"The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be and that which is done is that which shall be done" ""and there is no new thing under the sun."" "UNDER THE SUN" "Can I have a bit of the cover?" "Aren't you going to sleep?" "Where are you going?" "Then stay on the floor." "It's been a goody day today." "Four boxes." "Good layers." "Four today... three yesterday." "Carry three..." "Olof!" "When are you going to learn to read?" "Why do I bother when you can't read it?" "Stop nagging." "When would I find time for that?" "I trust you." "You have to, you dimwit!" "But what if you stopped trusting me?" "Mona died yesterday." "Did she?" "She went quietly, I hear." "You can't complain, she was 87 8 children, 21 grandchildren." "They were all there." "Don't know how they fitted them all in." "What did she die of?" "Suffocation." "Twenty-nine people in the room." "There was no air!" "It's Mona you're talking about." "I have to go now." "Haven't you forgotten something?" "Aren't you going to count it?" "I trust you." "You've got your Sunday best on." "I'm going into town." "Ladies, eh...?" "Go back to America!" "I will!" "How do you do?" "I'd like to put it an advertisement." "Certainly." "Just fill out this form, please." "No..." "You do it, so it gets done properly." "Certainly." ""Lonely farmer. 39 years old." "Own car."" ""Seeks young woman as housekeeper."" "Let's take it from the beginning, a bit slower." "Once more?" "That's right." ""Lonely farmer."" ""39 years old."" ""Own car."" "A Buick." "I think "car" is enough." ""Seeks wom... young woman"" ""...a housekeeper."" ""Lonely farmer. 39 years old." "Own car."" ""Seeks young woman as housekeeper."" "And how do you want it to end?" "How about:" ""All replies considered"?" "When will she come?" "I mean..." "The replies... when do I get them?" "Come back Friday week." "Hello, Olof." "Hello." "Well, what's the word of wisdom today?" ""To everything there is a season"" ""and a time to every purpose under the heaven."" "Under the heaven?" "Under... the heaven." "Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verse 1." ""...seeks young woman as housekeeper."" "Is this correct?" "Yes, it is." "Is Olof putting that in the paper?" "Doesn't the Bible say anything about discretion?" "Hello again, Olof." "Hello." "Did you hear that Mona passed away?" "Yes, I heard." "Coming to the choir rehearsal?" "Oh, yes." "I worry about you, Olof." "All alone at the farm." "Hello." "We forgot something..." "A photograph." "Of course." ""Photograph appreciated."" "You can't park your car here and make all this noise!" "It's sacrilege!" "What will people think?" "Do you want your grave, or what?" "How deep do I have to dig?" "You know it's two meters." "This is two meters." "No, it isn't." "Have you ever done this?" "No, it's not my job." "It's my job to put people to rest below ground." "But I'm not here to argue." "Read this..." ""To everything there is a season, and a time to"" "No." "Not that." "This here, in the next column." ""Wanted:" "Housekeeper."" ""Lonely farmer. 39 years old." ""Seeks young woman as housekeeper."" "Who could that be, Erik?" "Someone you know..." "It's Olof." "And the Yanks are on the moon!" "They will be." "Yeah, but not before you're lying here." "It's Olof." "How do you know?" "I met him at the newspaper office." "Keep this to yourself!" "You know me, mum's the word." "I tell you this only because you're his friend." "Where is Olof?" "He promised to come!" "He's usually on time." "He must be busy with other things today!" "Sorry I'm late." "It's all right." "Pitch, please!" "Good!" "Tenors!" "Ladies!" "Wonderful!" "I haven't got my glasses." "Could you read them to me?" "Is that really appropriate?" "I'm sure it'll be fine." "Are you really sure?" "Yes." ""I am a young woman from Alingsas."" ""I'm 29 years old and have worked as a housekeeper."" ""I can cook and have always wanted to live in the country."" ""I am single and not very strong,"" ""but I always endeavor to do my best."" ""Yours sincerely, Anna Person."" "There was no photograph." "No." "What do you think?" "It's really not for me to say." "But if you were me?" "If I were you?" "Let's have a look at the other letter." ""I am 33 years old and have never been to a farm"" ""but I am used to hard work and quick to learn."" ""I will be in the area on Sunday at Vanersborg Station at 5 p.m."" ""Perhaps you could meet and we could go to your farm."" ""Ellen Lind."" "Have you been around here before?" "No, never." "No..." "People don't often..." "Here, Ozzi." "This way, please." "They're all laying hens." "Do they lay many eggs?" "Oh yes." "It's a lovely day." "Please." "Thank you." "It's a sweet house." "The ground's a bit uneven." "Do step inside." "These stairs lead to the upper floor." "And then... the kitchen's through here." "Damn, the stove is smoking!" "I was trying to keep the coffee hot." "Would you like some?" "Yes, please." "Shall we take a look around first and let the smoke out in the meantime." "The living room is over here." "The living room..." "There's a bit of a view." "The best room's through here." "I don't often come in here." "Only at Christmas, really." "Not a lot has been done since Mother died." "When did she die?" "Nine years ago, in August." "Shall we take a look upstairs?" "Yes, let's." "That's the sewing room." "I'm not much good at that." "I'll just reheat this." "We'll have coffee and a sandwich when we come down." "I'm getting peckish Miss Lind?" "I thought you disappeared." "I was almost talking to myself." "This way, to the left and up the stairs." "Ozzi, go and lie down!" "Tread carefully, it's..." "Lie down!" "In here..." "Excuse me..." "Sweet kittens." "Sweeter than the spiders." "It's Sessan