"JUNE NIGHT" "What was that?" "The seaman upstairs." "He has a girl." "We should never have unemployed borders." "Don't laugh!" "I wasn't laughing." " You going now, eh!" " Don't shout." " So you leave when the fun is over." " Was it so much fun?" "You bitch!" "Clamp." "Pan, nurse." "The bullet was near her heart." "Adrenaline." "Quick!" " You know who she is?" " The tall redhead in the drugstore." "Is she dead?" "Shh." "The doctor!" "I want to know... if the girl's decided to live or die." "I must know whether... to charge him with murder or attempted murder." "That what you wanted to know?" "Yes." "She'll survive." "Yes." "Good-bye." "This operation must be reviewed in the medical journal." "Yes, occasionally the old sawbones learns... he's still useful." "Sleeping again?" "Happy youth." "If it wasn't for sleeping well and your youth... you'd never have made it." "If only I could get away." "I've always been unhappy here." "If only I could go to a city where nobody knows me." "I could start work, so I wouldn't have to think." "Yes, but you'll have to stay here a while longer, anyway." "Yes, I know." "The trial." "Could I ask you a favor?" "Go and see Nils." "You can visit him, Doctor." "Yes, I'm sure I can." "Anything special message to the would-be murderer?" "Don't call him that." "Tell him... he needn't worry about me." "If I do... you have to tell me a bit about what actually happened." "No." "No, I can't." "Tell Nils not to talk too much." "It'll only make it worse." "It can't be very dangerous to tell him that." "Asklund." "Berggren." "I'm a doctor at the hospital." "Miss Norback sent me here." "She'll be all right?" "Nothing..." "She's out of danger." "But it's more my doing that she's alive than yours." "Yes, but maybe I've given her something, too." "Something you don't have, Doctor." "What would?" "May I ask where you and the young lady met?" "The library." "She was the only one in town who understood a poor guy like me." "She was like a long voyage to new ports." "And the way she walked!" "Not just with her feet like other Swedish girls... but with her hips." "You're an intellectual, Doctor." "You know what I mean." "I'm damned if I do." "Aren't you an unemployed seaman?" "I am." "I sailed before the mast for three years." "A man isn't a hoodlum just because he's working class." " Do you know the worst that can happen?" " No." "To wish to give to somebody... and be rejected." "So you came here to laugh, Doctor?" "Just like her." "No." "Of course not." "I don't think we have anything more to say to each other... except Miss Norback said to tell you... not to talk so damn much." "She's so well now that you can't avoid meeting... in court." "You heard the police report." "Why did you have the gun that night?" "If you must know..." "I was planning to kill myself, not her." "I loved her." "She loved me." "But without high school, you're nothing." "She grew distant... said she just wanted to be friends." "Nothing more." "But once you start "that"... it's hard to quit." "Right, Judge?" "At least not if you're a man, and in love." "Right?" "First I thought there was somebody else." "I was jealous." "I was wrong." "She was suddenly so polished and educated." "So that evening I planned to shoot myself in front of her." "But when she laughed... just a bit, phoney like..." "I saw red and pulled the trigger." "No photography in this court!" "Give me the film." "Let us hear Mrs. Cronsioo." "Damn small town pretensions!" "I gave him the wrong plate." "Great!" "Next witness." "Good day, Judge." "Kerstin Norback has lived with you since childhood." "Do you know about her relations with the accused?" " No." " I see." "Kerstin has always been a moody girl... sometimes wild and unruly... sometimes reserved, spending all her time reading novels." "Then..." "Excuse me." "What the court wishes to know is if you know anything about... her affair with the accused... or anything of the motive for the crime." "You know him?" "No, thank God." "But I've known other admirers of hers." "Other admirers?" "Yes, there've been many, many who ran after her." "Though I couldn't see what they saw in her." "Well-educated they were, too." "One handsome man was a drawing teacher." "He wanted her as a model." "But I told him it was a shame to turn her head like that." "Then there was a notary." "Of course, he worked here at the courthouse!" "But of course you gentlemen... neither saw nor heard anything." "Blind, right?" "And there was kissing on the stairs." "I saw them." "The door was half open." "Fortunately, he had to move away." "This Asklund came... as a total surprise." "It was I who was blind then." "She must have sneaked