Original subtitles

You look very solemn, darling.

I feel solemn.

All those things we promised.

They don't leave out much, do they.

I want to keep those promises, George.

I .. I want us to be happy.

I'm going to make you a good wife, darling.

Much better than I deserve.

I feel very proud.

Very, very humble.

To take my place after all the great ladies of your family.

You can afford to be proud. You're the best-looking of the crew.

That's sweet.

Would you like to kiss me?

Are you going to change into your going-away dress, milady?

No, Carson.

They're going to take some pictures of a group or something.

Pearl, Pearl.

Am I going to be in the pictures too? - Of course, darling.

I'm going to miss you terribly.

I .. I don't know what I'm going to do without you.

Must I go back to America? Can't I stay here?

I'm going to send for you the minute you're through school.

Having a good time? - Marvelous.

I've been eating ice-cream with a duke.

A real live duke.

Was it real ice-cream?

Darling, run and tell mother and father we want them both in the photograph.

Very well, Your Ladyship.

Doesn't it sound funny?

It should be 'Princess'. You look like one.

Run along with you now. - I'll tell mother.

I don't see how you could marry her if you're in love with me.

I do love you, Diana.

I shall always love you.

But we couldn't marry. We haven't a penny between us.

I hate her. The common little nobody.

Marrying just for a title.

But it was inevitable, Diana.

If it hadn't been Pearl, it would have been somebody else.

But it won't make any difference to us.

I wish I could believe that. - You must.

You must.

Diana.

"Being presented: Miss Ann Howard."

"Being presented: Madame Pigalle."

"Being presented."

"Baroness Hampton."

"Lady Powell."

"The Duchess of Hightower."

"Lady Helen Coombs."

"Lady Grayston."

"Being presented."

"Miss Elisabeth Saunders."

Oh dear.

Mother. Your pearls. Your beautiful pearls.

My dear, it doesn't matter. They're insured.

But I do hope the Queen didn't see it.

Here you are, Duchess. Here is one of your pearls.

I always suspected they were imitation.

Horrible woman. A common American.

How dare she appear in black.

And with black plumes.

Such impertinence.

I hope she is officially reprimanded for it.

Pearl, how did you dare do it?

Do what, Flora? - To appear in black.

Why appear like everyone else?

Besides, I got permission from the Lord Chamberlain.

I'm in mourning.

Bessie, you look so lovely.

Thank you, Princess.

Hello, George.

Hello Pearl.

This is ridiculous.

Who are you in mourning for?

For your dead sense of humour my dear husband.

Where have you been lately?

Monte Carlo.

We're giving a ball next Thursday. Will you be there?

Of course.

I hope you won't be too bored. - Never at one of your parties.

Thank you, George.

How is Diana? - She is splendid. Thanks.

Give her my love will you.

Hello Bessie.

Hello Harry. - How do you do.

How are you, Bleane? - Fine, thanks.

Your sister asked me to take you into the supper room.

You'll excuse us, won't you. - Yes, of course.

Bessie .. I have something very special to ask you.

Harry, don't propose to me. - But why not?

Because I shall refuse you.

If you could only bring yourself to marry me.

I suppose that is a proposal. - And my first one.

May I think it over while you're gone?

But thank you very much for wishing to marry me.

Thank you very much for not refusing me.

You see, Pearl rather gave me the hope ..

It's wonderful how you've made your way, Pearl.

Shall I tell you how I've done it?

But force of character, wit, unscrupulousness and push.

You are very frank.

That's always been my pose.

It's cousin Pearl, isn't it?

I beg your pardon?

I'm Fleming Harvey.

I'm afraid that doesn't convey much to me.

Is .. is Bessie home?

I think so.

I guess you don't remember me.

The last time I saw you we were wearing rompers.

Well, really.

Bessie. Look what I've brought you.

Fleming.

Hello, Bessie. - I'm so glad to see you.

Where did you come from? - Just landed from America this morning.

You must remember Fleming Harvey, Pearl?

Never set eyes on him in my life.

He looks nice. - He is.

Ask him to stop for tea, darling.

Uhuh.

I've asked twelve people to dinner tonight.

Does George know?

George? Who is George?

Don't be absurd, Pearl. George. Your husband.

No. No, he doesn't know.

But what's more important, the cook doesn't know.

Fleming, you should have cabled.

I wanted to surprise you.

It's a wonderful surprise.

Are you having a good time, Bessie? - Simply marvelous.

I'm thrilled by it all.

Fleming, you've no idea what a wonderful life it is.

That's why you haven't written me lately.

But I have, Fleming.

Not for two months.

Even before, your letters sounded more like official guides to London than ..

Love letters.

I'm afraid I'm not very good at ..

Love letters.

You were six months ago when you first came over.

Bessie.

Don't you love me anymore?

I'm just beginning to live.

A new life.

It is fun, with gaiety and people.

Brilliant, dazzling people.

I see.

There is nothing ..

Brilliant or dazzling about me.

Fleming.

I couldn't bear it if you were really hurt.

Are you in love with someone else?

I'm having too good a time.

I don't want to marry anyone yet.

How about some tea, huh?

Well, young man.

Have you come to London to improve your mind or to go into society?

I suppose I can't combine the two?

Are you rich? - Not at all.

It doesn't matter. You're good-looking.

You know, if one wants to be a success in London.

One must have looks, wit or a bank balance.

We must do what we can for Fleming, Pearl.

Mr Thornton Clay.

How do you do.

The very person we want, Thornton.

A strange young man suddenly appears on my doorstep and says he's my cousin.

Dear Pearl, that's a calamity which we Americans are always prepared for.

Fleming is not only our cousin, Mr Clay.

He is my very oldest and best friend.

Aren't you?

Bessie has such a charming nature.

She really thinks friendship puts one under an obligation.

Since you're talking of me, won't you please introduce me to Mr Clay?

How American you are.

We haven't over here the passion you have in America for introducing people.

My dear Thornton, allow me to present to you.

My long-lost cousin, Mr Fleming Harvey.

If I remember correctly.

In America one is supposed to say: 'I'm pleased to make your acquaintance'.

Aren't you an American, Mr Clay?

I won't deny I was born in Ohio.

But of course I haven't a trace of an American accent.