who sneaks them up here after they're born." "I haven't the heart to move them." "Do you like cats?" "We've seen everything now, unless you want to see the barn?" "No, this is fine." "The lavatory is round the back." "And the bathroom?" "I haven't got one..." "but I've got a tub." "I have money." "Mother left an inheritance, I still have some left." "And I have money in the bank." "I can't say exactly how much..." "You don't..." "I want you to know that I have means." "Then I've lent some money out." "I know I'll get it back." "I know I can trust him." "A lot of flies..." "You see..." "I don't have time for everything." "This place needs a woman's touch." "Don't you have any sisters?" "No." "No aunts?" "No one?" "No." "Well, there's an old aunt..." "Mother's sister." "I haven't seen here since the funeral." "What about you?" "Do you have a big family?" "Some things will have to change." "Oh, yes." "Yes, I'm prepared for that." "When would you like me to begin?" "Right away, if it pleases you." "I'll be here tomorrow afternoon." "Shall I pick you up, like today?" "No, I'll take the bus." "That's settled then." "About your wages... they can wait." "Until you see what I can do." "I thought you'd say no." "I said yes." "Olof!" "Coffee party?" "Want some?" "I wouldn't have thought you'd be able to see any legs at speeds like that." "There's always time for that..." "I wouldn't have thought any legs at speeds like that." "Which room do I get?" "The one upstairs or this one next to the kitchen?" "So you're staying?" "I didn't know Olof had any relatives." "Living, that is." "You know I don't." "Erik, this is Miss Lind." "Miss Lind, this is Erik." "Johnson." "...Johnson." "I'm the new housekeeper." "Housekeeper?" "Housekeeper." "Which room?" "The room upstairs, if you don't mind." "Your mother's room?" "I'd better start unpacking, I have a lot to do." "I should think so." "Good bye, Mr. Jonsson." "I'm sure we'll meet again." "Call me Erik." "She's nice." "Ozzi." "Ozzi." "Ozzi." "Where's he gone?" "Who is she?" "She'll be cleaning and washing and stuff..." "After spending the night in Edith's room?" "How long is she staying?" "You know what the place looks like" "I've done nothing since Mother died." "How long is she staying?" "I don't know." "It's up to her how long she's here for." "I see..." "So I won't be having the room?" "You said you didn't want it." "That was then!" "I can always change my mind." "Where are you going?" "I'm talking to you!" "Now I can't change my mind!" "Erik, I've got to have someone here that I can trust." "What the hell do you mean?" "You can trust me!" "But you're not very good at cleaning." "Where did you find her?" "I put an ad in the paper." ""Lonely farmer. 39 years old."" "I was here for your 40th birthday!" "Not only are you stupid, you're vain too!" ""Seeks young woman as housekeeper."" "Do you have to be young to clean?" ""Photograph required." Why?" "To see if she looked reliable." "I only had two replies." "What did the other one look like?" "She didn't send a photograph." "I'll be preparing for dinner." "Is Mr. Jonsson eating with us?" "No, thank you." "I'm not hungry, Miss..." "What was your name again?" "Miss Lind." "Good bye." "Is there anything else?" "Otherwise I'll go to bed." "Fine by me." "I think I'll turn in too." "I hope you'll sleep well." "Thank you." "Good night." "Thanks for today." "It's just me." "I just wanted to say that... if you hear some funny noises..." "It's nothing to be afraid of." "It's only the gables flapping in the wind." "It's quite calm now." "Yes..." "But you never know." "The wind can rise." "Is it quiet apart from that?" "Oh yes." "As silent as the grave." "Good night again." "Good night." "She's peeing." "Good morning." "Ozzi!" "I've heated some water for shaving." "Maybe you shave at night?" "No, usually at the weekend." "I've made a shopping list." "Maybe you could read it and see if you want to change anything." "That won't be necessary." "I don't want to make any mistakes." "Oh, but this looks fine." "Soft soap, maybe..." "It's there, at the top." "Well, give this to Erik and he'll get it." "So he does the shopping?" "Amongst other things." "Then I'll give the list to Mr. Jonsson..." "Erik." "And money." "He'll give me the receipts." "I'll put them in the box and we'll go through it at the weekend." "Miss Lind will do as she thinks best." "Ellen." "If you think it's proper." "I think we can drop the titles." "When will the strawberries be ripe?" "When they're the color of your nails." "Good morning." "Sleep well?" "Thank you, yes." "Olof's snoring didn't disturb you?" "We don't sleep in the same room." "I should hope not..." "How long are you staying?" "As long as Olof wants me to." "He said it was up to you." "It can't take that long to clean a house." "No, but it can take forever to keep it tidy." "You don't' have a farmer's hands." "I'm not a farmer." "No, you're a housekeeper." "I understand you do the shopping." "I've got a list." "Olof has read it." "That's good." "Here's the money, and I'd like a receipt." "Ellen..." "Miss Lind." "It's a bit soon for us to drop the titles." "Mr..." "What was it?" "Jonsson." "One more thing." "You've got beautiful eyes!" "Thank you." "Nine o'clock." "Time flies when you're busy." "Had a nice walk?" "Oh yes." "Chicken..." "Chicken?" "Well, you asked..." "I like chicken very much." "Then we'll have chicken tomorrow." "I'm going to bed now, I'm tired." "I hope you'll sleep better tonight." "I'm sure I will." "Do you mind the changes I made in your bedroom?" "It could only be improved." "Good night." "Good night, Ellen." "Good morning!" "My God...!" "Where's your housekeeper?" "Inside." "This is great." "Better bring it inside." "If you can