"A Woman's Face" "Rosenvik Inn" " What did he say then?" " He threatened to tell my husband..." " Just leave it." "We'll serve ourselves." " Of course." " I can't believe such foul people exist." " And they're nearly untouchable." "A telephone call - that can't be proved in court!" "And they have the letters." "If only I knew how they got them!" "Where did you keep them?" "Foolishly, I always had them on me." "It was almost like having you close to me." "I have acted shamefully." "Both towards you and..." "I'm getting my come-uppance now." " When did they say you were to be there?" " At five o'clock on the dot." " He's such a busy man." " Ha!" "Yeah..." "Blackmailers probably have a lot of work to do." " Perhaps I should go with you." " No, he specifically requested no witnesses." "There ought to be a bounty on his ilk!" "Well, we'll have to listen to their demands." "What about tonight, Vera?" "Will you come?" "Won't that only make it harder to say goodbye?" "I'll come, but not until later." "My husband will be at the Medical Society, so I won't have to lie." " Don't you have a mirror here?" " Right over there, Madam." " We have a lovely party table in here." " Sorry?" "Oh, party...er..." " I had actually phoned about a..." " I see!" " The reservation for Director..." " Director Nilsson." "Of course!" "Right this way, the table is set." "Thank you, my man." "Shall we go in?" " How lovely!" " I'm sure it will be delicious." "This is very strange." "Well, what do you say about this latest idea?" "Holmgren  Co.?" "The old man is apparently loaded." "You can never be sure of that." " Did you happen to get her name?" " That's easy enough to find out." "The main point is, she wasn't his wife!" "That's true." "That's what's important to us!" "Nyman!" "Forget that for now." "Wasn't she to be here at five?" "Yes, five o'clock." "But it's only a few minutes past." "When you say five, people should know you mean it!" "It's your smarmy prattle!" " What?" " They went out for lunch again today." " It was a nervous affair." " No doubt!" "Smarmy prattle...!" "Here she is!" "Get out!" "And it's so smoky in here, too." " Are you going to answer?" " In a moment!" "Go on, hide!" "May I come in?" "The environment out here isn't good for my health." "Come in, madam!" "Come in." " What can I do for you?" " Was it you who rang about some letters?" "It doesn't matter who made the call." "As that individual's representative, I'm aware of the circumstances." " Won't you sit down?" " No, thank you." " What do you want for them?" " I'm...sorry?" " This is blackmail, isn't it?" " Blackmail is such an ugly word." " But not an unfamiliar one, I'll warrant." " Not at all." "The law is quite clear on the matter." "Chapter 21, paragraph 10." "Shame that paragraph is so seldom observed." "One might wonder who would suffer the most if it were." "The plaintiff or the defendant." " Where are the letters?" " Not to worry, they're in safe keeping." " What must I give you to get them?" " I assure you, a trifle!" "Let me see, there were three letters if I'm not mistaken." "My client estimates their value at 1,000 kronor each, which is fair, considering the trouble they'd cause if they fell into the wrong hands." "Your husband's, for example." "That would be 3,000 kronor plus 2,000 for my trouble." "A total of 5,000." " I can't get that much money." " Oh no?" "Do consider it for a moment." "I understand you want to keep your husband out of this." "It would be a small thing for him." "But..." "Your friend, perhaps?" "Have you no conscience at all?" "My conscience is perhaps somewhat..." "modern, I admit." "But I do have heart." "A heart that is very understanding of youth and beauty." "But this is a business matter, and 5,000 is nothing to haggle over." "A beloved husband's unshaken faith must be worth more than that?" "I'll try to get it." " Can I ring you when..." " I prefer to be the one who rings." "But because my client is in financial straits at the moment..." " Ring tonight at 9 o'clock." " With pleasure!" "I'll show you out." "Well, well." "That was easy." "Easy?" "Perhaps it looked easy." "But you can't wring 5,000 from a stone if you don't know what you're doing." " Fool!" " What?" "!" "What's the problem?" "Isn't 5,000 enough?" "She didn't look like she could pay more." "Oh no?" "Why should she get off so easy?" "Oh no." "Then you don't know me!" "Doesn't she have everything a woman could want?" "Is she not admired?" "Loved?" "Adored?" " Was she not beautiful?" " Oh, she was certainly beautiful." " She was very pleasing on the eyes." " Well then!" "Shouldn't she pay for that?" "!" "She's on the warpath again." " Nyman!" " Yes?" "I'll take care of this affair." "We'll have 10,000!" " Ten?" "!" " 25% of that is..." "I'm afraid you won't have 25% anymore..." " ..." "Handsome Herman." " We agreed to share equally!" " What a question!" " It must be a joke." "Anna is the last person who would break a deal." " Where is the Count?" " He'll be here at any minute." " You were joking, right?" " No!" "From now on, you, Herman and the Count get only 20%." " The rest is mine." " Unacceptable!" "Twice as much as us?" " Don't I deserve it?" " No!" "I found the mark." "I won't take less!" "Use your brain for a moment." "If you have one." "Nyman told her 5,000." "25% of that is 1,250, right?" "Yes, that's fair." " I'll get 10,000." " We'll see about that." "I'll get 10,000!" "And 20% of that is 2,000." " Which deal is best for you?" " When you put it that way..." " Well?" " It's not fair to your partners, but..." "OK." "Then it's a deal." "It's the Count!" "Let him in!" "Your demands are getting unreasonable." "I want to be rich." "And I don't want to wait." " I can't enjoy life as others do." " Oh no?" "And I'm not asking for that." "But no one can stop me loving money." "Hello, Herman." "How are you?" "Handsome as always?" "The family is gathered, I see." "My lady, if you'll permit, a small token of