Original subtitles

I'm not trying to paint you into a corner, Felicity.

Here,

let me get this for you. No, thank you. I'll do it.

I was only wondering... Well, now that you're no longer considering medical

school as part of the picture, have you given any thought to exactly what it is

you do want to do?

Well, I have thought about it. I just haven't come to any conclusions.

Well, no one's rushing you.

There's no point in running into anything pell -mell.

You just take your time.

That's right, dear.

We have every confidence that you'll find something that suits you.

Sooner or later.

What in the world, Felix?

What is it, dear? What's the matter?

A telephone call. A long -distance telephone call came in at the general

They're going to call back in half an hour.

It's on health sanitarium.

That's silly.

Oh, dear Lord, no.

I could make some tea if anyone... Janet?

It's been more than half an hour.

Oh, I don't recall.

So far away.

She's all by herself when she's so far away.

Try not to fret.

Avonlea General Store?

Yes, operator, he's right here.

Alec.

Hello?

Yes, yes, this is he.

I see.

Yes, I know what an X -ray is, Doctor.

She what?

That's wonderful.

She's coming home.

Are you sure that she's well enough, Doctor?

All right, I'll be on the next train. Thank you, Doctor.

She's coming home.

Sweetheart. Oh, mother.

I'm so much better. I honestly am.

Mind, Cecily. You needn't overdo it.

Good to see you, Mr. King.

Mrs. King.

Dr. Sparrow would like to have a word with you.

This way. I'll show you.

These are your daughter's lungs.

See for yourself.

Completely clear.

Does this mean that she's cured?

It means the disease is dormant for now.

For now?

And with proper attention, it may stay that way.

Oh.

You mean she's not really cured?

Ah, when you're ready, Mr. King, I just have a few papers for you to sign. Oh,

certainly.

Are you coming, Cecily?

My good luck charm.

The last girl to have this bed left it here when she went home.

Yes, poor Janie McCauley.

Well, she'll be glad to see it again.

What do you mean, again?

The child has suffered a relapse.

A relapse?

It need never happen to our Cecily.

Just be sure, my dear, to take adequate care.

Live each day to the fullest, yes?

But pay heed to Dr. Sparrow's instructions and do not overexert

Don't you worry, Mrs. Macaulay. She'll settle down in no time.

Hello, Janie.

Mr. and Mrs. King, the car can take you to the station now.

Look after our settling.

I'm not coming back here.

I know it.

Hey there, sis.

I almost missed you. All right, all right.

Let's get Cecily out of this damp cold before she gets chilled.

Yes, she'll be standing around in the snow. We've got to get our girl home.

That's right.

Cecily's cured, is she? Well, the doctors say her lungs are clear.

Let's hope they stay that way.

Yes.

Pray they do.

You're right, Miss Ray. I feel fine.

I'm not a bit weasier anymore.

Oh, now, let's get those damp clothes off.

Hello,

Digger.

No,

Digger. Cecily, Cecily, don't let him lick your face. Come on, dear, get this

damp coat off. Doug.

Oh, dear.

Well, welcome home. You know, we fixed all your favorites for supper.

Oh, you must be hungry, no?

Such a long trip and nothing but hospital food to fortify you. So, come

down. I don't think that's such a good idea, Hattie. She's tired out from the

trip. Let's get you upstairs to bed. I can stay down. I'm not the least bit

tired, not now. We've worked like demons on supper.

Oh, yes.

Candied yams.

Call it potato.

No, no. You really should get upstairs and lie down. Doctor's orders. She

be allowed to stay down if she's not feeling... Felicity.

Cecily. You remember what the matron told you. But the matron isn't here now.

I'm fine.

Cecily. Please don't treat me like an invalid.

I'm home now.

I want everything the way it was before I left. Of course you do.

That's right. Well, things aren't likely to be the same again. Now, come on.

That's right. Off you go. Off you go. Felicity will bring you up a plane.

Gus mailed this just after Christmas.

In Jamaica, the sea is an impossible blue.

The days are like the most perfect days of summer, and at their ends, the sun

sinks into changing colors beyond my words to describe.

The days are shorter, though, than our summer days at home, and my evenings

so long, especially when I think of... You don't want to hear that part. Sure I

do.

I suppose I should write to Gus and tell him about my decision to not continue

on with school.

