Original subtitles

- Good morning, Mr. Gosheron. - Bucktrout.

Will you come this way...

Will you come through, Mr. Gosheron... I was in the kitchen arranging... something.

You'll forgive me if I finish my little offering. You carry on, Mr Bucktrout.

that's a poor sort of a contraption

Its still serviceable is it not?

I dare say, but I'd of managed it different.

I have yet to meet the workmen who didn't disparage the efforts of his predecessors.

Shall we...?

Have to do a lot of replastering before we can paper.

damp

Shocking what damp can do.

The house has been empty for some little time, Mr. Gosheron.

and look at these doors

There's nothing wrong with them that I can see. That's a nice bit of oak.

Shame to cover it up like that.

What do you propose?

Strip the paint off 'em. Show the grain. Beautiful.

Well, I must emphasize Mr. Gorsheron, that

despite Lady Slane's position her means are, shall I say, limited.

I mean it's never safe to assume affluence in the aristocracy. Yes?

I daresay we both know to our cost.

I mean, because the gentleman has been Viceroy of India and Prime

Minister doesn't mean that his widow is less well-off. Our public services are

not conducted on such lines. Indeed not, Mr. Bucktrout.

It is therefore incumbent on you Mr. Gosheron to keep your estimates as low as

maybe consonant with your own reasonable profit. As owner of this property as well

as its agent, I assure you that I shall check your figures

on her ladyship's behalf as if they were up on my own.

Some more trifle? No, thank you Mabel

I asked cook to make it specially.

You'll have some more, won't you Deborah? Your parents would never forgive

us if they came back from Burma to find we starved you.

You're not off your food are you Mother?

Not at all, dear.

Father was always very fond of trifle. He was the one with a sweet tooth.

Wonderful how you and he spoke about everything.

Everyone said what perfect a marriage yours was.. Everyone.

quite. quite

If ever there was a more happy couple... Such a strange little word, don't you think?

What is mother?

Such a funny, short clicking word to summarize a whole life.

I see nothing funny about it. You were very happy weren't you?

And though father is gone I have no doubt will find happiness with him again...

on the other side.

You're surely not implying that you and father were unhappy!

One can be happy one moment Carrie, and unhappy the next. It's not a question to

ask of anyone really. You can't roll up a life in a word as though it were a ball you

would put in your pocket.

Mother dear you loved Father and Father loved you.

What could be more simple? Come now Mother, enough of this foolishness.

I'm sure the problem is simply that you don't have enough to do.

I'm not troubled. We all thought this might happen

if you gave up everything that mattered to you.

Your charities, your committee work, your friends and family.

But as you insisted on going to live in Hampstead, when we offered you the

opportunity of living with us your devoted children. I assure you Herbert, I have

plenty to do.

As a matter of fact... You're messing about with your Mr. Bucktrout.

Now is that enough to satisfy you Mother? No. I agree with Herbert.

Surely if your mother would really like - Father kept busy to the very end.

The trouble with having too much time on your hands is you get all gloomy and introspective.

Start questioning everything.

I said something to that effect at the Lord's only the other day.

The Times gave me a half a column. I don't think i'm gloomy and i'm sure i'm

not clever enough to be introspective. Now, if you will excuse me

I have an appointment. Thank you so much Mabel. A really delicious lunch.

But I haven't even finished!

I'm sorry but I wouldn't like to keep Mr. Bucktrout waiting.

Do you think I might ask Deborah to get me a cab?

Of course.

bit of new piping and a good clean she'll go right as rain.

Well I bow to your superior knowledge of these matters Mr. Gosheron.

Oh did you bring your book of wallpaper samples?

In the van mr. Bucktrout.

We wouldn't want Lady Slane to make enumerable journeys hither.

I suggest we descend.

Her ladyship should be arriving shortly and I'd like to be prepared.

Very nice. The samples book, Mr. Gosheron.

[doorbell rings]

My dear Lady Slane, a thousand welcomes. I do hope I haven't kept you waiting.

Not in the slightest Lady Slane.

May I present Mr. Gosheron.

Lady Slane, Mr. Gosheron. I'm delighted to meet you.

Mr. Bucktrout speaks extremely highly of you.

Oh you're too complimentary Lady Slane.

By his works you shall judge him.

Shall we start with the drawing room?

What about the samples, mr. Bucktrout? Pray, fetch your book.

Oh, how beautiful.