manage." "What?" "You look tired." "Are you sleeping?" "Yes." "Not my hair!" "Listen, when do you think" "I can get some of the horse money back?" "I only got it a week ago!" "Do you want it already?" "No, not now." "I'm only asking when." "But I don't know." "You'll get it when you get it." "As usual." "Is she nagging you?" "Did you tell her?" "No." "Good." "Don't." "I won't." "But then you mustn't tell her I can't read." "Of course I won't." "Just don't." "Is the house clean?" "Yeah." "Good food?" "Feeling like a prince?" "So she's worth the money?" "Yes, doubly so." "The washing line is a lot more interesting." "Here's the shopping." "Lovely." "I was saying the washing line is more interesting." "How do you get into those things?" "What?" "Corsets." "Oh, they're easy to put on." "But not so easy to get off." "What do you say, Olof?" "Shall I bring this inside?" "Put it on the table, please." "You didn't say you like chicken just because I said I like it?" "No." "You haven't eaten anything." "The head... is it still on the chopping block?" "No." "Where is it?" "I threw it away." "Where?" "In the woods." "The fox gets it." "Nothing's wasted." "Thanks for the meal." "Nine o'clock already." "Three cheers for the cornfield!" "Three cheers for the wheat field!" "Three cheers for the potato field that gives us a aquavit!" "One... two... three... four... five... six..." "Cheers!" "Cheers!" "Goodness me, there's someone on a bicycle!" "It's Lena." "She's Erik's girlfriend." "She's not!" "She's a girl and a friend." "Beware of the lightning, Lena!" "Come and sit down!" "Lena, this is Ellen." "Ellen, this is Lena." "We're both in the choir." "Ellen is my housekeeper." "What midsummer weather!" "Would you like something?" "No, I can't stay." "Why aren't you coming?" "I'll be there." "Can't you see we're still eating?" "I'll be there." "What about the sack race?" "It starts at half past seven." "Lena and Erik won last year." "Erik's the best." "At sack racing in the rain too?" "Erik is always the best." "At the egg-and-spoon race too?" "Erik can do anything." "How about a schnapps?" "Lena doesn't like it." "Shouldn't you be getting back?" "Your father will worry." "I suppose I'd better..." "I'll see you later then?" "Maybe." "Good bye." "I'm glad I'm not your girlfriend." "She's not my girlfriend!" "May I?" "Are you asking me?" "No, Ellen." "She's over there, Olof." "I'm here." "I haven't had this much fun since your mother died." "I know!" "But you're drunk and there's no music." "Then I'll put some on." "First time that o's said "may I"..." "Since his mother died?" "No, it's the first time I've heard Olof say "may I", ever." "There's a first time for everything." "No thanks, maybe later." "So you do have some secret vices." "If you only knew..." "May I?" "The strawberries..." "Sit down, Olof." "Take a rest." "How are you?" "He's asleep." "So I see." "You who can do everything, can you dance?" "Deserted lady on the dance floor." "I'm better at dancing than sack racing." "In one week you've cleaned this whole house and stolen his heart." "You can twist him round your little finger." "He's in love with you." "How can you be so sure?" "How can you be sure that the sun will rise tomorrow?" "Maybe it won't." "No, but it's pretty certain." "Do you know what the ad should have said?" "Lonely farmer." "Forty years old." "Virgin." "Virgin or not, he's still a man." "I guess you'd see that straight away." "What about me?" "20 kronor..." "Virgin or not?" "I'm not a gambler..." "No." "But believe it or not, I'm not a virgin." "What a surprise!" "But are you a man?" "We're not talking about me here." "I don't know who you are, or where you come from." "But as long as you're here..." "Treat him gently." "What do you mean?" "I'm off to win some money in the sack race." "Good luck!" ""As for man, his days are as grass"" ""As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth."" "For the wind passed the over it, and it is gone... and the place thereof shall know it no more." "Do you make a habit of prying into other people's things?" "Do you make a habit of barging into ladies' bedrooms?" "To be honest, it has been known." "You're not at the funeral?" "Obviously not." "I don't like funerals." "I dig the hole, that's enough for me." "Coffee?" "Coffee?" "Yes, would you like some?" "Nice dress." "Thank you." "Pity about the hole." "Where?" "Oh my!" "I'll have to mend that." "That's good." "What are you doing?" "Taking my shirt off!" "I can see that." "But why?" "If you know how to sew... maybe you can help me with this button." "I'd like to finish my coffee first." "Sure." "You know how to sew, but you can't pluck a chicken." "Tell me about yourself." "I can tell you know your way around." "Biscuit?" "Do you enjoy teasing me?" "Yes." "I like you." "I want to know about you." "I know nothing about you." "I was born in this village 27 years ago." "Got tired of farmers ten years ago, went to sea." "The merchant navy." "Ocean liner, to America and back." "I've met everybody." "Garbo, nice, wouldn't talk to anyone but me." "She wouldn't have anyone else wait on her." "Prince Bertil." "Got tired of that and went ashore." "Stayed in Memphis for two years." "Got tired of that too, left." "Had to leave." "Why?" "Doesn't matter." "But I do believe I am the only Swede... who's shaken hands with Presley..." "Elvis!" "Rock'n'roll, Ellen!" "You must have heard it on the radio!" "No." "But he's fantastic!" "Women faint when they see him." "He can't appear on the television." "Why ever not?" "Because he's so provocative." "He stands like this, and then the music starts..." "Get it?" "They can only show him from the waist up." "Then he goes like this..." "And the girls scream like