Fleming wants to see life in London, Thornton.

I think he can't do better than to put himself under your wing.

I know everyone who's worth knowing. I can't deny that.

I'll get him cards for some good balls.

And see he's asked to one or two of the right parties.

Of course there's really nothing I can do for you.

Right here in Lady George's you are in the very hub of society.

Pearl is the most wonderful hostess in London.

What do you want, Thornton?

In this house sooner or later you'll meet every remarkable man in London.

Except one.

That is George Grayston.

He is only remarkable because he's her husband.

Of course, I can't make why you never ask George to your parties.

Personally, I like him. - Rather nice of you, Thornton.

He always refers to you as 'that ridiculous snob'.

Poor George. He has such a limited vocabulary.

Duchess De'Surann.

My dear Pearl. - Dear Minnie.

Where's Pepi? - Not here.

He said he was coming here. - He was delayed probably.

I cannot understand it.

He telephoned me a quarter of an hour ago that he was starting then.

Now-now, Minnie. He'll be here presently.

Bessie, darling. Pour the tea will you.

Hello, Minnie. - Hello, Thornton.

Hello Bessie. How nice you look.

No wonder all the men I know rave about you.

Thank you, Duchess.

Is Pepi the duke?

What duke?

Her husband. - Oh no.

She divorced him years ago.

Who's that nice-looking young man?

He's just some young American. He's come over to see Bessie.

Does he want to marry her? - Good heavens. I hope not.

He's just an old friend.

You know the funny ways they have in America.

Hmm.

I suppose nothing is really settled about Harry Bleane?

No.

But don't be surprised if you see an announcement in the Morning Post soon.

Has she enough money for him?

She has a million.

The same as I did before George got hold of it.

Not pounds? - No, dollars.

That's only £8,000 a year.

I shouldn't think he'd be satisfied with that.

I don't know why not.

His title is a very good one to be sure.

There aren't as many enormous heiresses about as there was in your time, Minnie.

No.

What on earth has happened to Pepi?

You know, the trouble is he has nothing to do from morning until night.

Pearl, you've got such a lot of influence.

Couldn't you get him a job? I should be so grateful.

What can he do?

Oh, anything.

And as you know, he's so good-looking.

He can speak French and German of course?

No. No, he has no gift for languages.

But can he type and write shorthand?

No.

Poor darling, you would hardly expect that.

Can he do accounts? - No.

He has no head for figures.

The only thing I can see he'll do for ..

Is the diplomatic service.

If you only could.

At least he would be out of mischief every day from ten until four.

Pepi D'Costa.

Ah Pepi, we've just been talking about you.

Nothing good I presume? - Naturally not.

Where have you been, Pepi? - I?

Nowhere.

It doesn't take 25 minutes to come from Dover Street to here.

I thought there wasn't any hurry. I was just hanging about the club.

I called the club again and again. You had gone.

I was downstairs having a shave.

A shave? At half past four in the afternoon?

I thought you liked me to look nice and clean.

Absurd.

Pepi, go and ask Bessie to give you some tea.

I'm sure you want some after your strenuous day.

Minnie, how can you be so silly?

You can't expect to hold a man if you treat him like that.

I know he's lying to me.

There isn't a word of truth in what he says.

But he's so slick I never can catch him.

I am so jealous.

You seem to have a passion for rotters.

They all treat you badly.

Hmm. That's true.

I never cared for any of the others.

Pepi is the only one I ever really loved.

I can't imagine what you see in him. Surely, you must know ..

There's very little about him I don't know.

He is a gambler, a spendthrift and an idler.

In his way he is fond of me.

You can see he's fond of me, can't you?

I suppose there's no good talking. If he makes you happy ..

He doesn't. He makes me miserable.

I love him.

He wants me to marry him, Pearl.

Minnie, you're not going to?

No. I'm not such a fool as that.

If I married him I'd have no hold over him at all.

Princess Della Ciccola.

Darling, how nice.

Hello, Flora.

Hello, Thornton.

Flora, this is my long lost cousin, Mr Fleming Harvey.

He has just arrived from America.

How do you do.

I envy you.

Why, Princess?

Because a week ago you were in America.

I notice you show your devotion to the country of your birth ..

By staying away from it, Flora.

The last time I was there.

It made me so unhappy.

That I swore I would never go there again.

Hello, Flora. - Hello, Minnie.

I was in America ten years ago.

When I was divorcing Gaston.

I hadn't been there since my marriage and I had forgotten what it was like.

It was so crude.

So provincial.

It wasn't because of that, that I was unhappy.

It was because ..

It was my home.

The only real home I had ever known.

And I was a stranger there.

Flora, you're being very sentimental.

I'm sorry.

Some cake, Pepi?

You're looking perfectly divine today.

Are you making love to me? - That's nothing new, is it?

You'll get into trouble.

Thank you, Pearl.

Darling, give me some tea, will you.

Now, about my concert, Minnie.

Now Flora, don't ask me for a subscription.

I am so poor.

Wait until you hear what it's for.

Then you remember you had a father called 'Spender Hudson'.

As though I wanted to be reminded.

Don't be absurd, Minnie.

You could make a joke of the poor.

I always tell everyone about father's hardware store.

If I haven't a funny story to tell about it I invent one.

Yes. What's this you've told people about your father selling bananas?

Bananas?

Yes, I remember.

He was saying that Mrs Handley used to wash clothes for miners in California.

That and her pearls were taking her everywhere.

I wasn't going to be outdone.

So I simply said that father used to sell bananas on the streets of New York.

A most unpleasant vegetable.

So fattening.

I must speak to Bessie.

Darling, have her take you to the morning room.

Look through my guest-book and see who'll be useful.

That's sweet of you, Pearl.

Poor Flora, with her good works.

She takes philanthropy as a drug.

To allay the pangs of unrequited love.

You know, I always tell her she would do much better to take a lover.

She's an extraordinary creature. She's in love with her husband.

Do you know, I'm convinced she has never had an affair.

It takes all sorts to make a world.

I really must be going, Pearl.

Don't forget to come to Grayston on Saturday.

No, I won't indeed. I adore your weekend parties, Pearl.

I'm so exhausted by Monday morning I'm fit for nothing for a whole week.

