The Wings of the Dove. (1979 TV play)

deaddogsdam

First broadcast 8th April 1979.  An impoverished woman who has been forced to choose between a privileged life with her wealthy aunt and her journalist lover, befriends an American heiress.  Elizabeth Spriggs - Maud Lowder Betsy Blair - Susan Stringham John Castle - Merton Densher Suzanne Bertish - Kate Croy Lisa Eichhorn - Milly Theale Alan Rowe - Sir Luke Strett Rupert Frazer - Lord Mark Gino Melvazzi - Eugenio

Transcript

00:00:26Does she know we meet like this?

00:00:27What Aunt Maud knows, my dear, is quite prodigious.

00:00:31No doubt she thinks me some sort of scandal.

00:00:33Not at all. She likes you.

00:00:35Or at best, not good enough for you.

00:00:36Oh, not good enough, shall we say, for her, for Lancaster Gate.

00:00:40Ah, I see the force of her argument.

00:00:42Oh, she didn't, as it were, pluck me from the bosom of my awful family for nothing.

00:00:46Oh, so I'm nothing, am I?

00:00:47By the standards of Lancaster Gate, not mine.

00:00:50And are they really so awful, your family?

00:00:52Unspeakable. Aunt Maud is the only way by which a family such as mine can survive.

00:00:57The fact is a perpetual sound in my ears.

00:00:59It makes me ask myself sometimes if I have any right to personal happiness.

00:01:03In fact, any right to anything.

00:01:04But to be as rich and smart and shining as I can be.

00:01:08Let us hope, with luck, you might have happiness as well.

00:01:10Oh, darling, I adore you.

00:01:12Will you settle it by our being married straight away?

00:01:14Before I go abroad. Tomorrow, if you like.

00:01:16No, no, let's wait, shall we?

00:01:18At least till you've seen Aunt Maud.

00:01:19Do you call that adoring me?

00:01:20Yes, I do.

00:01:21For somebody of such high spirit, I must say you're extremely prudent.

00:01:25Ah, then, we're both hideously intelligent, you and I. But there's fun in it, too.

00:01:30Indeed there is.

00:01:31I think our relationship is beautiful. It's not in the least bit vulgar.

00:01:35Though how you must sometimes be tempted to chuck me.

00:01:37No, no, that would be vulgar.

00:01:40Though, of course, I do see the danger that I may one day be persuaded to do something base.

00:01:45And what could be more base than sacrificing me?

00:01:48Ah, don't cry out till you're hurt, my boy. I shall sacrifice nobody and nothing.

00:01:53I want and shall try for everything. You see.

00:01:56And once more, the key to your everything is Aunt Maud.

00:01:59Just see her. Talk to her. Take her into your confidence.

00:02:03And if she likes you, there's no knowing what she may do for us.

00:02:06After all, it was never I who sought her.

00:02:09She just came and bore me away in her wonderful gilded claws.

00:02:13You speak of her as though she were some superior kind of vulture.

00:02:16Rather, I think an eagle. A golden eagle.

00:02:20Goodness. What she must think of you.

00:02:22Oh, she does. Too much. Well, that's the trouble.

00:02:25Oh, dear. What in the world can I do to square her?

00:02:27Just see her. Talk to her. Charm her. You can.

00:02:32Grovel to her, you mean?

00:02:34Oh, call it what you like.

00:02:35I make no such overfine distinctions myself.

00:02:39Ah, Mr. Denshire.

00:02:44My niece Kate told me you wish to see me. Do sit down.

00:02:47Thank you, madam.

00:02:48She told me also that you're shortly going to America for your newspaper.

00:02:52I forget its name, but that's immaterial. Is that right?

00:02:55Quite right, madam. I leave at the end of the week.

00:02:57Mr. Denshire, let us pay each other the compliment of being quite honest.

00:03:01I can perfectly guess the object of your visit, can I not?

00:03:04Yes, madam. I'm quite sure you can.

00:03:06My niece is the finest creature in the world, Mr. Denshire.

00:03:09But I'm sure you flatter yourself by thinking you already know that.

00:03:12Indeed, I do.

00:03:13I don't say so just because she's my niece. That's nothing to me.

00:03:16I might have 50 nieces, but I wouldn't have brought one of them to this house unless she was to

00:03:20my taste.

00:03:22Kate, unluckily for you, Mr. Denshire is all I could desire.

00:03:25Of course.

00:03:26Yes, I've been saving her up.

00:03:28And letting her, as one might say, appreciate.

00:03:32And now that she's beginning to show such an admirable return for my investment,

00:03:36you must realize, of course, I want nothing less than the best for her.

00:03:40Indeed.

00:03:41And I quite see that your idea of the best is not exactly me.

00:03:45Oh, well, I...

00:03:46Oh, but I think you do yourself something of an injustice, Mr. Denshire.

00:03:50You strike me as being quite a personable young man in your way.

00:03:54Thank you, madam.

00:03:55But you see, I have particular reasons for wanting to see Kate rise high.

00:04:00Yes, I want to see her high up and in the sun where she should be.

00:04:05In fact, you'd like her to marry into the peerage, is that right?

00:04:09I see no reason why she should not, certainly.

00:04:12At that rate, I can quite understand how little I fit into your picture.

00:04:15Thank you for not being more rough with me.

00:04:17Why in the world should I be rough, Mr. Denshire?

00:04:21You're going to America, you say?

00:04:23To New York, but only for a short while.

00:04:24Then remind me to give you some letters of introduction.

00:04:27I have many good friends in New York.

00:04:29And when you return, perhaps you'd care to come and have dinner sometime.

00:04:32Goodbye.

00:04:39But if she consents to you eventually coming to the house, isn't that really everything?

00:04:43Oh, certainly.

00:04:44Yet I think she calculates that I should be less of a complication if I'm allowed to see you reasonably

00:04:48often.

00:04:49It's my lack of money which gives her such confidence.

00:04:51And I think she gives me credit for wanting to better my state a little before putting the pistol to

00:04:56your head.

00:04:56Which gives her time for her plans for you to mature.

00:04:59If she doesn't spoil them by treating me badly in the meantime.

00:05:02Besides, I'm sure she doesn't want to.

00:05:04She liked me, as I did her.

00:05:06But she'll like me even better if circumstances treat me badly.

00:05:09Though you may not like me as much.

00:05:10I hereby engage myself to you forever and ever.

00:05:14Kate, darling.

00:05:14And I call to God as my witness that I pledge you every spark of my faith, every drop of

00:05:18my life.

00:05:25Dearest Kate, you know I do the same for you.

00:05:28These words, these promises will be our secret till you come back.

00:05:33And in the meantime, if your Aunt Maud asks you, on your honour, where we are, as one might say.

00:05:38She won't, I think. Not while you're away. She'll be content to leave it.

00:05:41But there'll be our letters.

00:05:42Many, many, I hope.

00:05:43Well, then.

00:05:44Well, I shan't leave mine on the hall table. I shall post them myself.

00:05:47Then had I better send mine to your sister. I'd rather not.

00:05:49Oh, men are so foolish about these things.

00:05:52If I post my own letters to you, my love, it won't just be for the vulgar reason of hiding

00:05:57them.

00:05:58But because to post them will be a special pleasure.

00:06:00But send yours directly by all means. I shall be proud to receive them.

00:06:04Even though it means bringing the Inquisition on your head?

00:06:08I am not afraid. If she asks me straight, I know what I shall say.

00:06:13That I love you as I shall never in my life love anyone else.

00:06:16And that she can make what she likes of it.

00:06:19He wants us particularly to join him one weekend at Matcham.

00:06:23He leaves it to us to let him know when it would be convenient.

00:06:27Hmm?

00:06:27Lord Mark, my love, your neighbour last week at Lady Roberts, if you remember?

00:06:31Of course I remember, aunt. He's a very charming man.

00:06:34Yes, is he not? Charming and intelligent.

00:06:38Which reminds me, my dear, have you corresponded at all with that quite pleasant young man who called you once?

00:06:43I'm afraid I don't recall his name.

00:06:44Mr. Denshire?

00:06:47Why do you ask?

00:06:48Oh, merely that I promised to give him an address.

00:06:51An old schoolfellow of mine in New York. A quite delightful woman.

00:06:54I, er, think he comes home soon. I'm not really sure.

00:06:59Oh, well, in that case.

00:07:00But give me the name, aunt. And if I should happen to be writing.

00:07:20Who's that?

00:07:21It's only me, Susie.

00:07:23Oh, come in.

00:07:25I asked them, to save you the trouble of dressing, to send something up here, to your room.

00:07:29Oh, thank you. But you really need not have bothered. I'm quite alright.

00:07:33Well, I was a brute to suggest that we move on.

00:07:36We should have stayed the night in Como. Do I bully you dreadfully?

00:07:39Oh, yes, of course. Dreadfully.

00:07:41I sometimes feel I bullied you into coming to Europe in the first place because, well, to travel like this

00:07:45with you is such a wonderful opportunity for me.

00:07:48And isn't the opportunity as wonderful for me?

00:07:51Yes, but for you it's always there.

00:07:53Oh, do you think so?

00:07:55And why should it not be? You're young.

00:07:57You have no domestic complications, no material restraints, if one may be permitted to descend to the merely vulgar.

00:08:04Well, my dear, have you?

00:08:06No, I suppose not.

00:08:07Well then.

00:08:10Susan, what was it Dr. Finch told you, before we sailed, when you saw him alone?

00:08:15Nothing, on my honour, that couldn't as well have been said in front of you, my love.

00:08:19Why, are you feeling unwell?

00:08:21No.

00:08:22No particular trouble, no pain of any sort?

00:08:25No, none.

00:08:26Do you swear?

00:08:28Susan, I want to go to London, now, straight away, not go on to Venice as we planned.

00:08:34Well, my love, if that's what you'd like, that's what we'll do.

00:08:37But, Millie, why?

00:08:40Oh, I want above everything else to see London, you know that.

00:08:46Well, then I sometimes feel that I want to have seen everything, to have known everything, experienced everything.

00:08:52If only one had the time.

00:08:54And why should you not have the time, my love?

00:08:56So will you write?

00:08:58To Maud Louder? Well, I'll do so tonight.

00:09:00And you, my love, may write to that young man, if you will.

00:09:03What young man?

00:09:05You know perfectly well of whom I speak, Mr. Dencher.

00:09:08Oh, yes, of course, Mr. Dencher.

00:09:10Well, he particularly asked, if you remember, that you should look him up, as he called it, if you came

00:09:14to London.

00:09:15Oh, but how can I look him up if he's still in New York?

00:09:18And how does one know that he's still in New York?

