:12,501 We do seem to be a very short-lived family. 1490 01:39:13,459 --> 01:39:17,042 Of course, Edith is only a D'Ascoyne by marriage 1491 01:39:17,126 --> 01:39:19,501 so I suppose her prospects are better. 1492 01:39:22,709 --> 01:39:24,209 Except for a miracle. 1493 01:39:24,876 --> 01:39:27,209 Like the other one we were talking about. 1494 01:39:27,292 --> 01:39:31,126 So there it was. She would find the suicide note 1495 01:39:31,209 --> 01:39:33,792 if I, in return, would murder Edith. 1496 01:39:34,876 --> 01:39:37,334 So we now have two miracles in mind, do we? 1497 01:39:38,042 --> 01:39:39,167 Yes. 1498 01:39:39,251 --> 01:39:42,709 I wonder if they are, in any way, dependent on each other? 1499 01:39:44,376 --> 01:39:46,542 I suppose perhaps they might be. 1500 01:39:48,542 --> 01:39:50,334 What do you think? 1501 01:39:52,126 --> 01:39:53,501 Time's up. 1502 01:39:58,376 --> 01:40:00,084 What do you think? 1503 01:40:01,501 --> 01:40:05,584 Poor Edith. I'm afraid all this is going to take years off her life. 1504 01:40:09,251 --> 01:40:12,667 - Au revoir, Louis. - Au revoir. 1505 01:40:13,876 --> 01:40:15,792 What could I do but accept? 1506 01:40:15,876 --> 01:40:19,001 After all, I could always decide afterwards 1507 01:40:19,084 --> 01:40:22,126 which of these two little niggers would finally have to go. 1508 01:40:22,209 --> 01:40:23,709 Dear Edith. 1509 01:40:24,417 --> 01:40:26,542 Captivating Sibella. 1510 01:40:26,626 --> 01:40:30,251 How different they were, and how well I knew each of them. 1511 01:40:31,126 --> 01:40:32,501 Or so I thought. 1512 01:40:33,334 --> 01:40:36,167 But the night has gone by and nothing has happened. 1513 01:40:36,751 --> 01:40:39,001 It is now but a few minutes to 8:00. 1514 01:40:39,084 --> 01:40:43,167 And I realise that Sibella came yesterday merely to tantalise, 1515 01:40:43,251 --> 01:40:46,251 to raise my hopes in order to dash them again. 1516 01:40:46,334 --> 01:40:48,792 How unlike me not to have guessed. 1517 01:40:49,626 --> 01:40:53,459 But, after all, how very like Sibella. 1518 01:41:17,834 --> 01:41:19,167 Already? 1519 01:41:20,667 --> 01:41:22,876 I'll tell you who time gallops withal. 1520 01:41:22,959 --> 01:41:24,584 "With a thief to the gallows, 1521 01:41:24,667 --> 01:41:29,834 "for though he tread as softly as foot can fall, he thinks himself too soon there." 1522 01:41:30,959 --> 01:41:32,501 If you have any last instructions... 1523 01:41:32,584 --> 01:41:36,376 I think, Colonel, it only remains to thank you for your many kindnesses. 1524 01:41:37,084 --> 01:41:38,751 Won't you introduce our friend? 1525 01:41:40,709 --> 01:41:44,084 Mr Elliott, His Grace, the Duke of Chalfont. 1526 01:41:46,084 --> 01:41:47,584 Good morning, Your Grace. 1527 01:41:48,501 --> 01:41:50,126 This won't take a moment. 1528 01:41:50,834 --> 01:41:54,584 First, if Your Grace will pardon the liberty 1529 01:41:54,667 --> 01:41:57,334 I should like to read some verses 1530 01:41:57,417 --> 01:42:01,209 composed by myself for use on these melancholy occasions. 1531 01:42:02,584 --> 01:42:05,042 - Your Grace permits? - With pleasure. 