Goodbye. Goodbye, Minnie.

Am I dropping you somewhere, Harvey?

That would be very kind of you.

Goodbye, Pearl. - Goodbye, cousin Fleming.

Goodbye, Duchess. - Goodbye.

Yes, I must go too.

I expect my masseur at six.

Pepi. Bring my things.

You're coming to my ball, aren't you? - Of course.

I'm having Ernest in to dance.

Ernest?

Oh.

I thought of having him one evening.

How much does he charge to come in socially?

20 guineas.

Heavens. I could never afford that.

What nonsense, Minnie. You're far richer than I am.

I'm not so clever, darling.

I often wonder how you do it on your income.

I'm a very good manager, darling.

Hmm.

I should never have thought it.

Goodbye, dear.

Goodbye, dear. - Coming, Pepi?

I don't know what you've done to me. I think of you all day long.

You're an unprincipled ruffian, Pepi.

Do you mind?

You shameless creature.

I wonder what it is that Minnie sees in you.

I have all sorts of merits.

I'm glad you think so.

Goodbye.

It doesn't make you irresistible, you know.

Pearl.

Run along. Minnie will be wondering why you don't come.

Hang Minnie.

Mr Fenwick is in the library, milady.

Very well, Pole. Remove the tea things now.

Yes, milady.

Arthur.

What are you doing here all alone?

Why didn't you come in to tea?

I thought I'd wait until you were free.

I get so few chances of seeing you alone, Girly.

I wish you wouldn't call me 'Girly', Arthur. I do hate it.

That's the way I think of you.

When I see you like a Queen among all these Lords Ambassadors and big-shots.

I just say to myself: that's my Girly.

And I feel warm all over.

You're such a romantic old thing, Arthur.

You are my guiding star.

My ideal.

I don't know what I'd do if you failed me.

I don't think I could live if I found you weren't what I think you are.

You shan't if I can help it.

Tell me.

Tell me.

What is it that first drew you to me?

Huh?

I suppose.

I suppose it's the impression of strength you give.

I always feel I can rely on you.

You couldn't have said anything to please me better.

I know that deep down in that big beating human heart of yours.

You're just a timid, helpless little thing.

How I love you, Girly.

Careful. The butler.

There's always the butler.

A telegram, milady.

Bother.

No answer, Pole.

Is anything the matter?

That fool, Surrey. He wired to say he can't dine here tonight.

I do hate having my parties upset.

That's too bad.

Gerard 7035.

The pompous owl.

He's refused invitation after invitation.

I dare say you can do without him.

Don't be a fool, Arthur.

I'll get him here somehow.

Hello?

Is Lord Surrey at home?

Lady Grayston speaking.

I'll hold the line.

If he comes once because I force him.

He'll come again because he likes it.

This house is like heaven. I have to compel them to come in.

Hello?

Is that you, Lord Surrey? This is Pearl Grayston speaking.

I just rang up to say it doesn't matter a bit about tonight.

Of course I'm disappointed you can't come but perhaps you will another day?

Will you?

That's nice of you. What about this day week?

I am sorry.

Would Thursday suit you?

Oh well. What about Friday?

You are engaged all next week.

You are in demand.

I tell you what.

Get your book and tell me what day you are free.

You're a good Girly. You'll get there.

Tuesday fortnight? That suits me beautifully.

I'm so glad you chose that night.

Because Arthur Fenwick is dining with us, and he admires you so.

I'm sure he'll be awfully glad to give you ..

Two or three thousand pounds for your unemployment fund.

Yes. I'll expect you at 8:30.

Yes. Goodbye.

Well, I got him at last. The ape.

Couldn't you have made that five hundred pounds?

Now, Arthur. Don't be Scotch.

Give me a cheque at once before you forget it.

Alright, Girly.

How much of it will Surrey get?

Well, half of it.

Pearl, you're a little wonder.

If you ever want to go into business I'll take you into partnership.

That's very sweet of you, Arthur.

Thank you.

Now you must go.

Because I want to lie down before dinner.

Alright, Girly.

Take care of yourself.

You're very precious to me.

Dear old thing.

Just a moment. I have something for you.

Ah, thank you, Girly.

Goodbye.

[ Telephone ]

Hello?

You are speaking to Lady Grayston.

Yes, I do. It's Pepi.

Of course I recognise your voice. What is it?

I'm not at all stern.

I'm making my voice as pleasant as I can.

Sorry if you find it disagreeable.

No.

No, I can't come to tea tomorrow. I'm engaged all afternoon.

What is the day after tomorrow?

Well.

I shall have to speak to Bessie. I don't know if she's free.

Of course I'm not coming alone.

It would be most compromising. A nice-looking young man like you.

What would Minnie say?

Yes, I know all about that.

A sleepless night. Tut.

Fancy.

Well.

Goodbye.

Pepi.

Do you know the most enchanting word in the English language?

'Perhaps'.

That was a great shot of Bleane's.

I suppose you know he is your fate?

Pearl has picked him out for you to marry.

You don't dislike Harry do you?

I can't dislike him.

I've tried hard enough.

Are you quite sure it's for my sake ..

You don't want me to marry Harry Bleane?

Yes.

I think it is.

If I kept my love for you.

That is entirely my affair.

Go back to America, Bessie.

And fall in love with some nice fellow and marry him.

Perhaps your life won't be so brilliant and so exciting.

But it will be simpler and wholesomer and more becoming.

I am famished.

You must be exhausted after all your tennis.

My dear, I have to exercise or I should be enormous.

Pearl.

You make me sick.

You can eat anything you like and I have to starve myself to keep down to this.

Now, Mr Harvey.

Still enjoying life in London? - He should be.

I've got him invitations to all the nicest parties.

But he'll waste his time in sightseeing.

The other day, Thursday wasn't it? I wanted to take him to Hurlingham.

He insisted on going to the National Gallery instead.

What an outrageous proceeding.

I don't see it was any more outrageous for me than for you.

I saw you going in just as I was going out.

I had a reason to go.

Father has just bought a Bronzino.

I wanted to see those in the National Gallery.

I think it's far more likely that you had a rendezvous.

It's a marvelous place for that I hear.

You never meet any of your friends there and if you do ..

