"Did you have breakfast?" "Twice." "Two breakfasts." "But I couldn't eat them." "Why are you dressed like that?" "I was cold." "You should come in." "The water's perfect." "You've not been well" "I know." "But I'm feeling much better now." "Are you in love?" "Oh." "Yes, I think so." "Come here, come here, come on." "That's it." "Use your bloody legs" "Remember what I told you yesterday." "Keep her going." "That's right." "You don't want to come up on your bloody ass, do you?" "Come on." "That's right." "Roll your knees in, son." "That's good." "Keep on going, boy." "Keep on going." "Well?" "Kiss." "Anything interesting?" "No." "Mama wants nanny to send John's measurements." "She's knitting something for christmas." "And the mayor wants me to open something next month." "I needn't, need I?" "I think you should." "You haven't done anything for him for a long time." "And Angela says, "will we stay for the new year?"" "That's easy." "Not on her life, we won't." "Darling, don't be cross." "I know we aren't going." "I just thought it might be fun to eat someone else's food for a bit, that's all." "Was anyone hurt?" "No one, I'm thankful to say." "Except two housemaids who lost their heads" "And jumped through a glass roof into the main court." "There was no danger." "The fire never reached the bedrooms, I'm afraid." "Still... they're bound to need doing up." "Everything black with smoke and drenched with water." "Luckily, they have that... old-fashioned sort of extinguisher which ruins everything." "Thank you, momsy." "I must get on to them this morning." "Before that ghoul, Mrs. Shutter, snaps them up." "John, are you out for lunch?" "I'm not sure, nobody's rung." "There's always Mrs. Tippin, she might ask me." "Tony, I don't believe you are listening." "Well, to tell you the truth I was just thinking." "Oh." "I was just thinking how delightful it is that it's the weekend." "And we haven't got anyone coming." "It sometimes seems to me rather pointless" "Keeping up a house of this size," "If you don't, now and then, ask some other people to come and stay in it." "Pointless?" "Can't think what you mean." "I don't keep this house for all the bores to come and gossip in." "We always lived here, and I hope John avails to keep it on after me." "Oh, God, what have I done?" "Am I being pompous again?" "Oh, no, darling, not pompous you wouldn't know how." "I'm jolly glad no one's coming down this weekend" "Listen," "I probably can manage to get away for Angela's." "Darling, are you sure you wouldn't hate it?" "I dare say not." "Where are you going for the weekend?" "Hetton." "Who's there?" "I forget." "Tony Last." "Oh, of course." "Oh, she is lovely." "He's rather a stick." "People were mad about her when she was a girl." "Everyone thought she was going to marry Jock Grant-Menzies." "Momsy, you're wonderful" "I believe you know about everybody." "It's a great help." "It's all a matter of paying attention" "When other people are talking." "I didn't know you knew her." "Well, I don't, really." "Tony asked me in Bratt's the other night." "He may have forgotten." "Heavens, is that the time?" "I must get to the shop." "Send them a telegram to remind them." "Much better than ringing up" "Gives them less time to make excuses." "Do it before you start." "They owe me for a table." "What's the house like?" "Huge and hideous." "Now, listen, John." "It was very wrong of you to call nanny a silly old tart." "First, because it was unkind to her." "Think of all the things she does for you everyday." "She's paid to." "Be quiet." "And quite a lot, I should think" "And secondly, because you were using a word... that people of your age, and class, do not use." "You must learn to be more considerate to people less fortunate than you." "Particularly women." "Do you understand?" "Is Ben less fortunate than me?" "That has nothing to do with it." "Now, go upstairs and say sorry to nanny." "All right." "Uh, how did it go today?" "Very well." "Thunder Clap jumped a big post and a rail." "Didn't you come off?" "Yes, once." "Ben said I just opened my bloody legs" "And cut an ass, Sir." "Mr. Beaver, Sir, there is... 10 shillings against you in my books for last month." "Well, thank you, MacDougal." "You'll remind me sometime, eh?" "Very good, Sir." "Well, good afternoon, Mr. Grant-Menzies." "Hi, MacDougal." "Hi, Beaver." "What are you drinking?" "Well, nothing so far." "I think it's time I had one." "Um, brandy and ginger ale, please." "Brandy and ginger ale, MacDougal, and a pink gin." "Very good, Sir." "Who is the old girl you wished on me at the party last night" "She's called Mrs. Tipping." "Hmm." "Apparently I'm invited to lunch." "Are you going?" "No." "I'm no good at lunch parties" "Besides, I decided when I got off... that I was going to have oysters here." "I don't suppose you know anything about pigs." "I'm afraid I don't, no." "Why?" "They keep writing to me about them from my constituency" "I'm on my way to Hetton." "Are you now?" "Well, give Tony and Brenda my love." "I was wondering if you knew anybody else who's going down there." "Um, wonder if I'd get a lift." "I don't, I'm afraid." "It's quite easy by train." "Yes, but it's more pleasant by road." "And cheaper." "Yes, and cheaper, I suppose" "Mr. Beaver, Sir." "There is a Mrs. Tipping on the telephone" "Who wishes to speak to you." "She says it's urgent." "Thank you." "Damn!" "I nearly got Beaver to buy me a drink." "How did the lecture go?" "Bad." "Rotten bad." "The trouble is that nanny is jealous of Ben." "Hey, I'm not sure we shan't both be, soon" "What are you doing this afternoon?" "I should go with the local" "I wouldn't say no to going to the movies," "Gary Cooper's on something at the picture show." "All right, I can easily leave the locals until Monday." "And we can go to Woolworth's afterwards." "Oh, God." "Yes, I must say it does look rather disgusting." "Hell." "Something too horrible has happened." "Look at this." ""Arriving 3:18." "So looking forward to visit." "Beaver. "" "What's "Beaver"?" "It's a young man" "Sounds all right." "Wait till you see him." "What's he coming for?" "You didn't ask him to stay." "I suppose I did, in a vague kind of way." "I met him in Bratt's." "He said something about wanting to see the house" "I suppose you were tight." "Not really." "I never thought he'd hold it against me" "His mother owns that shop." "Oh, I used to know her." "She's hell." "Come to think of it, we owe her some money." "We could put a call through and say we're both ill." "Too late, darling," "He'll be on the train now." "Anyway we can put him in Gallahad." "No one who sleeps there ever comes again." "The bed's agony." "I used to know your mother." "We were great friends." "She has that marvelous little shop." "That's right." "Hello." "Hello." "I'm sorry not to have been here to meet you." "I'm going to take Mr. Beaver around the garden." "Oh, good." "Good." "Look, I'm, I'm awfully sorry." "I've still got Armstrong in the study." "I must talk to him about Morgan Le Fay." "We've got a patch of rot." "See you before dinner." "What's Morgan Le Fay" "His bedroom." "Oh." "It's thrilling hearing about all this revelry." "So many parties." "Polly is having one soon" "Yes, I know." "Are you coming