Oh, Mr. Bucktrout, that is truly beautiful.

Such an unusual combination of colors. Thank you Lady Slane.

I confess I don't like the usual very much in anything.

They quite light up the room

with the sun on them like that. Yes, I should look for some chintz...

Here we are Mr. Bucktrout.

What fun. Now, you think that a paper

like this would go well in here. Whatever you want m'lady. Once we've plastered up the cracks.

The cracks? oh the cracks yes of course

It's the lorries you know. They always shake a place to pieces.

Yes, my husband used to say that lorries

would be the salvation of isolated communities.

That was in foreign parts wasn't it my lady?

Oh yes of course where the railways could not reach. There you are.

Hard as I tried to find salvation in a lorry, I failed.

They've not got Beauty have they my lady?

And that's the only salvation you might say.

How people can live without beauty that I'll never understand.

I wouldn't go that far, no. That's because of your ignorance, Holland.

To you a scene by lamplight is interesting because of the lamp, not the light.

You are a true child of the machine age and that's a fact.

All I said was that to me Constable's talent seems to be the greater.

Do you know what Constable said of Cousins? what?

That he was the greatest genius that ever touched landscape.

Or perhaps if we could compare their talents in oils.

I've got an oil by Cousins.

I thought he only used watercolor. Shows how little you know doesn't it

Do they know about your oil?

They're even more ignorant than you if that's possible!

[Kay laughs]

Mind you, from what I hear, you keep your collection in such a mess its surprising

you know what you've got quite honestly.

Not only do I know every piece young Holland

but I remember exactly where I bought it and when and what I paid for it.

Let alone its present value.

To buy my Cousins on the open market

this place would have to sell half its Constables at least.

Surely that's an exaggeration.

Want to bet on it? I never wager.

No more do I except on a certainty.

How will we know who's right? Holland, why can't you accept the wisdom of your

elders and betters. That'll be the influence of my mother I dare say.

Is she settled in the Hampstead?

The house is being redecorated I understand.

she should be moving in within the month.

You promised to take me to see her you know

Yes

well

look why don't we ask Foljambe about the oil?

Excuse me.

Is mr. Foljambe available?

The assistant curator... Guard: I dare say sir.

would you be good enough to fetch him?

The Honorable Kay Holland and Mr. FitzGeorge.

just a small matter...

Mr. Gosheron has renewed the plumbing on the water heater.

You remember Calcutta m'lady? The troubles we had finding a hot bath? They believe the bath only for buffalo.

You'll get plenty of therms out of her, now that I've done her up.

well I may as well admit mr. Gosheron

I don't know the difference between a therm and a boat.

My husband used to explain these things to me but I only pretended to follow him,

so as not to appear foolish. I understandd my lady. Most people only know

half of what they pretend to.

My dear Mr. FitzGeorge. Mr. Holland.

What a very great pleasure.

Had I been told earlier...

You can put Mr. Holland out of his misery, Foljambe.

Guard: He's eating sir! Its ok Roberts. I'll deal with this.

So gentlemen how can I be of service?

What would an oil painting by Cousins would be worth?

On oil?

Well... I don't know... in the collection of -

I've got one.

You have Mr. FitzGeorge!?

What would it be worth?

Its value on account of its scarcity assuming it's genuine...

Would I have anything that wasn't?

No, no, no. Of course not! [Stammering...]

Worth half a dozen Constables would you say?

I suppose it could, yes.

Very well Holland that'll teach you. Sandwich?

I think no no [stammering]

Don't pout, Holland.

You can buy me a cup of coffee. With pleasure.

Oh please, allow me the curator would be only too delighted

after all your great generosity.

Don't count your chickens yet, Foljambe.

And I've improved the damper my lady. I was wondering if I should perhaps

install central heating.

That my dear Lady Slane would hardly be worth your while.

As agent and owner you ought to encourage me in such a venture.

Well no. It's my belief that the expense will be unnecessary.

I mean, after all, you won't be spending that many winters here.

Although naturally we'd want you to be comfortable while you may.

Comfortable?

we see to that while milady is here.

and the bon dieu will see to it she is comfortable

Oh I very much doubt madam if Heaven has need of radiators.

Why should heaven lack radiators?

Mr. Booktrout believes the bon dieu is not up to date?

but I thought that central heating would be so much more modern.

That dear lady is as good a reason for avoiding it as any I can think of.

But consider your next tenant mr. Bucktrout.