my appreciation." " Hi there, Nyman." " Hi." "I see you're your usual sunny self." "What news from the underworld?" "Nothing at all?" "Well, I have a little nibble that may lead to a big catch." "The bait will be at my place tonight at seven." "Handsome Herman, you'll be serving, but make yourself scarce." "It will be a fine dinner, small, but scrumptious." "Simple but elegant." "But you'll have to wear your tux, Nyman." "You're all cordially invited!" "Let's see..." "Quite a selection." "You're a discerning drinker, Torsten." "Cheers!" "Cheers, everyone!" "Lovely to see you all here." "Now, Torsten, let's hear it." "We're all ears." "And don't be shy - we're not easily shocked." "Nyman!" "Did you know the cat is named after you?" "Cognac!" "I heard something about an inheritance?" "Well, yes...that is..." "I really have no reason to hope for anything." " Unless..." " Unless...something happens." " Something...embarrassing." " Something happens?" "What do you mean?" "There's something of an obstacle between you and your inheritance." " What do you propose?" " Me?" " Nothing really." " But if something were to happen whatever that might be." "What would we get for our trouble?" "I...was thinking 50,000." "50,000." "Then it's no small thing you expect of us." "I beg your pardon." "You have a phone call, Miss Holm." " For me?" " Yes." "Excuse me." " Torsten, what do you think of my cigarettes?" " Thanks, they're excellent." "Duty-free." "Private import!" " What is it?" " Director Boman's "business card"." " That changes things." " I thought so." "Not some little fish!" " So, Nyman!" "Enjoying yourself?" " I should say so!" "Hennessy Extra, Havana and your music?" "I'm in heaven." "Excellent." "Good, Torsten, have a drink." "Thanks, I thought I would." "Forgive me." "Where were we now?" "Yes, you were saying something about 50,000." " What was your name again?" " Boman." "Director Boman." "Why do you ask?" "Boman..." "That's right." "No." "We don't have a deal "Director Boman"." "I..." "But, er..." "I don't understand." " I thought..." " No." "I can't see how it benefits us." "But I can guess at the risks it implies." "And I won't risk that much for 50,000." "Cheers." " But..." " For a fortune, however say, a million..." "Like, let's say, the Barring millions..." "You know, Consul Barring at Forsa Ironworks?" "Say you were his nephew." "And his sole heir." "Now that would be another matter." " But now, no." " Well, well!" "Your family name is Barring!" "Isn't that grand." "Me, I'm still Severin." "You're quite the rascal, Torsten." "Or perhaps it's Philip or Pontus?" "My name is Barring." "And I'll agree to 75,000." "Pardon my interruption, but what was the little "happening"?" " That will be a later concern." " Pardon me." "This is obviously a sensitive issue." "But fine, whatever it is." "What do you say to 75,000, plus..." " 25% of your future inheritance?" " That's insane!" "But why, dear sir?" "What's 25% compared with the 75% you get?" " Take the deal!" " Yes, so we can begin planning." "Well, I suppose...we'll say 25% then." "That's more like it!" "So, what did you have in mind?" " I haven't got anything in mind!" " You must have some idea." "To begin with, we need to get a person into my uncle's house." "Someone we can trust." "I've just learned he's looking for a nurse, or a governess, for his grandson." "She has to be intelligent and young." "Confidence-inspiring." " You want us to find that girl." " Yes." " You would have been ideal, if not for..." " No, no." " We'll find someone." " Good." " I'll write her a recommendation." " Fine." " And then..." " ...something was to happen..." " Not right away!" " No, no." " She has to get close to the family first." " Of course." " But where do we find that gem, Anna?" " It won't be easy." "No." "In addition to the qualities you describe, she probably needs one more." " Ruthlessness." " That would make things easier." "Say..." " Excuse me." " It's nine o'clock." "I have a call to make." " Say we'll be there at ten." " On the dot." " On the dot." " I'm sorry, who are you looking for?" " Are you Mrs Wegert?" " Yes." " I was to come at ten o'clock on the dot." "I don't think I'm late." "Come in." "Don't be afraid." "I'm not - quite - as dangerous as I look." "This way." " Have a seat." " Thank you." " Where are the letters?" " Where is the money?" "I wasn't able to get any." " That's a shame." "For you." " No, no, wait!" "You can have these instead." "They're worth at least 5,000." " 5,000?" " Yes." "My representative must have misunderstood me." "Ten thousand is the sum." "But I'll take this as a 50% down payment." " You...!" "You're..." " Businessmen." "Perhaps a bit on the moral periphery." "But businessmen all the same." "We know what our goods are worth." " Suppose I report you to the police?" " It would do you no good." "You have no proof." "Do you have the letters on you?" "10,000 isn't exactly a fortune, but you don't carry it with you." "You do, however, keep it close by." "How do I know I'll get them, if I give you 5,000 more?" "Those are three charming letters." "Probably worth more to the addressee than all the riches in the world." "But I'd gladly exchange them for some smaller notes." "I'll try to get the money." "Wait here a moment." "No, no." "Just go out to the street and I'll be along." "Yes, Georg." " I just have to go and get the money." " I understand." " But...in the meanwhile..." " Perhaps I can wait here?" "If I won't disturb anyone?" " There's no one here, but..." " Oh!" "You're afraid to leave me alone." "Unnecessary." "I don't leave a job half done." " About these..." " They're yours." "As you wish." "Nyman!" "Give me the letters." " Is it done?" " Soon." "Now go." "ALLAN WEGERT Military Hospital in France" "Vera?" "Where are you?" "Vera?" "What is it?" "Is someone here?" "Who are you?" "What are you doing here?" "Stop right there!" "My wife's!" "And more." "Which you found outside?" "And