out the window, nights, or had a key made." "The worst of all was that she lied." "When she said she was working..." "I phoned to check." "She wasn't there." "That's when she was with him... that murderer." "What I can't understand is what men saw in her." "I tried to raise her... as a decent, unpretentious girl... so that I wouldn't be shamed by all the people and newspapers." "But I see I've failed." "Miss Norback." "Miss Norback, you have not given the police any information." "I must tell you that the accused may suffer... if you continue to remain silent." "It was my fault, not his." "It was my fault." "I just wanted an affair." "It happened to be Nils Asklund." "Shame!" "That's what I say, too!" "I didn't realize it was the wrong kind of affair... but girls do this." "Go on." "I suddenly realized... it was over." "I didn't feel anything." "Neither tenderness, affection... nor disgust." "Nothing." "I'm sorry Nils Asklund is being tried here." "I hope he will be acquitted." "If this can't be, then I beg the court to be lenient." "I'm alive." "Kerstin!" "I ordered you to stop that!" "Try to get a picture of her on the stairs." "Stop him!" "Take the film!" ""The Wounded Swan Sings"" "Switchboard." "One moment, please." "You have a line." "Hello." "The Daily News wishes to speak with the opera manager." "Hi, Nickan." "Is the boss in?" "Have you seen the front page?" "No, he hasn't come yet." " We expect him any minute." " Good." " Was she lovely?" " Oh, yeah." ""The Wounded Swan Sings" sensa..." "What'd she wear?" "How was he?" "Not my type." "But she was..." "You should have seen her." "Look." "Her face is naked." "You can see her whole character." "Tell you later." "See you tonight, right?" " I'm going in to the others." "See you." " Yes, see you tonight." "The opera manager." "Switchboard." "Just a moment." "Mr. Berg." "Hello." "Hi." "Well, here I am." "The boss isn't in, eh?" "No, he'll be here any minute." "Tired of the small town already, eh?" ""The Wounded Swan Sings." Not bad." "Well..." "The girl was right." "No beauty maybe, but damned attractive." "What's the circulation today?" "Quiet." "Smokey's coming!" "What's this?" "What kind of tasteless writing is this... behind my back in my paper?" "A nice little surprise to come home to." "Isn't there anybody here... who can clean that whelp's diapers before..." "There you are!" "Conceited bum!" "Since when do reporters decide policy?" "Soon the doorman or shareholders will tell me what to think." "I've done an editorial... on juvenile delinquency and promiscuity... based on that filthy affair in Gustafssund." "The best article I've ever written." "How can I publish it now, above that whelp's "wounded swan"?" "Pure trash!" "Well, here she is." "Gurka didn't get the picture in time." "God!" "A hell of an interesting face." "And mysterious." "No, there's no mystery." "Just a girl who played a little carelessly with a boy." "Wrong!" "This was no love affair." "She was looking for a way out of a cultural desert." "She lost her way, and "bang," that was it!" "No, she represents an asocial factor... in Swedish society." "Passion!" "Fatal passion!" "You read the Evening Post?" "They've got it all:" ""romance of violence"..." ""collapse of traditions," "soft justice," and "juvenile delinquency."" "What?" ""Romance of violence, wild youth."" "They don't know what youth is." "The girl is as pure as an angel, whatever she's done." "Young, passionate... a new Juliet, a child of love and death." "Romantic violence!" "I'll write a new piece in defense of youth!" "Youth shall have its day, as we have had ours." "Youth!" "Yes, the editor's in his room now." " Ring Willy Wilson." " You're back!" "What'd they say?" "Fanfare all the way." "Smokey actually fawned on me." "We'll go to a movie, then drink to the "wounded swan."" " She deserves it." " You sound like you love her." "Love!" "Don't be silly." "It was my first big assignment!" "You'll come." " I guess." " I'll see you at 7:00." "Bye." "Daily News." "Mr. Wilson's line is busy." "It's all fixed." "You start at The Swan Pharmacy next month." " Is it really called The Swan?" " Yes." "Why?" "Of course, "the wounded swan."" "Nonsense." "Well, it's all fixed then." "I'm so happy." "Thank you." "There's one condition for the job." "You have to change names." "The pharmacist doesn't want a lot of scandal mongers in his drugstore." "Only he is to know who you really are." "You agree to this?" "I thought of changing my name myself, and my character." "What will you call yourself?" "It may sound silly... but I thought Sara Nordana." "I was baptized Sara-Christina... and my grandad's farm was called Nordana." "You