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(male #1) 'Almighty Father, giver of all good gifts..'

'...who of thy divine providence'

'has provided thy unworthy servants'

'with all things necessary to their bodily sustenance.'

'Grant, we beseech thee, spiritual grace'

'that we may enjoy it in quietness of spirit'

'as proof of thy bounty'

'and render unto thee most humble and hearty thanks.'

- 'Amen.' - 'Amen.'

(male #2) 'No, my dear, Miss Elizabeth.'

'You know we doctors can't do everything.'

[laughing]

Oh, my dear, Dr. Chambers, you've done a great deal.

Yes, but now it's your turn.

You've got to help. You've got to want to get well.

Oh, if I could, I'd be downstairs now

having dinner with papa and the others.

But if you shut a person up in one room for years on end

you can't very well expect to find her

bursting with life and vigor.

Tell me, Miss Elizabeth, have you ventured

on your feet at all lately?

No, hardly at all.

Well, sometimes when I'm feeling venturesome

my maid supports me across the room.

You know, the fact is a change from these surroundings

would do you a world of good.

Italy is the place for you.

Italy..

Oh, no, doctor. This is my Italy.

Rubbish! That's just it. You don't want to go anywhere.

You don't want to see anybody. Confounded, my dear.

Isn't there something you want to do?

Yes, and I'm doing it.

- I'm writing poetry. - Oh!

And there are those who think it isn't such bad poetry.

Mr. Robert Browning has sent me

several kind letters of approval.

Browning? Never heard of him.

- Oh, you will, some day. - I daresay.

Well, I'm glad at least there is something you care about.

[chuckles] Even if it's only poetry?

Yes, only don't overtax yourself.

Alright, one small verse to be written an hour

after each meal with a little water.

Oh!

[laughing]

Oh, doctor, that reminds me.

- Sit down a minute. - Hmm?

You remember papa suggesting to you

that a certain kind of beer called porter might do me good?

Yes, and an excellent suggestion too.

Oh, forgive me.

But it was nothing of the kind.

I've had to drink it twice a day and in consequence

my life has become one long misery.

- Bless my soul. - I'm not exaggerating.

- One long misery. - You poor, little lady.

Now, it's no use my appealing to papa.

But if you, dear, dear, Dr. Chambers were to suggest to him

that something else might be equally beneficial--

What would you say to a couple of glasses

of hot milk as a substitute?

Oh, I hate milk, but I'll drink it all day long

if you'll only rescue me from porter.

[knock on door]

Come in.

Beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth.

May I take the tray now?

(Elizabeth) 'Yes, Wilson.'

- Well, goodbye, Miss Elizabeth. - Goodbye, doctor.

- And you won't forget-- - Goodbye. Eh?

P-O-R-T-E-R.

I'll speak to him about it now.

Oh, thank you, doctor. Thank you.

Goodnight, dear. Goodnight, old man.

Goodnight, doctor.

Quick, Wilson, away with it!

- What, miss? - The porter. Take it away.

Quick and never mention the word to me again.

Very good, miss. Since you haven't had your porter--

I told you never to mention the word to me again.

Now take it away. Please. Please.

Very good, Miss Ba.

Hello, dear. May we come in?

(Elizabeth) 'Yes, come in.'

- How was dinner? Was papa-- - He was, and dinner was awful.

- Henrietta. - Awful, awful, awful.

Oh, Ba dear, I do hope for all our sakes

that Dr. Chambers' report of you isn't too good.

- It won't be. - Oh, darling.

Forgive me, dearest. You know I didn't mean it, don't you?

But any good news seems to depress him so.

It isn't papa's fault, I suppose.

In his way, he loves us all.

In his way..

[bell ringing]

Eight o'clock. Oh!

Captain Cook?

Is he nice?

He seems quite nice.

I can't tell, of course. He isn't allowed to call.

Do you think it's serious?

Oh, Ba, I hope not.

You remember when young Mr. Paul Frey

wanted to marry her two years ago?

Those dreadful scenes with papa.

He's there.

Oh, Ba, I wish you could see him.

He's so tall and so soldierly.

- I can imagine. - It's so mean.

He'll wait there for hours

just hoping that I can slip out for a moment.

And so I will.

- But, Henrietta, papa? - Oh, I know.

Oh, it's dreadfully imprudent, dear, and not very ladylike.

I don't care. I don't care! I..

[knock on door]

Hello, Ba dear, I've just come to see how you are

and to wish you goodnight.

[knock on door]

Come in. Come in, Henry.

(Henry) 'Well, Ba dear, how are you?'

Better, thank you.

[knock on door]

How's our dear Ba tonight?

- Alfred. - 'How are you, Ba?'

I do think you're looking a little better.

Do you think so?

- What do you say, Charles? - Huh?

Looking better, don't you know. More herself, what?

- 'Well, Septimus.' - 'How's Ba tonight?'

The doctor's just been, hasn't he?

I'm afraid he wasn't too pleased with you.

No?

Not looking quite so well, is she, Albert?

On the contrary, I think she's looking considerably better.

So does Charles. Don't you, Charles?

- Huh? - 'Come in, George.'

(George) 'Ba dear.'

How's the world's greatest poetess?

The world's greatest poetess is much better, thank you.

Hello, Flush, old chum.

[knock on door]

Come in.

A note for Mr. George.

- Hah! - I wonder what's in the note.

A note?

- From the master, sir. - Oh, thank you.

When papa starts sending out notes from his study

look out for squalls.

- Read it, George! - Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye!

This is undoubtedly a royal decree.

Given at our study at 50 Wimpole Street

on this the 19th day of November, 1845. God save papa!

[all laughing]

What is it, George?

You'll all be interested to learn that papa

is going to Plymouth on business next week and..

And what? Go on!

And that he's not expected to return

for at least a fortnight.

[squealing]

George, how wonderful. How marvelous.

- George, do you polk? - Don't be childish.

Well, I polk.

♪ Ha ha ha you and me ♪

♪ Little brown jug don't I love thee ♪

♪ Ha ha ha you and me ♪

♪ Little brown jug don't I love thee ♪

♪ My wife and I lived all alone ♪

♪ In a little brown hut we called our own ♪

♪ She loves gin and I love rum ♪

♪ Tell you what don't we have fun ♪

♪ Ha ha ha you and me ♪

♪ Little brown jug don't I love thee ♪

♪ Ha ha ha you and me ♪

♪ Little brown jug don't I love thee ♪

♪ Ha ha ha.. ♪♪

Good evening, papa.

I am most displeased.

I think I have told you not once but several times

that in your sister's very precarious state of health

it is not advisable for more than three of you

to be in her room at the same time.

Do all of you know that she must avoid

every kind of excitement and yet I find you romping around her

'like a lot of disorderly children.'

I am gravely displeased.

[laughing]

I am not aware that I have said anything amusing, Henrietta.

I beg your pardon, papa.

May I ask what you were doing

as I came into the room?

I was...showing Ba how to polk.

To polk?

How to, uh..

How...to dance th-the polka.

I see.

Well, Ba, I think I'll say goodnight--

I should be grateful if you'd allow me to finish speaking.

Sorry, sir. I thought you w-were done.

Are you being insolent, sir?

- No, indeed, sir, I assure-- - Very well, now--

Papa, I like nothing better than a little noise occasionally.

Perhaps you will forgive my saying, Elizabeth

that you're not the best judge of what is good or bad for you.

And that brings me to what I came here to speak to you about.

Dr. Chambers has just told me that you have persuaded him

to allow you to discontinue drinking porter.

It needed very little persuasion, papa.

I said I detested porter and then he agreed at once

that I should take milk instead.

I questioned him closely as to the comparative

strength giving values of milk and porter

and he was forced to admit that porter came decidedly first.

That may be, but when you dislike a thing to loathing

well, I don't see how it can do you any good.

Your likes and dislikes are quite

beside the point in a case like this.

Yes, papa, Dr. Chambers himself--

I have told you what Dr. Chambers said.

- Yes, but, papa-- - Did you drink it at dinner?

No.

Then I hope you'll will do so before you go to bed.

No, papa. That's really asking too much.

I can't drink the horrible stuff in cold blood.

Of course, I have no means of coercing you

but I intend to give your better nature

every chance of asserting itself.

A tankard of porter will be left at your bedside

and I hope that by tomorrow you will be able to tell me

that you have obeyed your father.

I'm sorry, papa, but I shan't drink it.

Henrietta, go and fetch a tankard of porter.

No.

I beg your pardon?

It's sheer cruelty. You know how Ba hates the stuff.

Y-you're just torturing her because you like torturing.

I have told you to fetch a tankard of porter.

- I won't do it. - Must I ask you a third time?

- Obey me this instant! - Papa!

Go and fetch it, Henrietta. Go at once.

- I can't stand this. - Oh, no, Ba--

Please, please.

You would all better say goodnight to your sister.

- Goodnight, darling. - Goodnight, Ba dear.

- Goodnight, Ba. - Goodnight, darling.

Goodnight, Ba.

Give it to me, please.

No. You may go.

Goodnight, Ba darling.

You may go.

- Elizabeth. - Yes.

Why do you look at me like that, child?

- 'Are you frightened?' - No.

'You're trembling. Why?'

- I, I don't know. - You're not frightened of me.

What..

No, no.

Don't say it. I couldn't bear it.

You're everything in the world to me, you know that.

Without you, I should be quite alone, you know that too.

And if you love me, you can't be afraid of me

for love casts out fear.