you took a shortcut through the window to return them?" "Is that right?" "Get up!" " I can't." " Perhaps the police can help you up." " What is it?" "Are you hurt?" " Yes." "You're not making it up?" "Where does it hurt?" "My foot!" "I'd like to have a look." "Let me help you." "Watch the foot." " Does this hurt?" " No." " There?" " No." " There?" " Ow!" "You were lucky you "dropped in" on a doctor's house." "We've a visitor." " Remove your stocking." " What is this?" " Bad luck!" "Your jewellery was on its way out of the window with this young lady." "I happened to walk in on her." "She was in a bit of a hurry." "And so I ended up with a patient." " What are you going to do with me?" " Bandage your foot for starters." " Before you ring the police?" " The police?" "I'll consider that later." "I'm a doctor above all." "Is it absolutely necessary to trouble the police?" " I suspect they won't mind." " It's not necessary." "Let her walk away." " She may not be walking for a while." " But there's no harm done!" "Reporting her won't make things better." "I feel sorry for her as it is." "There." "That's done." "As you wish." " You have my wife to thank for your freedom." "Thank you." "Why do you steal?" "Why don't you work like an honest person?" "With this face?" " Were you burnt as a child?" " Yes." "I was." "Is it any of your business?" "It's my face!" "What's it to you?" " I know I'm a monster!" " And I hear desperation in your voice." " Have you been caught before?" " No." "This is my first failure." "See this as a lesson, then." "Next time it may be worse." "I don't care!" "My life can't be anything other than hell!" " Yes!" "I'm monstrous - so I must be one!" " That's all in your head." "I have a book of photos here that you could learn from." " I saw it." " Well then." "Then you saw what bad shape the war invalids were in." "Before we managed to make them somewhat human again." "But it didn't make them bitter, even if they had more reason to be." "I'd really like to X-ray that foot." "I think it has a fracture." " Where are you headed now?" " I don't know." " Do you have a family?" " No." "Friends?" "Someone who can look after you?" "Since I've been saddled with you, I'll squeeze you in at my clinic." " You'll have to be still for a few months." " If I must." "Spending time in a hospital bed often leads to some reflection." "Perhaps you'll leave it with a kinder view of the world." "I'm afraid you'll be disappointed." "Do you think I have any chance of competing with "honest people"?" "Hardly!" " No..." " Don't." "No." "But if I were to give you a chance?" " How was your meal?" " Fine, thanks." " Has the doctor come?" " Yes, he's here." " And he's removing the bandages today?" " If he said so, then he will." "You've seen cases like mine before." "You must know..." " It usually goes well if you stay calm." " Calm...!" "Perhaps we should close the window." "You have a visitor today." "Me?" "!" "You must be mistaken." "No one knows..." " I don't know anyone here." " It's only me, Miss Holm." " Who?" " Me." " I just wanted to pop by." "My husband said..." " What did he say?" "He didn't say much, but he rarely tells me about his patients." "I asked him about you." " I have a reason to worry about you too." " You're thinking of the letters." "Yes, I'm afraid so." " What if my husband failed?" " Then you think I'll want revenge?" "And if he's successful, then we're even?" " Is that what you mean?" " Yes, I...had hoped so." "Dr Wegert has done everything that can be done." "Anyone can fail." "And...and then?" "We're here to take you to the doctor, Miss." "All right now, let's do this very gently and carefully." " Here." " Put your arms round my neck." "There..." "And...here we go." "Don't put any weight on the injured foot." "There." "And the blanket..." "Now you can go, nurse." " Nurse?" "May I have my bag?" " Bag?" " It's on the bedside table." " I'll get it." " Here you are." " Thanks." "Wait just a moment." "Mrs Wegert?" "Thank you, that's all." " Hello, Miss Holm." " Hello." "How are you feeling today?" "Nervous?" "Yes." "I understand." "Just relax." "My wife mentioned she was going to visit you today." " She's already been here." " She's been just as worried as you." "Thank you, Nurse." "Please tell my wife to wait for me." " I won't be long." " Yes, Doctor." "Oh, Nurse..." "I'll call when I need you." "Miss Holm, it's been a long time since I did an operation like this." "Back then it was to help the unfortunate victims of war." "I've made an exception now, because I understand that you're also unfortunate." "And to give you a chance." "But if I have succeeded in changing your outer shell, don't forget that the inner change must come from you." "I would be very happy if it did." "Well." "That's all I had to say." "Don't be so tense!" "It will be easier if you relax." "Remove the bandages, Nurse." "Well, that's done." "As it looks now, I think the end result will be quite good." "Oh, may I have a mirror?" "Of course." " Nurse, give Miss Holm a mirror." "But I must warn you, it will be a very long time before you see the end result." "Here you are, Miss Holm." "Oh, Dr Wegert!" "Well?" " Here you are." " Thank you." "Good luck, Miss Paulsson." "I'll come up later to see how you're doing." "After my recommendations, my uncle must expect the Eighth Wonder of the World to arrive in Forsa." "Perhaps Miss Holm also exaggerated when she recommended me to you." "I've only met Miss Holm once..." "But I have a sense that she always uses the right person for a job." "Perhaps." "But this assignment is fairly murky as yet." "At least, I didn't get any details." "No." "I'll provide more details later." " Once you're settled in." " All aboard!" "Well." "Goodbye then." "If you have any problems, ring me." "Oh, hello!" " Are you heading to Forsa?" " No, I've accompanied a lady who..." "Perhaps I should introduce Engineer Berg from Forsa Ironworks." "And Miss..." " And