Original subtitles

You certainly are quiet.

Nothing wrong with being quiet.

Well, there is when you bring me all the way out here to the lake

because you have to say something important to me,

then you don't say anything at all.

Sometimes it's hard to say things.

Well, do you want to write me a note?

Good idea.

Okay.

Here.

Dad burn it, the point broke.

Let me see what you got so far.

"Dearest Laura...

"I love you, and I want to"...

That's where the point broke.

I know.

You want to...

To what?

I want to, uh...

I want to sharpen this pencil.

I got a penknife right here in my pocket.

Manly.

Look at me.

You want to what?

I want you to be my wife.

I'd love to.

How did you do tonight?

We had lots of customers.

That isn't what I mean.

The money and the receipts are on the table.

You have receipts for $13.80

and $1.15 in cash.

People just refused to pay.

They refused to eat, too, I'm sure.

I do my best when Mrs. Ingalls isn't here.

You do?

Yes, I do.

You do?

I suppose this is what you call doing your best.

I don't like to do dishes, and you know it.

Well, I don't care what you don't like.

Well, that's obvious.

What do you mean by that?

This hotel, this restaurant,

I never asked for it in the first place.

But I didn't give it to you, it was your mother's idea.

You let her.

How was I supposed to stop her?

By being a man.

By being a...

Now, let me tell you something, young lady.

If you'd behave like a woman, you wouldn't need

this hotel and restaurant to get yourself a man.

What?

That's the reason your mother built this place in the first place,

so somebody would marry you.

Harriet: What are you two yelling... oh!

Nellie!

Nels, what have you done to her now?

Why is it always what I have done?

Because it always is.

Well, I lost my temper because of the way she runs this place.

Well, she's doing her best.

She is not doing her best.

Oh, she most certainly is.

Harriet, that is not good enough.

We're losing more money every day.

She spends twice as much for food as she takes in.

The hotel is always empty because she keeps the rooms so messy.

This is crazy. We have got to close it down.

No, we are not going to close it down.

Now, listen to me, Harriet!

I have never listened to you before,

and I certainly am not going to start now.

She's just an innocent child.

All she needs is some training.

Caroline has tried!

Ha! Mrs. Ingalls is just a peasant.

No, I will find somebody

who knows how to make this thing work,

and my daughter will make this place work,

or my name isn't Harriet oleson!

Wonder what her real name is.

Mmm, half-pint, this is delicious.

Thanks, pa. If you want some more, I got some.

Mmm, I'm exploding now.

Almanzo, you're kind of off your feed tonight.

You feeling all right?

Oh, yes, sir. I just have a lot on my mind.

Yeah, well, I know.

Don't keep US in suspense, out with it.

Out with it?

Yeah, the big surprise Laura said you had for US.

Well, that was the reason for the special supper

and Caroline staying home from work, remember?

Almanzo: Oh, yeah.

Mr. Ingalls, Mrs. Ingalls,

I, uh...

I've been working real hard at the feed & Seed.

Yeah, I work pretty hard at the mill myself, but Caroline doesn't

generally make me a special supper and take off work because of it.

Oh, not that, that's not the surprise.

I, uh...

I got a raise.

Hey, congratulations. I'm proud of you.

I was hoping you would be...

Because I want to marry your daughter.

Well, I, uh... I have to be honest with you, son.

That does not come as a big surprise to me.

Next month.

That does.

Mr. Ingalls, I know how set you are

on having Laura wait till she's 18.

Good, then it won't come as a big surprise to you

when I tell you that the answer is "no."

But, pa, if you...

Charles: Do you mind? This is between myself

and the man who may become my son-in-law in two years.

Why don't you and I go outside and talk alone, huh?

Son, I want you to listen to me.

You're a good deal older than my daughter.

Mr. Ingalls, I don't think the difference in our ages

has anything to do with it.

Well, neither do I. Will you just hear me out?

Yes, sir.

All right, the difference in your ages

stopped bothering me a long time ago.

It's Laura's age that bothers me, not yours.

I mean, at your age, you ought to know what you want, but...

My daughter's young.

She's still growing, still changing.

Oh, I know that she loves you,

but I want her to be sure...

