Original subtitles

Emile, my dearest one...

Pour Le Comte. C'est tres press�!

Bien s�r, Madame.

My dearest Emile,

my husband has changed his plans.

There is no other way to say goodbye.

Remember me in your heart.

Who betrayed me in Paris

and why did you wait so long?

I find Your Ladyship's attitude surprising.

The answers to those questions

are no concern of yours.

On my knees I beg you,

I emplore you to show mercy.

I'm not in the business of mercy, Madame.

I haven't the money.

Even if I wished,

how could I without my husband knowing?

I think you'd be exceedingly ill advised

not to make an effort.

Do your worst.

You will not have a penny from me,

coward!

My grandsons were punished enough.

I hear from them only seldom.

They wish to spare me their misery, I think.

This monster who brought about their downfall?

He lives and breathes, Mr. Holmes,

with a smiling face

and a heart of marble.

You should have come to me sooner.

If only I'd known of you sooner.

A friend gave me your name.

He has a high regard

for your sense of justice.

Do you read poetry?

Try a leaf.

CAM, Devil.

It is the only clue I can offer you.

Maybe it will help.

I wish nothing for myself, Mr. Holmes.

It is too late for that.

I wish only

to save others.

3:45 for London.

I felt great sadness there.

To think that that house

must have reverberated with the sounds

of those boys growing up.

Man who preys upon weakness

with a smiling face

and a heart of marble.

A master blackmailer.

I've heard whisper of him

yet no one has put a name to him.

Well there's no mention of blackmail.

Even a whisper of a newspaper column.

You have reported it?

Of her two grandchildren,

George, the elder,

that's Viscount Croft,

was caught in a moment of indiscretion,

referred to in the paper as the Badger Game.

It seems to involve a gentleman

being lured to the bed of a prostitute,

then being discovered

in flagrante delicto* by a third party. * In the act.

As usual the sensational press has got it wrong.

The lady was an actress, that is true,

but it was no in flagrante.

Mrs. Hudson!

He was married, Holmes,

into one of the highest families in the land.

The papers made plenty of that.

And the younger boy?

Edward.

Now, he revenged for his brother,

took a revolver to the footman,

whose name was

Veitch,

burst in upon him,

shot him in the face.

The man lived

but was disfigured for life.

After the trial he disappeared.

It is Veitch we must find

to lead us to our prize.

Mrs. Hudson, are you not well?

Of course I'm well.

Then please, you know how I hate the smell of cabbage.

Surely the brothers would know their tormentor.

The older brother fled the country in disgrace.

Edward joined him having served his sentence,

they're now living wretchedly somewhere in France.

Goodbye, Mrs. Hudson.

Thank you.

There is one curiosity.

CAM, Devil.

Read it for clues if you wish.

I do rather like Tennyson.

But later

I'd prefer you to direct your energies

towards the gossip columns.

The Grasslands.

The Grasslands, Watson,

through which our serpent glides.

Do tell us where you're going, Charlotte.

Oh yes, do tell.

Lottie, where are you going?

Shall I, dearest?

What's that, my love?

Tell them where we're going for our honeymoon.

I've no objections.

It's Buddley Solterton.

How romantic.

It is, actually, very.

I shall have to choose

somewhere abroad for a honeymoon.

Paris or Rome.

You may, Daphne.

But if one's fate is to marry a soldier,

abroad may well be one's whole life.

And your honeymoon, Lady Eva?

Have you and Harry decided yet?

Florence,

Naples,

Constantinople, I think.

Sounds delightful.

Now you've made him envious.

Not at all.

Charlotte, my dear,

I must return to barracks.

Shall I see you this evening?

No, duties forbid.

Our regimental dinner, alas.

Ladies.

Lottie, he is gorgeous.

He's divine.

Such bearing, such presence!

You are so lucky, Charlotte?

But where is Buddley Solterton?

I'm so happy for you, Lottie.

[Beau Soir (Evening Fair) by Claude Debussy]

When in the setting sun

every streamlet is gleaming,

When a tremulous glow spreads o'er the fields of grain,

A behest to be glad that seems from all things streaming

Doth arise to my heart in pain.

A behest to explore the utmost joy of being

In this day of my youth and while the evening's fair.

For we shall all depart

As goes yon water fleeing.

That,

[mouths] Love you.

to the sea,

We, to the grave.

[Three Little Maids from School Are We by Gilbert and Sullivan]

Three little maids from school are we

Pert as a school girl well can be

Filled to the brim with girlish glee

Three little maids from school

Everything is a source of fun

What is this?

