Original subtitles

People have said a great many things about me,

some of them not very kind.

But now, I shall tell it as it really happened, my own true story.

I was born in a little village, to poor but honest parents.

I grew up an only child, but very happy.

Everybody said how pretty I was, though I was a good girl.

And then the worst of ills befell me.

Both my parents were carried off by the smallpox.

- Fanny Hill? - Yes, ma'am, if you please.

Don't you know me?

Esther Davis. We used to play together.

I'm just home on a little visit.

I didn't know you, Esther. Besides, you've grown so fine now.

I'm very sorry for your loss, Fanny.

What did you think of doing now?

To tell the truth, Esther, don't know what I shall do.

I'll tell you a thing. How should you like to come down to London with me

and seek your fortune?

I done very well there as a ladies' maid and waiting on the gentlemen,

and why shouldn't you?

Will the work be very hard, Esther?

Well, now, being in service can be very hard,

but for a well-mannered girl like you,

I think you might find a good place and do very well out of it, too.

How should I do well?

By attending to your master's wishes,

and by being eager and respectful, and by preserving your virtue.

You may even get your master to marry you. He'll dress you in the finest silks.

I've know some who've done that, and none prettier than you.

My dear young woman, if I might put in a word?

- Yes, sir? - We should not behave virtuously

in the hope of earthly rewards.

That is not the true path.

Then what would you have us do, sir?

Roll on our backs and let the gentlemen make free with us?

Esther gave me all her best advice and protection.

At the same time, she charged me for her services

by making me pay both our travelling costs, which I did with all cheerfulness.

London town. It was so exciting with the noise, the hurry, the people.

I felt after all my troubles I might truly find fortune and happiness there.

Esther, however, gave me no time to linger,

and took us straight to the Intelligence Office.

Come on.

Two chambermaids and a ladies' maid.

- What place is this? - Employment bureau, to seek a place.

- I haven't got a bucket. - It doesn't signify.

I'll wager you'll get a place just as you are.

Stand there with the other girls and I'll see if I can put in a word for you.

Oh, what a bit of luck. Mrs Brown's here.

- Who's she? - Over there.

She's a famous, kind mistress. A girl would be lucky to get a place with her.

You wait there and I'll go and speak with her.

Mrs Brown?

Esther Davis. And how are you keeping?

- Pretty well, an't please you. - Looking for a place, are you?

Indeed, no, ma'am. I'm very well suited as I am.

But I have brought you a little treasure all the way from the country. Look there.

Oh, my stars! Oh, you can pick 'em, Esther. I'll say that for you.

I shall go and speak with her.

If you please, ma'am, I have brought her all the way from Lancashire,

and she never had to pay a penny.

As soon as I saw her, I thought, "Mrs Brown..."

Give me your hand, Esther.

Thank you kindly, ma'am.

Fanny, this is Mrs Brown who I spoke to you about.

I'll leave you now, Fanny. I have to go back to my own place.

- They'll be wondering where I am. - When shall I see you?

Soon enough, I dare say.

Be good.

Now then, Miss. Don't be frightened. Fanny, was it?

Yes, ma'am. Frances Hill, but they call me Fanny.

I know I'm a bit slight built, but I'm not afraid of hard work.

I'm sure you're not, my dear. But I have girls enough for rough work.

What I'm looking for today is a nice, well-mannered girl,

dainty enough to wait on the gentlemen.

Now, take your bonnet off.

That's it. Shake down your curls.

Oh, very nice.

Oh, yes. Yes. Very sweet, very wholesome.

Thank you, ma'am.

I've taken a fancy to you, Fanny. I think you'll do me very well.

So what d'you say? Should you want to come home with me?

Yes, if you please, ma'am!

What a sweet little thing you are, to be sure. As fresh as a little flower.

- I think I shall be very happy with you. - Thank you, ma'am. You're very kind.

You see, all my daughters are grown up and gone now,

and I have to make do with my nieces, as I call them.