I don't know what to say.

Gus always understands everything.

Why should he? No one else does.

Mother told us that you helped Dr. Snow deliver the Pritchard baby.

Too bad about poor Colleen.

It's so terrible to see someone your own age.

I know.

But you saved the baby.

Mother told us she was so proud of you.

Really?

Tell me about Colleen's baby.

Oh, you should be here.

She's got Colleen's big eyes and these chubby little cheeks.

I told her husband, Seth, that I would stop by every now and then to see how

he's doing on his own.

The least I can do.

All right, you two.

Seth, you'll have to climb out.

Felicity, can you help me strip her bed?

What for?

Father told me to take it apart. We're moving you to the summer kitchen.

The summer kitchen?

At this time of year, she'll freeze.

We slept in plenty of cold air at the sanitarium.

You just have to wear a hat and plenty of covers.

But do you really think that's necessary at this stage?

Order's from the doctor.

You're to keep up the sanitarian regime. Healthy food, exercise, and plenty of

cold, fresh air.

If you want to argue to Mother, it's up to you.

A good scotch broth. This'll build certainly up.

He wants some more barley, Janet. Something to stick to a lassie's ribs.

And some more onions.

Cut the congestion.

Onion for congestion.

What's next? Eye of mute?

We'll thank the peanut gallery to keep their helpful comments to themselves.

A proper diet is very important to good health.

But the curative value of an onion?

What Cecily needs is to be allowed to... What Cecily needs is good healthy food

and plenty of it. Thank you. We know.

I didn't mean to criticize.

Cecily, dear, where are you going?

Just to the barn.

Well, dear, we've decided you need a few days of routine.

Oh, I just want to see my horses.

With me being away, there's no one there to spoil them. I'm just going to give

them something.

No, dear.

It's a well -known fact that tuberculosis can be carried by cattle.

Mother, it's not the same type that Cecily contracted.

How can you know that for certain?

I don't want her going out there.

I'm sorry, dear, but your father doesn't want you going near the barn. That's my

final word on it.

We're only thinking of your own good.

For pity's sake, Mother, there's no need to get so emotional.

Felicity, I would appreciate it if you would keep your opinions on medicine to

yourself and let me nurse Cecily the way I know how.

You're going to have to indulge your parents, I'm afraid, dear.

They've been terribly worried about you and feeling a little more than guilty.

Guilty about what?

For having to send you away, even though it was the only place for you to get

well.

I tell you what.

You sit here by this window.

And your old aunt will go out and lure your horses out into the paddock where

you can see them and wave.

And I'm going to give them a whole bunch of carrots and tell them each one was

from Cecily.

Don't fret, Aunt Eliza.

Oh, I won't fret.

Felix will give me a hand.

Richard, where is your coat?

Just dashed out for a few minutes while the wee one is down.

Too much of a handful?

I'll try to get a few things done while she's asleep.

Lord love us, there she blows.

You finish up here. I'll see to her.

Now, Felicity... Not a bit of it. I've been dying to see her for a couple of

weeks.

You really remind me of your mother.

Do you know that, Alan?

Well, you do.

You're going to be a pretty, pretty girl.

Just like your dear mama.

Is she okay?

Nothing a bottle couldn't cure.

I appreciate the hand.

Oh, any time.

Beth, what are your plans now?

Don't you have to return to the railroad to keep your job?

My eldest sister Edna never married.

She's been working up in Ontario.

She's happy to get out of there and come back home.

Edna will take good care of her. Well, when is she coming?

She has to quit and pack up. A couple of weeks, maybe.

Hopefully I can stall things at the railroad office until then.

I'm getting anxious I might lose my job.

This is foolishness.

I'm sure that Mother wouldn't mind if we were to take the baby.

Take her?

Until Edna comes.

I hear from Mrs. McDougal your sister's back from the sanitarium.

I know your mother's got her hands full with her.

Cecily is fine.

Mother's just being overly cautious.

That's real generous of you, Felicity.

We'll be fine.

Edna won't be more than a week.

Seth, whatever you decide, just know that I do want to help.

to tuck you in as snug as I can.

Is it... Is it all right? Do you need another comforter?

I just feel so foolish leaving you out here.

