"[Pleasant music]" "[Music continues]" "[Music continues]" "[Thunder rumbling]" "[Train chugging]" "[Bailey narrating] I remember clearly" "Everything that happened that night." "For that was when it started" "Innocently enough, on an eastbound train." "It was in the early spring of 1903 to be exact." "And the train was plowing through a heavy storm." "I had been napping, and I awoke to find her watching me." "Smiling, a birdlike sort of little woman." "But behind that smile, I thought I could see" "Something of terror in her eyes." "She was badly frightened by the storm" "And she asked me if she could sit by me." "She said it would make her feel safer." "I reassured her to the best of my ability" "And wondered vaguely if she were mentally ill." "I found out later that she was nothing of the sort." "But now, she seemed to read my thoughts." "Why, you're a doctor, aren't you?" "How did you know?" "Oh, I know a lot about doctors." "There's something I like about them all." "The fat ones, and the thin ones, and the homely ones." "And the good-looking ones." "It's as if they were looking at something beneath the flesh." "Something that does not change." "As grim as that, eh?" "Oh, not grim exactly, it's rather grave, that's all." "We're lucky we're not out in it." "Oh dear, I do hope I'm not going to be killed." "You see, no one knows I'm here." "I've practically run away." "And I've simply got to be home for tea." "It will be a little rough" "But there's no cause for worry." "When and where is your tea?" "New York." "Sunday." "Tomorrow." "You see, it's Allida's birthday." "Nick's wife." "He's my brother." "Allida is so sweet." "Have you been away long?" "Frightfully long." "Five years." " Are you from New York too?" " Yeah." "Isn't it ridiculous to stay away so long?" "Of course, they thought there was something wrong" "With my heart." "But Dr. Hatch" "Well, he was the doctor at the sanatorium" "Said that was nonsense." "[Thunder rumbling]" "Oh!" "It's getting bad, isn't it?" "We'll be through the worst in a few minutes." "[Train chugging]" "It's alright now." "It'll be fine from here on." " Oh, you've been so kind." " Oh, nonsense." "Now, I won't take up any more of your time." "Will I see you tomorrow, for lunch at least?" " Of course." " You are kind." "And so, with this chance meeting" "Began for me, the strangest days of my life." "[Knock on door]" "Come in." "A note, sir, from a lady." "Oh, thank you." " Oh, is it almost 2:00?" " Yes, sir." "Thank you, sir." "Oh, good afternoon, sir." "Oh, I was afraid you'd forgotten." "Oh, no." "Only the time." "I ordered for you." "Otherwise, you would've had to wait." "I hope you like steak." "Most men do." "Steak's safe." "At least they can't serve it with mayonnaise." "And do you like tea?" "I carry my own." "Oh, yes." "I think there's nothing so friendly as tea." "And this is Nick's smoky souchong." "He imports it specially." "You'll see." "Oh." "Tell me, really." "Were you as calm as you appeared to be" "Last night during the storm?" "Probably not." "A man has to pretend that sort of thing." "I can usually tell when people are frightened." "Nick was a very high strung child." "And I practically brought him up." " Will you have sugar?" " Oh, no, thank you." "Oh, you are nice." "Sugar would spoil it." "And then, of course, Allida was a mere child" "When Nick married her." "So you might say I brought her up too." "Oh, such a child." "Nick was years older." "Dear Allida." "Oh, she's so beautiful." "I'm writing a biography for her." "A biography of Allida?" "Oh, dear, no." "Of Nick, for my diary." "But Nick must never know I've written a diary." "Dr. Hatch suggested I call it" ""The Life and Times of Nicholas Bederaux."" "Oh, so you are Miss Bederaux?" " Didn't you know that?" " How should I?" "And you don't know Nick?" "Oh, I've heard of him, of course." "Well, that makes it perfect." "You know, I've never had any friends of my own before." "They were always Nick's friends first." "But now, everything is going to be different." "If you don't mind my asking, how do you mean different?" "Well, I've decided I'm coming back to live on my own now." "I'm not going to live in our house." "'I'm not even going to spend a single night there.'" "Oh, I would like to ask you about the hotels." "Not the big ones, but a quiet, nice hotel." " Do you know?" " I live in that sort of hotel." "Although, I'm sure that..." "Oh, why, that's too good to be true." "And if you don't mind" "I'd like to send my luggage there with yours." "And you can come home with me, meet Nick and Allida." "Oh, no, that's very kind of you, but I have an engagement." "I'm sorry." "But you will see about the luggage?" "Yes, if you wish." "And then, you can meet Nick some other time." "I can't believe you don't know him." "No, I think I read something about him a long time ago." "An article in "The Manhattan."" "Things he did for people" "And something about the house on Murray Hill." "Miss Bederaux." "Oh, I'm..." "I'm sorry." "I guess it was just the excitement last night." "Oh, here they are." "If you just drop them at the hotel." "And that one, and that." "There." "There are only five." "Now, which are yours?" "These two." "Oh, if you only knew how excited I am." "Isn't it fun?" "I'll be grateful for this all the rest of my life." "Well, I'll see you to a carriage." "No, no, no." "I insist, I can manage." " Goodbye." " Bye." "And I shall see you again." "[Piano music]" " Good evening, doctor." " Hello." "Hunt, shine my halo." "I did get you here." "You didn't." "It was that young guest of yours." "Well, I have a power over you, haven't I?" "Hello, Elaine." "What's the point of the party?" "I forgot." "Come on, I'll show you." " Good evening, Dr. Bailey." " Good evening." " Hello, Hunt." " How are you?" "There." "Isn't it tremendous?" "Get the power and strength." "Can almost see her straining to move." "What is it?" "What is it?" "Woman." "Woman incarnate." "It's far and away the best thing I've ever done." "Look at the effect." "Well, the whole thing is an absolute masterpiece." " Modest, isn't he?" " You really like it?" " Not much." " Why should you?" "What do you know, you mental inquisitor." "Elaine, you're wasting your time." " You think so?" " I do." "He looks into the eyes of a beautiful woman" "And the only thing he sees is an inflamed cornea." "I'm only joking, Clag." "It's really very good." "Then, at last, I can consider myself a success." " Say, Clag." " Hm." "Come here." "I want to talk to you." "Serpents in their hair, eh?" "I'm afraid that's how Clag sees us." "Would you like me to get you a drink?" "Oh, thank you." "(Male #1) 'She said she was chilly.'" "'And Allida poured her second cup of tea.'" "'I was sitting right next to her.'" "'And she didn't seem to be able to hold the cup.'" "'Nick spoke to her sharply.'" "'And then everything happened at once.'" "'Allida jumped up, and the flowers fell off her lap.'" "She took one arm, and Nick took the other." "I said, "Shall I call a doctor?"" "And Nick said, "Nonsense." "She has had these attacks before."" " What's this?" " Oh, do you know each other?" "John Maitland, Huntington Bailey." "How are you?" "I was just