Original subtitles

Right, everyone, come and have a look.

Another shipping list.

Any available?

At long last, yes. Mary and Joss Beatrice are off next week and you soon

Which ship? What about me?

You're even better off. They've managed to find you a berth with Cherry and the

others. But they're going tomorrow.

That's right.

You mean I'm going tomorrow?

I knew it was on the cards, but I didn't want to raise your hopes till I was

sure.

Tomorrow. Oh, crikey. Hey, hey, listen, I'm going home tomorrow. No, I'm just

saying you're going home tomorrow.

Alice has just heard that she's sailing tomorrow.

Took you at your word bit as I got them to squeeze her in.

Splendid. And what about the rest of us?

Good news there, too.

Don't tell me we've finally got a passage. A week today on the SS round

Holy smoke. Yes, Joss Holbrook. So you can stop telling everyone that Rathwee

stands for retention of all prisoners of war indefinitely.

They're going next week, Marion and Beatrice. And Joss, too. And I sail the

after. Then Colonel Jackson has gone upcountry. I shall be all alone.

I'll still be here.

In Singapore, anyway.

Not for long. You have only until December to put in for your free

I shan't be putting in for it.

Oh, you've definitely decided then. You're not going back to England?

For a visit, perhaps, one day.

But this is my home.

You are fortunate.

I have nowhere.

My husband dead and my house destroyed. You don't know!

You do that? Oh, yes, I do.

Every day more Dutch arrive from Java and Sumatra.

I know that my beautiful house has been burnt to the ground by those native

upstarts. Just as I know that poor Jan is dead.

Even if I must wait forever for some stupid piece of paper to prove it.

Better I had died in the camp too. You mustn't talk like that, Metro.

Haven't you any relatives in Holland? No, none.

What about your husband's family? Yeah, the famous Van Mayers we've heard so

much about.

Well, of course, they would welcome me with open arms, but I have lived out

least since I was a girl. I am too old to start again now. What's this about

all of a sudden? You're not that old. No, you were in your prime.

In years, perhaps, but after all the... Mrs.

Van Mayer, have you heard?

I'm leaving tomorrow.

I hope by the time you have arrived you will have learned more tact.

I beg your pardon? You may be going home, but I shall be left without

Except for Christina.

And Maggie.

You'll have Maggie. Yeah, she's dying. Maggie and I are not exactly birds to a

feather.

Not, won't you?

Are you all right?

I heard you in the bathroom.

It must have been something I ate.

Or yet another hangover.

I might as well tell you, I think I... You're pregnant.

You get it?

I call it intuition.

You could have said something.

I got the impression I wasn't meant to know.

Beatrice took a sample to the hospital, to be sure.

She's the only one I've told.

Might one ask who?

Someone from the men's camp.

I only went with him once.

Victory celebration.

Before they flew the Frenchies in, presumably.

Aye. Did they?

Top priority.

Got it from someone on the switchboard.

Where are all those camps full of half -starved men? You know what they say

about death and potency.

This one was potent, all right.

Funny thing is, I wouldn't know him if I saw him.

Never even asked his name.

You want someone lined up?

If not, don't worry.

I've a contact, stopped a few girls out of a similar spot.

She's medically qualified.

Stop your bloody contact!

You think you can fix everything, don't you?

A word in the right ear and Bob's your uncle!

Well, it just so happens I don't want fixing up!

Old SS ranchy.

Fancy. Monica and I sailed out on a good old piano.

Much of a joy ride, crammed in with all those troops.

Well, at least we're going.

I'll be able to sort out my affairs.

You can see a decent eye man in London. Yes, ma 'am, he has pretty sound.

Second opinion never hurt.

Fetching at straws was never my forte.

Well, I suppose we'll put a shore at Colombo on bay.

Sue is, too.

Take about five or six weeks.

We'll be home for Christmas. At times we said that in camp.

Cozy memories of holly and plum pudding.

The reality is rather less enticing. Christmas with father and the parish

worthies. Comfort yourself. It can't be worse than mine. Where will you spend

it? My brother Foxy, I suppose.

Blow by blow of each campaign.

Toast to Winston.

Actly derided.