They're there for the same purpose and pretend not to see you.

To tell the truth. I did have a rendezvous.

With Pepi.

Who is the joke on?

Where is Pepi?

My dear, he is out with Harry Bleane finishing his cigar.

No he isn't. Harry just took Bessie out on the terrace.

Your plan seems to be working, Pearl.

Harry Bleane seems quite smitten.

I wish it were a more romantic match.

He has one of the oldest titles in England. I'd call that romantic.

Even if he isn't.

The French are the only nation who know how to make love.

When Gaston proposed to me he went down on his knees ..

Took my hand and said he couldn't live without me.

Of course I knew that because he hadn't a cent.

Still, it thrilled me.

I hope Bessie won't marry any man she doesn't care for.

Don't be silly, Flora.

Think of the people you know who have married for love.

After five years ..

Do they care for one another any more than those who've married for money?

They have the recollection. - Nonsense.

As if one remembered an emotion when he no longer feels it.

That's true.

I've been in love a dozen times desperately.

When I've got over it and looked back.

Although I can remember that I was in love.

I can't for the life of me remember how it felt.

It seems so odd.

I wish those men would come. I want to dance.

Harry.

I don't think I'm in love with you.

But you like me?

Very much.

Why not risk it then?

You are the girl I had pictured.

The girl I've waited for.

The one girl I want to be the Marchioness of Bleane.

Alright. If you like.

My dear.

The Marchioness of Bleane.

Princess.

Shall we dance?

You're in love with Bessie.

We were engaged once.

But.

This is the life she wants.

Are you sure?

I wasn't at first.

But I am now.

I suppose if I had any decency I'd take my medicine and shut up.

Well?

There's something about these people that ..

Makes me feel terribly uncomfortable.

Under the brilliant surface I suspect all kinds of ugly secrets.

That everyone knows and pretends not to.

This is a strange house in which the husband is never seen.

And Arthur Fenwick, a stupid Bulgarian, acts as host.

It's an attractive spectacle this ..

This painted Duchess devouring with her eyes a boy young enough to be her son.

And the conversation.

I don't want to seem like a prude but ..

Surely there are women who don't have lovers?

There are such things as honour and decency and self-restraint.

If Bessie is going to stay over here.

I wish to goodness she'd marry Bleane at once and get out of it quickly.

You think she will be happy? - Are any of them happy?

How can they expect to be happy when they are married but ..?

I'm so sorry.

Please forgive me.

You see, you're so different.

Come along, Pepi.

Oh.

I can't quite get that new step.

I do wish Ernest were here Then he could show me.

Why not have him give you a lesson? - What?

At ten guineas an hour?

No. I'll meet him at a party one day and he'll show it me for nothing.

Pepi.

Don't stand so far away.

Come and sit here. Next to me.

I say, I ..

I've been talking to Bleane about a roadster.

Oh.

I don't know you why want a car of your own. You can use one of mine.

You said I could buy myself a car.

I said I'd think about it.

I wasn't anticipating you would order one right away.

You only want a car so that you can be independent of me.

Hang it all, you can't expect me to be tied to your apron strings always.

It's a bit thick if whenever I want to take ..

A man down to play golf I have to ring up and ask to have one of your cars.

If it's to play golf you want it ..

I's sure you'll be far more comfortable in a nice Rolls Royce than a roadster.

If you don't want to give me a car why on earth did you say you would?

Pepi.

For goodness' sake, don't touch me.

Pepi.

Don't you love me anymore?

I wish you wouldn't constantly ask me if I love you. It's maddening.

How can you be so cruel to me?

I love you with my whole heart.

I've never loved anyone as much as I love you.

No man could stand being loved so much.

You think it's jolly for me to feel that your eyes are glued on me whatever I do?

I can never put my hand out without finding yours there ready to press it.

I can't help it if I love you.

It's my temperament.

Yes, but you needn't show it so much.

Why don't you leave me to do the lovemaking?

If I did there wouldn't be any lovemaking.

You make me look such a fool.

You know there's nothing in the world I wouldn't do for you.

Well.

Why don't you marry me? - No.

I can't do that.

You know I can't. I've always said nothing would induce me to marry.

Why not? You say yourself you wish it.

Marriage is so middle class.

It takes away all the romance of love.

You simply want to keep your freedom and keep me bound hand and foot.

Do you think it's jolly for me to know what people say about me?

After all, I have some pride.

We'll soon get you a job and then nobody will be able to say anything.

I feel fed up with the whole business. I'd just as soon chuck it.

Pepi, you don't mean to say you're going to leave me?

I couldn't bear it, I should die. I shall kill myself.

Don't make such a row. - Say you don't mean it or I'll scream.

After all, I have my self-respect to think of.

It seems to me the best thing is to put a stop to the whole thing now.

I can't lose you. I can't. I can't.

No-one can say I am mercenary but ..

After all, one has to think of one's future.

I shan't be twenty-five forever you know.

You've been twenty-five a long time now, Pepi.

I ought to be settling down.

Don't you care for me anymore?

Of course I care for you.

If I didn't, do you think I'd let you do all you have for me?

Why do you make me so unhappy?

I don't want to make you unhappy.

Sometimes you're unreasonable, you know.

Oh .. you mean ..

About the car?

No, I wasn't thinking about the car then.

You can have it, Pepi, if you like.

I don't want it now.

Don't be so unkind.

I'm not going to take any more presents from you.

I didn't mean to be unreasonable.

I'd like you to have the car.

I'll give you a cheque for it tomorrow.

Now, tell me ..

Tell me, what is the body like?

It is ..

A streamlined body.

How lovely.

Will you take me out for rides in it sometime?

I say, you're awfully kind to me.

You do like me a little bit, don't you?

Hmm. Of course I do.

You have a good heart, Pepi.

Kiss me.

I think I'd better have another whiskey.

Yes, dear. Do.

I saw a beautiful car in a shop near Trafalgar Square a day before yesterday.

What on earth were you doing in Trafalgar Square on Thursday?

I thought you were going to Ranelagh.

I was put off.

I had nothing else to do so I wandered around the National Gallery for an hour.

Did you look at the Bronzinos?

Yes. Arthur Fenwick bought one the other day at Christie's.