up for it?" "I don't expect so." "We never go anywhere nowadays." "Tony hates London." "In fact, he's practically become a recluse." "What about Mary and Simon?" "Didn't you hear that's broken up?" "When?" "Began in Salzburg in the Summer." "Have you been to Daisy's new restaurant?" "Not yet." "And there's a new night club called The Warren..." "I feel rather guilty about Beaver." "Going up and leaving him like this." "You're being heroic, darling." "Quite superb." "He'll probably go back to London thinking you're mad about him." "It's not too bad, really." "He's rather pathetic." "The king of love my shepherd is" "Whose goodness faileth never" "I nothing lack if I am his" "And he is mine forever" "I say, can't I carry something?" "No, thanks." "I've got everything quite safe." "Did you sleep well?" "Oh, beautifully" "Bet you didn't." "Well, I'm not a very good sleeper" "Next time you come you must have a different room." "Although, I dare say, you won't ever come again." "People so seldom do." "Tony's gone to church." "Yes, he likes that." "Sunday routine." "Chat with the vicar, talk to the tenants." "A glass of Sherry." "Very solemn." "Can I carry mommy's" "No, I'll carry mommy's" "You can give this to Mr. Beaver." "What do you think of the house?" "Oh, it's magnificent." "You don't have to say that to me, you know" "Why?" "Don't you like it?" "Me, I detest it." "At least I don't mean that really" "I do wish sometimes it wasn't all, every bit of it, so appalling ugly." "You know, I'd die rather than say that to Tony." "Crazy about the place." "Still, I suppose we are lucky to be able to afford to keep it up at all." "You've no idea how much it costs just to live here." "Could be quite rich" "John Andrew" "Say hello to Mr. Beaver." "How do you do?" "This is yours." "Hello, darling." "Jolly chat?" "Most enjoyable." "Perhaps, I can't afford to." "Please don't take any notice of him." "Are you poor?" "Yes, very poor." "Poor enough to call people tarts?" "Yes, quite poor enough." "John." "Time for your lunch" "Thank you, nanny." "See you later, darling." "I think it's time we were off, young man." "Come along." "I'm sorry I've been neglecting you." "I thought, if you wouldn't find it a bore... you might like to look around the house." "I'd like that very much." "Oh, good" "It isn't fashionable to like this sort of architecture now" "But I think it's quite good of its kind." "How about a glass of Sherry?" "Did I say something funny" "Oh, no, darling." "We'd love a glass of Sherry." "Who was there?" "No one." "No one?" "Oh, my poor boy." "They weren't expecting me." "It was awful at first." "It got better." "They're exactly as you said." "She's very charming." "He scarcely spoke." "I wish I saw her sometimes." "She talked of taking a flat in London." "Did she?" "It's all quite vague." "She hasn't said anything to Tony yet." "She might come up this week to see her sister." "Darling, what does the country do to you?" "You look like 1,000 pounds." "Where did you get that suit?" "Oh, I don't know, some shop." "What's the news at Hetton?" "All the same." "Tony madly feudal." "John Andrew cursing like a stable boy." "And you?" "Me, I'm all right." "Who's been to stay?" "No one." "We had a friend of Tony's called Mr. Beaver last weekend." "I know." "You know?" "I had his mother on the telephone." "She wants you to have a drink with her" "What's all this about a flat?" "I don't know." "Something I thought of." "I shouldn't have thought Beaver was Tony's ticket" "He wasn't." "What's he like?" "I hardly know him." "I see him at Margate sometimes" "He's a great one for going everywhere" "I thought he was rather pathetic." "Oh, he's pathetic, all right." "Do you fancy him?" "Heavens, no." "Are you coming up for Polly's party?" "It's certain to be amusing." "I might." "If I can find someone to take me." "Tony doesn't like her." "Can't go to parties alone at my age." "What do you suppose is Mr. Beaver's sex life?" "I don't know." "Pretty dim, I should imagine." "You do fancy him." "Oh, well." "There's such a lot of young men nowadays." "John's been telling me" "What a delightful weekend he had with you." "It was very quiet, I'm afraid." "It's just what he likes, poor lamb." "Gets rushed off his feet in London." "Now, I understand, Lady Brenda," "That all you want is somewhere to dress and telephone." "Well..." "Because I do believe that you are in luck." "I'm doing a delightful little place in Belgravia at the moment." "We're dividing it into 6 flats." "3 pounds a week." "Just a room and bath," "But absolutely streamlined comfort, my dear." "Built-in wardrobes, masses of hot water." "And the very last word in american plumbing." "Well, I'll have to ask my husband and let you know." "I hope you let me know soon" "Because everyone will be wanting one." "I'll let you know very soon." "Good." "What would you like?" "Two of those buns and a chocolate." "Are you sure?" "Yes." "That's what I always have." "Seven pence, please." "Thank you." "I'm sure you want to go." "No, not really." "I've got lots to read." "No, I want to stay." "Very sweet." "Thank you." "I suppose you wouldn't like to take me... to Polly's party, would you?" "Well, I wish I could." "I promised to dine out for it." "I thought you probably would." "Well, we can meet there" "Yes." "If I go." "I wish I could have taken you." "No, it's quite all right." "I just wondered." "Look, you don't really have to stay, my train's not for ages." "I think, perhaps, I should go, eh" "Yes, run along." "Say hello to Sookie for me." "And thank you for coming." "Goodbye." "Look, I'm writing a speech for the mayor." "Well... you can see it when I'm finished." "You seem in wonderful spirits today." "I feel good." "I think it's Mr. Cruttwell." "Did Ambrose say something about a telegram?" "Yes, it was for me." "It's Marjorie making a joke." "New?" "Very." "You know, you're causing a great deal of trouble." "You've taken London's only spare man." "Oh, dear." "I didn't realize." "Oh, he's not so bad." "Shh." "Go on." "Hello." "Mrs. Jimmy Deane's very upset" "She couldn't get you for dinner tonight." "I didn't give away what you were doing." "Give her my love." "Anyway, we'll all meet at Polly's." "I must go." "We're dining at 9:00." "Alan's meeting me there." "Stay a bit." "They're sure to be late." "I thought you wanted to drink." "No, I must go." "Enjoy yourselves." "Best to you both." "I suppose we ought to go, too, really." "Yes." "Where?" "I thought the Cafe de Paris." "Listen, I want you to understand right away, this is my dinner." "Of course not, nothing of the sort." "Yes, it is." "I'm a year older than you." "I'm an old married woman and quite rich, so I'm going to pay." "No, I absolutely insist." "This is my treat." "Nonsense." "You can do the taxi." "I'm sorry I was an ass in the taxi." "Hmm?" "Did you mind when I tried to kiss you" "Me?" "No." "Not particularly." "Then why didn't you let me" "Oh, dear." "You have got a lot to learn." "I'm not sure it wasn't a mistake taking you out to dinner." "Ask for the bill." "Let's go to Polly's." "You've got to learn to be nicer." "I don't believe you'll find it impossible." "I'm sorry." "How much should we tip him?" "That's exactly right" "Thank you." "Well, should