speaking of the death of Bederaux's sister." " Death?" " 'Yes, this afternoon at tea.'" "'She had a heart attack.'" "Nick came down and said it was the excitement." "We all went right on talking again." "And Cissie was dying then." "All by herself upstairs." " Wasn't a doctor called?" " 'Not that I know of.'" "'Nobody thought that it was very serious.'" "Too bad." "I liked Cissie." "Hadn't seen her for years though." "'She'd been out at a sanatorium'" "'Or something of the sort.'" "* The baboon sister *" "* Kissed so hard he raised a blister **" " What is that?" " "I went to the animal fair."" "* The old baboon by the light of the moon *" "* Was combing his auburn hair **" "I know, what made me think of that." "Bederaux's sister." "The baboon's sister." "You know him, Hunt?" "No." " Why baboon?" " I don't know." "Sort of that quality about him." "The way he looks up at you, rather peculiarly." "(Elaine) 'I think, Allida is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.'" "She is a work of art." "I don't like beautiful women, it makes them nervous." "Hunt." "I don't remember you mentioning the Bederauxs before." "No, I fancied myself in love with Allida some years ago" "When I first met her." "Along with a dozen others." "You forget your attachments pretty easily." "No, one doesn't forget Allida easily." "There's something, something fateful about her." "What do you mean?" "Have you seen Maitland's painting of her?" "In the Bederaux wing of the museum?" " No." " Well, see it." "Or better still, if you're game" "Next Sunday, I'll take you to Nick's for tea." "They wouldn't be having tea the week his sister died." "Why not?" "She'd been away for years." "Will you come?" "No, thanks." "I know you must be tired, Hunt." " I'll make our excuses." " Thank you." "What do you mean, if I'm game?" "I said Allida was fateful." "See the portrait, Hunt." " Good evening, doctor." " Good evening, George." "The lady I reserved the room for, Miss Bederaux" "She died this afternoon of a heart attack." "Oh, I'm sorry." "I'd suggest that you send her luggage along to her brother." "Nicholas Bederaux, you'll find him in the directory." "Yes, doctor." "Uh, by the way, I'd rather you didn't mention my name." "No, sir." " Goodnight." " Goodnight." " Is that you, Maggie?" " Oh, good evening, doctor." "You weren't long on your trip." "Long enough." " Somebody sick?" " Well, a consultation." "I've unpacked your things, doctor." "You shouldn't have to bother." "Thank you, Maggie." "I wouldn't trouble with anything more." "Oh, no, doctor." "This fresh water, Maggie?" "'Maggie?" "'" "Oh, the water." "Yes, doctor." "I've put your writing case in the closet." "Thank you, Maggie." "Goodnight." "Goodnight, doctor." "[Instrumental music]" "(Cissie) I've simply got to be" "Home for tea." "I must be home for tea." "They thought something was" "The matter with my heart." "But Dr. Hatch" "Said that was nonsense." "I'm not going to spend even" "A single night in our house." "(Male #1) I said, "Shall I call a doctor?"" "And Nick said, "Nonsense."" "(Cissie) Everything's going to be different." "Dear, Dr. Bailey, I'll be grateful for this" "All the rest of my life." "(Clag) There's something fateful about Allida." "See the picture, Hunt." "[Instrumental music]" "[Music continues]" "[Music continues]" "Hello, Clag?" "Hunt." "I've been thinking over your invitation to the Bederaux tea." "I'd like to go." "Yes, I'm game, yeah." "Alright, see you Sunday." "Bye." "[Instrumental music]" "[Music continues]" " Afternoon, Frank." " Good afternoon, sir." "[Music continues]" "[Orchestral music]" "Nick's prized Goddess." "Collected on their honeymoon as I understand it." "Well?" "Looks like something out of Jules Verne." "The only place in town where you're never sure" "What century you're living in." "Alright then, Allida, a second cup if you insist." "Clag." "Excuse me." "Hello there." " Hello, Nick." " Nice to see you for a change." " Have you been away?" " No, busy." " Huntington Bailey." " How do you do?" "How do you do?" "I know you." "I read your article on the Napoleonic complex last year." "Always suspected I might have something of that sort." " Oh, hardly." " I'm glad you're here." "You can meet the rest presently" "But now I want to exhibit you to Allida." "Men of science are rather rare in this house." "Hello, Bailey." "May I present Dr. Huntington Bailey, my dear." "Mrs. Bederaux." "How do you do?" "How will you take your tea, Dr. Bailey?" "(Nick) 'I think he might have a touch of something stronger.'" "But you must go through the form of pouring tea" "You do it so delightfully." "'And then, he will sit with you for a few moments'" "'And re-assure about Alec's appetite.'" "We have a five-year-old son who refuses to eat as he should" "When I'm not around to tell him stories." "Hunt has seen your portrait, Allida." "He thinks it has a disturbing beauty." "Allida's so fond of that portrait" "That she still wears the same gown." "We even must have the same cups." "Be kind to him, my dear." "Come on, Clag." "Talk to me." "It isn't the pose, really." "Nick designed the gown and it pleases him to see me wear it." "Maitland does paint beautifully, doesn't he?" "I don't know anything at all about painting." "Oh..." " Sugar?" " No, thanks." "As a matter of fact, Clag insists" "That I'm artistically illiterate." "But I did say the painting was disturbing." "Why?" "'There was something in the expression of the eyes.'" "Yes?" "'Yes, I, I wanted to see for myself if it was'" "'The artist's imagination or if it was really there.'" "Which is it?" "It's there." "You haven't tasted your tea." "Oh." "Mmm, smoky souchong." "How do you know?" "Oh, I, I suppose I've heard." "Clag tells me you're a quite a famous doctor." "And that you and he play billiards together" "And argue about his work." "And I've found, the only way not to argue with Clag" "Is to agree with everything he says." "I've tried that, but then he says" "You're not giving your honest opinion." "Aren't you curious about what I saw in the portrait?" "Or thought I saw?" "Yes, yes, of course." "First of all, I must tell you that I came here" "For quite another reason." "Not the portrait." " I came here..." " No." "No, I didn't know that." "I knew you were a doctor, but you didn't seem like that." "Oh, please, please." "[Shattering]" "Mrs. Bederaux." "How clumsy of me." "My dear child, what have you done now?" "I'm so sorry, Nick." "I... it was stupid of me." "Oh, let's not fuss about it." "Ring for Frank." "You must be needing something more stimulating than tea." " Forgive me." " My fault, really." "Tell me, Bailey, are you in practice or all out" "For science, purely for science sake." "I make a living at it, I have to." "That's good, that's very sensible of you." "Both feet on the ground, no ivory tower." " Sherry or Madeira?" " Sherry, please." "You may be precisely the fellow I want." "You have seen it of course." "I can tell by your face." "I don't think I quite understand." "Well, you needn't talk about it, if you don't wish." "Let me." "Did she mention the boy at all?" "I mean did she bring it up herself?" "No." "Well, if you're not going to be interrupted for