He paid an awful price for it too.

I gave them luncheons and dinners for a month.

I worked like a Trojan. - I don't believe that.

We are going to have one more dance and then Arthur wants to play poker.

Pepi, fix me a drink.

Will you dance first with me, Minnie? - Yes.

Yes, I ..

I would love to.

You know, that young American, Fleming, is the most amazing young man.

You haven't danced with me yet, Pepi.

You should really pay some attention to your hostess.

Pearl. Don't go.

Why not?

Because I want to talk to you.

Minnie has been making an awful scene.

Poor thing. She can't help it. She adores you.

I wish she didn't.

And you did.

My dear, it's your only attraction for me. That she adores you.

Come dance with me. - You have a piece of hair out of place.

Have I?

Don't do that, you fool.

Someone might come in. - I don't care.

Well I do.

There's nothing wrong with my hair.

Of course there isn't.

You look perfectly divine tonight.

You're a very foolish creature, Pepi.

Let's go into the garden.

No.

They will be wondering where we are.

Pearl.

Don't be a fool, Pepi.

Let's go down to the tea-house.

No, I won't. - I'll go down there and wait.

I won't come, Pepi. - I'll wait for you.

Pearl.

Pearl.

Pearl. Look here. Why not come in and dance?

I don't want to dance anymore tonight.

I'm tired.

Poor child. You look quite pale.

Do I?

I thought I had put plenty of rouge on.

Am I looking perfectly revolting?

You always look adorable. You are wonderful.

I can't think what you see in an old fellow like me.

I dote on you, you silly old thing.

Ah.

Where are you going?

I'm just going to my room to arrange my face.

Do see everything is put out for poker.

Be quick then. I can hardly bear you out of my sight.

Mortification.

Pearl went to her room for a moment.

I don't think we ought to play very long.

She's looking terribly tired.

I don't wonder. She's so energetic.

She does too much.

When I saw her just now, she looked quite white.

I'm really very worried about her.

Ah, but she is a wonderful woman.

And she's good, Princess. She is good.

She has a heart of gold. - Who is this?

We were speaking of our hostess.

Hmm.

I see.

I've no hesitation in saying that Pearl is the most remarkable woman in England.

She's got everything.

Tact, energy, brains.

Beauty.

And virtue.

Hmm.

Leave a place for Pearl.

Yes. And leave one for Pepi too.

What's he doing?

He'll be here presently. - Shall I give out the colours?

What would you like to play for? - Don't let it be too high.

How tiresome of you, Flora.

I feel I'm in luck tonight.

Are you going to play, Bleane? - Yes, I think so.

Ha.

How stupid of me. I haven't got my bag.

Never mind. We'll trust you. - No, no. I'd rather pay at once.

It saves so much bother. Besides, I hate not having my bag.

One always wants to powder one's nose when one hasn't got it.

Bessie, dear.

I left it in Pearl's new tea-house.

Do run and fetch it.

Certainly. - No, no. I'll go.

No. You don't know the way.

There is one lot of forty. Will you have them, Princess?

Thank you.

Here is a pound. - Thank you.

How on earth did you come to leave it in the tea-house?

I'm so careless.

I'm always forgetting my bag.

Here is another forty. - Thanks.

How many cards, Duchess?

I'm out of it.

I'll have three.

I thought you were in luck, Minnie. - Wait.

You'll be surprised. - Give me two please.

Well, I suppose I must risk my money.

I've had enough.

Ah, here's Bessie.

What have you got?

Did you find my bag? - No. It wasn't there.

But it must have been. I distinctly remember leaving it there.

I'll go and fetch it myself.

Will you come with me, Mr Fenwick? - Of course.

Don't go.

You can't get into the tea-house.

So how do you know the bag isn't there?

Bessie, is anything the matter?

The door of the tea-house.

Is locked. - It can't be.

I saw Pearl and Pepi go in there.

Minnie, you devil. What have you been doing?

Don't ask what I've been doing.

How dare you send that girl. How cruel.

You must be mistaken. Pearl went up to her room.

Go and find her.

Stay here.

I saw her.

Well, we'd better go on with our game, hadn't we.

I had better deal.

Minnie won't play I expect.

Let me deal. I want to play.

Bleane, come on.

We had better go on with our game. - Sorry.

My ante.

How many?

Three please.

Give me two, will you.

I'll have three.

Ah, you've started to play already.

Where have you been?

I?

My head was aching a little so I thought I would take a turn in the garden.

I found Pepi there composing a sonnet to the moon.

You said you were going to your room.

What are you talking about?

Once too often, my dear.

Once too often.

You fool. I told you it was too risky.

I wonder if dinner is going to be as cheerful as luncheon was.

Did Pearl send an explanation for not appearing?

The butler said she was lunching in bed. - Ha. I wish I'd thought of that.

I'm afraid we were rather silent. - Silent?

I shall never forget that luncheon.

Minnie subdued and silent.

Pepi, sulking and silent.

Bleane embarrassed.

And silent.

I tried to be pleasant and chatty.

It was like engaging the pyramids in small talk.

Most of you behaved very badly.

You might have given me encouragement. - I was afraid I'd say the wrong thing.

Poor Pearl. What a terrible humiliation.

Do you think she feels it very much? - She wouldn't be human if she weren't.

I doubt she slept any better than the rest of us did.

Poor thing. She must be a wreck.

It was an awful scene. - I shall never forget it.

The things that Minnie said.

I didn't think such language could issue from a woman's throat. It was horrible.

I was thankful when Minnie had hysterics and we were able to fuss over her.

And dab her face and slap her hands.

It was a welcome diversion.

You changed your frock, Minnie.

Yes. I leave this place in half an hour.

I wanted to go early this morning but I couldn't get away.

I've always thought this a detestable home.

When I discovered ..

That on Sundays there are only 2 trains. One at nine and the other at four.

I have no words to express my opinion of it.

Yet you have an extensive vocabulary, Minnie.

Would you believe it? I can't get a car from the garage.

One has gone up to town and the other is being overhauled.

There's nothing but a luggage cart.

I shall have to go to the station in a luggage cart.

I shall look ridiculous.

Why did Pearl send the car up to London?

To show her spite.