It's not in my hand. (Nobody's safe for we care for none)

My dear Colonel,

you don't expect me (Life is a joke that's just begun)

to give you the original, do you?

Where did you get this?

Who gave it to you?

Oh well,

who but the object of your affections. (Three Little maids who all unwary Come from a lady's seminary)

I don't believe it. (Free from his genius tutelary)

It's not possible.

What do you want from me?

�200!

What?

For it all to be blown away.

Never!

I won't part with a penny.

I'll see you in hell first!

Think of your lovely bride, Colonel. (Two little maids in attendance come)

Three little maids is the total sum

Three little maids from school

From three little maids take one away

Two little maids remain and they

Won't have to wait very long they say

Three little maids from school

What have you done to me?

Three Little maids who all unwary

Come from a lady's seminary

One has to ask oneself

how much butter can one eat?

Dotty Merton, apparently,

got seventeen salt and pepper pots.

Seventeen?

It's true.

Her singular way of dealing with it

They are lovely!

was to murmur politely,

'Always useful until the awful day

when always useless!'

she said to the Duchess.

True.

Lillie overheard her, didn't you, Lillie?

Yes, my lady.

Harry wanted us to be married at sea

on a pirate ship with only the crew invited.

But one really can't, can one?

No, my dear, one really can't.

I made an extremely foolish wager

but I got out boxing an upstart of a dragoon*. * He explains the marks on his face from the blows as he was expelled from the establishment.

And will you mend* for the nuptials, * Be in perfect form in time.

my dear fellow, in three days?

Would be worth a small flutter in itself.

Bed socks do you think? - For cold feet*. * Preventing the bridegroom from rethinking.

One really hopes they won't be needed.

My grandfather fancied himself

as something of a pugilist.

He was a ...

I remember one summer in Ireland.

I must have been about

eight years old, I suppose.

He decided to give me a lesson.

I've never been so frightened in my life.

Lottie, what is it?

...flat on my back in a sand dune.

...the old reprobate.

Lottie!

What's the trouble?

Some letters.

Lottie!

Looks like it's goodbye, Buddley Solterton.

I must go to her.

No, my angel.

Prince Murrah is about to marry Baroness de Haganlob.

Lost his first wife, Princess de Vagram,

ten years ago.

Lord Rosebury has accepted an invitation

to dine at the Cutler's Feast in Sheffield.

You're not trying, Watson.

Really, Holmes!

I've been reading things out

since half past eight this morning.

You haven't reacted to a single item.

I shall react, I assure you,

the moment you read out something

which captures my attention.

This is interesting.

Lord Hockstein of English Cricketers

are leaving next month

for Philadelphia and Toronto.

What on earth does that continent

know about cricket?

The honorable Miss Miles

has broken off her engagement

to Colonel Dorking

two days before the wedding.

The most important item

in a woman's appearance this winter

will be her headgear.

Yes?

I've come to light the fire for you, sir.

Not at the moment, thank you.

Go away.

Inspector!

Mr. Sherlock Holmes?

Yes.

It's from Colonel Dorking.

Who delivered it?

His batman.

This is Colonel Dorking.

His engagement to the honorable Miss Miles

was broken off yesterday.

You see, I was listening.

It's Lestrade.

I don't know that he's in, Inspector.

Inspector!

Mr. Holmes!

You know what I'm here for?

No, pray tell me.

I've come for the letter,

which arrived in that envelope.

It was stolen from the rooms

of Colonel John Dorking

and delivered into the hands of Doctor Watson

not twenty minutes ago.

Do you have it?

Delivered, yes, but stolen?

It was a postal note to me, Lestrade.

It's police evidence.

The Colonel is dead.

Yes we know.

by his own hand.

Foul play is not suspected, is it?

How can you be so sure it isn't?

Because the note made it clear.

So,

why should he write to you

if he's topping himself?

Did you know the man?

I had no knowledge of him.

Answer my question!

Or better still,

show me the letter.

It will tell you nothing.

So it seems to me

on the point of engaging you

he must have changed his mind.

And took a soldier's way out.

What does he mean by...?

We'll never know, Inspector.

But he was engaged to be married, damn it.

Yes.

Wouldn't be the first time

and it won't be the last.

So, it was blackmail, you'd say?

Well done, Lestrade!

No need for sarcasm, Mr. Holmes.

You're as much in the dark

as we are then

about who this blackmailer might be.