we go?" "Look." "Isn't it sad?" "Did you know they're going to pull down Glenway House?" "To put up a hideous block of flats?" "I can't believe the Glenways need the money." "Do shut up." "Come here." "If one took advantage of me at this party, I won't know anybody." "Is mommy coming back today?" "I hope so." "Where has she been?" "London." "Why?" "Somebody called Lady Cockpurse was giving a party." "Is she nice?" "Mommy thinks so." "I don't." "Why?" "Because she looks like a monkey." "Oh, I should love to see her" "Does she live in a cage?" "Ben saw a woman who looked like a fish." "Smelled like a fish, too, Ben says." "John." "John, look through there." "Straight through there." "Fox." "Beautiful." "Be very still, it'll stay." "But, my dear, going away in the middle of the party." "I'll tell you how innocent it was." "He didn't even come in." "No one else is going to know that." "What does he think of you?" "I think he can't make me out at all." "Totally puzzled and rather bored in bits" "I made him promise to telephone me this morning." "You're going to go on with it?" "Go on with what?" "Really, Brenda, he's such a dreary young man." "I know." "He's second-rate and a snob." "And I think he's cold as a fish." "But I happen to have a fancy for that sort." "Besides, I don't think he's had a fair deal." "I heard all about it last night." "He's got to be taught a whole lot of things." "Part of his attraction." "Yes." "Excuse me, my Lady." "There's a telephone message for Lady Brenda." "Mr. Last wanted to know whether he should expect you... at Hetton this afternoon?" "Oh." "Yes, thank you." "Well, that's that." "I guess I'm glad, really." "I'll send Tony a telegram." "Will you pack my things?" "Yes, my Lady." "I scarcely saw you at Polly's last night." "What came over you?" "We went early." "Brenda was tired." "Hmm." "She was looking lovely." "I'm so glad you've made friends with her" "When are you going to see her again?" "Said I'd ring." "Oh, well." "Why don't you?" "Momsy, what's the use?" "I can't afford to start taking out women" "Like Brenda Last" "I know, dear, it's very difficult for you." "You're so wonderful about money." "Still it doesn't do to deny yourself everything, you know." "I could see she liked you that evening she was here." "Oh, she likes me all right." "I suppose all this means you're going to start again about your flat?" "Hmm." "Haven't signed any papers yet, have you?" "Oh, no." "Then no great harm's done." "Listen, you haven't been brooding?" "No." "Because, you see, when you say flat, you mean a lift, a man in uniform, a big front door with knobs, an entrance hall with doors leading off in all directions, kitchens and sculleries, and dining rooms and drawing rooms," "and servants' bedrooms, don't you?" "More or less, exactly." "Now, I mean a bedroom, a bath and telephone." "Do you see the difference?" "A woman I know..." "Who?" "Just a woman, has fixed up a whole house like that, just off Belgravia Square." "And they're only 3 pounds a week." "I see." "I surely spend more than 3 pounds a week on not having a flat." "And while I really don't deserve it," "I've been carrying on anyhow this week." "It would mean putting off the bathrooms down here" "Tell you what," "I'll give up Mr. Cruttwell." "How's that?" "I'm sorry to be pompous, darling," "But I don't want him hanging about the house and calling me Marjorie." "Oh, well, flat won't be long now." "And I shall go on saying... that I think you are making a ridiculous mistake." "Are you saying that you don't like him?" "It isn't only that." "I think it's hard cheese on Tony." "Oh, Tony's all right" "And if there's a row?" "There won't be a row." "You never know." "And if there is," "I don't want Alan thinking I've been helping to arrange things." "I wasn't so disagreable to you about Robin Beasely." "There was never much in that." "Her Ladyship is on the telephone, Sir." "Hmm." "Thank you, Ambrose." "Hello." "Brenda?" "Darling, guess where I'm talking from?" "I don't know." "Where?" "I'm talking from the flat." "Oh." "Darling, try to sound interested." "It's very exciting for me." "What's it like?" "Well, there are a good many smells at present... and the bath makes odd sounds... and when you turn on the hot tap, there's just a rush of air, and that's all." "The cold tap keeps dripping." "and the water is rather brown." "The cupboard doors are jammed." "and the curtains won't pull right across." "The street lamp shines in all night." "But it's lovely." "You don't say so." "Tony, you must be nice about it." "It's so exciting." "And someone sent me a lot of flowers today." "So many that there's hardly room for them." "And I've had to put them in the basin on account of having no pots." "Wasn't you, was it?" "Yes." "As a matter of fact, it was." "Oh, darling, I did so hope it was." "Unlike you." "Three minutes." "I must stop now." "When are you coming back?" "Almost at once." "Good night, my sweet." "Good night, darling" "What a lot of talk." "It's sweet of Tony to send flowers." "I'm not awfully fond of Tony." "Don't worry, my dear, he doesn't like you at all." "Doesn't he?" "Why not?" "No one does, except me." "You must get that clear." "It's very odd that I should." ""Darling Brenda, thank you so very much" ""For the charming christmas present." ""I hope your party's been a success." "It's really rather dull here." "The others went hunting yesterday, mother's got rather a cold. "" "He has forgotten to finish it." "Can't complain." "He's never pretended to like me much." "Anyway, it was a damned silly present." "What on earth did you send him?" "You know, one of those rings with three little bits." "Come on, Brenda, you're not concentrating." "Nebuchadnezzar." "Nebuchadnezzar" "I've made a new year resolution." "Oh, yes, anything to do with spending more time at home?" "Oh, no, but the reverse." "Listen, Tony, I'm serious." "I think I'll take a course or something." "Not bonesetting again?" "I thought that was over." "Something like economics." "It's time I took to something." "You're always talking about going into parliament," "If I did a course in economics, I could be of some use canvassing." "Writing speeches and things." "Don't you think it's rather a good idea?" "It's one better than the bonesetters" "Happy New Year, darling." "Anyone here?" "Very quiet tonight, Sir." "Mr. Last's in the bar." "Mmm." "All kinds of changes since we saw you last." "Brenda's taken a flat in London." "Yes, I know." "You know?" "Yes, well, you see, it was my mother who let it to her." "Really?" "Hello!" "Chucked?" "Actually, I must go." "Have another drink." "No, no, really, I'm going to be late." "Goodbye." "Been chucked, eh?" "Yes." "The last time I ask that bitch out." "Better have a drink." "I've been drinking a whole lot." "Much the best thing." "Uh, brandy and sodas, please, for two." "Just came up for the night." "Staying here." "You got a flat now, haven't you?" "Uh, Brenda has." "There isn't really room for two." "We've tried it once." "It wasn't a success." "What's she doing tonight?" "Out somewhere." "I didn't let her know I was coming, you see." "Silly not to." "Only got fed up being alone at Hetton." "I thought on the spur of the moment I'd like to see