My next tenant could warm himself in hell for all I care.

My only concern is my present tenant. I always kept my

relationships distinct you understand. and

it's like compromise and fuss.

Most people fall into the error of

making a fuss out of their whole lives pleasing nobody not even themselves.

Therefore, Lady Slane, do not put in central heating for you know not how long

you may live to enjoy it.

Buy a little stove... several oil stoves. They'll warm you

and see you out.

Even if you have to renew the wicks.

Oh how charming!

Genoux.

Do you by chance have a pin?

No... I regret... how disappointing.

Well the fault is mind for not providing one.

I've got one my lady.

Thank you mr. Gosheron and thank you mr. Bucktrout.

I can't tell you how much... Genoux and I are looking forward to moving in.

Did you like spending so much of your time abroad?

I mean I love traveling.

I adore visiting Mama and Papa, but I don't think I'd want to be uprooted

from the places I cared about.

or be stuck in some dull hole for that matter just because of my husband's job.

In my day ones place was at ones husband side

wherever he chose or was called upon to go.

And what about your choice?

I don't intend to let that happen to me whatever grandfather says.

What does he say Deborah?

Oh he thinks the way great-grandfather did.

He believes that a woman's place is in the home and that

the most important thing in life is for her to make a good marriage.

What about you?

If I try to tell him what I want do you think he'd listen?

of course not

Thank you.

Isn't this chintz pretty?

oh yes very!

I do like light colors.

really Great-Grandmother?

oh yes

the Empire Gardens always seemed so...

subdued.

We rarely went in for redecoration and this is my last opportunity.

For such ingenuity is a sacred number of the Babylonians twelve million nine hundred sixty

thousand as I'm sure you know. Nor for the calculations of William Miller

who systematically deduced that the end of the world would come on March the 21st 1843.

I have worked out my own system Lady Slane, and I can assure you that

although distressing its results are irrefutable.

The great the great annihilation

will occur...

in some 17 months time.

Shall we?

M'lady! What about my sheets?!

To air them. There is no airing cupboard.

I daresay I could build you one in the bathroom madam.

It's too wet. Missus Gosheron, rest her soul,

managed very well for 47 years.

But there is a space upstairs that could be boxed in could it not Mr. Gosheron

I dare say.

It will be ready for her arrival?

Now you plan to move in in

six days time do you not? If it is still possible.

Possible?

mr. Gosheron and I can make anything possible. Can we not Mr. Gosheron?

Have they taken the vases? I was always very fond of them.

Were you dear? You should have said.

William has always been fond of them Lady Slane. of course we don't

have much of it but when we can afford it.

Oh dear, I think Carrie took them or did I give them to Mabel?

One seems to accumulate so much over the years.

It will be a relief to be surrounded just by the things one likes.

You don't have much room in this place of yours, will you?

What will you do with the rest of the things?

Will you store them or sell them or what?

We never knew where to put half the things

that people presented us with. Some must be quite valuable Mother

but if you're thinking of merely giving them away as you did the jewels, it'll be nice for us

to have some memento too. Or just a token to remember Lord Slane by.

some were so hideous

Isn't it odd that people think they do you more honor by

giving you a thing that looks expensive than something that is simple and beautiful.

Of course when we were in India your father used to sell his

presents in the bazaar. It was only embarrassing if we couldn't buy them

back when whoever gave them to us came to stay.

Perhaps they were too polite to notice.

When William told me that Lord Slane once had his court dress from a theatrical costumier.

Is that really true?

Yes when he was a rising young man he had scarcely any money at all.

I do you think it disgraceful that our public servants do

not receive proper remuneration. We thought it great fun then.

What is it you would like my dears?

You better choose quickly.

Mother, we really must come

an orderly arrangement.

Don't want to be accused of plunder.

Carrie's said nothing to us about the vases dear.

True.

Well mother. if you're quite sure...

M'lady. It will be good to move, Nez pas?

Yes Genoux. I think it will.

[Genoux speaks French]

The children, they have the l ove for their mother, but

they are, how shall I say so busy in such a hurry.

They don't understand that when one is old one is [?]

Monsieur Brooktrout and Monsieur Gosheron, they understand. Yes?

Yes Genoux, you're right.

Come m'lady it's time for us to go now.

I have ordered the taxi.

You're going all the way to Hampstead by cab? Only to the station Monsieur William!

They expect a lady of such an age to walk all the way!

I will pay the fare myself!