00:09:21But, Millie, my love, are you sure it's wise to travel when you're so tired?

00:09:26Oh, but I'm not really tired, not in that sense.

00:09:30Well, it's only that...

00:09:32Oh, but would you mind?

00:09:34You don't think me merely tiresome and capricious?

00:09:37No.

00:09:38Oh, you're good.

00:09:39You're wonderful.

00:09:41Oh, I'm wonderful, all right.

00:09:43Well, then, I'll ask them to prepare our bill for the morning.

00:09:52My dear Susie, after all.

00:09:55This ghastly change.

00:09:56I can hardly believe it.

00:09:58Not at all.

00:09:59But let me introduce the companion of my travels, Miss Millie Thiel.

00:10:03How do you do, ma'am?

00:10:04It was most kind of you to take pity on us like this.

00:10:06Oh, it's so many years since I was last in London.

00:10:09Well, for Millie, it's a whole new experience.

00:10:10I'm a very wonderful one, I can assure you.

00:10:13Then we must see that you make the most of it, my dear.

00:10:15First, you shall meet my niece.

00:10:17Kate, my love.

00:10:19Excuse me.

00:10:19Yes, aunt.

00:10:22This is Miss Thiel from America.

00:10:25My niece, Kate Croy.

00:10:26How do you do?

00:10:27How do you do?

00:10:27And my dear friend Susie, uh, Mrs Stringham.

00:10:29How do you do?

00:10:30Now, I put her in your charge, my dear.

00:10:32See to it that she meets everyone she wishes.

00:10:34In short, do what you will with her.

00:10:36Certainly, aunt.

00:10:38Do you already know many people here?

00:10:40In London, nobody.

00:10:41Oh, well, almost nobody.

00:10:43What a striking girl.

00:10:44Is she not?

00:10:45She has a certain delicacy.

00:10:47Yes, indeed.

00:10:48At home, we reckon her a great beauty.

00:10:51In fact, quite a princess in a manner of speaking.

00:10:53Do you mean she has...

00:10:54Oh, everything.

00:10:55In a material sense.

00:10:56Everything that is except a family.

00:10:58And in addition, she has the sweetest, gentlest nature of any creature living.

00:11:02Your niece, too, is very handsome.

00:11:04Yes.

00:11:05Extremely handsome.

00:11:06Yes.

00:11:06I flatter myself my girl need yield to nobody on that score.

00:11:11But come, you must meet my friends.

00:11:13Now, you must let me take you around and introduce you to the more interesting people.

00:11:17Oh, better still, you stay here and let me bring them to you.

00:11:21Oh, Miss Croy, not for the moment, please.

00:11:23Well, why not?

00:11:24Well, don't you see it's enough of me just to be standing here as I am in London?

00:11:29To see so much, it's wonderful.

00:11:32Well, if you find this wonderful, then perhaps you'd let me show you more of London while

00:11:35you're here.

00:11:36Oh, but could you really spare the time?

00:11:38Your life must be so full.

00:11:40Ah, Lord Mark, I'd like you to meet Miss Millie Thiel from America.

00:11:44How do you do?

00:11:45How do you do?

00:11:45I believe I'm to be placed next to you at dinner.

00:11:48I'm flattered.

00:11:48I had no idea Mrs. Lowder thought so well of me.

00:11:51I shall leave her with you for the moment.

00:11:52Look after her well.

00:11:53Oh, assuredly.

00:11:56You do yourself an injustice, Lord Mark.

00:11:59I'm sure you're quite the best thing Mrs. Lowder has.

00:12:01Well, if ever I was, I'm so no longer.

00:12:04You're the best now.

00:12:05I?

00:12:06Well, in what way am I anything at all to do with Mrs. Lowder?

00:12:09Well, that's the trouble.

00:12:10We both feel, Mrs. Stringham and I, greatly in her death.

00:12:13She's shown such tremendous kindness, yet what have we to give her in return?

00:12:17Mrs. Stringham at least has you.

00:12:20To give to Mrs. Lowder?

00:12:22Oh, I'm rather a poor present.

00:12:24Besides, I don't feel yet as though I'd quite been given.

00:12:27Well, at least you've been shown.

00:12:29And with you, just to be seen is to be jumped at immediately, you see.

00:12:32And you need have no sense of obligation, I'm sure.

00:12:35You'll find that nobody here has anything for nothing.

00:12:38Mrs. Lowder will, as it were, get her money back, don't you worry?

00:12:42Well, we shall certainly do everything we can to repay her.

00:12:45That goes without saying, but I take her to be an idealist.

00:12:49Mrs. Lowder?

00:12:50An idealist?

00:12:51Well, if not Mrs. Lowder, then certainly Miss Croy.

00:12:54What is she to gain by her kindness and her welcome?

00:12:56To begin with, your acquaintance.

00:12:58Oh, but what's my acquaintance to her?

00:13:01She can care for me only by being sorry for me.

00:13:04Then I'm afraid she's left me far behind.

00:13:07I'm not sorry for you at all.

00:13:09No, I don't see you as an object of pity, Miss Thiel.

00:13:11Far from it.

00:13:12Ah, but perhaps Miss Croy has more perception than the rest of you.

00:13:16She understands.

00:13:18She's beautiful.

00:13:19Beautiful in face, do you mean, or of character?

00:13:23Well, her outward beauty is there for anyone to see.

00:13:26And as to her character, I only met her a moment ago.

00:13:30You must know her a great deal better than I.

00:13:32Ah, but you see, I've failed with her. That's the trouble.

00:13:35She doesn't care for me, though I can hardly hold that to her discredit.

00:13:39No, there's some quality in her that eludes me.

00:13:41I can't make her out, though I should dearly like to.

00:13:44But it seems to me that on the contrary, you here, all of you know each other too well,

00:13:49so far as you really know anything.

00:13:50So, with all the pains one takes to run about the world, one ends knowing nothing.

00:13:56Is that your opinion of us?

00:13:58You're familiar with everything, but you're conscious really of nothing.

00:14:02You're blasé.

00:14:03Well, what I mean is, you've no imagination.

00:14:07Well, now, shall I lead the way into the dining room?

00:14:11Miss Thiel.

00:14:22May we come in? We're not too early.

00:14:25Oh, no, indeed. Millie's all ready. Aren't you, my love?

00:14:28Miss Croy, this is very kind of you. I hardly dared to hope.

00:14:31But I promised last night. We already had an engagement, remember?

00:14:35Oh, but one makes engagements in the heat of the moment. One doesn't always keep them.

00:14:38Ah, but this is one I had every intention of keeping, though on one condition only.

00:14:42And what is that?

00:14:43That you call me by my first name.

00:14:46Oh, that's no condition at all.

00:14:47But I have one in return that I must positively insist upon.

00:14:51If we are to go about together, I must be responsible in the financial sense.

00:14:55Most certainly not.

00:14:56Well, I shall positively go on no other terms.

00:14:58Is that an ultimatum?

00:14:59It is, and a firm one.

00:15:01Very well, then. I suppose I must exceed, but on this occasion only.

00:15:05Goodbye. We'll try to be back soon after luncheon.

00:15:08Oh, don't hurry on my account. Maude and I will have plenty to talk about, I can assure you.

00:15:12Goodbye.

00:15:16There are so many things I'd like to ask you.

00:15:19First, my neighbour at the dinner table last night.

00:15:22Lord Mark.

00:15:23He struck me as being very easy, very charming, yet...

00:15:26You mean, is one to take such charm quite at its face value, so to speak?

00:15:30Exactly.

00:15:31Well, over here, for a stranger, it's so hard to tell.

00:15:34Well, all I can tell you is that Aunt Maude, for one, does.

00:15:37She, in fact, takes him extremely seriously.

00:15:40And is that so very rare?

00:15:41Where young men are concerned, very rare indeed.

00:15:44But then, of course, they are not also eligible.

00:15:46And is he?

00:15:46Lord Mark!

00:15:47Oh, quite prodigiously so.

00:15:50Today at luncheon, I took the liberty of speaking to Maude and Mr. Dejico.

00:15:54Oh?

00:15:55Yes?

00:15:56Well, it had begun to seem strange to me that though he was known to all four of us,

00:16:00his name hung fire among us.

00:16:02Well, it's as we assumed.

00:16:03He's not yet back from the States.

00:16:05She was greatly interested to learn of your having met him, too.

00:16:09I ventured to tell her it was not so often as to have made you as yet great friends.

00:16:12I hope I was right.

00:16:14You speak as though you think I might have something to conceal.

00:16:17I assure you I haven't.

00:16:18Well, you and Miss Croy have talked of him together, I imagine.

00:16:22Kate and I?

00:16:23Well, never a word.

00:16:23Why should we?

00:16:24Oh, then that may well be significant.

00:16:28Significant of what?

00:16:30Well, I tell you all when I tell you that Maude thinks it better for the present

00:16:34that you shouldn't speak of him to her.

00:16:35That is, of course, unless she speaks of him first.

00:16:38But Maude thinks that she will not.

00:16:41You mean because...

00:16:44Because there's something between them.

00:16:46Oh, no, no.

00:16:46Not on her side, so I gather.

00:16:48Or perhaps it would be more true to say that Maude hopes there isn't.

00:16:51But why?

00:16:53Is Mr. Dencher then so dreadful?

00:16:55Oh, not on himself.

00:16:56She likes him immensely.

00:16:57Maude, I mean.

00:16:58No, it's the state of his fortune or lack of it.

00:17:00It seems he has virtually no income at all.

00:17:03And she thinks he'll never do anything?

00:17:05That he has no talent?

00:17:07On the contrary, she thinks he has a great deal, but not alas for making money.

00:17:10Now, he'll never be a public man or a rich man.

00:17:13That is her contention.

00:17:14If he were public, she'd do what she could to help him.

00:17:17And if he were merely rich, she'd do her best to swallow him.

00:17:19But as it is, she taboos him altogether.

00:17:22I see.

00:17:24Well, from what you tell me, I do find it just a little strange that Kate's never mentioned him before.

00:17:29However, she has not.

00:17:31Or perhaps, my dear, she feared that back home he'd, shall we say, made up to you just a little.

00:17:37Did he, by the way?

00:17:38Mr. Dencher, of course not.

00:17:41Why do you make it sound so improbable?

00:17:43He'd be far from the first to fall under the spell of your weird and particular charm.

00:17:47Oh, my weird charm, as you call it, quite escaped him, I'm afraid.

00:17:52But that's not the point.

00:17:55The point is rather what Kate may be persuaded to believe.

00:17:58Oh, if Maud wishes him to appear in a bad light, you mean?

00:18:01Well, she may, because Maud would like Kate to marry Lord Mark.