You can be sure of one thing,

Colonel Dorking was not his first victim

and will not be his last.

Goodbye, Lestrade.

You will let me know

if you hear of anything?

I made a hideous mistake.

I need your services.

The only pity is

he didn't name the blackmailer.

He did.

This came with the letter.

Appledore Towers, Hampstead, art dealer.

Camouflage.

C-A-M,

CAM, Devil.

I've had to deal with

fifty murderers in my career,

but the worst of them never gave me

this sense of revulsion

I feel at this moment

towards Mr. Charles Augustus Milverton.

Milverton's lair.

It's a fortress.

Are you surprised?

Charles Augustus.

Is he a foreigner?

Roman, Russian?

He's built his own prison.

He's a man who loathes the human race.

What circumstances might bring him to that?

A boy brought up in lonely isolation,

starved of affection.

Probably in one of London's outer suburbs.

Outer, why not Soho or Lesters Square?

Because, my dear Holmes, those places,

with all their vices teem with warmth,

generosity of spirit and humanity.

That's interesting.

Milverton.

Tonight I have an assignment for you,

if you're willing,

to visit an art gallery.

What will you be doing?

Don't you think that the honorable Miss Miles

might be more worth a visit

since Dorking wrote to you?

That is past, Watson.

What we must do now

is fasten ourselves onto his next victim.

So this evening I'm to discover

all I can about Milverton?

His reputation, his background,

how others perceive him.

Do I engage him in conversation?

Yes, but with caution.

His lordship has been taken ill at lunch, my lady.

It is feared he may have suffered a stroke.

Poor Uncle Charles!

Her Ladyship is with him now.

She would be pleased that you're back.

Diana!

May I see him?

He's sleeping.

Wait a little.

How bad is it?

Doctor Bailey is not optimistic.

If he lives,

he'll be paralyzed.

Eva, there's a ceremony

that I have to attend this evening.

The unveiling of my portrait

by a young artist.

Just a brief appearance

but I promised him that I'd be there.

Will you come take care of me?

Of course.

Wait.

Yes?

Here's a maid.

Come about the job, sir.

Well, come in then.

So what have you got to sell me, my dear?

What is your name?

Lillie, sir.

Lady Eva Blackwell.

It occurs to me

that I might not have been

invited to this viewing, Holmes.

What if I'm not admitted?

Holmes?

Is that Mr. Holmes just going out?

Not that I recognize, Doctor.

Without more ado, ladies and gentlemen,

I shall perform the ceremony

for which we are gathered.

I think she's gentler

and more beautiful than that.

I should insist on Whistler painting you.

[French] Formidable!

It was a great honor.

I would like to go soon.

The boy has caught you to perfection, Lady Swinstead.

I don't believe we've been introduced.

Charles Augustus Milverton,

at your service.

Excuse me,

Lady Diana, I'm afraid...

My husband?

Eva.

Forgive us.

A most beautiful lady.

What?

Lady Swinstead.

I wonder, though,

if he's quite got her mouth right.

Disaster.

Do I know you?

Yeah.

You work for Milverton, don't you?

Is it good there?

It would be if it weren't for the ruddy plumbing.

Plumbing?

Up the spout*. * Bad.

And it's always my fault.

Look what you've done.

That's my pint, is it?

Now give us a kiss.

Get off.

Get off, Robert.

Get off!

We never sent for no plumber.

Hello.

It was Stokes.

Was it?

Robert, this is... What's your name?

Escott.

We plumb the depths,

it's my firm's motto.

He says you sent for him.

Where's the trouble?

I see.

What's going on here?

I asked you what's going on here?

He's come about the plumbing, Mr. Hebworth.

I took the liberty of asking him

to come and look at it.

Didn't I, Aggie?

You have no right to take liberties.

I'm in charge here.

But we do need it done, Mr. Hebworth.

I mean, Mr. Milverton was only saying yesterday

that there was a very ugly smell

coming from the piping.

Very well.

Carry on then.

He came in late

and went out early.

Thank you, Mrs. Hudson.

Shame isn't it?

He was a fine statesman, Watson.

It was his diplomacy, I'm told,

which eased Anglo-French relationships

at a most delicate time some years back.

To think that I was there,

with his widow when the news was broken to her.

Milverton.

I exchanged a word with him.

A more calculatingly insincere smile

I never hope to see.

Charles Augustus.

He was described to me as a connoisseur

in art matters.