Sure that she wants to spend the rest of her life with you,

through good times and bad.

And believe me, son, there's going to be plenty of bad.

When you're as young as Laura

and you're being courted,

well, everything's just sweet music and starry skies,

and life just isn't like that.

If you love each other now, you should love each other

even more two years from now.

Do you understand?

I understand.

I just can't say that I agree with you.

Well...

I really don't think it's important that you agree with me.

What is important is you understand

why I'm telling you "no."

And that's your final answer.

Yeah.

Why don't we go on back inside?

I think she made a special pie for you.

No, thank you, sir.

I think I'll be going.

Almanzo.

You asked me to understand how you feel, and I do.

Well, now I expect the same from you.

I'm not going back in that house,

pretending I agree with you, because I don't.

I'm not going to make it easier on you, Mr. Ingalls.

I want to marry your daughter.

I love her, and right now, two years seems like forever.

Good night, sir.

Hyah.

Hyah, hyah.

He left?

Yeah.

Why?

What did you say to him?

I told him that you two would have to wait.

I'm not going to lose him, pa.

If waiting means that I'm going to lose him,

then I'm not going to wait.

I mean it, pa.

You knew about this, didn't you?

That's why you took off from work.

Yes.

What did you think I was going to say to him?

I knew what you were going to say.

And you think I'm wrong.

It's not a matter of right or wrong.

It's a matter of folks loving, and...

And wanting what's best for the ones they love.

I'll go to her.

How could he, ma?

How could he?

He just let him go.

I don't think your pa wanted him to go.

I think that was almanzo's decision.

And he didn't go to China, you know.

He just went home.

We should have just run off and gotten married.

It's my fault for telling him to talk to pa first.

Pa will never change.

No, he won't.

He'll always love you,

and he'll always want what's best for you.

No matter if it's right or wrong?

You sound just like your pa.

If everything were a matter of right and wrong,

life would be very simple,

but it isn't.

I can't lose almanzo.

I won't.

What makes you so sure you're going to lose him?

Because he said he just can't wait two years.

I see.

So, if he doesn't get his way,

his love for you just goes away.

I don't believe that.

But, ma, two years.

What if he finds someone else?

Caroline: Now, just a minute, young lady.

You don't rush into marriage because you're afraid

he's going to fall in love with somebody else.

You'd better be pretty sure

his love for you is stronger than that.

Oh, he does love me.

I know he does.

It's just that...

Caroline: Then nothing can keep you apart.

Love is strength.

Use it.

Lean on it.

Don't turn your back on your pa.

Give him a chance.

His love can give you strength, too.

You and almanzo...

You have your whole lives to love each other,

your whole lives to be married.

And if he loves you, he's going to wait.

Try to think how your pa is feeling.

He's afraid you're going to go,

and he's loved you for 16 years.

I'll go talk to him.

- Ma? - Hmm?

If it had been up to you, would you have made US wait?

Probably not.

I didn't think so.

On the other hand, I might have made you wait until you were 21.

I love you, ma.

I love you.

My two babies.

Almanzo: Whoa.

Laura: Hi.

Hi.

I was just on my way over to your place.

I thought maybe we could talk.

Well, I was just coming to talk to you, too.

I'm sorry about what happened,

but you have to understand...

Beth, I went through all that last night with your pa,

and I do understand.

I just don't agree,

and it's not his life, it's yours.

Almanzo...

Almanzo: Now, just hear me out.

I'm leaving walnut grove...

And I want you to come with me.

What?

Laura...

I'm a man,

and no matter what your pa says,

you're a woman,

and I want you to be my wife.

I want to be, but I...

Almanzo: No!

No buts, no ifs, no waiting.

It's your choice...

Your pa or me.

Almanzo...

I love you,

but I love my pa, too.

I want an answer, Beth.

I can't...

Not now.

I just need some time.

I guess your pa was right.

You're still a little girl.

Hyah.

Charles, Jonathan.

Doc.

How you feeling, doc?

Well, I'm feeling fine,

but I'm supposed to ask you that.

I brought out a letter for Adam.

Oh, well, he and Mary are out back fixing some food for the men.