00:18:05That, at least, Miss Croy must have made clear.

00:18:08Well, not in so many words, but, yes, in her own wonderful way she hinted at it, certainly.

00:18:14Oh, Maud has great hopes of Lord Mark.

00:18:16In fact, we're all to go down to his place at Matching this weekend.

00:18:20The invitation arrived this afternoon.

00:18:22We? Does that include you and me?

00:18:24It does, but more especially you, my love.

00:18:28So, you see, dear child, we begin to move in a labyrinth.

00:18:43Well, Miss Thiel, and what do you think of us?

00:18:46Of you, Mrs. Louder?

00:18:48Of this house, everything.

00:18:50I'm sure you've already formed a strong opinion.

00:18:53Well, if you must know, I was thinking how hard it's going to be to leave.

00:18:56Leave?

00:18:57But you mustn't think of it. You must stay on with us.

00:19:00You can, my dear child. You know you can.

00:19:03You must make your home here.

00:19:05You're very kind, Mrs. Louder.

00:19:07But above all, you must help me with Kate.

00:19:09Because nothing so good has happened to me for a long time as that you and she should become friends.

00:19:14And what makes it better is that it should come about through my dear delightful Susie,

00:19:18restored to me after all these years as though by a miracle.

00:19:22Because at my time of life, my dear, one seldom makes new friends.

00:19:26It's like changing one's bankers after the age of 50.

00:19:29One simply doesn't do it.

00:19:32Ah, Mrs. Louder, Kate sends me to find you and tell you they're in the big marquee.

00:19:36Ah, yes, thank you, Lord Mark. We'll join them. You coming, my dear?

00:19:39One moment. There's something I particularly wish to show, Miss Thiel.

00:19:42Oh, very well. Show me, Lord Mark.

00:19:44She'll be with you in a moment. Thank you.

00:19:49Now, Miss Thiel, come here a moment.

00:19:54There. What do you think of her?

00:19:57Oh, it's beautiful.

00:20:00Florentine, by Bronzino.

00:20:02My father brought it back from Italy.

00:20:04And you used to hang in the passage and one thought nothing of it.

00:20:08Until recently.

00:20:10But come now, don't you see the likeness?

00:20:13Likeness?

00:20:13To yourself?

00:20:15Why, everyone's been remarking on it.

00:20:21I shall never be better than this.

00:20:24Than she?

00:20:25You'd scarce needs be better, for surely that's well enough.

00:20:29No.

00:20:32I meant that everything this afternoon has been too beautiful.

00:20:37And that perhaps everything together will never be so right again.

00:20:43Yes.

00:20:45Yes.

00:20:45Yes, you know, I prize this particular lily now.

00:20:48In fact, it's become quite the centre.

00:20:50Miss Thiel.

00:20:51I'm sorry.

00:20:53It's just foolishness, really.

00:20:55No, please.

00:20:55Here.

00:20:56Let me.

00:21:00I'll...

00:21:00I'll fetch somebody.

00:21:11My dearest girl, what is it?

00:21:13What has happened?

00:21:13Oh, it's nothing.

00:21:15Truly.

00:21:16I'm nearly recovered.

00:21:17With the sun, perhaps, when we sat outside just now?

00:21:20Yes, perhaps.

00:21:20Yes.

00:21:21No, sit still for a moment.

00:21:23Don't move.

00:21:28Kate.

00:21:30I must ask you to do me a very great favour.

00:21:33Any service in the world, dear girl.

00:21:35But it's a secret.

00:21:36No one must know.

00:21:38I must be wicked and false about it.

00:21:40Well, then I'm your woman.

00:21:41Oh, do.

00:21:42Let's do something really bad.

00:21:44You know, you're impossibly without sin.

00:21:46It's the only thing I really have against you.

00:21:48I'm afraid I may not live up to your ideas.

00:21:50It's only to deceive Susie.

00:21:52Oh, is that all?

00:21:54That's scarcely worth doing, I should have thought.

00:21:56It's just this.

00:21:57I must make an appointment as soon as possible to see Sir Luke Stret in Harley Street.

00:22:02Harley Street?

00:22:03My dear, are you ill?

00:22:04Well, if you mean in the hands of a doctor, yes.

00:22:08At home, that is.

00:22:09And he allowed me to travel only under the condition that I should get in touch with Sir Luke if

00:22:14I felt the need.

00:22:15And you do.

00:22:17So, will you help me?

00:22:22And you've positively no relatives at all?

00:22:24Not a parent or a sister or even an aunt?

00:22:28Nobody would ever.

00:22:29I'm a sole survivor.

00:22:31But I've many good friends, both at home and now I hope here in this country.

00:22:36I don't doubt it.

00:22:37But I hope that from now on you'll number me amongst them.

00:22:40Oh, I feel I shall.

00:22:42I'm sure of it.

00:22:43I felt it somehow the moment I came here.

00:22:46Thank you, Sir Luke.

00:22:47I don't want you for the present to do anything at all.

00:22:50I'll often obey a few simple rules that I shall write down for you.

00:22:53Then, if I may, I should like to come and see you again in a day or two.

00:22:55Oh, good.

00:22:57Then you shall meet Susan Stringham, the companion of my travels and the best of my dear friends.

00:23:03I should like to speak to her very much.

00:23:06Are you, by the way, free to live as and where you choose?

00:23:10I mean, as far as one ever is.

00:23:11Oh, certainly.

00:23:12I may rattle around the world till I'm black and blue.

00:23:16So, if it's a question of sending me somewhere...

00:23:19Oh, I send you nowhere.

00:23:20Though I should advise you as soon as you reasonably can to get out of London.

00:23:23Oh.

00:23:25May I then go back to the continent?

00:23:27By all means.

00:23:29Somewhere warm.

00:23:30All I ask is go away.

00:23:32Enjoy yourself.

00:23:33Worry about nothing.

00:23:36But if I go away, how will I keep on seeing you?

00:23:40Oh, but perhaps you won't want me to.

00:23:43Indeed, I shall.

00:23:44I shan't let you go now.

00:23:49Thank you, Sir Luke.

00:23:53I'm sure you have a great spirit, my dear.

00:23:56But don't try to bear more than you need.

00:23:59Hard things have come to you early.

00:24:01But remember, you've the right at your age to be happy.

00:24:05And whenever I come back to England, may I visit you?

00:24:08Always.

00:24:09Immediately.

00:24:10Whenever you like.

00:24:12So then you think that I shall come?

00:24:14That, my dear, is largely up to you.

00:24:16Is it?

00:24:17Then I shall.

00:24:19Excellent.

00:24:20I'm sure this will prove to have been a very happy day for both of us.

00:24:24Thank you, Sir Luke.

00:24:28So, am I to take it then that you think I will live?

00:24:31My dear child, isn't that precisely what I'm trying to persuade you to take the trouble to do?

00:24:41Oh, thank goodness.

00:24:42Kate!

00:24:43Susie won't be back for some time.

00:24:45She's gone out for the day.

00:24:46Well, what did he say?

00:24:47Oh, he's lovely.

00:24:48And it's all right.

00:24:50Yes, but what's the matter with you?

00:24:52Oh, nothing that he won't look after.

00:24:53He says that I'm not to worry.

00:24:55And if I'm a good girl, he'll look after me forever and ever.

00:24:58Then there's nothing at all wrong with you.

00:24:59Well, I shall need a little watching, he says.

00:25:02But he'll do it.

00:25:03He'll watch me.

00:25:04Oh, I can't tell you how good I feel.

00:25:06It's as though I've been on my knees to the priest.

00:25:08I've confessed and been absolved.

00:25:10It has been lifted off.

00:25:11Oh, my darling.

00:25:13You are too sweet for words.

00:25:16But it's just as I thought.

00:25:18So you can do as you like.

00:25:19Quite.

00:25:20Isn't it delightful?

00:25:21Well, so long as I don't do it here in London.

00:25:23What?

00:25:24You mean you're to leave us?

00:25:24Go abroad?

00:25:25He would prefer it, yes.

00:25:27Oh, but not I hope to beastly rivieras, engadines, boredoms of that sort.

00:25:31He makes no special stipulation wherever I choose.

00:25:34He says I'm to go in holy for pleasure.

00:25:37Oh, does he indeed?

00:25:38What kind of pleasure?

00:25:39Oh, the very highest.

00:25:41And what, my precious girl, might that be?

00:25:43Oh, that, my dear, with your help, I hope to find out.

00:25:48Goodness gracious, Aunt Maud.

00:25:50You didn't, I hope. Tell her.

00:25:52Miss Thiel, I...

00:25:54Oh.

00:25:55This is an afternoon for pleasant surprises, it seems.

00:25:58Do come in, Mrs. Lauder.

00:26:00I thought, my dear, you two spent the afternoon shopping.

00:26:03Oh, but I did, Aunt.

00:26:05And then I called round to see Millie on my way home.

00:26:07Susie's not here, I'm afraid.

00:26:09She's gone out of town for the day.

00:26:10So I understand her to say.

00:26:13Kate, my dear, if, as you claim, you've been shopping all afternoon,

00:26:16I'm sure Miss Thiel will permit you the use of her room for a few moments to tidy.

00:26:20Oh, yes, of course.

00:26:21To tidy, Aunt?

00:26:23I was not aware of the need.

00:26:24Then a glance in Miss Thiel's mirror should make you so.

00:26:27Yes, Aunt.

00:26:29Let me show you, Kate.

00:26:30Miss Thiel, Kate knows the way, I'm sure.

00:26:35I took this opportunity, my dear, as I thought, to speak privately to you.

00:26:42To me, Mrs. Lauder.

00:26:43I will be brutally brief.

00:26:45I know that in America you several times met my niece's friend, Mr. Denshire.

00:26:51On one or two occasions with Mrs. Stringham, yes.

00:26:54Has she referred him in any way?

00:26:58No.

00:26:58And I haven't spoken of him to her either.

00:27:02Ah, that is what I wanted to know.

00:27:04Could you perhaps do so now, in any way you think fit, quite casually, so that one might

00:27:10discover whether he's back in England or not?

00:27:12But surely, if I haven't mentioned him till now, she may wonder why I've been making a mystery

00:27:17of him.

00:27:18But hasn't she, in her own way, been doing just that, by not mentioning him to you?

00:27:22Perhaps.

00:27:23But can't you ask her yourself, Mrs. Lauder?

00:27:25Oh, but we never speak of him.

00:27:27Oh, he's an acquaintance you don't approve of, then?

00:27:30Rather say I disapprove of her for the poor young man.

00:27:33She doesn't care for him.

00:27:35You mean he does for her?