Miss Paulsson." " All aboard!" " You'll be travelling together." "Goodbye!" " Goodbye, Torsten." "May I?" "Thank you." " Was your name Paulsson?" " Yes." "Oh yes, Anna Paulsson, 25." "Good at languages, last employed in a Swedish family in London." "Educated." "Determined." "Loves children." "Imposter." " I'm sorry?" " I just made that up!" "But you only have yourself to blame." "A governess can't look like that!" " What do you mean?" " I suppose that sounded a bit cliché." "But it was meant as a compliment." "This is how Lars-Erik and I pictured the unknown Miss Paulsson." "That's a conglomerate of the last few versions." " Lars-Erik, is that...?" " The dictator of Forsa." "And future king." "The one who will administer the Barring fortune in the future." "But just now he's six years old and awaiting his new governess." " Bookings for?" " Please." " Here you are." " Thank you." "I hope you don't mind eating lunch with me, Miss Paulsson?" "And discuss Forsa's 24 notabilities, the vicar, the pharmacist and so on." "I'm grateful for any information that is useful to me." " But how can you know so much about me?" " Miss Paulsson!" "The arrival of a new governess in Forsa is an earth-shaking event." "I wouldn't be surprised if half the factory were there to greet you." "But I know at least three people who'll be eagerly waiting on the platform." " Let's see if they're on it." " Yes!" "You see?" "There they are!" "If you pass this review, then you're practically in the clear." "Uncle Harald!" " Hi there, Lasse!" "How are you?" " Fine." "Well?" "Well, how about that!" "You are getting muscles!" " So, who do you think this is?" " I don't know." "Her." " Welcome." " Thank you." "Emma!" "Emma!" "That's my new teacher." "Hello, Emma." "Hello, Ingemar." " I trust everything is well?" " Oh yes." "May I introduce Miss Paulsson." " This is our Emma." " Welcome." " Thank you." " And Wickman." " Welcome." " It was kind of you to come and meet me." " It was only natural." "Come along." "The car is waiting." " Would you like to join us, Engineer?" " If there's space." "An unmitigated success." "Well, like most young boys Lars-Erik is a bit unruly, and perhaps a bit spoilt by myself and Emma." "I spoil no one." "Oh, yes you do." "Both Lars-Erik and me." " I treat everyone the same." " Yes, of course..." "As I was saying, Miss Paulsson, he does have his flaws, but I think he'll make a fair pupil, and he grows quite attached to those he cares about." "He needs a young person to look after him, who's cheerful and..." "Please forgive a presumptuous question, but I hope you're not always as serious as you are this evening?" "Me?" "No..." "No, I'm just a bit tired." "Yes, I understand that." "I want him to get plenty of fresh air." "It will do him good." "And I'd like you to draw up a work schedule for him." "Use your best judgement." "But not too strenuous, I think." "Children should be allowed to be children." "There's time enough for seriousness." "I'll do my best, Consul Barring." "Excellent!" "I like you, young lady." "But..." "Don't look so glum." "We're cheery and exuberant in this household." "Well, there are exceptions, of course..." " Little Lars-Erik wants to say good night." " Best you run along then." "If you'll excuse me." " Say, Emma?" " Yes?" "Lars-Erik is old enough now that you can stop calling him "Little Lars-Erik"." "He'll never be too old in my eyes, so don't count on it." "I don't." " Consul..." " Yes?" "You haven't forgotten what day it is tomorrow?" "No, Emma." "I'll never forget that." "I told Wickman to be ready at 10." "And the flowers are ready." " She seems nice, the girl, doesn't she?" " I suppose..." "And it's good that she's young." "We're starting to get on a bit, you and I." " I've heard that every year." " And for every year it becomes truer!" " You're only as old as you feel." " And you feel like 17, of course." "Thereabouts." "And you feel like 100?" "You've been in my service for 40 years." "You've been making snide comments all that time." "Do you plan to continue?" "I hope so - for both our sakes!" "Good night, Consul." "Uncle Harold helped me to make these aeroplanes." " So, you like toys?" " They're not toys!" "They're important!" " Did you like toys when you were little?" " I never had any." " No?" "Why not?" " No one cared enough to give me any." "Then you weren't a good girl!" " Weren't you going to go to bed?" " Yes." "Granddad gives me everything." "Last summer I got a football, and for Christmas I got skis." "And next summer I'm getting a bike!" "You're a lucky boy, Lars-Erik." "You get everything you want." "You never have to be hungry." "You're surrounded by kind people." "No one yelling at you, no one saying mean and nasty things." "You can be as naughty as you want, you still get everything!" " All you have to do is point at it!" " I thought you were nice." "I am, Lars-Erik!" "Don't cry." "Please don't start crying." " Can't you just go to sleep?" " I will." "Are you going to be strict with me?" "No..." "I'll help to spoil you too." "If there's anything they won't let you do, just come to me." "I will!" "We'll have fun together!" "Feel here, Miss." "Uncle Harald says I'm strong!" "I have muscles!" "Feel here, Miss." "Don't I have muscles?" "I made you laugh, anyway." "I didn't think you could." " Well, good night." " Good night." "Don't I get a good night kiss?" "Is that something your governess usually does?" "Yes, when I've been good." " Good night." " Good night." "Sleep well, Miss!" " Sleep well, Miss!" " Thank you." "Granddad!" "Come and say good night!" "Yes, yes!" "Granddad is coming!" "He's coming!" " Oh, you've already said good night?" " Yes." " But he's not asleep yet, I hear." " No, not yet." "I'm just asking because I'm going to go in to him for a moment." "There's one more thing, Miss." "We have an excursion tomorrow morning, Lars-Erik and I." "It would be good if he's ready at ten o'clock." "You can come along