think it sounds silly?" "Sara Nordana." "It sounds a little romantic." "But why not?" "Well, now we'll go and pack." "Thank you." "And promise one thing." "No more adventures like this one, ever." "I'll try not to." "Good-bye." "Miss Nordana... one thing more." "Your wound is not completely healed yet." "Go to Dr. Tillberg in Stockholm and have him look at it." "Give him this." "Well." "That's all then." "Bye." "You're cute today, Asa, and happy." "Is that because you're in a hurry?" "I like to be rushed." "It's silly to complain at having too much to do." "Things are always easier when you have lots to do." "Asa." " There." "Put this in your pocket." " Thanks." " It didn't hurt, did it?" " No, nurse." "You know your job." " Thank you." " Good-bye." "Good afternoon." "Asa, we're both off tonight." "No flirting with the nurse, Doctor." " 86 Uppland St." " No." "Norr Malarstrand." "You've acted so strange lately." "I thought you were trying to avoid me." "Sometimes one wants to be alone." "Is that strange?" "Von Bremen." "Yes, right away." "Why just tonight?" "We get along so well together." "You've got three minutes to think it over, till I come back." " Professor Tillberg?" " No, his room is there." "Excuse me." "I have a letter to him." "If you wait a bit, the nurse will look after it." "Now it's your turn, Sven." "You're starting to feel at home here." "If you'd like to go in first, I don't mind waiting." "I don't mind at all." "Nothing to be afraid of." "The nurse is so kind." "Thank you." "I'm not afraid that it will hurt." " You alone today?" " Yes, Mama's at work." "You're a clever boy." "Who's next?" "The lady's next." "I'll wait." "I have a letter here." "Professor Tillberg." "Come this way." "The professor wants you a moment." "In here, please." "Come in." "Well, Asa?" "Your three minutes are up." "I don't know." "I have to go now." " Name?" " Sara Nordana." " Who treated you before?" " Dr. Berggren in Sundsvall." "You can remove your clothes in there." "Here's a personal letter to you... concerning a Miss Nordana." "Put it on my desk." "Ask her to come in." "All right, Miss Nordana." "Lie down there." "Chest wound, heart lesion, still has probe, bandage necessary." "Take off your slip so I can see." "There's nothing to be afraid of." "What's this?" "Who did you say sent you?" "How did you get this?" "My doctor said it would heal soon... but that you should look at it." "I asked you how you got this wound." "It's an abscess." "Nonsense!" "Abscess!" "Why're you lying?" "Turn a little." "Right." "A bullet wound." "From Sundsvall, you said." "You're from Gustafssund." "So it was my friend Berggren who patched you up." "Does that hurt?" " Not that either?" " No." "It's healing well." "Put on a new bandage, nurse." "Come back again in six months." "But don't lie next time." "Understand, little Miss Incognito?" "But she's..." " Oh, I behave so silly." " The professor's brusque sometimes." "It was silly of me to lie." "Thank you." "If you knew how awful it is to be questioned all the time." "Thank you." "I can manage myself now." "We have to have your address." "I'm staying at a hotel." "I came to Stockholm the other day so I haven't found a place to live yet." "I know of a place called Cosy." "Two of my friends live there." "Cosy." "That sounds homey." "I'm finished for the day, so we can leave together." "I'll just change." "You can wait for me here." "I'll keep your secret, Sara." "Wait for me here." "Why such a hurry?" "I'm going with a patient." "She's not feeling well." "How long will that take?" " All day." " All day?" "Till tonight." "Who is she?" "You interested or just curious?" "Well, well, you just amuse yourselves here." " Hi!" " Hello." "Sorry for barging in... but I've got a newcomer here, Sara Nordana." "Sells aspirin at The Swan." "This is..." "I'm Jane Jacob." "Sales clerk at Gunilla Studio." "Welcome, Miss Nordana." "This is my cousin Nickan Dalin... telephonist at the Daily News." "I hope you enjoy living with us." "Odd." "I'm sure I've seen you before." "Impossible." "Sara's never been in Stockholm before." "The landlady's given her a closet to sleep in." " I hope you'll take care of her." " Of course." "Your friends are my friends." "Let's celebrate her arrival with a little homemade poison." "You going to ruin her already?" "Don't worry." "She's not as sinful as she makes out." "I didn't know a boarding house could be so nice." "It's not." "It's us who're nice." "I'm youngest... so I propose we use first names now so we can say what we think." "Jane." "Asa." "Nickan." "Sara." "That's over." "Shall we keep up this hypocrisy or discuss men now?" "Can't you help her unpack