a few moments..." "You must be used to meeting emergencies in your practice." "Now, so am I. In a mild way." "But they have never before involved peril" "To myself or to anyone I loved." " Peril?" " Yes, peril." "Allida and I are faced with a ridiculous crisis" "In our boy's life." "He suffers from nighttime terrors." "Bad dreams of tigers under his crib." "Monstrous fears, simply because he's prevented" "From all normal expressions of a healthy, small boy." "Allida cannot understand that." "And there's a very good reason." "It is Allida of course, not the boy." "You have seen that you, you're keen enough to have seen that." "Well, I still think peril is too strong a word." "Oh, remember the lines?" ""Life is short and the art long."" ""Decision difficult, experiment perilous."" "No, Bailey, the word is very well chosen." "And I need help." "I cannot go on without it." "Wouldn't it be best to consult a children's specialist?" "Oh, but it's not the boy, you know that." "And you're the man who can help me." "I was sure of it the moment I looked at you." "I'll get you at your office and..." "We can make arrangements for you to observe her." "There, I knew we'd be interrupted." "I must be off." "You coming or staying?" " I'll go with you." " Tomorrow?" " Will you telephone the office?" " I will." " Goodnight, Nick." " Goodnight." " Excuse me." " Certainly." "Thanks for letting me come." "I'm sorry you have to leave soon." "Won't you come again to dinner?" "Thank you." "Well, you've seen the portrait and the model." " Is it a speaking likeness?" " No, I don't think it is." "If I were painting her, I'd do it quite differently." "How would you paint her?" "Well, it wouldn't be a sullen face" "Or a woman dressed up behind a tea tray." "I'd paint her full length for one thing." "'In a country field with a sky behind.'" "'Long grasses till her knees.'" "'The wind blowing across the field and the daisies too.'" "(Clag) 'Well, well, daisies too." "Quite an effect.'" "'I take back what I said about you never really looking'" "'Into a woman's eyes.'" "We may make an artist of you yet." "Come on, Hunt." "Thanks, Allida." "Why didn't you tell me you knew?" "Knew what?" "The place you described, grassy fields and all." "That's where she came from." "Although Nick prefers people to think he met her in Paris." "He might've met her in a music hall for all I care." "I don't like that house." "Something strange about all of them." "Wish you hadn't insisted on bringing me there." "It was an interesting experiment." "Ah, experiment perilous." " What?" " Oh, nothing." " Going downtown?" " No, I'll leave you here." " Night." " I hope your experiment worked." "Yes, my friend I'm afraid it did." "I suppose you think I'm one of your group, in love with her." "Of course not." "Pleasant dreams." "(Nurse) ' "Some men", says Nicholas Bederaux'" "'"raise horses and race them.'" ""I prefer to gamble on human animals." ""I find my material in unlikely places" ""And get my pleasure from doing the impossible." "'"Mrs. Bederaux's hobby is simpler.'" "'She raises country daisies in her city yard... "'" " Grows country daisies." " 'Yes.'" "'"In her city yard that does not go in for flower shows."'" "The article is signed, A. Gregory." "'Shall I put the pertinent date on her history card?" "'" "No, it's a personal matter." "When you've shown them in, you may go." " Tell Dennis not to wait." " Yes, doctor." "(Nurse) 'Mr." "Bederaux, doctor.'" " Am I too early?" " That's alright." "Thanks for finding time for me today." "The sooner the better." "Oh, no." "I want this off the record." "Entirely off the record." "Very well." "Well..." "You might as well have it frankly." "I'm afraid, I'm almost convinced that Allida" "That my wife, is out of her mind." "What makes you think so?" "Of course, this is very embarrassing for me." "But..." "I must know the truth." "I will tell you about her strangeness, and then" "I want you to see her on a friendly basis." "She took a fancy to you, you know." "She will suspect nothing." "She thinks you were quite taken with her as a matter of fact." "And then, after a time if, if you think, if it appears to you" "'That it is merely a case of nerves.'" "'Or she's not imagining these things.'" "Well, suppose you tell me just exactly what it is" "That she or you imagine?" "I imagine?" "Oh, I see, of course that would occur to you." "And she's convincing enough." "She almost convinced me once or twice." "Yes, there is the matter of daisies for instance." "Daisies?" "She sends them to herself." "At odd times, on her birthday's particularly." "Here, I got this from the florist." "It's in her handwriting." ""Four dozen common daisies to be sent to Mrs. Bederaux." "No card." "Five dollar bill enclosed."" "Other times, messenger boys would deliver them." "And never any cards, they would bring them into her personally." " Even in a room full of people." " Why daisies do you suppose?" "'I don't know.'" "And then, there are other things." "She believes doctors have questioned her." "She believes she's followed when she's out shopping." "And that's not new." "It began in Paris." "The first year." "I believed her then." "Why wouldn't I?" "I loved her." "You know, I've just lost my sister." "Yes, I heard." "And it was really in relation to Cissie" "That this illness first showed itself." "Cissie was so deeply devoted to her." "And Allida took the most unreasoning dislike to her." "I know, I understood it." "You understood what?" "Oh, I think Clag told me they were inseparable." "Clag didn't know." "And as I said, she's very convincing" "When she wishes to be." "And then, there's this business with the child." "This, this, nighttime terrors, this sense of fright." "I don't know what she's doing with him." "I, I can't tell you anymore." "It's, it's too distressing." "You'll have to see for yourself." "You will come, won't you?" "Yes, I'll come." "I'll have Allida drop you a note." "She believes you were taken with her as she was with you." "It makes things easier for us." "Seems so." "There are cures for this sort of things, aren't there?" "Well, I'll have to know more about it." "I'm going through with it no matter where it leads me." "(Male #1) Then, everything happened at once." "Allida jumped up and the flowers, the daisies" "Fell off her lap." "(Nurse) She grows country daisies in her city yard." "(Nick) There is the matter of the daisies." "She sends them to herself." "At odd times." "On her birthday's particularly." "[Telephone ringing]" " Hello." " 'Doctor Bailey?" "'" " Yes." " 'Oh, Hunt.'" "'I know it's perfectly awful of me to telephone you like this.'" "Oh, certainly not, Elaine." "'I thought you'd like the opportunity'" "'Of meeting the beautiest Allida.'" " What?" " 'Allida Bederaux.'" " 'You were so interested in.'" " Where is she?" "'Just a few aisles over from me.'" "Yes, but where?" "'At Simpson-Crawford's, silly.'" "I'll be right there." " This is a lucky chance." " Yes, isn't it?" "Or were you told I might be found here?" "Now, who could have told me." "Nick." "He knows I often shop here." "No, I can assure you that Nick did not tell me." "Dr. Bailey, you must think me a strange person." "To