A businessman who can make or raise

the fortunes of any artist

to whom he devotes himself.

Stench of hell!

He's a member of a number of London clubs.

On the basis, I suppose,

that there are those who dare not oppose him.

Not the Diogenes*. * Microft's club.

I heard from my brother Microft

that he presented himself

and was turned away with a flea in his ear*. * Received a sharp reproof.

Your gentleman blackmailer

was born in Balum.

The only son of a glazier and his wife.

Your source of information?

A variety of sources.

I applied your methods.

How have you faired?

I've entered the fortress,

I'm a plumber with a rising business,

Escott by name.

The butler, who goes under the name of Hebworth,

is none other than Veitch the footman

who was shot in the face.

I'm certain of it.

Perhaps he was employed by Milverton

as a reward for keeping his silence

during the Croft scandal.

I wonder.

You got air compression in your soil pipes*, * For sewage or waste water.

Mr. Hebworth.

That's the cause of the evil smell in this house.

What this wants is a save-all* below it. * A receptacle for catching waste.

So the dirty water don't get clogged up.

What the devil are you doing here?

It's the plumber, sir.

There's no need of a plumber in this room.

Get out.

This is Master's special room.

...for at least a week.

Aggie!

Maximilian, it's my plumber.

Aggie!

I don't care if I do make him jealous.

I don't like your master, Aggie.

I think he's a shady character.

Your right, he is.

God!

Lillie!

She wasn't coming for no job.

Why should she want to work here for?

She was a real lady's maid,

you could tell by her clothes.

What was she after then?

I think you're getting a bit too curious.

Yes, you are.

And I'm getting cold.

Snuggling good.

Give ua a kiss.

I don't know how.

Poor boy.

Holmes,

I've had an idea.

A way in which we bring this fellow Milverton

within the grasp of the law.

If we could tempt him to blackmail

an innocent person, we should have him.

Now suppose...

suppose I was to be the recipient

of some indiscreet letters.

You Watson?

Who would pray write these letters?

Someone of our acquaintance.

And you and your plumbing persona

could offer them for sale.

And at the moment of transaction

Lestrade would be on hand to arrest him.

But legally we cannot move

until some victim is prepared

to sacrifice their reputation

by going to the police.

There must be some way

we could fight this devil.

There is.

In a mere three weeks, my love,

all this will be yours.

I feel unworthy of it.

Nonsense.

There's no woman on earth more worthy.

I feel unwell.

I know what it is you're feeling.

It's your Uncle Charles,

I do understand.

We have our future ahead of us.

We have each other for the rest of our lives.

Where can I find Monsieur Bertrand?

Sherlock Holmes.

Good evening, monsieur.

You see, I've tried to bring

a little bit of Paris to London.

Camille's method is simple.

Camille?

C-A-M, CAM.

Watson, you know, sometimes

you absolutely amaze me.

He allows it to be known

that he is prepared to pay very high sums

for letters which compromise people

of wealth and position.

Do you receive these letters from

valets and maids?

Not only them.

Sometimes, how do you say,

gentile ruffians

who have the confidence and affection

of trusting women?

No one knows where Camille's grip may fall.

You are his agent, his conductor?

Me?

No, we go back a number of years.

Really, people are stupid enough

to trust their servants.

Did you help conduct a housemaid to him recently?

And what his your interest, monsieur?

I have a friend

who may have something to sell.

Oh yes?

Well, come this way.

Tell me about him.

He needs to know the procedure.

The matter is delicate.

Of course.

It always is.

He's a personal physician

to the Duke and Duchess of Landish.

Now, this housemaid

who came by recently?

She's here tonight

celebrating her birthday.

In a year from now

she'll be on the streets.

At whose expense?

Lady Eva Blackwell.

Engaged to the Earl of Dovercourt,

said to be married within weeks.

She must submit herself to our care.

Somehow,

without delay.

How dare you come into this house!

How dare you!

My dear young lady,

a show of temper

will avail you nothing.

I can't pay you.

I haven't the money to pay you.

Give me back my letters.

Please,

leave me alone.

You must be resourceful

in finding the money.

You have influential friends.

Surely they'll come to your aid.

No, they won't.

Who can I tell?

That's not my concern.

This is really most irregular!!

The Lady is expecting me.

The Earl of Dovercourt, my lady.

Don't fuss,

there's a good fellow.

Now, Henry,

this Mr. Milverton.

I'm honored to meet you, my Lord.

What is your business here?

Business?