That's not like her, Minnie.

My dear.

She has been my greatest friend for years and years.

I know her through and through and I tell you ..

She hasn't one redeeming quality.

Pearl has a good heart.

It's a judgement on me.

I disliked her the first time I saw her.

One should always trust one's first impressions.

I shall never speak to her again.

I shall cut her dead.

I hope you tell her that, Thornton.

That is not a very pleasant commission, Minnie.

I've only one thing to be thankful for.

Pearl has had the decency to keep to her room.

It shows at least she has some sense of shame.

Minnie.

I want to talk to you.

Now, Flora.

If you're going to ask me to turn the other cheek, don't. I'm not going to.

I'm going to do all I can to be revenged on that woman.

I'm going to expose her.

I'm going to tell everyone how she treated me when I was her guest.

Be careful what you say, Minnie. For your own sake.

I know enough about the woman to make her position in London impossible.

I'm going to ruin her.

What about Pepi? - Ha.

I'm finished with him.

I'm not the kind of woman to put up with that kind of treatment.

I hope he lands in the gutter.

Don't you care for him anymore?

My dear.

If he was starving and went down on his bended knees for a piece of bread ..

I wouldn't give it to him. He revolts me.

Why.

He hasn't even tried to excuse himself. He hasn't attempted to see me.

But after all, he never really cared for you.

Anyone could see that.

Flora.

Don't say that.

Until that woman came between us, I know he loved me.

Oh.

What shall I do without him?

Take care. Here he is.

I beg your pardon. I was looking for some cigarettes.

Where are you going?

Nowhere in particular.

Then you had better stay here.

Haven't you got anything to say for yourself at all?

What's the good of talking?

At least you might say you're sorry for the pain you caused me.

The whole thing was very unfortunate.

Ha. Unfortunate.

You break my heart and then say it was 'unfortunate'.

I mean it's unfortunate that you caught us.

Hold your stupid tongue.

Every word you say is more unfortunate than the last.

I've tried to keep out of your way.

You are heartless.

If you had any sense of decency, you couldn't have eaten the lunch you did.

But you munched away.

And munched and munched and munched until I could have killed you.

I was hungry. - You shouldn't have been hungry.

What are you going to do about it?

About your appetite?

Pray to heaven the next mouthful chokes you.

No. I mean about the other thing.

Oh.

I'm taking the afternoon train.

If you go, I shall have to go.

Then you'll have to start walking soon.

It's 4 miles to the station and there's only a luggage cart. I'm going in that.

Alright.

I shall go to the mines in Chile.

That's the very best thing you can do.

I hope you have to break stones and dig and paint.

With lead paint.

I hope you will be miserable.

I shall be my own master.

I was about fed up with this, I can tell you.

Oh.

You cad.

If you wanted to be untrue to me.

Why didn't you prevent me from finding out?

I was a fool. I know that.

Are you in love with that woman?

No.

Then why did you ..?

Pepi, how could you?

If one felt about things at night as one does the next morning ..

Life would be an awful lot easier.

If I were to say to you ..

Let bygones be bygones.

What would you say, Pepi?

We've made a break now.

We'd better leave it at that.

I shall go to the mines.

Oh.

This can't be goodbye forever.

I can't bear it.

I wish I had pretended not to notice anything.

Come, come my dear. Pull yourself together.

You'll get over it.

Pepi.

If you want to marry me.

I am willing.

I would be just as dependent on you.

Do you think it would be jolly for me to come to you for every 5 pounds I wanted?

I'll settle something on you.

Then you'll be independent.

Would a thousand pounds a year do?

You're a good sort, Minnie.

You'll be kind to me, won't you?

Of course.

You didn't want to go to the mines, did you?

No. Not much.

Oh Pepi.

I do love you so.

That's right.

We won't stay here another minute. - No.

You come with me in the luggage cart.

I'd prefer that to walking.

Her Ladyship is just coming downstairs, Your Grace.

How is she?

Thank you. - Very good, milady.

I won't see her.

Thornton. I'm told that Pearl is coming downstairs.

At last.

Nothing will induce me to see her.

My dear, what is to be done?

We can't make her remain upstairs in her own house.

No. But Thornton can tell her.

All I ask is that she keeps out of my way until I'm gone.

I'll do my best, Minnie.

I'll go and walk up and down until the luggage cart comes.

I haven't taken my exercise today.

Have you made it up?

I suppose so.

How sensible. - How inevitable.

Thornton.

If Pearl is terribly upset, tell her what Minnie said. Gently.

Poor Pearl.

Good morning. - Good afternoon.

I knew everyone would abuse me for coming down so late.

But it's such a divine morning. I just couldn't get up.

Don't be paradoxical, Pearl.

How are you, darling?

Bessie, what have you done with your young man?

He is writing letters.

Spreading the glad tidings, I suppose?

You know, I have the most brilliant idea for a gown I'll wear at the wedding.

Shall we go for a walk in the garden, Fleming?

Sure.

Isn't it a bore there are no cars to take Minnie to the station.

Minnie doesn't wish to see you.

Ah, but I wish to see her.

She asked me to tell you.

That she only wished one thing.

That you keep out of her way until she's gone.

Then you tell her that unless she sees me she can't have the luggage cart.

Pearl.

That is my ultimatum.

If she wants the luggage cart she must come and say goodbye to me like a lady.

Could you see me taking a message like that to the Duchess?

Very well, Pearl.

I'll tell her.

Pearl.

What have you been up to all morning?

As soon as I awoke, I gave .. - You slept?

Yes. Beautifully.

As soon as I awoke.

I gave instructions to overhaul one car and send the other one to London.

What for? What for?

Never mind. You will know presently.

Why are you so anxious to prevent anybody from leaving the house?

A very amusing story could be made of this episode.

I never mind scandal.

But I don't expose myself to ridicule if I can help it.

My dear Pearl, surely you can trust the discretion of your guests?

Who would give it away?

You.

I? my dear Pearl.

You are a professional entertainer, my dear Thornton.

You'll sacrifice anything for a good story.

If everyone stays over happily until Monday.

There will be no story to tell.

Ah, Minnie.

I am told.

That the only way that I can leave this house ..

Is by submitting to the odious necessity of seeing you.