first?" "I will." "I love unpacking." "Watch it, Sara." "She'll grab everything she lays her hands on." "Where did you ever find that odd pill-pusher?" "Jane, try to control your curiosity for once." "It's not easy." "Curiosity is my best resource." "But I understand: professional duty." "From the "gone astray" ward, right?" "Quick thinking." "You want me to join in slum charity." "You want me in red with a bonnet." "It'd suit you." "Speaking of clothes." "Her hat was pure country." "Do you only think of clothes?" "The more I know of people, the more I like their clothes." "Unpacking didn't take long." "Is her name really Nordana?" "Why not?" "Right." "It's such a romantic name." "I'm sure I've seen her before." "What's wrong?" "Anything happened?" "No." "I just longed for you." "Just think." "I have you again." "Still, you were reluctant when I asked you to come." "I want to stay with you tonight." "Can I?" ""To belong together and naught else... no home, no mundane worries own."" " Have you waited for me long?" " Yes." "Imagine, waiting for your lover." "He comes and fires a shot... which touches the heart, the strange heart." "What're you talking about?" "You wondered who that girl was." "Yes." "Who was she?" "The one who was shot by her lover." "Was it?" "That's why..." "What?" "I thought I recognized her." "Did you?" "From the newspaper." "The papers must have got it wrong." "She didn't seem like a vamp." "She just seemed frightened." "We had dinner together." " Did you?" " She told me a bit about herself." "People confide in me, you know." "She seemed so shy, and the professor scared her half to death." "And you took her under your wing." "You should have seen her eyes." "I did." "You'll have to let me meet her." "Yes." "Oh, Stefan!" "What is it now, sweetheart?" "I'm so silly." "It would never occur to you to shoot me." "Of course not." " But she's been loved anyway." " You have pretensions." " You're laughing at me." " Yes." "You think it's bad of me to want to stay with you?" "Is it the pastor's daughter again?" " Stefan." " Yes, sweetie." "I was fooling just now." "I'll never let you meet her." ""Woman with the gray coat." "Address?" "C/O myself."" "Hello?" " Did you find the address, nurse?" " No." "There's no Kerstin Norback." " In Tillberg's journal on the 5th?" " No." "Not all week." "I must have made a mistake." "Thanks." " What'll it be?" " I think I'll have..." " Send it to me." " Which one?" "Wait!" "Sara, are you eating out today, too?" "There's room for us." "Is there a waiter here?" "I'll phone in the prescription to The Swan." "You can pick it up later." "This is Dr. von Bremen." "I have a prescription." "Yes." "Dr. von Bremen." "Yes." "Three teaspoons daily." "Postal No..." " Can I come in?" " Sure." "Come and sit down." "At last!" "The whole city has the flu." "I've sold a million aspirins today." "Nice you came." "I lie here like Diana on a bed of moonlight." "Completely without lovers." "Just myself to think about." "I wonder for how long?" "What do you think?" "Don't you like it?" "Sometimes." "How many lovers have you had?" "Don't be so shy." "In my circles we're used to having many." " Lovers?" "Who says that?" " Nobody." "I just think it odd that someone as "distant" as you... should end up here." "Everything happens by accident to me." "I liked the name Cosy." "It sounds appealing." "All my life I've longed for home comforts." "Typical of you." "You come from far away and end up here by accident." "To me it's like you were born on the train that brought you to Stockholm." "Why don't you ever tell about yourself like other women?" "There's nothing to tell." "Don't, if you don't want to." "My childhood was cheap and ugly." "I was always cold." "And I longed to get away." "Poor girl." "Come and sit here." "I'll tell you a little secret if you promise not to tell anyone." "The worse your childhood, the better life is later." "There's some justice." "That's almost a view of life." "And you?" "I think we have to look after ourselves, and not hurt other people." "It's not much, but I can't manage one thing or the other." "Daily News." "No, he hasn't arrived yet." "Daily News." "I can't tell you." "Good evening, Dalin." "Nervous?" "Meeting somebody for a movie and Nilsson hasn't come to relieve you?" "Why doesn't she come?" "Nilsson has become unforgivably sloppy since she married Fritjof." "Nothing but Fritjof." "Awful!" "Police?" "Lieutenant?" "Oh, he hasn't come yet." " Twelve past 7:00." " Daily News." "Thirteen past 7:00." "You won't make it now." "Bye, Dalin." "Bitch!" "Willy, don't go!" "Don't go." "She'll be here." "Fourteen past." "Damn!" "Taxi!" "Daily News." "One