"QUARTET" "Subtitles by Seglora" "The star of this film is not an actor or an actress but a writer" "I know there was so help to make it, take pleasure and paying tribute to him" "William Somerset Maugham born in Paris in 1874 is the author of 24 novels 24 plays and upwards about 100 short stories" "This is what he says about his life and work" "One way or another I've used in my writings pretty well everything that had happened to me in the course of my life" "Sometimes an experience of my own has provided me with an idea and I just had to invent the incidence to illustrate it but more often I've taken people I've known either slightly or intimately and used them as a foundation for a characters of my own inventions" "but to tell you the truth fact and fiction is so intermingled in my work that now looking back I can hardly distinguish one from the other" "In my twenties critics said I was brutal" "In my thirties they said I was flippant" "In my forties they said I was cynical" "In my fifties they said I was competent and then in my sixties they said I was superficial" "I went my own way with a shrug of the shoulders" "Following the path I've had to traced and trying with my work to fill out the pattern of life that I've made for myself" "Quartet is a collection of four of Somerset Maugham's favorite stories" "The first you'll see is The Facts of Life" "It was Henry Garnet's habit to drop in at his club after dinner to play bridge." "He was a pleasant man to play with he knew the game well and you could be sure he would make the best of his cards" "Come on Henry" "Yes" "It's you to play" "What?" "Me?" "Oh,sorry" "What?" "The rest of mine I think, that's makes it game and rubber" "Why on earth didn't you play your count?" "I beg you pardon" "They would have been two down if you counted" "I hadn't got one" "Of course you have" "There you are ace of hearts" "You suggesting that I'm not speaking the truth" "Oh,my dear chap" "Let's cut the inquiry and play another rubber" "You can leave me out,if you don't mind,I'm not in the mood" "I'm sorry Leslie" "That's all right,old man" "What's the trouble?" "As a matter of fact I am a devil of temper" "What about?" "I had the most upsetting day" "Lizzie?" "No.Not exactly.If you don't mind I'd rather like to tell you" "Only don't let it go any further" "Of course not" "I should hate it around the club" "Much better get it off your chest" "Well,it's about my boy Nickie" "Say it again Walters" "He did very well in that tournament" "Yes" "It was tennis that started the whole trouble" "My wife and I was down Wimbledon last month and found out sitting next to old Franklin" "I don't know if you know him but he is sort of fool bar tennis at the Cambridge" "So naturally I asked him how my boy is getting on" "How is Nickie's game coming along?" "Not too badly" "Any chance of him chosen to the Vaster team?" "Perhaps.He is a bit more experienced you know" "Yes" "Good shot" "Why don't you let him come down to Monte Carlo to play in the tournament?" "Hasn't the British team been chosen?" "Yes it has" "But the man we are relying on has let us down and Nickie just about to fill the bill" "Now what do you say?" "Well I'd rather he didn't, if you don't mind" "The first place he is not good enough yet and the second I don't like the idea of the young boy 19 traipsing around Monte Carlo with nobody looking after him" "I should be there I am going as non playing Captain" "You'll be too busy to bother about Nickie" "Just as you say" "If you change your mind give me a ring we shall not decide before next Wednesday's meeting" "Good bye Mrs Garnet" "Good bye" "Have some thinking Nickie is good enough for Monte Carlo" "Yes.He is coming along well" "Why not let him go Henry?" "Oh,no,certainly not,he's too young" "Nickie is not the sort getting into any mischief" "It's not just that but there is his work to consider the bad thing to cut the end of term" "He'll only miss three days" "Do let him?" "No,certainly not.." "..I've made up my mind" "You know it is awfully decent of you too let me go Dad" "Your mother was rather against it but" "I managed to talk her into it" "Thanks Dad,you're a sport" "You will behave when you are away" "Of course I will" "I don't want to play the heavy father but this is the first time you've been abroad on your own and I wouldn't like you to get into a mess" "Don't worry I won't" "That's right" "Look Nickie when I was at your age my father gave me three bits of advice" "And I've lived up to them ever since and I hope you will" "The first is gambling,don't gamble,whatever anybody else say you would do" "The second is money,don't lend money not in any circumstances" "And the third is women,don't have anything to do with women now if you lay off these few things you won't go far wrong so be a good boy and try to remember" "No,dad,I won't forget,I promise" "That's right" "Give them a run for their money" "I'll try" "Good Bye ,Dad" "Good Bye,boy" "The boy didn't not disgrace himself in the tournament" "He did very well according to the papers" "Yes,of course he didn't beat the top class men he got in the semi final in the double,he ran the Australian number two to three sets oh no,not bad at all,I couldn't wished him to do better" "It was after the tournament that the trouble began" "There was an official dinner for the players and after that they all went to the sporting club" "Les jeux sont faites" "Rien va plus" "25 rouge" "Monsieurs,dames faites vos jeux" "Hello" "Hello" "Les jeux son faites" "31 -31,bien,Madame" "Rien va plus" "20,noire" "Watched you ,Nickey,doing any good" "I haven't been playing" "You'll have on little flutter before you go" "Yes,I suppose so,my father was not any too keen of me coming here at all" "He particularly warned me against gambling" "Fear not gambling if you when to stop" "I had ago with 1000 francs and lost and that's that" "You're crazy if you leave Monte without trying your luck once" "Surely your father wouldn't mind you losing 1000 francs" "It's only just over one quid" "I don't think he suppose he would" "After all I promised not to gamble" "I only promised not to forgive his advice" "Try number eleven I didn't loss maybe it will win" "No I'll try 19" "Excuse moi" "Sorry" "Les jeux son faites" "Rien va plus" "19 rouge" "Its' yours Nickey" "Look at all the chips you won" "Les jeux son faites" "You're like in it have another go" "No thanks I'm not to attempt the providence a second time" "You won again young man" "No,I haven't put anything on" "Yes you have.." "Your original stake they always leave it on unless you ask for it back" "Didn't you know that?" "No,how much is it?" "Another 35000 francs" "I see you've got enough to buy a motorbike" "And your stake" "Oh yes of course" "You are in luck" "Yes I can hardly believe it.." "it's the first time I ever played" "That's explains it" "Would you like lend me 10000 francs" "I will bring it back to you in half an hour" "All right" "Thank you so much" "You will never see that again" "No,don't suppose I shall,how silly of me" "My father particularly warned me not to lend anybody money" "However I've still got 60000 francs left and that's 60000 more than I expected" "Beginner's luck old boy" "Well,I'm for bed,coming?" "No,I just take a walk around I'll be along in a few minutes" "Les jeux sont faites" "Riens va plus" "20 noire" "95-100000 francs,Monsieur" "Hello I've been looking for you everywhere" "Hello" "I was afraid you had gone" "Here's the 10000 francs and thank you very much for lending it to me" "What's the matter?" "I'm so sorry to tell you the truth I did not expect to see this money again" "What did you take me for?" "Did you think I was a thief?" "No,of course not" "Do I look like someone who would cheat you of your money?" "No,not at this" "My husband is in the administration in Morocco and I've come to Monte Carlo for a few weeks because he thought I needed a change" "It was awfully good of you come chasing out of me like that" "You shouldn't have bothered really I was just going" "Already?" "Yes I have to catch a plane by home by seven o'clock in the morning" "Oh,yes of course the tournament ended today,didn't it?" "I saw you play two or three times" "Did you?" "I do not know why you noticed me" "You have a beautiful style and you look so sweet in your shorts" "Thank you" "Do you know La petite Maison?" "No,I can't say that I do" "But you mustn't leave Monte without going there" "Why not come and dance a little,I'm so hungry,I should adore some bacon and eggs" "Then you shall have some bacon and eggs" "Would you like some champagne?" "I would adore champagne" "Champagne?" "You shouldn't,Nickie,you shouldn't waste your money on me" "I'm like a millionaire tonight" "How much did you win?" "Quite a bit" "Must have been thrilling seeing your number keep on winning" "There wasn't the same number no not all the times" "I started with 19" "Why 19?" "Because that's my age" "But after it won twice I couldn't reasonably expect it to win again" "So I switched to 16,that's my oldest sister's age that wasn't any good,then I tried 12 that's my youngest sister's age that was not any good either" "The I simply shut my eyes and tried anything" "It was 20" "My age" "Is it?" "Well,it was lucky won everything back and some more" "Then I had my ups and downs in the end my pockets was bulging with chips" "I was