I'll bring it to him.

How's the work coming?

Ah, slow but sure.

Think you'll be finished before the first snow?

We'll have her closed in, but it won't be finished.

We could use an extra pair of hands.

Oh, no, I'm not too handy with a hammer and saw.

That's not what your patients say.

I'll ignore that statement and get back to work.

Charles: Hey, you two, what are you doing?

Mary: Hi, pa.

You mind if I steal a sandwich?

Nope, you can't eat until we're ready.

Grouch. Adam, I got a letter for you from your father.

Oh, that's it, the money for the materials.

Open it up.

All right.

After I read this, I'm stealing a sandwich, anyway.

"Dear Mr. Kendall"...

I thought you said it was from my father.

It's on his law office stationery.

Go on.

What is it, pa?

It's about your father, Adam.

Go ahead.

"We regret to inform you that your father passed away

"in his sleep Wednesday evening."

Laura, narrating: Adam took the first train back to New York.

He wanted to settle his father's estate as quickly as possible

so that the building of the blind school could continue.

Ma sent me with him.

She said it was easier if he went with a sighted person.

I was glad to go.

It was better than sitting in the loft, crying for my almanzo.

Here they are, Mr. Carter.

Thank you. Would you close the door on the way out?

Certainly.

These are the debts your father amassed.

Perhaps your sister-in-law would care to take a look.

Laura: Thank you.

I still don't understand it.

This firm has always done well.

And will continue to.

Adam, your father was an excellent lawyer,

but a terrible businessman.

As you can see by the folder, I advanced him money constantly.

What about the house and the servants?

He liked to live well,

too well.

The house is in the hands of the court and will be auctioned.

Will there be any money left after all these debts are paid?

The money from the house won't cover half.

It will be 20 cents on the dollar.

I'm awfully sorry.

Thank you for your time.

Well, here you are.

Thank you.

I was, uh, quite comfortable.

See you down the line.

Can I help you?

Yes, I'm looking for a Mrs. Oleson.

Oh, she's indisposed at the moment.

I'm Mr. Oleson, perhaps I can help.

Ah, yes, Mr. Oleson, I'm percival Dalton.

Your wife wrote me about getting your hotel and restaurant in working order.

Harriet: Aah, nels!

Aah, nels, I'm drowning!

Please, won't you have a seat in the living room?

We'll go over to the hotel in just a few minutes.

Harriet: Nels, hurry up, for heaven's sakes!

Aah, aah!

Nellie: All right, there she is.

Are you satisfied?

Yep. I'll have steak and eggs.

Good to see you, Mrs. Ingalls.

What was all that about?

I told him you were doing the cooking.

He wouldn't believe me.

Oh, steak and eggs coming up.

Nellie dear, this is Mr. Percival Dalton.

Mr. Dalton, my daughter Nellie.

How do you do?

Ms. Oleson.

And that's Mrs. Ingalls.

It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am.

Likewise.

You seem to know a lot about working in a kitchen.

I've been at it for some time.

Harriet: Mr. Dalton is here to train Nellie

in the restaurant and hotel business.

Mother!

Mmm, and you'll learn, too.

Mr. Dalton, where shall we begin?

I would like to take a look at the rest of the place first.

Harriet: All right, come along, then. Come along, Nellie.

Can I help you serving or anything?

No, thanks.

I can manage.

Yeah, I can see that you can.

When are Laura and Adam getting back?

Oh, Charles is picking them up at the train tomorrow.

I haven't heard from them, so I expect they're on time.

No word from almanzo yet?

No, afraid not.

Well, I better see how they're doing.

This Dalton fellow is the missis' idea.

I think we ought to just close the place and forget it.

You never know. It might work.

Not from the look of Mr. Dalton.

Nellie will scare the death out of him in a day.

Harriet: Nels!

I ought to know.

Coming, dear!

Excuse me, do you have an egg sandwich?

Yes, indeed, 10 cents.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Any milk?

Laura: No, thanks, I'm fine.

You want half my sandwich?

I can't eat it all.

No, thanks, I'm not hungry.

You haven't eaten all day.

I'm not hungry.

All of our dreams, our plans.