moment." "Daily News." "A taxi to Daily News!" "If only he'd phone so I could explain!" "Hello!" "Willy!" "Oh, excuse me." "The Minister of Education." "I'll connect you with the editor." "Hi." "Anything today?" "Fritjof's been home all day today." "We pickled herring." "He gave me one little herring after another." "He's such a lovely man." "He just loves my pickled herring." " Bitch!" " What's wrong with you?" "You knew I was in a hurry!" "Tomorrow I'm going to tell the boss!" "I dare you!" "Chasing every man here." "You're the one who should watch your step!" "I know what you're up to, kissing them on the stairs!" " I don't!" " You should be ashamed!" " They're playing with you, too!" " Blab!" "Blab!" "I'm so glad I have Fritjof." "Amusement Park?" "No, it's not." "On the contrary." "Mirror theater, fast!" "God, I'll never snap over the phone again if he asks me tonight." "God, I forgot the police lieutenant!" "What a wonderful evening, Willy." "Think so?" "Such a nice movie and good dinner." "You're so pretty." "You remind me of Kerstin Norback." "I thought I saw her on the street, but that's impossible." "What were you going to tell me?" "I got a raise. 200 a month." "Great!" "Now I can leave home and get my own place." "We could look for a flat together." "You want to?" "A bachelor apartment." "You can come and make tea for me." "Maybe." " What's wrong now?" " Nothing." " Nickan!" " I want to get out." " Two crowns." " Thanks." " Good night." " Oh, no!" "Don't!" " I'm crazy about you." "Let me come up." " No." "I must kiss you!" "Just up the stairs!" "What're you afraid of?" "It's not dangerous." "Nickan." "At least say you love me." "Do you?" "I can't leave you tonight." "You drive me crazy!" "We'll be very quiet." "Let me come up with you!" "Don't be silly now, Nickan!" "No!" "You know I share a room!" "Nickan, wait!" "Nickan!" "Leave me alone!" "You don't mean it anyway!" "So you're home now." "Oh, Willy." "That you, Nickan?" "You crying?" "Didn't things go as you wanted?" "He's a real creep." "He just wants to seduce me." "And I loved him so much!" "He got a raise, too." "But he doesn't care about me at all, not really." "He was terrible." "Imagine if I had my own room... all to myself like you." "I don't know what would have happened." "If only he loved me." "Don't cry." "He's not worth it." "No, he's not." "I never want to see him again." "I'll show him I'm a decent girl and not..." "Now I know what they mean... when they say men are loose and fresh." "And I quarrelled with Nilsson for his sake." "I'll buy her chocolates." "Oh, Sara, do you understand men?" "Maybe he really, really cares about someone else... and wants to marry her." "Maybe that girl in Gustafssund who was shot?" "He was so taken with her." "The "wounded swan."" " I hate her!" " Do you?" "I wish she'd died." "Why should she live and make others unhappy?" "I don't know, but you shouldn't hate her." "When you're 19 and work all day... you can't hate late at night." " Why don't you go and sleep?" " I can't sleep either." "Go and get your pillow and blanket." "You can sleep here on the couch." "I'll talk to you." "Can't I lie here?" "If I read a bit, maybe I'll sleep." "Come then." ""Glorious is death when at the front courageously you fall." "Fall in battle for your native land... for your city and your home."" ""Remarkable heart operation at hospital in Gustafssund"" "Awful how that case interests you." "Don't talk nonsense." "As a doctor, I'm naturally interested in fine operations." "Imagine, holding a bloody heart... so that blood vessels and muscles are put in their proper place again." "So many words to explain away your curious interest." "Uh, Asa." "Yes." "I've applied for a month off." "I thought I'd drive around a bit." "Won't you come along this time?" "No." "Pretend to be your wife... for hotel managers and chambermaids?" "No, you know I can't lie." "As you wish." " Stefan." " Yes?" "I've been thinking." "I've been a little silly toward you." "In what way?" "Remember I told you..." "I wouldn't let you meet Kerstin Norback." "That was just jealousy." "I'm ashamed of it." "Of course you can meet her." "I like her so much." "She's become so happy and nice." "I'm sure you'll like her, too." "Sara." "What're you doing here?" "The professor said I should come back in 6 months." "You needn't bother him now." "He's so busy these days." "I told him I removed the probe and the wound is healed." "You can go." "Thank you." "I'll leave then." "Please hurry." "I'm so rushed." "Yes." "Bye." " Stefan!" " What is it?" "I told you I would introduce you... but it seems very hard to do." "Nurse, can you tell me how to give these