00:27:37Oh, too much.

00:27:38I fear he besets her, and I don't want her worried.

00:27:41And nor do I want him, for that matter.

00:27:43So you do like him, then?

00:27:45Oh, but of course.

00:27:46Why, don't you?

00:27:47I met him, I think, only three times in New York.

00:27:51What will you have been writing to her, do you think?

00:27:53My dear, that is exactly what I want to know.

00:27:57Push in a little for yourself, and I dare say she'll tell you.

00:27:59I ask it for the poor young man's sake as much as for my own.

00:28:03And now I must leave you.

00:28:06Kate may take a cab if she doesn't wish to walk, tell her.

00:28:12Goodbye.

00:28:13Goodbye, Mrs. Lauder.

00:28:20Well?

00:28:22What has she been saying about me?

00:28:24What makes you think she's said anything?

00:28:26Oh, because I know Aunt Maud.

00:28:29And because when I left this room your eyes were shining.

00:28:32And now they are not.

00:28:35Is there anything, then, that she would say?

00:28:38Only that I'm all very fine in my way.

00:28:40But that I'm not, alas, the sweet, straightforward creature that you are, my love.

00:28:45In fact, you may very well come to loathe me one day.

00:28:49Why do you say such things to me?

00:28:51Because you are a dove.

00:28:53And compared with you, I'm...

00:28:58Well, I'm a brute.

00:29:00We must talk together, you and I.

00:29:03Oh, my dearest girl.

00:29:05When, for goodness sake, do we do anything else?

00:29:07Oh, not now.

00:29:08When Susan Stringer may burst in upon us at any moment, but somewhere undisturbed.

00:29:13Where should we go?

00:29:14Tomorrow morning, Kensington Gardens.

00:29:16I'm afraid tomorrow morning for me is not possible.

00:29:19The afternoon, perhaps?

00:29:21Oh, dear.

00:29:22I did so want to be out when Sir Luke comes to see Susie.

00:29:25Oh, but never mind.

00:29:26I can find some other excuse for my absence, I'm quite sure.

00:29:43Miss Thiel, what a wonderful bit of luck.

00:29:46I say, don't go, Miss Thiel.

00:29:48Don't you remember?

00:29:49Densher.

00:29:49Merton Densher.

00:29:50We met in New York.

00:29:52Of course I remember.

00:29:53Kate, here's Miss Thiel.

00:29:55I told you what tremendous talks we had together in the States.

00:29:58But, of course, you two know each other.

00:29:59I was forgetting.

00:30:00We do indeed.

00:30:01In fact, we're the greatest of friends, aren't we, Millie, my love?

00:30:05This really is an extraordinary business.

00:30:07I arrived back only last night, Miss Thiel.

00:30:09So, Miss Croy and I, well, we arranged this little meeting.

00:30:13Before his paper claims him.

00:30:15When he'll be lost to us all, you'll find.

00:30:16I'm sorry.

00:30:17I had absolutely no idea.

00:30:19My dear Miss Thiel, what in the world is there to be sorry about?

00:30:22What better could happen to a chap on his first day home?

00:30:24Come on, join us.

00:30:25Oh, no, if you don't mind.

00:30:26Why not?

00:30:27Say something, Kate.

00:30:29Persuade her.

00:30:29Ah, but I'm afraid I have no influence over her at all.

00:30:32Quite the reverse, in fact.

00:30:34I really must go.

00:30:35I have an appointment and I'm late already.

00:30:37Well, if you must.

00:30:37But we'll meet again, I trust.

00:30:39Oh, yes, of course.

00:30:41I hope so.

00:30:42Kate knows where to find you, I'm sure.

00:30:44We must have a reunion sometime to celebrate the fact of us all being such great friends.

00:30:47Oh, yes, indeed.

00:30:48Now, if you both don't think me rude.

00:30:50Well, goodbye then.

00:30:51For the time being.

00:30:52Goodbye.

00:30:59She likes you.

00:31:00She likes you very much.

00:31:02Why do you say that?

00:31:03Oh, one can always tell.

00:31:04At least another woman can.

00:31:06She won't tell, I think, but she's seen us.

00:31:10Does Mrs. Louder know I'm back?

00:31:12Oh, if she does, it's not from me.

00:31:13But I shall speak to her straight away to be on the safe side.

00:31:16Oh, my cleverness, I assure you, has grown quite infernal.

00:31:24Kate, take me now as I am.

00:31:26Dear man, don't spoil it.

00:31:29Wait for me.

00:31:29Give me time.

00:31:30Believe in me.

00:31:31And it will all be beautiful in the end, I assure you.

00:31:35Do you love me?

00:31:36Love me.

00:31:37Love me.

00:31:38Love me.

00:31:38I love you.

00:31:39Love you.

00:31:41Love you.

00:31:47Oh, I'm sorry, but Sir Luca just left.

00:31:50I dare not let her see me cry.

00:31:51In fact, after this, I must never cry again.

00:31:54It would be a confession of despair.

00:31:56Oh, I would cry myself, I dare say, if I hadn't so many visits to make.

00:31:59It's my afternoon for visiting, so do forgive me.

00:32:02Well, he says that the great thing, the only thing now, is that she should be happy.

00:32:06Of course, but what particular kind of happiness is he talking about?

00:32:09Oh, I know.

00:32:10Have you never, my dear, been in love?

00:32:12My good woman frequently, but not on doctor's orders.

00:32:14Well, of course, we don't ask his leave to do so, but, well, it's something to know that he thinks

00:32:18it's so good for us.

00:32:19One hardly needs a doctor to tell one that, I think.

00:32:22Has he anyone in particular to prescribe, as it were?

00:32:25Oh, no, but I think you know who we both have in mind, who has, in a sense, brought us

00:32:29all together in this magnificent way.

00:32:32Magnificent it may be, but poor Millie won't be if she marries Merton Densher, if that's whom you have in

00:32:35mind.

00:32:35Oh, why not?

00:32:36It's always magnificent to marry the man one loves.

00:32:40Oh, but we're going too fast.

00:32:42How, in the first place, is he to be made to care for her?

00:32:45Well, simply by being put in the way of it.

00:32:47Oh, then, for God's sake, put him in the way. One feels that you have him, like everyone else, in

00:32:52your hands.

00:32:53Ah, but I haven't Kate.

00:32:55You mean she still cares for him?

00:32:56She thinks she cares. In any case, you must deny positively to your girl that she even thinks she does.

00:33:01Well, I lie so badly.

00:33:03I, thank God, lie well, so leave it to me.

00:33:06By helping your girl, I shall be indirectly helping my own.

00:33:10Even as Mrs. Merton Densher, my girl would never be a nobody.

00:33:14Quite.

00:33:14But much as I like the young man, my girl, I think, can do better.

00:33:26Oh, Mr. Densher, how very pleasant to see you again.

00:33:30Kate's not down yet, but no matter.

00:33:32I want you particularly to meet two American friends of ours and to be here tonight.

00:33:37But I was forgetting you know them already, of course.

00:33:39Mrs. Stringham, yes.

00:33:40But, Miss Thiel, I only had the pleasure of meeting two or three times.

00:33:43Really?

00:33:44I somehow gained the impression from her it was rather more frequently than that.

00:33:48However, your meetings, whatever their number, seem to impress themselves upon her mind.

00:33:53Ah, dear Susie.

00:33:54What's this?

00:33:55A lesson.

00:33:56Oh, my dear, she sends her deepest apologies.

00:33:58She's most upset.

00:33:59Oh, but not ill, I trust.

00:34:01Oh, not in the sense that I think you mean it, I'm happy to say, but overdone.

00:34:04Quite dreadfully overdone.

00:34:05I had to put her to bed immediately, poor child.

00:34:08She's desperately disappointed.

00:34:09Oh, here's Kate.

00:34:11Do you wonder that I see only the best in her, my dear?

00:34:15Mrs. Stringham, where is she?

00:34:17Quite worn out, poor child, by so much sightseeing, apparently.

00:34:20She asked me particularly to send you her apologies.

00:34:23She said you'd understand.

00:34:24Oh, but of course, the poor dear thing.

00:34:26Tell her I shall come and see her tomorrow.

00:34:27Oh, I will indeed.

00:34:28Now, my dear, do take poor Mr. Densher.

00:34:29Introduce him to as many people as possible to make up for his disappointment.

00:34:33Come, Susie, dear.

00:34:34I want you particularly to be super in her mind.

00:34:37You see?

00:34:38What did I tell you?

00:34:39She loves you.

00:34:40Why should you suppose?

00:34:41Don't you see?

00:34:42That's her reason for flunking it, poor thing.

00:34:44But wasn't I quite decent to her when we met?

00:34:46You saw for yourself.

00:34:47Oh, absolutely charming, you fiend.

00:34:49That's what I mean.

00:34:51Oh, you have all the right instincts.

00:34:52Look, we really shouldn't be talking like this.

00:34:54Nonsense.

00:34:55To seem not to know each other now would be really overdoing it.

00:34:58But I think all the same, she may really be ill.

00:35:00You mean very ill.

00:35:03I must say at first sight she gives one night impression.

00:35:05But if that's so, why don't they go home?

00:35:07Oh, they would.

00:35:08But they postponed it now because of you.

00:35:10Because of me?

00:35:11She couldn't see the future, poor soul.

00:35:14It remained for her a dark, confused thing.

00:35:16But now, quite suddenly, the world's before her.

00:35:19She has so much to lose because her success here has been astounding.

00:35:23And she's taken it all like a perfect angel.

00:35:25If one can imagine an angel with such a thumping bank balance.

00:35:28Is her fortune so very large?

00:35:30Absolutely enormous, so Aunt Ward says.

00:35:33And she, as you know, is never wrong in such matters.

00:35:35What good in the world, then, can knowing me do her?

00:35:37Every possible good.

00:35:39To begin with, you can console her.

00:35:41Indeed, for what?

00:35:43For all that she must give up, poor soul, if she is ill.

00:35:46Don't you see?

00:35:48I want to make life as agreeable as possible for her.

00:35:51To do that, I use what means I can.

00:35:53You are what I have that is most precious.

00:35:55Therefore, it is to you I turn.

00:35:56Am I to understand, then, that what you want of me is to make up to a sick girl?

00:36:00She never, in a way, strikes one as sick.

00:36:03That's the beauty of her.

00:36:04She won't show it any more than your watch would,

00:36:06the moment before it ceases ticking for want of being wound up.

00:36:09She won't, as it were, smell of drugs.

00:36:11She won't taste of medicine.

00:36:12No one will know.

00:36:14She's wonderful.

00:36:15What extraordinary state of health do you think she's in, for goodness sake?