You love me, my darling?

- You love your father? - Yes.

And you will prove your love by doing as I wish.

But I don't understand. I was going to drink--

Yes, out of fear, not love. Listen to me, my dear.

I shall never in any way reproach you.

You shall never know by deed, or word, or hint of mine

how much you have grieved and wounded your father

by refusing to do the little thing he asked.

Oh, papa.

Let us get this over and forget it.

I can't forgive myself for having made the whole house

miserable over a tankard of porter.

You're acting of your own free will and not--

Yes, papa. Yes.

You're not feeling any worse tonight, my darling.

- No, papa. - 'Just tired?'

- Yes, just tired. - I'd better leave you now.

Shall I say a little prayer with you before I go?

Please, papa.

Almighty and merciful God

in thine inscrutable wisdom thou hast seen fit to lay

upon thy daughter, Elizabeth grievous and heavy afflictions.

For many years, she hath languished in sickness

and for many years, unless in thy mercy

thou take her to thyself, she may languish on.

Give her to bear her sufferings in patience.

Give her to fix her heart and soul on thee

and on that heavenly eternity which may at any moment

open out before her.

'Amen.'

Amen.

Goodnight, my child.

Goodnight, papa.

[instrumental music]

[knock on door]

Ready for your bed now, Miss Ba.

Oh, what a pity.

These flowers are dead. Just since this morning.

I thought they'd live longer.

Nothing lives in this room.

What was that, miss?

Oh, Wilson, I'm so tired.

Tired, tired.

- Will it never end? - End, miss?

This long, long gray death in life.

Oh, Miss Ba, you shouldn't say such things.

No, I suppose I shouldn't.

Is it a fine night, Wilson?

Yes, miss, it's cleared up nicely after the rain.

And there's such a lovely moon.

Moon? Do you think I could see it from here?

- Mm, I don't know I'm sure. - Draw back the curtains.

'There you are. The moon's right above the chimleys.'

Yes.

Please put out the lamps, Wilson, and..

...leave me for a little while.

I don't wanna go to bed quite yet.

'Very well, Miss Ba.'

[instrumental music]

[sobbing]

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Be careful.

Don't talk to me.

The woman opposite is watching.

Listen, but don't look at me.

It was kind of you to come so far

and in the snow.

I wish I could ask you in, but I daren't.

Aren't you freezing? Don't answer me!

You're so tall.

I wish I could see you in full uniform. Could I?

Don't tell me!

I-I daren't stay any longer. It looks so odd.

And in this weather.

I'll come again tomorrow. You'll wait for me, won't you?

Don't tell me.

- Goodbye. Goodbye. - Miss Barrett.

- Hush! - But I say, Miss Barrett.

If the thing were only in the proper footing..

If you'd permit me to call on your father..

Oh, you mustn't think of it.

Why you'd be ordered out of the house.

But if I made it quite clear?

My intention's perfectly honorable and all that.

Oh, but that would make it worse.

It would be simply fatal, don't you see?

I can't say that I do.

Papa would never permit any of us to marry.

A marriage in the family?

Well, he just almost goes insanely angry

if you talk of it.

Yes, but I-I mean..

Oh, I say!

I've proposed and I thought it would be so difficult.

Oh, yes, Wilson, I'm quite ready for my lunch.

You've had your lunch, Miss Ba.

Oh, yes, of course. I enjoyed it very much.

Hadn't you better keep covered up?

Oh, these cold days are that treacherous.

No, it's quite beyond me. I give it up.

Beg pardon?

Wilson, have you noticed anything strange in me today?

- Strange, miss? - Yes, strange.

I mean stupid, thickheaded, idiotic.

- Good gracious, no-- - Very well.

But now, listen carefully and see what you can make of this.

"And after, for pastime, if June be refulgent

"with flowers in completeness all petals, no prickles

'"delicious as trickles of wine poured at mass time'

'"and choose one indulgent to redness and sweetness'

'"or if, with experience of man and of spider'

"June use my June-lightning, the strong insect-rider

to stop the fresh film work, why June will consider."

Well, I call that just lovely, Miss Ba.

Yes, but do you know what it means?

Oh, no, miss.

Does it convey anything at all to your mind?

- Oh, no, Miss Ba. - Well, thank heaven for that.

But then, real poetry never does, miss.

Leastways not real poetry like what you make.

Oh, but I didn't write that. It's by Mr. Browning.

Oh, he must be a clever gentleman.

Oh, Ba. Cousin Bella is here. May she come in?

- Yes, dear. - Oh, and, Ba, just think.

She's engaged. She's going to be married.

- Oh! - Cousin Elizabeth!

- Dear, dear cousin. - Bella, dear.

- What's this I hear? Engaged? - Yes.

I just had to wun wight over and tell you.

- Well, congratulations, dear. - Isn't it too thrilling?

Hawwy couldn't come, but I'll bring him next time.

- May I? Oh, you'll love Hawwy. - I'm sure we shall. Harry who?

Hawwy Bevan. Oh, Henrietta, the very person!

'I want want you to be one of my bwidesmaids.'

- A bridesmaid? - 'Yes, you simply must.'

- Cousin Bella's engaged. - She's going to be married.

And I want you to be a bwidesmaid.

Oh, oh, yes, at your wedding. Oh, thank you.

It's going to be a great big wedding.

Twelve bwidesmaids.

You must help me to pick out the dresses.

And I'm going to wear mother's wedding veil.

Don't you just love weddings, Henrietta?

Yes, I-I love weddings.

And we're going to Pawis on our honeymoon, and then to Wome

and then we're going to take the deawest, sweetest little house.

Isn't it just too thrilling for words?

And I'll be so happy to have you for a bwidesmaid.

Oh, thank you, Bella. Of course, I'd love to if-if papa..

Oh, I don't see how he can possibly object.

Object? Isn't she funny, Ba?

You're only asked to be a bwidesmaid, not a bwide.

Yes, I know, Bella, but..

- Oh, it's so hard to explain. - But what's the matter?

You know what's the matter.

It's simply that nothing, nothing at all

must happen without papa's sanction.

We've got to obey his least whim.

Why, we can't move hand or foot without his permission.

We haven't got a soul of our own, not-not one of us.

- Henrietta! - Well, have we? Have we, Ba?

I tell you, Bella, he'll more than likely refuse to let me be

your bridesmaid and just because he's in a beastly temper.

My gracious, Cousin Henrietta

you mustn't say such things about Uncle Edward.

And I'm afraid we're disturbing poor, dear Cousin Elizabeth.

Poor, Ba. So pale, so fwagile, so ethereal.

One has only to see your dear face

to know how near you are to heaven.

I wouldn't quite say that, Bella.

Oh, yes, you always have a look in your eyes, darling

as though you already saw the angel.

I really must be going.

Goodbye. I'll come again and bring Hawwy.

Yes, do.

Oh, you mustn't tell anybody about my getting mawwied.

It's to be a big surprise.

And don't worry, Cousin Henrietta.

I'll manage dear Uncle Edward.

Men are really so easy to manage, if you just know how.

But, of course, you girls have had so little experience.

[chuckles] Goodbye, dear, dear cousins.

Well, why don't you say something?

What do you want me to say?

Nothing.

Oh, Ba, darling, don't disown me.

I deserve it, I know, but I couldn't help it.

- I'm so miserable. - Miserable, dear?

Yes, and so-so wildly happy.

Oh, Ba, darling. Do you mind if I tell you about it?

I oughtn't to, I know because if papa ever found out

you knew about it, he'd vent half his anger

on you for not warning him.

What are you talking about, dear?

Surtees has just asked me to marry him.

- Surtees? - Captain Cook.

I've told you about him, Ba. The guardsman, you know.

- Yes, I remember, dear. - And of course.

I expected him and said that I couldn't

and I had to tell him that we must never, never

see each other again so when we meet tomorrow--

But you're not talking sense, child.

What really has happened?

I don't know, Ba.

Except that we both love each other..

...terribly.

Oh, my darling.

But, Henrietta, papa..

Oh, do you think I haven't thought of that?

He'll never consent, dear. Never.

I know.

Ba dear, is there anything, anything at all

to be said for papa's attitude toward marriage?

Can it possibly be wrong to-to want a man's love desperately

and to long for babies of my own?

Love and babies are something I don't know very much about.

Oh, I know, dear, you're a woman apart.

But-but love and babies are natural to an ordinary girl

like me, and what's natural can't be wrong.

No, and yet the holiest men and women renounce these things.

Oh, I daresay, Ba. But I'm not holy.

Oh, it's different for you. You're a great genius.

Oh, yes, you are. You've got your work and your studies.

But do you know, Ba? Sometimes I wonder.

Are you, are you completely satisfied?

Is it enough just to-to correspond

with Mr. Browning, for instance?

Don't you sometimes wish that you could see him?

If I could see and not be seen.

Why?

Because at heart, I'm as vain as a peacock.

He thinks my verse is stately and beautiful.

He probably thinks me the same.

It would be so humiliating to disillusion him.

Oh, don't be silly, Ba.

You're very interesting and picturesque.

Isn't that how the guidebooks usually describe a ruin?

- Oh, Ba, I didn't mean it. - Of course not, dear.

Tell me, is your friend very nice?

- Surtees? - Yes.

- Oh, yes. - I see.

Oh, Ba, what are we to do?

Ba, do you think it would be wiser

if we were never to see each other again?

I think it might be wiser, dear.

Oh!