drops?" " Sara." " There." "Hello again." " I came because I'm ashamed." " Ashamed?" "I was so silly at the hospital." "I just thought you weren't yourself." "Anything wrong?" "There's something I must tell you." "I'm engaged to Stefan von Bremen." "We're getting married as soon as he finds a suitable appointment." "You're engaged!" "Really?" "Yes." "With Stefan von Bremen." " Who's..." "He a doctor at the clinic?" " Yes." "I thought he was interested in you... and I was jealous." "And I couldn't help saying so." " Is he in Professor Tillberg's ward?" " Yes." "He saw you there the first time and today." "He's blond." "Leans forward a little." "He's tall." "Yes." "And beautiful eyes." "That's him." "It's a shame I don't have a photo." "But I do have one in my purse." "This is him when he was a boy." "Isn't he wonderful?" "With that little self-assured, spoiled look." "I think he's always been spoiled." "Yes, it shows." "I was jealous, but I'm glad I told you." "You must see him." "Why don't the three of us have dinner some night?" "No, I don't think..." "I don't know." "What is it?" "You thinking of that seaman, perhaps?" "Yes, I just thought of him." "Yes, he's your fate, just as Stefan is mine." "You're happy, Asa." "You make people happy." "I just make them unhappy." "Can you tell me where The Swan Pharmacy is, sir?" "So, my friend, you wish to visit a pharmacy." "Permit me to ask." "Why would you wish to visit a pharmacy?" "A pharmacy... when all about you... is the aura of a Stockholm June night!" "With its wonderful magic... of which nothing more seductive exists." "Do you happen to know about the famous Roman saturnalias?" "No?" "The saturnalia was held once a year to celebrate the return of light." "All was gladness and joy." "Slave and master drank together." "Secret desires flourished during the day, or rather night." "Next morning, all was forgotten." "June nights are our saturnalia." "Enjoy its light lies, for tomorrow all is forgotten." "Good night." "The only reason to visit The Swan... is to buy soda water to drink." "There!" "Let's go, driver!" "Nils!" "No!" "Kerstin, did I scare you?" "Open." "I just want to..." " How did you get here?" " I had another year to do." "But they let me out and I came straight here." " I have to talk to you." " No, I don't want to." "Well, maybe I owe it to you." "Wait a moment then." "Kerstin!" "No, I won't..." "I came to apologize for all the trouble I caused you." " But when I see you again..." " I'll do what I can for you." "You need money?" "I'll give you..." "I told you why I came." "Kerstin." "You had to change names because of me, too... so it was hard to find you." "Don't you see?" "I sat there forever and saw only you." "You and the sea." "And now here you are!" " Are you crazy?" "Don't touch me!" " Kerstin, don't..." "My name's not Kerstin." "I'm another person now." "I want it that way." "I was responsible, I know." "But I've tried to make up for it." "Are you going to persecute me for that?" "Will I never be free?" "I'm not blaming you." "I don't ask anything." "Why are you so upset?" "You acted rashly." "You should realize we don't always know what we do!" "Isn't this wound enough?" "Stop!" "I'll phone for help!" "I see." "You love somebody else!" "Yes." "Go away." "Go!" "You don't have to phone the police." "Asa?" "Come to The Swan." "I need help." "I'm ill." "Please come." "Hello." "Asa." "Stefan, you must come right away." "Something's wrong with Sara." "Sara?" "Where?" "The Swan." "She's on night duty." "Hurry!" "Hello." "Taxi." "Sara, it's me, Asa." "Sorry, nurse." "I scared her." "She's in there." "She won't let me touch her." "I'm Nils Asklund." "Wait here." "We can talk later." "I phoned for a doctor." "Sara." "I'm numb." "I can't straighten out." "Try to relax now." "There, there." "I phoned Stefan." "He'll be here any minute." "She alive?" "I don't think it's dangerous, but I was scared when she phoned." "It had something to do with that seaman." "He scared her and she got some kind of heart attack." " She's in there." " The seaman?" "I have things to do here." "Go in." "Are you Stefan?" "Yes." "So you're Stefan." "Yes." "It was kind of you to come." "I'm calmer now." "What're you laughing at?" " She's better now." " Oh." "I forgot what I was saying." "I'll begin again." "How do you feel?" "Fine." "That, too." "This is The Swan." "Send someone to relieve Miss Nordana." "She's ill." "I'll talk to you later." "Stay out of the way till she's gone." "She'll be right out." "Thank you." "It's nice of you to help me." "Strange we should meet like this." "I have such a silly heart." "So weak." " You think you can make it home?" " Of course, Asa." "Stefan