00:36:18I believe that if she's ill at all, she's very ill.

00:36:21I can't tell you why, but that's the way I see her.

00:36:23She'll have it all, or miss it all.

00:36:26And you, my love, will miss nothing, in case.

00:36:31Ah, Lord Mark.

00:36:32I don't know whether you've met Mr. Merton-Denshire, who's just back from America.

00:36:35Oh, indeed.

00:36:36How do you do?

00:36:37How do you try?

00:36:37My aunt is in the other room, I think.

00:36:40And Miss Thiel?

00:36:40Ah, Millie was compelled to disappoint us, I'm afraid.

00:36:43I've just been consoling Mr. Denshire here.

00:36:45Well, she's not ill, I trust.

00:36:46Oh, no, no, no.

00:36:47I think not.

00:36:48We must all take the greatest care over her, I feel.

00:36:52This way?

00:36:53Please, if you would.

00:36:56So it's he who's your aunt's man.

00:36:58It is?

00:36:59How does she reconcile his interest in Miss Thiel?

00:37:02With his interest in me?

00:37:02Exactly.

00:37:03Ah, well, you see.

00:37:04She likes him.

00:37:06Uh, welcomes him.

00:37:07But the beauty of it is, she doesn't really trust him.

00:37:10Takes him to her heart, yet thinks he cheats.

00:37:12That's the way people are.

00:37:14What they think of their enemies, goodness knows, is bad enough.

00:37:16But one's still more appalled by what they think of their friends.

00:37:19And Miss Thiel, what is her position in all this?

00:37:21Millie, I've already told you, is in love with you.

00:37:24Go round tomorrow and you'll see for yourself.

00:37:26And what sort of basis does that make for my seeing her?

00:37:29Oh, I don't mind.

00:37:31Don't mind my leading her on?

00:37:32Don't mind her leading you.

00:37:33Well, she won't.

00:37:34So you've nothing to mind.

00:37:35She doesn't, of course, know that I care for you.

00:37:37Oh, have you denied it?

00:37:39My dear man, we've never even spoken of her.

00:37:41Never?

00:37:41Yet you're her closest friend.

00:37:43Bitter as that may be to your pride, my love.

00:37:45Never.

00:37:46So you see, you're quite free.

00:37:48Go to her tomorrow on that basis.

00:37:50Kate, you're prodigious.

00:37:52Of course I'm prodigious.

00:37:53Haven't I always told you so?

00:37:55Compared to you, all other women are stupid.

00:37:57So many books one's read before, but you're a whole library of the unknowns, the uncut.

00:38:02Don't fail me now.

00:38:04That would kill me.

00:38:05I won't fail you.

00:38:06You see, one day I shall oblige you to keep that promise.

00:38:10I hope you will, Mrs. Lyder.

00:38:11I shall be most happy.

00:38:12You must go.

00:38:13Ah, Lord Mark, come and talk to me.

00:38:15I've seen nothing of you the whole evening.

00:38:17My dear Miss Croy, nothing would give me greater pleasure.

00:38:20Forgive me, Mr. Denshire.

00:38:32One moment, Mr. Denshire.

00:38:34Mrs. Lyder.

00:38:34Mrs. Stringham was just speaking to me about poor Miss Thiel.

00:38:37Such a shame she couldn't be with us.

00:38:39It's a great disappointment.

00:38:40I was hoping so much to renew our brief acquaintance.

00:38:43Then why not do so, Mr. Denshire.

00:38:44You know where they're staying.

00:38:46Of course, if not, I can give you their address.

00:38:48I think I can say on Miss Thiel's behalf, you'd be most welcome.

00:38:51Curious you should press me in this way, Mrs. Lyder.

00:38:54Kate has just been doing exactly the same thing.

00:38:56You're all most concerned for my good manners.

00:38:59I mention it as a matter of some urgency, Mr. Denshire, because between you and me, Mrs. Stringham and Miss

00:39:03Thiel will not long be with us.

00:39:05I fear they go aboard.

00:39:06Well, then if they'll leave...

00:39:07But she won't go until she's seen you, I'm sure.

00:39:10Really?

00:39:10And when she does go, we, of course, will go too.

00:39:12Then I fear as...

00:39:13And you, if you will, may come and join us.

00:39:16I'll write, of course, and give you a formal invitation.

00:39:19Thank you again.

00:39:20It's a most kind suggestion, but there are all sorts of things to consider.

00:39:24My work and so on.

00:39:25Oh, yes, of course.

00:39:26But against it, there's the question of not losing the great occasion of your life.

00:39:31And what might that be, Mrs. Lyder?

00:39:33I think you know, Mr. Denshire.

00:39:36I can smooth your path for you, and I will.

00:39:39Oh, she's clever, she's charming, and she's good, and her fortune is vile.

00:39:44I consider I'm treating you very handsomely.

00:39:47Oh, you are.

00:39:47And I'm obliged to eat for such an offer.

00:39:50What doesn't belong to me, but there's no reason why it shouldn't to you.

00:39:54And I think, perhaps, in any case, you owe me something, do you not?

00:39:57Well, certainly I do, for inviting me here tonight, to begin with.

00:40:00Oh, but I've gone much further for you than that, I can assure you.

00:40:03Oh?

00:40:04I've told a proper lie for you, Mr. Denshire.

00:40:06Once again, I must thank you, but really...

00:40:08Don't you understand?

00:40:10Miss Thiel would never trespass on property which, by any stretch of imagination, could be called kiss.

00:40:15Yes.

00:40:16Well then, I depend upon you to make me right, as it were.

00:40:21And now I must go.

00:40:23Good night, Mr. Denshire, in case you're leaving early.

00:40:31But how kind and charming of you to come. Do sit down.

00:40:34Thank you, sir.

00:40:40So now, what's to become of you?

00:40:42Do you both plan to rush about paying visits? Is that it?

00:40:45Oh, no, indeed.

00:40:47We're to go abroad, as soon as arrangements are completed.

00:40:50Oh, really? Not for long, I hope.

00:40:51Well, we have no definite plans.

00:40:54And you?

00:40:55How do you propose to spend your summer, Mr. Denshire?

00:40:58Oh, I shall have to spend it in sordid toil, I'm afraid, drenched in mercenary ink.

00:41:02My time in your country must count as my holiday.

00:41:05But you'll come back to us, I hope. You must.

00:41:07Who do you mean by us, Mr. Denshire?

00:41:09All of us here, all of us who want to surround you with our friendship and sympathy.

00:41:13Why do you say sympathy?

00:41:15Oh, but it's a pale, stupid word, not what I mean at all.

00:41:19But the people that I'd most come back for are Mrs. Louder and dear Kate.

00:41:23I'd do anything for Kate.

00:41:26Mr. Denshire.

00:41:28Yes, of course.

00:41:29I can see what very great friends you've become.

00:41:31I like to think so.

00:41:33In fact, I'm entirely in her hands, and glad to be.

00:41:36She can be somewhat masterful.

00:41:38Yes.

00:41:39Oh, yet I wouldn't say that she bullies me, or me in the most delightful way.

00:41:44Oh, but you must know her so much better than I.

00:41:46Yes.

00:41:47Yet I sometimes wonder if any of us really do.

00:41:50Oh, I too sometimes have that feeling.

00:41:53Come in.

00:41:55Your courage, madam.

00:41:59I must leave you.

00:42:00Oh, no, please.

00:42:01But surely...

00:42:01I have an appointment.

00:42:03That's all the other side of the park.

00:42:06Would it be too much trouble to ask you to come with me?

00:42:09At least part of the way.

00:42:10My dear Monsieur, what a charming idea.

00:42:12Oh, good.

00:42:13I dress very quickly.

00:42:15There are books and things.

00:42:27Oh.

00:42:32She's in the bedroom, preparing to go out.

00:42:34And you're going with her?

00:42:35With your approval, yes.

00:42:36Oh, my approval is complete.

00:42:38So, it won't have been from illness that she stayed away last night.

00:42:41I like her.

00:42:42In fact, I like her very much.

00:42:44Of course.

00:42:44We love her.

00:42:45All of us.

00:42:45That's why what I'm doing is not easy.

00:42:47Oh, and what exactly are you doing?

00:42:49I think you know.

00:42:50But it's for you.

00:42:51I'm doing it.

00:42:52I'd do anything for you.

00:42:52Good.

00:42:53Excellent.

00:42:54That's the way I like you.

00:42:55In fact, it's only for that that I'm letting you do, well, God knows what with me.

00:42:59Oh, well, you can always back out now if you're so squeamish before she comes out.

00:43:02You mean just run off?

00:43:03Do a bunk?

00:43:04I'll stay here and make it straight with her as best I can.

00:43:06She'll be upset, of course, but she won't die of it.

00:43:09No.

00:43:10You mean you'll go on?

00:43:13I'll go on if you swear again that you love me.

00:43:15What?

00:43:16Here?

00:43:16Are you mad?

00:43:19I'll go then and leave you.

00:43:24All right, then.

00:43:25Go.

00:43:43I do hope I haven't kept you too long.

00:43:46Not at all.

00:43:46You've been extremely quick.

00:43:48The call that I have to make is in Harley Street, if that would be in your direction.

00:43:52That would suit me very well.

00:44:00Yes, we leave on Friday for Venice, so you see what good you've already done me.

00:44:05And that clever lady I met when I came to visit you, she goes too?

00:44:09Susan Stringham?

00:44:10Oh, dear, yes.

00:44:11She'll be with me, I hope, to the end.

00:44:12Oh?

00:44:13To the end of what?

00:44:14Oh, well, of everything.

00:44:17Then you're in luck, Miss Thiel.

00:44:18She'll be with you a long, long time yet.

00:44:21But just you and she?

00:44:23No.

00:44:24We shall have two companions, two ladies, just four dreary women.

00:44:28You, I should say, are quite the least dreary woman I can think of.

00:44:31Oh, thank you.

00:44:33But I hope that as we travel about, we shall not be entirely unnoticed by the gentlemen.

00:44:41Because when you talk to me of life as you once did, I remember, I take it that you mean,

00:44:46well, mostly gentlemen.

00:44:48Yes, of course.

00:44:49I mean also the whole beautiful show of life in all its aspects.

00:44:54But gentlemen?

00:44:55Yes, by all means.

00:44:57And may I be permitted to be one of their number?

00:45:00You, Sir Luke?

00:45:01I shall be in Italy myself by the end of the month.

00:45:04I should like to include Venice in my tour, if I may.

00:45:07Oh, would you?

00:45:09Would you really?

00:45:11Well, I just feel that if you could see me sometimes, be near at hand, then I'd have nothing to

00:45:17fear.