But at your age, one shouldn't be too wise.

Oh, Ba. Ba.

Come in.

A gentleman just brought this, dear.

- A gentleman? - Yes.

And he said he would wait for an answer.

Really? Excuse me.

- Who is it from? - Why, Henrietta!

A moment, dear.

- Oh! - Oh, Ba dear, whatever is it?

Ba, dear.

[gasps]

- Well, really! - Please tell us, darling.

Why, Ba, you're blushing.

And no wonder. Listen to this.

"Dear Miss Barrett, I am unable to restrain

"my impatience to meet you and have taken it upon myself

to select February, the 15th.." That's today.

"...for that important occasion.

"And I am at this moment seated in your front hall

awaiting your permission to present myself."

Wait a moment, there's more.

"I might add that I shall continue

"to sit here until you gratify the earnest desire

"that prompts my impertinent persistence.

Sincerely yours, Robert Browning."

Robert Browning!

Oh, Ba, I like this Mr. Browning.

- You must see him. - No, I can't.

- At least not today. - Oh, but you should.

It can't do you any harm. Why not?

I don't feel up to it. Really, I don't. Another time.

I shall go and see him myself and I'll send him up.

No, Henrietta! Stay here.

I can't see him. I really don't feel that I could see him now.

Arabel, tell Mr. Browning that I am very sorry

but I'm...I'm not well enough to see him.

Oh, but, Ba, that's not true. You can't send him away.

But I'd much, much rather not see him.

Oh, fudge. You're not a silly schoolgirl.

I'll bring him up myself.

- Is my hair tidy? - Yes, dear.

- You look quite nice. - Really?

- Arabel, fix the covers. - Yes.

Flush, get down there.

- Arabel. - Yes, dear?

No.

Yes. No, never mind.

- Yes, dear. - Thank you.

Well..

Well..

Arabel!

- Arabel, do I.. - Yes, darling.

You do. Really.

Mr. Robert Browning.

Miss Barrett.

Dear Miss Barrett, at last.

- At last! - How do you do, Mr. Browning?

I've had to put off the pleasure of meeting you

much longer than I wished.

- Yes, yes, that is it. - I beg your pardon?

- That voice. - I don't--

I've heard that voice a thousand times.

How strange.

As you know from my letters, I've-I've not been at all well

this winter and I..

Won't you take off your cape?

Thank you.

Wonderful!

Wonderful!

Yeah!

You may think, Miss Barrett, that this is the first time

I've been here, but you're quite wrong, you know.

- But.. - Oh, yes, quite wrong.

I've seen this room more times than I can remember.

It's as familiar to me as my own little study at home.

Before I came in, I knew just how your books were arranged.

Just how that tendril of ivy slanted across the windowpane.

And those busts of Homer and Chaucer are quite old friends.

Oh, no, really.

You know, I could never make out

who those other fellas were on the top of the wardrobe.

Oh, come, Mr. Browning, I can't believe that one of my friends

has bored you with a description of my poor, little room.

I have pestered them for all the details I could possibly get.

And my imagination supplied the rest.

Directly after I'd read your brave

and lovely verses, I was greedy for anything

and everything I could get about you.

Oh, what they must have told you.

Oh, nothing they told me about you personally

had the slightest interest for me

because I knew it already, and better than they.

Oh, Mr. Browning, do my writings give me so hopelessly away?

Hopelessly, utterly, entirely. To me.

Of course, I can't speak for the rest of the world.

I'm afraid it will be quite useless..

...my ever trying to playact with you.

Quite useless.

I shall always have to be just myself.

Always.

But you, you're never yourself in any of your poems.

It's always somebody else speaking through you.

Yes, and shall I tell you why? I'm a very modest man.

I am, really.

We didn't question that, Mr. Browning.

So modest, I fully realize that if I wrote about myself

my poems would be intolerably dull.

Oh, but those poems.

With their glad and greathearted acceptance of life.

You can't imagine what they mean to me.

Here I am shut in by these four walls and..

...and they troop into my room, those wonderful people of yours.

Out of every age, and country, and..

...and all so tingling with life.

No, you'll never begin to realize just..

...just how much I do owe you.

You really mean that?

I..

Well, of course, you do, or you wouldn't say it.

You don't find me difficult, obscure?

- So many people do. - Well, surely not.

Yet to me, it's all simple and easy as the rule of three.

- And to you? - Well, not quite always.

Sometimes there are passages that..

I've marked one or two in your "Sordello"

which rather puzzled me.

Ah, "Sordello." Ha, ha!

Somebody once called it a horror of great darkness.

I've done my best to forget it.

- Here, for instance. - However..

But then, a passage torn from its context..

"All petals, no prickles.

No prickles like trickles."

- Well? - Well, Miss Barrett.

When that passage was written, only God and Robert Browning

understood it. Now, only God understands it.

What do you say, shall we lighten this great darkness

by pitching it on the fire?

No, indeed, we shall do nothing of the kind.

Please give me back the book.

I love "Sordello."

You would. Of course, you would.

And shall I tell you why?

Because it is a colossal failure.

If by a failure, you mean an attempt

yes, you're right.

That's just why "Sordello" appeals to my very heart.

I too am always making colossal attempts.

[chuckles] And always failing.

But is not one such failure worth a hundred small successes?

- Oh, a thousand and more. - You think so too?

But of course. I knew that.

Miss Barrett, you smiled when I told you that your friends

had no need to describe you because I knew you already.

But what you've just told me about success and failure

proves to me finally how right I was.

Tell me, did your fancy paint my background

with a very gloomy brush?

The background possibly.

But the portrait of you..

...I had painted with the true soul of you.

Ardent and lovely looking out of it.

Ardent and lovely.

Oh, Mr. Browning, you think you know me.

Too often impatient and rebellious.

Well, what of it, I've no love

for perfect patience under affliction.

My portrait is the portrait of a woman, not a saint.

I suppose people have told you that I'm..

...that I'm a dying woman.

We are all of us dying.

And you find me a very pitiable object?

I find you as I pictured you.

Full of courage and gaiety.

And yet I'm not at all sure that my colors were too somber.

- But-- - No, no. Listen to me.

Those colors are not yet dry. They must be scraped off.

The whole background must be repainted.

And if only you will allow it

I must have a hand in that splendid work.

- But, Mr. Browning-- - No, listen.

I'll dip my brush in the sunrise

in the sunset and the rainbow.

You say my verses have helped you but they are nothing.

It's I, I who am going to help you now.

We've come together at last

and I don't intend to let you go again.

- But-- - Give me your hands.

I've more strength than is good for one man.

Up to now, I've spent a little of all that surplus energy

in creating imaginary men and women.

But there's still so much to give.

Mayn't I give it to you?

Don't you feel new life tingling and prickling

up your fingers and arms right into your heart and brain?

Oh, please.

Mr. Browning, please let go of my hands.

Well..

You're really rather an overwhelming person and..

- And in sober truth, I-- - No.

Don't tell me that you're afraid of me. You're not.

It's life you're afraid of, and that shouldn't be.

- Life? - Yes.

When life becomes a series of electric shocks, I..

- Was it as bad as all that? - Indeed, yes.

Do you, do you affect other people in that way?

Well, they've often told me so.

Well, no wonder I hesitated about meeting you

much as I wanted to.

You know you'll laugh at me, Mr. Browning

but when my sister told me that you were downstairs, I..

...I was so panic-stricken that I-I almost sent a message down

saying that I was too unwell to receive you.

I think I must've been quite as nervous as you at that moment.

And I'm anything but a nervous man as a rule.

But that moment was the climax of my life..

...up to now.

Miss Barrett, do you remember

the first letter I ever wrote you?

Yes, indeed. It was a wonderful letter.

You may have thought I dashed it off in a fit

of white-hot enthusiasm over your poems, but I didn't.

I weighed every word of every sentence.

And of one sentence in particular. This sentence.

"I love your books with all my heart.

And I love you too." Do you remember?

Yes, and I thought it was charmingly impulsive of you.

But I tell you, there was nothing impulsive about it.

That sentence was as deeply felt and anxiously thought over

as any sentence I've ever written.

I hope I have many readers like you.

It's wonderful to think I may have good friends

all over the world whom-whom I've never seen or heard of.

But I'm not speaking of friendship, but of love.

No, no, it's quite useless your trying to put aside the word

with a smile and a jest.

I said love and I mean love.

But really, Mr. Browning, I must ask you to--

I'm as sane and level-headed as any man alive.

Yet all these months, since first I read your poems

I've been haunted by you.

And today, you are the center of my life.

Mr. Browning, if I were to take you seriously

it would, of course, mean the quick finish of a friendship

which, oh, which promises to be very pleasant to both of us.

Why?

Well, you know very well that love in the sense

that you apparently use the word..

...has no place, and-and can have no place in my life.

- Why? - Well, for many reasons.

But let this suffice.

As I told you before..

...I am a dying woman.

I refuse to believe it.

Well, if that were so, God would be cruel.

And I know that He's compassionate.

And life would be dark and evil, and I know that it's good.

You must never say such a thing again.

I forbid you to.

- Forbid, Mr. Browning? - Yes, forbid.

Isn't it only fair that if you forbid me to speak with you

as I feel and I accept your orders, as I must..

...that I should be allowed a little forbidding as well?

Yes, but I..

Dear Miss Barrett

what a splendid beginning to our friendship.

We've known each other a bare half hour

and yet we talk intimately of art, and life

and death, and love.