Can't even have a decent argument with him. He hasn't the brains of a bedbug.

Not that he isn't an intellectual, Joan, compared with some of his cronies in

the Lord. All sympathy will be the worst thing.

Terrified, Anne, I let the side down.

Pocket a piece of turkey without thinking.

Snuggle somebody else's meat pie.

A vicar's daughter up the ceiling.

But in camp, we called it initiative.

Yes, but in camp, everything was different.

We are doing all we can. Then why is there no word?

Communications between here and the islands are not all they might be. Can

not get them to take my case as a priority? After all, you are not dealing

a nobody. The fair mayors are a highly respected... Look, strictly speaking,

are not our responsibility.

The Dutch authorities do nothing either.

I have the hands full. Poor devil.

Refugees are pouring in. If Jan could only see me now.

His beloved wife, a displaced person.

It's not as bad as that. He will turn in his grave.

If he has one to turn in.

We are doing our best.

Your husband's name is on the list of missing persons.

Sooner or later, come in.

Sooner or later, we are bound to hear something.

Oh, good morning, Brigadier.

Oh, please, don't get up. I'm sorry to interrupt.

Can you spare a moment?

Yes, yes, of course.

Mrs. Van Mare was about to go.

I've just dropped Marion off.

Then I will go and talk to her while I can.

Soon I shall be losing all my dear friends.

I'm sure they'll miss you too.

It is kind of you to say so.

Of course.

You were to be abandoned as well as I.

We will have to comfort each other.

Do you imagine that was a proposition?

Do you see who I see?

Where? Ulrica.

You sure?

There are other nuns in Singapore, you know. Not with a bottle like that.

Hey, Ulrica!

Hello there.

I thought it was you. I decided to follow your suggestion, Jocelyn. See for

myself the work that your friend is doing.

Trying to do more like.

A pure struggle, isn't it, Bea? Jocelyn, no funds, no drugs, no decent premises.

Try getting anything out of the authority.

It's outrageous the way these people are treated.

It has been helping us. Quite indispensable.

I don't know about that.

Thank you.

Isn't it a bit risky being out on your own all the time, especially around

I did have another sister with me, but I have mislaid her.

Given her the slip, you mean?

You want to be careful, though. A woman from the hotel was attacked in Anxiang

Road. Had her watch and tour restored.

And nothing to steal.

Doubt if anyone would attack a nun.

Habits of protection.

My father used to say the same thing about his dog collar.

It is a protection, and at the same time it is a barrier.

Sometimes I think I could help people more.

Try not to be separated from them by this uniform.

Didn't stop Dorothy turning to you? Kate, when Tom died?

Because they had known me in the camp.

I was not wearing always my habit.

I remember you at the beginning, how you loathed getting it dirty. Used to start

it with rice water.

In the end, I was glad to wear something ordinary.

And only that kerchief ran my head.

Maybe one of us?

Yes. Which is why you asked to leave the camp.

Perhaps I was wrong.

You wouldn't be thinking of chucking it in, would you?

I'm glad you caught up with me. I wanted to return this dress you lent me for

the funeral. Keep it if you like. It hangs on me.

But you'll soon put on some weight. Not from what one hears about the rationing

in England. Keep it.

Anyway.

It suits you.

Thanks.

Next week.

It's unbelievable, isn't it?

I'll be glad to go now.

So will I.

Except for missing all of you.

These last weeks since we've been here haven't seemed real somehow.

Even Tom.

I still expect to wake up being summoned to Tenko.

That's why I want to get back home, fix up my training, start to look forward.

Well, it's different for you, of course. You've already picked up the strings,

being at home with Clifford, everything back to normal.

I suppose you'll be returning quite soon, once you've seen Ben and your

I'm not sure.

Clifford's staying on in Singapore, isn't he?

Yes.

We're not altogether certain of our plans.

Hello, Dominica.

Clifford told me you were here. How are you?

How would you be in my shoes?

I think I'd better get cracking.

Bye, Kate.

Bye.

Still nothing concrete about Jan, then? No, it is too bad. If he cannot be

alive, he might at least be properly dead.

Come through.

Morning.

This is what you might call the waiting room.

Office comes surgeries through there.