Really, it's no different from the sanitarium. I'm used to sleeping in the

It keeps you strong and well.

Good night, dear.

Keep tight.

I'm off to bed. You coming up?

I'm right on your heels, my dear.

What the deuce?

Sure missed you, fella.

Where is your head girl? Weren't you told to stay out of this barn? I had to

them. Please, Dad, I'm fine.

But we promised Dr.

Sparrow that we would follow the hospital regimen. I've been in bed all

Dad. I can't stay in bed my whole life.

Do you want to go back to that sanitarium? I'll never go back there.

I'm not going to get sick again.

I just want to be normal like everyone else.

That's all I want.

Well, somebody looks awfully happy to get a letter. I wonder who it could be

from. Gus?

Mail from Charleston, South Carolina. He's on a ship called the Maid of Calais

that's put in there for boiler repairs, but he thinks they'll be on their way by

the end of the month.

They're headed north. He desperately wants to come home. He's promised this

time. That's marvelous!

I think I'll leave the rest for later.

All right. God bless the Maid of Calais.

Well, that's grand news.

What's this?

to switch for, Avonlea's going to have a telephone exchange.

Felicity King. Poor Janet. What a disappointment.

And to add to their worries, I hear that Cecily's health is still a cause for

concern. You never know with an illness like the consumption.

Well, Felicity, I hear you turned your back on medical school, but I thought,

no, it's not like a king to be a quitter.

I'm not a quitter, Mrs. Potts. I just... I wouldn't have thought so. But we all

bite off more than we can chew at one time or another, don't we?

Sadder but wiser. You know that now, dear.

Now, Clara, you know Felicity could do anything she turned her mind to.

Oh, my dear, there is no doubt she'll make her mark someday, just like my

Sally? My dear, haven't you heard?

Sally's to be Avonlea's first telephone operator.

They sent her over to Carmody to train. In two months, she was running the

place. We knew she was destined for great things, but a telephone operations

manager. We never dreamed.

Well, we must congratulate her.

Well, Mr.

Kane, this is excitement.

Avonlea's on the change.

We're entering the modern age.

There are more subscribers now than they can handle through the exchange at

Carmody. I managed to rent them the office above the bank.

Are there that many telephones in Avonlea?

There soon will be, Miss King.

Come along, gentlemen.

Why, Felicity, what a shame your plan for medical school is all down the

Now that I've had a taste of success in business, I know how much I'd hate to be

at home the live -long day of twiddling my thumb.

Thank you,

Sally. I'm not a twiddle yet.

the interior of the machine.

Can you go, gentlemen?

If you're interested, Felicity, I will be handing out applications at the

general store this Thursday for operator positions.

It's quite technically demanding and might scare some off, but I believe I

teach anybody.

Toodle -oo.

I brought you some good hot broth to warm your insides. I don't want it.

Oh, come on, Cecily, I don't want to argue.

I know you want to get better. I am.

All I wanted to do was get better so I could come home.

Let me come inside, Mother.

Dear, we came so close to losing you.

We don't want to risk it again.

I've made Cecily lie down upstairs before lunch.

Anything I can do to help around here?

Well, you could sort that laundry on the kitchen table for me, if you like.

Oh.

I was planning to get an earlier start, but... that diet Dr. Sparrow prescribed

for Cecily takes a little more preparation each day than I'm used to.

I don't understand...

Why? They told us she's well, and she's not really cured, and we have to treat

her as though she's ill.

I suppose our expectations are too high.

Oh, Alec.

She's so unhappy.

We can't ask her to go on with these treatments indefinitely.

We can, and we will if that's what it takes.

But we've got we've got to stand together on this Janet if we want our

to stay well

I

Got a few things to do out in the yard

Oh

Mother I can get the seats from upstairs for you.

Huh?

Wait

I know you've been annoyed with me lately, but please, can we talk for a

Not now, 52.

There's something I need to tell you. I don't want to listen to anyone else's

problems right now. Please.

Mother.

Gus is on his way home.

He's on a ship called the Maid of Calais that should be in by the month end.

Oh.

I have thought a lot lately about getting a permanent job.

I just really feel that I want to wait and speak to him before I make any

decision.

I see.

I know you don't agree with my decision to forego medical school.

I have no much ahead of you.

I've always been very happy.