Brenda." "Might have known she'd be going out somewhere." "I don't know." "It's really quite fun in a certain way." "Mmm-Hmm." "Where am I taking you after this?" "I booked at the bar." "And, darling, do change your mind about this weekend." "No." "I've already promised Tony I'll be down at Hetton." "Yes, but you were at Hetton last weekend." "That's not the point, my sweet." "You sometimes forget I'm an old, married woman." "And my weekends are Tony's." "Extraordinary idea of hers, taking up economics." "Never thought it would last." "But she seems really keen on it." "You seem pretty low tonight." "Mmm, I am rather." "Worried about the pig scheme." "Constituents keep writing." "I felt low." "Bloody low." "But I'm all right again now." "Best thing is to get tight." "Mmm." "Discouraging to come to London and find you're not wanted." "Message from Lady Brenda, Sir" "Oh, good." "I'll go and speak to her" "It wasn't her speaking, Sir." "Somebody giving a message." "I better speak to her." "I suppose that's him." "I better answer it." "Hello." "I want to speak to Lady Brenda Last." "Tony, darling." "This is me, Brenda." "Oh." "Hello." "Some... some damn fool said I couldn't speak to you." "I left a message from where I was dining." "Are you having a lovely evening?" "Ooh, hellish." "I'm with Jock." "He's... he's worried about the pig scheme." "Shall we come and see you?" "No, not tonight, darling." "I'm terribly tired." "I'm just going to bed." "Mmm." "We'll come and see you." "Tony, are you a tiny bit tight?" "Stinking." "Jock and I'll come and see you." "Tony, you're not to, do you hear?" "I can't have you making a brawl." "Flats are getting a bad name anyhow." "Their names will be mud when Jock and I come." "Tony, listen, will you please not come tonight?" "Be a good boy and stay at the club." "The old boy's plastered." "Oh, dear." "I feel rather awful about this." "Well, what can he expect, coming up suddenly like this?" "Is he often like that?" "No." "Quite new." "Oh, God." "This isn't the least like Tony." "John, you've got to go." "Those hooligans may turn up at any moment." "Have you got your taxi fare?" "Find some change in my bag." "Hello, daddy." "You don't mind me coming here, do you?" "I begged Ben, he let me." "Very pleased to see you." "Good morning." "Tony's as happy as a sand boy, isn't he?" "Full of beans." "I am glad I organized this weekend." "Tony nearly had one through the window." "Excuse me." "Thank you." "Do you think Tony knows about Mr. Beaver?" "No." "Not a thing." "What do you think will happen?" "Oh, she'll get bored of Beaver soon enough." "Praise my soul" "The king of heaven!" "To his feet thy tribute bring." "Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven." "Who like me his praise should sing." "Praise him!" "Praise him!" "Praise him!" "Praise him!" "Praise the everlasting king!" "Darling, I'm not coming down next weekend." "You don't mind, do you?" "I'm going to stay with Veronica." "Was I asked?" "Well, you were, of course, but I refused for you." "You know you always hate staying away." "I thought you didn't like her very much" "I hate her like hell." "I suppose you must go back tomorrow." "The hounds are meeting on Wednesday, you know." "You couldn't stay down until then?" "Not possibly, darling." "If I miss one lecture, I get right behind and can't follow the next." "Anyway, I'm not that keen to see the hounds." "Jock's staying on." "He's sending his american floozy down." "You don't mind?" "Me, no." "Not at all." "Oh, I'll tell you something very odd." "Guess who I met the other day?" "Who?" "Our old friend Beaver." "Why is that odd, particularly?" "Well, I don't know." "Forgotten all about him." "Mmm." "You didn't tell me it was his mother behind your flat." "I might not have been so amiable if I had known." "No, darling, and that's why." "This has been a jolly weekend." "I thought you were enjoying it." "Everything is all right, isn't it?" "Yes, of course." "I get depressed down here all alone and imagine things." "You're not to brood, Tony." "You know that's one of the things that aren't allowed." "I won't brood anymore." "Hello, darling." "Jock!" "Mmm." "Fourty two minutes." "Not at all bad with the wind against me." "Tony Last, Laura Rattery." "How do you do?" "How do you do?" "And this is John Andrew." "How do you do?" "Are you going to hunt on Wednesday?" "They're meeting here, you know." "I might go out for a half a day... if I can find a horse." "It would be my first time this year." "It would be my first time, too." "Ah, well, we should both be terribly stiff." "You'll have to show me the country." "I expect they'll draw Bruton wood first." "There's a big fox there." "Daddy and I saw it." "Have you got any pigs on the farm?" "Yes." "Is there a man who looks after them who'd be able to explain about them?" "Yes." "Oh, thank God." "I've got this speech." "If I'm in at the death, I expect Colonel Inch will blood me." "There won't be any death." "It's a whole lot of nonsense." "Oh!" "What do you think of Tony?" "Is he married to that rather lovely woman we saw at the Cafe de Paris?" "The one you said was in love with that young man?" "Yes." "Funny of her." "You look very smart." "He can ride with them as far as the covert." "Yes, Sir." "And there'd be no harm in him staying... to see the hounds working, would there?" "No, I suppose not." "But he's not to stay out more than an hour." "Yes, Sir." "Take care of him, Ben." "Come on, there." "Good luck, John." "Bye." "Bye-bye." "All going well." "Very good, Sir." "I'm afraid I've been riding real badly already." "You think anyone has noticed?" "That's all right, son." "You can't keep riding school manners when you're hunting." ""Dearest Brenda" ""How enjoyable the weekend was." ""Thank you 1,000 times for all your sweetness" ""I wish you were coming down next weekend," ""Or that you'd been able to stay on a little." ""But I quite understand." "If you come back in good time today, your dad will be all the more willing... to let you come out another day." "But there mightn't be another day." "The world might come to an end." "Please, Ben." "Look." "Here comes Miss Ripon on that natty gelding." "Seems as though she's going in, too." "Not a fool by the looks of her." "Come on, steady." "Hello?" "Yes." "Could I have a London number, please" "I'm taking him away." "I can't do anything with him this morning." "I thought perhaps Mr. Last wouldn't mind... if I came up to the house to telephone for the car." "Good idea, Miss." "Let me go first, Miss." "He'll follow." "Don't hold too hard on his mouth." "Just give him a tap." "Walk on." "What do the horns mean?" "They think they found something." "Get a hold of him, Miss." "Use your whip." "Killed instantly." "Took it full on the base of the skull." "That's very sad." "Had a lousy day, too." "Poor little bastard." "We've got to tell Brenda." "Yes." "Do you know where to get her?" "She's probably in that economics school." "But we can't tell her over the telephone." "What on earth am I going to say to her?" "Were you anywhere near?" "No." "We'd gone on to another car" "Awful for that poor Ripon girl." "Tony, one of us will have to go up." "Yes." "I think I shall have to stay here." "I don't know why