I wish you wouldn't go, Minnie.

Lord Surrey and the Arlingtons come to dinner tonight.

Do you think anything would have induced me to stay as long as this ..

If there were any possibility of getting away?

You know, you really behaved very badly last night.

I should be extremely angry with you.

I?

Thornton, the woman is as mad as a hatter.

You really oughtn't to have made a scene before Harry Bleane you know.

And telling Arthur was not playing the game.

If you wanted to tell anyone why didn't you tell George?

In the first place he wasn't here. He never is.

I'll never forgive you. Never, never, never.

If you wanted to have an affair with anyone, why didn't you take Thornton?

He's almost the only one of your friends with whom you haven't.

The omission is becoming almost marked.

Thornton only makes love to me when other people are looking.

He can be very passionate in the front seat of my box at the opera.

You know. This conversation is growing excessively personal.

I will leave you.

Minnie, I have some very good news for you.

Before we go further Pearl, I wish to tell you I am going to marry Pepi.

Minnie. Minnie, my dear.

You're not doing it just to spite me, are you?

Because honestly, darling. He doesn't interest me in the slightest.

Darling, do think carefully.

It's the only way I could keep him.

It may be the best thing for me.

I get very lonely sometimes, you know.

Sometimes, when I have had the blues I've almost wished I'd never left home.

And I've moved heaven and earth to get him a job.

I've been on the telephone all morning and finally succeeded.

But I suppose he won't want it now.

Yes. Yes, he will.

You know how proud he is.

He's always hated being dependent on me.

That's one of the reasons he's always wanted to marry me.

Well, darling.

You have my very, very best wishes.

I'm not forgiving you, Pearl.

Ah, but you've forgiven Pepi.

That was different. He was led away.

Come now, Minnie. Don't be spiteful.

Nothing will induce me to stay in this house another night.

It's a very slow train.

Pepi will be hungry and out of temper.

You'll look your age.

You promised me the luggage cart.

You shall have it.

But you'll have to sit on the floor.

There are no seats.

Pearl.

It's not going to break down on the way to the station?

How can you suspect me of playing a trick like that on you?

It never occurred to me.

Pearl. Pearl.

I thought you'd want to know that Fenwick is coming to say goodbye to you.

Ah.

I'll go and tell Pepi about the job.

How on earth did you manage to appease her?

I reasoned with her.

But she is going, all the same.

I still have a quarter of an hour.

You're not going to burst into tears? - No.

I thought I ought to look a little pale and wan for Arthur.

You're a most unscrupulous woman, Pearl.

Not more than most.

Pearl.

How you startled me.

I didn't hear you come in.

You understand everything's over between us?

If you've made up your mind there's nothing for me to say.

I know nothing can move you.

I don't want to part from you in anger, Pearl.

Last night I could have thrashed you within an inch of your life.

Why didn't you?

Why?

You know I could never hit a woman.

But I'll get done quickly and then I'll go.

It is merely this.

I shall continue the allowance I've always made you.

I couldn't take it.

I couldn't.

I was afraid you'd take that attitude.

But remember, your husband has managed to lose a great part of your fortune.

You've a style of living you could never have without me backing you.

I am morally responsible.

I must meet my obligations.

We can only be friends in the future, Arthur.

I must return your presents.

Here. Let me give you my pearls at once.

Girly. You wouldn't do that?

I can't undo the clasp. Help me with it, please.

No, no. No, I won't.

I won't.

I will tear them from my neck.

Pearl, you break my heart.

You care so little for me that you can't wear the trifling presents I gave you?

If you talk like that I'll cry.

Can't you see I'm trying to control myself?

When I look at your poor, pale little face.

I wonder what you're going to do without me, Girly.

Oh, Arthur.

Why didn't you save me from myself?

What's going to become of you now, Girly?

What's going to become of you?

I don't know.

I don't care.

This .. this fellow.

Does he care for you?

Will he make you happy?

Pepi?

He is going to marry Minnie.

I shall never see him again.

Then, if I leave you.

You'll have nobody but your husband.

Nobody.

You're going to be terribly lonely, Girly.

You'll think of me sometime?

Won't you, Arthur?

I shall never forget you.

I shall never forget how you used to leave your fine house in Mayfair ..

For lunch with me downtown.

You used to give me such delicious things to eat.

It was a treat to see you in your beautiful clothes there ..

Sharing a steak with me and a bottle of beer.

I can order a steak Pearl, can't I?

Do you remember those delicious little onions we used to have?

Hmm. It makes my mouth water to think of them.

Oh Girly, I can't leave you.

You need me too much.

Arthur, Arthur. Can you forgive me?

To err is human. To forgive, divine.

How like you that is.

But if you must, if you must deceive me.

Don't let me find it out, will you.

I won't, Arthur.

I promise I won't.

Come.

Come and sit on the sofa.

Come.

There. Let me look at you.

I seem to see you for the first time.

Pearl.

May I speak with you a minute, please? - Of course, darling.

Arthur, you go and get some flannels on.

Alright, Girly.

We'll get some tennis after tea.

Now, now. You mustn't tire yourself.

Remember those white cheeks of yours. - I shall soon get my colour back now.

Men are trivial foolish creatures.

Kind heart but no head.

They're so vain, poor dears. They're so vain.

Pearl.

I go with the Princess to Paris.

Oh?

Don't stay away too long. You should be in London at present.

On my return I'm proposing to stay with the Princess.

Nonsense.

I'm not asking your permission.

I'm telling you my plans.

Don't be a silly little fool, Bessie.

You can't leave my house and go and live with Flora.

We don't want to go out of our way to make people gossip.

Now that I know that I do.

I should never respect myself again if I stayed.

Take care you don't go too far, Bessie.

Do you want me to tell you I can hardly bear to speak to you?

You fill me with shame and disgust.

Really? You drive me beyond endurance.

I think I must be the most patient woman in the world ..

To put up with all I have had to put with today.

After all, what have I done?

I was a little silly and incautious.

But what has that to do with you?

Why don't you mind your own business?

Do you call your relations with Arthur Fenwick 'silly and incautious'?

Arthur has more money than he knows what to do with.

It amuses him to see me spend it. That's all.

Haven't you got money of your own?