Should you like to be one of my nieces, do you think?

- Yes an't please you, ma'am. - Oh, good. That's it.

Ooh! Ooh!

Whoa, there! Whoa!

Only me.

Take Fanny's bags up for her, Susan. She's come to live with us.

She's my new niece, so she is.

Mrs Brown has got ever such a lot of nieces, Fanny.

You get along, Susan, and mind your tongue.

And tell Phoebe to meet us in the parlour.

No, I shan't! So there, you dirty beasts!

- Oops. Begs pardon, ma'am. - All right, Emma.

They arrived in a St George with Audrey.

I said I wouldn't. They said they'd make me...

Her words meant nothing to me,

because I was in a fine, well-furnished house, as it seemed to me then,

that I was persuaded I must have got into a very reputable family

and that I was very lucky.

Sit you down, my love. You must be tired to the bone after your travelling.

You eat your fill. Then Phoebe shall show you where you sleep.

Oh, here she comes now.

Oh, Mrs Brown, what a little beauty!

Fanny Hill, fresh from the country.

How should you like her for your bedfellow, Phoebe?

Very well, ma'am, I should say!

Come give me a kiss, my dear!

There we are. Now we're the best of friends!

- Ha-ha! Oh, my love! - Come on, Fanny. Drink up, my dear!

Fanny was wondering if she might wait upon the gentlemen, Phoebe?

Should you like that, Fanny?

I think you could make a gentleman very happy once you've had training.

I put all my new girls in with Phoebe.

She'll train you up and bring you on. She has the gift for it.

And the inclination.

Oh, bless her heart. I do believe she's ready for her bed.

Take her up, Phoebe, and make her comfortable.

- But is there no work for me to do? - No, bless your heart.

Phoebe shall do what needs to be done.

Away with you, and sweet dreams to both of you.

No call to be shy with me, dear. We're both made the same, after all.

Come on, let me help.

What a little sweetheart you are, to be sure.

ln you go, then.

There we are. That's cosy.

Shall we be the best of friends, Fanny?

Yes, an't please you.

Give us a kiss then.

That's it.

And another.

Now a third time for best friends.

Oh, the face on you! Didn't anyone ever tell you that's how best friends kiss?

No.

Did you like it, Fanny?

Yes.

Then you shall have as many as you like.

- Did you never kiss a lad, Fanny? - Oh, no.

- Should you like to? - Yes, perhaps.

I think they'd like it, too, such a lovely little thing as you are.

What are you doing, Phoebe?

I'm only stroking you a little, dear. It'll help you to sleep.

I'm almost ashamed to say I never thought to stop her,

but lay there all tame and passive as she could wish,

and her freedom raised no other emotions in me

than those of a strange and till then unfelt pleasure.

Well, what should I have done?

What would you have me do? Run screaming for Mrs Brown?

I was alone in the world. Phoebe was kind and gentle with me.

Who are you to say that we were doing wrong?

Besides, I believe that God made our bodies to give us pleasure.

Oh, Phoebe!

Oh, you darling little thing!

And so I gave down my first virgin tribute to Venus.

Well, now, Miss.

And what sort of time is this to be still lolling in your bed?

Oh, I beg your pardon most humbly. I must have overslept.

You stay where you are, my dear.

I was only teasing you, to be sure.

Phoebe here tells me she was very well pleased with you last night.

So was you with her, I believe.

Never mind. I like my girls to get on well together.

Phoebe tells me you're an affectionate little thing.

The gentlemen will be well pleased with that.

ln fact, my dear, there was a very fine gentleman

most anxious to meet you and make your acquaintance.

But first we must rig you out and make you proper for society.

Phoebe?

Imagine the delight, to cast aside my dowdy country clothes

and have Phoebe take such care in dressing me.

I felt like a princess.

There, now.

The gentleman Mrs Brown spoke of

who wants to meet you is coming to tea today.

And if you please him, you could find yourself with a rich husband.