mad." "Really." "Hello!" "How was it?" "I have to change." "I'm taking the horses down to the lake." "You've done wonders." "I found some rings." "They belonged to my parents." "I thought as much." "I last sat here like this... when Mother died." "She... was in pain." "I held her hand throughout." "We both knew she didn't have long left." "She asked me to take off her ring." "It was this ring." "Then she put it in my hand and closed it." "She said:" "When your father died"" ""he gave me his heart, and now..."" ""now I'm giving you mine."" "She asked me what the sky was like." "So I went up to the window and looked out." "There wasn't a single cloud." ""That's good," she said." ""I'll have no problem finding him."" "Then she asked me the time." ""Four o'clock," I told her." ""don't you forget to wind up the clock every night at nine."" "Four..." ""Four turns and a bit, mind you don't overwind it."" "Then she closed her eyes..." "and passed away." "Would you like some coffee?" "Yes, please." "I'll just finish off in here." "Is that hard?" "No." "Want to try?" "Sure." "Come on!" "bucket between your feet." "Grab hold of the teats..." "And then squeeze and pull." "You have to..." "That's it." "Well..." "What's this?" "Hello." "Are you practicing?" "I'm showing her how to do it." "So I see..." "Come outside and you'll see something really exciting." "Are they here?" "What's this...?" "They're covering the mare." "I see that, but why here?" "Strawberries?" "No thanks, they give me a rash." "Here you are." "What's this?" "Deduct it from my debt." "Oh yes, fair's fair." "Look here..." "it's all written down." "Apple-pie order..." "Check it for yourself." "I made that on the horse today." "Is there an easier way to make money?" "How often can he do that?" "Stallions are just like men." "If you find the right one, you can hit the jackpot." "Now Olof's horses... they're a different story." "They've been to the doctor." "They're big, strong... reliable... and terribly boring." "Olof." "Can I have a few words with you?" "Sure." "One minute?" "Here?" "Yeah." "Thank you." "What do you want?" "The money." "What money?" "That I gave you." "What about it?" "Give it back." "I just go it from you." "That was just for show." "That way we're spared her "apple-pie order"." "I need it tomorrow, I've got a good tip." "Three times the money." "It's for you and me, you know that." "You know your money is as safe in my pocket as in yours." "It does more good there than in her purse!" "Olof!" "Are you with me?" "Have you fallen for her?" "I can see how you look at her." "You've always listened to my advice." "I'm telling you now..." "take it slowly." "The money." "See you tomorrow." "Nineteen kronor..." "fifty-eight plus..." "Well, the house is clean at least." "Anything else?" "No, I just wanted you to have a look." "He's looking in the mirrow for the first time in a long while" "You can use the kitchen floor as a mirror." "You can use everything in there as a mirror." "She's certainly a very good cleaner." "Olof must be pleased!" "Pleased!" "He's on another planet!" "All of a sudden it's her making all the decisions." "She decides what's needed." "She deals with all the bills, except mine." "She actually owes me money!" "Someone owes you?" "It's usually the other way round." "Have you finished?" "Can I go on?" "She knows exactly how much milk each cow yields and how many apples there are on each tree." "She probably knows when the hens lay." "That's good." "Good?" "She's taken over!" "And Olof's swallowing it hook, line and sinker!" "You seem worried?" "That's putting it mildly." "You know Olof as well as I do." "He doesn't stand a chance." "And it's not about whether the bloody floors are clean or not" "It's about what's going on up here!" "How much did we get?" "25 kronor." "It wasn't such a bad idea after all?" "You have it." "It's not mine." "Without you there wouldn't be any strawberries." "And I haven't paid your wages." "Then let me buy you a present." "What would you like?" "What do you need?" "I could do with a new dress." "Then we'll get you a new dress." "That's not enough money." "If you want a dress, you're getting a dress." "Now then..." "And to crown it all..." "It's too flowery." "So we'll take it away." "I'm so sorry." "That's quite all right." "It's a lovely dress." "Oh, absolutely." "On the right person, of course." "We'll try another one." "Hello." "Hi there." "What are you doing here?" "Yes, what am I doing here?" "I'll give you three guesses." "Maybe I forgot to say we don't need any shopping today." "Are you collecting the eggs?" "Wrong." "Try again." "Oh damn, I forgot." "What's that?" "We go to the races once a month." "We had to go into town." "I see." "What do you think?" "About what?" "The dress." "Turn round." "Again." "I like it." "I'm glad." "Olof picked it out." "Nice, eh?" "Have you been here long?" "What time do we usually go?" "Three o'clock." "And what's the time now?" "Nearly four." "Erik..." "I wanted her to get a break from here." "I've been standing here like an idiot, worrying about you!" "You've let me down, Olof." "Are you going on your own?" "Do I have a choice?" "Damn..." "Forgive me..." "It's all right." "I came upstairs... to ask you... to wear the dress tonight." "I was going to take it off." "please put it back on." "Then you'll have to zip me up." "You can't help me from over there." "No." "I like you, Ellen." "My God, I like you." "I like you too." "I wouldn't be here otherwise." "Will you..." "Will... stay you then...?" "Will you stay here?" "Why do you ask that?" "I want to know for sure." "You can never be sure of anything." "But it hasn't crossed my mind to leave." "I'll... go downstairs." "Olof." "Do you want a drink?" "There's