have become so distressed yesterday" "And now to have questioned you." "'No, and I'd rather you didn't think of me as a doctor.'" "Whatever reason you have for disliking doctors" "Well, that's your own." "But I'd like to be your friend." "I am your friend." "Thank you." "Here's your package, madam." "I've been reading up on the Bederauxs." "I remembered an article in "The Manhattan."" "Found it luckily enough." "Written by someone named A. Gregory." "'You know him?" "'" "That was a long time ago." "Yes?" "Oh, I don't know, I've forgotten." "Well, whoever he was" "He gave a curiously superficial account of Nick." "All he had to say about you was that you raised country daisies." "Is that so strange?" " 'What?" "'" " That I once raised daisies." "Why, no, on the contrary if you'll remember" "That's the way I said I would've painted you." "Dr. Bailey, I thought you wanted to be my friend." "I do." "May I help, madam?" "No, no, thank you, I changed my mind." "You must believe me." "I am your friend, and I know you need help." "How do you know?" "It was in your eyes and your voice yesterday" "When you looked at me and said please, please." "It was also in your eyes in the portrait." "Nick wanted me to ask you for dinner." " Would tomorrow be convenient?" " Yes, delighted." "Mrs. Bederaux, I am your friend." "If circumstances were only different..." "Shall we say 8 o'clock?" " Thank you." " Goodbye, Dr. Bailey." " Carriage, sir?" " Yes." "[Coin clinking]" "Thank you, sir." "(Maggie) 'It is your writing case, isn't it?" "'" "(Hunt) 'No, Maggie, it isn't.'" "Oh, perhaps your baggage got mixed up." "Do you want me to report it to the desk?" "No." "Whoever has my case, knows very well to whom it belongs." "It had my name in it." "There was a note from..." "From a friend of mine, in it." "That's all." "Goodnight, Maggie." "Yes, doctor." "Goodnight." "[Instrumental music]" "[Music continues]" "(Cissie) "Nicholas Bederaux III"" ""Was born on November the twenty-first, 1848"" ""At Landskron, the family estate not far from Vienna."" ""I was only a tiny mite of a girl"" ""Scarcely five years old"" ""Waiting for my father to come down and tell me"" ""I had a baby brother."" ""I didn't know why he looked so hard and angry"" ""Until he told me that my mother had died"" ""Giving birth to little Nick."" ""So Nicholas Bederaux was destined never to know"" ""His mother, nor his father either."" ""One year later, my father while returning from America"" ""On the line of Brazilian Queen"" ""Decided to take his own life."" ""I swore then that I would be both father and mother"" ""To Nicky as long as we both should live."" ""I tried, goodness knows, but it was not always easy."" ""Sometimes Nicky seemed to have a devil in him."" ""Allida was the sweetest" ""The most beautiful child in all the world." ""We had met her during the long summer" ""We spent at Stoneygate in Vermont." ""Where she and her father lived in a little cottage" ""Down at the end of the field." ""From the very beginning" "Nick found her completely enchanting."" "'Nick.'" "Oh, Nick, isn't it lovely?" "I don't think there's anything in the world" "More beautiful than a field of daisies." "Oh, oh, no." "You are much too easily pleased." "I think I will have to really show you this world." " Will you?" "When?" " Much sooner than you think." "But right now, we have need of a conference." "Oh, good." "Let's sit here." "What do we confer about?" "Well, I've had a talk with your father." "I told him how much Cissie and I admire you." "Oh, you're both so kind." "And how it would please us to do things for you." "But, you've done too much for father and me already." "I suggested he allow us to take you to Europe with us." "To Europe?" "Would you like that?" "Oh, I..." "I don't know." "Oh, it would be an enormously rich experience for you." "You would see all the places and treasures of history." "I'm afraid this would pale slightly by comparison." "Oh, no." "Art and language courses if you liked." "And in Paris, we might even find a gown or two that suited you." "Who can tell?" "You might grow to be quite a distinguished lady." "Oh, I'm sure I wouldn't like that." "Perhaps you'd become the century's great beauty." "Oh, Nick, stop teasing me." "Would be fun maybe." "Oh, it's terribly kind of Cissie and you." " It's like you, but..." " But what?" "Oh, I couldn't go, of course." "What did father say?" "He said he couldn't possibly stand in the way" "Of such an opportunity for you." " I don't believe you." " Oh, yes." "I'll ask Cissie." "I'll run you back." "Oh, no, you won't." "Come on, Nick." "(Cissie) "Dear sweet Allida." ""How young she was, and how excited" ""At her first view of Paris." ""Nick was simply marvelous with her." ""Though he refused to allow her to be spoiled." ""For a while it seemed" ""The Louvre was a second home to us." ""And none of the days were ever long enough" ""To keep pace with Nick's ambition for the child." ""Sometimes it seemed almost cruel to drive her so." ""And I confess, at that time I didn't realize" ""The extent of Nick's ambition for her." ""But he knew that in that little Vermont village" ""He had found a jewel." ""He was determined to see that it was polished" "And mounted to perfection."" "No, No, mademoiselle." "Listen to the interval." "It's a perfect fit." "[Piano music]" "(Cissie) "And then, after two long years"" ""And I shall never forget that night"" ""Allida was presented to Parisian Society."" "[Instrumental music]" ""She wore a gown designed by Charvet himself."" ""And in the ballroom of beautiful women"" ""There was none to match her."" ""And Nick, how proud he was of her." ""Oh, he tried not to show it." "But I knew." ""I knew that little trick of his of squinting up his eyes" ""When he was terribly pleased." "Oh, he was so proud."" "My dear." "Oh, Nick." "I'm so happy." "I know." "My dear, tonight is nothing." "Merely the threshold of what can be a very beautiful" "And important life." "Oh, Nick." "There is nothing we cannot achieve, you and I." "'Nothing.'" "'You and I.'" "'Allida, do you know what I'm saying?" "'" "My dear, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" "Nick, you're joking." "No." "I'm not." "Something I've never before told a woman." "I love you." "Oh, I, I can't think." "You needn't answer me now." "Nick, I'm so terribly grateful." "'No, please, no.'" "Once before, you told me you were grateful." "I don't want any such foolish notion" "To color your decision now." "'Do you understand?" "'" "Yes." "I'd like to stay here just a minute, do you mind?" "[Instrumental music]" "(Cissie) "And just three weeks later, Nick and Allida were married" ""In a little church on the Left Bank, with only a handful"" ""Of the painter friends who marked the end of this sojourn"" ""Of ours in Paris."" "[Instrumental music]" "(Cissie) "Today was Allida's birthday." ""Nick gave her a priceless string of carved white jade." ""She seemed unaware of their wealth" ""Only pleased because they were a gift of Nick's." ""She wore them as she played one of her little songs" "For us before dinner."" "[Singing in French]" "(Male #2) 'Allida, more.'" " No, that's enough." " It isn't your voice, my