will go with you." "I'll stay here till your replacement comes." "Thank you." "Come now." "Take good care of her, Stefan." " Was she very ill?" " No, scared mostly." "I only wanted to talk to her." "You'll have to talk to me now." " I cause so much trouble." " There, there." "How's your heart?" "Better." "It feels good." "Such a June night!" "Music to my ears, girls." "Bottoms up!" " I think I'll have a brandy." " No, Willy, no more!" "Let him." " Oh, no!" " Yes." "I suggest we go out and get our big writer a taxi... so he can go home." "No, he can look after himself." "You, my little dove, I'm going to stay with you." "I like you." "But I want to stay with you tonight." " Out!" " You jealous, Nickan?" "Sara!" "With a man, at this hour!" "With Asa's Stefan!" "Well, well!" "My wounded swan from Gustafssund!" " Can't you see she's sick?" " Wait just a moment here." "Lovely Kerstin Norback, welcome to this sinful city!" "Shut up, creep!" "Take me to her room." " Can't you see she's sick?" " Sure, come on!" " Oh, no." "I have to see this." " Willy." " What's wrong with her?" " Heart attack." "She was frightened." "Can't they leave me in peace?" "Calm down." "You could have another attack." "Don't touch me!" "So she works at The Swan pharmacy!" "Yes." "What a headline!" "Go now, Willy." "You're not sober." "I'd get cold sober for less." "What an article!" "This'll be sensational!" " Where're you going?" " The paper, of course." "Now I can use that photo." "This is terrible, shameful." "How can a person..." "How did he come here?" "Help me!" "They are all after me!" "There, there." "There's no one." "Who are you afraid of?" "Nils, and him out there!" "Nils?" "Is he..." "I was afraid so I phoned Asa." "Then him!" "Everybody wants to hurt me!" "No." "Not everybody." "You don't understand." "No one understands me." "I'm all by myself in the world." "Tell me, then we'll be two." "I'll understand." "There's nothing to tell." "I tell it so bad." "But I'll try." "I'm tired out now." "I was so silly at the pharmacy." "I was so lonely." "So romantic." "I hated everything up there." "Schoolmates who had parents." "I had nobody." "Teachers you always had to be grateful to." "My ugly clothes." "Ugh!" "I hated that gossipy, ugly town." "You get nasty when you're tense." " Do you?" " Yes." "One night I met Nils." "He was alone, too." "He fell in love with me." "He told me all about those things you dream of." "Windless nights... the blinding sun... and the smoke from the funnel in the trade winds." "And fat negresses, the whites of their eyes mother-of-pearl." "Did you like him very much?" "Yes." "Why should I deny it?" "He was the first person I ever cared about." "I was grateful for that." "So I wanted to give him something." "And then?" "Then?" "We were too different." "It sounds silly, but he said things wrong... like "musicans."" "He said everything wrong." "Not just words, but thoughts, too." "I thought then I'd given enough." "I couldn't spend my life with him." "You can't force yourself to like someone." "And tonight..." "I felt I'd rather die than let him touch me." "It's all over now." "Where can I go?" "I can't stay here after that man told them who I am!" "Poor girl." "What?" "What shall we do now?" "We?" "Are you afraid of people, Sara?" "Go away with me." "You don't know me." "Nor you me." "The risk is the same." "Don't joke with me." "I could take you seriously." "I am serious, Sara." "Would you?" "Do you want to?" "Say nothing." "Listen to me first." "I can't promise you anything." "It may just be an adventure." "It's happened so suddenly." "An hour ago we didn't know each other." "But I know I've waited for you a long time." "Do you want to?" "Asa?" "I know." "But she'll manage." "She manages everything." "She'll understand if I tell her about us." "Maybe." "Do you think I'm cruel?" "I've become so tonight." "You're so beautiful." "Shall I tell you more?" "Please." "Tell me." "I've thought about you so much." "Have you?" "We just met." "I've seen you everywhere." "Just imagination." "A wishful dream." "When you pass someone, something happens." "They become another person." "Don't look so skeptical." "You get men to think strange and dangerous things." "Your little heart." "Are you careful of it?" "Yes, it's become a habit." "I don't notice it myself." "I have a scar." " I want to kiss you." " No." "Not today." "Say it, Sara." "Say that you want me." "But you know nothing about me." "I've made such a mess of things." "Don't I?" "I know you stir my fantasy." "That's enough for me." "Will you come?" "Yes." "I knew you would." " Do you have a baptismal paper?" " In the top drawer of the bureau." "Why