amazed by that chap started counting others 5000 francs notes" "How many?" "20" "Hundred thousands francs" "Isn't it marvelous" "Enough to by a motorbike with, would what do you want?" "Here is to Nickie on his motorbike" "Cheers" "The funny thing is my father didn't want me to come to Monte Carlo at all" "But why not?" "He thought I was too young and innocent" "But here is the joke,he gave me three bits of advice" "He said,don't gamble but I did and I won 100000 francs" "He said don't lend anybody any money and I did quite a lot to a complete stranger" "You came hunting for me to pay it back" "Poor old Dad" "He's not a bad sort,really,he means well his stances a bit early Victorian that's all" "What was the third bit of advice?" "He said don't have anything to do with women" "He was right about that Nickie,so right" "Monte Carlo is the worst place in the world for the kind of women your father meant" "Adventuresses,they are everywhere, even here in this room" "And yet if you are sensible you can recognize them" "And if you can recognize them,you are safe" "Because you can avoid them" "So be careful about that,Nickie not only because of your father, but for your own sake" "Shall we dance?" "You dance beautifully" "I don't really,you are just so easy to dance with" "Have you ever been turned?" "You are very good looking" "No.I don't think I have" "But you are,you know" "Now it's time for us to go" "It's sweet of you having been so nice to me" "I shall write and tell my husband it will make him jealous" "It was nice of you to come,I've loved it" "What time do you go tomorrow?" "My plane leaves at 7 am.I shall be up at 6" "In three hour's time.Where are you staying?" "A quiet little place 40 Rue de Lyon 40 Rue de Lyon" "Good Night and thanks awfully" "It you would like you can drop me" "and take you on" "Fine" "Tomorrow you'll be gone,and I shall be alone again" "Maybe I'll manage another trip" "I'd love to come again" "I shall not be here" "I return to my home in Morocco next week" "We shall never meet again Nickie" "Unless perhaps I can persuade my husband to take me to England one day the tennis at Wimbledon then we shall see you play" "I am not near Wimbledon yet" "But you are Nickie,they were all saying so today" "Everyone sitting near me said how well you played" "That's awfully kind of you but it's not quite true" "It's over Nickie so quickly" "Well Yes" "I'll just pay him off I'll walk from here" "The air will do me good.How far is the hotel Faunon?" "Faunon?" "Are you staying there?" "Well,there is all the English team" "But Nickie it is nearly half past three" "But I can get in" "But the Faunon is the sleepiest old hotel in Monte Carlo" "Although the english colonels and the wise stay there" "Don't tell me,I've seen them" "At 12 o'clock locked up and everyone is in bed" "You will have to ring and knock until you wake up the whole hotel" "I'll just have to that's all" "I know a way Nickie,in the sitting room on my sleep there is a couch" "You could sleep there,and go back to your hotel at 6 o'clock when it's open" "I couldn't really" "You can it's a leap from the doorstep for the the hall" "Come along Nickie" "In here" "Don't worry about making up a bed" "A blanket would do" "Very well then" "Now you would like a night cap" "No thanks I'll turn in if you don't mind" "Are you sure you have everything you wanted" "Yes thanks" "Quite sure" "Then Good Night Nickie" "Good Night,Jeanne" "Nickie" "Is that you Jeanne?" "Wake up,sleepy,it is past six,your plane leaves at seven you said" "Good Lord,gone six?" "Excuse me I'll have to rush" "I'll make you some coffee" "That's awfully sweet of you but please don't bother" "Oh,it's a little thing in return for the lovely evening" "No.I really haven't got time" "Did you sleep well?" "Like a log,I would have slept to nine and missed my plane if you had not called me" "How long does it take me to get to my hotel?" "You'll not get a taxi at this hour, you can walk in 10 minutes" "But you must hurry" "I say I must" "But I got to get my things back and the bill paid" "Good Lord,my precious note case all those lovely bank notes" "Mustn't lose them" "You silly boy as if I would not have sent it to you" "It's a pity I have to rush off like this" "I say thanks awful for letting me have the room" "Nickie,I will not forget that lovely evening you gave me" "You are a sweet little boy and a wonderful presence" "Kiss me,before you go" "Bon voyage,Mon Cheri" "Good Luck" "She took me in first time I saw her" "Of course I knew she was a gambler but she was decently dressed and not made up" "I didn't she think she was that sort" "She took me into it first" "I bet she does that every night with some mug or another" "She didn't get a mug last night anyway" "How much was it?" "100000 francs" "I say it,about hundred pounds" "Yes enough to buy a motorbike with" "Is it all there?" "Must be" "She might have taken some for safety and put it somewhere else" "Don't think she had time" "25000" "50000" "75000" "Hundred,there is more than 100000 here" "125000" "Blow me down" "You know what?" "That flower pot was her money box you got all her loot as well" "Damn nearly to buy a car" "What infuriated me was that the boy was so damned pleased with himself" "He looked at me with those great big innocent eyes" "You know father I think it is something wrong with that advice of yours" "It's all very well for you to laugh but that boy respected me he looked up to me took everything I said as the Gospel truth now he looks at me as I was a dribbling old fool" "You do look a bit of a damned fool,old man" "There is no denying it is there?" "He doesn't realize it was a fluke" "He thinks it's his own cleverness,might ruin him" "Now you are the men of the world, what am I going to do?" "If you take my advice,you have another drink and forget it all about it" "In my opinion the boy is born lucky, and in the long run that's better then being born clever or rich" "He'll be all right,you mark my word" "If you don't mind me saying so the mistake you made in the first place was to learn tennis,things like that would never happen to a cricketer" "The alien corn" "The celebrations at Tilby's of George Bland's twenty first birthday were conducted in accordance with the usage of English county families" "There was a dance in marquees on the lawn fornthe tenants and a dinner party and a ball for the gentry" "Since I was not there,I only know from hearsay what happened when the birthday celebrations were over" "Hello,not in bed yet?" "No" "I just came in to say good night" "Beautiful night too,isn't?" "I've never seen the place looking lovelier" "Seven generations from father to son" "That's something,isn't?" "Yes" "We must have a talk about your future one of these days" "Yes,I'd like to" "You know that you are a lucky devil" "Up in the your age I was not up to any good even if I wanted to" "Your last year in Oxford the the diplomatic corps if you like" "Or the House of Commons if you never mind the politics" "Of course your mother would like to see you in the Grenadier Guards,I know" "And your uncle would like you in the City with him" "As a matter of fact father" "I've been thinking about this pretty carefully recently and I, I finally made up my mind what I want to be" "Oh,what's that" "A pianist" "What" "I want to play the piano" "Of course,you can play the piano any time you like" "I was talking about your career" "That's what I meant" "I want to be a professional pianist" "I've loved it ever since I was a small boy" "Sometimes I've giving it up, something new came along but I always went back to it and even at Oxford I practiced sometimes all through the night" "Now I know quite definitely that's what I want to get my life to go on" "George,I don't think I quite understand" "I used to be fond of fishing when I was a boy" "I didn't become a professional fisherman,I didn't give my life to it" "Fishing and music aren't quite the same thing,father" "I mean music is an art" "Fishing is an art too,if it comes to that" "How can you give your life to music?" "You can't play the piano all day" "It will drive everybody crazy" "If you love music as much as I do you have to give your life to it" "Look George" "I shouldn't brought up something about your future this time of night" "We are both too tired to think sensibly" "Listen,let's talk about it in the morning,shall we?" "I'm awfully glad you did bring it up because I want to talk about it" "Being tired doesn't make ny difference" "No.Not now.Some other time.Tomorrow" "Good night old chap" "Good night ,Father" "Good night" "He can't have meant it seriously, he must have been joking" "No.He wasn't joking,he was dead serious" "He wants to be a professional piano player" "Do you mean that he wants to play in cinemas?" "They don't have pianos in cinemas,now Uncle" "The pictures talk" "Where on earth does he want to play" "I can't see what put the idea into his head" "He is always enjoyed playing the piano ever since he was old enough to sit on the piano stool" "But he is not good enough to win a farthing at it" "Of course if you refused to let him" "I don't see how I can,really" "After all the boy is 21 and he is his own master" "Mind you I'm confused about other things" "Good Morning everybody" "Good Morning,George" "Sorry I'm late mother" "Did you sleep well?" "Like a top,did you?" "Dreamt of