How should you like that, Fanny?

I don't know, I never thought I should be looking for a husband yet.

Well, gentlemen nowadays likes them very young.

ls he very young himself, Phoebe?

No, not very young, but he is a very fine gentleman.

- ls he handsome? - Handsome?

No, I couldn't say he was exactly handsome,

but he has an air about him, you know?

And he's very eager to meet with you.

You just come along with me and see what you think of him, eh?

Now there you are, Fanny.

I'd like you to meet my cousin Mr Crofts who's been so eager to see you.

Isn't she a beauty, Mr Crofts?

Very pretty, very pretty.

Come here, my dear.

That's it. So you're fresh from the country, are you, Fanny?

And innocent as the day she was born.

That's guaranteed, warranted, signed and sealed, sir.

The genuine article. Phoebe?

And down below, I guarantee you'll find

she's tight as the Chatsworth lock on the National Safe.

Will you make an appointment to have a conversation?

No. Now. Now.

So, what d'you think, Fanny?

- D'you like him? - Not at all. He's old.

His breath smells horrible foul. I don't like the way he looks at me.

Advise you wait a little, sir. She's not groomed up to it yet.

- She might be terrified. - I'll take my chance of that.

He's very charming when you get to know him.

All he wants to do is talk with you a little while.

Just sit down there a moment.

A little treasure like that?

I can't accommodate you for less than 1 50 guineas.

1 00. No more.

I don't want to haggle with you, Mr Crofts.

How if we say 50 to attempt her, another hundred if you carry the day?

Done.

Go very gentle with her, sir.

I've never seen such an innocent little lamb.

Be very kind and soft with her, I implore you.

She's never seen what a man has in his breeches,

let alone a monster such as yours.

Get away with you. She's from the country.

She's seen rams and bulls and stallions, ain't she?

There. Now let the dogs eat the rabbit.

We're going to leave you a while with Mr Crofts, Fanny.

You'll be sure and entertain him prettily. Can you do that for me, Fanny?

- If you please... - Good girl. Come, Phoebe.

This'll end in tears.

How will you take your tea, sir?

Never mind about tea. I didn't come here to drink tea.

Move up and let me sit beside you. That's the way.

Now, Miss, let's get a sight of those rosy-tipped bubbies.

No, sir. Please, sir. Don't be rude, sir.

Come, come, child, No need to overact your part.

There. Oh, yes. Very sweet, very nice.

Very dainty and never touched by man's hands.

Please, sir! No!

You be a good girl. You'll be well rewarded.

Stop, I beg you!

Oh, no, sir! Stop!

I beg you, sir! You're frightening me!

Open up, open up, little pig, little pig. Will you let me come in?

No, please, sir! I'll tell Mrs Brown!

Never mind Miss Brown. Open your legs, you silly slut!

Get off me, you nasty filthy old man!

Ooh! Got a bit of fight in you!

Help! Help!

Are you dead, sir?

No, I'm not dead,

but I might as well be.

This is all your doing, you coquettish little cock-teaser,

pressing your thighs together so a man can't help but go off at half-cock!

I don't know what you're talking about.

- And I'll have my money back! - I shall tell Mrs Brown of you.

Mrs Brown! Mrs Brown!

Oh, dear! Whatever's the matter?

Come here, my darling. Did he use you rudely, darling?

He was all over me like a mad beast, Phoebe.

Mr Crofts, I'm surprised at you. Didn't I tell you to go gently with her?

Go gently? She wouldn't let me go at all.

I didn't lay out 50 guineas to spend in my breeches. I want my money back.

We'll discuss this in private, if you please.

Take another glass of wine, my love. It'll settle your nerves.

Who'd have thought he'd be so rough and so rude?

He won't be coming here no more. You can be sure of that.

I told you.

Well, there's no harm done in the end.

He didn't hurt you, did he, my love? Not to speak of.

Indeed, from what he said, you hurt him more than he hurt you!