1532 01:42:10,417 --> 01:42:13,042 "My friend, reflect." 1533 01:42:13,626 --> 01:42:16,209 Oh. Pardon. 1534 01:42:17,042 --> 01:42:19,251 "Your Grace, reflect. 1535 01:42:19,834 --> 01:42:25,084 "While yet of mortal breath, some span however short, is left to thee 1536 01:42:25,792 --> 01:42:30,209 "how brief the total span twixt birth and death 1537 01:42:30,292 --> 01:42:35,167 "how long thy coming tenure of eternity. 1538 01:42:37,417 --> 01:42:40,167 "Your Grace, prepare..." 1539 01:42:44,334 --> 01:42:46,209 Colonel. 1540 01:42:51,209 --> 01:42:52,459 Your Grace, 1541 01:42:52,542 --> 01:42:54,292 I am happy to inform you that a telephone communication 1542 01:42:54,376 --> 01:42:56,417 has just been received from the Home Office. 1543 01:42:56,501 --> 01:42:59,501 A note has been found, undoubtedly in Mr Holland's handwriting 1544 01:42:59,584 --> 01:43:02,376 expressing his intention to commit suicide. 1545 01:43:02,459 --> 01:43:03,584 It is a miracle. 1546 01:43:04,626 --> 01:43:07,292 Yes. It is like a miracle. 1547 01:43:08,667 --> 01:43:10,209 Pending receipt of further instructions, 1548 01:43:10,292 --> 01:43:13,626 I will try to make you reasonably comfortable in my quarters. 1549 01:43:14,876 --> 01:43:17,417 - Good morning. - Good morning, Your Grace, sir. 1550 01:43:25,501 --> 01:43:29,376 I assure you I have never been more happy to be relieved of an official duty. 1551 01:43:30,501 --> 01:43:31,876 Poor Elliott. 1552 01:43:32,417 --> 01:43:34,751 If he had not insisted on reading that abominable poem, 1553 01:43:34,834 --> 01:43:38,042 he would have had me neatly dangling at the end of his rope before the news arrived. 1554 01:43:39,417 --> 01:43:41,292 He was so looking forward to it. 1555 01:43:41,376 --> 01:43:43,459 I understand, Your Grace, from the men on duty outside 1556 01:43:43,542 --> 01:43:45,834 that a large crowd awaits your leaving. 1557 01:43:45,917 --> 01:43:47,709 Having robbed them of the pleasure of my death 1558 01:43:47,792 --> 01:43:49,667 the least I can do is to let them see me alive. 1559 01:43:50,459 --> 01:43:53,667 Including, by the way, not only Her Grace, the Duchess, 1560 01:43:53,751 --> 01:43:55,501 but also Mrs Holland. 1561 01:43:55,584 --> 01:43:56,959 Oh. 1562 01:43:57,626 --> 01:43:59,209 How does the song go? 1563 01:43:59,292 --> 01:44:03,542 "How happy could I be with either were t'other dear charmer away." 1564 01:44:03,626 --> 01:44:04,667 Well, good-bye. 1565 01:44:04,751 --> 01:44:06,709 Good-bye, Your Grace. 1566 01:44:39,417 --> 01:44:41,834 "How happy could I be with either 1567 01:44:41,917 --> 01:44:44,126 "were t'other dear charmer away." 1568 01:44:46,292 --> 01:44:48,542 - Your Grace. - Yes? 1569 01:44:49,251 --> 01:44:51,667 I represent the magazine Titbits 1570 01:44:51,751 --> 01:44:53,626 by whom I'm commissioned to approach you 1571 01:44:53,709 --> 01:44:56,001 for the publication rights of your memoirs. 1572 01:44:56,459 --> 01:44:57,959 My memoirs? 1573 01:44:59,084 --> 01:45:00,501 My memoirs. 1574 01:45:03,376 --> 01:45:05,292 My memoirs. 127620

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