if you like." "We're going to...well..." "It's the fifth anniversary of the death of Lars-Erik's parents." "But of course it's up to you." "Good night." "And don't forget to count the window panes and make a wish before you go to sleep." " Granddad?" "Where are you?" " I'm coming." "I'm coming." "Did you have nice dreams, Miss?" "She can't tell us, Lars-Erik, because then the dream won't come true." "So, it's no small change for you, trading London for Forsa as you've done!" "But we'll do our best to make you happy here." " That's Uncle Harald's house!" " Yes, the yellow one." "That's good, Lars-Erik." "Show Miss Paulsson what you know." "He's a good boy." "He doesn't have the best of lives, the little fellow." "It may seem as if he has everything, but he lacks the most important thing in life:" "A mother and father." "So we must all endeavour to be that for him." "It's a great responsibility for you." "This is when his character is built, and I believe you can guide him in the right direction." "That is the greatest, and at the same time the most challenging compliment" "I could possibly give you." "Well!" "Here we are." " So, Wickman, where are the flowers?" " I've got them, Granddad!" "Do you?" "Come on, then." "Let's go." " Do you know where it is?" " I can show you the way!" "Forgive me for laughing, Mr Barring." "It just struck me as funny." "Did you think for one moment I thought the cheque was genuine?" "Oh no!" "The Consul's signature was patently fake." "But that's not a bad thing..." "from my perspective." " But it's a bit more awkward for you." " What are you going to do?" " Well, my patron wants his money." " You know I can't pay yet!" "Well then." "Either we must turn to the Consul, or to the police." "But I suspect the Consul prefers not to see the name Barring in police reports, for a mere 30,000." "30,000?" "Have you stolen ten?" "Please, Mr Barring." "We need to eat." " How much time?" "I need a month." " Can you get the money in a month?" " That's my concern!" " Yes, of course." "I'm certainly not going to do it." "However..." "If I give you more time, this is the last time." "Remember that." "The last time!" " My patron is..." " To hell with your patron!" "I can't be so nonchalant." "He's funding this, you see." "Although he doesn't want to be seen." "I'm nothing but a front man." "The figurehead people spit upon." "I'm quite pitiable, Mr Barring." "What would you say about borrowing a bit more, for a month?" "Hmm, what can I say?" "If it's the same fancy name..." " ...and not an excessive sum..." " No. 5,000!" "Five?" "I'm never unreasonable." "Sign a paper here for 10,000 and you'll get the money." " A 100% fee?" " Yes." "That's nothing to argue about." "We must help one another in life." "One good turn deserves another." "10,000..." "That's it." "And the Consul's name down here in the corner." "His name needs to be on the other side too." "On the back." "Yes..." "That's it." "Are you nervous?" "I'm not." "You're quite practised at that." "I can't judge how accurate it is, but the signature seems practised." "Heavily practised." "5,000." "Let me help you with that." "And don't forget to come here next month with 40,000, of which we've stolen 15,000." "Better safe than sorry." "Nice fur." " Good day." " Good day, good day!" " Well?" " Soon ripe for the picking!" "Yes, that will go as planned." "But it's a shame the big job fell apart when Anna disappeared." " Who's opening?" " Me." " Half the pot." " Half the pot?" "I'll call." "Don't you think it's strange?" "Of course it is." "We've searched high and low for her." "I didn't mean Anna." "Have you noticed that Barring avoids talking about the inheritance?" " Your turn." " I fold." "Do you mean..." "I'll be a monkey's uncle." "He and Anna have gone behind our backs!" "Leaving us penniless!" "That's something to think about." " I've called you." " Full house." "Ladies on top." "Full house." "Aces and kings." "My pot!" "Let's go." "Next round." "Don't hold the reins so tight." "I think driving horses is as hard as driving a car." ""As hard"?" "What's hard about holding a wheel and pushing a pedal?" "No, driving a four-in-hand is an art." " Can I do that soon?" " Oh, hold your horses!" "Learn this first!" " No, no, not so hard on the reins." " No." " Hello there!" " Uncle Harald!" " Good morning." " Good morning." " So, the master himself is driving!" " Yup!" " He's got a good hand with the horses." " He has a good teacher." " So, I hear you're having guests today." " Guests?" " Torsten Barring is coming." " Oh?" " You're not expecting him?" " No..." "The Consul didn't tell me." " No, don't do that, Lars-Erik." " But I'm hot!" "But the air is cold." "You'll catch your death." " Don't let me keep you." "Goodbye, Lasse." " Goodbye, Uncle Harald!" "Goodbye, Miss Paulsson." "Oh!" "But I'll see you this evening." " That's right, it's Saturday." " Bridge night!" "I'll see you later." "Well then, cheers!" " We don't often see you up here anymore." " No, I never have time." "My business in Stockholm takes up all my time." " Then it must be nice to relax here." " Yes." "Shame it can't be more often." "Well, that's your own fault!" "You're always welcome up here." "You know that." " Won't you have a cigar, Hjalmar?" " No thanks, I have one." "Gentlemen, isn't it time to get started?" "Yes, yes, let's get going." "Must we play three-handed tonight?" "I'm coming!" " They've been gazing longingly at the games table." "Excuse me." "Miss Paulsson, since you're not playing, perhaps you'll keep me company." "I'm sure she will." " Right, Miss Paulsson?" " Of course." " Put on the wireless and enjoy yourselves." "I'll close these doors, so you won't bother us." " Is there something particular you want?" " Not at all." "I just wanted to chat a while." "If you don't mind." "We haven't had the opportunity to talk yet." "Congratulations, by the way." " You've handled stage one very well." " What do you