really, but there'll be things to see to." "It's an awful thing to ask anyone to do." "I'll find her." "Col. Inch has been here." "He wanted to give you his sympathies." "I told him you'd probably prefer to be left alone." "Thought you'd be glad to hear he stopped the hunt." "Nice of him to come." "Were you having a good day?" "No." "I'm sorry." "We saw a fox in Bruton Wood the other day." "John and I..." "Jock's going up to London to fetch Brenda." "Then I'll stay here." "Well, I'll go and get changed." "Won't it be awful for you?" "No." "I'll stay." "I suppose it's ridiculous of me, but I wish you would." "I'm all in a muddle." "It's hard to believe yet that it really happened." "So, where's John Beaver today?" "He's going to France with his mother to see some wallpapers." "She's been worrying about him all day." "It's going to be so much worse for Brenda." "You see," "She'd got nothing else much except..." "John." "I..." "I've..." "I've got her and I love the house." "But with Brenda," "John always came first." "She's been in London such a lot." "I'm afraid that's going to hurt her." "Well, you can never tell what's going to hurt people." "But you see," "I know Brenda so well." "I see four men dominate your fate." "One is loyal and tender." "He's not yet disclosed his love." "One is passionate and overpowering." "You're a little afraid of him." "How very exciting." "I wonder who they could be?" "One you must avoid." "He bodes no good for you." "He's steely-hearted and rapacious." "Bet that's my Mr. Beaver" "Bless him." "Do you play Bezique?" "I'm afraid not." "Piquet?" "No, I've never been able to learn any card game.." "Except animal snap." "Pity." "Can you throw craps?" "No." "Well, it's easy." "I'll show you." "There'll be some dice in the backgammon board." "I'm all right, really, I..." "I'd sooner not play." "Can't stop thinking." "Well, you've got to try and stop." "What's this game you're talking about, animal something?" "Uh, snap." "I'll buy it." "It's just a child's game." "Anyway, it would be ridiculous with two." "Show me." "Well... each of us would choose an animal... all right, I'm a dog and you're a hen." "Now what?" "Most enjoyable." "Why, how odd you all look." "Jock Grant-Menzies wants to see you downstairs." "Jock." "How extraordinary." "It isn't anything awful, is it?" "You better go and see him." "What is it, Jock?" "Tell me quickly." "I'm scared." "Nothing awful, is it?" "I'm afraid it is." "There's been a very serious accident." "John?" "Yes." "Dead?" "Tell me what happened." "Why do you know about it first?" "I've been down at Hetton since the weekend." "Hetton?" "Don't you remember?" "John was going hunting today." "John?" "John Andrew." "Thank God!" "Bow wow." "Come on." "You're not putting your heart into this." "What've you done?" "That's not a pair." "Bow wow!" "The vicar is here, Sir." "He wishes to speak to you if it's convenient." "Thank you, Ambrose." "Very good, Sir." "We'd better stop." "It's all right." "Wasn't a very good game anyway." "Would you like me to go somewhere?" "No, don't bother." "I'll see him in the study." "The last thing I want to talk about at a time like this... is religion." "Some like it." "Of course." "When you haven't got children yourself." "I've got two sons." "Have you?" "I'm so sorry." "I didn't realize." "We know each other so little." "How... how very impertinent of me." "Oh, that's all right." "People are always surprised." "I don't see them very often." "They're at school somewhere." "They're getting quite big." "One's going to be good-looking, I think." "His father is." "May I help myself to some whiskey?" "Ah, of course." "Jock must have told her by now." "Poor little boy." "When you first told me, I didn't understand." "Didn't know what I was saying." "I know." "I didn't say anything, did I?" "You know what you said." "Yes, I know." "But I didn't mean it." "I don't think there's any point in trying to explain." "Would you like me to travel down with you?" "No." "Thank you." "I'd rather be on my own." "Nothing to say, is there?" "Darling, there's no need to talk." "No need." "I suppose there'll have to be a funeral." "Of course." "Yes." "Tomorrow?" "Don't." "I must go and finish some letters." "Yes." "Good morning, m'Lady." "I've been going through John Andrew's things." "Thank you, nanny" "Jock rang up." "He wanted to know if there was anything he could do." "How sweet of him." "Why don't you have him down for the weekend?" "Would you like that?" "I shan't be here." "I'm going to Veronica's." "You're going to Veronica's?" "Yes." "Don't you remember?" "Are you really going away?" "Yes." "I can't stay here." "You understand that, don't you?" "Yes, of course." "I thought we might both go away." "Abroad somewhere." "I couldn't stay here." "It's all over." "Don't you see all I've done here?" "Darling, what do you mean?" "Don't ask me to explain, Tony, not now." "But, Brenda, sweet, I don't understand." "We're both young." "Of course, we could never forget John." "He'll always be our eldest son." "Don't go on, Tony." "Please don't go on." "So y... you're going to Veronica's tomorrow?" "Yes." "I think I will ask Jock to come." "Yes, I should." "And we can think about plans later." "When we've got more used to things." "Yes." "Later." "Darling Tony," "I'm not coming back to Hetton." "You must have realized for some time that things were going wrong." "I'm in love with John Beaver," "And I want to have a divorce and marry him." "If John Andrew hadn't died, things might not have happened like this." "I can't tell." "As it is, I simply can't begin over again." "Please don't mind too much." "I suppose we shan't be allowed to meet while the divorce is on." "But I hope afterwards we shall be great friends." "Anyway, I shall always look on you as one, whatever you may think of me." "Best love, from Brenda." "I can only think she's so upset... that she's lost her reason." "She's only seen Beaver... twice to my knowledge." "I'm sorry it should have happened like this." "But it's not true, is it?" "I'm afraid it is." "Everyone's known for some time." "In fact..." "I believe she's with him now." "But she's at Veronica's." "Beaver's there, too." "You say that you still wish to be the defendant in this case?" "Yes, of course." "Forgive me, you are aware that, in fact, you are the injured party." "Yes, I am." "And that as the innocent and injured party, she will be entitled to claim substantial alimony from the courts." "We've been into all that." "I've decided to make a settlement of 500 a year." "I understand Mr. Beaver has something." "It's a pity we can't put it in writing." "But that might constitute conspiracy." "Well, now for the practicalities." "We have engaged a suite for you... at the Crown Hotel in Brighton." "We always send our clients there." "The servants are well-accustomed to giving evidence." "We have notified our regular firm of private detectives, and therefore, it only remains for you to select a partner." "I expect I shall be able to find someone." "I have no doubt of it." "This is going to be hell." "Sorry if I'm late." "Winnie here couldn't find her shoes." "I brought her along, too" "She travels half-ticket." "Tony Last, Miss Milly Peacock." "I hope you