blue rockets chasing me" "Too much champagne" "George?" "Yes.Mother" "Your father has been telling me this extraordinary story about you wanting to be a professional pianist" "I can only hope he was joking" "No,Mother,I am afraid he wasn't" "I'm quite sincere about it" "I don't want to get back to Oxford next term" "I want to go to Paris to study there" "Good Heavens,you've got a chance of a cricket blue next year" "You might even play for the county" "Yes I declined,I'm sorry about that" "I'm fond of cricket but my career comes first" "Look here,George" "You are the heir of a great estate" "One day you will succeed me here with all the duties and responsibilities that our family has held in two different generations" "Thousands youngsters at your age would give their eyes to be in your position" "If you sit there and talk about giving your life to the piano" "I'm sorry father" "You see if I wasn't terribly keen about music I would be very contended here" "I love this house,I love the country, I love the people but I'd never be happy,I couldn't be happy without music,honestly" "I didn't expect you to take kindly to it" "Music isn't exactly a strong point in our family" "It's got nothing to do with it." "I should say just the same thing if you wanted to an acrobat or a juggler or any damned poor thing unworthy of your position" "I'd like to leave for Paris next week" "You won't" "I shall pay for this nonsense also" "No I don't expect you to pay for it, why should you,if you disapprove of it" "How are you going to live?" "I've saved a bit of my fare give English lessons for my keep" "I wonder how long that will get you" "Others can do it,I can" "Now look George.Don't let it be hasty" "I came down here for your coming of age with a nice solid present to offer you" "A junior partnership in the family business 2000 £ a year and a flat in town" "No thank you,Uncle John" "My dear chap,in three years time you'll take my place as Conservative Candidate for Barking" "A safe seat and you carry on the family tradition" "Awfully good of you,Uncle but.." "I've quite made up my mind" "I want to be a pianist" "No Uncle.I think you went about it at the wrong way" "So it's my fault,I'm to blame" "Would you mind if I suggested something?" "No,I won't" "George is stubborn, pigheaded" "The more you try to stop him, the more he want to do it" "If you get in a flak now and cut him off without a penny he'll starve rather than give in" "Well.What?" "Give him a fair chance make him a small allowance" "Enough to live on and pay his fees in Paris" "Let him study there for 2 years on one condition" "At the end the 2 years he must come back and let some competent unprejudiced person here him play" "What good would that do?" "Tell him if that person says" "" He shows real promise to become a first class pianist"" "Then he can go ahead if not he most abide by the decision and promise faithfully to give up all thoughts of making music his profession,isn't that fair?" "What do you say Uncle?" "Remember he'll go whatever you say" "Well,what can I say?" "Look,if he agrees with the terms you suggested" "All right,I'll give him 5 pounds a week,pay his fees and his lodgings" "May I get him to agree" "What do you think,Dear" "I think Paula is right" "All right" "Hurry back and tell us what he says" "We'll be in the hall,come on John, you've had quite enough" "George I want to talk to you" "No,but Paula I've made up my mind" "I know but I persuaded your father to let you go" "You what?" "He agrees to you going to Paris for 2 years and make you a small allowance but at the end of that time you've got to give it up unless an expert says you got a good chance of making a first class pianist" "What do you say?" "I say yes,of course" "You are very sure of yourself?" "I know I can do it" "I'll tell your father then" "Paula" "You've been absolutely wonderful" "Thanks" "It's that the best you can do?" "I'm sorry" "Tell me,silly, that you are not in the mood" "George,there is no room for anything else in your life but music is it?" "Well at the moment.." "All right you need not say why" "Paula I am terribly fond of you" "I am not fond of you,I happen to love you" "But I'll probably get over it" "It's all right,you needn't say anything he agrees to everything 2 years in Paris then the agreed judge to give a verdict" "But is it definite that he gives up the piano if the verdict goes against him?" "Yes" "Good" "When does he start?" "Tomorrow morning" "Dite mois et Monsieur George Bland habite ici?" "Monsieur George Bland?" "Au troisieme au fond le corridor la port en face" "Merci" "Hello George.How are you?" "Hello Paula,come on in" "This is it" "You live alone here?" "Yes,Madame Vours comes in twice a week to help me clear up" "I get my own breakfast and lunch" "And you cook?" "No.Here you are.Sit down" "Thanks" "I just have bread and cheese and beer for lunch" "I dine out with a couple of fellows who live round here" "What are you doing over here?" "There is another month you know?" "I know I haven't come to drag you back" "I've to go to Rome and I promised your mother to look you up on my way" "How is she?" "How's everybody?" "All right" "I'll miss you naturally" "I think they rather expected you to turn up any month or so" "Good Lord,it is hard work but I love it" "You've got a good teacher?" "Yes,he is a bit hard to please but he is good" "Of course the trouble is that I only get a couple of lesson a week,you see" "The rest of it all practice 10 hour a day" "Are you satisfied?" "I think so" "Aren't you playing for me?" "You know I'm a bit tired I'd rather busy day today" "Please" "Sorry that was no good" "I'm not in the mood.I play for you in the morning" "It sounded all right to me" "No,I can play much better than that" "George,there was something I wanted to tell you" "It was agreed that someone that someone should judge your playing when you come home next month" "Through a friend of mine I met Lea Makart and explained what happened and she promised to come" "That's wonderful" "Will you accept her judgment?" "Of course,she is the finest woman pianist in Europe" "She is terrific" "Of course I've never actually met her but I go to all her concerts" "Do my father and mother agree?" "They think she is a bit too arty they are scared that she'll be too much on your side but they agreed" "You'll explain that I am only a beginner" "I'll tell her everything" "I know I can do it,I can feel it in my bones" "George" "Yes" "I was just wondering what you'd do if you were not able to carry on with your music" "I don't know,not even thought about it" "Might be a good idea to have some other interests" "Such as what?" "You'll never thought of falling in love" "Yes,but that will have to wait" "Don't let it wait too long" "Hello" "Paula I'm so glad you come" "Is the great lady here yet?" "Not yet.George has driven to the station to meet her" "I didn't want him to" "Why not?" "The boy can be very charming when wants to be, too charming" "I'm so afraid he persuade her he is a genius" "I think she will be fair" "I do hope she think he is no good" "It'll be such relief to all of us" "I'm afraid it will be a terrible disappointment to him" "Life's full of disappointments one just learns to put up with them" "That sounds like the car now" "Come along" "Here is my mother now" "Mother this is Lea Markat" "How do you do" "How do you do" "Paula you know" "Yes,of course" "And this is my father" "How do you do" "How do you do" "It was good of you to come" "I was glad to" "I'm always glad to have those who wish to play" "You would find this a little odd" "Not at all" "You see this is the only fair way" "I mean if he is any good, we can't stand in his way and if he is not it is better first class plumber than a second class pianist" "Much better" "I was telling him in the car he must be prepared for at least another 5-6 years study" "But as much as that?" "Oh.Yes" "Madame Makart suggest I go to Rome to study under her master" "That's provided that you are good enough of course" "Would you like some tea Madame?" "No thank you.Not one of my bad habits" "A little drink perhaps" "No I've concert tonight,so I cannot stay as long as I should wish" "Then we better go in at once" "Where would you like to sit" "May I sit here?" "Please do" "Well now,you are ready" "Yes of course" "Sure you can do it?" "I know I can" "Then I'll tell your father" "Paula,you've been absolutely wonderful" "That the best you can do?" "Tell me I know that you are not in mood" "I know that it was not good," "I'm not in the mood,I'll play for you in the morning" "Sounded all right to me" "No,I can play much better than that" "George" "Yes" "I was just wondering what you'll do if you weren't able to carry on with your music" "I don't know,never even thought about it" "Might be a good idea to have some other interests" "Such as what" "Never thought of falling in love" "Yes That'll have to wait" "Don't let it wait too long" "What exactly is it you wish me to tell you" "Has I any chance to becoming, in time,a pianist of the first rank?" "Not in a thousand years" "Of course I can see that you worked very hard and you have acquired technique and brilliance but you lack magic" "The quality that is a combination of soul and fire without which no artist can reach the heights" "I'm sorry but your playing is square" "If I thought you have in