Being married to your father and raising your children, it's all I ever really

wanted to do.

Sometimes I get so frustrated not being able to help you better.

You've been to school. You know what you're capable of.

Your father and I always wanted the best for you.

Whatever you decide to do, we'll always support you 100%.

Sweetheart.

Thank you.

All right, good patient.

Ten more.

Ten, nine.

Forget it.

Maybe you've had enough exercise for one day.

All right, what's next? More fresh air?

For pity's sake, I would get plenty of fresh air and exercise if people would

let me behave as though I wasn't in a sanitarium anymore.

All right.

Let's get some fresh air.

Are you warm enough?

I'm fine, Felix Rubin.

It's so wonderful just to be outside for a while with that mother and father

watching my every move.

They're just concerned about you. I know, but I'd give anything to spend the

whole day like this.

Mrs. Pettibone.

Bethany King.

Oh, how delightful.

And looking so robust and so well. Well, I think I am. I'm feeling all better.

I am so glad.

When do you think you might be getting back to school?

Soon, I hope.

Maybe Monday.

Oh, that Janet King and her girls.

What is she thinking of letting that sickly one out and about in public?

I tell you, if the King's let that consumptive child back in the

am pulling my children out.

Oh!

Archie Gillis.

Phoebe McDougall.

My, I never thought I'd see the day the schoolboy would be out and about this

early. The board met for an emergency meeting last night.

We were notified by an upset parent.

Upset parent, really?

I have taught in this schoolhouse for a good many years with nary a complaint

before. Not a complaint, Hetty. Just a concern.

And it's not about you. It's about your niece, Cecily.

Cecily? Rumor has it that Alec and Janet King may try to enroll her this term.

When the consumption first took her down, it was an awful close call for

school. Naturally, people are nervous.

A good many think the girl was brought home too soon.

They just don't want their children exposed.

Well, I'm not acquainted exactly with Janet and Alex's plans for Settley, but

will say I'm fairly confident that the child is no longer infectious, so...

Fairly confident, Hetty?

Yes.

Just how close is that to apt? Absolutely certain.

I want to go to school.

Look at me. I haven't coughed in two months.

I want to see my friends and start my schoolwork again.

It's been a whole year.

It's true.

She hasn't been coughing.

Oh, Alec, I think it'd be foolish to push too soon.

We just can't risk a relapse.

Think of that Jeannie McCauley child.

There is something worse than the cough tearing at my lungs.

Worse than the wheezing, the fighting to get air.

The worst thing is being treated like it's my fault.

Like it's something I've done on purpose that I'm trying to give to others.

Leslie, nobody thinks that. This isn't an attack on you. It's only natural that

people be concerned. They just don't understand.

They would rather me stay shut up in a hospital where they'd never have to face

me.

I want to get on with my life.

Of course you do, dear.

Oh, no one expects this bout of illness to set you back indefinitely. It's just

that... Tell you what, I could tutor Cecily in the evenings.

Yes, and then when people get used to her being home and see her up and about

and well, well, then she could enroll in school next fall.

Next fall?

Oh, Hattie, you've got Rachel and the children's tent, too. Oh, Rachel will be

fine.

Look at Davy and Dora. I'm training them to be independent.

I'll be working with Felix anyway, so the more the merrier.

Excellent, Rachel.

Much improved.

Carry on.

I'm getting better.

You certainly are, Mrs. Lent. I wish I could say the same thing.

Wrong. Daisy!

No! Now look what you did.

Me? Good grief, David.

What's going on out there? I'll check on them.

No, stay with your algebra, Cecily, and you with your essay, Felix.

I will.

I will go.

Yes, yes.

Mrs. Lynde will see to them.

You don't want me near them?

Oh, what?

Don't be silly.

They're out there, so they don't disturb us.

Don't keep the children away from her.

Cecily, please.

Why didn't Mother and Father just leave me in the sanitarium?

Zachary.

Whoa.

Zachary, what are you doing?

I'm just going to carry him.

Father will have a fit if he catches you in the barn again.

I don't care.

Fine. If you want to get in trouble, go right ahead.

Are you all right?

Not quite.

Don't try to talk.

You're lucky your parents are still in town.

Thinking about getting that blasted telephone.

They would be beside themselves if they knew what you'd done.

It's normal.