We've ordered each other about and we've almost quarreled.

Could anything be happier or more promising?

With your permission, I'm going now.

I, uh, I promised myself to make my first visit

as short as possible as, uh..

...strangers undoubtedly tire you.

Not that I am a stranger but..

...still I-I could see that you're tired.

When may I call again?

I...I-I don't quite know.

Will next Wednesday suit you?

Yes, I-I think so, but perhaps it would be better--

- Next Wednesday then. - But..

- At, uh, half past three again? - Yes, but I--

Au revoir then.

Goodbye.

Au revoir.

- Au revoir. - Thank you.

[panting]

[instrumental music]

(male #3) 'Splendid, splendid.'

'Really remarkable.'

'Once more, please.'

My dear, Miss Barrett, I congratulate you.

Now sit down.

You've done wonders, doctor.

Oh, the real healer is no one but Miss Barrett herself.

The will to live is better than a dozen physicians.

The will to live. Hmm, yes.

Well, now, Miss Barrett, about the future.

I fully agree with Dr. Chambers that another winter

in London must be avoided.

I see no reason against your travelling south

by October, say?

- Travelling south. - To the Riviera.

Or better still, to Italy.

Italy? Oh! Oh, doctor.

- Do you really mean it? - Why not?

I have taken the liberty to tell the doctor of the only

real difficulty, and he's quite prepared to deal with him.

Quite, and drastically.

Oh, but I don't think it will be necessary.

Papa may not raise any objection at all.

It all depends on how he's feeling at the time.

Oh, fiddlesticks, my dear young lady

Mr. Barrett's feelings are neither here nor there.

What matters is his daughter's health and happiness.

And I intend to make clear to him. Quite clear.

What a beautiful day it is. Goodbye, my dear, Miss Barrett.

No no, don't get up, don't get up.

I'm delighted with your improvement.

Delighted.

Now for a little talk with your father.

- Goodbye, Miss Elizabeth. - Goodbye, doctor.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Italy! Italy! Italy!

Oh, and you're coming too, Flush. We'll see Rome together.

Rome, Venice and Naples. See Naples and die.

Only I'm not going to die.

I'm-I'm not going to die.

[knock on door]

- Yes? - Mr. Browning is here, Miss Ba.

- You may ask him to come up. - 'Very good, miss.'

No, wait.

Don't trouble. I'll go down.

Oh, Miss Ba. You won't think of it.

I shall not only think of it but do it.

What's more, I shall do it alone.

You must let me help you. It's not safe.

You've not walked downstairs for years.

Ah, let me alone, Wilson. I shall be quite alright.

I can do anything.

- You see? - Oh, Miss Ba.

(Elizabeth) 'Mr. Browning.'

(Robert) 'It is you!'

Well, this is magnificent.

Magnificent.

I, well, I, it-it..

- I can't.. - And I did it all alone.

I walked down those stairs alone, a hundred of them.

- A hundred? - Well, fifty.

[laughing] This is only the first step.

In a little while, you'll be able to drive

and to walk in the park in the sun and fresh air.

Come, come, sit down.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Wonderful!

Here. Sit here in the sunlight.

Careful.

There we are.

There. Now, that's the setting I've dreamed for you.

The setting I'm going to keep you in.

Now, tell me. Tell me quickly. I've been in suspense all day.

You've seen the doctors. What did they say?

Dr. Ford-Waterlow was quite taken out of his grumpy self

with astonished delight at my improvement.

- Say that again. - Must I? The whole sentence?

I should like to see it in letters of fire

burning at me from each of these four walls.

This is the best moment I've had since the day I gave myself

permission to call on you.

- How many years ago was that? - Three months.

[laughing] Absurd! We've always been friends.

I've known you a lifetime and over.

So he was quite taken out of his grumpy self with delight,

- Was he? Splendid. - Yes.

Of course, I never once doubted that you'd turn the corner

some day. I've told you so a hundred times.

And Italy? Both doctors agreed about your wintering there?

Yes. Isn't it wonderful?

I'm quite off my head with excitement.

Unless, of course, papa should withhold his consent and..

Oh, that I simply refuse to anticipate.

Oh, when do they think you'd be fit for travelling?

The middle of October

unless there's a relapse.

Relapse? Why, there isn't such a word.

October? That's extraordinary.

Well, you know, October suits my own plans to perfection.

Your plan?

Don't you remember my telling you that I had thought

of wintering in Italy myself?

Well, now I'm quite decided.

[laughing]

Oh, papa, isn't it wonderful?

I-I walked downstairs.

So I observe.

A miracle, sir. Nothing more or less than a miracle.

Did your doctors authorize this amazing imprudence?

I should not have been surprised if they had.

Aren't you proud of me, papa?

Why, sir, there should be dancing in the streets.

A general holiday.

Mr. Browning..

...my daughter's health has been my main concern for many years.

You'll permit me to remind you that I'm much better informed

on the subject than an outsider?

I shall carry you to your room.

Oh, no, papa.

- I don't need you, really. - Surely, Mr. Barrett--

Mr. Browning, I must say goodbye.

Thank you for calling.

(Edward) Elizabeth.

'Elizabeth.'

'You can't do it.'

'Elizabeth.'

- There, my child. - I'm alright, papa.

I could have done it.

You overestimate your strength.

All this talk and activity is most harmful.

I'd appreciate it if you tried to get a little sleep.

- 'Papa.' - Well?

I'm alright, really I am.

Dr. Ford-Waterlow said I was. Didn't he tell you?

Dr. Ford-Waterlow talked, if I may say so

a great deal of nonsense.

I'm naturally more than gratified at your improvement.

I'm delighted, of course, my poor child.

It's unlikely you'll ever be a normal woman.

But I do feel so much better.

Perhaps it's the wonderful weather we've been having.

I always thrive in warmth, sunshine--

Rubbish, last time, it was sweltering

and you've never been worse than then.

No, to my mind, there is only one whom we have

to thank though this doctor, what's his name

'would probably sneer if I mentioned Him.'

- Him? - I mean, Almighty God.

That's all I have to say for the present.

- 'Papa.' - What is it?

Didn't he tell you that I should avoid spending

next winter in England?

Well..

And that he thinks I should be able to travel to Italy

in October?

'If you..'

So...it's out at last.

And how long has this precious plot been hatching, may I ask?

You've discussed your plans with all your friends and relatives.

I suppose, with this Browning fellow too.

I, I alone am left out of my favorite daughter's confidence.

'Treated like a cipher, insulted.'

Oh, insulted?

I'm cut to the heart that you, the only one of my children

whom I trusted implicitly should be capable

of such underhand conduct.

No, papa. No!

'If returning health must bring with it'

'such a sad change of character'

I shall be driven to wish you were once more

lying helpless on this sofa.

There's nothing more to be said.

But there is more to be said.

And I must beg you to listen, papa.

How many years have I lain here?

Five, six? It's hard to remember.

Each year seemed like ten to me.

And all that time, I've had nothing to look forward to

or hope for, but death.

- Death? - Yes, death!

I was born with a large capacity for happiness.

You remember me as a little girl.

And then when life brought me little happiness and much pain

I was, I was often impatient for the end.

- Elizabeth! - And then..

Then this miracle happened.

Day by day, I'm better able to..

...to take and enjoy such good things that

everyone has a right to.

Able to meet my friends, to breathe the open air

to feel the sun, and see the grass and flowers

beneath the sky.

When Dr. Chambers first spoke to me of Italy, I..

...I put the idea from me. It seemed too impossibly wonderful.

But as I grew stronger, it-it came over me like a revelation

that Italy wasn't an impossibility at all.

That nothing stood in my way of going.

That I really had a right to go.

- Right? - Yes, every right!

Oh, in my eagerness, I-I may have acted mistakenly

stupidly, tactlessly, but..

...but to call my conduct underhand and deceitful is..

...is more than unkind. It's unjust.

It's cruel.

Self! Self! Self!

No thought, no consideration for anyone but yourself.

For anything but your pleasure.

Didn't it ever once occur to you that all through

the long dark months you propose to enjoy yourself in Italy

your father would be left here utterly alone?

- Alone? - Utterly alone.

Your brothers and sisters might as well be shadows

for all the companionship they afford me.

And you, oh, my child, don't think that I haven't noticed

that you too are slowly drawing away from your father.

- That's not true. - It is true.

New life, new interests, new pleasures, new friends

and little by little, I'm being pushed into the background.

I who used to be your whole world.

I who loved you.

- Who love you. - But, papa--

No, there's nothing more to be said.

You want my consent for this Italian jaunt.

I shall neither give it nor withhold it.

'If you go, I hope you will sometimes'

'spare a thought for your father.'

'Think of him at night'

stealing alone into this empty room

which once held all he loved.

Think of him kneeling alone by the empty sofa

imploring the Good Shepherd to have..

[knock on door]

Who's that?

I shall come to you again when you have had time

to consider the wisdom of my words.

Well, Flush..

...it seems we aren't going to Italy.

- Cousin Elizabeth. - Bella, dear.

- I brought Hawwy to see you. - Oh, I'm so glad.

Ba, this is my fiance, my dear, dear Hawwy.

Mr. Bevan, Miss Elizabeth Barrett.

Delighted, Miss Barrett. Charmed.

No, no, Hawwy. You must take her hand.

Such a little hand, so frail, so spiwitual.

Yes, and a hand that pens so much that is noble and eloquent.

- Oh, thank you. - I am honored, Miss Barrett.