dear." "When you sing, we can stare at you without embarrassment." "Oh, Clag, you're a fool." "Alright, then I happen to see your little string of jade." "Oh..." "Here." "[Whistling]" " Where on earth, Nick?" " It's beautiful, isn't it?" "Did you notice each design is different?" " No, I didn't." " 'Hello.'" "Hello, everybody." "Hello, Master Nick." "What a horrible night for a party." " Alec." " Happy, happy birthday." " Look what I brought you." " Oh!" "Insignificant, but thoughtful." "As a matter of fact, Nick, the florist wouldn't" "Take my check, so I charged them to your account." " They're withered." " Not at all." " They're just a little tired." " Oh, but they're lovely." "Thank you so much." "How did you know daisies were my favorite flowers?" "Just looking at you." "You know, there are words to go with them." "From a writer naturally." "Say the name and you'll know the person" "By the way it forms upon the lips." "'How then shall I say, Allida?" "'" "Well, it's not exactly genius but..." " At least it's short." " Someday I'll finish it." "My, what a lot of talent we have here tonight." "We can paint a picture, cut a figure out of stone." "Write a sonnet." "'Or have Allida just stand there and be them all.'" "Oh, Alec, have you been drinking?" "On my honor, not a drop." "Frankly, I could stand something now." "Dinner's served, madam." "(Allida) 'Thank you, Frank.'" "Well, that was certainly a quick drink." "[Indistinct chattering]" "[Ballroom music]" "Nick gave me the commission to do her picture tonight." "I'm so happy for you." "And you do it so cleverly too, I know." "He wants her in the dress he designed." "'I'd rather paint her as she's now.'" "Yes, she should well..." "What has she done with her necklace?" "She is such a child." "Nick would be terribly upset if she's misplaced it." "[Music continues]" "[Music continues]" "Oh, Alec, help me look." " For what?" " My necklace." "I put it down when you came in." "It must be here somewhere." "Are you sure?" "I had it in my hand when you gave me the daisies." "Allida, I couldn't finish the poem before" "With Nick and the others there." " Will you listen to it now?" " Yes, Alec, of course." "How then shall I say, Allida?" "The single word upon my lips will make it clear." "I love her." "You shouldn't write things like that about me." "Of course not." "Come help me look." "Did I tell you I've taken on a new job?" " No, what?" " Series of articles in Mexico." " Are you going there?" " Mm-hmm." " When?" " Right away." "Oh, we'll miss you." "I won't really go." "I, I've tried before." "Tried?" "Taking the job, whatever it was" "Packed my bags, gone to the station." "It's never any use." "Alec." "Those weren't just the words of a poem before." "It's a stupid poem anyway." " I, I can't write about you." " Oh, please." "When I try, I go off the deep end." "I wanna say how you are." "How I know you are." "Warm, simple, and bright inside." "You're not a great lady, in a great house." "You're the earth and everything that grows and breathes" "And when I'm not with you, it's a blank..." " Oh, no." " Do you love me?" " No." " You don't love Nick." "Yes, yes, I do." "No, you don't." "I'm sure of that." "Oh, Alec, please." "My dear, there is going to be a commotion unless you go up." "Clag threatens to twirl Cissie around by the heels" "Unless he produces you." "'Clag I believe has been drinking.'" "Not a bad idea, Master Nick." "We were looking for my necklace." " I thought I left it here." " I found it." " Oh." " 'Here.'" "Oh, I'm sorry to have been so careless." "Oh, nonsense, my dear." "I'll keep it for you, shall I?" "Yes, Nick." "Alec was telling me, he may go to Mexico." "Oh, when did you decide this, Alec?" "I haven't decided." "As a matter of fact, I'm not going." "Temperamental these artists, aren't they?" "Very." " Nick, I think it's time we..." " Alec." "Alright, Allida." "Do you think I could find where Clag loaded up?" "Yes, there is champagne upstairs." "Or if you want whiskey, it's in the library." "Whiskey?" "I think you hit on something here, Master Nick." "Tell me, does his impertinence add to his attractiveness?" "Don't, Nick." "Why did you stop him?" "Frank discussion of these matters would be interesting." "Mentality never quite makes up for the physical, does it?" "Let's not have a scene." "Not tonight." "Allida dear." "Do come and stop Clag." "He's behaving very badly, really." "'He threatens to climb into one of those suits of armor.'" "Isn't it funny?" "But we can't have that, can we?" "Tend to your other warrior, my dear." "[Knocking on the door]" "Allida." "[Knocking on the door]" "Allida." "[Indistinct chattering]" "Nick and Alec." "He stayed behind." "Nick!" "Nick!" "(Allida) 'Cissie's fainted.'" "What are you doing there?" "Get her upstairs, Frank." "Yes, sir, will see to it, sir." "I'm so sorry." "I'll be alright." "[Dramatic music]" "[Phone ringing]" "Hello?" "(Allida) 'Dr." "Bailey." "It's Allida Bederaux.'" "Dr. Bailey, if Nick goes up to the boy" "If he goes upstairs tomorrow night while you are here" "Will you try to follow him?" "Will you see if you can..." "[Instrumental music]" "[Music continues]" "[Ringing the doorbell]" " Hunt, what the blazes?" " Coming in." "I wanna talk." " You drunk?" " I blundered into something." "Whatever it is" "Someone thinks it's important enough to have me followed." "It's the little people that chase you all over." "In the morning, they'll play around the foot of your bed." "Look." "Hmm." "Tell me." "Now that I'm here, what can I tell you?" "Oh, your medical ethics." "Nonsense." "There is more delightful scandal lost..." "When I heard of Cissie's death, I didn't tell you I knew her?" " No." " I did." "I came back across the country with her." " Why didn't you say so?" " Don't ask me why." "There isn't any why." "I was surprised, shocked if you like, but..." "I wanted to think." "You mean, this has something to do with the Bederauxs?" "I don't know." "Oh, go on." "Well, she was determined not to stay with Nick." "She asked me about a hotel" "And I recommended mine, and took her bags there." "Then, I heard she died of a heart attack." "Perfectly simple." "She was frightened to death." "But of what?" "'I sat beside her during a near train wreck.'" "'And that woman didn't have any organic heart disease.'" "Are you suggesting..." "I'm not suggesting anything." "I'm just talking." "So, she died a natural death." "Who doesn't?" "And I have her blasted dressing case in my bathroom" "'And a man in peculiar shoes follows me wherever I go.'" "Her dressing case?" "Yes, it got mixed-up with my things" "And my writing case went on with hers." "I only discovered her bag tonight." "I looked into it." "Perhaps, I shouldn't." "But I did." "Cissie's diaries were there." "Along with the manuscript she was writing." ""The life and Times of Nicholas Bederaux."" "I read 'em." "I've been living in that diary tonight." "Living the strange, distorted lives of Nick and his sister." "You know their histories?" "Fairly well." "They're not nice." "His mother died when he was born." "He was hated by a father who committed suicide a year later." "He was raised by a sister, who I believe hated