a bit of grass in the glass." "Couldn't you sleep last night?" "I saw you sitting into he garden." "Yes, well..." "If you can't sleep tonight, wake me up." "It's hot, isn't it?" "Do we have to through this again?" "I'm a virgin." "I know that!" "Everyone is at first." "But you have to lose it at some point, don't you?" "What did you say when we got into the car?" "That I had to be home by half ten." "Lena..." "When we drove off... you said something to me." "Remember?" "That I love you?" "Yes, exactly." "The you want me to be the first." "Do you love me?" "But... of course I do." "Then tell me you do ." "Why?" "You know I do." "I want you to say it." "Lena..." "What?" "I love you!" "I'm..." "I'm a virgin." "I'm so sorry..." "I want you to kiss me first." "With pleasure." "That wasn't so bad, was it?" "When do you have to be home?" "Half ten." "Then we have to go." "Can't we stay a while?" "We can't be late." "You know what your father's like." "Are you all right?" "You wanted to." "I didn't force you." "No." "It can never be easy the first time." "You have to give it a few goes." "Why are you doing this to me?" "You don't have to do it for my sake." "I've managed without it for forty years, and can manage for another forty!" "I didn't do it for your sake." "I did it because I wanted to." "Don't you want me here?" "Do you want me to leave?" "I'm sorry." "I'll go to bed." "Calm down!" "Calm down!" "Ellen, teach me!" "What?" "Teach me." "Olof!" "Don't stop, go on!" "Go on!" "I knew it!" "I love you!" "Do you hear me?" "Do you hear me, Ellen?" "I love you too." "I love you." "Olof!" "Hi there!" "Bloody weather, eh?" "Didn't you hear me calling?" "No!" "Where is she?" "Isn't she in the house?" "No." "Ellen!" "She's becoming sloppy." "Thanks." "She must've dropped them." "She must've dropped them... so you're not a virgin anymore?" "No." "How can you be so bloody stupid?" "What do you thank she sees in you?" "What can you offer her?" "A rotten house and some shifty hens!" "I know women, Olof." "I've had hundreds." "There's nothing here for her." "Are you jealous?" "Did she pick the wrong guy?" "She picked the idiot." "Yes, she picked the idiot." "I'm sorry." "Olof, I'm your friend." "I don't want you to make a fool of ourselves." "Why do you think I put an ad in the paper?" "To get the kitchen cleaned?" "I wanted to meet a woman!" "It was the only way I could do it." "If you were a friend you'd congratulate me." "Congratulations, Olof..." "She's wonderful." "So is Grace Kelly." "Good luck." "What are you thinking?" "The barn." "Shall we do it again?" "I don't think I could manage." "I bet you could..." "No, I was thinking of the leak." "I've got to get it mended." "How long has it been like that?" "Too long." "Why haven't you seen to it?" "It would cost too much." "Close your eyes." "They are closed." "Don't look, then." "Keep them closed." "Don't look." "Hold out your hand." "Hold it out." "Olof, I..." "I can't accept it." "Why not?" "It's too much." "It's been lying in the box for ten years." "Ellen..." "My mother's last words wheren't about winding up an old clock." "Her last words to me were:" ""Don't sit here on your own, Olof."" ""Go out and find yourself a woman."" "Easier said then done." "I want you to have it, Ellen." "I'm not asking anything of you just wear it." "Please..." "Thank you." "Earlier today... you said you loved me." "Did you mean it?" "Of course I did." "Can you say it again?" "I love you." "I love you, Ellen." "Stop, please!" "Please stop!" "How much do you owe Olof?" "Did we stop so you can ask me how much I owe Olof?" "What's it got to do with you?" "He's paid your share of the horse, hasn't he?" "Did Olof say that?" "No, I've guessed as much." "Whatever, it's none of your bloody business!" "He needs the money now." "Don't we all?" "The barn is collapsing." "Collapsing?" "What the hell are you saying?" "There are a few holes in the roof!" "It's been like that for twenty years!" "The problem isn't the holes in the roof." "The problem is that you find knickers lying on the floor." "I want to know why you're really here?" "Because, if it's a bit of fun you want, I'm always available." "How about it?" "There's nothing here for you." "I've had hundreds of girls, just like you!" "On the way to and from America." "Not one of them dreamt about a man like Olof," "I can promise you that!" "He's got nothing to offer you!" "You bloody cow!" "All I'm asking... is that you sell your ridiculous car or your filthy horse!" "Shut up!" "And pay your debt!" "I'll make it my business to find out who the hell you are!" "I'm going to find out who you are and what you're after!" "You bloody bitch!" "Shall we?" "You know I never dance." "So why are we here?" "You tell me!" "It was you who wanted to come." "Let's go." "I love you." "What?" "You heard me." "Yes, so...?" "What do you want me to say?" "What do you think?" "I'll say it in the car." "let me just say a few words to Olof." "Wait h ere for me." "Just stand over here." "Well, well, look at you!" "Hello!" "Do you mind?" "I'd like a dance with Ellen." "Do you want to?" "Don't ask, she might say no." "Well, I don't know..." "I want to apologise for the other day." "I shouldn't have shouted like that." "You shouldn't treat a lady like that." "That's right, and that's why I want to apologize." "Will you forgive me?" "I was serious, he needs the money." "He trusts you." "You're his friend, aren't you?" "I'm impressed, Ellen." "You're stubborn." "I'm stubborn." "You smell nice too." "Pity I can't say the same." "Are we going to dance?" "Or I'll return to Olof." "Friends?" "If you give him his money back." "Shouldn't that be on the other hand?" "It's not a wedding ring." "Olof gave it to me." "Nice." "Where's