Shall we share with his lordship

our little secret, Lady Eva?

No!

As you wish.

My card, sir.

Thank you.

Good day to you both.

Stokes?

What time is it?

Twenty past four.

How much longer, Escott?

Well, if you'll forgive me

for saying so, Mr. Hebworth,

you're plumbing's in a shocking state.

It's the worst I've ever seen.

Two more days,

then you're out.

Come and see me tonight.

Aggie.

I have it on good authority

that she rides this way

every Sunday afternoon.

Would you recognize her?

Well, I've seen her likeness in a magazine.

If she's with Dovercourt, I might.

Eva?

Boy, get the horse.

I'm a doctor.

Her godmother lives just over there.

We could carry her

if it's safe to lift her, doctor.

Yes, she's not injured.

Just fainted.

Darling!

I'm so sorry to be of so much trouble.

You lay where you are, my dear.

You're in safe hands now.

Lady Swinstead.

All England shares in your grief.

My colleague, Doctor Watson,

is attending Lady Eva.

The poor child is very disturbed

by the death of my husband.

There's nothing serious, Lady Swinstead,

but I would advise you to make her rest

and get her own doctor to see her.

Of course.

Thank you, Doctor Watson.

In case Lady Eva should need my services,

please.

Eva?

It was Milverton who caused her fall.

She saw his carriage.

He wrings the nerves of his victims

to add to his already swollen moneybags.

He is the worst man in London!

See him slither and slide.

Yes, is there nothing better we can do

than spend our time here, Holmes?

You have any suggestions?

Confront him,

challenge him.

The brain before the cudgel.

Meanwhile,

just like him,

he'll squeeze his victims

till he's drained them dry

and we're doing nothing to stop him.

Holmes?

You must eat, child.

What's troubling you?

Are you expecting someone?

No.

I'm just thinking about my wedding.

Now tell me the truth.

Got you!

What time do they

go to bed in this house, Aggie?

What do you want to know for?

So I know when it's safe to visit you.

You could always come in over the wall.

Throw pebbles at my window.

Which is your window?

I'll only tell you

if you marry me, love.

Aggie, I can't.

Then I won't tell.

You have such a way with words.

All right.

I'm at the very, very top on the corner,

and Master, he's a floor below,

but he's next to the garden.

And Monsieur Hebworth,

he's on the ground floor

just across from the study.

Loves his sleep. Don't you come and wake him.

It's a joke in the servants' hall.

Why don't he sleep upstairs?

Because the master wants him on guard.

He got loads of valuable stuff in his study 'cause he's an art collector.

He's afraid of burglars.

Are you a burglar?

You touched my heart.

I could make you a gift of mine*. * Heart.

Off you go.

Maximilian, who let you out?

Stop.

Come here.

Stop it.

I'll get you, Escott.

He's around the corner.

What's this bloody racket?

Well, there...

Watson, you'll be interested to hear

that I'm engaged to be married.

Oh yeah?

To the Milverton's housemaid.

Good heavens.

I needed information.

Surely you've gone too far.

It was a most necessary step.

I've walked with her,

talked with her.

Heavens, those talks!

But the girl?

Can't help it, Watson.

One must play one's cards as best one can

when such a stake is on the table.

However, I rejoice to tell you

that I have a hated rival.

Will cut me out

the moment my back is turned.

What a splendid day it is!

You like this weather?

She's here.

My father died when I was 12.

My mother stays in the country.

Lord and Lady Swinstead

have made London home to me.

Indeed they arranged my season* last year. * For her to enter high society.

Give me your gloves.

Mrs. Hudson,

what do you think you're doing?!

You haven't been out this morning, Mr. Holmes,

and you don't have to be a detective

to see that this young lady

is recently up from a sick bed.

Isn't that so, my dear?

We must put some roses back in those cheeks.

Thank you.

The broth is an excellent idea.

Mrs. Hudson, will you vanish?

I said vanish.

He was my first love.

The son of some neighbors of ours in Suffolk.

But we were ill matched.

He had few prospects.

When I came down to London

last year for the season,

I broke off with him.

I didn't realize how much I hurt him.

He returned my letters

and I put them away in a trunk

which I keep with me.

Now, the substance of these letters?

They're just a little foolish.

But sufficient to cause your fianc� misgiving?

Harry's so proud of me.

It frightens me sometimes

that I cannot live up to

his expectation of me.

Was it your maid who found these letters?

Lillie, yes.

I trusted her.

I cannot believe

she could have betrayed me like this.