- So nice of you to come. - Thank you.

We'll only stay a minute.

I trust you're not too weary of being congratulated

upon the prize you've won.

Thank you, Miss Barrett. A prize indeed.

Dear Hawwy. Dear Ba. And doesn't Henrietta look lovely?

She'll be quite the prettiest of my bwidesmaids.

Indeed, I'm afraid she'll draw all eyes from the little bwide.

At any wate, all the gentlemen's.

- Oh, Bella, dear. - And fancy, Ba.

If I hadn't spoken to Uncle Edward myself

I should never have had her for a bwidesmaid.

Yes, my dear, you-you certainly have a way with you.

Spoken to papa? I like that.

While you sat on his knees and stroked his whiskers.

And why not? Isn't he my uncle?

And besides that, I think he's most fwightfully thrilling.

I adore that stern and gloomy type of gentlemen.

Oh, come, come, my pet.

And I must tell you, Ba, how much I adore your poems.

Especially when dear Hawwy weads them.

He weads so beautifully. And he too adores your poems.

Which ought to please you, as he's dreadfully critical.

Oh, not at all, not at all.

But dear Hawwy is so frightfully earnest.

[knock on door]

- Yes? - Excuse me, Miss Elizabeth.

Mr. Browning's downstairs.

Oh!

- Ask him to wait, please. - Oh, no, dear cousin.

Ask him to come right up.

We have to go downstairs and have tea with Uncle Edward.

And besides, we wouldn't dream

of interrupting your tete-a-tete.

Isn't it thrilling, Hawwy? Mr. Browning's a poet.

And Elizabeth's a poet. Isn't that a coincidence?

So quaint, my pet, quaint.

Ask Mr. Browning to come up now, Wilson.

Yes, and I'm quite sure that the tea is ready.

[gasps] Arrivederci, dearest Ba.

- May I come soon again? - Yes.

Come whenever you like, Bella dear.

And next time, I shall want you all to myself.

- Without Hawwy. - But why must I be excluded?

Because I've heaps and heaps to tell dear Ba about a certain big

big man who might easily grow conceited if he heard me.

Oh, come, come, my pet.

It has been a pleasure, Miss Barrett.

It was nice of you to come and see me.

Not at all.

I have long been looking forward

to the honor of meeting you.

- Thank you. - Good day.

Goodbye.

- Au revoir, darling. - Auf wiedersehen.

Good day.

Oh, Mr. Browning. I'm so thrilled to see you.

It is Mr. Browning, isn't it?

It must be because I've often heard him

called the handsomest poet in England.

Of course, you don't know poor little me.

Nevertheless, madam, I thank you.

Isn't he wonderful? Isn't he divine?

The loveliest little shivers are wunning right down my back.

Oh, come, come, my pet.

I've been unable to think of anything else.

What about Italy? Have you asked him yet?

I'm not to go to Italy.

In spite of the fact that both doctors--

Doctors may propose, but the decision rest elsewhere.

But didn't they make it clear to him that this may mean

all the difference between life and death?

I believe Dr. Ford-Waterlow spoke very forcibly and--

- Then in heaven's name-- - Oh!

It's rather hard to explain to someone

who doesn't know all the circumstances.

You see, papa is very devoted to me--

- Devoted? - Very devoted to me.

He depends a great deal on my companionship.

My brothers and sisters, they don't--

Devoted!

Miss Barrett, may I speak plainly?

Oh, do you, do you think you'd better?

- I know more or less how you-- - Very well.

I shall say nothing.

You tell me he's devoted to you.

I don't understand.

I don't understand a devotion that demands favors

as if they were rights.

I don't understand a devotion that spends itself

in petty tyrannies and gross bullying.

I don't understand a devotion that grudges you

any ray of light and glimpse of happiness

and doesn't even stop at risking your life to gratify

its colossal selfishness.

Devotion!

Give me good, sound, honest hatred

rather than devotion like that.

Mr. Browning, I must ask you--

Forgive me, but I won't be silent any longer.

Even before I met you, I knew that sickness

wasn't the only shadow on your life.

And all these months, I felt that other shadow deepening

and I've stood by and looked on.

But I've done with pretense from today on.

It's not just your comfort and happiness which are at stake.

Now it's your very life

and I forbid you to play with your life

and I have the right to forbid you.

No, no, no. Please don't say any more.

The right. At our first meeting, you forbade me to speak of love.

But I knew well enough, we both knew

that I was to be much more than just your friend.

Even before I passed that door, I loved you

and I've gone on loving you, and I shall love you to the end

and beyond. You know that.

You've always known it.

Yes.

Yes, I've.. I've always known it.

And now, for pity's sake, for pity's sake, leave me.

If my father had the least suspicion that you were

more than a friend, both our lives would be made unbearable.

I love you and I shall never leave you.

And I love you, Robert.

And yet you ask me to take my marching orders

and go out of your life.

Yes, Robert.

But what have I to give you?

I have so little of all that love asks for.

I should have refused to see you again after our first meeting

for I loved you then though I would

have denied it even to myself.

- I love you. - Oh, Robert.

Do you know what you've done for me?

[chuckles] I could have laughed when Dr. Chambers said

that I'd heal myself by wanting to live.

Oh, I wanted to live eagerly, desperately, passionately

but only because life meant you.

You, the sight of your face

the sound of your voice, and the touch of your hand.

Oh, and so much more than that.

Because of you, the air once more was sweet to breathe.

And all the world was good and green again.

And with those words singing in my ears

I'm to turn my back on you and go.

Yes, Robert. For how is it to end?

What have we to look forward to and--

I love you.

And I want you for my wife.

Robert..

...I can't marry you.

- How can I with-- - Well, not today or tomorrow.

Not this year perhaps, or next.

Perhaps not for years to come.

I may never be able to marry you.

What then?

If you remain to the last beyond my reach

I shall die proud and happy

in having spent a lifetime fighting to gain

the richest prize a man was ever offered.

No, no.

Robert, if we were to say goodbye today

we should have nothing but beautiful memories

of each other to last to the end of our lives.

Is it you who are speaking?

- What do you mean? - Here's life.

Life offering us the best that life can give and you dare not

grasp at it for fear it will turn to dust in your hand.

I don't know you. I never thought you were a coward.

A coward? Yes, Robert, I'm a coward.

A coward through and through.

But it's not for myself that I'm afraid.

I know that, my dear.

What's another disaster great or small to me

who have known little but disaster all my life?

But you're a fighter.

You were born for victory and triumph.

Oh, and if disaster ever came to you through me--

Yes, a fighter

but I'm sick of fighting alone.

I need a comrade in arms to fight beside me.

Oh, but not one already wounded in the battle.

Wounded but undefeated. Undaunted. Unbroken.

What finer comrade could a man ask for?

- Oh, but-but, Robert-- - No.

[sighs] But, Robert..

No.

[laughing]

Dear Uncle Edward, don't you think

that your attitude about love and marriage--

I repeat, Bella, I do not care to discuss that subject.

Of course, dear Uncle Edward. Of course.

You aren't angry with me, are you?

Certainly not, child.

Then why that gloomy frown?

Sit down.

There you are.

- Hmm. - There.

- All gone. - Oh, come, come, my pet.

If my children were as bright and open and affectionate

as you are, I-I should be a much happier man.

Oh, you mustn't say such things, or they'll hate me.

And you're a very charming little person.

Anything wrong in that?

I didn't say so.

What's that scent you've got on?

Scent? Me?

Oh! Don't you like it?

I abominate scent as a rule, but yours is different.

- Nice? - It's delicate and subtle.

Still I'd prefer you not to use it.

- Why? - Never mind.

Oh, uncle, you're a darling.

You've called me bright, and open, and affectionate

charming, and fragrant.

All within a few minutes.

You may kiss me.

Do you know who's upstairs, Uncle Edward?

Mr. Robert Browning, the poet.

Isn't that thrilling?

I see nothing particularly thrilling in it.

Mr. Browning's respect for my daughter's intellect

seems to justify continuation of their friendship?

Oh, yes. Such a nice, intellectual friendship.

- Hmm? - Two poets.

My, my, wouldn't it be frightfully interesting

if only dear Flush could speak?

Not as interesting as if you were to keep silent.

Oh, I'm just joking.

And besides, I know that in his great, big heart

Uncle Edward is really on the side of romance.

In the path of true love and all that.

What do you mean?

Oh, if you could just have seen her face light up

when Mr. Browning's name was announced.

Bella, you..

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[sighs] Isn't it beautiful?

Yes, miss, the wisteria is certainly beautiful.

Isn't it so?

[music continues]

Oh, isn't that Mr. Browning over there?

I shouldn't be at all surprised, miss.

[laughing]

- Ah, Miss Barrett, I believe. - How do you do, Mr. Browning?

How do you do?

How do you do, Flush?

Wilson. Ah, isn't this a coincidence?

We were just enjoying the beautiful wisteria.

Ah, but it's much more exquisite over there.

I'm afraid however, you shall have to go on foot.

- No, Miss Ba, you mustn't. - Oh, nonsense, Wilson.

I'm perfectly able to walk any distance.

If you would care to go with me, I, uh--

Yes, thank you.

Wilson, would you wait here?

And you too, Flush, dear.

Miss Ba, what would the master say?

When my father returns to town, I shall be very pleased

to tell him myself.

- Shall we? - Greatest of pleasure.

You'll pardon us, Flush.

[instrumental music]

jj Oh, it's so beautiful.