There's no fever.

Thank heavens.

Why would you do something so dangerous, child?

Yeah, I thought you broke your neck.

I just want it to be free for a little while.

I feel more like a prisoner in my own home than I did at the sanitarium.

No wonder everybody thinks I'm still contagious with my whole family treating

like I am. We're just concerned about you, that's all.

Cecily, you're just going to have to be patient for a little while.

Well, you're a fine one to talk.

The whole town's not forcing you to stay cooped up at home. You could do

whatever you want, but you'd rather sulk around the house because you don't know

what to do with your life.

Cecily. You don't have to take it out on me. I fully intend to go out and do

something. But right now, I'm going to make sure that you stay put and behave

until mother and father get home.

Now sit up.

The successful candidates will know that being a telephone operator is more than

a job.

It is the telephone operator who summons the midwife when new life is about to

enter into this world.

It is she who rouses the fire brigade when disaster looms and dispatches the

constable when evil lurks.

Hers is a lonely obligation, but deeply rewarding.

Now, who has leadership, commitment, and a selflessness of spirit?

Who is free of entanglements and able to work shifts?

Who is willing to work for $25 a month?

You don't really want to be a telephone operator, do you, Miss King?

Well, I thought I might fill in the form and just see what it's all about.

But you're not interested in doing shift work for $25 a month.

If you're looking for serious employment, I may have something in my

Thank you.

I'll keep that in mind.

I thought I'd see you here, Miss King.

I imagine you want to fill out one of these, won't you?

Sally, somehow I don't think a career with a telephone company is a thing for

me. I've had several other offers.

Thank you, Mr. Kane.

You mean you don't want to fill out a form?

Sally, in my heart, I just know that I could never be as good an operator as

you.

I'm not an operator.

I'm a supervisor.

Alarkey. Nobody quits medical school for no good reason.

Felicity is too stuck up to admit. She failed.

On every test, she got nothing but big, fat goose eggs.

All she's doing is sitting on her duff, waiting for a sailor to come home from

sea.

I recognize your voice, Sally Potts. Who else is on this line?

Sometimes I just can't...

There you are. I've got Montgomery downstairs.

Would you mind looking after him for about an hour?

Are you all right?

I just feel that nobody understands what I'm going through.

At least when Gus comes home, I know that I'll be able to think things

properly.

Well, you know how fond we all are of Gus, but...

You must know he may not be the solution to all that's bothering you. I know.

I just feel that he knows me so well.

He always makes me be honest with myself.

Well, I think that that is what is meant by a soulmate.

You know, it's not very often that two of those find each other in this world.

And, Olivia, I just feel like everyone has such high expectations of me.

All Guth ever wanted was for me to be happy.

And I know that if we can have a life together, then I can find my purpose in

life.

You have a lot to give.

You're lucky to have Guth Pike, and he is blessed lucky to have you.

You know, I also need just a few more feet of this green yarn.

You know, I've run out three rows short of finishing Jasper's sweater.

I am sorry, Olivia. I don't have a single skein of this green left

But, you know, I've got a basket of odds and sods under the table over there.

Just help yourself to anything you might find useful. Oh, thank you.

I told Harry King straight to her face.

We don't pay good taxes to have the likes of Cecily King threatening our

children. Good for you.

I'll have to trim it with another color, Muriel.

I'm sure I have something at home.

Good day.

It doesn't matter a whit what Olivia Dale thinks of me.

I won't have that Cecily around my children.

Why, my cousin in Summerside heard from her aunt about a neighbor girl that was

released from a sanatorium. She was stoned dead within the month.

Cecily King for the galloping consumption?

Well, you know what worries me. The Kings has now got the telephone. Can you

imagine her breathing her germs into the telephone line?

Ladies, I cannot believe what I have just heard.

In the first place, germs cannot be carried on the telephone line.

You're so convinced, are you?

Of that, I am certain.

But beyond that, TB is not so easily contracted.

Even if Cecily were contagious, which I am certain she is not, otherwise the

sanitarium would never have released her.

There comes a point when the greatest obstacle to wellness is the fear of

others.

Merciful Providence, Cecily is well.

Let's treat her as if she is well.

Her own parents have her sleeping out in the summer kitchen in the dead of

winter. If they won't let her into their house, why should anyone else?