I had £8,000 a year.

But thanks to my noble husband ..

That was considerably depleted quite early in the game.

I was forced to finance myself.

You're not under the impression ..

That the whole world comes to my house because of my charm?

You don't think the English like us marrying their men.

They come to me because I amuse them.

Quite early in my career ..

I discovered the English can never resist getting something for nothing.

I give them dinners. I give them parties.

I have made myself the fashion.

I've got power. I've got influence.

But everything I've got, my success, my reputation, my notoriety.

I have bought it, bought it, bought it.

And finally I have bought you a husband.

Not true. He loves me.

Would he, if I hadn't shown you to him in these surroundings?

You don't know what love is made of.

Of course I bought him.

Horrible. - Horrible? Why?

Haven't you been happy?

Haven't you experienced things beyond your wildest dreams?

Yes.

Until last night.

Last night.

Don't be silly, Bessie.

What was it? An incident.

An unfortunate incident.

You mustn't take these things as seriously as Minnie and Arthur do.

You must be philosophical.

I hope I never become like you.

Bessie.

To think I once loved and admired you.

I put you on a pedestal.

What have you become in five years?

Cheap and common and sordid.

I hope I never see you again.

Harry.

Hello, Pearl.

I've come to ask a favour of you. - Why, of course.

Harry.

I don't want my sister to marry you.

But I thought you ..

You thought I would connive to bring it about.

I had.

But now I realize it would be a great mistake.

But why a mistake?

She doesn't love you, Harry.

She likes the glamour that surrounds you.

She likes the idea of being a Marchioness.

She's dazzled by your setting, Harry.

She doesn't love you.

Has she said so?

No.

Bessie feels very bitterly towards me after last night.

I'm asking you to break with her.

Tell her it was all a mistake.

That a marriage like yours ..

Without love. A marriage of convenience.

Is too difficult to carry off.

But I don't believe that, Pearl.

She's so young, Harry. Someone must protect her.

She won't let me, now.

So I'm asking you to do it.

I was like her once.

On my wedding day my mother told me I was too soft.

I needed hardening.

Well.

I have hardened.

Bessie mustn't get like me.

That's what I want to prevent.

She mustn't grow hard and indifferent.

And cynical and ..

And common.

Very well, Pearl.

I'll do what you ask.

Thank you, Harry.

Thank you.

The car has returned from London, milady.

Minnie.

Did a gentleman arrive with it? - Yes, milady.

Good.

Did you call me?

The car has come back from London.

It can take you to the station now.

That's a mercy.

Pepi? - Yes, darling?

The car has returned and is going to take us to the station.

Thank goodness for that.

I should have looked a perfect fool in the luggage cart.

Lord Bleane told me to give you this, Miss.

Thank you, Pole.

Will you excuse me a minute.

What is it, Bessie?

Three cheers for good old Bleane.

For jilting me?

No. Can't you see, he realizes you don't love him.

He's a nicer guy than I thought.

Fleming.

I want to go home.

The boat sails Saturday, darling.

Pearl.

Who is the gentleman who just arrived?

A man of mystery.

Mister Ernest.

Ernest.

Dear Ernest.

Dear Lady Grayston.

Ernest, I'm so happy you were able to come.

I thought we might have nothing to do after dinner tonight.

I knew that Ernest would cheer and comfort us.

So I sent the car to London with orders to bring him back dead or alive.

My dear Lady George.

I'm sure I'll get into no end of trouble.

I had all sorts of calls to pay this afternoon.

I was dining out.

But I felt I couldn't refuse you.

You've always been such a good friend to me, dear Lady George.

You must excuse my coming in my town clothes.

But your chauffeur said there wasn't a moment to lose so I came as I am.

You remember the Duchess De'Surann?

Of course I remember the Duchess.

Ernest.

Dear Duchess.

Dear Ernest.

I thought I was never going to see you again.

Don't say that. It sounds too sad.

It's such a pity you must go, Minnie.

Ernest could have taught you all sorts of new steps.

Dear Duchess, you're not going the very moment I come down?

That is unkind of you.

I must.

I must go.

Have you practised that little step I showed you the other day?

My dear friend, the Countess of Twickenham.

Not the old one. The new one.

Is beginning to do it so well.

Oh.

Pearl. Is there time?

I would like to dance just one little tango with Ernest.

Of course there is time.

Arthur, set the gramophone.

Do you mind, Ernest?

I love dancing with you, Duchess.

Pepi.

Now, I do mind the tempo.

I am always so shy when I'm dancing with Ernest.

Don't be silly, dear Duchess.

Arch your back, my dear. Arch your back.

If you put your foot there I shall kick it.

Ernest, don't be cross with me.

I shall be cross with you, Duchess. You don't pay attention to what I say.

You must give your mind to it. - I do, I do.

You don't. You don't.

Now, don't dance like an old fishwife.

Put some vim into it.

Ernest.

Now don't cry. I'm saying all this for your own good you know.

What's wrong with you is you have no passion.

Oh, how can you say such a thing?

I've always looked at myself as a very passionate woman.

I don't know about that, dear Duchess.

You don't get it into your dancing.

That's what I said the other day to the dear Countess of Twickenham.

Not the new one, you know. The old one.

You must put passion into it, I said.

That's what these new dances want: passion.

Passion.

I think I see what you mean, Ernest.

You must dance with your eyes as well, you know.

You must look as if you had a knife in your garter.

And you'd kill me if I looked at another woman.

Don't you see how I am looking?

I'm looking as though I meant 'curse her, how I love her'.

There.

I have improved, haven't I, Ernest?

Yes, you've improved, dear Duchess. But you want more practice.

Minnie, why on earth don't you stay and Ernest can give you lessons later on.

That's what you need, Duchess.

Oh, Pepi.

Do you think we could stay?

I didn't want to go away.

Besides, it's rotten going up to town this evening.

What one earth are we going to do with ourselves when we get there?

Very well, Pearl.

If it will please you, we will stay.

That's so nice of you, Minnie.

You know, you're very naughty sometimes, Pearl.

But you have a good heart.

I can't help being fond of you.

Minnie.

Pearl.

What an exquisite spectacle.

Two ladies of title.

Kissing one another.

..r-s..