you the makings of an artist" "I shouldn't hesitate to beseech you to give up everything for art's sake" "Art is the only thing that matters" "In comparison with art,wealth, rank,power aren't worth that" "But don't think your work has been wasted" "It will always be a pleasure to play the piano and it will enable you to appreciate great playing as no ordinary person can hope to do" "I don't think that you can ever hope to be anything more than a very competent amateur and I don't need to tell you that in art the difference between an amateur and a professional is measurable" "But don't take my opinion alone after all I'm not infallible" "Ask someone else" "That won't be necessary,I am quite content to accept your verdict" "It was very good of you to come down to judge me" "Especially one who is so busy" "Would you do one more thing for me before you go?" "What is it?" "Would you play to me?" "Thank you Madame" "I'm afraid I must go now" "That was a very great pleasure" "Yes,please" "Come in" "Hello" "George" "It's all right,don't get any ideas into your head I'm cleaning" "So I got to become a country gentleman, I might as well get some practice in it" "The others have gone over to the cricket,won't you come?" "No.I don't think I will,thank you" "We shouldn't be indoors on a lovely day like this" "No,I know I will go out for a stroll later on" "Shall I wait and come with you?" "No I.." "All right,darling,I know how you feel" "George.Remember what we were saying in Paris about having some other interests" "Yes" "Don't let it wait too long" "I won't" "As I told you at the opening of this inquiry a majority verdict is sufficient from you" "Now you've heard all evidence, if you wish to retire to consider your verdict you may do so" "There will be no need to retire .Sir" "We had a talk during the recess, and we're agreed,unanimous" "We are in the opinion ,Sir,that the young gentleman shoot himself accidental" "He must be cleaning his gun not knowing he left it loaded from the end of last season" "As that business about the music,Sir,we don't attach much importance to that" "A young gentleman of Master George's position,Sir, would never go and shoot himself just because he did not play the piano good" "Thank You" "The Kite" "I know this is an odd story." "I don't understand it myself and if I set it down in black and white ,it is only with the faint hope that when I have written it, I may get a clearer view of it or rather with the hope some reader better acquainted" "with the complications of human nature than I am may offer me an explanation" "It was told me one evening by my friend Ned Preston" "Ned was a prison visitor, he took his duty very seriously and made prisoner's troubles his own" "Come in" "Mr Preston,Sir" "Oh,hello,Preston" "Hello" "Didn't expect you until tomorrow.Sit down" "Thanks" "Here I am a day early,I got a conference at the Home Office tomorrow" "Anything for me?" "Here are the new arrivals,and Soames get out tomorrow" "Yes I will have a word with him" "I'll see these others too,anything else?" "Yes I'd like you to see number 142 name of Sunbury" "What is in for?" "It's a queer case" "I'd rather you saw him first, see what you nail him" "142 Sunbury" "142 Sunbury.Visit him,Sir" "Good Afternoon" "Good Afternoon" "My name is Preston,I am one what they call a prison visitor" "Oh,yes.Won't you sit down?" "Thank you" "I'm sorry I can't offer you a fag or a glass of beer" "That's all right" "Lovely day it has been" "Yes,it has been very nice" "Just the right sort of wind." "Steady northwest" "Gusty enough to make you watch even not strong enough to tears thing up" "Tear what up?" "Nothing.What can I do for you ,Mr?" "That's what can I do for you Sunbury, that's why I've come to see you about" "As I understand it you left your young wife and you refused to provide for her" "That's right" "But you can't let us down" "Why not?" "Why not?" "Good Heavens,what's she had done to deserve that" "She has done something I never forget to my dying day" "What was that?" "She smashed my kite" "She what?" "She smashed my kite" "That's seemed to be a clear thing for the boy to say" "So I said "What's she ever do to harm you?"" "And he said "She smashed my kite"" "That's right" "You knew about it?" "Yes.He told me the same thing.." "..said he'd been interested in kites ever since he was a kid at 7 or 8" "And his parents took him for a walk on the common one Saturday afternoon" "There were plenty of kites at that day more than he'd ever seen one time before" "And they fascinated Herbert" "According to Mr Sunbury a new kite flying club had just been started around there and was becoming very popular with the locals" "And the more he watched, the more Herbert was certain nothing would give him greater pleasure in this world than a kite of his own" "So he broached his mother on the delicate subject" "And was told that he was a good boy and brushed his teeth regularly every morning" "He might get a surprise at Christmas" "The thrill of that first kite was something Herbert never quite forgot" "He couldn't get out the flight fast enough" "You know how it is,some kids collect butterflies or postage stamps some are mad about fretwork, Sunbury flew kites" "In fact became a sort of fashion with him and his parents" "Herbert,aren't you going to have your tea?" "Yes.Sorry Mum" "What's your doing?" "I'm designing a new kite" "Designing one?" "Sure,I reckon if we could build a kite like this" "Only about six feet long,we could lick anything else on the common" "It's a queer shape isn't?" "That's the idea so it will take the wind, here and here,you see" "Why don't you make it Herbert?" "It would cost a bit" "How much?" "About 5£ even if we built it ourselves" "I don't mind bringing half" "Getting extravagant don't you?" "Not at all,if Herbert got a brilliant new design,it's that worth to back him up" "I can manage 30 shillings" "You don't need to find anything, you just do the work and your father and I will find the cash" "You will?" "Beatrice" "It's all right I got a little put aside" "You get started on it right away" "Tea is ready" "All right,Mum,just coming" "How is it going on?" "Pretty well" "We just finished the first drawing.." "...and we will be able to start construction next week" "You better come and have your tea now" "Right old Mum" "Oh,Mum,I've asked a young lady to tea tomorrow,is that all right?" "You've done what?" "I've asked a young lady to tea" "Who is she?" "Her name is Baker,Betty Baker.." "..I met her at the pictures, she was sitting next to me" "She dropped her bag and I picked it up" "She said "Thank you" so naturally we got talking" "And you fell for an old trick like that, dropped her bag indeed" "Oh,no you are mistaken,Mum, she is a nice girl,really,she is" "When did all this happen?" "About three months ago" "You met her three months ago, and asked her to tea tomorrow" "I've seen her since of course on that day I asked her if she'd come to the pictures with me on Tuesdays and she said she didn't know, perhaps she would,perhaps she wouldn't" "She came all right" "Of course she did." "..I've could have told you that" "Look,Mum,I don't want to force her on you, if you don't want her to come to tea" "I can tell her you don't feel very well and take her somewhere else" "You do as you please, I've no patience with you" "What's the matter with her?" "She will be all right when she gets used to the idea" "She doesn't like strangers,that's all" "My Dear,quite a spread" "I wasn't going to let her think that we are just nobodies" "I wonder what she would be like" "Indeed you are" "I don't know,Herbert got his head screwed on the right way" "No, he is just a child any designing cheek of a girl, could trip him around the little finger" "We better wait and see" "We won't have to wait long,here they are" "Just a sec,let's see if I am all right" "How do I look?" "Fine" "This is Betty Dad" "Pleased to meet you,Betty,come inside" "This is Betty,Mum" "Miss Baker ,I presume?" "That's right.But you can call me Betty" "I think the acquaintance is a little short for that." "Won't you sit down,Miss Baker?" "Samuel,dear,will you ask Miss Baker if she have have some bread and butter or a piece of cake" "Have both,Miss Baker,I like to see people eat hearty" "Tea,Miss Baker?" "Thank you" "Milk and sugar?" "Yes,please" "Two lumps?" "Thank you" "Thank you,dear" "I am sorry" "It doesn't matter at all, I'll give you another piece" "Don't bother please, I'm sure the floor is quite clean" "I should hope so." "I wouldn't dream of letting you have some cake that's been on the floor" "I don't really want anymore.Really I don't." "I am sorry you don't like my cake, it takes all right to me" "It is not that,it is just.." "that I am not hungry" "I never have a big tea, I am down for a fag Bert" "A cigarette for Miss Baker,Herbert" "We prefer to call our son Herbert,Miss Baker" "I know." "When he told me his name was Herbert,I nearly burst out laughing" "Have you seen anybody called Heerbert, got to scream I call it" "I think it is a very nice name, but of course it all depends of what part of people one is" "If you see what I mean" "Why don't you sit down and stop worrying?" "How can I,when I think Herbert being mixed up with a girl like that" "I don't know,she is a pretty little thing in her way" "I'll give my foot for that all powder and paint" "She