don't imagine she's coming with us." "That's the idea." "You wouldn't think I had an eight year-old girl, would you?" "Don't worry, she'll be all right." "She's got her puzzle." "No, I'm sorry, but it's quite impossible." "Look, this kind gentleman is going to take you in his lovely car, and buy you the biggest doll you can find." "I don't want a doll." "She wants to go to the seaside." "No." "Come on, young Lady." "This way, come on." "Jock." "Oh, God." "What is it?" "Mom's asleep" "So I should think." "Go back to sleep." "It's hardly raining at all." "What are you doing?" "I want to go to the pier." "It won't be open yet." "All right." "I want to go down to the sea." "Come on" "All right." "Why don't we bathe?" "Far too cold." "But they're bathing." "I want to." "You said I could last night." "You must ask your mother." "You're afraid." "Can you swim?" "Yes, of course." "Well, why don't you?" "I bet you can't." "All right, I can't." "Then why did you say you could then, fibber?" "My knickers is all wet." "It's sticking to the seat." "It feels horrible." "You better go up and change." "Mr. Last, would you allow me a moment?" "It's Blenkinsop, ex-Detective Sergeant, my colleague Mr. James." "We're employed by Mr. Graceful." "Private investigations." "Oh, yes, of course." "Please sit down." "Will you have breakfast?" "Oh, thank you, but both Mr. James and myself have already had quite sufficient." "Tell me, is it usual to bring children on an expedition of this kind?" "It is not, Mr. Last." "I thought it couldn't be." "And since you bring it up," "I must say I regard it as most irregular and injudicious." "Mind you, neither Mr. James nor myself... would mention the matter in court, of course." "But what are you thinking of, Mr. Last?" "Breakfasting down here." "You've got to get the evidence of the hotel servants." "Well, I..." "I..." "I didn't like to wake Millie." "It's what she's here for, isn't it?" "Come, come, Mr. Last, this won't do." "You'll never get your divorce... if you don't give more of your mind to it." "All right." "I'll have breakfast again." "In bed, if you please." "In bed." "Millie, we've got to have breakfast." "Don't want any breakfast" "Think I'll sleep a little." "Come on." "This is what we've come for." "Ok." "Winnie darling." "Get mother her cardi from the chair." "You're crazy, eating two breakfasts." "When you're a little older, you'll understand these things." "It's... it's the law." "Now, I want you to stay in my bedroom very quietly." "For a quarter of an hour." "Afterwards, you can do exactly what you want." "Then can I go to the pier?" "Yes, certainly, if you're quiet now." "How do I look?" "Love's young dream." "Come in." "Morning." "That's fine, thank you." "So much for infidelity." "Can I go to the pier now?" "Thanks, Sir." "I'd telephoned earlier." "I'd like to get some brochures" "Take a seat, Sir." "I'll be with you in one moment." "We have one first-class berth, Sir, which you could have." "First class?" "Nonsense." "I'm an explorer, not a tourist." "This is a very important expedition." "Will you please go and look again?" "I believe this is your mouse." "Uh, thank you." "Funny little fellows, aren't they?" "They're going to come in very useful though." "I bought twenty of them." "I'm going away shortly to Brazil." "Uh, at least it may be Brazil or Dutch Guyana, one cannot be quite certain." "The frontier has never been demarcated." "I was supposed to have started last week, only my plans were upset by this lunatic agency." "Do you, by any chance, know a nicaraguan... calling himself alternately Ponsonby and Fitz-Clarence?" "No, I don't think so." "Well, you are fortunate." "That man has just robbed me of 200 pounds and some machine guns." "In a pinch, I can do without the machine guns, but I cannot do without the 200 pounds." ""My marriage was an ideally happy one" ""until shortly before christmas last year" ""when I began to suspect" ""that my husband's attitude had changed towards me." ""He always remained in the country" ""and my studies took me to London." ""I realized that he no longer cared for me as he used to." ""He began to drink heavily" ""and on one occasion made a disturbance" ""at our flat in London," ""constantly ringing up when drunk" ""and threatening to send a drunken..." ""drunken friend around to knock on the door. "" "Is that really necessary?" "Not strictly." "But it's advisable to put it in." "It's always helpful to offer evidence of general degeneracy." "I see." "It's a pity I can't have the Royal Geographical Society in on this expedition, but I had to find the money privately." "Of course, it's a... it will be a monumentally historic time if I ever get there." "What do you suppose it will be like, this lost city?" "Oh, impossible to say." "The Peewees call it shining or glittery." "I was out there last year." "That's when I made contact with a Peewee indian." "The first white man ever to contact them and get out alive." "When are you setting off?" "Thursday." "All the same, making every allowance for your feelings." "And there is my sister, you know." "I do think you're behaving rather vindictively in the matter." "I saw this chap Beaver yesterday." "Didn't like him at all." "Do you?" "I hardly know him." "She'll want to come back in a year, just you see." "I don't want her back." "Well, that's vindictive." "Besides, you know, it's not as if it's all Brenda's fault." "It does take two to make an argument." "From what I hear, things haven't been going well for some time." "For example, you're drinking rather a lot." "Did Brenda say that?" "Well, yes." "Well, that really explains what I wanted to say." "I discussed your suggestion for a settlement... with the lawyers and with the family." "Um..." "We've decided... that the sum should be increased to 2,000." "That's quite out of the question." "I couldn't begin to afford it." "It would mean giving up Hetton." "Well, there's a lot in what these Labor fellows say, you know." "Big houses are a thing of the past in England." "Tell me, did Brenda realize when she agreed to this proposal... that it would mean my leaving Hetton?" "Yes." "Yes, it was mentioned, I think." "I dare say you'll have no trouble... selling it to a school or something." "I can remember... when I was trying to get rid of Brakeleigh." "My agent said it was a pity it wasn't gothic... because schools and convents go for that." "It's inconceivable." "It's not just a question of money, you know." "The fact is," "Beaver's cutting up nasty." "He says he can't possibly marry Brenda... unless she's properly provided for." "He's got practically nothing himself." "He's unlikely to earn any." "Says it isn't fair on her." "I see his point in a way" "Yes, I see his point." "What your proposal really amounts to... is that I should give up Hetton in order to buy Beaver for Brenda." "Oh, dear." "Perhaps I haven't made myself quite clear." "Comes from having too much respect for people's feelings." "You see," "Brenda will ask for alimony of 2,000 pounds from the court." "And with our evidence, we should get it." "Sorry you obliged me to put it so bluntly" "I hadn't thought of that." "Nor have we." "To be quite frank, it was, um, Beaver's idea." "Darling, how did you track