How would this Lillie

know about Milverton?

I think the idea

may have come to her

through a misfortune

that befell a friend of mine,

Charlotte,

who was to have married

a Colonel Dorking.

And Mr. Milverton

sent her some letters.

They were very distressing.

Lillie and I were there

when she received them.

To think the same fate has befallen me.

It will be all right, Lady Eva.

What could you do?

My marriage is on the 18th.

He's demanding that

the money be paid to him

four days prior to the wedding, on the 14th,

on the day of the dance.

Dance?

Lord Dovercourt has arranged a wedding feast

and invited half of London.

I'm dreading it.

If you will place yourself in my hands,

I'll inform Mr. Milverton

that you've commissioned me to meet him

to make the best terms that I can.

I have limited resources, Mr. Holmes.

But enough for me to bargain with.

I cannot approach him empty-handed.

Good.

Thank you.

My felicitations to your godmother.

Lady Eva?

You must trust Mr. Holmes

and his methods.

Absolutely.

Mrs. Hudson will see you out.

That young lady, Holmes,

must be treated with infinite care

unlike your other recent escapade.

Watson,

it took some nerve for her

to come here alone.

It is my belief that Lady Eva

and the Milverton housemaid

have something in common.

And what is that?

Juice.

Watson, juice

in the face of adversity.

Now, Mr. Milverton.

Well, well.

Eva!

Eva!

Eva!

Eva!

Lottie.

I am so glad to see you.

Paris wasn't the answer.

You've been hard to find.

What were you doing?

I fell asleep.

Johnson told me about your Uncle Charles.

I'm so sorry.

I stayed here to comfort Diana but

this house is so sad.

You ready?

Yes.

Mr. Sherlock Holmes?

This gentleman, is it discreet?

Dr. Watson is my friend and partner.

It is purely in the interest of your client

that I protest it.

The matter is so very delicate.

Dr. Watson has already thought of that.

May I?

Thank you.

Then we may proceed to business.

You said in your note

that you are acting for the Lady Eva.

Are you empowered

to accept my terms?

What are your terms?

�7000?

And the alternative?

My dear sir,

it is painful for me to discuss it

but I can say

that all of this is done

with most careful consideration

and if the money is not paid

on the 14th then there certainly

will be no marriage on the 18th.

We are, of course, familiar

with the contents of these letters.

We shall advise our client

to tell her future husband the whole story

and trust his generosity.

You evidently do not know the Earl.

What harm is there in these letters?

They are sprightly,

very sprightly.

The lady was a charming correspondent.

But I assure you the Earl of Dovercourt

will fail to appreciate them.

However, if you think otherwise,

it's purely a matter of business.

If you think it in the

best interests of your client

then it would indeed be foolish

to pay so large a sum of money.

You go too fast.

We would certainly make every effort

to avoid scandal in so delicate a matter.

I felt sure you would see it in that light.

Damn you.

Lady Eva is not a wealthy woman.

�2000

would be total drain on her resources.

The sum you named,

utterly beyond her power.

Return the letters at the price we indicate,

I assure you,

it is the highest you can get.

What you say may be true of the lady's resources

but surely, the occasion of her marriage,

is it not a proper time for her friends

and relations to make

some little effort on her behalf?

They may hesitate as to an acceptable wedding present

but this little bundle of letters

would bring more joy

than all the candelabra

and butter dishes in London,

wouldn't it?

It is not possible.

Dear me then,

how very unfortunate.

I cannot help feeling that ladies

are ill advised

in not making an effort.

Look at this.

This belongs to...

Perhaps it's hardly fair to tell you

to whom it belongs until tomorrow morning

when it will be in the hands

of the lady's husband.

And all because she will not find

a beggarly sum

which she could easily do

simply by turning some of her

diamonds into paste.

It is such a pity!

You may have noticed a small paragraph

recently in the Morning Post.

The sudden end of the engagement

between the Honorable Miss Miles

and Colonel Dorking?

Yes and its tragic consequences.

That was tantamount to murder.

How do you answer for that, Mr. Milverton?

How a man conducts himself

under such circumstances

is a matter for himself alone.

That is a monstrous assertion!

It was you

and you alone who caused his death.

And the sum involved, niggardly.

Indeed a mere �1200

would have settled the whole question.

Pitiful, isn't it?

And yet here I find you, Mr. Holmes,

a man of sense,

boggling at* terms, * Hesitate over.

when the whole future

and honor of your client is at stake.