May I ask you something Mr. Bucktrout?

You may you ask anything you like Lady Slane. Since I trust we're friends.

I have wondered

why you have taken quite so much trouble on my behalf.

Well, let's say it's because I have

little else to do and I am grateful, providing you don't object, for the occupation.

No Mr. Bucktrout. That is not the reason.

I may not be very well versed in the ways of business - You've missed nothing I assure you.

Oh I no longer seem to mind. But I have difficulty with the rates and the taxes

and the Bulls and the Bears but my oh -

I hate to think how wretched I must have

made my poor husband feel at my ignorance.

If I may say so Lady Slane you're the most intelligent woman I've met.

I've never heard you make a foolish remark.

Thank you, Mr. Bucktrout, but I'm still curious about your method of doing business.

Ah well, when I first went into the business, once I realized that I lacked

all military ambition, when I started in properly, I was fierce.

That's really the only word fierce.

No one could get the better of me. For gaining respect

there's nothing like setting a high valuation on yourself and forcing others

to accept you to. Modesty, moderation, consideration, nicety...

they're no good in business.

They don't pay.

You don't suspect me of boasting do you Lady Slane?

Not at all.

I feel nothing but impatience with people who...

pretend that the world is other than it is.

I remember once we were crossing a desert.

Persia, it must have been.

Our caravan was escorted by clouds of butterflies.

Butterflies? White and yellow. They danced all around us

making little smuts of shadow on the sand and I remember thinking

my thoughts were like those butterflies, irreverent, irrelevant, darting and dancing,

flickering and evading and independent of a lovely life.

My husband was

worried about blindness among the tribes people and of course so was I. I talked

with the missionaries wives, I arranged for boracic to be sent out from England, but

for me, the flickering of those butterflies was somehow more important.

You were something of a poet?

I had certain ambitions which of course I kept secret.

It was a poor lookout in those days Mr. Bucktrout. The 1860s, for a girl to

dream of fame! Oh easy enough for my brothers, but I one moment I was a girl

for whom everything was decided and the next I was an engaged woman expected to

devote my entire life to my husband. Were you, are you then a feminist?

Oh, no.

I've never indulged in the luxury of an imagined martyrdom. No, the gap was not

between the sexes but between what I dreamed of becoming.

What I expected to be.

I too felt that the principles the business principles

on which I based my working life were false. I set a term on them.

I determined that at 65 I would cease to be a business man in that sense.

And you did so?

My a 65th birthday or to put it more correctly since I like to

be precise my 66th I awoke a free man.

And this house?

Ha, ha! My one little patch of

folly or should I say my one patch of sanity. And yet for 30 years you have

only let it to people that you liked.

You'll have noticed Lady Slane that the

atmosphere of this house. It is curiously ripened and

detached. I have preserved that atmosphere with the

greatest care. One can create such a thing but at least one can safeguard it

against disturbance, I've always had a fancy, you see, that I should like to end

my days here so naturally I wouldn't want its atmosphere contaminated by any

unsympathetic influence.

But Mr. Bucktrout, if you want to live here...

very well, to die here,

why have you let it to me?

Because your influence can only be sympathetic, dear lady.

Too late, but what role was there ever

for Henry's wife

to have a studio?

Here is lady Edith and Monsieur Kay.

Oh Is milady not cold?

Should I fetch a cloak?

Now, don't fuss please Genoux. I've had enough of that to last a lifetime.

I ring the bell when serving, Yes milady? Yes.

You're looking so well, Mother.

This garden, it's wonderful!

I have plans for it you know. You wait and see

and you're looking well too, dear.

Are you settled? mmm? How is the little flat? Blissful.

Calla Croce and I - What?!

The singer? My canary.

We have a wonderful time pleasing no one but ourselves.

And you dear mmm? Do you and your... the collection flourish?

I look after myself alright mother, but speaking of collections -

Come and see where I plan new rose trees.

There's someone old friend of mine...

FitzGeorge. I think I have mentioned him before - anyhow he talks of being

brought to call on you. He says he met you in India.

Indeed it well it is quite possible. I don't recall the name but then there

were so many people. Yes well what should I do?

Do you think you could put him off?

I don't wish to appear rude but I seem to have lost my taste for strangers.

Oh yes, of course. I'll keep him away. Don't you worry, I'm quite clever at that sort of thing.

I'm not surprised you're happy here mother. Look at your peaches!