the other one?" "What?" "Wedding ring." "Or was he too stingy to buy one?" "Olof?" "Your husband." "I'm off for a piss." "I hope to be home in time for dinner." "Olof..." "I love you." "Ellen?" "Where are you going?" "Ellen, I don't know where she is." "I think she's left, she wasn't..." "She left this." "You've got to read it to me, Erik." "No." "you've got to, I can't." "Didn't she know you can't read?" "I never told her." "No, I can't do it." "Sit down and read it to me." "I'm begging you, Erik." "Please, read it." ""Dearest Olof"" ""I have left the farm"" ""and I won't be back."" ""Ever since I arrived I wanted to tell you something"" ""I've been taking the money Erik has been paying back"" ""and kept it for myself"" "What?" "Is that what it says?" "Yes." "I've been paying you back all summer, for the horse." "I trusted her." ""I know you trusted me"" ""And I know I have let you down"" ""I'm married to another man"" ""I'm going back to sort things out."" ""This is the only possible way"" "How does it end?" "What does she write at the end?" ""I'm sorry you have to read this"" ""but I just couldn't say it to your face"" ""I will always love you"" ""Ellen"" "That's all..." "Ellen." "Nothing else?" "No." "I've known it all along!" "It was written all over her!" "I've tried telling you." "Read it again." "No..." "No, I won't!" "I've told you everything that's there." ""I've left, I'm not coming back and I've taken Erik's money."" "That's all." "Doesn't it say where she's gone?" "Would she write a letter like this and leave an address?" "I've been through this a hundred times..." "It'll pass." "The world is full of women." "It'll pass." "Give me the letter." "No, don't torture yourself!" "I'll throw it away." "Give me the letter." "Give it to me." "This isn't the right time, but I'm leaving." "I'm signing on an Italian ship in Gibraltar, the Andrea Doria." "I'm going back to America." "If I stay here, I'll go mad." "When?" "I'm off to Gothenburg tomorrow." "take care." "I can't read, Erik... but I'm not stupid." "Forget about her." "She's not worth it." ""You can never be sure of anything"" ""But it hasn't crossed my mind to leave"" "You look tired." "Yes." "Read this to me." "But why...?" "Just read it." ""Dearest Olof."" ""I have left the farm."" ""Ever since I arrived I wanted to tell you..."" ""I know you trusted me"" ""and I know I have let you down"" ""I'm married to another man"" "Why do I have to do this?" "I can't read." "Why didn't you tell me?" "How does your letter end?" "How does it end?" ""I will always love you"" ""Ellen"" "You don't have a suitcase..." "I left it at the station." "I didn't know if you wanted me back." "Do you?" "Yes." "I thought you'd say no." "I said yes." ""The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be"" ""and that which is done is that which shall be done"" ""and there is no new thing under the sun."" "Let's go home." "You've done wonders." "I found some rings." "They belonged to my parents." "I thought as much." "I last sat here like this... when Mother died," "she... was in pain." "I held her hand throughout." "We both knew she didn't have long left." "She asked me to take off her ring." "It was this ring." "Then she put it in my hand and closed it." "She said:" "When your father died"" ""he gave me his heart, and now..."" ""now I'm giving you mine."" "She asked me what the sky was like." "So I went up to the window and looked out." "There wasn't a single cloud." ""That's good," she said." ""I'll have no problem finding him."" "Then she asked me the time." ""Four o'clock," I told her." ""don't you forget to wind up the clock every night at nine."" "Four..." ""Four turns and a bit, mind you don't overwind it."" "Then she closed her eyes..." "and passed away." "Would you like some coffee?" "Yes, please." "I'll just finish off in here." "Is that hard?" "No." "Want to try?" "Sure." "Come on!" "bucket between your feet." "Grab hold of the teats..." "And then squeeze and pull." "You have to..." "That's it." "Well..." "What's this?" "Hello." "Are you practicing?" "I'm showing her how to do it." "So I see..." "Come outside and you'll see something really exciting." "Are they here?" "What's this...?" "They're covering the mare." "I see that, but why here?" "Strawberries?" "No thanks, they give me a rash." "Here you are." "What's this?" "Deduct it from my debt." "Oh yes, fair's fair." "Look here..." "it's all written down." "Apple-pie order..." "Check it for yourself." "I made that on the horse today." "Is there an easier way to make money?" "How often can he do that?" "Stallions are just like men." "If you find the right one, you can hit the jackpot." "Now Olof's horses... they're a different story." "They've been to the doctor." "They're big, strong... reliable... and terribly boring." "Olof." "Can I have a few words with you?" "Sure." "One minute?" "Here?" "Yeah." "Thank you." "What do you want?" "The money." "What money?" "That I gave you." "What about it?" "Give it back." "I just go it from you." "That was just for show." "That way we're spared her "apple-pie order"." "I need it tomorrow, I've got a good tip." "Three times the money." "It's for you and me, you know that." "You know your money is as safe in my pocket as in yours." "It does more good there than in her purse!" "Olof!" "Are you with me?" "Have you fallen for her?" "I can see how you look at her." "You've always listened to my advice." "I'm telling you now..." "take it slowly." "The money." "See you tomorrow." "Nineteen kronor..." "fifty-eight plus..." "Well, the house is clean at least." "Anything else?" "No, I just wanted you to have a look." "He's looking in the mirrow for the first time in a long while" "You can use the kitchen