me down?" "I'm lunching with Reggie." "He tells me you're going to sue for alimony." "Is that so?" "Tony, don't be so bullying." "The lawyer's doing everything." "It's no use coming to me." "Yes, they did say that." "I know it sounds a lot, but..." "And you know exactly how my money stands." "You know it would mean selling Hetton," "Don't you?" "Hello, are you still there?" "Yes, I'm still here." "You know it means that?" "Tony, don't make me feel a beast." "Everything's been so difficult." "Do you know how odd you sound?" "Don't ring off." "Oh, dear." "You were quite right" "I'm sorry I didn't believe you." "It didn't sound likely at first." "That's all right, my dear fellow." "I dare say you'll get a very comfortable price." "And find yourself better off in the end than you are now." "I decided exactly what's going to happen." "Good." "Brenda is not going to get her divorce." "The evidence I provided at Brighton isn't worth a thing." "There happens to have been a child there all the time." "She slept all night in the room I was supposed to have occupied." "If you care to bring the case, I shall defend and win." "I think when you've seen the evidence, you'll drop it." "I'm going away for 6 months or so." "When I return, if she wishes it," "I shall divorce Brenda without settlements of any kind." "Well... good afternoon." "Thank you for lunch." "We are now in the Amazon system of rivers." "All this water here... will be flowing south." "But surely this is flowing east?" "This rock... what... gosh, so it is." "Well, this is a discovery of genuine scientific value." "Just a moment." "Rosa!" "Rosa!" "Rosa!" "What... what is the name of this stream?" "Macushi people call him Waurupang." "No, not where we camped before." "The name of this stream." "Yes." "Waurupang." "Macushi people call him all Waurupang." "It's hopeless." "Come on." "What?" "I say it's hopeless." "Come on." "Come on." "Macushi people there, Peewee people there." "Macushi people no go with Peewee people" "No, I'm not asking you to go with Peewee people." "You and the men... take us as far as the Peewee people, then you go back to Macushi people." "Understand?" "Peewee peoples bad peoples." "It's going to be awkward if this woman doesn't come." "It's going to be awkward if none of them come." "I will talk to the men." "It is time to dig cassava." "Macushi people go home just now." "It's pure blackmail." "Let's get out some trade goods" "Each man can take 3 things... from here, if he comes in the boats." "Macushi people dig cassava just now." "Give me cigarette." "I do beg your pardon." "Now we shall have to try with the mice." "I had wanted to keep them till we reached the Peewees." "It's a pity, but it can't be helped." "They'll go for the mice, you'll see." "I know the indian mind." "Well, I'm damned." "That's better than I expected." "More than you expected anyway." "Oh, no, no, no, no." "They'll come back." "I know them." "I'll come back when it's dark." "Mommy, Brenda wants a job." "Why?" "Same as everybody else." "She's short of money," "Wants something to do." "She wondered if she'd be any use to you at the shop." "Well, it's hard to say." "As things are, I'm not sure it would be wise." "Just said I'd ask you, that's all." "John, I think it's time you had a holiday." "I'm going to California in July with the Fishbournes." "I think it would do you good to come with me." "I think that's my telephone." "What's the matter?" "They've taken everything" "Our situation is grave, but not desperate." "You feeling all right?" "Yes." "I'm fine." "Feel a little hot, that's all." "Didn't get much sleep." "You're going through with the divorce?" "I don't know." "Doesn't really depend on me." "It's more a matter of holding down Mr. Beaver." "He's getting very restive." "I have to feed him a bit of high life" "Every week or so." "Now I suppose that will all stop without a divorce." "Any news of Tony and the crook doctor?" "Not for some time now." "I, uh, I got a cable when he landed." "They're absolutely safe." "Oh, I imagine so." "Whole world's civilized now, isn't it?" "Charabancs and Cook offices everywhere." "Yes, I suppose it is." "I hope he's not brooding." "I hate to think of him being unhappy." "I expect he's getting used to things." "I do hope so." "I'm very fond of Tony, you know." "In spite of the monstrous way in which he behaved." "How are you feeling?" "Awful." "I'm afraid it'll be a day or two before I'm really well." "I've been pretty ill, haven't I?" "Come on, drink this." "Can't remember much." "Are we going on tomorrow?" "We'll think about it." "Look, it's no use you thinking you're cured." "Just because you're out of fever for one day." "It might take a week." "Might take longer." "Meanwhile, we have provisions for about 10 days." "I'm afraid I'm being a great nuisance." "That's not the point." "The thing is to find what's best for us to do" "I've decided I'm going downstream for the day." "See if there's any sign of a village." "I hate leaving you, but it's a risk worth taking." "I'll be back by nightfall." "Hopefully with some indians to help." "All right." "Shit!" "I'm sorry about dinner, I just don't have any money left." "What time is it?" "After 3:00." "So, you really are going to America?" "I must." "Mummy's got the tickets." "Nothing I've said tonight makes any difference?" "Don't go on." "We've been through all that." "You know it's the only thing that can happen." "Why spoil the last week?" "You have enjoyed the Summer, haven't you?" "Of course." "Shall we go?" "Yes." "Don't bother to see me home." "You're sure you don't mind?" "It's miles out of the way, and it's late." "I know what I mind." "Ah!" "Ambrose." "Just my usual morning tray." "Coffee, toast, fruit." "Haven't seen my wife, have you?" "Rotten thing for a man" "To have his wife go away in a canoe." "You're very ill." "And you've had a rough journey." "That's what Messinger said." "He's in love, you see." "With John Beaver." "Now, drink this." "There is no city." "Mrs. Beaver has covered it in chromium plating and converted it into flats." "Very suitable for base love." "Nasty medicine." "Hello?" "Feeling a great deal better." "I must thank you, Mr. Todd." "There's medicine for everything in the forest." "To make you well, and to make you ill." "My mother was a Peewee... and she taught me many of them." "But surely, you're English." "My father was." "At least, a barbarian." "Can you read?" "Yes, of course." "It's not everyone who is so fortunate." "I cannot." "But I suppose you don't have much opportunity here." "Oh, yes." "That's just it." "I have a great many books." "I'll show you when you're better." "Until five years ago, there was a black man." "He used to read to me every day." "Until he died." "You shall read to me when you're better." "I shall be delighted to." "Yes." "You shall read to me." "Do you believe in God?" "Yes, I suppose so." "I've never really thought about it much." "I've thought about it a great deal." "And I still do not know." "Charles Dickens." "Now, he believed." "You're fond of Dickens?" "Yes, of course." "More than fond." "I have his entire works." "I've read them all several times." "But I never get tired." "It takes a long time to read them all." "More than 