do you want it?" "For a passport to the land of adventure." "I have a month off from the hospital, so we can leave tomorrow night." "Try to sleep now." "I'll phone you in the morning." " Stefan?" " Yes?" "You're so tall." "Come back soon." " Is Mr. Wilson here?" " No." "I've come for Mr. Wilson's article." "The editor asked me to get it." "It's that one there." "The editor asked me to pick it up." "Good night." "Come in." "Editor-In-Chief." "What is it?" "You know I don't want to be disturbed." "The phone's bad enough." " Is this decent?" " What the hell is this?" "I just asked if this was decent." "Ah!" "I see." "Where did you get this?" "They were typesetting it." "No." "It's not." "But what right have you to interfere in editorial matters?" "Her reputation'll be ruined if it's published." "Right." "The article won't be printed." "Good night." "Send Wilson in to me immediately." "Thank you, Nilsson." "I'm ready now." "Thanks for your help." "Now I'll go home to my Fritjof." "Look." "Switchboard." "Yes?" "So, Mr. Wilson has finally finished with you." "You think I don't know?" "It's a cute paper that's edited by switchboard operators." "She can talk all she wants." "I've done my bit, anyway." "Next time, I'll wear my girdle next to my skin and my panties over." "No, you shouldn't wear a girdle." "Fritjof says men hate..." "You know." "Does he love you just as much?" "Yes." "Abnormally." "No, I won't say it." "I'm going home." "Phone a taxi for Mrs. Nilsson." "All right, you're qualified." "You've got a nose for news." "But you lack taste, my boy." "You see, that girl was once interesting and pathetic." "She represented a particular type:" "passion that follows its own destiny." "Then it was good to write about her." "But not more than once." "Once more would be persecution." "It would be tasteless and tactless." "A newspaperman must have tact." "You're too young, too conceited." "And cruel, as youth is." "But you'll learn." "That's all I had to say... so that we understand each other." "I hope you understand me." "Thanks for your help." "You're satisfied now, right?" "If you behave like a creep, you'll be treated like a creep." "What have I actually done?" "I've done my job." "You publish a paper filled with recipes, statue unveilings... and literary articles, and it'll fold within a week." "What the public wants is murder, robberies... war and misery." "It has to be sensational to get them to read any more than the headlines." "Other people's misery, that goes down great with morning coffee." "Reporters are no worse... than the public makes us." "Good-bye." "No." "Nothing." "Looks like poor Willy didn't get his big headlines." "He's a rat." "Good morning." "Well, Sara, how are you today?" "I hope Stefan took good care of you." "I just wanted to tell you everything is all right." "I spoke with Asklund." "You can relax now." "He won't bother you again." "In fact, he got a job on a ship... and will be away for some time." "No scandal and no danger, either." "Kerstin Norback." "Maybe I've exaggerated." "It can happen to anybody on a light June night." "Shall we unpack again?" "You planning to leave?" "Asa, I want to talk to you." "Not now." "I have to go to work." "The main thing is, you're well again." "Bye." "Asa, there's something I must tell you." "Anything to do with Sara?" "Yes, in a way." "Do we have to stand here?" "What I have to say is important and..." "There're people up there." "If it's important, you can tell me here." "I wanted to tell you..." "I'm going away with Sara tonight." " Away?" "Where?" " She can't stay here." "That guy's after her." "She has to leave." "She's going with me, you see." "How can I explain here?" "He won't bother her." "He's gone." "It's too late." "We can't help it." "I know this is rotten... but I'm too young to settle down with a patient who never goes out." "Quiet!" "I've felt it coming." "I don't want to hear any more." "Go." "I don't want to see you again." "Asa, I'm sorry." "There's so much I could explain." "No." "Go now." "There's nothing more to say." "As you wish." "Good-bye." " How are you?" " Fine, thanks." "You afraid?" "No." "I've got nothing to lose." "But I'm afraid of losing you." " You never asked where we're going." " You told me." "To the land of adventure." "What'll we three do now?" "It looks as if I'll have to keep the steam up here." "You think I'll fall in love again?" "I don't think you can avoid it." "But if you can never trust a man?" "Can you trust a girl?" "Us poor girls." "So much trouble with men... whether we have one or not." "I'll tell you exactly what will happen to us." "Know what?" "I think we'll close the window first."