him too." "Although, she certainly never knew it." "She made a burnt offering of her life." "And Allida." "Yes, I know." "I didn't like him the first time I met him, I told you so." "The more I know him, the less I like him." "There's something out of tune with him." "Like, like a chord of music with a basic note missing." "What are you trying to tell me?" "That the man is mad?" "Not what you mean by madness." "He's reasonable, logical." "Even brilliant." "But he's at war." "With what or with whom, I don't know." "Perhaps with life." "If that's true, it might've been better" "If he'd turned down life all together in the beginning." "From your point of view naturally." "You're in love with his wife." "[Instrumental music]" " If I could only tell you..." " What?" "No, Hunt, I can't take you seriously." "See?" "He's gone." "How many peculiar pairs of shoes do you think" "There are in this city?" "Oh, look, you're tired." "You've been working too hard." "You've been peering into too many weird minds." "Go home." "Have the hotel people send Cissie's bag on." "Your name needn't come in to it." "But it has." "My name's in the writing case." "Oh, forget it." "You didn't realize she was his sister." "That's why you didn't mention it." "You're probably right." "Anyway, forget what I said." " That is unless..." " Unless what?" "Oh, great Scott, man!" "Don't tell me you're frightened." "No, but if I were right, I'd have reason to be." "You'll get over it." "We all have." "Goodnight, Clag." "[Dramatic music]" "Will you go up to the library, sir?" "Thank you." "What is it?" "Can I help you?" "Why, I'm looking for the boy's Humpty-Dumpty." "He won't go to sleep till he has it." "There, there now, Mr. Gregory." "I have it." "Ha." "It's a pity for a boy to go to sleep wanting something." "Thank you." "But you're not Mr. Gregory, are you?" "No, of course not." "I'm so nearsighted, and I forget." "Excuse me, such a nice-looking gentleman to be sure." "It's no wonder." "My dear, fellow, I'm so sorry." "But the child was putting on his usual bedtime scene." "That sometimes puzzles our guests." "We had the usual stairway removed" "In order to widen the hall." "Allida will be done in a moment, I hope." " How are you, Bailey?" " Oh, usual I should say." "You look a bit tired." "Having hard week?" "Merely lack of sleep." "Well, you can relax now." "Here is to us." "May it be the first of many." "Oh, here she is." "Good evening." " I'm so sorry." "I had to..." " Yes, yes, we know." "Allida takes her maternal problems far too seriously." "And I insist that she lay them down when the boy goes to bed." " A glass of Sherry, my dear?" " Yes, thank you." "Five-year-old must cry it out sometimes, you know." "Don't you agree?" "For myself, I'm old fashioned." "So are children and mothers." "Wait till you have one of your own." "Allida reads every newfangled book on raising children." "Result, one spoilt child." "Five years old, you say?" "What's his name?" "Alec." "Alec?" "'Alexander.'" "Quite a mouthful for an infant, isn't it?" "Alexander the conqueror." "'And he intends to live up to his name, doesn't he?" "'" "May I have another Sherry, Nick?" "But, my dear child, you haven't finished the one you have." "You know, Allida sometimes..." " Yes, Frank?" " Dinner is served, sir." "Thank you." " Will you have another?" " 'No, thanks.'" "One of the things I've never been able to" "Bring myself to change in this old house." "Our downstairs dining room." "But perhaps, by the time Allida and I are old" "They will have one of those small elevators" "Working properly." "Until then..." "Cissie once gave me a coming of age party here." "Poor Cissie." "Oh, Nick, we weren't going to think about that." "Oh, I'm sorry." "Oh, how perfectly charming." "Allida's flower arrangements are always so delightful." "'Nothing spring like daisies.'" "But I didn't." "Nick, I didn't." "Yellow roses." "That's what I ordered." "You must believe me." "But, my dear child, of course we believe you." "He was likely sold out." "Or they didn't seem fresh enough." "Or perhaps, they were unusual at this time of the year." "Or the delivery boy mixed up the boxes." "Or perhaps, you did order them." "What does it matter?" "Sometimes the power of thought..." "Self-hypnosis, wouldn't you say, Bailey?" "Sometimes." "There's a great deal of hocus-pocus" "And all such terminology." "Usually there's a very simple" "And logical explanation for everything." "Mr. Nick, you have to come up." "He screams at me when I come near him." " He'll make himself sick." " 'This is preposterous.'" "'Between the two of you, you women are turning" "'This household into a bedlam.'" "I warn you, a little more, and I shall send the child away." "I don't like to hear a child cry." "Not a child." " Nick, let me." " No, I'm terribly sorry." "You'll have to excuse me." "Please, don't wait for me." "I think this might be a good time for me to telephone." "I promised a patient of mine I'd call before nine." "The telephone is in the library." " 'Frank.'" " This way, sir." "Please don't bother." "I know where it is." "[Instrumental music]" "[Dramatic continues]" "[Rustling]" "[Music continues]" "(Nick) 'All the witches go about their business when it gets dark.'" "'The witching business.'" "'Ugly witches.'" "'And the more beautiful they are when the sun is up'" "'The blacker and uglier they become when it gets dark.'" "'And what they want are little boys like you.'" "Not me, papa." "Oh, no, not you." " And you know why?" " Why?" "Because papa knows all about witches." "Papa put up magic bars to keep you safe." "But you mustn't tell." "It must be a secret." "You mustn't tell Deria or your mother." "Never." "Deria's an ugly witch, isn't she?" "Yes." "'But not do dangerous as a beautiful witch.'" "They are the really dangerous ones." " Mommy's beautiful." " Shh." "[Intense music]" "[Door opens]" "Very well." "Yes." "Yes, of course." "I'll-I'll be there shortly." "This is one of the reasons" "A doctor makes a poor dinner guest." "I've about a half an hour." "You with your patients and me with mine." "(Hunt) 'I think Nick maybe right, Allida.'" "'You worry too much about your boy.'" "He has some fears probably." "But who hasn't?" "You mentioned something about his having dreams" "Of tigers under his crib." "Well, I can't say that that's so unnatural." "In a sense, we all have tigers of some sort" "Under our beds, haven't we?" "How do you mean, Bailey?" "In the boy's case as in ours, the tiger represents" "Something we don't understand." "'Or something or someone we fear.'" "I see." "And how do we rid ourselves of these" "Fanciful tigers of yours?" "In the boy's instance, by reasoning with him." "Convincing him of the baselessness of his fears." "In our own case, the problem's much the same." "Possibly a trifle more complicated." "That is if we happen to be men of violence." "And then?" "(Hunt) 'Then, well, then perhaps'" "We revert to the savages' method of dealing with the real tiger." "And actually, kill these tigers of ours, you mean, Bailey?" "No way, I cannot agree with you." "Sound psychology, Nick." "Accept it or not, as you wish." "You'll accept it." " Must you really go?" " I