looks very different with her face washed and without a perm" "Common net I would call her,common as dirt" "There he is now,don't go upsetting him" "I think I know how to treat my own son,thank you" "What's the matter with you?" "What do you think,I'm fed up" "Now Herbert,you didn't know to talk to mother like that" "She shouldn't treat Betty like that" "Like what?" "You know what I mean" "I do not know what you mean,Herbert and all I have to say is,that I'm surprised that a son of mine should insult his mother by bringing a woman like that into the house" "What's wrong with Betty?" "Would you like me to tell you?" "Yes" "She is common and cheap.." "cheap as dirt" "You've no right to say that" "I've the right to say what I like in my own house and let me tell you this,she is never going to set foot in this house again" "Not if I know it" "Before you start saying that you may as well know I'm engaged to her" "You are.." "I've been thinking about it.." "..for a long time,she was so upset tonight,I felt sorry for her so I popped the question" "I'd a really job persuading her, I can tell you" "You fool,you fool" "Herbert.Twenty past" "Just coming" "You'll miss your train" "Wish I had Saturday mornings off" "You will when you are in my age" "You're off Herbert" "Yes Mum" "I'll make you an half half Monday when we could have a nice afternoon flying" "I supposed to tell you,I shan't be coming this afternoon" "Why not Herbert?" "I am going to see the rooms" "What rooms?" "For Betty and me" "What do you want the rooms for until you are married?" "We will be married in the week after next" "I found a half a house in Debny street and I'm furnishing it out of my post office savings money" "No Herbert don't.." "Come on Mum,don't take it so hard" "Things will never be the same again" "Of course they will,you'll like Betty once you get to know her" "She's a nice girl,really she is,you must just give her a chance" "We can still go on flying our kite on Saturday afternoons,just like we always did" "Betty can't see anything in kite flying yet but she'll come round to it" "Even if she doesn't I'll come" "If you marry that woman,Herbert, you'll never fly the new kite,for there" "Why not?" "It's mine isn't it?" "You gave it to me" "No.I never did.I said we put up the money if you did the work," "I didn't say anything about giving it to you" "All right then.You can keep it.Betty says kite flying is a kid's game anyway and I ought to be shamed of myself flying the kite at my age" "She's quite right" "Hello Dad" "Hello Herbert" "Had a good honeymoon?" "Fine.Thanks" "Sorry about the wedding, son" "I would have come all right, see no reasons for making more troubles in the world when there is enough already" "But you know what your Mum is" "I know" "I'm sorry too" "How are you settling in?" "All right" "How is everything at home?" "All right,we miss you" "Are you still flying Saturday afternoons?" "Yes.It is not the same, of course, without you" "But we try and get the old spirit going" "I wonder why don't you buy a kite of your own" "You were always so keen on it" "I know but Betty doesn't see nothing in it" "Kites cost money" "Shan't be long Betty" "Where are you going Bert" "Just for a walk to get some fresh air" "You won't be late,will you?" "I don't want to miss the start of the pictures" "I'll ask you to be here at sharp of five" "All right" "It's no good.I'll never get it to fly" "Just one more try" "I can't" "I'm puffed out" "We need Herbert on a job like this" "I say.Don't look now.Pretend you're packing up the kites for tea." "Do you see what I see?" "Where?" "Over there.Under the tree" "It's Herbert" "Pretend you haven't seen him for the moment" "What's the idea?" "Try the kite once more.." "..this time so you end up over there by the trees" "It's no good,it won't work" "We can but try" "I'll tell you I am puffed out" "You want me to do it?" "No.Of course not.I'll manage" "Hello Dad,so you finished it" "Hello Herbert" "Yes.I had it made exactly like your design but it doesn't work.There is something wrong" "Why?" ".It is clear as daylight what's wrong" "What?" "You got it rigged too low" "There.That's right" "I can't Herbert.I am puffed out." "Give it to me" "Look it up,Flora" "Of course it is up.What did you expect?" "Before you had a bit of trouble haven't you?" "That it is only because it is an experimental" "This is only a small scale model,you know" "Once we have got this right we are going to build the big one,six feet long" "We reckon that will go up 2 miles 2 miles.You don't say so" "It will be a huge thing you know, you won't be able to fly it yourself" "We never thought of flying it ourselves, you'll have to lend a hand over to at least until it has proofed itself" "I tell you what I do,I'll lengthen it just here ,see and lightning it just there" "Where is the other drawing,dad" "Here" "Wait a minute I'll put the light on" "It's getting a bit dark" "What's the time?" "It's after seven" "Gosh,I can't talk now,I'll come and talk about it next week" "But Herbert" "Sorry I've to go.Bye" "So you finally got back" "I am sorry,Betty, but I didn't realize that it was so late" "You missed the start of the big picture,you know that,don't you?" "I'm terribly sorry,really I am" "Where have you been?" "I met some fellows,we got talking" "What fellows?" "Just some chaps I know" "Why don't you tell me the truth" "You were on the common flying that kite,weren't you?" "No" "Don't lie to me Bert" "I am not" "Oh,yes you are" "I followed you to the Downs and saw what happened" "Flying a kite,you were,you a grown man" "Contemptible I would call it" "I don't care what you call it,I like it and if you don't like it you can lump it" "I tell you straight I won't have it" "I am not going to have you make a fool of yourself" "I've flown kites on Saturday afternoons ever since I was a kid" "I'm going on flying them as long as I want to" "Do as that mother of yours" "You went back this afternoon,didn't you?" "Suppose I did" "She is just trying to get you away from me,that's all" "If you were a man,you would never speak to her again, not after the way she has treated me" "She is my mother,and I've every right to see her,just whenever I want to" "Bert,why do we have to quarrel about silly kites" "I didn't want to quarrel" "It is just so lonely sitting here,all that time waiting for you to come in" "I'm sorry Betty I didn't mean to be late,honestly,I didn't" "It won't happen again" "Oh,Bert,I do love you so" "Hello,Herbert" "Hello dad" "Haven't seen you lately" "No" "Lovely flying weather we had these last two Saturdays" "We looked out for you" "I took Betty to the pictures" "Pity,wasting a fine Saturday afternoon in the pictures" "She likes to go on Saturday afternoons" "A new kite came today" "It did?" "We had it built at Martin's just the way you designed it" "How does she look?" "Grand" "Your mum says,of course we charge you to come and help us with it" "But no one has got the right to come between the man and his wife" "If you're afraid of Betty, kicking up a rump or something" "You'd better not come" "There is a young fellow on the Common,Bill Perkins,you know" "He is just mad about it" "He says he can fly if anyone can't" "What does Bill Perkins know about a kite I designed?" "Your mum and I cannot manage it alone" "We must just take the best help we can get,that's all" "You think it over,if you don't come we understand" "What do you like see?" "There is Margret Lockwood at the Palace and John Mills at the Majestic" "Look,Betty couldn't we go to the second show after the tea about 6 ?" "Why?" "It's a lovely day" "It seems a pity to sit inside in the dark, when the sun is shining outside" "Why don't you stop lying and tell me the truth" "It's that kite,isn't it?" "Supposing it is" "Bert, you promised me three weeks ago you wouldn't make a fool of yourself with that kid's game again" "I know but this happens to be a special type,one I designed myself for Mum and Dad" "They've been flying kites for you" "Why can't they do it themselves?" "Because it is too big,until I show them how and there is more to it than that" "It is a new idea,everybody on the common is excited about it" "If it is successful,our Payton would make a lot of money out of it" "Who says you would get mad it." "Making money out of kites" "Look Betty why don't you come yourself?" "It's good fun,really it is" "I told you why.I'm not going to have people laughing at me and you either" "I am going,and if you don't like it you can lump it" "And sit here for hours alone" "If you don't want to come that is your look out" "I'm not coming and that's that" "Look Betty,just this once" "What you say now,once you started it will go on for years" "I've had about as much of it as I can stand, and you're married to me and not that damned kite" "If you don't want to come you needn't,you can stop me going" "We'll see about that" "Come on let me by" "If you move that kite I warn you" "You want me to give you a scuff on the jaw" "You go and needn't come back" "I'll come back when I choose" "I mean it ,if you don't I give you up for good" "Get out of my way" "Leave me alone,leave me alone" "I don't believe it" "Hi,kids,come and have a look at this format" "How are you going to get it up?" "It will fly all right,you wait" "Come on let's see it" "Where is my son?" "Here he is now" "My son Herbert designed