2 years." "The black man's grave." "Barnabas..." "Washington." "To commemorate his death... and your arrival." ""There was a confused little crowd of people," ""Principally children," ""Gathered about the house at which we stopped," ""Which had a tarnished brass plate on the door" ""With the inscription Jellyby." ""'Don't be frightened!" "' He said," ""Looking in at the coach window." "'One of the young Jellybys been and got his head through the area railings!" "'"" "Mrs. Jellyby does not take enough care... of those children." ""'Oh, poor child,' said I;" ""'Let me out, if you please" ""'Now, pray be careful of yourself, Miss." ""'The young Jellybys are always up to something said Mr. Guppy. "" "Repeat the name, I've forgotten it." "Mr. Guppy." "Yes." "Yes, I remember him well." "You read beautifully," "With a far better accent than the black man." "And you explain better." "It's almost as though my father were here again." "This is a lot to get through." "I hope I shall be able to finish it before I go" "Oh, yes." "Do not disturb yourself about that." "You'll have time to finish it." "Mr. Graceful, I've got to have some more money." "I should have thought that was really a question for your bank manager." "My husband can't possibly have meant to leave me stranded like this, can he?" "Oh, I see." "Well, that's that, then, isn't it?" "It certainly looks as if it were." "There's just one thing." "do you know" " I mean, can you tell me... whether Mr. Last made another will?" "I'm afraid that is a thing I cannot discuss." "No, of course not." "I'm sorry if it was wrong to ask." "I just wanted to know how I stood with him, that's all." "Perhaps I can say as much as this, to guide you." "The heirs to Hetton are now his cousins." "The Richard Lasts at Princes Risborough." "I think that your knowledge of your husband will tell you... that he would always wish his fortune to go with the estate." "In order that it may be preserved... in what he holds to be... its right condition." "Yes, of course." "I should've thought of that." "Mr. Last," "The indians tell me you've been trying to speak with them." "It is easier that you say anything you wish... through me." "You realize, do you not, that they would do nothing without my authority?" "They regard themselves, quite rightly in many cases, as my children." "Well, as a matter of fact," "I was asking them about a canoe." "So they gave me to understand." "Mr. Todd, I must speak frankly." "You saved my life." "And when I get back to civilization," "I will reward you to the best of my ability." "But at present, you are keeping me here against my will." "I demand to be released." "But, my friend, what is keeping you?" "You're under no restraint." "Go when you like." "You know very well I can't get away without your help." "In that case, you must humor an old man." "And now, perhaps, we might have... another chapter." "Mr. Todd, I swear by anything you like, that when I get back to Manaus..." "I will find someone to take my place." "I will pay a man to read to you all day." "But I have no need of another man." "You read so well." "I have read for the last time." "Oh." "I hope not." ""'I think there's a pain somewhere in the room," ""said Mrs. Gradgrind," ""'but I couldn't positively say that I have got it. '" ""After this strange speech," ""She lay silent for some time." ""Louisa, holding her hand," ""could feel no pulse." ""But kissing it," ""could see a slight thin thread of life in fluttering motion. "" "Poor woman." "Yes, of course she dies." "I'd quite forgotten." "Well, I enjoyed that very much." "It's an extremely distressing chapter, but if I remember rightly, it will all turn out well." "Excuse me one moment." "It's one of the local feast days... and they're making pivari." "You may not like it, but you should try some." "We will go over to this man's house tonight." "I, James Todd of Brazil." ""Do swear to Barnabas Washington of Georgetown," ""that if he finish this book, in fact, Hard Times," ""I will let him go away as soon as finished." ""Mr. Todd made this mark. "" "Signed Barnabas Washington." "Thank you." "Drink it all without lowering the cup." "That is the etiquette." "A pie, please." "Pork or beef?" "Pork, I think." "Tuppence, please." "Thank you, good night." "How do you feel?" "Rotten." "That drink didn't seem to agree with me." "You haven't seen my watch, have you?" "Have you seen my watch?" "You've missed it?" "Yes, I thought I was wearing it." "I say," "I've never slept so long." "Not since you were a baby." "Do you know how long?" "Two days." "Nonsense, I can't have." "Yes, indeed." "It's a long time." "It's a pity." "Because you missed our visitors." "Visitors?" "Why, yes." "I've been quite entertained while you were asleep." "Three men from outside." "Englishmen." "It's a pity you missed them." "A pity for them, too," "As they particularly wished to see you." "But what could I do?" "You were so sound asleep." "They'd come all the way to find you." "So, as you could not greet them yourself," "I gave them a little souvenir:" "your watch." "They wanted something to take back to England," "Where a reward is being offered... for news of you." "They were very pleased with it." "They also took some photographs... of the little cross we put up, to commemorate your arrival." "They were pleased with that, too." "They were very easily pleased." "I don't suppose they will visit us again." "Our life here is so retired." "No pleasures, but reading." "I'll give you something to make you feel better." "We will not have any Dickens today," "But tomorrow... and the day after that." "And the day after that." "Let us read Little Dorrit again." "There are passages in that book... which I can never hear... without the temptation to weep." "As we remember Anthony Last, in our hearts, and in our prayers, let us look back to him... as he was here at Hetton." "Squire of our village, beloved friend to us all." "And let this memorial... stand as a true mark... of our thanksgiving for a life... which was of service to us all." "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost," "Amen." "Thank you, father." "That was very nice." "Thank you." "Yes, thank you." "I'm glad we put that up." "You know, I should never have thought of it, if it had not been for Mrs. Beaver." "Was it Mrs. Beaver's idea?" "Yes." "She said that as one of Tony's closest friends, she knew he would wish to have some monument here at Hetton." "She was most obliging," "Even offering to make the arrangements..." "With the contractors for it." "Her own plans were more ambitious." "She proposed redecorating the chapel as a chantry." "But I think this is what Tony might have preferred." "The stone comes from one of our own quarries, and was cut by the estate workmen." "Yes, I think he would've preferred this." "Are you sure I can't persuade you to stay the night?" "You'd be most welcome." "Thank you, but no." "Jock has to make a speech in the house this evening." "Of course." "Oh, have you seen these young fellows?" "Teddy's idea." "He's hoping to breed from them." "The little vixen got her brush badly bitten during the night." "Must have got it through the wire into the next cage." "Tricky birds, foxes." "Well, if you're sure..."