know you understand." "You've been very kind to ask me and I appreciate it." "You will come again?" "At the first opportunity." "Goodnight." "I'm going to the club." "Can I drop you?" " Thank you." " Goodnight, dear." "[Trotting]" "She hardly spoke after the flowers." "And she used to talk so charmingly." "I had to make an excuse." "Oh, I've had to make so many excuses." "I think I've come to the end of my rope." "Yes, I can see that." "Could you persuade her to come to my office?" "Perhaps, I could make her take my advice." "You believe this is serious?" "Extremely serious." "Very well." "I'll do what I can." "Well, you're going on up, I'll leave you here." " I can take you." " Thanks, I'd like to walk." " Tomorrow?" " I'll do what I can." " Goodnight." " Goodnight." "[Pleasant music]" "(Nick) The boy's name is Alexander." "Quite a mouthful for an infant, isn't it?" "Alexander the conqueror." "(Cissie) Alec brought her flowers." "Daisies." "(Deria) No, you aren't Mr. Gregory, are you?" "(Deria) No, of course not." "(Nurse) The article is signed, A. Gregory." "[Thinking] Alec, Alexander." "Alexander Gregory." "[Instrumental music]" "Allida?" "Hunt." "I'm at Stanley's." "It's a restaurant, the block west of your house." "Could you possibly come here?" "I must see you." "Yes." "Yes, there's a private entrance." "I'll meet you there." "Good." "[Instrumental music]" "Sit down." " Allida, do you trust me?" " Yes." "You've got to get out of that house." "I'm frightened." "You mustn't be." "Don't you understand?" "You're not to be afraid ever again." "There are two of us now." "What did you see when you went upstairs?" "Why, he was talking quietly to the boy." "No." "No, he's doing something to Alec." "And he keeps shutting me out." " Please, don't." " As if..." "You've got to be calm, otherwise you can't help me." "Now, tell me." "Who was Alexander Gregory?" " Oh, no." " Please, tell me." "Nick said it was my fault." "He said, if I pushed him in front of that carriage" "I couldn't have killed him more surely." "What do you mean?" "It was the night of my birthday." "Yes." "Alec stayed late, and then he insisted on walking." "It was snowing heavily." "And Nick walked part of the way with him." " And then..." " Yes." "I don't know." "They didn't find him until early morning." " He'd been run down." " I see." "That night, Alec told me he loved me." "It was the only time." "You didn't love Alec?" "Oh, no." "But I didn't know what was happening." "Suddenly, everything seemed to have changed." "And then later Nick came up" "And his face was young and fresh." "And for the first time, we found a moment of happiness." "I understand." "And all that time, Alec was lying out there in the snow." "It was Nick's idea to name your boy Alec, wasn't it?" "Yes." "He insisted." "Oh, don't let him send the boy away, please." "I don't send those daisies to myself." "I don't." "And Alec's dead." "He couldn't send them to me." "Do you know why I pictured you with daisies?" "Because I love you." "Because Alec loved you too, he thought of them." "Does Nick know how you feel toward me?" "Yes, he knows." "Hunt, don't let me hurt you too." "You couldn't." "Nothing you ever do could hurt me." "[Indistinct chattering]" "Allida." "I wanna make sure that Nick is still at the club." "I'll telephone Clag." "You'll be alright for a moment?" "Clag, I want you to listen to me carefully." "Close the door to your booth." "I can't." "It folds the wrong way." "The man who made it is unhinged." "Listen, I want to know if Nick is there at the club." "(Clag on phone) 'Who?" "Never heard of him.'" " Listen, is Nick there?" " 'Yeah, sure.'" "Alright, now, pay attention." "I want you to call me the moment he leaves." "When Nick leaves." "The very moment." "'The minute Nick leaves?" "Why don't do ask him yourself?" "'" "'He's right here himself." "He's right here.'" "Clag, no, no, no." "Forget the whole thing." "Just don't mention it." "(Clag) 'Look, you've got the wrong way around.'" "'You say thank you, and I say, don't mention it.'" "Clag, I haven't called you at all, you get it?" "I haven't called you at all." "'What do you know about that?" "'" "'He says he hasn't called me at all.'" "[Instrumental music]" "You've got to get back." "Don't be frightened." "Just for the night, because of the boy." " Yes, dear." " Just for a while." "Bless you." "[Dramatic music]" "[Knock on door]" "Come." " I want this in the safe." " Yes, doctor." "Tell Mitchell to see that it's passed on quickly..." "In the event that I drop dead, will you?" "Yes, doctor." "[Foghorn blowing]" "[Foghorn blowing]" "[Foghorn blowing]" "[Dramatic music]" "There's still no answer at the Bederaux house, doctor." "How long has it been since Mrs. Bederaux called?" "Over two hours now." "[Dramatic music]" " Lady, you had me worried." " Hunt." "You're gonna be safe." "You and the boy." "Yes." "Nick told me to come to you." "I suggested last night he send you to me." "He pretended that you're not quite..." "Oh, but there's nothing wrong with me." " You believe that, don't you?" " Yes, dear." "There's never been anything, but a fear I couldn't explain." "I know." " I think Cissie understood too." " She did." " You knew Cissie?" " Yes." "That night she came back..." "All the way upstairs she kept whispering to me" ""You must go, Allida." "You must go."" "Then, Nick went to get some water" "And she kept trying to tell me something" "Only she couldn't get her breath." "Oh, it was terrible." "She kept saying" ""I understand now." "I know now."" "And then Nick sent me downstairs." "Please don't think about it." "I did as you told me." "I sent out all the servants." "Except Deria." " And Nick went away." " Nick went away?" "Yes, he had to go to Boston." "We'll go and get Alec now." "I've arranged a place in the country for both of you." "[Knock on door]" "Yes?" "By messenger." "Excuse me." "[Intense music]" "It's nothing." "We'll go now." "I can't tell you how I feel." "I don't have to, do I?" "No, dear." "For the first time in my life." "(Nick) "Dear Bailey, the Boston boat is an anticlimax" ""To the Brazilian queen of my fathers." ""But it will do." ""When you read this, I shall be in my stateroom" ""Going through hell gate." ""A fitting name for it, I think." ""Perhaps, you can drag me back" ""But that is a decision to put your courage to the test." ""It is entirely in your hands now to decide" ""What Allida's future will be." "If you agree with me..." " Hunt." " Yes, dear?" "Why did Nick go away?" "I, I don't know." "(Nick) "If you agree with me" ""Allida will remember her husband as an unfortunate man" ""Who has fulfilled his fatality" ""As his father did before him." "Cordially, Nicholas Bederaux."" "[Dramatic music]" "It's cold." "I'll light the fire." "We had to let the furnace go out to have it repaired." "I'll light it for you." "Look at me." "I'm not afraid." "I'll call Clag." "There are a few things he can do." "[Baby crying]" "Shall I?" "No, I'll go." "Will you get me 38th street, 3424?" "Is Mr. Claghorn there?" "'Oh.'" "'Well, this is Dr. Bailey.'" "'Will you have him call me as soon as he comes in?" "' 38th Street, 7098." "It's very important." "Thank you." "It's