00:45:17You've nothing to fear, my child.

00:45:20You're all right.

00:45:21Oh, then keep me, sir.

00:45:23I will.

00:45:24Keep me.

00:45:26Keep me.

00:45:28I promise.

00:45:50It's all right, Eugenio.

00:45:52I wasn't asleep.

00:45:53Excuse me, signorina.

00:45:54There is a gentleman, an English gentleman.

00:45:56He asks if he may speak to you.

00:45:58Oh, Mr. Dencher.

00:46:00Send him in.

00:46:01It is not, Mr. Dencher.

00:46:02Signorina.

00:46:05Oh, goodness.

00:46:07You do not wish to see him, signorina?

00:46:09Oh, it's not that, Eugenio.

00:46:12It's just that I've come to value my afternoon siesta so highly.

00:46:17Oh, but never mind.

00:46:19Send him in, please, Eugenio.

00:46:21Signorina.

00:46:38Lord Mark.

00:46:39I was shivering on my own in Carlsbad, and suddenly I could stand it no longer.

00:46:44Forgive me.

00:46:45Of course.

00:46:46This is delightful.

00:46:47And better still, I find you alone.

00:46:50Well, what a temple to taste you have here, Miss Neil.

00:46:54And yet, at the same time, such a jolly home.

00:46:57The others have gone over to Santa Maria.

00:46:59I'm afraid you could find them, I'm sure.

00:47:01Oh, no, thank you.

00:47:02Unless, of course, you'd come with me.

00:47:04Oh, but you see, I don't go about.

00:47:07That's why you so happily found me here.

00:47:09But you should, with that tremendous staircase down into the courtyard.

00:47:14And there ought always to be people at the top and bottom in Veronese costumes to see you do it.

00:47:20Yes.

00:47:21It's all extremely beautiful.

00:47:23I adore the place already.

00:47:25In fact, I think I should like to die here.

00:47:28No, it's not suitable for that.

00:47:29Besides, you mustn't treat us all so badly.

00:47:32Well, you know, don't you, that we're all just a little bit in love with you.

00:47:35And you weren't born to make us miserable.

00:47:38You were born to make us all happy.

00:47:42You've always been so kind, Lord Mark.

00:47:45Do you remember something I said to you that day at Matcham?

00:47:48Or if I didn't, then I fully meant to.

00:47:51Oh, I remember everything at Matcham.

00:47:54Seems another life, a hundred years ago.

00:47:58Oh, but it's too monstrous that one can't ask you as a friend what one so much wants to know.

00:48:06You mean, I suppose, am I really ill?

00:48:11Since you ask me, yes, I am.

00:48:15And you do nothing about it?

00:48:17I do everything.

00:48:19What am I doing now?

00:48:21One can't do more than live.

00:48:23So you see, I shan't, after all, have missed so very much.

00:48:26But why should you miss anything?

00:48:28You're the one person in the world, surely, for whom it shouldn't be necessary.

00:48:32You see, I know what you want.

00:48:34Oh.

00:48:35And what is that?

00:48:36You want to be adored.

00:48:38Do I?

00:48:39And I have come all this way here to do it.

00:48:43And your idea, I suppose, is that in the end I should be forced to adore you in return.

00:48:48Is that right?

00:48:48Oh, not forced, I hope.

00:48:51Is it so inconceivable that you should do so of your own accord?

00:48:55Lord Mark, I...

00:48:59Once again, I'm enormously grateful to you for your extreme kindness to me.

00:49:03But you need have no fear of my taking you seriously.

00:49:07Ah, but I am serious, Miss Thiel.

00:49:09You may not know it, but I have never been more so in my life.

00:49:13Then if I may say so, you shouldn't be.

00:49:16But I know that in reality you didn't come to Venice to see me,

00:49:19and you mustn't out of kindness pretend that you did.

00:49:22Oh, and whom then did I come to see?

00:49:25A much older friend than I, and the best one you have in the world,

00:49:28or so I can believe her to be.

00:49:30Could you be referring to Kate Croy?

00:49:32I could indeed, and am.

00:49:35So, you intend me to marry her, is that right?

00:49:38What I intend doesn't matter. Mrs. Louder intends it, and that does.

00:49:41Aha.

00:49:42You know it, and moreover, she knows you know it.

00:49:46Ah, but by the same token, I also know that she happens to be very much in love with a

00:49:51particular person.

00:49:52I beg your pardon, but that's not true.

00:49:55Oh, and what makes you say that?

00:49:57I have it on the very best authority.

00:49:59You mean Mrs. Louder's?

00:50:01Hers, yes, but even better than that, I...

00:50:05Well, we're very intimate, Kate and I. We tell each other things.

00:50:08She hasn't said it in so many brutal words, but...

00:50:11You're sure?

00:50:13As sure as one ever can be in such matters.

00:50:17She's deep, Miss Croy.

00:50:24Kate!

00:50:25I mustn't stay. They'll be looking for me. Are you absolutely certain it was he?

00:50:28Well, of course. I couldn't possibly be mistaken.

00:50:32But why should he come all this way and then leave after an hour without seeing anyone?

00:50:36Well, he did.

00:50:37He came to make her his offer of marriage, and when she declined it, his business was done. He went

00:50:41home.

00:50:42You think he proposed marriage to Millie?

00:50:43Oh, why not?

00:50:44And what kind of blundering, asinine weathercock is he, for heaven's sake?

00:50:47Oh, you are in love with her, you know.

00:50:50But anyway, why shouldn't he?

00:50:51Under the very nose of the woman he's supposed to be in love with.

00:50:53Ah, but he's already had his try at me, so that makes it all right.

00:50:56Oh, does it indeed?

00:50:57I'm glad, my love, you can still be jealous.

00:51:00Kate, don't you understand that for me this whole situation is becoming quite intolerable?

00:51:04I scarcely see why. If Aunt Maud is content, then why shouldn't we be?

00:51:07It's not Mrs. Lowder who's on my mind.

00:51:12Oh. Millie, you mean.

00:51:14You know, I wish you'd speak of her more, my love, to Aunt Maud.

00:51:18Say something handsome and sincere, because you know you do like her.

00:51:21You like her very much.

00:51:24Kate, don't ask more of me, don't.

00:51:26I give you so much, you give me nothing!

00:51:29Is this nothing?

00:51:30I'm risking everything at this moment by coming here at all!

00:51:34I can go on a little longer, possibly, with your help.

00:51:38Without it, I can't.

00:51:40Oh?

00:51:42And what help, exactly, do you want?

00:51:46But I must go to St. Mark's Square in 20 minutes, they say.

00:51:48Kate, why don't we have done with this whole wretched business and just face them all as we really are?

00:51:54Do you want to kill her?

00:51:55Kill her?

00:51:56You know perfectly well what I mean. We can't. We're in too deep. We've told too many lies.

00:51:59Have we? I've told no lies.

00:52:01Oh, well, thank you very much!

00:52:02And rather than have to, I'd go tomorrow.

00:52:03All right then, go!

00:52:06Oh, Kate. Kate, you know I'd tell any lie for you. If only you'd come to me.

00:52:14Come to you?

00:52:15Here. Tonight.

00:52:16Oh, but I can't. You know I can't.

00:52:18Tonight, after dinner, with Sir Luke arriving at the Platzo and everyone coming and killing me, nobody would notice.

00:52:24With two grains of courage, we'd manage it somehow. People in our situation always can.

00:52:28Oh, it's not for the reason you think that I hold back.

00:52:32Tonight. You will. You'll come tonight. Kate, answer me.

00:52:37Oh, let me go. Please.

00:52:41Kate.

00:52:50Oh, Mr. Dencher, I'm so glad you're early.

00:52:53I came a little before time, especially...

00:52:55To see her? Well, then you must wait a bit. She's coming down later.

00:52:59Oh, she's not, uh...

00:52:59Oh, no. No, indeed. No, in fact, she's much better. No, she's saving herself for Sir Luke. It's to be

00:53:05quite an occasion.

00:53:06So I see, by all this aggravated grandeur. Oh, isn't it lovely? I feel that bringing out the full glory

00:53:12of the place makes her really happy.

00:53:15It's a Veronesey picture, don't you think? I mean, with me as the inevitable dwarf, the small blackamoor stuffed into

00:53:21the corner of the foreground for effect.

00:53:24In that case, what am I? Or am I not even in it?

00:53:27Oh, indeed you are. You are the grand young man who surpasses all the others and holds aloft the wine

00:53:33cup.

00:53:34But what we hope, we all hope, that you'll be faithful to us. That you haven't come down here for

00:53:39just a foolish few days.

00:53:41Well, my plans are not absolutely certain, I'm afraid.

00:53:44Well, you mean the pinch and pressure of work.

00:53:46Exactly. The daily task, the daily wage, bothersome necessities.

00:53:50But couldn't you write about Venice?

00:53:51Ah, if only I could. But if, as you say, she's so much better, why has she sent for Sir

00:53:57Luke Stret?

00:53:57Oh, but she hasn't. He's come of his own accord. Now, she's delighted, of course, particularly that he should come

00:54:04just now,

00:54:04because she wanted, above all things, that he should meet you.

00:54:09Oh, but there's Maud. Will you forgive me?

00:54:11Me? But what in the world have I to do with a man like Sir Luke Stret?

00:54:15Well, meet him, talk to him, and you'll see. He sets great store by you.

00:54:27Oh, I want to.

00:54:28I'll tell you.

00:54:35Hi.

00:54:41Oh.

00:54:42Oh, nice.

00:54:43See you.

00:54:47Yeah.

00:54:58isn't she marvelous oh she's a dove have you ever seen her so splendid and shiny

00:55:05mrs stringham says she's better she isn't she's worse she's done all this for salute but she can't

00:55:10deceive him they're looking this way i think he'd like to talk to you mrs stringham warned me he

00:55:16would so you see how we all look to you yes but look to me for what you know what

00:55:20i want of you

00:55:20you know perfectly well so you want me to marry a dying girl is that right to marry her yes

00:55:26if you

00:55:27cared for me at all i can't imagine why you could even better speak of such a thing when you

00:55:31know

00:55:31me better you'll know how much i can and can't bear i am a person thank goodness who can do

00:55:35what i don't

00:55:35like so it seems ah all you have to do is stay leave it to her if you're so squeamish

00:55:44she will

00:55:44do all that is necessary you mean she may offer me marriage if you want to know my dear i

00:55:48can

00:55:48think of nothing that she may not offer you and you'll just sit by is that right and watch oh

00:55:52dear

00:55:53no we shall not be here oh and where may i ask will you be we go home i was

00:55:57about to tell you on

00:55:57thursday indeed and is this sudden change of plan mrs louders idea very much so announced not an hour

00:56:03ago so you see yes i do see in fact it makes everything fit so mrs louders prepare to leave

00:56:08the poor girl here to die no no she's convinced she will not die not if you stay if she

00:56:13has a high

00:56:13opinion i've not seen haven't i always told you so you'll stay then on your honor very well i'll

00:56:22stay on my honor if you come to me tonight in nuance but we've already discussed and you avoided an

00:56:27answer if you do so again i'll do nothing i'll leave before you do tomorrow morning

00:56:32and if i come i'll do all that you say then i will on your honor on my honor

00:56:41there you are kate my dear you really must not hide poor mr densher away like this

00:56:45sir luke is most anxious to meet him come mr densher miss steele is beckoning to us i think

00:56:50it's really all right so i think i dot you know what the light is coming to us today

00:57:20should be given to you soon so i think i am looking forward to you soon

00:57:20because i was so excited i was so excited and i was so excited you were all about to

00:57:30Kate, darling.