In my name.

Cecily, what do you think of this coat?

Beautiful.

I love that color.

Oh, so do I, which is actually why I bought the darn thing at a sale in

Charlottetown. But it doesn't really suit me, so I thought you might like to

it on. Me? Really?

Sure.

It's so sophisticated.

Yeah, but you're old enough to wear this style now.

Where would I wear a coat like this?

Oh, you'll have plenty of opportunities once you're out and about.

I can't go out.

Not even to school.

Maybe you should keep it.

Oh, Cecily.

What's the point of having something there just to remind me that...

that I'm an outcast?

What's the matter? What happened?

Oh, dear.

The last thing I wanted to do was interfere.

But you're both reasonably satisfied that Cecily's disease is dormant, aren't

you?

Well, yes.

And we hope it'll stay that way with proper attention.

You both know what you're doing, of course.

I'm just concerned that Cecily seems so desperately forlorn.

You know, they always say it's mind over matter.

Children her age always think they're going to live forever, no matter what.

But, Alec, don't you see?

Cecily's a sensible girl. Try to imagine what she went through this past year at

the sanitarium.

Try to imagine how often she hoped and longed to be home with all of us.

You don't want to squash every bit of enthusiasm the poor child has for being

alive. No, but she still needs to be protected from... I know how much both

you are concerned about her.

But being miserable is the most unhealthy state of mind for a girl with

condition.

Well, it was never my intention to make my child miserable.

Just don't let your concern for her...

Get in the way of her getting back on track as thin as she might.

Oh!

What are you doing?

Oh, well, we're moving you back inside.

It's time.

We might as well give it a try.

I suppose if we want people to treat you like you're well...

We'd better begin at home.

I must be dreaming.

You're very much awake, my dear.

And fortunately, some others around here have woken up as well.

It's time we got things back to normal.

Your father and I are talking to the school board, getting you back in

And your brother will be very happy to be relieved of some of his chores.

What do you say?

I say it's grand.

It's hard to imagine looking at her that Cecily King fell to the consumption.

You know, the doctor from that fancy sanitarium sent a letter and certificate

attesting to her recovery and verifying that she's no longer a danger to others.

Well, she looks the picture of health to me.

Laura, I haven't been to see you. Oh, it's all right.

So I guess we'll be back at school soon? I hope so. Oh, it's worked out well,

though. Being tutored privately means you can catch up on everything you've

missed. Actually, having Aunt Hedy for a tutor is like medieval torture.

Felicity!

I hate to take advantage of your friendship.

Beth, not at all. You know I'd love to take care of her whenever it's

It'd be no more than that. Edna will be here next week for sure.

If I don't get back, I'd lose my job.

You don't need to explain.

Well, I do, sort of.

You mentioned taking her for me before.

I have to say I was worried about her being around your sister.

Bethelie is fine.

I know. That's what everybody's saying. I was just... Cautious.

I understand.

We'll take very good care of her.

Bring her by tomorrow, then, if that's all right.

That's fine.

Felicity!

I tried to ring your place, but there was no answer.

Oh, Felicity.

What's wrong?

Sally, for heaven's sake, what is it?

A call just came through for you.

It was from Captain Ezekiel Crane.

He's called from Boston.

The maid of Calais apparently went down in that heavy storm we read about in the

paper.

All hands were lost.

Gus was drowned.

I'm sorry.

I'm so, so sorry.

You're lying.

What a hateful, twisted, mean -spirited gag to play with your stupid telephone

exchange. I would never lie about anything like this.

Captain Crane hasn't been heard from for years.

You're lying!

I don't think I can bear much more of this, Alec.

It's been over a week and she hasn't said more than two words to anyone.

I'll see what I can do.

Felicity?

Unlike this girl, you make yourself ill.

Your Aunt Hedy wants to plan a memorial for Gus with just the family and a

few of his friends from the hotel.

It's time, don't you think?

If you really cared about what I think, you wouldn't suggest such a thing to me.

But you've got to face... If Gus were dead, I'd know it.

Mother? Mother, can you wash the baby for me, please?

Yes, dear.

I suppose so, but I... Oh, Felicity, where are you going?

We've been looking everywhere for you. Mother and father are frightened.

I'm fine.

I just need to be left alone for a while.

Please.