amazing how you forfeit every plan I make for you." "It won't be rash of course, Hunt." "This makes hardly any more sound than a pop of a cork." "And it will of course prevent you from rejoining Allida." "'Oh, she's quite unharmed." "I promise you.'" "Good." "Good." "I was afraid you wouldn't fight at all." "But this is good." "Now, first of all, tell me, where did you meet Cissie?" "And how did you learn about Alec?" "It fascinates me." "It's like discovering that a whole new" "Set of chessmen have been set up." "But I can play with them as you shall see." "The moment I found your writing case" "I knew you were in this thing up to your neck." "You're mad, Nick." "Completely mad." "Do you know that?" "Who knows which one of us is mad?" "Who said, "If any man had one moment of sanity"" "In that one moment, he would take himself out of this world?"" "But mad or not, I am a killer." "You know that." "I first knew it when I was four years old." "The cook of ours said, "That ugly bird as good as killed"" "His mother and his father."" "And I killed Alec too, of course." "But you won't kill me, Nick." "I'm just as strong-willed as you are." "I know you." "I know your mind, and I can reason with you." "Yes." "Yes." "Of course, I've read your books." "This will be interesting." "Did you come here originally to interfere with me?" "No." "Then, it was because of Allida?" "Alec tried to take Allida too." "I knew you were after her when you made" "That lyrical speech about the daisies." "How on earth did you know about the daisies?" "I didn't." "It came to me when I saw her." "Then, it was because you loved her?" "Because I love her." "'Oh, no, Nick.'" "You won't shoot now, you're not through playing with me." "That's how your mind is working, isn't it?" "And I'm also aware of how your mind is working." "And you were wrong about Cissie." "She told me nothing." "Cissie loved you." "Yes, poor Cissie." "That was unfortunate, she came in" "Just as the daisies were being delivered to Allida." "She understood then what I was up to." "After that, I couldn't chance how much she guessed about Alec." "And you did kill her?" "It was more or less letting nature take its course." "I shook her." "I'll be glad to get rid of all women for the rest of my life." "In fact, I'll be relieved to be rid of myself altogether." "Move cautiously, Bailey." "I shall." "My note threw you off guard, didn't it?" "You are not stupid." "Otherwise, you wouldn't have walked right into my parlor." "No, Bailey." "You can't do it." "But I can see in your eyes that you will try." "And that is as it should be." "I missed out on that with Alec." "There wasn't any time." "You and your imaginary tigers." "That's what made me sure you were next." "How do you propose to be rid of yourself?" "Quite simply." "Maybe I really believe" "I committed suicide from that boat." "I took care to make it appear convincing." "And in case I shall be seen entering or leaving this house" "I changed my appearance." "These are Frank's, the butler's clothes." "Frank himself is far from here." "There is a method of an old criminal record." "Deria, I sent away for the evening." "I once said you were logical." "'Even brilliant.'" "'You are, Nick.'" "But you're also mad." "Can't you realize that?" "Ten minutes, perhaps." "No more." "I shall leave you quite unharmed and walk out of this house." "That is to all appearances, Frank will walk out." "You will be left to rescue Allida." "They will discover we've had trouble with the furnace." "It's gas furnace, by the way." "Can you smell it?" "The gas goes on and off again, which is bad business." "We have a small stove next to the nursery, upstairs." "And possibly, they may find the gas on." "Tell me, Bailey." "Is that boy mine, or is he Gregory's?" "That's what you've been leading to?" "Answer me." "You're mad, Nick." "Completely mad." "Answer me!" "The boy is yours of course." "And Allida might have come to love you in time..." "[Clattering]" "(Nick) 'Not that way." "That's not how I planned.'" "[Gunshot]" "[Dramatic music]" "[Coughing]" "[Glass shattering]" "[Coughs]" "[Music continues]" "[Music continues]" "[Footsteps]" "[Intense music]" "Get back." "Get back to her." "You haven't any time." "[Explosion]" "[Water gushing]" "[Fire crackling]" "Sorry, Mr. Claghorn." "The operator reports the number out of order." "That's funny." "You're sure that's the number he left?" "Yes, sir." "The Bederauxs." "[Bell ringing]" "[Galloping]" "Where is it do you think?" "Looks like Murray Hill somewhere." "[Ringing continues]" "[Galloping continues]" "[Fire crackling]" "[Indistinct chattering]" "Hurry up with that hose." "Take it through there." " Who did you get out?" " Easy there, sir." " Tell me." "Who?" " A woman and a small boy." "Alright, we think." "Two men." " One maybe, one no." " Which one?" "Come along." "Maybe you can tell us." "Now, this way." "We don't know yet, you'll have to ask the doctors." "What we'd like from you" "If you know these people, is your identification." "Who are you?" "McDonald, from the District Attorney's office." "[Dramatic music]" " Where's my boy?" " He's alright." "Hunt?" "Yes, you needn't worry." "Sleep now, Allida, it's alright." "[Music continues]" "You see, this witch was a very good witch." "She wore a blue dress and red shoes." "And had hair like yours and deep blue eyes." " Like my mother?" " Perhaps, she was." "At night, she'd have a lotta fun flying on her red broomstick" "Finding all the things that were lost during the day." " A kitten, and a puppy, and a..." " Small boy like me." "What'd she find last night?" "Let's go out, and I'll tell you all about it." "Oh, did Mrs. Bederaux say who her guest was?" "No, sir, she didn't." "When he leaves, will you tell her to come look for us?" "I will, surely." "[Door closes]" "I was told the enquiry was finished." "Well, it is in a way." "I'm here on my own." "I hope you don't mind." " I'm puzzled." " Yes?" "We have a disappearance" "Of Mr. Bederaux from the Boston boat." "His suicide, if you wish." "Then, at the house, the old woman identified" "The butler, of course." "'But curiously enough, except for his corpse'" "'That butler never seemed to have existed.'" "But I've stayed with it." "Persistent McDonald they call me." "Don't you think you're rather overdoing it?" "You see, in cases of extensive destruction" "There's one identification that seldom fails." "Teeth." "You found the butler's dentist?" "'No, I found Mr. Bederaux's dentist.'" "You know what you're doing?" "You're threatening the future of my child." "It was Bederaux who was killed in the explosion." "Criminally insane." "What will you do now that you've given it a name?" "You and your truth!" "No." "I won't let you do it." "I won't have my son live a life of terror like his father did." "I'll fight you or anyone else." "Mrs. Bederaux..." "You won't have to fight me." "I've got too much admiration for you." "'And you're right about the boy." "I hadn't thought of him.'" "I was guessing', anyway." "I was guessing', anyway." "We could find nothing to ask a dentist about." "We could find nothing to ask a dentist about." "'It's alright, Mrs. Bederaux.'" "[Instrumental music]"