Whack-whack-whacking him about his ears!

- You gave him what for, you did! - I did, didn't I?

And serve him right, the old devil, treating an innocent little girl like that.

Let's drink a toast to his damnation!

I know. How could I have been so naïve?

But they talked me over and made such a pet of me,

I thought myself quite the little heroine.

They gave me to understand that Mrs Brown's was a kind of gentlemen's club,

where the men could be free and even meet their sweethearts there.

I thought the gentlemen took too many liberties with the other girls,

though they used me with great politeness.

Don't be frightened. You've nothing to fear from me.

What do they call you?

Fanny, an't please you, sir.

You do please me, Fanny. I've not seen you here before.

I came here but a week ago from Lancashire.

From Lancashire? That's a long way.

And I suppose you left a deal of broken hearts behind you?

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

- You play the innocent maid very well. - I am an innocent maid, sir.

- That is... - As innocent as makes no difference.

I believe you, Fanny.

I wonder, do you quite realise what a wicked place you have come to

and what is likely to become of you here?

No, indeed, sir, it isn't a wicked place.

Mrs Brown and everyone's been very kind.

There was a nasty man who wanted to be rude but Mrs Brown sent him away.

Well, I'm glad to hear it.

But, you know, there will be others.

And sooner or later... Well, every maid comes to it sooner or later.

When I come to it, as you call it, sir,

it will be with my sweetheart and no one else!

So you do have a sweetheart, do you?

Not yet, sir.

Oh, Fanny. You nearly break my heart.

Fortunately, I have no interest in breaking yours.

I don't know what you're talking about, sir.

Your innocence.

And the rapidly approaching end of it.

Not at my hands, though.

I prefer a woman who has learnt more of life's bitter lessons.

Perhaps we'll meet again one day.

And now, I wish you goodnight and good luck.

Oh, Fanny. We thought you'd made a conquest!

Not I, I'm sure. He was such a strange gentleman.

He's a very rich gentleman, Fanny. And very particular.

Any girl he chose would think herself lucky. Made for life.

- What did he want? - I don't know.

Fanny, you're such a little innocent.

She told me...

What? You mean you've never seen it done before?

What? Don't tease me.

We're not teasing you. Should you like to see Mrs Brown with her sweetheart?

Does Mrs Brown truly have a sweetheart?

And more than one, but she loves a soldier best.

Ssh!

- Here they come. - Ooh!

See, Fanny? Come close.

She's a jolly old thing, ain't she, Fanny?

He's got his hands full. Have you ever seen such a pair?

Oh, my dear!

- Teach your girls a thing or two! - Now for the main affair.

Oh, Lord! What a sight!

He could hardly miss such a mark as that, could he?

If only he would turn and face us.

Come on, Corporal. Give us a look. It's for a young girl's education.

Meow!

Anyone there?

What a truncheon!

It's so big!

It needs to be, Fanny, for a job such as this.

Now, look close. You can see where it goes.

Oh, Fanny, doesn't it make you feel all warm?

And so the sight of Mrs Brown and her paramour

gave the last dying blow to my native innocence.

And though I didn't fancy the look of the soldier,

I did long to know what it was like to lie with a man.

What's going on?

Oh, I see.

Don't be angry with me, Phoebe.

Susan and Emma, to the reception room.

There's a party of young gentlemen arrived.

As for you, my dear, it's past your bedtime.

Let her come with us, Phoebe. We'll take care of her.

I know you're taking care, Susan Johnson,

and little Miss here ain't for any old Tom or Dick.

Now get along or I'll tell your mistress you've been spying on her.

That's it. Ooh! Ooh, yes! Shove on! Shove on!

May I just peep in and see the gentlemen, Phoebe?

May I just peep in and see the gentlemen, Phoebe?

Indeed no, or they'll be all over you.

- Come, now. Up the stairs. - Come, now, Charlie.

Madam! Allow me to present myself.

You're out of your way. The ladies are all in the reception.