I'm delighted that you like it.

You can't imagine the difficulty I had in getting

that tree to grow in that particular position.

And as for the sunlight..

Well, my dear, you won't believe the trouble

I have with the sun.

It, uh, just won't stay still a minute.

So you've got the sun to stay there just for me?

Oh, it was nothing at all, I assure you.

Wait until after we're married.

Oh, please, Robert. Not today.

Let's just have today as a day of no consequential subjects.

Agreed.

Now in here, we have some very rare specimens.

The, uh, choicest and most exotic beauties

in the floral kingdom.

For instance..

...here we have the, uh, Orchidaceae Stictophyllum.

- Oh, how exquisite. - Mmm.

Here, by a curious coincidence, we have two chairs.

Also very rare.

And here, my dear, you have a man who loves you.

- Also very rare. - Very.

[indistinct chattering]

- Well, it does. - Has it got any feathers?

(all) No!

- Is it a tiger? - No.

- A dragon? - No.

Think of something you're more afraid of

than anything else in the world.

Hmm. Is it a g-g-girl?

[all laughing]

I know. It's papa.

(all) Hurray!

[indistinct chattering]

[piano music]

Listen, Ba.

[piano music]

- Do you remember that, Ba? - Yes, dear.

You wrote the words and I always loved it.

- Did you? - Let B-Ba play it.

[indistinct chattering]

- I haven't played in years. - Oh!

- My arm, madame. - Mine too.

- Make way for the prima donna. - Oh, boy.

- There you are. - I'll turn the pages for you.

- Oh, you're making me nervous. - No, no.

Henrietta, dear, you should really play this.

No, darling, you play it.

Oh, I don't think I even remember it.

[piano music]

♪ Wilt thou have my hand ♪

♪ To lie along with thine ♪

♪ To lie along with thine ♪

♪ As a little stone ♪

♪ In a running stream ♪

♪ It seems to lie and pine ♪

♪ Now drop the poor pale hand dear ♪

♪ Unfit to plight ♪

♪ With thine ♪

♪ Wilt thou have my hand ♪

♪ To lie along with thine ♪

♪ To lie along ♪

♪ With thine ♪♪

- Oh, that's lovely, Ba. - It was lovely, Ba.

Look at Henrietta. She's c-crying.

I just think it's so lovely. Dear Ba, sing again.

Oh, Ba.

Bless you, dear.

- Sing it again, Ba. - Yes, do.

- I will if you'll all join me. - Alright.

- Will you? - Yes.

♪ Wilt thou have my hand ♪

♪ To lie along with thine ♪

♪ To lie along with thine ♪

♪ As a little stone ♪

♪ In a running stream ♪

♪ It seems to lie and pine ♪

♪ Now drop the poor pale hand dear ♪

♪ Unfit to plight ♪

♪ With thine ♪

♪ Wilt thou have my hand ♪

♪ To lie along with thine ♪

♪ To lie along with thine ♪♪

[all laughing]

- Good heavens, you'll make .. - No.

Come on, let's have another game.

It's my turn to go out.

- What do you know? - Come on, Henrietta.

We have to go. Come on now.

- What will it be.. - I don't know.

[indistinct chattering]

- 'Wait a minute.' - 'Oh, I'll tell you what.'

'Let's take Surtees Cook.'

(Wilson) 'I beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth.'

- This letter's just come. - Thank you.

Special messenger brought it.

- It's from papa. - Oh-ho.

But he was to return tomorrow.

Perhaps he's been detained.

Oh, do you think so?

- Oh! - Why, Ba, what is it?

- What's the matter? - We're leaving.

- Leaving? - What do you mean?

Yes, leaving this house.

- Leaving London. - Where are we going?

Well, listen. He writes from Dorking.

"This is to let you know that we shall be leaving

"London within a fortnight.

"I've taken a furnished house at Bookham in Surrey

"six miles from the nearest railway station.

"You will benefit by the country air

and a complete seclusion of your new surroundings."

(Henrietta) 'Hurry up, aren't you ready yet?'

Oh, poor Henrietta.

- We mustn't tell her yet. - Poor Surtees Cook.

"I have felt for some time now that your pleasant

"feverishly restless mode of living in London will

"if continued affect you harmfully

both physically and morally."

"My feverishly restless mode of living."

No wonder he doesn't describe me

as a recklessly dissipated woman.

"You will inform your brothers and sisters of my decision

"and tell them that I decline absolutely

to discuss it when I return home."

- He doesn't say when. - Oh, Ba, you poor darling.

He made my going to Italy impossible, and now..

Now, we are to be cut off from any little pleasures

we find here.

I see that he finishes up

with the characteristic touch of humor.

Humor?

He signs himself, "Your loving papa."

[chuckles]

- You see what this means? - Yes.

- Perhaps better than you do. - Oh, you're wrong.

You don't know papa as I do.

He's growing jealous of my life here.

My pleasures and my friends and..

And I'm slowly and surely to be parted from them.

Oh, Robert, it will soon be made impossible

for me to see you at all.

This, uh, this precious letter of your father's

means a great deal more

that you haven't as yet been able to grasp.

Great deal more?

It means that you will be in Italy

before the month is out.

- Italy? - Yes, and with me.

Robert!

It means that we must be married at once.

Do you know what you're saying?

Yes, I know what I'm saying and I repeat it.

We must be married at once.

Oh, Robert, it's-it's no use deceiving ourselves.

It's not only papa who stands between us.

It's I. It's I.

However much stronger I may become, I..

...I shall always remain an invalid.

Oh, Robert, as your wife, dear, I..

...I should be haunted day and night by..

...by thoughts of all the glorious things

you would have done but for me.

Oh! Freedom, adventure... and passionate love.

I-I could never really satisfy.

No. No, listen.

Oh, Robert.

I-I should be haunted by the ghosts of your unborn children.

When I read that letter, my world seemed to fall to pieces.

But now I thank God that it came while we're still free.

I'll have the strength to shake hands and...and say goodbye.

On the whole, I think this will be our best plan of campaign.

We'll meet at Marylebone Church on Saturday

and be married quietly some time in the morning.

I'll see about the license at once and interview the vicar.

The, uh, the packet leaves the Royal Pier

on Saturdays at midnight.

We must catch the 8 o'clock express at Vauxhall.

It arrives at Southampton at 11:00.

[laughing]

Dearness.

[crying]

Darling, darling.

[both chuckle]

Come along, come along.

And I always thought that papa was the most

overbearing man in the world.

[both laughing]

And yet you've known me for quite some time now.

I know, Robert, but..

...but I mustn't give way.

I mustn't, I daren't.

Oh, there's one other thing, my darling.

You can't possibly travel without a maid.

Do you think Wilson would be willing to come abroad with us?

Robert.

Have you ever thought that my strength

may break down on the journey?

Yes.

Suppose I were to... to die on your hands..

- Are you afraid, Ba? - Afraid.

Oh, you know I'd rather die with you beside me than..

...than live a hundred lives without you.

But how would you feel if I were to die like that?

And what would the world say of you?

I should be branded as a little better than a murderer.

And what I should feel, I..

...I leave you to imagine.

And yet, yet you ask me to come with you?

Yes, I'm prepared to risk your life

much more than mine, to get you out of that dreadful house

into the sunshine and to have you..

...for my wife.

You love me like that?

I love you like that.

- Robert. - Yes, dear.

Will you..

Will you give me a little time?

- Time is short, my dear. - Yes, I know.

- Your father is expected back? - Not till next week.

You shall know before then.

You promise me that?

I promise.

(Wilson) 'Oh, Miss Ba, I was that worried about you.'

Out in the rain and everything.

Rain? Oh, yes.

It was quite a shower.

The sun's shining lovely now.

Contrary thing.

Oh, is anything wrong, miss?

Wrong? No, no.

Ba.

Oh, Ba, you must see him at once.

You simply must.

- Him? - He's in full regimentals.

He's just been to St. James to receive whatever you call it

his adjutancy or something from Queen Victoria herself.

Oh, he's wonderful, he's gorgeous.

I'm talking of Captain Cook, you know?

Yes, so I've gathered.

- Darling, I'm swooning out now. - Oh!

I've just been out and I'm really quite tired.

Will some other time do just as well?

No, no, I've told you he's in full uniform.

Oh, he's just on the landing outside. Please see him, Ba.

Alright, darling, bring him in.

Oh!

Come up, Surtees.

Careful, you'll wreck yourself.

[chuckles]

There.

Attention!

March!

Captain Surtees Cook, Ba. My sister, Elizabeth.

Your servant, Miss Barrett.

Captain Cook.

Twice honored in one day, you know?

First by Her Majesty, and then by you, Miss Barrett.

Really, I don't know what I've done to deserve it.

That's right. You've just come from the palace, haven't you?

I've never seen the queen. Tell me what is she like?

Very little lady, ma'am, but royal every inch of her.

Surtees, you haven't got your sword on.

Not etiquette as I told you to wear it indoors.

Oh, bother etiquette. I want Ba to see you in full war paint.

- Where did you leave it? - Well, it's in the hall.

- I'll fetch it. - But, no, no, look here.

Miss Barrett doesn't want to--

Oh, but indeed I do, Captain Cook.

I don't think I've ever seen an officer

in full war paint before.

Indeed?

Won't you sit down?

[clears throat]

Oh, yes, Wilson, I think you better take Flush out.

He always gets so excited

when there are a few people in the room.

Oh, yes, of course.

Miss Barrett.