it" "Come on Herbert" "Ready?" "Yes" "Betty.Are you in there?" "Betty" "All right,Samuel,I'll answer it" "Hello Herbert" "I've come home,Mum" "Your's room is ready for you" "Take your things upstairs and then come down" "We're just sitting down for supper" "Samuel,run out and get a quarter of beer" "Herbert has come home" "Well you have had it now Herbert" "I always take it that she was no wife for you" "It was her who had done it not me" "It was her.It was all over and done with it now" "It will be nice to sleep again in your own little bed again,won't it?" "A bed you've been used all your life" "She will try and get him back" "In fact no chance get him back" "Of course you have to provide for her" "Why should he?" "She trapped him into marrying her" "Now she turned him out of the home he made her" "I'll give her what's right as long as she leaves me alone" "Good Night Mum.I'm tired.I'll be glad of a good night's rest" "In your own nice comfortable bed." "Good Night Herbert dear" "Good Night Dad" "Tomorrow is Sunday,so you needn't hurry to get up" "I'll bring you a nice cup of tea in bed" "Hello Mum" "Hello Dear" "Evening paper" "What a lovely smell of toast" "It's bun" "Remind me of the old days,coming home from school,smelling toasted buns" "The old days are back again Herbert" "Do you know what?" "It took me a week to get your coats back and your socks mended" "They were in a state" "You take your boots off and put your slippers on I'll get your tea" "No.I have to go down to the post office before it shuts" "I just got time for a cup of tea" "What are you going to the post office for?" "It's pay day and Betty knows." "I must send her something" "Why should you?" "She is young and healthy." "Let her go out and earn her own living" "She throw you out,she can't expect you to work for her after that" "He's got to do the right thing,Beatrice whether is due to her or not" "We talked it over in the train and I think he ought to send her,say,35 shillings week" "That's her.Leave it to me.I'll see to her" "I want to see Bert" "You can't.He's out" "No.He isn't" "He went in with his Dad 5 minutes ago and he hasn't come out again" "He doesn't want to see you" "And if you start making a fuss I will call the police" "I want my week's money" "That's all you ever wanted of him" "Here is 35 shilling -35 shillings?" "The rent is 12 shillings a week" "That's all you going to get.He has to pay his board and lodging here hasn't he?" "And then there is the installment on the furniture" "We'll see to that when time comes" "Do you want the money or don't you?" "I want to see Bert" "You can't" "There's your money.Now be off with you." "I settled her hush all right" "Leave it alone.Don't answer" "And don't let them buns get cold" "Hello Bert" "Hello" "I want to talk to my husband alone,Mr Sunbury" "There is nothing you have to say to me which my dad can't hear" "All right then" "I want you to come back home Bert." "I didn't mean it that night when I packed your bag" "I merely did it to frighten you" "I was in a temper.I'm sorry for what I did" "It is also silly to quarreling about of a kite" "I'm not coming back,you see when you turned me out,you did the best turn you could have done me" "Bert" "You got my letter,didn't you?" "So long as you stay away from me" "I'll send you 35 shillings postal order every Friday night and I pay the installments on the furniture when they become due" "The downside fare you deserve, I've got my train to catch" "But I love you Bert,if you want to play with your silly old kite, you can fly it,I don't care as long as you come back" "No thanks.I know that I am well off and I've had enough of marriage to last me a lifetime" "I'll tell" "Yes" "Good Evening .I'm for the Advertiser" "Could I speak to Mr Sunbury" "I am Mr Sunbury" "Mr Herbert Sunbury?" "No.That's my son" "What do you want with him?" "My editor wants me to write a piece about his kite" "I gather something quite new,isn't that right?" "Just a minute.I'll call him" "Thanks" "Herbert.There is a reporter here,he wants to talk to you about the kite" "Good Evening.Sorry to trouble you but my editor wants a few details about your new kite" "No troubles" "We had a report that it's something rather special" "It is" "Good.Now tell me.." "How it is different from any other kite?" "It's the design" "Design?" "Oh,yes,of course.Could I see it?" "Yes.If you like.I'll get it." "Won't you step inside for a minute?" "Thank you very much" "I do wish Herbert had come back." "I don't like him rushing off like that" "He was upset,wouldn't you've been?" "I only hope he doesn't do any mischief" "We don't even know it was her" "Who else could it be?" "She must have watched me going out shopping and then slipped in the side way" "It's not so much the damage it's the adjustments the weeks of work he put into it" "Even if we built another he might never get it right again" "She did it all right.Told me straight out." "Proud of it,she was" "She said she would do it again if she had got the chance" "What did you say?" "I didn't trust myself to say a word I came away" "It wouldn't take me much to wring her neck" "Even if I had to swing for it" "I know one thing now, she is not going to get another penny out of me as long as I live" "She'll take it to court" "Let her" "Installments on the furniture is next week and in your clothes I wouldn't pay it" "Then they would just take it away and all money he has paid on it would have been wasted" "What of it.He is rid her for good, and we've got him back and that's the chief thing" "I don't care about the money but I give all I got to see her face when they come to take away the furniture" "It meant a lot to her,that did" "And that piano" "She fell in love with that piano" "Of course he didn't pay the installments and he didn't pay her" "When the Magistrate made an order he didn't pay that either" "So eventually he landed up here" "I've talked to him but I can't just get anywhere" "What do you make of him?" "What's the girl like,do you know her?" "Not bad at all.I've seen her" "No.There is nothing wrong with her except she is jealous of his kite" "There must be something about kite flying." "Something too deep for us poor laymen to understand" "Yes.Maybe" "That's the life of it,can't see why" "I don't know perhaps it gives him a sense of pride to watch the things he's made soaring up into the clouds" "or maybe in some queer way he identify himself with the kite" "You know escaping from the restrictions of life on earth" "That's a bit fanciful isn't it?" "People are fanciful much more than you'd think" "I can tell you this, to him his kite represent an ideal of some kind" "When once a man is bitten by an ideal not all the king's doctors nor the king's surgeons could do anything to cure him of it" "Then what is he going to do about it" "Nothing" "That's the end of the story as Ned Preston told it to me and I never knew what happened to Herbert and Betty" "Perhaps it was something like this" "Mrs Sunbury" "That's right" "I'd like to talk to you for a minute if I may" "What about?" "Your husband" "Did he send you here?" "No.It was my own idea" "My name is Preston,I am what they call a prison visitor" "You better come in" "Thank you" "I've just seen your husband,Mrs Sunbury, he is inside again you know" "Yes I know" "I see this rather a pity,don't you think?" "It's not my fault" "No.Of course not" "Nobody is suggesting it is" "What do you want me to do about it?" "Mrs Sunbury would you take him back?" "I don't know" "Would you think about it?" "What's the point of thinking about it" "He wouldn't come back, even if I asked him to" "But supposing he would,would you take him?" "Yes.I think so" "Right.Then I want you listen carefully" "Come on young fellow,helas" "Come on where?" "You're going out" "But I'm not due out until tomorrow" "It's no good arguing,the Governor says you are going out this afternoon,so out you go" "All right" "Don't you want to go out?" "Not much" "You're a queer,you are" "What's the good,I'll only be back again next week" "The colonel's lady" "The Peregrines were having a breakfast." "Though they were alone and the table was long,they sat at opposite end of it" "George Peregrine was as usual comfortably absorbed in his Times" "The butler brought in the morning post" "Tell Somerset that I want a car at eleven I am going to the agriculture show" "Yes,Sir" "Let me open it for you" "You know I hate to see people cut strings" "There are all the same" "Why on earth do you want six copies of the same book for" "Poetry" "Through Pyramides Decay by EK Hamilton" "That's your maiden name" "You don't mean to say that you wrote it?" "Yes" "What poetry?" "Yes" "You never told me" "You are a slyboots" "I didn't think it would interest you very much" "Would you like a copy?" "Poetry is not much in my line" "But I would like a copy I'll take it to my study and look at it" "Quite like a real book" "Must have cost you quite a bit to get this printed" "I was lucky,I sent it to a publisher and he took it" "In fact he paid a small advance" "25 £" "You don't say" "Really" "Bless us all" "Mr Bannock to see you,Sir" "Show him in" "Oh,Good Morning Danny" "Good Morning Colonel" "I got those forms for your new barn, there are some details you have to fill in" "I've put pencil across the questions that you must answer" "Thank you Sir" "Have you got time to look