I want to make the acquaintance of this lady.

Sir, she's not for you or anybody. She's promised.

If I could simply sit with her, talk a little, gaze into her eyes?

Madam, I truly believe I have met the love of my life.

- What is your name? - Never you mind.

- Fanny, sir. - And now goodnight, sir.

There are plenty of beautiful ladies for you. Take your friend away.

But I don't want anybody else! I am in love!

- Fanny... - Come, Fanny!

He seemed like a very pleasant young gentleman.

He was as drunk as a weasel.

- I thought he had a sweet face. - So he had.

It's no good getting sweet on this one or that one. We take what we're given.

Mrs Brown has arranged for you

to meet with a fine young gentleman arriving in town next week.

What if I don't like him?

I think you'd better like this one, Fanny, or Mrs Brown won't be at all pleased.

- We all have to start somewhere. - Can I not choose my own sweetheart?

Bless you. No, that'd never do.

Mrs Brown has laid out a deal of money for your keep and your fine dresses

and she'll want to see a profit on it. That's only reasonable.

So the gentleman will pay Mrs Brown to be my sweetheart?

That's right.

And to do what the soldier did with Mrs Brown?

That's right, and more besides,

like kissing and caressing and calling you his lovey-dove,

and giving you presents and money to spend.

You're a very lucky girl, Fanny.

That thing the soldier had...

Did you like the look of it?

It was so big, Phoebe, and angry-looking.

Corporal Kite is pretty big built, as I recall.

How... How could a thing like that get inside me?

Oh, you'd be amazed, my dear.

This dear thing you have between your legs is a wonderful instrument.

Before long, you'll be wishing men were bigger built than they are.

Won't it hurt, Phoebe?

A little, it will, the first time,

but after that, nothing but pleasure.

And this lovely little thing,

if you use it right, can make your fortune, Fanny.

Now, you be a good girl and put your hand here,

and we'll see if we can't fetch off together.

Oh, that's it, Fanny...

My head was full of all that Phoebe had told me.

Was this to be my home? Was this to be my life?

Dear girl...

ls it...Fanny?

Yes, sir.

I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

Are you an angel, Fanny?

No. I'm flesh and blood.

How is it you're sleeping down here on your own, sir? Where's your friend?

He left me here when I said I'd have no one but you.

I drank some more wine to drown my sorrows and so fell asleep.

And now I'm very happy I did.

Will you kiss me, Fanny?

Yes, sir. Gladly.

And now shall we go to bed? Make up for time that we've lost?

No. Indeed I cannot. I would be in such trouble with Mrs Brown.

Why should that be? Of course I'd pay you, and her, too.

I'm promised to another gentleman, sir,

who'll pay Mrs Brown a deal of money to take my maidenhead.

You mean, you...you're a virgin?

Yes, sir.

Oh, then, please forgive my forwardness.

I took you for one of the girls of the house.

I am one. At least they're grooming me up to be one.

I didn't understand it at first. It's only my maidenhead that makes me special.

When that's gone, I have to go with any man that comes.

- And will you like that, Fanny? - Not at all, I believe.

But the other girls seem happy enough. And I have nowhere else to go.

Wouldn't you rather be kept by one man,

who'd love and protect you and not suffer you to be had by anybody else?

I don't know.

Perhaps I would.

- It would depend who he was. - What if it was me, Fanny?

Should you like it then?

Yes. I think I should.

But it's not possible. Mrs Brown won't let me.

Fanny, your body is yours, not Mrs Brown's.

You should give it to whom you choose.

That's not how anybody sees it here. I'm a piece of goods to them.

She'd never be able to maintain it in a court of law.

Fanny, will you trust me and come away with me?

I don't even know your name.

Um... My name is Charles. Charles Standing.

My father is a merchant in the City,

and my allowance is enough for us to live on, if we're careful.

The moment I saw your pretty face I knew no other girl would do for me.

You do like me, don't you, Fanny?