Yes?

- Miss Barrett. - Yes, Captain Cook?

I-I say, Miss Barrett, uh..

You wanna tell me something about Henrietta, don't you?

Just so, Miss Barrett. Just so. Exactly.

You know, Miss Barrett, you know..

Yes, Captain Cook, I know.

And believe me, you have my heartfelt sympathy.

Thank you. Oh, thank you, it's more than I deserve.

Thank you, Miss Barrett. Never was such a girl, you know?

- I mean, Henrietta, I mean. - Oh!

I don't know what I've done to deserve it.

Captain Cook..

Did he tell you something when I was out of the room?

Don't tell me he really managed to get it out.

Well, perhaps not quite, did you, Captain Cook?

Well, still, you know, like most ladies, quick in the uptake.

Yes, I understood.

Listen, my dear.

Don't ever let anything keep you from doing

what you think in your heart is right.

- Remember that. - Ba.

Quite aware I'm not much of a match, Miss Barrett

but poor man, you know?

Surtees, let me buckle on your sword.

Oh, I say..

Ba thinks that poets are the flower of manhood.

A certain poet at any rate.

I mean, to show her that she's mistaken.

- You've got it wrong, you know? - I have?

Yes. And sword hangs from the left hip, you know?

- Why? - Well, it's, uh, sort of..

Papa!

You're back sooner than I expected, papa.

I don't think I have the privilege

of this gentleman's acquaintance.

Uh, Captain Cook, may I introduce my father?

Papa, Captain Surtees Cook.

Your servant, sir.

[chuckles] Captain Cook is a great friend of George and Occy.

Indeed. My sons are very rarely at home at this time of the day.

The fact is, sir, I was just passing the house, and I..

...thought I'd look in, you know, on the off chance

of finding one of them in and all that.

I see.

Captain Cook has just come from Buckingham Palace.

And Henrietta thought I should like to see him

in all the splendor of his regimentals.

(Edward) 'Indeed.'

Nothing much to look at, of course, sir, but, uh..

...ladies like a bit of color and, uh, I thought..

By Jove, it must be getting late.

It is nineteen and a half minutes past twelve.

By Jove, it's, uh, high time that I was moving.

Goodbye, Miss Barrett.

Goodbye, Captain Cook.

- Goodbye, Miss Henrietta. - I'll see you out.

Your servant, sir.

I'm seeing Captain Cook to the door.

The servants will attend to that.

This house is fast becoming a rendezvous for half London.

This was the first time I've had

the pleasure of meeting Captain Cook.

Indeed, but I infer from what I saw

as I came into the room that Henrietta's acquaintance

is of somewhat longer standing or am I mistaken?

I've known Captain Cook for-for some time now.

Oh, since when has it been your custom

to buckle on his accoutrement?

I've never seen him in full uniform before.

And I think it improbable that you will see him

in full uniform, or otherwise in the future.

But, papa.

Captain Cook to be forbidden to visit us because I..

...because I helped him on with his sword?

- You received my letter? - Yes, papa.

What has just happened fully confirms me

in the wisdom of my decision.

Fortunately, our new home is so far from town

that your London friends are not likely to trouble us.

Our new home? I don't understand.

Are we leaving Wimpole Street?

- I've taken a house at Bookham. - 'Why?'

I am not in the habit of accounting

for my actions to anyone, least of all to my children.

But one thing I have a right to ask you, papa.

Is Captain Cook to be forbidden the house because of..

...because of what just happened?

I understood you to say Captain Cook

was George's friend and Occy's.

Yes, my friend too.

Ah! Come here.

Yes, papa?

Come here!

What is this man to you?

I've told you he's-he's a friend of ours.

What is he to you?

- A friend. - Is that all?

Yes.

- You liar! - Papa!

- Papa. - 'Oh, papa, let me go.'

What is this man to you? Answer me.

- Oh, please, papa, please. - Answer me!

- Answer me! - Oh, no. No.

- Answer me! - He's-he's..

- Oh, papa, I-I love him! - Ahh!

- Oh, papa. No. Papa! - Oh, you, you, you!

- 'You, you!' - 'Papa! Papa!'

- Papa, papa, papa! - Let her go, papa!

I won't have it! Let her go at once.

And you knew of this filthiness!

I've known that Henrietta loved Captain Cook for some time

and I've given her all my sympathy.

- You dare to tell me! - Yes!

I would have given her all my help too

if I had it to give.

I'll deal with you later. Get up!

Oh, papa. Papa, please listen to me, please.

I-I'm not a bad girl. I swear to you I'm not.

Oh, I know I've deceived you, and I'm sorry

but I love him. I love him.

He's a good man. It can't be wrong to love him.

I want love. I can't live without love.

Papa, remember how you loved mama and how she loved you

and you'll understand and pity me.

(Edward) 'Get up!'

Sit there!

How long has this been going on? Do you hear me?

How long have you been carrying on with this fellow?

I-I've known Captain Cook a little over a year.

Have you been with him often?

- Yes. - Alone?

- Yes. - Where?

We, uh, I've met him in the park, and..

And here?

- Yes. - Here and alone?

Have you been with him in this house alone?

Yes.

So clandestine meetings

under my own roof and abetted by one

whom I believed to be a wholly chaste and good.

- How dare you, papa? - Now, listen to me.

Unless you give me your solemn word that you will neither see

nor have any communication with this man again

you will leave my house at once as you are with nothing

but the clothes you have on.

Once outside my doors, you can go to perdition

any way you please

but you'll never be admitted again as long as I live.

I think you know I never go back on my word.

You have your choice. Take it.

Is it nothing to you that I, that I shall hate you

for this to the end of my life?

Less than nothing.

Will you give me your word neither to see

nor to have any communication with this man again?

I have no choice.

Elizabeth, give me your Bible.

My Bible belonged to mama.

I can't have it used for such a purpose.

- Give me your Bible. - No.

- You refuse? - Yes.

Come here.

Place your hand upon the book.

Repeat after me.

I give you my solemn word that I will neither see

nor have any communication with Captain Cook again.

I give you my solemn word that I will neither see

nor have any communication with Captain Cook again.

You will now go your room and remain there

until you have my permission to leave it.

(Elizabeth) 'Henrietta.'

Henrietta, you remember what I told you?

Just what did that mean?

I was reminding Henrietta of what I said

to her a short time ago.

I begged her to fight for her happiness.

- You dare! - Yes, yes!

For years, I've crushed down my doubts.

I've tried to persuade myself

that in spite of all, you loved us.

But at last, I've been forced to face the truth.

You're like a shadow over our lives.

I command you to be silent--

I won't stand by and see you wreck her life

if I can save her.

You may be too strong for me, but at least I'll try.

- I'll try. - Elizabeth!

You might have had the love of all your children.

But instead, you have fear.

- Fear and hatred. - 'Elizabeth!'

Hatred, I tell you. Hatred and mine too. Hatred.

It will be hard for me to forget what you have said.

I shall leave you under my extreme displeasure.

When you have repented your wickedness

and are ready to ask for God's forgiveness and mine

'you may send for me.'

[knock on door] Come in.

'Wilson, shut the door, please.'

Wilson, are you my friend?

- Your friend? - Yes.

I'm very much in need of friendship

and help at the moment.

Oh, I'm that fond of you.

I'd do anything to help you, Miss Ba.

Wilson, I'm gonna marry Mr. Browning.

- Marry-- - Shh. Yes.

- Does he know? - No, and he mustn't.

Nobody must.

I should just think not indeed.

Oh, Miss Ba.

I'm that glad.

After we're married, we're going to Italy.

And Mr. Browning would like to know if you'll come with us?

- To Italy? - Yes. Will you come?

Well, miss, I don't see as how I can help myself.

Not that I hold with foreign parts, I don't

but husband or no husband

you'd never get to Italy alive without me.

Thank you, Wilson.

Now I want you to take a letter

right to Mr. Browning.

You'll have to take a cab at once.

- A cab? - Yes, yes.

Go and get on your things and I'll have it finished

by the time you're ready. Hurry.

But, Miss Ba, is it to be at once?

No, no, probably not for a month or so.

- Be quick now. - Yes, miss. I'll bustle.

But, Miss Ba, if it's not to be for a month--

Yes, Wilson, I know I'm absurd, but I may lose courage.

Besides, I believe Mr. Browning will be glad to get my letter.

'Oh, I'm sure he will, miss.'

Wilson, anything happened?

- What is it? - Miss Ba sent this for you.

Oh!

Oh, it's alright, sir.

Wilson, I..

[sighs]

I was.. I was afraid that, perhaps..

[clears throat]

If you don't mind, sir

I think it's splendid.

Oh, oh, thank you, Wilson, Thank you. Thank you, Wilson.

- If you don't mind, sir. - Thank you. Oh!

Wilson, I knew she'd do it. I had no right to be afraid.

- Well, I wasn't really afraid. - Oh, no, sir.

Wilson, do you realize that you are the bearer

of the greatest good tidings

since they brought the good news from Ghent to Aix?

You wait here now, Wilson, I'm going upstairs

and tell the good news to my mother.

I'm going to tell it to everybody.

Oh, I wouldn't do that, sir.

You wait here and then we'll go back together

in triumph to Wimpole Street.

Perhaps we'd better have music, a band or something.

You mustn't do that, sir.

- The master's come home. - What's that?

'Mr. Barrett, sir. He came home.'

- Oh, Miss Ba. - 'Shh.'