mean?" "You're a big hit with the family." "I'm very pleased so far." "No one suspects anything, nor will they." " When..." " "When" what?" " I want to know what you expect of me." " Haven't you worked it out?" "No!" "I find that hard to believe from a woman of your intelligence Miss Holm." "Yes, that's the gesture that gave you away." "As early as the train ride." "But your secret is safe with me." "Not even your old friends need to know where you are." "This job can be between you and me." "Excellent transformation, by the way." " What do you want from me?" " Is it so hard to work out?" "Only one person stands between me and a quite carefree future." "Say it." "What do you want?" "I don't want anything specific." "I trust your sense of creativity, which your old friends assure me is brilliant." "Speaking of which, I hear you and Lars-Erik are quite chummy." " Yes." " Excellent." "Best to look after him well." "See that he doesn't catch cold." "You know how easily children develop pneumonia." "It's a great risk at that age." "What do you think of the area?" "Quite beautiful, isn't it?" "Have you been up to the Forsa Falls?" "Near the bridge?" " No." " Pity." "You might find it a worthwhile excursion." "Just be careful on the rocks on the north side - especially if Lars-Erik is with you." "I once saw a daring young boy slip and fall in there...and be swept away." "It was a tragic...accident." "So that's your plan!" "You have the right medicine, Pharmacist!" " Are you done already?" " No, I just forgot my cigarettes." "The pharmacist is playing my hand, so I'm in good hands." " Good night, I'm off to bed." " So early?" "Yes, I've got such a headache." "And I have to look in on Lars-Erik." " Lars-Erik is the apple of her eye." " Is that so?" " She's so fond of him already?" " I'll say." " Berg, we won!" " Bravo!" "Miss!" "Yes, Lars-Erik?" "What is it?" "I had a terrible dream!" " Oh?" "What did you dream?" " I don't remember." "Try to go back to sleep now." "Let me tuck you in again." "And switch off the light." " Don't leave me!" " I'll stay with you if you want." "There." "Until you go to sleep." "But you have to try to sleep now." "I'll try." " Is it Sunday tomorrow?" " Yes, it is." "Go to sleep now." "Maybe you'll have sweet dreams." " Miss Paulsson!" " Yes?" "Director Barring, it's time to leave." "Thank you, I'll be along shortly." " Is that your final word?" " Yes!" " I won't do anyone's bidding anymore!" " We'll see about that." " Your friends may change your mind." " Do what you want" " I can take anything!" "Is that so?" "Even the Consul's likely treatment of a blackmailer?" "Yes!" "Probably not unlike his treatment of a forger!" " What do you know?" " Enough!" "The Count isn't one of the world's most discreet people." " Then he won't be silent about you either." " Probably not." "It depends on what's most sensible in this case." "Talking or keeping mum." "We'll just have to see about that." "Shall we go, Miss Paulsson?" "The snow is perfect for skiing." "Yes, I'm coming." "A delightful idyll." "As long as it lasts." " You've never been here before?" " No." " It's beautiful, isn't it?" " Magnificent." "And somehow terrifying." " May I ask you a forward question?" " Go ahead." "You've been different the past few days." "Is it because of Torsten Barring's visit?" "Sort of." " I despise him." " But he recommended you so warmly!" " Yes..." " And still?" "To be honest, I'm not too keen on him myself." "I don't know why." "But there's something off about him." "Something...shady." "There's nothing worse than people who can't be trusted." " Can we go on now?" " Of course, Miss Paulsson." "I'm happy - very happy - that you're not interested in Torsten Barring in any other way." " What do you mean?" " Just what I say." "I like you too much to want him to have even a finger of you." "Yet he may hold my entire future in his hands." "If you're afraid your dislike of him will offend the Consul, don't be." "He is as fond of you as I am..." "but in a different way." "Like me, he wants you to stay forever." "He for Lars-Erik's sake, and I for my own." " Does that bother you?" " No." "But who knows what the future holds?" "Nothing that will shake our friendship, I hope." "I hope that too." " Too bad it's winter now." " Why?" "If it had been summer, or even better, spring, the roar of the fall would have drowned out my voice." "And then I might have dared to say all that's in my heart, because some of the silliness would drown in the noise." "Then perhaps you should wait until spring." "It's not far off, anyway." "And you'll promise to listen to me?" "Yes, as much as I can in the roar of the fall." "So, that's why you're all here." "Yes!" "If you think your change of heart will impress us, you're mistaken." "You've cheated us once - out of Wegert's money." "It won't happen a second time." "Try to understand our straits." "We're pressuring Miller, who's pressuring the director, who's pressuring you." "It's a game of cat and mouse." "You've never shied from money." "Why are you hesitating?" "With your respected position here, no one would ever think that you..." "Shut up!" "Shut up!" "Or I'll report you all to the police." " For what?" " Your conscience has made you foolish." "We could be quite unpleasant if we wanted." "An anonymous letter and I'd be dismissed." "What else can you do?" "So you'd leave?" "Isn't that the last thing you want?" "To abandon such a peaceful, pleasant existence, with the charming company of Engineer Berg?" "My, my!" " Is there love in the air?" "Now I see!" " Guess all you want." "Do what you want." "But beware..." "I know a bit too much about you to be scared off." "You know I'm no coward." "And you...the lowest of us all!" "You'll go no further." "I'm warning you." "I want the money!" "If you don't do it, I will." " You wouldn't dare!" " I dare!" "You'll get nowhere with her." "She's always had character, though not this kind." "Oh no, dear