Very well, so far.

But we don't know anything about each other.

I think we know all we need to know.

I fell in love with you the moment I saw you.

Come away with me.

All right. I will!

So what do you think of that?

Out of the frying pan into the fire?

I little knew what a risk I was taking.

He could have been a ruffian with a stable of girls for hire,

but I don't think so, do you?

We all know a blundering innocent when we see one,

and he was very handsome.

Come here, darling.

Who's that?

ls that you, Fanny?

Come back here, you ungrateful little...

Phoebe! Emma! Get down here!

I'll find you, Fanny! You owe me, Fanny Hill!

And so I began another new life.

Hey!

So. It's a room for a married couple you're looking for, is it?

Yes, that's right, Mrs Jones.

Been married long, have you?

Er... No. Not very long.

No. Well, you look like a nice respectable young couple to me.

Oh, we absolutely are.

But...um...

We'd be obliged if you'd be discreet.

Oh, I'm very discreet.

We...er...haven't announced the marriage yet.

Families, you know? Troubles with the families.

We're keeping it a secret until the families are reconciled.

Well, I'd have you know that this is a very respectable lodging house.

My second floor is let to a gentleman from the Italian embassy and his lady.

Very nice, quiet people. You won't hear a sound from them.

Except she does sing a little in the mornings, arias and so forth.

Italian, you see.

But you seem a very nice, quiet young lady, Mrs Standing.

Thank you, ma'am.

Half a guinea a week for these rooms and a closet.

My own maid will wait upon you.

Laundry and services by arrangement for a small extra consideration.

- Will that be satisfactory? - Eminently so, Mrs Jones.

ls there anything else you need?

Er... No. I don't think so, Mrs Jones.

Well, then. I'll leave you to settle in and make yourselves comfortable.

Thank you, Mrs Jones.

I like to keep a very quiet house, Mr Standing.

Oh, that's just as I should wish it, Mrs Jones.

Shall we, Fanny?

Are you sure you want to try it?

Yes.

Phoebe said it will hurt a little, just at first.

I will be very gentle with you.

Will you not undress, too?

Shall I help you, as you helped me?

Your skin is so soft and smooth.

You smell so sweet.

- Ow! - Sorry...

-Perhaps if I... - Ow!

- Shall I stop? - No. Press on, press on.

I can bear it. Ow!

- I'm hurting you. - No, no. I am well.

If you'd just hold still a while...

I cannot!

Oh, God...

Oh, Fanny...

Well, and what was your first time like?

A paradise of sensual delight?

No, I didn't think so.

But I did love my sweet innocent Charles, right from the first, I think,

and once the smart of my wounds had eased,

after the application of a little soothing ointment and several glasses of port,

we tried again with much greater success.

What floods of bliss, what melting transports,

what agonies of delight!

Words don't really do justice to it, do they?

For three days, we never left the room.

- Hmm... - What a lucky girl I am.

Now, Fanny, what would you like to do today?

Anything you like.

Well, lovely as you are with nothing on at all, unimprovably lovely,

I think perhaps we might visit the shops and buy you a dress or two.

What do you think of that?

Who will buy my lovely flowers?

Nosegay? Roses for the lady?

Nosegay?

- Would you like one, Fanny? - Really?

- But of course. - But your allowance.

I guarantee when my father sees you, he'll double it.

Come. ln we go.

Choose whichever hat you want.

Good day, sir, madam. What is it you desire today?

Esther? ls it you?

Fanny Hill! Well, I never did!

So you work here now, do you? I thought you were in service.

I was always fond of millinery.

This is my husband, Esther.

Oh. Pleased to meet you, sir.

And you, ma'am.

Esther and me knew each other when we were little girls.

Esther, that woman you took me to.

She took me to a bad place.

No! Oh, Fanny.

Well, it looks like you've done yourself very well out of it.

Good day, sir. Good day, madam.

Ah, Mrs Cole. This is my school friend Fanny. You remember? I spoke of her.