floor as a mirror." "You can use everything in there as a mirror." "She's certainly a very good cleaner." "Olof must be pleased!" "Pleased!" "He's on another planet!" "All of a sudden it's her making all the decisions." "She decides what's needed." "She deals with all the bills, except mine." "She actually owes me money!" "Someone owes you?" "It's usually the other way round." "Have you finished?" "Can I go on?" "She knows exactly how much milk each cow yields and how many apples there are on each tree." "She probably knows when the hens lay." "That's good." "Good?" "She's taken over!" "And Olof's swallowing it hook, line and sinker!" "You seem worried?" "That's putting it mildly." "You know Olof as well as I do." "He doesn't stand a chance." "And it's not about whether the bloody floors are clean or not" "It's about what's going on up here!" "How much did we get?" "25 kronor." "It wasn't such a bad idea after all?" "You have it." "It's not mine." "Without you there wouldn't be any strawberries." "And I haven't paid your wages." "Then let me buy you a present." "What would you like?" "What do you need?" "I could do with a new dress." "Then we'll get you a new dress." "That's not enough money." "If you want a dress, you're getting a dress." "Now then..." "And to crown it all..." "It's too flowery." "So we'll take it away." "I'm so sorry." "That's quite all right." "It's a lovely dress." "Oh, absolutely." "On the right person, of course." "We'll try another one." "Hello." "Hi there." "What are you doing here?" "Yes, what am I doing here?" "I'll give you three guesses." "Maybe I forgot to say we don't need any shopping today." "Are you collecting the eggs?" "Wrong." "Try again." "Oh damn, I forgot." "What's that?" "We go to the races once a month." "We had to go into town." "I see." "What do you think?" "About what?" "The dress." "Turn round." "Again." "I like it." "I'm glad." "Olof picked it out." "Nice, eh?" "Have you been here long?" "What time do we usually go?" "Three o'clock." "And what's the time now?" "Nearly four." "Erik..." "I wanted her to get a break from here." "I've been standing here like an idiot, worrying about you!" "You've let me down, Olof." "Are you going on your own?" "Do I have a choice?" "Damn..." "Forgive me..." "It's all right." "I came upstairs... to ask you... to wear the dress tonight." "I was going to take it off." "please put it back on." "Then you'll have to zip me up." "You can't help me from over there." "No." "I like you, Ellen." "My God, I like you." "I like you too." "I wouldn't be here otherwise." "Will you..." "Will... stay you then...?" "Will you stay here?" "Why do you ask that?" "I want to know for sure." "You can never be sure of anything." "But it hasn't crossed my mind to leave." "I'll... go downstairs." "Olof." "Do you want a drink?" "There's a bit of grass in the glass." "Couldn't you sleep last night?" "I saw you sitting into he garden." "Yes, well..." "If you can't sleep tonight, wake me up." "It's hot, isn't it?" "Do we have to through this again?" "I'm a virgin." "I know that!" "Everyone is at first." "But you have to lose it at some point, don't you?" "What did you say when we got into the car?" "That I had to be home by half ten." "Lena..." "When we drove off... you said something to me." "Remember?" "That I love you?" "Yes, exactly." "The you want me to be the first." "Do you love me?" "But... of course I do." "Then tell me you do ." "Why?" "You know I do." "I want you to say it." "Lena..." "What?" "I love you!" "I'm..." "I'm a virgin." "I'm so sorry..." "I want you to kiss me first." "With pleasure." "That wasn't so bad, was it?" "When do you have to be home?" "Half ten." "Then we have to go." "Can't we stay a while?" "We can't be late." "You know what your father's like." "Are you all right?" "You wanted to." "I didn't force you." "No." "It can never be easy the first time." "You have to give it a few goes." "Why are you doing this to me?" "You don't have to do it for my sake." "I've managed without it for forty years, and can manage for another forty!" "I didn't do it for your sake." "I did it because I wanted to." "Don't you want me here?" "Do you want me to leave?" "I'm sorry." "I'll go to bed." "Calm down!" "Calm down!" "Ellen, teach me!" "What?" "Teach me." "Olof!" "Don't stop, go on!" "Go on!" "I knew it!" "I love you!" "Do you hear me?" "Do you hear me, Ellen?" "I love you too." "I love you." "Olof!" "Hi there!" "Bloody weather, eh?" "Didn't you hear me calling?" "No!" "Where is she?" "Isn't she in the house?" "No." "Ellen!" "She's becoming sloppy." "Thanks." "She must've dropped them." "She must've dropped them... so you're not a virgin anymore?" "No." "How can you be so bloody stupid?" "What do you thank she sees in you?" "What can you offer her?" "A rotten house and some shifty hens!" "I know women, Olof." "I've had hundreds." "There's nothing here for her." "Are you jealous?" "Did she pick the wrong guy?" "She picked the idiot." "Yes, she picked the idiot." "I'm sorry." "Olof, I'm your friend." "I don't want you to make a fool of ourselves." "Why do you think I put an ad in the paper?" "To get the kitchen cleaned?" "I wanted to meet a woman!" "It was the only way I could do it." "If you were a friend you'd congratulate me." "Congratulations, Olof..." "She's wonderful." "So is Grace Kelly." "Good luck." "What are you thinking?" "The barn." "Shall we do it again?" "I don't think I could manage." "I bet you could..." "No, I was thinking of the leak." "I've got to get it mended." "How long has it been like that?" "Too long." "Why haven't you seen to it?" "It would cost too much." "Close your eyes." "They are closed." "Don't look, then." "Keep them closed." "Don't look." "Hold out your hand." "Hold