Bless you.

Ah, doctor.

Just the person I wanted.

There's a child I'd like you to look at.

Don't mind the rest of us, will you? Good morning,

sister.

Get cracking on the rest, will you, Holbrook?

Call me by myself.

Hang over from that dreadful school of his.

Either that or he actually thinks I'm a chap.

Do all these people come to him for help?

It is a quiet morning.

Should have seen it the day those nooses were shot.

Dr Mason is going to examine AJ.

He's complaining of a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. He's got ulcers

his eyes.

I shall need to wash my hands.

The doctor won't be a minute.

Oh, excuse me. And you can get out of here. AJ doesn't want to catch your

No, it's nothing. No more do I.

Stay in bed. Stay in bed? My dear woman, that's the last... What do you dear

woman mean? In any case, my bed's in here. Well, we could always move it

outside. Remember the first time someone slept in the temple? I can't possibly

sleep in the temple.

You look like death.

Oh, you keep out of this, Holbrook. I'm damned if I will. It's not even as if

you were needed. Quite this, Beatrice and me. And I also.

Now, look here. You're right, Mr. Ventworth, you should not be working.

Damn women, ganging up on me. Go on, out.

Thank God I wasn't in your camp.

So, conditions aboard are not too bad.

Darn, it's not better than they were to begin with. We had complaints galore

about the wrap -wee arrangements on the Almanzora.

So I gather.

Need to be sorted out now, so more or less.

And the internees will be well briefed, I take it, before they arrive in

England? Oh, yes, yes. They'll be given talk so they'll know what to expect.

Then, of course, there'll be the practical problems to deal with.

Queries about money matters, medical treatment, housing.

Some of them will have to be given temporary accommodation as well as

assistance. Well, at least Marian won't have all that to worry about. No, she's

one of the lucky ones.

Or not that anyone could be more concerned about the welfare of the

Perhaps at the expense of her own.

No, I don't mean her material well -being. I was thinking more of her

condition.

Has she said anything to you? About what?

Evidently not.

The fact is that she's been more affected by this whole business than I

realised. Mary? She seems unable to adjust to our old way of life.

No, it's more than that. It's as though she's unwilling to adjust.

I'm sure that's not so.

It's almost a month since we've been back together now. It'll take more than

month to get over what they did. I realize that, and I have tried to make

allowances. I honestly don't think that I've made unreasonable demands.

But as a brigadier's wife, there are certain things... She seems to resent

my work.

Did you know that she visited Yamauchi?

No, I didn't. Went up to Changi without even telling me? How do you think that

looked? Well, you know how tongues wag.

Marion was always such an asset before.

And it does make a difference in the army, like it or not, one's wife having

right approach.

I don't imagine I'd have got what I have without her.

Give it time. I am prepared to give it time. It's she who isn't.

She's talking about staying on in England.

You mean for good? She says that our marriage is washed up.

Glory be, I've no idea.

Of course, we try to keep up appearances.

I'm so sorry.

I just hope that once she's back home away from the others, she'll snap out of

it. As long as they're around, it just reminds her of that wretched camp.

Quite frankly, I don't think you'll solve anything by trying to make her

It happened.

Question of learning to live with the fact.

Both of you.

Why couldn't it have been me instead of her?

Excuse me.

Rapway Office Raffles, yes.

Yes, yes, that's right.

What name did you say?

Oh, yeah.

Yes, we do have a Mrs Van Mare here.

Good boy, AJ.

Would you mind waiting outside for a moment, please?

That's it.

I'll keep you a minute.

All right, then.

Could you ask Joss to come in here a moment, please? Then you can bring the

patient in.

She has gone down to the food office.

Oh, what a revelation.

I wanted her to go to the hospital with AJ and his mother.

I could take them.

Are you sure?

I wish to be of use.

All right, then.

I'll just give you a note.

You may have to throw your weight about a bit.

I'm sorry.

Kick up a foot.

Insist that A .J. gets seen straight away.

Otherwise I'll be kept hanging about all day.

Without wishing to be guilty of the sin of conceit, I think I'm quite good at

throwing about my weight.

Yes.

What is wrong with the boy?

Looks like the early stages of leprosy.