You know, we wrote to all the children

and told them we'd be together again in September.

Now, all we have is the plaque my father sent.

Why?

Are you going to just give up?

Well, what choice do I have?

Well, you certainly have the choice not to give up.

Find another way.

What way?

I don't know yet. Neither do you.

But you won't find one by giving up.

If we don't have the money to build a new blind school,

then we're just going to have to find an old place that nobody wants.

And where do we find that?

By looking.

You found one in walnut grove.

I'm sure that's not the only one in the whole wide world, right?

Right.

Right.

We won't find it if we don't look.

That's more like it.

And you can't go looking on an empty stomach.

Here.

I hate egg sandwiches.

Here are the facts the way I see them

based on my observations and talking to the customers.

Mm-hmm.

Ms. Oleson is rude to the clientele,

she cannot cook,

and she makes absolutely no effort to keep the rooms clean.

Uh-huh. Well, now that's just the minuses,

what about the pluses?

The only plus is that she could learn,

but that will take time.

How much time?

That's up to your daughter.

That's too long.

Nels: Harriet, we can't go on losing all this money week in and week out.

Dalton: May I finish?

There is a way to make the place pay while she learns.

Harriet: There, there, you see, nels, you see?

If you'd just listen.

Go ahead, Mr. Dalton.

I suggest you make a deal with Mrs. Ingalls.

Harriet: Uh-huh.

A 50/50 split of the profits,

and we change the name of the establishment

to Caroline's hotel and restaurant.

Caroline's?

But...

That... no, well, that's ridiculous!

Nels: Harriet, you just said to listen.

Dalton: Mrs. Oleson, as long as the hotel bears your daughter's name,

the public will stay away in droves.

Now, Mrs. Ingalls is a fine cook,

she's well-liked,

and she knows what she's doing.

Well, but this is Nellie's place.

Dalton: I only want what's best for the business.

It will still be Nellie's place.

Yes, but that woman's name on the windows?

Dalton: Remember, it's only temporary.

I'll work with Nellie after the restaurant closes,

and as she improves, then she can work with Mrs. Ingalls.

Ugh, well, I don't know.

It's either that or we close.

Doesn't anyone want to know how I feel about this?

Harriet: No.

All right.

All right, Mr. Dalton,

we'll try it your way.

Well, I hope Caroline will agree.

I know she won't give US an answer until she talks to Charles,

and he won't be back till late tomorrow.

I'll go over and see him right after supper.

Oh, merciful heavens!

Have you got something cooking in there, Nellie?

Just pies for tomorrow, father.

I think they're done.

Laura, narrating: Pa met US at the station,

and we gave him the bad news.

He gave me some, too.

Almanzo hadn't come back.

I couldn't wait to get back home and have a good cry.

Pa, stop!

Charles: Whoa.

What's the matter?

Laura: Look!

What is it?

Laura: It's a building for rent.

It's huge. I'm going to go see if it's open.

Half-pint, come on.

Pa, it's just like it was meant to be.

It's an old courthouse.

It's got to be big inside.

Half-pint, the building's huge.

Even in the old part of town, it's going to come dear.

To who?

Who would want to rent an old courthouse?

I'm going to go see if there's anyone inside.

I won't be long, I promise. Be right back.

She's a go-getter.

That she is.

Anybody here?

Sure is big enough.

What you doing in here, girl?

Cat got your tongue? You can't talk? What you doing in here?

I'm trying to catch my breath after you scared me half to death.

Let go of me.

Now, this here is private property.

If you didn't want anyone coming in here,

you should have took down the "for rent" sign and locked the door.

What would a kid like you be doing renting a place like this?

For a school, and I'm not a kid.

Well, you look like a kid.

That's because you're old.

Everybody looks like a kid when you're old.

- Who said? - My grandfather.

Yeah, so, you want to rent this for a school, huh?

Yep, for blind kids.

My sister Mary and her husband are their teachers.

I'm Laura Ingalls.

Well, my name is Houston.

Well, Mr. Houston...

No, it's not Mr. Houston, it's Houston lamb!

Well, don't get so cranky. I didn't know.

Now, how much is the rent?