I believe I do. But you never told me what a beauty she was.

Very happy to make your acquaintance.

I do hope my Esther has been taking care of you?

- Yes, thank you, ma'am. -

Was it fancy goods, sir? Esther will see you through.

This way, sir.

Bye, Fanny. Bye, sir.

Esther? I was hoping...

Now, let's see if I can't find the prettiest bonnet in the shop

to go with that lovely face.

Fanny Hill!

Look at her, bold as brass, ungrateful little hussy.

Lay hold of her, Phoebe. You're coming back with me.

There you are. Still a lovely little armful.

Don't say you've forgotten about all the fun we had!

Get off her! This lady is my lawful wedded wife.

Oh, so that's the way of it!

Well, sir, if you want her, you'll pay me compensation for all I laid out on her.

I dare say 200 guineas would cover it.

Damn your impudence. You should hang your head in shame.

Compensation? I've a good mind to lay evidence against you with a magistrate

as a bawd and a corrupter of innocent young maids.

Come, Phoebe.

My brave hero!

I was brave, wasn't I?

Not that I could have paid. The last of my allowance went on the bonnet.

Brave and kind and handsome

and sweet and good.

And penniless.

We were penniless, or very nearly so,

but we were young and in love,

and I was simple enough to believe that you could live on love.

Charles was the universe to me.

It was such a happy time, every day a new source of joy,

and so the days turned into weeks and months.

Fanny?

Today we are going to visit my father.

- I have something I want to ask him. - What?

His consent to our marriage.

- Will you marry me? - Oh, yes!

Charles, my boy!

- What damned impudent trick is this? - I...I don't understand, sir.

What do you mean?

You bring this little whore here to make a fool of me?

Little whore? Indeed, sir, you are mistaken.

This is Miss Fanny Hill, my sweetheart.

Aye. That was the name. Fanny Hill.

A swindling trickster of a whore!

I tell you, sir, she is not.

I apologise for my father's behaviour.

To hell with apologies. She's a whore. You found her in a brothel, didn't you?

That is not material, sir.

Not material? I'll tell you what's material.

You went whoring in a brothel

and took one home and thought you'd foist her on the family.

Or you found her in the street

and she passed herself off as a maid come new from the country.

Which one is it? Are you a knave or a fool?

- Neither, sir. - I can tell you you're one or the other.

Missy, you're a thieving whore, ain't you?

No, sir, I am not, nor never was, as I think you should know.

What is this? Fanny, have you met my father?

That's for him to say. Have we met before, sir?

Don't you try and blackmail and cozen me, missy.

- I know what I know, there's an end of it. - And I know what I know too, sir.

Should you like your son to hear it?

- Out of my house, the pair of you! - Father, I beg you.

Surely we can clear up this misunderstanding.

There's no misunderstanding. You have been cozened by a whore!

Cast her off now or you'll never see a penny of my money again.

No, sir. I shan't.

I love her and she will be my wife, with or without your consent.

Then go! And be damned to you!

Very well, sir.

Come, Fanny.

And anything she says of me is lies!

Damned little whore!

I'm very sorry you should have been subjected to such insults.

If he had not been my father, I should have called him out and killed him.

Words can't hurt me, Charles,

but I am sorry to see you quarrel with your father.

How could he have taken you for a whore?

- He was mistaken. - No, he knew you.

How did he know you, Fanny?

He saw me going into the place and knew it to be a bawdy house.

No, it was more than that. You said you could tell what you knew of him.

What do you know of him? Tell me the truth, Fanny.

You and I should have no secrets.

Whatever it is, I shan't be angry with you.

- They said his name was Mr Crofts. - Yes? And?

He paid Mrs Brown 50 guineas to attempt my maidenhead.

But I refused him.

The old goat.

And so I had for love what he couldn't buy with money.

Small wonder he was angry.

- But you're not angry? - How could I be angry with you?

We'll find a way through this.