It was my idea that Alice should go back early with the other girls. Well, we

dare not take any more risks. Not that I didn't warn her. The nicest young men

given provocation become as animals. Poor little...

Of course, you or I would have known how to handle the situation, but then we

are women of the world.

Mind you, I myself had quite a task keeping Colonel Jackson at bay.

I should have talked to her in the camp about men and so on.

In the camp, there was no need.

Oh, she's over it now. The young and most resilient.

Who is it?

Only me.

Oh, hello, Marion.

Dominica, we have just had a call from the Dutch Ratway.

You have news of Jan.

Some refugees arrived yesterday from your part of the island.

And they have proof that he is dead.

On the contrary.

It seems he's very much alive.

Can I come in?

Yes.

You're home early.

Just came by with a bit of gossip.

We friends again?

Yeah. Sorry I went for you like that.

I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions.

It's just the thought of abortion.

You're not Catholic, are you?

You don't have to be Catholic to care about an unborn child.

Touche.

Well, if it's a question of finding someone to adopt, I don't... It isn't.

I want to keep it.

I've already lost one baby.

I didn't know.

I don't broadcast the fact.

It was a long time ago, just... just after my father died.

I thought you were only a kid then.

Old enough to be pregnant.

What with the shock of Dad committing suicide and everything, I miscarried.

Everyone said it was for the best.

Only I didn't think so.

You know this room's yours for as long as you want it.

And if you need any money to tide you over...

It'd even get hitched if it'd help.

No strings, of course.

But it'd give the baby a name.

I can never make you out.

No, it's two of us.

Think it over, anyway.

To Dominica and John!

United. Thank you. Thank you all.

Great, great.

I'm sorry I cannot.

I don't believe it. First time in three and a half years.

Never mind. Come and have another drink.

I expect you felt the same when Clifford turned up.

Yes.

Working late.

What about Stephen? Where's he?

Confined to barracks.

Bees all of a sudden. He's got a stinking cold.

I'm not sure if I'm not getting it now.

Well, in that case, you'll stay away tomorrow, too. Oh, how can the sergeant

Oh, I mean it. Joss.

Not sure.

Look,

you want to be fit to sail with us next week, don't you?

Don't think you're packing me off to bed. I'm a worse patient than Stephen.

you don't have to tell me that. What I suggest is that you and he take

yourselves off tomorrow somewhere.

Good idea. It's the weekend after all.

The problems of the native population don't cease at weekends.

No, and neither are they eased by you breathing germs over them.

I can manage perfectly well on my own. She's right, Joss.

Oh, I'm sick of her.

You see that she does, too. She's looking a bit deceiving.

And I don't suppose Stephen's had a day off since he left Changi.

Excuse me, Beatrice.

I have the pleasure.

Maggie says you're the tango queen. It's no use. She won't. She says the

tangoing days are over. When did I say that?

I'd be delighted.

That's what she told me yesterday.

Maybe she's feeling more of her old self now.

It's awful to know you're going blind.

She's learning to take things from day to day.

All I can think about is the future.

You've got one to think about.

Yes. I can't wait to get back and start finishing school.

Finishing school?

Oh, didn't I tell you?

Just for a term before I was sent here.

Daddy's afraid that after the camp I may be thrown off bedroom.

That's what I sure hate most.

People looking at me and knowing.

You'll be all right.

You're going to make a lovely little child.

That's what Mummy always wanted for me.

Perhaps I could invite your son to my coming out, darling.

He's not much younger than me, is he?

No, he isn't. Oh, well, that's settled, then. I'll make sure he's put on my list

as soon as I get home.

Oh, there's so much to look forward to.

Will your husband be coming over to fetch you? No, he has to remain out yet

look after his businesses.

But if that's what he obviously thinks, he wishes me to join him as soon as

things are more settled.

Your house has been attacked.

It seems so. I told you so. All your problems are over. Yes.

Dominica, may I have this dance? Ooh!

It could be my last dance before your husband whisks you away. I'm afraid I

decline and feel a little shaky. It's the shock of it all.

Yes, such wonderful news.

We'll go out for a while, you see.

Fancy! Metro, capable of genuine emotion.

Still up?