Torsten." "You'll have to go to the Consul...and to church." " Or else prison." " Never!" "Well, Nyman, what do you think of life at a hotel in a small industrial town?" "I think it's a bit scary." "I prefer our old business." "Short jobs, small profit." "But safe!" "A little something to warm your cockles." "Cheers!" " That's strong!" " A horseman needs something with a kick!" "And let it not be said the Consul was miserly on his birthday!" " Do you think that's enough, Emma?" " Yes." "I've been here for too many birthdays not to know how much is needed." " You learn a thing or two in 40 years." " True enough." "I've attended these little shindigs for nearly 25 years." " 22." "You first came in autumn 1915." " Yes..." "Yes, you're right." "Don't ever say that Forsa doesn't have its own walking encyclopaedia!" " Granddad, aren't we leaving soon?" " Yes, as soon as possible." " May I drive the sledge?" " Oh, no." "It's far too dark outside." "Well, my friends." "Now that we've warmed our bones, there's no reason to wait anymore." "Head out to the sledges!" "Say, Harald, isn't Miss Paulsson coming?" "Yes - soon, I think." "I'll call her." "Anna!" " Don't miss your chance tonight." " What...do you mean, sir?" "What do I mean?" "I proposed during a sledge ride myself!" "Don't you think, Harald, that I've seen where things are headed?" "Oh, yes!" "It's just a pity that the two of us will suffer." " The sledge is ready, Consul!" " Good." "I'm coming." "Ah, there you are, Miss Paulsson." "Hurry now!" " Are you bundled up enough?" " Don't you think it looks that way?" " Emma?" " Come here..." "Come now, Lars-Erik!" " You need some warmth inside, too." " No thank you." "I hope it's not cold outside." "Speaking of cold, I think spring will be late this year." "I was at Forsa Falls, and normally the water roars so that you can't hear a word." "Why would anyone talk there?" "Perhaps you're right." "A bit more, please." "I need a bit of courage." " Thank you, Emma." " Hurry, they're waiting." " Goodbye." "Goodbye." "Let's all huddle up now." "There you are!" "Hurry!" " Where's Lars-Erik?" " He went in Torsten's sledge." "No!" "Couldn't I have Lars-Erik with me?" "I think you'll be quite busy enough with Engineer Berg." "Hurry, now." "Let's go, Wickman!" " Why so silent?" " I'm just a bit nervous." "About Lars-Erik up there?" "I can see that." " May I drive, Uncle Torsten?" " No, this horse is a bit wild." "And we have moonlight, too!" "So, Consul, how far are we going?" "As far as it takes to work up an appetite for supper!" "Not me, I already have one!" "What do you say, should I stop?" "Lars-Erik!" "Go after them!" "Go after them!" "Hold on!" " He's going to kill Lars-Erik!" " It's not that bad." "He will, I know it!" "It's why he came here!" " What?" " To kill Lars-Erik!" "Oh, Harald, I was meant to do it." "I came here to do it." "I'm not who you think I am." "But I don't want to!" "I don't want to!" "Lars-Erik!" "Lars-Erik!" "You must believe me." "You must believe me!" "Oh, save him!" "Save him!" "Keep going, keep going!" "Lars-Erik..." "Take these!" "No!" "Harald!" "Harald!" "Oh, Lars-Erik!" "Lars-Erik!" "Come." "Harald!" "Harald!" "No appetite?" "This cheese!" "With a kilogram of dynamite I might break off a bit." " Some Pilsner?" " What, class 1?" "No thanks." "I'd rather rekindle childhood memories." "Here I come with a hot bite for you." "I hope I'm not too late." "Have you heard about the accident?" "No!" "Has the community's nasty little pug bitten the midwife on the leg?" "It's no joking matter!" "A horse has bolted, and and four milk bottles fell and broke." "Tragic." "This is serious!" "A horse in the consul's sledge party bolted." "Engineer Berg from the ironworks is lying unconscious in the nursing home." "And a relative of the consul, a Director Barring from Stockholm, was killed!" "Wh...when does the train leave?" " The train where?" " Where?" "Anywhere!" "Stockholm!" " I'll check..." " Well, hurry up!" "Well, that chapter is ended." "I wonder if it's not time for us to retire." "There's nothing more for us here." " What about Anna?" " I assume she's lost to us." "Unfortunately." " Sir, the train leaves in a half hour." " Give us the bill." " But the main course...?" " The bill!" "And be quick about it!" "Of course." " I'll go and pack." " Yes, yes!" ""Once upon a time there was a pig,"" ""a cat and a...hen..."" ""...who were out for a walk."" ""The little hen found a grain of wheat."" """Who will planet it?" "' she said."" " No, Lars-Erik. "Who will plant it?" - "'Who will plant it?" "' she said."" " That's it." " ""Not I,' said the pig."" "So, hard at work, I see." " Is it going well?" " It's going very well, Granddad!" "According to you, of course!" "Miss Paulsson, have you heard anything from the engineer?" " No, I haven't." " That's very odd." " I don't understand this." " What is it, Consul?" "He's given notice, with no reason at all." "He does say that he needs to travel." "To get new ideas and impulses and so on." "Hasn't he told you anything?" "No, I haven't heard a word from him." "Soon he'll leave the nursing home to travel somewhere and rest up." "As if one can't rest here." "I just don't understand!" "Or can you give me a reasonable explanation?" "No." "But..." "I don't think you should be too concerned, Consul." "I'm sure there's a way to get him to come back." "If only we could." "He's a part of us and Forsa in some way." "We need him, and I don't think he'd be as happy anywhere else." "Well, I think I know a way." "Then I'll pin my hopes on you." "Let's continue, Lars-Erik." " Isn't Uncle Harald coming home soon?" " I think so." "He'll soon be back, you'll see." "Keep reading now." ""And the wheat ripened."" ""'Who will harvest the wheat?" "'"" ""said the little...hen."" ""'Not I,' said the pig and the cat."" ""'Then I shall do it,' said the little hen."" ""And she cut the sheaf..."" "Oh yes." "Yes, I'm ready to leave at any