Good afternoon. If I could trouble you for the rent, Mr Standing.

We've got a week or two behind, haven't we?

Have we? Thank you for reminding me, Mrs Jones.

I'll see to that by and by.

And don't forget about the sundries. You've been very heavy on the laundry.

- It all mounts up. - Yes, Mrs Jones. By and by.

- By and by. - All very well by and by, Mr Standing.

Mr Standing!

That woman!

- It'll be all right. - Fanny...

Every penny I have comes from my father.

He never had me educated for any profession.

I have nothing but the allowance he makes me.

And that's on the understanding that I enter the family business.

If he's cast me off, we're ruined.

Then I think you must go back to him.

Tell him I bear him no ill will. We'll let bygones be bygones.

And tell him you'll go into his business immediate

and learn it and work hard in it. That'll please him.

And if you weren't steady before,

you have me to keep you steady now. Tell him that.

And tell him he has a grandchild on the way, Charlie.

That'll please him.

A grandchild?

ls that true?

I think it is, Charlie.

- Mr Standing? - By and by, Mrs Jones!

It's not the rent, Mr Standing, It's a message for you. Very urgent.

Your father's man's been here. Go back to your father's house

where you'll hear something to your advantage, he says.

There. He's regretting his harsh words already.

I'll go to him directly.

And what a piece of news I shall have to tell him!

I shan't be long.

I'll bring you up a nice glass of wine, shall I?

No, thank you, Mrs Jones.

Well, no skin off my nose, Mrs Standing.

Only me.

Oh, dear. All on your own in the dark?

- I thought I'd bring you a bit of supper. - Thank you, Mrs Jones.

I hope he hasn't had an accident.

I'm sure he hasn't, Mrs Jones.

I expect he and his father have had a lot to talk about.

Yes, well, but you don't need to worry, my dear.

I could always find a way to make sure you was all right.

He's not back yet, then?

- I hope he hasn't run away. - I shall seek him at his father's.

ls that wise?

Don't care if it's wise. Perhaps he's being kept there against his will.

He wouldn't leave me. I'm carrying his child.

I'd better come with you.

Back again, is it, missy?

And you've brought your bawd with you this time.

Well, there's no business for you here, my dear.

I beg you, sir. Don't mock me.

I've come to ask if you know where Charlie is.

Yes, I do know where Charlie is.

He's on a ship bound for the West Indies, that's where he is.

He's made his mind up to knuckle down and go into the family business.

I don't believe you. He'd never leave me of his own free will.

Free will or not, he's gone, missy, and you'll never set eyes on him again.

- Fanny! - Get her out. Get out yourself.

Get out the pair of you! What's she doing on the floor?

Having your grandchild, that's what!

Not in my house she ain't!

Get her out before I set the dogs on you!

- Can you stand, dear, if I help you? - That's it, that's it. Get her out!

Get her out! Get her out!

Get her out! Get her out!

Well, here we are, at last.

You was that poorly we thought we'd lost you.

You did lose the baby, of course,

but on the whole I'd say it was a blessing in disguise in the circumstances.

And now we have to think of what's to be done.

You've got no money at all, have you, dear?

And you've run up a terrible bill, what with the back rent and all the laundry,

and the medicine and the apothecary,

and the nursing you back to your old self.

I was wondering what you thought you were going to do about it.

Because, you see, if you can't pay, it's a case of the debtors' prison.

Then I shall go there. My heart's broken and I hardly care what happens to me.

You don't know what you're talking about.

It would break my heart to see so tender a young creature in a place like that,

with all the rogues in London preying on you

and the turnkey's as bad.

There's poor women go in there and never get out for the whole of their lives.

Then what am I to do? What am I to do?

Even as my health recovered, I was consumed with grief

for my lost baby and my dear Charles.

I barely left my rooms for fear he might return and I should miss him.

Fanny? I've brought somebody to see you.

Come in.

Oh.

- I remember you. - I am glad to hear it.