00:57:38You knew I would.

00:57:41I promise.

00:57:42Beautiful.

00:57:45Wonderful.

00:57:47Wonderful, Kate.

00:58:15Lovely, my love.

00:58:16We have a visitor.

00:58:20Mr. Densher, how kind.

00:58:22Not kind at all.

00:58:23Do sit down and join me.

00:58:26I'll leave you, my love.

00:58:28Mr. Densher will pull the blind, I know, when the sun gets round.

00:58:35You must miss them both extremely, I'm sure.

00:58:39Susie and I are quite lost without them.

00:58:41Oh, I do, of course, but I shall try to make a virtue of it.

00:58:44London is an impossible place to work in.

00:58:47It's high time I set myself to something more ambitious.

00:58:49Now seems just the moment.

00:58:51A book, you mean?

00:58:52Of a sort, yes.

00:58:54You mean you've already begun something since you've been here?

00:58:57In a tentative way, yes.

00:58:58A mere sketch for a beginning, that's all.

00:59:01Oh, dear.

00:59:01Then I'm afraid we've all of us made a dreadful mess of your time.

00:59:06Have you got pleasant rooms?

00:59:09I mean, will you find it easy to work there?

00:59:11As easy as I find it anywhere, I dare say.

00:59:15You're very secretive over your whereabouts, Mr. Densher.

00:59:18But Susie and I are determined to seek you out and surprise you before the weather breaks.

00:59:23So be warned.

00:59:24Oh, but would that be wise?

00:59:26Wise, Mr. Densher?

00:59:28I mean for you to leave the house now that the weather's changing.

00:59:32Why?

00:59:33Do you believe me to be so very bad, then?

00:59:36I'll believe whatever you tell me.

00:59:38Well, then, I'm splendid.

00:59:41I want so much to live that I know I can.

00:59:44I will.

00:59:46I will.

00:59:47Of course you can.

00:59:49You must.

00:59:51In that case,

00:59:53why may we not pay you a visit?

00:59:55Did I ever forbid it?

00:59:56You may come any day you wish, of course.

01:00:05I can see I'm being an awful bore about it.

01:00:09And if I'm not careful, you'll go home and leave us.

01:00:15Please forget what I said.

01:00:17Don't worry, Mr. Densher.

01:00:20I shan't leave you.

01:00:21Not now.

01:00:29Tell me about your book, please.

01:00:32Book?

01:00:35Oh.

01:00:37Um.

01:00:41Well.

01:00:46To be quite honest, Miss Thiel,

01:00:49there is no book.

01:00:52You're not writing?

01:00:54Not at all?

01:00:55Not at all.

01:00:57Ah.

01:00:58Well, then,

01:00:59what are you doing?

01:01:00I mean,

01:01:02for what exactly are you staying?

01:01:04Miss Thiel, if I could only...

01:01:05Oh, I asked too many questions.

01:01:08Please forgive me.

01:01:09I wish from the bottom of my heart

01:01:11I could be sure exactly why I am staying.

01:01:15that I could be completely honest with myself

01:01:17and more particularly with you,

01:01:20but

01:01:20one's feelings,

01:01:22one's motives are so appallingly mixed,

01:01:23I find...

01:01:24I know.

01:01:25I fully understand.

01:01:28And my feelings at being so glad

01:01:30that you've not gone,

01:01:31though

01:01:32whatever the reason may be,

01:01:34are

01:01:35probably at least as complicated

01:01:37as your own, Mr. Densher.

01:01:39So need we be

01:01:40absolutely explicit,

01:01:42perhaps,

01:01:44either to ourselves

01:01:44or to each other?

01:01:47Well, then.

01:01:49Need we?

01:01:52Not as far as I'm concerned,

01:01:54I can assure you.

01:01:56It's enough for me

01:01:57that you'll come

01:01:58and visit us

01:01:59until...

01:02:00well,

01:02:01for as long as that

01:02:02remains a possibility.

01:02:05I shall come.

01:02:06You can rest assured

01:02:07for as long as you still want me to.

01:02:09Oh,

01:02:10that will be for a long while yet,

01:02:12I hope.

01:02:13And you're to go about, please.

01:02:15Make the most of this time.

01:02:17Make it something that

01:02:19you look back on later

01:02:20as in its odd way.

01:02:21Very happy.

01:02:23Would you do that, please,

01:02:24Mr. Densher?

01:02:25I promise.

01:02:28And

01:02:30thank you.

01:02:34Millie, my love,

01:02:35if you've forgotten the time,

01:02:37I have not.

01:02:38I'm sorry, Mr. Densher,

01:02:39but we follow a strict regime

01:02:41in this household.

01:02:42I'm sure you understand.

01:02:44I was about to leave

01:02:45at that moment.

01:02:46You needn't apologize

01:02:47for sending Mr. Densher away.

01:02:49He'll be seeing

01:02:50quite as much of us

01:02:51as he can

01:02:51in the next few weeks,

01:02:52I fancy.

01:03:01Bye-bye.

01:03:03Bye-bye.

01:03:05Bye-bye.

01:03:08Bye-bye.

01:03:30Ah, Eugenia, what truly appalling weather.

01:03:32Will it go on like this for days, do you suppose?

01:03:34Excuse, signore, the ladies, they are a little fatigued.

01:03:37Oh, I'm sorry.

01:03:37My instructions are to admit no one, I'm afraid, signore.

01:03:40Why, has anything happened?

01:03:41Is she ill?

01:03:42Miss Thiel, I mean.

01:03:42I'm sorry, signore, I cannot say.

01:03:44But surely she'll just see me.

01:03:46I'm sorry, signore, my instructions are nobody at all.

01:03:49Excuse me, signore.

01:03:50If you don't mind, I should go to her.

01:03:52Oh, yes, of course.

01:03:53You have my London address.

01:03:54Now, please, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

01:03:56I've come at once, you know that.

01:03:58I hardly think it will be necessary.

01:04:00Now, if you'll excuse me.

01:04:02Excuse me, signore.

01:04:17Oh, thank God you're still here.

01:04:20What is it?

01:04:21Is she worse?

01:04:22I don't know.

01:04:23I scarcely know what she is.

01:04:26Here, let me take your things.

01:04:27Yes, thank you.

01:04:28I'm so glad you've come.

01:04:29In a way, I've just been wretchedly waiting for you.

01:04:31I was so afraid when I knew that you tried to see her that you might already have left.

01:04:36I'll leave the day after tomorrow, but please, tell me.

01:04:41Mr. Denton?

01:04:44She's turned her face to the wall.

01:04:46You mean she's dying?

01:04:48I mean she scarcely speaks.

01:04:50She hasn't so much as named you since that dreadful day, the day he came to see her.

01:04:55Lord Mark, that intolerable ass.

01:04:57What has he done?

01:04:59She doesn't want to die, poor darling.

01:05:02Think of her age.

01:05:03Think of her beauty.

01:05:04Think of her goodness.

01:05:05Think of all she has and is.

01:05:08But she just lies there, stiffening herself and clinging to what little is left for her.

01:05:13But what could he say?

01:05:14What does he know?

01:05:17More important, what do you know?

01:05:19Everything?

01:05:21He told her, Mr. Denton, that you had all the while been engaged to marry Miss Croy.

01:05:29So, he has told her that?

01:05:32He came for reasons that I can only guess at, especially to deliver her this cruel blow.

01:05:38She took it, brave soul that she is, without betraying a sign.

01:05:42She would.

01:05:43She's magnificent.

01:05:44As you say, she's magnificent.

01:05:45Why?

01:05:46Why should he even do such a thing?

01:05:47To come all this way and then simply to destroy a poor girl who's only a few months to live?

01:05:52I think it was not really for her that he came.

01:05:56You know, I suppose, that on his first visit he asked her to marry him and she refused.

01:06:00No, I didn't know.

01:06:01Well, I leave you to guess the reason for that refusal.

01:06:05You think he came mainly out of malice to harm me, regardless of what it might do to her,

01:06:09but that scarcely makes him any better, does it?

01:06:12But how did he know?

01:06:14How about you and Miss Croy?

01:06:15Does it really matter how he knew?

01:06:17Oh, God.

01:06:19Does she utterly hate me?

01:06:20Millie, I don't know.

01:06:21No one ever will.

01:06:22She won't talk of such things.

01:06:26Oh, Lord.

01:06:26What can one say?

01:06:27What can one do?

01:06:30Mr. Densher, before you leave, would you go to her just once?

01:06:36Would she see me?

01:06:37I think she would.

01:06:39And if you do, would you deny it for her sake, everything that he so cruelly led her to believe?

01:06:49So, she does believe it, then?

01:06:51Oh, God knows what she believes.

01:06:56And to you?

01:06:58That's not important.

01:07:00What I believe will depend on how you act.

01:07:03I promise to believe anything you say.

01:07:06If to save her happiness, you'll deny it.

01:07:10Will you?

01:07:11For her sake.

01:07:23Well, he's here.

01:07:25A few minutes old, Mr. Detcher.

01:07:27I'll be within a call.

01:07:34Mrs. Stringham led me to suppose you'd be kind enough to see me.

01:07:38But of course.

01:07:39I wanted most particularly to see you again before I leave.

01:07:43So you leave.

01:07:44Yes.

01:07:45Tomorrow, I'm afraid.

01:07:46I must.

01:07:47My work.

01:07:50Everything demands it.

01:07:53Then, of course, you must go, Mr. Detcher.

01:07:57It's been so very good of you to stay on in the way that you have.

01:08:00Oh, no.

01:08:03Oh, yes.

01:08:04And may I say while I can, how deeply and truly grateful I am.