You surprise me.

You do, really.

The money cannot be found.

Surely it would be better for you

to take the substantial sum we offer

than to ruin this young woman's career,

which can profit you in no way.

But you're mistaken.

An exposure would profit me indirectly

to a considerable degree.

I have eight or ten

similar cases maturing.

If it is circulated that I have made

a severe example of Lady Eva.

I shall find the rest

much more open to reason.

Do you see my point?

Let us see the contents of those letters.

Mr. Holmes,

I've been expecting you

to do something original.

This has been tried so often before.

Young Edward Croft for one.

Croft?

The footman, Veitch,

who took the bullet that was rightfully yours.

You've done some work on me.

So you must know that nothing ever came

of an attack on my person.

I'm armed to the teeth

at all times

and I'm perfectly prepared to use my weapons

and knowing that the law will support me.

You may well have your chance

to test your assumption.

I'm so sorry but you will have to wait.

Mrs. Hudson. I am not to be disturbed!

Go.

Mr. Holmes, surely you don't believe

I'd be so foolish to carry my livelihood

here in my pocket?

Just making sure, Mr. Milverton.

Well now, gentlemen,

I have one or two little interviews this evening

and it's a long drive to Hampstead.

Now, someone has dealt Milverton a blow.

An outraged husband,

just one of a thousand

in this grey city

who crave Milverton's destruction

and may yet beat us to it.

Holmes,

I'm as fond of art as any man,

but don't you think after yesterday's encounter...

Art is bound to the brain,

especially in moments of decision.

So we've learnt something about Milverton.

We've learnt he's ruthless,

it's hardly a revelation.

We've learnt of his vanity

and, to a certain measure,

his vulnerability.

I can see that the damage to his carriage

might have unsettled him.

We must exploit such things.

Wanton vandalism?

Any chink in the armor!

Mr. Holmes,

this is my friend,

the Honorable Charlotte Miles.

Mr. Sherlock Holmes

and his partner, Dr. Watson.

Lady Eva, may speak privately to you?

Ms. Miles,

please accept our sympathy.

Mr. Holmes and I are

fully aware of your situation.

That is most kind of you, Doctor Watson,

but one has to live with one's mistakes.

He was unyielding.

Now, the next move

requires your delicate cooperation.

I'll do anything you say, Mr. Holmes.

The dance in your honor?

On the 14th.

Good afternoon, Mr. Stokes?

I told you I was not to be disturbed, girl,

what is it?

It's Mr. Sherlock Holmes to see you, sir.

"Aggie, you've touched my heart."

Mr. Holmes?

I'm here to inform you

that my client accepts your terms.

She's acted with perspicacity.

She begs one small favor.

What is it?

That the exchange be delayed until the 15th.

The Earl has arranged a dance

on the previous night,

and she is somewhat preoccupied with that.

The dance, yes.

So 10 o'clock the following morning

we can do business?

�7000?

As agreed.

Here or at Baker Street?

Here, Baker Street...

Neutral ground, perhaps.

The Diogenes Club?

You are a member?

May I?

Tell me, this sudden turnabout,

was it on your advice?

I could not abandon

my client to her fate,

Mr. Milverton.

You are the victor.

What a divine fragrance!

My late husband and I were

something of a second family to her

so you see my concern?

This man who is blackmailing her?

Charles Augustus Milverton,

he's an art dealer.

Yes.

I've heard of him.

He's well placed to hear the gossip

and do his worst.

What view does Mr. Holmes take of it?

I'm sure he has something in mind

but he seldom confides in me

till the last minute.

Holmes.

Lady Swinstead is fully primed of the situation.

Time is running out,

Mr. Holmes.

If it is a question of paying the money...

That will not be necessary.

You can give assurance then?

That would be unwise in me, Lady Swinstead,

but I assure you

I will give it my best.

I shall have to be satisfied with that then.

Mr. Holmes,

This man must be

silenced.

Does she know about Milverton,

by name?

Yes I told her.

Was that wrong of me?

Watson, these bills,

they must be paid.

Incidentally I managed to secure

an invitation for us both to the Dovercourt dance.

The house is some miles from London

but in reach for my purposes.

What purposes?

I intend to burgle

the Milverton house that night.

For heaven's sake, Holmes,

think what you're doing!

Well let us look at it fairly and clearly.

You will admit

that the cause is morally justifiable.

Yes.

Technically, criminal.

No more than raiding his pockets,

a cause which you were perfectly willing to help me.