it out." "Olof, I..." "I can't accept it." "Why not?" "It's too much." "It's been lying in the box for ten years." "Ellen..." "My mother's last words wheren't about winding up an old clock." "Her last words to me were:" ""Don't sit here on your own, Olof."" ""Go out and find yourself a woman."" "Easier said then done." "I want you to have it, Ellen." "I'm not asking anything of you just wear it." "Please..." "Thank you." "Earlier today... you said you loved me." "Did you mean it?" "Of course I did." "Can you say it again?" "I love you." "I love you, Ellen." "Stop, please!" "Please stop!" "How much do you owe Olof?" "Did we stop so you can ask me how much I owe Olof?" "What's it got to do with you?" "He's paid your share of the horse, hasn't he?" "Did Olof say that?" "No, I've guessed as much." "Whatever, it's none of your bloody business!" "He needs the money now." "Don't we all?" "The barn is collapsing." "Collapsing?" "What the hell are you saying?" "There are a few holes in the roof!" "It's been like that for twenty years!" "The problem isn't the holes in the roof." "The problem is that you find knickers lying on the floor." "I want to know why you're really here?" "Because, if it's a bit of fun you want, I'm always available." "How about it?" "There's nothing here for you." "I've had hundreds of girls, just like you!" "On the way to and from America." "Not one of them dreamt about a man like Olof," "I can promise you that!" "He's got nothing to offer you!" "You bloody cow!" "All I'm asking... is that you sell your ridiculous car or your filthy horse!" "Shut up!" "And pay your debt!" "I'll make it my business to find out who the hell you are!" "I'm going to find out who you are and what you're after!" "You bloody bitch!" "Shall we?" "You know I never dance." "So why are we here?" "You tell me!" "It was you who wanted to come." "Let's go." "I love you." "What?" "You heard me." "Yes, so...?" "What do you want me to say?" "What do you think?" "I'll say it in the car." "let me just say a few words to Olof." "Wait h ere for me." "Just stand over here." "Well, well, look at you!" "Hello!" "Do you mind?" "I'd like a dance with Ellen." "Do you want to?" "Don't ask, she might say no." "Well, I don't know..." "I want to apologise for the other day." "I shouldn't have shouted like that." "You shouldn't treat a lady like that." "That's right, and that's why I want to apologize." "Will you forgive me?" "I was serious, he needs the money." "He trusts you." "You're his friend, aren't you?" "I'm impressed, Ellen." "You're stubborn." "I'm stubborn." "You smell nice too." "Pity I can't say the same." "Are we going to dance?" "Or I'll return to Olof." "Friends?" "If you give him his money back." "Shouldn't that be on the other hand?" "It's not a wedding ring." "Olof gave it to me." "Nice." "Where's the other one?" "What?" "Wedding ring." "Or was he too stingy to buy one?" "Olof?" "Your husband." "I'm off for a piss." "I hope to be home in time for dinner." "Olof..." "I love you." "Ellen?" "Where are you going?" "Ellen, I don't know where she is." "I think she's left, she wasn't..." "She left this." "You've got to read it to me, Erik." "No." "you've got to, I can't." "Didn't she know you can't read?" "I never told her." "No, I can't do it." "Sit down and read it to me." "I'm begging you, Erik." "Please, read it." ""Dearest Olof"" ""I have left the farm"" ""and I won't be back."" ""Ever since I arrived I wanted to tell you something"" ""I've been taking the money Erik has been paying back"" ""and kept it for myself"" "What?" "Is that what it says?" "Yes." "I've been paying you back all summer, for the horse." "I trusted her." ""I know you trusted me"" ""And I know I have let you down"" ""I'm married to another man"" ""I'm going back to sort things out."" ""This is the only possible way"" "How does it end?" "What does she write at the end?" ""I'm sorry you have to read this"" ""but I just couldn't say it to your face"" ""I will always love you"" ""Ellen"" "That's all..." "Ellen." "Nothing else?" "No." "I've known it all along!" "It was written all over her!" "I've tried telling you." "Read it again." "No..." "No, I won't!" "I've told you everything that's there." ""I've left, I'm not coming back and I've taken Erik's money."" "That's all." "Doesn't it say where she's gone?" "Would she write a letter like this and leave an address?" "I've been through this a hundred times..." "It'll pass." "The world is full of women." "It'll pass." "Give me the letter." "No, don't torture yourself!" "I'll throw it away." "Give me the letter." "Give it to me." "This isn't the right time, but I'm leaving." "I'm signing on an Italian ship in Gibraltar, the Andrea Doria." "I'm going back to America." "If I stay here, I'll go mad." "When?" "I'm off to Gothenburg tomorrow." "take care." "I can't read, Erik... but I'm not stupid." "Forget about her." "She's not worth it." ""You can never be sure of anything"" ""But it hasn't crossed my mind to leave"" "You look tired." "Yes." "Read this to me." "But why...?" "Just read it." ""Dearest Olof."" ""I have left the farm."" ""Ever since I arrived I wanted to tell you..."" ""I know you trusted me"" ""and I know I have let you down"" ""I'm married to another man"" "Why do I have to do this?" "I can't read." "Why didn't you tell me?" "How does your letter end?" "How does it end?" ""I will always love you"" ""Ellen"" "You don't have a suitcase..." "I left it at the station." "I didn't know if you wanted me back." "Do you?" "Yes." "I thought you'd say no." "I said yes." ""The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be"" ""and that which is done is that which shall be done"" ""and there is no new thing under the sun."" "Let's go home."