01:08:12Grateful, Miss Thiel.

01:08:14To me.

01:08:16Yes, to you.

01:08:18I was afraid when you came to call last time.

01:08:23And I believe that you found that we already had a visitor.

01:08:26That you might have left us immediately.

01:08:31Oh, I'm glad that you did not.

01:08:34Miss Thiel.

01:08:37I believe that during that meeting, certain statements were made concerning...

01:08:43Mr. Detcher, please.

01:08:45I thought we had agreed, you and I, that our relationship, whatever it may be,

01:08:52was one which didn't demand specific assurances on either side.

01:08:57Yes, but after...

01:08:59Well, may I say that for my part, that arrangement still holds good.

01:09:08Now, if you don't mind.

01:09:13Yes.

01:09:14Of course.

01:09:17Goodbye, Mr. Detcher.

01:09:22And thank you.

01:09:31Exactly.

01:09:38Oh.

01:09:59And you mean to say you've been back for a whole fortnight without even making a sign?

01:10:02I've only been following out our agreed plan by not rushing here to see you at once.

01:10:06And you've not heard from Mrs Stringham?

01:10:08Why? Have you?

01:10:10Our news is as recent as a few days ago.

01:10:12And is she still?

01:10:14Alive?

01:10:16She was when Mrs Stringham last rode.

01:10:21Was it so very terrible?

01:10:23Since you asked me directly, yes.

01:10:26You know, I suppose he came all the way back, especially to tell her everything.

01:10:30Your friend, Lord Mark.

01:10:32Everything?

01:10:32Everything.

01:10:33It was his visit that has taken away her will to live.

01:10:35He told her the scoundrel that you and I are secretly engaged.

01:10:38But he doesn't know it.

01:10:39Then he must somehow have guessed.

01:10:41Had you seen him?

01:10:42Yes, of course.

01:10:43He came to Lancaster Gate several times at Aunt Maud's request, needless to say.

01:10:47Then what, for God's sake, did you say to him?

01:10:49But in any case, couldn't you have denied it?

01:10:50Told her that he was mistaken.

01:10:52And lied to her, you mean.

01:10:53By the way, my dear, we are, I suppose, still engaged.

01:10:56Yes, of course we're still engaged.

01:10:58But surely, to save her life, poor thing.

01:11:00If I'd denied you then, I would have stuck to it.

01:11:04To save your conscience.

01:11:05So you see how fine it was of her that she never directly asked me.

01:11:10You have fallen in love with her.

01:11:14Well, say so if you like.

01:11:17Why need you mind with a dying girl?

01:11:20At least she won't have died, poor thing, without having been loved.

01:11:24She wanted nothing more.

01:11:27And I don't mind.

01:11:30I don't mind because I think you've done it to please me.

01:11:32And does it?

01:11:33Yes, it does.

01:11:34More important, it will please Aunt Maud.

01:11:36We needn't fear her any more.

01:11:38We've done it.

01:11:39We've squared her.

01:11:40Oh?

01:11:41In what way?

01:11:43Millie will not have loved you for nothing.

01:11:46You see.

01:11:49Kate, marry me now before, well, before news of any kind comes from Italy.

01:11:53If we do it now while there's still time, it would make us right again.

01:11:57Don't you see?

01:11:57What on earth has happened to you?

01:11:59Simply that something snapped inside me last night.

01:12:01I can't bear this any longer.

01:12:03It's as I am, I'm afraid, that you must have me.

01:12:05I simply don't see what has changed.

01:12:08We've been going on so well together.

01:12:09Now suddenly you desert me.

01:12:10Oh, Kate.

01:12:12Kate.

01:12:13But don't let squabble about such a thing now.

01:12:15Of all times, come tomorrow early and join us for church.

01:12:20Aunt Maud particularly asks that you should.

01:12:22You see how greatly she values you.

01:12:24Now I must fly or she'll wonder where in the world I am.

01:12:27Till tomorrow.

01:12:38Ah, Mr. Denfield.

01:12:42I'm so glad you've come.

01:12:45So our dear little dove, as Kate calls us, folded her wonderful wings at last then.

01:12:50Millie.

01:12:51Miss Thiel, you mean?

01:12:52The news came late last night by telegraph from poor Susan Stringham.

01:12:55But you'd not heard.

01:12:58From Mrs. Stringham, no. Not a word.

01:13:01Poor Kate is naturally very much distressed.

01:13:03She's in the drawing room.

01:13:04Go to her, Mr. Dencher. Comfort her poor child.

01:13:07May I?

01:13:07But, of course, she needs you.

01:13:09Smith, let's take Mr. Dencher's coat for you.

01:13:12Such a tragedy.

01:13:14She wanted so much to live, poor thing.

01:13:17Why, for pretty sick, shouldn't she, with everything as it were to help her?

01:13:20I mean the mere money of her that, darling, if it isn't too disgusting at this particular moment to mention

01:13:25such a thing.

01:13:27Which reminds me, I do hope you'll be able to join us sometime over Christmas, Mr. Dencher.

01:13:32I'm afraid we shall all feel disinclined for anything but a rather quiet celebration under the circumstances.

01:13:38Of course, I know you'll understand.

01:13:48It's all right, my dear. Mrs. Louders just told me.

01:13:51It came last night.

01:13:54Too late to get in touch with you.

01:14:08Yesterday, when I came home from the office, there was a letter waiting on my table in her writing.

01:14:13Written on her deathbed, poor thing.

01:14:14Written possibly some while ago, but posted to arrive on Christmas Eve.

01:14:18I knew immediately what was in it without even touching it.

01:14:22You speak somehow as though you still hadn't touched it.

01:14:24Oh, I've touched it right enough.

01:14:26I'm touching it.

01:14:28Or rather, it's touching me at this moment.

01:14:30You mean you have it here? You've brought it with you?

01:14:32But first, I want you to give me the answer you avoided before.

01:14:36What happened between you and Lord Mark that he should have gone back to Venice with the awful result we

01:14:41now know?

01:14:41In short, how in the world did he know we were engaged?

01:14:43Are you trying to fix it on me that I must have deliberately told him?

01:14:46My dear Kate, I'm not trying to fix anything.

01:14:48It's just that I'm somewhat tormented and trying to clear my mind.

01:14:51He came, yes, several times while you were in Venice and on Maud's invitation, not mine.

01:14:55Well, there you are.

01:14:58Well, if I'm there, as you so gracefully put it, for having refused to meet him in his frequent and

01:15:04pressing requests, I plead guilty to it.

01:15:07Would you rather I had given him the kind of answer that would have kept him here, in England?

01:15:10Did you not know he was going...

01:15:12No, of course I didn't!

01:15:14And I'm afraid that even if it doesn't fit into your strange notion of me, I would have given him

01:15:19just the same answer if I had.

01:15:21The fact that I haven't referred to this occasion until now is simply because the recollection of it does not

01:15:25afford me much pleasure.

01:15:27And I hope that if you're satisfied, you'll now let this matter drop.

01:15:30Oh, certainly. I'd be only too happy to let it drop.

01:15:32Strange, though, that he should be the one person to guess our secret. I mean, he's not clever.

01:15:36No, but just clever enough in his own interests.

01:15:39And unscrupulous, it seems.

01:15:40Possibly. Anyway, if you love me, please, never refer to this business again.

01:15:48Oh, Kate, I do love you.

01:15:51It's because I love you that I'm here.

01:15:55And it's because I love you that I've brought you this.

01:16:02But you've not even broken the seal.

01:16:04No, that's for you to do.

01:16:06Open something from her to you. Oh, no.

01:16:08But it's precisely because it's from her.

01:16:12I think you know what it says.

01:16:15Your instinct tells you.

01:16:17As you say, it was time to come now at the season of gifts.

01:16:21She means, dear thing, to give you the final proof of how much you've been loved.

01:16:25No, I will not break your seal.

01:16:26You refuse?

01:16:27Positively.

01:16:28Besides, we know what it says, don't we?

01:16:31Both of us.

01:16:32Do we?

01:16:34What do we know?

01:16:36That she makes you rich.

01:16:38Why did she tell you?

01:16:39Never.

01:16:40We didn't speak of such things.

01:16:42That, to my mind, wouldn't have been playing fair.

01:16:44And I did play fair with her, whatever you may think.

01:16:46Kate, it's because you played fair, as you call it, that time with me in Venice.

01:16:53That I brought you this.

01:16:55You really want me to take it?

01:16:57I really want you to take it.

01:17:03I think that what it really comes down to is that you're afraid.

01:17:06Afraid of the truth.

01:17:08And afraid...

01:17:10It's wonderful of you to be in love with her still.

01:17:12I was never in love with her.

01:17:14I believe that when we left Venice, you were not.

01:17:17Your change came that day you last saw her.

01:17:19She died for you then, that you might understand her.

01:17:22From that hour, you did.

01:17:26And so do I.

01:17:35She did it for us.

01:17:41I used to call her a dove.

01:17:44Well, she's stretched out her wings to cover us.

01:17:48You don't.

01:17:51You don't want to know.

01:17:52I don't want to know.

01:17:54You remember what we always said of her?

01:17:56That she was...

01:17:56Stupendous.

01:17:57Stupendous.

01:17:58I believe that if she were to leave me a remembrance, it would not be meagre.

01:18:02It is not meagre.

01:18:04Kate, I want you.

01:18:06I beg with you to join with me in this.

01:18:08By renouncing what is not mine to renounce.

01:18:10How can I?

01:18:11By a single word.

01:18:12By telling me you're with me.

01:18:13Or better still, I'll make it all over to you.

01:18:15Every single penny.

01:18:16So that the decision is mine.

01:18:17The decision is yours.

01:18:22I can see that you'll marry me without the money.

01:18:25But you won't marry me with it.

01:18:31So...

01:18:41Kate.

01:18:42One moment.

01:18:44Your word of honour that you're not still in love with her memory.

01:18:48Her memory.

01:18:51My dear.

01:18:53Don't try to speak as though you couldn't be.

01:18:55Remember, I know you too well.

01:18:59Yes.

01:19:01That's it.

01:19:02I can see that her memory is now your real love.

01:19:07It's all you need.

01:19:10Kate.

01:19:12Kate!

01:19:14I'll marry you now if you like.

01:19:16Within the hour.

01:19:17As we were.

01:19:19As we were.

01:19:20Ah, but don't you see, my dear.

01:19:23The tragedy is we can never again be as we were.

01:19:26God.

01:19:29God.

01:19:31That's good.

01:19:53I'm not.

01:19:53You're not.

01:19:54I'm not.

01:19:55I'm not.

01:19:55You're not.

01:19:56I'm not.

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