Yes.

How were the celebrations?

Quite jolly.

Dominica's still stunned by the news. She was so certain he was dead.

And all the time he was doing very nicely, thank you.

You don't know that?

Helping the Japanese with administration's pretty obvious what

There's no point talking about it.

I'm going to bed. Well, talk about anything, will you?

We only end up bickering. Even about our future?

There's nothing to be said. Oh, yes, there is!

You may be content to throw 20 years of marriage down the drain, but I'm not.

Do you think it's what I want?

Do you think I wouldn't give anything to turn the clock back?

For God's sake, Marion, why? Because I've changed.

My feelings, attitudes, everything's different. It's no use pretending.

For the last three and a half years, I've been someone... I've been a person

my own right.

I can't go back simply to being... My wife.

A decorative stooge with no opinions of her own. You were never that.

Not far off.

The camp made me realise that I... Oh, blast the bloody camp.

It wasn't just the camp.

It started before then. You know it did. I was all set to go back to England in

41. Because you were worried about Ben. Not only that. Even then I was fed up

with the life out here. I told you. I felt redundant.

It was only the invasion that stopped me going. A chance to be useful for once.

I thought your feelings for me had something to do with it. Of course they

I still love you, Marion.

I don't think so.

I think you love the person you'd like me to be.

And I can't. Not anymore.

I am sorry.

So you're going to get on that boat next week without even trying to salvage our

marriage.

I'm sure we can still make a go of it. Like we have so far. It's not just me

who's chained it. You have too. Perhaps. All those years with just the army,

it's taken its toll. The only way we could make things work is by starting

from scratch.

Well, isn't that worth talking about?

So, you're turning me down.

Don't sound so relieved.

I didn't mean it.

I know.

You don't want to be lumbered with a wife.

Cramp your style on the wind.

Thanks for offering.

You're so welcome to the room.

I shan't need it.

I'm going back to England.

With the others?

If Phyllis can wrangle it.

I had a word with her tonight.

What a hoax, she said.

So I told her the reason why.

And she started buzzing round like an oversized mosquito.

Well, if there's any problem, just let me know.

Don't tell me you've got a contact on the SS Ranchi.

I used to work for the P &O.

Brilliant. I bet you've even got contacts up there.

Funny you should say that.

There's this chap called Peter.

Shut up, you!

When the time comes, you'll end up with a nice, rich widow.

Pity Van Mare still isn't in the running.

Sister Ulrica.

Sister Ulrica isn't here this morning.

Indeed, Sister Ulrica is seldom home.

Do you know when she will be back?

It's Sister Ulrica. It's never easy to say.

Where has she gone?

She's escorting a child to the leper colony.

Not that dreadful place.

It was at her own request.

I could not bear to look at him. Such terrible sights.

They are all God's children.

I suppose so.

Do you wish to leave a message for her? No, it does not matter.

I just wanted to speak to her.

Perhaps I can help.

No, thank you.

You see, Sister Ulrika is also a friend.

I don't want to go gadding off anywhere.

Too bad. It's all arranged.

Christina's coming in to help me. But I'm perfectly all right now.

It's not you I'm thinking of. It's Joss.

What's wrong with Joss? For one thing, she's fought your wretched cold.

For another, she's worn out.

She hasn't said a thing to me.

Of course she hasn't. When did you ever know Joss admit to human fallibility?

The moment she got to Raffle, she should have put her feet up, did she? Oh, no.

And why? Because you whisked her off here.

No, she didn't take much whisking. That's beside the point.

Joss is like me. She's a get -up -and -goer. Yes, well, today I suggest you

up and go somewhere slightly more congenial than this dump.

Dump? It deserves a decent break.

Oh, bully.

Hang it, man. She won't be here to take out this time next week.

Nor she will.

Right, no more arguing.

Beatrice? Hmm?

I suppose she hasn't said anything to you about... There's no chance she'll

back to Singapore.

Now, why on earth would she want to do that?

Good question.

Right, then that's settled.

But don't just stand there. Go and get changed.

Kay? Well, you can't take her out looking like a scarecrow.

And hurry up. She'll be here any minute.

Turned out of my own place.

Cheek of the woman.