Oh, Miss Ba, you can't imagine.

What did he say?

Well, miss, he's a most unusual man.

There he stood giving me orders.

Telling me what you and me was to do.

Really, miss, I don't know what

your married life's going to be like.

But, Wilson, was he pleased when he read the letter?

Oh, he was that pleased, miss.

But what did he say? How did he look?

I want to know everything.

Well, miss, he couldn't say a word at first.

He seemed all kind of choked up, like..

Oh, Wilson.

Wilson, he was happy that I..

Yes, miss, he was that happy.

You should have seen his face.

And then he started running around

with timetables and those things.

And he says you're to wear your ordinary

traveling clothes to the church.

The church?

Yes, miss, you're going to be married tonight.

But, but, Wilson, that's absurd.

Tonight? How can we?

I don't know but we're going to.

He's going to get a vicar and a special license

and as soon as we're finished packing

we're to meet him at the church

so I might just as well start packing.

- But, Wilson, how can we? - Don't ask me, ask him.

What dresses are you going to take, miss?

Oh, Wilson, do you want to drive me mad? You know we can't.

He says we can.

Oh, miss, there's a lot I'd give to be here

when the master finds out you've gone and got married.

Don't, Wilson, don't. The very thought terrifies me.

Wilson, put back those things and give me time to think.

You know it's out of the question.

I'm not prepared, and I..

[footsteps]

[whispers] Wilson! Put back those things.

Oh, miss, you did give me a turn.

- Be quiet. - Ba.

- What on earth is the matter? - Why, nothing.

Nothing. It's just.. It's all been so upsetting.

I don't believe that's all. Look at Wilson.

You startled us.

Wilson, will you come back in a little while?

Yes, miss.

Is there something you want to say to me, dear?

Yes.

Papa threatened to turn me out of the house

unless I swore on the Bible not to write or see Surtees.

- Yes. - I'm going to break that oath.

- Are you, dear? - Yes.

And I shall glory in breaking it.

I shall see Surtees everyday till we leave.

And when we're in the country, I shall write to him.

And if papa asks me, I'll go out of my way to lie to him.

I see. Why do you tell me this?

Because I want you to say that I'm a wicked

deceitful, perjured, loose woman.

So that I can fling the words back in your face.

Oh, Ba.

Ba, darling, I didn't mean that. I'm not myself.

I'm all love and hate, and I don't know

which is the worse torture.

Oh, my dear.

My dear, you think I don't understand, but I do.

I do, and I implore you, dear, never lose hope.

Never lose courage. Never.

The master.

Ba, there is something.

You're as white as a sheet. What is it?

- Is there anything I can do? - No, no, no.

Don't speak. Don't ask me anything.

[knock on door]

You know nothing, you understand?

Nothing, nothing.

What's the matter with that woman?

- Wilson? - Yes, and you.

Nothing, papa.

- Where have you been? - Nowhere.

Where are you going?

To post a letter to Aunt Hedley's.

- Is that the truth? - Yes.

- You remember your oath? - Yes.

- Are you going to keep it? - Yes.

I want to speak to your sister. You may go.

- Do you know why I've come? - No, papa.

'Cause I cannot bear to be estranged from you.

You should have come to me to beg my forgiveness

for your wicked and cruel words.

But in spite of my sense of right

and justice, and duty, I had to come to you.

And I despise myself for coming.

- Despise myself and hate my-- - Oh, no, no.

Oh, papa, can't you see, won't you ever see

that strength may be weakness?

And that your sense of justice and duty, and right

are all mistaken and wrong?

It's been my heavy cross

that those whom I was given to guide and rule

have always fought against the right

which I knew to be the right

and was in duty bound to impose upon them.

Even you.

- Even your mother. - My mother?

Yes, your mother.

You, my eldest child, were born of love and only love

but the others, long before they came

love died out, and fear took its place.

- No, no-- - Fear.

And all because I saw the right and did it.

Not that she ever opposed me, ever once.

Oh, dear God, what she must have suffered.

Ba, my dear, don't, don't.

I shouldn't have spoken about it.

Take your hands from your face.

Don't look at me like that.

You don't understand. How should you?

You know nothing of the brutal tyranny of the senses

and how even the strongest and best are driven by it to hell.

Would you have abetted your sister--

Henrietta's in love.

You dare speak of it in the same breath--

Her love?

You ignorant, little fool, what do you know about love?

Love, desire.

It's time a little reality were brought into your dream of life.

- I won't listen to you. - You must! You shall!

Do you suppose I should have guarded my house like a dragon

from this so-called love if I hadn't known from my own life

'all it entails of degradation and remorse?'

With the help of God and through years of tormenting abstinence

I strangled it in myself and so long as I have breath in my body

I'll keep it away from those I was given to protect.

Do you understand me?

Yes.

I understand you.

I understand you.

Very well.

This has been a painful necessity

but I had to speak plainly lest your very innocence

should smirch the purity

I'm utterly resolved to maintain in my household.

You're cold as ice. Why are you trembling?

I shall never forget what you have said.

For the love of heaven, my darling

don't let this raise any further barrier between us.

I cannot play the coward's part

and take the easier way and shirk my duty.

I'd rather be hated by the whole world than gain love that way.

Oh, papa, you don't know how I pity you.

Pity?

I don't want your pity.

But if ever I should lose you or your love..

My darling, in our new home

we shall draw close to each other again.

Nothing and no one can come between us

my child, my darling.

You want me to be happy?

The only happiness I shall ever know

is all yours to give or take.

You must look up to me and depend on me, and lean on me.

You must share your thoughts with me

your hopes, your fears--

I can't bear it, I can't bear any more.

Let me go, papa. Please, let me go!

Forgive me, my dear, I was carried away.

- Shall I leave you now? - Please.

- Shall I see you again tonight? - Not tonight.

I shall pray for you.

Pray for me tonight?

Yes.

Pray for me tonight if you will.

[knock on door]

Did he find anything out?

Wilson, I'm going.

I must. Now. At once.

- Oh, Miss Ba, what's happened? - At once.

- But we haven't packed. - Well, we must go without.

But we won't have as much as a nightgown.

- We can buy them. - Oh, Miss Ba--

I can't stay here, Wilson. I'm frightened.

I'm frightened.

Fetch your cloak and bonnet.

But, Miss Ba, if he did catch us--

He can't stop me. I don't belong to him anymore.

He could kill me, but he can't stop me.

Oh, I daren't just now, Miss Ba. Oh, I daren't.

- Then I must go alone. - No, you can't do that.

Wilson, I must.

That's all I know. I must go.

- To Robert. - But, Miss Ba..

Wilson, until today, I've never really known my father.

I've even hoped I might confide in him

but now I know it would be hopeless.

He'd crush me as he crushed my mother.

- Oh, Miss Ba-- - He's cruel, Wilson.

Cruel and pitiless, and I'm afraid.

Wilson, if-if you wanna draw back

you need never reproach yourself

but I must go to Mr. Browning now.

I'll fetch my cloak and bonnet at once, miss.

- Wilson. - Oh, Miss Ba.

They're all down to dinner now, miss.

The master's just gone in.

Alright, Wilson.

Come, Flush.

(Edward) 'Henrietta.'

(Henrietta) 'I'm going call Arabel, papa.'

(Edward) 'Take your place. We shall proceed without her.'

'Almighty Father, giver of all good gifts'

'who of thy divine providence'

'has provided thy unworthy servants'

'with all things necessary to their bodily sustenance.'

'Grant, we beseech thee, spiritual grace'

'that we may enjoy in quietness of spirit'

'the fruits of thy bounty'

'and render unto thee most humble and hearty thanks.'

'Amen.'

(all) 'Amen.'

[Arabel laughing]

(George) 'Arabel.'

- For heaven's sake, what is it? - Arabel, what on earth.

- Stop it at once. - 'What are you talking about?'

[indistinct chattering]

She's gone, to be married.

- 'What do you mean?' - Arabel!

Arabel, pull yourself together at once!

Where's Ba? Answer me. Where's Ba?

She's gone. She left this note. Read it.

It's true.

It's true.

She sends us her love and will write to us all from Italy.

- Italy. - Look!

This letter is for papa.

- Papa. - What's to be done?

Someone must give him Ba's letter.

Let me. I should love to.

- Oh! - Shh.

What is the meaning of this?

Who was making that hideous noise?

- Where is Elizabeth? - Oh!

Do you hear me?

Where is your sister?

She left you this letter.

Left me?

What do you mean?

She left a letter for Arabel.

And this for you.

Oh, papa, you must forgive her. Not for her sake, but for yours.

I thought I hated you, but I don't. I pity you, pity you.

And if you have any pity for yourself, forgive her.

Elizabeth.

Yes, yes, her dog.

Yes, I'll have her dog.

- Octavius. - 'Yes, sir.'

Her dog must be destroyed at once.

You will take it to the vet tonight.

Do you understand me? Tonight.

Do you understand me?

Heavens, I really don't see what the poor little beast has done.

Do you understand me?

In her letter, Ba writes that she has taken Flush with her.

[instrumental music]

For as much as Robert and Elizabeth

have consented together in holy wedlock

and have witnessed the same before God and this company

'I pronounce that they be man and wife together'

'in the name of the Father, and of the Son'

'and of the Holy Ghost.'

'Amen.'

'God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost'

'bless, preserve and keep'

'that ye may so live together in this life'

'that in the world to come, ye may have life everlasting.'

'Amen.'

[music continues]