time." "At the end of the month?" "That's perfect." "Yes." "So there's no ambulance before then?" "No, I understand it's too expensive." "Right." "Goodbye." "Nurse, the departure date is set." "The 28th." "Via Helsinki to Leningrad." "So you have time to change your mind." " Why would I change my mind?" " I'm only joking." "Would you please tell Engineer Berg that he has a visitor?" "Excuse me, Miss Paulsson." "I'm planning a trip." " You're going away, Dr Wegert?" " Yes, to the Orient." " With the Red Cross ambulance." " You're leaving everything?" "I don't have much to leave." "Just my practice." " And your home?" " Fell apart." "Who would have thought we'd meet again, under such different circumstances?" "You must agree now that life does have its bright sides?" "Yes, when you have the chance to see them." " You gave me that chance." " And you took it." "Just as I'd hoped." "Yes..." "But not right away." "It took some time." "I understand." "But if the past is dead and buried, why do you look so concerned?" "If you're worried about the patient, I assure you he'll be home soon." "I knew you'd save him." "That's why we sent him here when the doctors at home couldn't help." "It looked bad at first, but I managed to patch together his skull." "Well, I'm afraid that I..." "broke something else in him." "Something neither you nor anyone else can fix." " He knows?" " Yes." "Everything." "Well, he's a young man." "It must have been a hard blow for him." "But we must put our faith in time healing all wounds." " Not his, I fear." " Well, if not, we must move on." "Even if it seems we have unbearable sorrows." "Come now - be strong." "Don't let go." "The engineer is ready for you, Ma'am." "Goodbye, Miss Paulsson." "And good luck." "Thank you, Doctor." "Here you are, Miss." "I'll take those." "How do you feel?" "All right." "Did you get my letter?" "Well?" "I've read it ten times, if I've read it once." "And a hundred times I've told myself that what I'm reading isn't true." "It can't be true." "Say it isn't true!" " Yes, it is true." " I don't believe you!" "I wanted to understand." "Tried to understand!" "I thought I knew you." "Defend yourself, for God's sake!" "There is no defence." "But maybe an explanation if you can forget the world you live in and think that there are others who live in the shadows." "My father was an embezzler." "He was saved from prison by relatives." "And he...started drinking." "He dragged my mother down with him." "They were killed in a fire." "I escaped with my life, but was badly burnt." "I was left alone, with a face that frightened people." "I became hard, bitter;" "I hated everyone." "Now I'm glad I was so ugly." "It saved me from...another fate." "Stop." "You know the rest." "It's all in my letter." "There's just one thing you don't know." "It was Dr Wegert who fixed my face." "In a way he gave me a new life." "But what gave that life a meaning..." "was you." "You and Lars-Erik." "Anna..." "I've tendered my resignation at Forsa." "I know." "That's why I came here." "But you don't have to run away from me." "I'll never go back there." "No, don't misunderstand me." "I want us to go away together." " To a place where no one knows us." " Steal away, hide." " Nothing suits you less." " We can help each other to forget." "It's not possible." "I could never be sure you'd forgotten, and you'd sense that." "Our unsaid thoughts would gradually kill our love." "It's so unbelievable that you..." "Sometimes I tell myself I'm dreaming." "That I haven't woken up from the anaesthesia yet." "If only it were true." "Let it be true..." "A bad dream about to turn sweet." "You're burning up." " Are you tired?" " Yes." " Goodbye, Harald." " You're leaving?" "Yes..." "Anna..." " I'll never forget you." " I believe you." "We can't forget." " Here comes the train, Emma!" " Yes, here it comes." "Don't forget to tell Uncle Harald welcome!" "Uncle Harald!" "Nurse, would you be so kind as to post this as soon as possible?" "Yes, Doctor." " So." "Today it seems spring is really here." " Yes..." "How are you?" "The worst is over now." "I hardly think it's over." "Well..." "Now he's on his way to Forsa, where he'll get back to his old routines." "It will be harder for you, who have given up so much." "What will you do?" "I don't know." "And I don't dare to think of the future right now." "I'm afraid it will always be like this." "That I'll never escape my past, that it will follow me like a shadow." "Do what I'm doing:" "Put away your past and start over." " Start over again?" " Over and over again, if necessary." " There's no other option." " Have you always been such an optimist?" "It may be a part of my profession." "And I've seen so much true optimism that it's rubbed off on me." "I've heard terminal patients thank their doctor for giving them the opportunity to live another six months." "Six months - and still they're grateful." "So why shouldn't we be glad, we who have so much more to hope for?" "I wish I were in your position." "That I could just leave everything behind." "Are you a fearful person?" "No." "I know you aren't." "What do you think of the Chinese?" " I don't understand." " I was just joking." "I have a letter here." "Which I now realise I haven't answered." "But that was just as well." "I have a cousin who is married to an American businessman in Beiping." "She's asked me to find her a Swedish nanny, since her American one left." "Are you interested?" "But think carefully." "The Heavenly Kingdom isn't very heavenly right now." "It would make me the world's happiest person." "Have you thought it through?" "Going once, twice, three times..." "Yes." " Shall we strike while the iron is hot?" " Yes." "Telegraph office, please." "Four cheers for the Red Cross Ambulance!" "HURRAH!" "HURRAH!" "HURRAH!" "HURRAH!" "Miss Paulsson." "Shall we agree on something?" "Nothing before this very moment has ever existed." "The future starts now." "Yes." "THE END"