She was a bit high -handed.

That's Beatrice when she gets a bit between her teeth.

She's right, though, I suppose. It's time we had a break.

You're always telling me what a slave driver I am.

Well, where shall we go?

She suggested the Botanic Gardens.

Shows how much she knows.

Let's be left in such a state even the monkeys have left.

Same with Caton Park and Kebbell Golf Course.

A mass of dumps and dugouts.

Nips were never happy unless they're burrowing.

We could try further appeal, I suppose, if the public transport's up to it.

Oh, bless you.

Blasted. Got your cold.

Do you know something, Holbrook? You're the only woman I've ever known with an

honest to God's means.

You do pay the nicest compliments.

I'd still attend functions if I came back.

I'd entertain if necessary. What I'm saying is that...

in itself, wouldn't be enough.

You'd need something to occupy you.

A part -time job, perhaps.

Well, there is something that could occupy you full -time.

What's that?

We could have another baby.

Well, you've always said that your happiest time was when Ben was little.

Yes, it was, but I... Oh.

Can you honestly see it happening?

Not if we continue to sleep in separate rooms.

Oh, I didn't mean that.

I'm not exactly in my first flush, am I?

My mother was your age when she had me. She hadn't gone three and a half years

without having a period.

I may not be able to conceive anymore.

Even if it were possible, I don't think that would solve anything.

They wouldn't make up for missing so much of Ben's childhood.

No.

Nothing would make up for that.

I do understand, you know.

What?

You're resenting the fact that I was able to be with him.

You don't?

Yes, I do.

Sometimes.

You think I wouldn't have changed places?

I thought of your going through all that while I sat on my backside in an

office.

That doesn't matter, Clifford. Of course it matters.

Is that why you've waged your own personal war against Yamaguchi?

I shall never understand why you defend him.

For all the things I didn't put in my diary.

For the things that made him a person.

For the times he treated me as a human being.

While to that monster, Sator, we were no more than animals.

It didn't make me less hungry, but it did give me a little dignity.

But the punishments, the deprivations?

He acted under orders according to his life.

Isn't that what the army requires?

Duty first, instant obedience?

Not necessarily without question.

There are times when, even as a soldier, you can't use duty and obedience to

absolve you from responsibility.

If I'd been in that situation, I hope... I hope I would have questioned what I

was being ordered to do.

I think Yamauchi did question.

In different circumstances, you might have respected him.

Situations weren't dissimilar either.

He felt equally humiliated.

Stuck in the jungle with a load of women.

He missed his wife and family too.

He has a daughter and a baby grandson.

They lived in Nagasaki.

He'll probably hang.

Yes.

He probably will.

More notes in Chinese for you to decipher.

A housing problem.

I'll ride out a car.

Oh, another Chan.

Same family as the other one.

Thank you.

You know, if I can just keep Joss and Stephen out of the way for one more day,

we might end up with a workable filing system.

It'll certainly save time.

He might come in every now and again after we've gone. Make sure he keeps it

I may be working here anyway.

I hope to do some teaching.

He was talking about starting lessons.

He wants to run them for adults as well as for children.

So many are illiterate. My father was a teacher, wasn't he?

Yes, and a nice small school for whites only.

All I learned he taught me at home.

I was lucky to have someone to teach me.

What chance have most of my people?

Things may improve.

Not unless we fight for it.

Suits the British, doesn't it?

Without education, how can the Chinese hope for any political power?

That's changed.

Remember you at the beginning? Little Christina. Wouldn't say boo to a goose.

Like my mother.

Gentle, loyal, unquestioning.

You know, if she'd still been alive, she'd been out there too in the streets

cheering the British soldiers in with tears of joy.

Like most of the Chinese.

Seeing their return as a sign of freedom instead of another form of oppression.

Would you rather they behaved like that independence rabble?

Of course not.

I think they're both wrong.

That's why it's important for people like me to do something positive.

Blanche would have been pleased.

She was always telling me to be myself.

Only up till now, I didn't know what that was.

Like me.

Always so certain of my position.

Whereas now... What will you do?

Well, I suppose I'll find me some sort of job when I get back.

Until such time as I have to pack it in.