That was on the spur of the moment,

not in the coal light of reason.

Reason?

There's no reasoning to be done, Watson!

Nothing to test my brain!

That's the curse of it.

Think.

If you're caught,

an honored career

ending in failure and public disgrace.

What failure, what disgrace?

Against defeat?

You know me well enough.

That I would never adopt

so energetic a course

if another were possible.

I must have those letters.

And I have the house in the palm of my hand*. * Know it thoroughly.

The cudgel before the brain.

What of the odious Milverton?

Do you think he's just going to open his gates

and invite you to stroll in?

Milverton will be at the dance

as the guest of Lady Eva's.

That's monstrous, Holmes!

My self-respect and reputation are at stake,

it's the only way.

Well I don't like it,

any of it.

You have nothing to fear.

Eva!

Mrs. Hudson, why did you tidy for me?

Where the hell are my shoes?

Shoes?

Yes.

Masks?

Black silk handkerchief.

I see you have a natural talent

for this sort of thing.

I wonder where I learnt it.

Take the usual precautions tonight,

Hebworth.

I will.

Enjoy your evening.

People at risk here, Holmes.

Yes, indeed.

We leave in eight minutes.

Excuse me, sir,

Her Ladyship would like to see you upstairs.

Harry.

That man,

is he an invited guest?

Milverton.

Yes, it's something Eva's scheming.

The painting.

The old girl is probably trying to

whittle down the price by inviting him here.

Worry yourself, Diana?

It's all right.

How strange

to see you here, Mr. Holmes.

Just mixing business with pleasure,

as no doubt you are.

Purely pleasure this evening, Mr. Holmes,

I assure you.

You will be keeping our appointment?

Sir.

I am expecting a visitor in an half an hour.

Sir.

Servants are playing while the master's away.

Holmes!

Oh, it's French*. * French windows.

No time to lose, the door!

You made me curtail

my evening's entertainment.

I hope you prove worth it.

You couldn't come at a more sociable time?

Well if you couldn't, you couldn't.

If the Countess is a hard mistress,

you have a chance now to get even with her.

Bless the girl, what are you shivering about?

That's better.

Pull yourself together.

Now let's get down to business.

You say you have five letters which compromise

the Comtesse D'Albert?

You want to sell them.

I want to buy them.

So far, so good.

It only remains to fix the price.

Of course I shall want to examine the letters.

If they prove to be good specimens then...

Great heavens, it is you!

A woman whose life you have ruined.

You were so very obstinate.

Paris twelve years ago.

Why did you drive me to such extremities?

An episode long closed.

I wouldn't hurt a fly of my own accord.

You waited for the moment

when the stake was most worth winning.

What was I to do?

And so you sent the letters to my husband.

I put the price well within your means.

You would not pay.

A man whose boots I was never worthy to lace,

you broke his gallant heart.

Vile creature!

That day I came here, I prayed,

I begged you for mercy,

and you laughed in my face

as you are trying to laugh now,

your coward heart cannot keep

you lips from trembling.

Don't imagine that you can bully me,

I've only to raise my voice.

You will ruin no more lives.

I can call my servants and have you arrested.

You will wring no more hearts

as you have wrung mine, Charles Milverton.

I will make allowance for your natural anger.

Leave the room at once

and I'll say no more about it.

I will free the world of a poisonous thing.

You've done me.

The fire.

Burn that!

Lady Swinstead,

you're free.

Run!

Now, gentlemen,

the sale of the property

of Charles A. Milverton Esq.,

deceased.

Lot 1,

a box of miscellaneous objects,

trinkets,

correspondence,

do hear �5?

Thank you, sir.

The steward from the Devil household

making sure.

Lot 2,

bust of Athene,

ancient goddess of wisdom, industry and war.

Now what do I have for this fine marble statue?

�10?

20?

�20.

30?

I have �30.

50.

I have �50, sir.

60?

80?

�80.

90?

�90 against you, sir.

At 90.

�100.

More, sir?

Sold to the gentleman over there

for �100.

Mr. Holmes!

Bought it in an auction, Mrs. Hudson.

It cost �100.

Why has he smashed it?

I thought there might be something in it.

I'm more than happy to say that I was wrong.

Thank you, Mrs. Hudson.

Why, is a point of interest, Holmes,

did the Frenchman want it?

Sentimental reasons.

Just making sure.

No, Watson.

There are certain aspects of which I am not proud.

Please,

bury this case

deep in your pocket.