at that bull,Sir" "Not today I'm afraid.I've got to be at the Agricultural Show half past eleven and there's a County Committee this afternoon" "If you are going by the lane,Sir, it will only take five minutes" "All right,I'll have a look on my way to the show" "It has to be quick" "Thank you" "Good Morning, Bannock" "Good Morning,Madame" "You are off,Sir?" "Yes.Just going to look at this bull that Bannock wants to buy" "Just before I go to the show" "Will you be back for tea?" "No.It's the country agricultural committee" "Look.Don't wait for me if I'm late" "No.All right" "Just a second" "Ivy" "I read your book" "Already?" "Gone down quite after breakfast" "Didn't take long.There isn't much of it.Is it?" "No.Not very much" "A bit of a swift charging 8shil 6p for that" "It's only 80 pages" "Yes.Did you like it?" "Jolly good" "It's not quite my stuff, you know.Jolly good." "I am glad you liked it,dear" "Good bye" "Good bye" "Hello George,how are you?" "I am very well,thanks" "We were only talking about you this morning or rather about your wife" "My wife?" "Yes.By jove,what a success" "And I've never read such notices for a book of poetry" "Didn't know that you read poetry" "No I don't do it my self.My wife does she belongs to one of those book's bazaar and get all the new stuff" "Next" "It got into her eyes yesterday.Read it in a swift and said it was magnificient" "Hardly suitable for children." "You know what I mean" "What the devil do you mean?" "What do you think about it yourself?" "How do you know that my wife wrote it anyway" "They are in good libraries tell my Mrs last week" "It is in Telegraph today I just read it" "Yes.Here it is.The name of Cathrine Hamilton confuses the identity of Mrs George Peregrine of Manor House,Langley,Warwickshire" "She is a daughter of the late General Sir Richard Hamilton who is remembered for his gallant defense of Nuri in the second Afghan war" "Not a mention of you,old boy" "Yes what do you think of it all?" "You know.I don't believe you've read it" "If you were chairman of seven committees, president of three clubs and goodness know of what else" "You know I don't get time for poetry" "Hello George" "Hello my dear" "I began to think that you were not coming" "I'm fine,Daphne" "I had a dickens of a day been on a bench all morning," "one of those beastly husband and wife cases went on for hours" "I missed the train and had to come up on the 4 o'clock" "Then you will be needing a drink" "What shall we do?" "Would you like to have supper at Mario's and go on to the Milroy" "That would be nice" "But don't let us stay out too late" "How have you been?" "Lonely" "I'm sorry I just couldn't make it last week" "I'm a busy man you know" "Too busy" "Never mind.We'll make up for it tonight" "By the way is it your wife who has written that book they are all talking about" "What on earth do you mean?" "A man I know,he is a critic,took me out to dinner the other night" "He had a couple of books with him,you know" "Review copies" "So I asked him to give me one to read" "And he said ,no you wouldn't like these about poetry" "I am not much of hand in poetry in the ordinary way" "So I told him he could keep them" "However,just as he was going he seemed to change his mind,and he says you might like to try this one is damned good" "It's selling like a hot cake" "And do you know,he was absolutely right,I just couldn't put it down" "Who is it by?" "A woman called Hamilton but my friends say that he real name was Peregrine tonight" "That's odd,because I know some Peregrines and it is not a very common name is it?" "Might be it couldn't be the same one this woman was married to a colonel type who lived near Worcester" "I just assumed that you didn't talk about me to your friends" "Who would you take me for darling I just said no can't be the same one" "My friends say he is supposed to be a regular Colonel Blimp" "You can tell them better than that" "And if my wife had written the book" "I should be the first to know about it,wouldn't I?" "I suppose you would" "Let's not waste time on trivials" "No.I haven't seen for some time now" "I heard the other day that he hadn't been too well,I hope he is all right" "Peregrine.How do you like being the husband of a celebrity?" "I don't know what you are talking about" "Oh,dear boy,the secret is out it is the days Telegraph" "Amazing for a book of poetry to get reviews like that selling like hot cakes" "Peregrine,forgive my butting in" "I say I have Henry Dashwood lunching with me" "He heard you were here, he so much likes to meet you" "Who is Henry Dashwood?" "No,what do you do in you leisure time in the country all the time" "Henry Dashwood only about the best critic we got" "Hen wrote a wonderful review for your wife's book in the Spectator" "Come along,old man,you can't disappoint him" "Henry,this is Catherine Hamilton's husband, Colonel Peregrine Henry Dashwood" "How do you do" "I am delighted" "Is Mrs Peregrine in London by any chance?" "I shall so much like to meet her" "My wife doesn't like London she prefers the country" "You're a pity" "She appeared in the last night's review" "I was completely bowled by her book you know" "It's fresh and original,very modern without being obscure" "Yes.I suppose it is" "She seems as much at home in free verse as in classical meter" "In fact I should go so far to say that probably short lyrics of her might have been written by Landor" "Really" "What makes the book so outstanding is the passion and the throbs in every line" "Naked earthy passions" "Of course deep sincere emotions like that is completely tragic" "Oh my dear colonel how right Heine was when he said that poets make little songs out of great sorrows" "You know,now and then,I read and reread those heart rendering pages," "I thought of Sappho" "It is jolly nice of you to be so nice about my wife's little book" "I'm sure she will be delighted" "Idiot" "Colonel Peregrine isn't it?" "I wonder if you remember me" "Of course" "Duke of Heverel" "We met last year in Turnbull" "I remember it very well" "We were so sorry your wife couldn't come to us for the weekend" "We are expecting rather a nice lot of people" "Yes.It is a pity" "Still I suppose everybody is after her so we can only say better luck next time" "You can put the car away for the night Thank you,Good Night" "Can I get you something Sir?" "No thanks" "I had some dinner on the train" "Very good,Sir" "You can go to bed" "Good night Sir" "Good night" "Good Morning Susan" "Good Morning Sir" "Good Morning West" "Good Morning Sir" "Good Morning George.How was town?" "Oh,the same as usual" "I just got the last train home" "Look here Ivy What is all this about our being asked to Heverel castle and you refusing" "I thought it would only bore you" "Bore me?" "When we have never been asked before" "Good Heavens and he is Lord Lieutenant of the county and quite apart from this having the finest shootings for miles around" "I didn't think of that.I am sorry." "I suppose I was asked" "Well as matter of fact you weren't" "I think it is extremely rude to ask you without asking me" "I suppose they thought it was not your sort of a party" "The Duchess is rather fond of writers and people like that you know" "Henry Dashwood the critic is going and for some reasons he wants to meet me" "It was nice of you to refuse Ivy" "It was the least I can do" "George.My publisher rang up yesterday." "They are giving a little party for me on Wednesday" "And of course I want you to come too" "I don't think that's quite my mark,you know" "Sounds a crushing bore" "I would like you to come.We can go out to London in the morning" "Can't manage that I am afraid." "Wednesday is the Hunting committee 3 o'clock" "I couldn't be able to go town to 7 o'clock" "I'll tell you what,you make a day of it I'll come up to the party" "It would be sweet of you" "Not at all.I got to be in town on Thursday anyway" "Colonel Peregrine?" "Yes" "My name is Martin and your wife's publisher.I'm so glad.." "You were able to come" "I think Mrs Peregrine is over here,yes" "You know we haven't had a success like this in a book of poems for 20 years" "I've never seen such reviews" "Oh John" "Let me introduce colonel Peregrine Katherine Hamilton's husband" "This is John Coleman of our New York Office" "You must be a very proud man Colonel Peregrine" "Oh,yes I'm.Of course" "This book of your wife as something out of this world" "It will be a smash hit back home too" "It's the biggest thing we handled in years" "Oh,wait,Steve" "Are you really EK Hamilton's husband?" "You know I think you are a very privileged person to be able to sit at the feet of such a genius" "I don't know when I was so moved by her book" "I read it through twice the distinguished settings and now I never let a day pass without reading at least once" "Oh,really.How nice.Excuse me" "I have to lock the room when I read it," "Make you quite naked if you know what I mean" "Well I must say I keep my bok off I don't want my husband to find it" "Might give him ideas" "But that's what I find so fascinating apparently her husband doesn't mind it at all" "He must surely" "But he can't do he is actually here tonight" "You are not serious" "Yes.As a matter of fact I've seen him" "Johnny pointed him out to me.He is" "You're wonderful dear.Make quite a hit." "The girls were raving about you" "They thought you were so