Still be able to do something, surely.

For the blind, aren't exactly two a penny.

Without my sight, what would I be good for?

Listening?

come to you, tell you things they wouldn't be able to tell anyone else.

because I'm a doctor.

No, not just that.

You know, Bea, three and a half years ago, we wouldn't have confided in you.

terrified us all.

But now we talk to you, not only because you're a doctor, but because you're

you.

There's a topping idea of yours.

Bit of a track.

Worth it.

I haven't been here since Lord knows when.

Well, it hasn't changed much.

Extraordinary the things the Japs did keep up.

Why this, not the Botanic Gardens?

Why keep up St. Andrew's Church, yet strip the one in Ulrich's Garden?

Why preserve the Raffles Museum and Library, yet...

Use all the club records and books for scrap paper.

The nips were never known for their consistency.

Don't suppose we'll ever fathom the blighters?

Shall we take the weight off our feet?

Wouldn't say no.

These shoes are murder.

Beatrice would have me posh up.

You look rather fetching in your Sunday best.

Damned uncomfortable.

Still, I'll have to get used to it, I suppose.

My glad rags.

Oh, Foxy, it'd burst a blood vessel if I turned up and eaten square in my jacked

boots.

That's how I shall think of you when you've gone, in those boots.

And that dreadful old hat.

That hat I'd have, you know, saw me right through the wall.

And looks like it.

Yours isn't much better.

It'll seem strange not having you around.

No one to have slanging matches with.

Not many people you can have a decent row with without their taking umbrage.

Even Monica could get huffy at times.

Remember the way she used to bristle?

And go pink about the gills.

Oh, well, with any luck, we'll be able to resume hostilities in March.

Or thereabouts.

Depending on how long it takes me to sort things out with the legal bods.

You mean you are coming back?

If I'm going to invest in a new centre for you, I want to see it underway.

Well, didn't I tell you?

I decided to put Cousin Liz's money to good use.

That'll mean finding larger premises, organising new equipment and doing

with the authorities.

Too much work for one.

Oh, Joss.

My sainted aunt.

He used my Christian name.

We should have met years ago.

Just as well we didn't. It would have been disaster.

I think by 70, I'm just about ready to put up with the foibles of the other

By the summer, things will be less hectic for me.

Childs will be well underway.

The military should start handing over to civilian authorities.

We'll be able to spend more time together.

If I had a job, it wouldn't matter so much. I just can't sit at home anymore

watching the servants.

Well, I'm sure we can find you something.

No, no, not a time for that. I mean, something worthwhile.

If I did come back, I could... What's the matter?

Isn't that Dominica?

Never get away from them.

On before she spots us. No, Clifford, I think I ought to have a word with her.

But you only saw her last night.

It's not like her to be out on her own.

Marion, we are trying to sort out our own problem.

You realise we'll be stuck for the afternoon if we have to stop now.

something wrong, I'm sure.

It's always the same, isn't it? They must come first. Why must you always

it a choice?

I'll wait over there.

Hello, Dominica.

Marion, what are you doing?

Elizabeth and I, we've been for a walk.

What's wrong?

Nothing. I also have been for a walk.

There is something.

I can see.

I'd like to go back.

You mean home to the island?

Because of its associations?

No, because of him.

Why could he not have died?

You were shocked?

No.

Not shocked.

I'm dreadfully sorry.

I never loved him.

Not even at the start.

My family had little.

Marrying a van mayor meant wealth and position.

And for that, I put up with the rest.

And of course, he voted for me then.

I was young, pretty, and knew how to flatter him.

He is 15 years older than me and was never attractive.

He also expected me to give him a son.

And when it was not so, it was my fault.

It could not be his.

Now he dislikes you as much as I dislike him.

Oh, no, Dominica, I'm sure that's... It's true. Why else did he not make

inquiries for you?

He probably did.

And you know what a muddler was over Clifford, you mean?

But Clifford came at once. He cared as much as you did.

You're so lucky, Marion. You have everything.

Well, I must return to that.

You don't have to go back.

Oh, yes, I do.

Without him, I have nothing.

I cannot live without my company.

You did in the camp.

In the camp of the stiff.

I had all of you.