$100 a month.

Too much.

Well, maybe so, but that's what I'm a-wanting.

Nobody's going to pay that, and you know it.

I don't care, but that's what I'm a-wanting.

Then we got nothing to talk about.

How old are you?

16.

You're mighty growed-up to be 16.

I wish everybody thought that way.

All right, $50 a month, and I get to stay in my room.

You get to stay in your room for 40 a month.

That's a deal, now, when do I get my two months in advance?

You'll get it. We'll be in to clean up next week.

Houston: But what about my two months in advance?

We're going to clean up first.

It will give US enough time to raise the money.

Besides, you have nothing to worry about.

Nobody's going to rent this place looking like this, right?

Right.

See you next week, Houston.

Land sakes, that's a feisty little thing,

just plumb, pure, perfect feisty!

Charles: About to go in there and get you, young lady.

Sorry, $40 a month and it's perfect.

Tons of room, but it's filthy.

I told Houston we'd be back in about a week to clean it up.

Houston?

Yeah, he tries to look real mean, but he's really very nice.

He comes with the place. He won't get in the way.

Whoa, now, slow down, young lady.

Where are we supposed to get $40?

$80. He wants two months in advance.

All right, then just double my question.

The lord will provide. You always say that, pa.

Now, we best get home before it gets dark.

Well, like I said, she's a go-getter.

Yeah, going, going, gone.

Well, figuring the money that Jonathan and your ma and I are going to put in

and kind of a rough estimate of the tuition,

it comes to about $50 a month.

We can do it.

No, darling, I'm afraid we can't.

Why not?

Laura, that only leaves $10 a month for expenses...

Food, repairs, everything.

There's just no way.

Well, I'll be teaching on a regular basis soon. That will help.

But that won't be for quite a while.

We'll just have to wait and pray for that miracle.

I'll get it.

- Nels, come on in. - Charles.

Oh, good evening, everyone.

Maybe I better come back some other time.

I don't want to disturb you.

Nonsense. You want some coffee?

No, thank you. I don't want to take up your time.

I, uh... I just wanted to ask you a favor, Caroline.

Certainly.

Well, the thing is,

I've been losing quite a bit of money on Nellie's place.

I don't need to tell you why.

No, you don't.

Nels: Well, to make a long story short,

Harriet has hired this percival fellow to straighten things out,

and he suggested that if you could work full-time

and we change the name of the place to Caroline's,

we could turn a nice profit.

Well, I'm really very flattered that he has the confidence in me,

but...

I really couldn't afford to spend

more than 3 days away from the family.

I was afraid you were going to say that.

I told him that money wasn't that important to you.

Especially just a few dollars a month.

Oh, well, it would be a good deal more than that.

It's hard to say what you'd be taking home with 50% of the take.

50%?

Yes, that's... that's what percival said.

He wrote some, uh... Figures down, here.

It's just temporary. He's going to train Nellie to take over.

Mm-hmm.

Well, he's going to try to, anyhow.

As Caroline said, she's working 3 days a week

and would like to spend some time with the family.

Caroline: Uh, Charles, could I see you for a minute?

Outside.

Sure.

Caroline: Excuse US.

Sure.

Yeah?

Take a look at this.

Land sakes.

We can rent that building, Charles.

We can do it.

But, Caroline, these are just estimates. I mean, there's no way

you can be sure you're going to make this kind of money.

This percival is supposed to know his business.

I know he is, but...

Charles, I know I can do it, I know I can.

Caroline, I'm sure you can do it,

but nels told you, it's not permanent.

What happens when Nellie comes back?

How do we pay the rent then?

Well, I don't know,

but like you always say, Charles,

the lord will provide.

I wish my family would stop reminding me of what I always say.

Let me, please.

Well, how am I going to say "no"?

All right.

Mr. Oleson, I'll take that job.

Adam, rent that building.

There, now you try.

Dalton: Ms. Oleson, you're not going to learn if you don't try.

Now, please go ahead.

You know, your father's paying me a lot of money to teach you.

The least you could do is make an attempt.

I didn't ask to be taught.

I didn't ask for this restaurant.

And you're short.

Shall we try again?