handsome" "Girls?" "Old hags" "You bored?" "Stiff" "Do you mind if we wait and go on the evening train tomorrow evening?" "I have a few things I want to do" "No.That would suit me very well." "One or two things I want to buy" "I have a to get photographed.I hate the idea but they think I ought to be" "For America you know" "Can I help you Sir?" "No,I was just looking around." "By the way have you got a book called "The pyramides decay"?" "No I am sorry,Sir,we are completely sold out" "We are expecting a new edition any day now" "Is there another edition then?" "Yes.Sir,5th.Might be another away selling" "Can I order you a copy,Sir?" "Yes,please" "Carol Peregrine,St James's Club" "Why do you suppose it is such a success?" "I've always been told that no one reads poetry" "No.This is good,you know,I read it myself.It's the story they like" "Sexy but tragic,hot stuff but it's literature" "I see" "Of course this is only the flash in the pan,if you know what I mean" "The way I look at it she must have been inspired by some personal experience like husband with a fractured leg, she'll never like anything else" "Look here,you needn't worry about that order." "I think I know where I can borrow a copy" "George,I brought that book for you, is that all you wanted me for?" "No Daphne,no.Of course not" "Look George I'm awfully good at listening to husbands whose wives don't understand them" "As a matter of the fact it was about the book" "There was something a young chap in a bookshop said" "Something I noticed last night" "What did he say?" "Something about it being sexy,hot stuff" "Well,this is it" "I've will read it" "George,you don't mean to say that you haven't read it?" "As a matter of fact no" "George you're the end." "You mean your wife can write the luscious book since "Lady Chatterley"" "You don't even trouble to read it" "Daphne." "You read it?" "What's it about?" "You want me to tell you?" "Really George I'd much rather You will feel so" "Please tell me." "Let's go over there" "You're sure you want it?" "Yes.Please" "Remember you asked for it" "Don't hold it against me afterward" "I won't" "It's" "It is sort of love story" "Only it's all told in first person so you believe it's actually happening when you read it,you see what I mean?" "The person who is telling the story is a middle aged woman married and she falls in love with a younger man" "Much younger" "And she first meets him,she likes him, she doesn't believe he could ever be interested in her not in that way" "One day he tells her that he is and ask her to leave her husband and go away with him" "She is pretty much in love with him by this time" "She doesn't believe it can last, so she says no" "It doesn't make any difference to the young man" "He still keeps on seeing her and soon they reach the stage they can't do without each other" "But they don't" "She keeps telling herself it'll all be over in a few weeks" "It isn't" "In fact it gets worse instead of better" "Soon there are meetings two or three times a week" "In fact whenever she can manage it without her husband knowing" "And then just when she is sure is the real thing,and she decide to go away with him" "He get's killed" "She just has to go on giving dinner parties, running the house as nothing had happened" "That's all" "Except it makes you feel it's actually happening to you,it so real" "I don't mind telling you when I read it I spent half the time crying and half the time getting in a state of..you know what I mean" "She must have made it up" "Read it,and ask yourself whether anyone could have made it up" "Ivy is too much of a lady" "She couldn't do a thing like this" "Let's go" "Aren't you going to finish your drink?" "I don't want it ,thanks" "I'm sorry Daphne,I must get away" "" This is magnificent but hardly suitable for children,you know what I mean"" ""It's selling like hot cake, itchy,earthy passion"" ""I would like my husband to write it,sexy but tragic"" ""Hot stuff but literature"" ""Ivy is too much a lady,she couldn't do a thing like this"" "Mr Blane will see you now Sir" "Mr Blane will see you now" "Thanks" "Hello,George" "Hello,Harry" "What brought you here?" "Had a good time in London?" "Yes.Thanks" "I'm taking my Mrs up for a few days next week" "How is Ivy?" "It's Ivy I've come to see you about" "Have you read her book?" "Yes.A great success isn't it?" "Since Ivy breaking up into poetry,wonders will never cease" "It's made me look as a perfect fool" "Nonsense.No harm in writing a book" "Isn't there?" "When it's her own story?" "Who says it is?" "You know perfectly well that it is and so does everyone else" "I suppose I'm the only one who doesn't know who her lover was" "I wouldn't jump to conclusions there is nothing to say that she didn't make up the whole thing" "I suppose she'd written a story about a murderer,would that make her a murderess?" "Look here,Harry,be honest with me" "Can you look me in the eye and tell me that you believe it's a made up story?" "You've no right to ask me a thing like that,George" "Ask Ivy" "I dare not" "Why not?" "I'm afraid she would tell me the truth" "Harry?" "Yes" "Who was the chap?" "I don't know.If I did I wouldn't tell you" "I've got to know.I've got to" "Look here.You have private detectives you employ I suppose?" "It doesn't look a pretty thing to put detectives on to ones own wife" "Which is not a pretty thing for her to carry on an affair behind my back,is it?" "In any case the man is dead" "How can I be sure of that" "Let me be the only untruthful part in the whole book" "I've got to know,Harry,you must help me" "I won't do it,George,besides if Ivy finds out that you've been putting detectives on to her she'd probably leave you" "You want that?" "No,why should I?" "She runs the house perfectly, we never have any servant trouble" "She's done wonders with the garden and she is splendid with the village people" "But how could I go on living with her when she has been so grossly unfaithful to me" "You don't know that for certain" "Then why on earth did she write that wretched book" "I suppose she had some very pointed experience and it was a relief to get it off her chest" "Why didn't she have the sense to write it under an assumed name?" "She used her maiden name and expected that would be enough" "And it would have been if the book hadn't had this amazing vogue" "What am I going to do Harry?" "What would you do?" "Nothing" "But I can't overlook a thing like that, I've been made a laughing stock" "Nonsense,old boy,now listen, the man is dead, it all happened along time ago,forget it" "Talk to people about Ivy's book, rave about it" "Let them know how proud you are of her" "The world moves quickly and people's memory is short,they'll soon forget" "I shan't forget" "Yes you will" "No,I shan't forget as long as I live" "I suppose you're right,it's no good crying over spilled milk" "I'll take your advice" "The truth is I don't know what I do but I leave it" "But there is one thing I shall never understand to my dying day" "What in the name of heaven did the fellow ever see in her" "I'm sorry you are angry about the book George" "If I had known what would happen I'd never published it" "What difference could that have made" "It would have saved you being annoyed" "Annoyed?" "When a man learns that his wife been unfaithful to him" "When she publishes it to the whole world" "That she has carried on a degrading love affair behind his back" "You expect him to no more then annoyed" "But George" "Ivy" "In 30 years of married life we've never sunk to vulgar quarreling" "When this thing happened I was stunned,amazed" "These last few days I've lived in a state of horror and utter shame" "Today I decided that silence was the only decent and possible course for me" "But now that you've spoken I shall speak" "I'm entitled to ask one question and to receive a trueful answer" "Who was this man and is he really dead?" "Because if,who was he?" "For heavens sake tell me and have done with it" "It was you" "Me?" "Yes" "Don't insult me with lies" "It was you,as you were,all those years ago,in those happy days when we first met,you loved me" "But you said in this book that he died" "He did.The man who loved me died" "It was my fault, George, I didn't understand all the things he was fond of" "Farming,hunting,shooting" "I couldn't get any children that he wanted more than anything else in the world" "I failed" "And as time went by I only had the memory of those few short years when I was happy and I knew if those memories died, everything was dead" "and so I just wrote them down,just as I felt them" "That I might always have them" "But you describe him, a young man and yourself as old" "I was old" "But the man who loved me was young, memories are always young" "Are you telling me the truth?" "Do you believe I am?" "Now you've seen all these stories" "I should be happy if they've given you as much pleasure to see as they gave me to write" "To start I told you that I'd used in my writings pretty well everything that has happened to me in the course of my life" "It's been a long one and varied one" "I think I have learned a little something about human nature and I've tried to tell what I knew to others as honestly and as truthfully as I could" "You,the public have been very kind to me but sooner or later we must part" "I hope we shall part good friends" "Subtitles by Seglora"