What could be more luxurious? Do you know what the greatest luxury is?

Something I've waited my whole life to indulge. Eating kippers in bed.

Looking back

on the girl I once was

drawing up my accounts without evasion.

Sounds a bit morbid mother. Not at all.

Do you know it's the first time since I married your father that I have had

nothing else to do?

Nor me. Isn't it marvelous?!

And I can lie back against death as it were Kay dear and examine life.

While the air is full of the sound of bees.

[bell rings]

Shall we go in? walking up from the station has given me quite an appetite I can tell you.

You haven't changed one bit.

No, Genoux. Please...

NO. It's much too warm.

Strange Monsieur, Milady. I told him you were out but he does not listen.

He's waiting in the sun room.

Will Milady change her shoes in case they are wet?

Milady must not take liberties at this age.

Now what is the name of this gentleman?

Mr. FitzGeorge.

Shall I serve tea? Yes please.

Mr. FitzGeorge

I'm so sorry that I was out when you called.

Won't you sit down? Thank you.

My son mentioned your name to me. We met I think he said in India years ago.

Over 60 years ago Lady Slane.

Indeed

Will you join me for tea?

Thank you Lady Slane. Kind of you to receive me so graciously, but then

you were always gracious. I remember.

Forgive me for asking but what brings you here?

I suppose you might think I had come to

write Lord Slane's life or some such nonsense.

No when last we met I was armed with letters of introduction to your husband.

They gained me an invitation to dinner at any rate.

And what were you doing in India Mr. FitzGeorge?

I was a nameless young man to whom an unknown father had left a

large fortune with a wish that I should travel around the world.

How interesting

I may tell you that I was delighted at the opportunity.

After India I went to China

and it was to that journey that I owe half the treasures of my collection.

What collection?

Have you not heard of my collection?!

I fear not. Capital!

It is one of the most valuable and celebrated collections in private hands

and I may say that I paid perhaps hundredth part of his present value for it.

But I never lost sight of beauty Lady Slane.

Rarity and antiquity were not enough for me.

I must have beauty or any rate craftsmanship.

As a result there is no piece in my collection which any Museum

any Museum in the world would not wish to possess.

I was a hard man to bargain with Lady Slane, extremely hard.

Nobody got the better of me not even in China!

You see, I hate parting with money.

Indeed I can only be induced

to do so if tempted first by beauty and second by the lure of a bargain.

I remember you laughed at me in Calcutta.

You seem to remember a great deal Mr. FitzGeorge.

Have you not yet noticed that one's useful memories sharpen with age?

Thank you for that "yet".

Will you have a tea cake? oh no no no

I shall only stay a few minutes. You've been very kind but then you always were.

Perhaps, I may call again.

The Monsieur has gone? Oh yes yes

What did he want of milady?

I don't know that I can answer that Genoux. Such clothes! and the Hat!

I never saw one like it.

And yet he's a millionaire from what he said.

A millionaire, dressed like a clodger.

He's alone yes? Has he been married Miladi?

He didn't say Genoux. We didn't speak of such things.

He does not have the air of one who has been married.

Of what did he and Miladi speak?

We spoke of art.

He did not eat anything and when I saw how he was dressed I went to get

more tea cakes. I thought he might need them.

We spoke of India.

His memory is a clearer than mine.

And yet there is something... eh bien milady

If Monsieur calls again am I to admit him? I don't suppose he will call again.

And if he does me does, Miladi?

Well... Yes, you may let him in.

Are you asleep great grandmother?

Yes!

Remembering.

That's something you do when you're old.

life becomes

a landscape that one has crossed

and I can see the whole view.

I can even pick out a particular field to wander round again.

I've come with some news...

but you must pretend to be surprised when grandfather tells you.

What news?

I'm engaged great-grandmother.

I'm very pleased for you my dear, if you are.

I don't know.

Everybody else is terribly pleased especially grandfather and my -

my fiancé George.

I know he's charming

and will make a wonderful husband

and be a Duke one day. But...

There is father and what he wants of me and mother with her expectations,

and Mr. Holland. Henry. I mean how does one resists their approval? It's nice to be praised.

It's nice to be told that Henry is wonderful and that I am the most

fortunate of girls. Its pleasant to believe these things. it's like a game.

I'm sorry great-grandmother. I didn't come to burden you. You must not think that.

Your happiness is all that matters. Happiness? We agreed the word is meaningless.