Someone at last.

Oh, hello, Maggie.

Not two.

According to your returns, not even a curried puff, let alone a fatted calf.

You're moving back?

Oh, for the last week and all that.

By the by, I'll be failing with the rest of you. Would you change your mind?

I'd like the baby to be born in England.

I think you're wise.

Best to be amongst your own kind.

Not that it's going to be easy for you, anyway.

I'll cope.

Well, you keep in touch with me, won't you? Let me know if there's anything I

can do.

I might ask you to be godmother.

I don't think I'd be the most appropriate person.

I'd forgotten.

Well,

I'll marry Auntie.

Yes, yes, I'd like that.

So, how are you feeling?

A bit better.

I've been throwing off the drinks and fags, like you said. Good girl.

I'm not losing this one.

I guess you weren't going to be on your own.

Still, if that's in time, you'll find someone.

Everyone's trying to marry me off.

I know marriage isn't everyone's cup of tea. It wasn't mine, but when there's a

child involved... I had a thought of marriage once.

Was that when you were pregnant last time?

Yes.

What happened?

I told you, it miscarried.

To the man, I mean.

Is this some sort of interrogation?

No, of course not. I'm sorry. It's none of my business.

He died.

Killed himself.

But isn't that what happened to your father?

Yes.

Oh, Maggie.

But you can have been little more than a child.

Grown enough to nurse my mother through consumption.

Look after the little ones, keep out. Keeping house is one thing, but to take

advantage of a child?

You're all that... Same, aren't you, cussing your middle -class judgment?

What do you know about seven people crowded into two rooms, betting down for

warmth as much as anything?

Fair amount.

Not until camp. No, not at first hand, admittedly, but when you've been brought

up in a slum parish, you learn a thing or two. A doctor's life isn't exactly

protected. I have known cases like yours, but under whatever circumstances,

thing I can't forgive is the breach of trust.

What about them? crime. The do -gooders.

We were a happy family till they stepped in.

Split us up.

Put him in prison.

Poisoned the kid's mind.

Well, I find that equally unforgivable.

He hung himself in his cell.

It is out of shame.

Or love.

Maybe... Maybe he wanted to set you free.

Well, he didn't!

Since then, I've never... I've always stuck to one night

stand.

Maggie, he wouldn't have wanted that for you.

Going through life without anyone to care for?

Well, I've got someone now, haven't I?

My baby.

I can't wait to see Foxy's face when I tell him I'm coming back here.

To fritter away your money with the natives.

And a set -up house with an elderly roue.

We should just about make it Christmas.

Oh, damn nose.

Hey,

I've just had a brainwave.

Sean spent Christmas with Foxy.

I'll invite Beatrice down.

She's dreading being stuck with all those god -botherers.

Splendid idea.

Apply her with enough brandy, you might even persuade her to come back, too.

Just what I was thinking. She'd be no end of help setting up the clinic.

Yes, and she loathes the prospect of some taint job.

No! What are you doing?

Please,

please!

Hello, animation.

Are you all right?

Do I bloody well look all right?

For one awful moment, I thought you were going to ask her back here.

I realise there's a limit to your endurance.

Actually, I felt quite sorry for her.

For Dominica to be silent all the way back to Raffles.

Had a word with Beatrice. She'll keep an eye on her.

Drink? Not now.

That's another thing that's going to be different when I come back.

I'm cutting down on the gin.

I'm glad you said when.

It was only if earlier.

We'll make it work.

Hope so.

At least we had something good. There's something to build on. Not like

Dominica.

Why don't we go out for a meal tonight?

What about Oldhorn? You said you had some paperwork. We can wait till

All right.

I'll wear that new dress you like.

Damn.

It's all right, May.

Better not be smitten.

Jefferson.

Oh, hello.

Yes, she is. Hold on just a moment.

It's for you, Phyllis Bristow.

Oh.

Hello, Phyllis.

What's that?

What happened?

Oh.

Yes. Yes, of course. Yes.

Thank you for letting me know.

It's Joss. There's been an accident.

Apparently she was attacked by some thug. How bad is it?

Bad enough for her to be in hospital.

Clifford, I'm sorry, but... I'll drive you over.