Why don't you make a shortcake?

How about some short ribs?

Do we need any shortening?

You know, you really ought to write a book,

shortcuts to cooking.

Would you like to try again?

That only took you a short time.

Would you like to try?

Nellie: No, I wouldn't, I wouldn't like to try again!

I hate this place, and I hate cooking, and I hate short people!

My mother gave me this place so I could get a husband. Did you know that?

Well, I don't want a husband, and I don't want this place,

and I don't want to learn how to separate eggs!

There, quasimodo!

I'm all done!

I also have a very short temper.

Why your mother ever built this place for you I'll never know.

You certainly can't cook, and you certainly have no right

to be dealing with the public,

and as pretty as you are, you don't need a restaurant

to catch a husband in the first place.

Caroline: Good morning.

Mrs. Ingalls.

Nellie, what on earth happened?

Something wonderful.

He said I was pretty.

You had no right to do that!

I'm paying you to teach Nellie, not to punish her!

Harriet, Mr. Dalton...

Oh, shut up!

Mrs. Oleson, you are not paying me enough to be insulted.

Now, my advice to you is...

Don't you advise me, young man. I'm the one who hired you.

Will you be quiet?

Now, my advice to you is to forget about Nellie's restaurant.

If Mrs. Ingalls is willing to stay and run the place, then fine.

Otherwise, forget it.

Your daughter has no intention of making a go of it.

Good day.

Mr. Dalton.

What?

I want to apologize for the way I acted.

I was very rude, and I'm deeply sorry.

Apology accepted, now, if you'll excuse me...

Nellie: Please.

Could you give me another chance?

I can learn, I can.

Please?

I know you can learn.

Do you want to?

Yes.

Very much.

All right.

Go get cleaned up.

Thank you.

I'll help her.

Harriet: I'll help you, honey.

Maybe now we'll get some place.

I don't believe it.

I just don't believe it.

Laura:

Laura:

No need to cry alone.

I was trying to be brave.

I kept saying to myself that he's coming back,

but he's not.

He's not coming back.

You don't know that.

Yes, I do.

And I don't care.

He doesn't love me, and I don't love him.

I never really liked him in the first place.

Well, to tell you the truth, neither did I.

He's not that handsome, and he's kind of...

I don't know what the right word is. Awkward, I guess.

I'm not even sure he's that bright.

Oh, no.

He's bright.

He's just real shy.

That's probably why you think he's awkward.

Caroline: Really?

Really.

Well, he's certainly not handsome.

I think he is.

You probably just like men with dark hair.

Caroline: Well, maybe.

You know, Laura,

for someone who doesn't even like him,

you sure thought of a lot of reasons

why you did like him...

Do like him...

And in fact, do love him.

Oh, ma, I want to die.

Oh.

I know.

Oh, I know.

You know...

When your father and I were courting,

we had a bad argument, a bad one,

and he just packed up and left the big woods.

But I bet he came right back.

Caroline: No, he did not.

He was gone for about a month,

and I thought he was never coming back,

and I wanted to die...

At first.

Then, I realized,

if he loved me,

he'd be back.

And if almanzo loves you,

he'll be back.

Caroline: In the meantime,

life goes on.

But it hurts so.

Caroline: The thing to do is to get busy for others.

The more you do, the less time you have to hurt.

You know, Mary and Adam are going to need

all the help they can get with the blind school.

I was talking to Ms. Wilder this afternoon,

and she gave you permission to go to sleepy eye for two weeks.

Caroline: Would you like that?

Yes, I would.

All right, then.

You go to sleep.

Hmm.

How is she?

She's all right.

She's going to sleepy eye for a couple of weeks.

That's a good idea.

In a way, I'm glad this happened.

At least she found out what kind of man she was going to marry,

hurting her like that, leaving her alone, not telling her where he is.

You're right.

Wish I knew where he was. I'd go give him a good thrashing.

He's in sleepy eye.

Huh?

He's in sleepy eye.

He wrote to his sister but made her promise not to tell Laura.

You're sending her to sleepy eye when you know he's in sleepy eye?

Mm-hmm.

Caroline, I don't understand you.

I know.