Well of course, but it is what everybody says. How can I not be happy if

I marry someone handsome and clever and kind and titled who says he understands me.

Is that what everyone said to you.

I don't think anyone understood me.

Not properly. Perhaps one or two.

I remember

a young man...

I forget his name of course it was so long -

it must have been at Fatihpur Sikhri..

He and I were alone together

for a minute

looking at a view

while Henry discussed the economy of the region with his officials.

Nothing was said

but that young man looked at me and

I knew he understood.

as I think I understand you.

Dear Deborah.

It's a good view isn't it?

Good afternoon, Mr. FitzGeorge.

Yes it is Would I spoil it if I sit down?

I shan't prattle on you know.

Please.

I don't - I was wondering -

[laughing]

I was merely splashing through memories and one can do too much of that at this age.

I don't know Lady Slane not if they're good ones.

What were you going to say?

I was going to say I don't think you took much pleasure in your Viceroyalty.

Even Viceroyalty has its uses Mr. FitzGeorge. Not for such as you.

It upset me to see you trapped among those mummers.

oh you did your part admirably

but all the time you were denying your true nature.

I don't think - You wore white

with diamonds in your hair

and you came round your circle of guests

and you asked me if I hope to get some big game shooting.

I suppose you thought it was the right thing to say to a rich young man.

You weren't to know that I abominated the idea of killing animals.

I said no I was just a traveler

and although you smiled attentively I don't think you listened. You were thinking

what you should say to your next guest.

It was the Viceroy who suggested I accompany you on your trip.

On our trip?

You know the easy amiable way he had of throwing out suggestions.

Well I took him at his word.

I came with you to Fatihpur Sikhri.

Oh I know what you're thinking Lady Slane and you were right. I am

or rather I was

a romantic.

And after you left us Mr. FitzGeorge?

I went up into Kashmir...

and gazed over lakes of pink Lotus

thought of a young woman in a white dress

so admirably trained

so dutiful

so wild at heart!

I used to flatter myself if for a moment

I had come to close to her

until I remembered how

after one glance

she turned away

to return to her husband.

Whether she did it because she was frightened or to rebuke me...

I could never decide.

Perhaps both.

If she was frightened

Mr. FitzGeorge it was of herself.

Not of you.

Shall we walk back?

You see I knew even then, that I had no charm for women

especially lovely women like yourself.

I didn't desire it. of course you didn't. No, but you know

although I had never been in love with a woman before or since

I fell in love with you then.

Otherwise I should never have come to Fatihpur Sikhri.

I am the complete egoist, Lady Slane and it was out of my way.

Only a work of art could tempt me.

After Kashmir I went to China

where there were so many works of art I soon forgot you.

But I still thought of you and Lord Slane

you seemed to me ill sorted

I don't mean that you didn't do your job admirably.

You did so admirably that it made me suspicious. What would you have done with your life

if you hadn't married that delightful charlatan.

Charlatan, Mr. Fitz George?

Perhaps I misjudged him.

He was more charming than any man I ever knew.

indeed he was far too good to be true. Did you not suffer from his charm?

I should have been a painter. Ah that is the key.

So you were potentially an artist

but being a woman of course that had to go by the board.

Now I know why

your face sometimes looked tragic when in repose I remember looking at you and

thinking there is a woman whose heart is broken.

You really must not speak as though my life has been a tragedy.

I had everything that most women would envy.

I had position, comfort, children and a husband I loved.

Truly loved Mr. FitzGeorge.

I had nothing to complain of.

Except that you were defrauded of the one thing that mattered. Face it Lady Slane

your children, your husband, your splendor

were nothing but obstacles

that kept you from yourself.

Perhaps you were too young to know any better

but when you chose that life you know you sinned against the light.

You're right of course.

of course I'm right old Fitz may be a comic figure

but he retains some sense of values.

Don't scold me anymore Mr. FitzGeorge.

I assure you that if I did wrong I paid for it.

But you must not blame my husband.

Oh I don't according to his lights he gave you everything you could desire.

He merely killed you. That's all. Men do kill women and most women enjoy being killed.

So I am told.

Are you angry with me?

no

I think it's something of a relief to have been found out.

of course you realize I found you out at FatIhpur Sikri.

This conversation is just

a sequel to the one we didn't have then.

A conversation

interrupted by half a century?

And now never to be resumed.

There are some things that need to be said

and this was one of them.

Well now, Lady Slane

we can be friends.