Original subtitles

# God rest you, merry gentlemen #

# Let nothing you dismay #

# Remember Christ our savior #

# Was born on Christmas day #

# To save us all from Satan's power #

# When we were gone astray... #

Hello, Mr. Sembley.

You have got a load.

You look like father Christmas.

It's still a week till Christmas.

# O tidings of comfort and joy #

# Now to the lord sing praises #

# All you within this place #

# And with true love and brotherhood #

# Each other now embrace... #

More Christmas cards, ma'am...

8 for you, and 2 for me.

One from Mrs. Clement.

She wasn't on our list.

Oh, well, send her one.

"Love, from Harold."

Who on earth is Harold?

Oh, you know, ma'am.

It's the cat.

Oh. How very nice of him.

Rose...

Go and give these Carol singers...

This.

Tell them to go and sing on another street.

Oh, you are a one, miss Herries.

You know you wouldn't give them all this if you didn't enjoy them.

# ...on Christmas day... #

Thank you. Thank you.

Miss Herries sent you this.

And a merry Christmas.

Oh, thank you, ma'am.

Don't thank me. Thank miss Herries.

Thank you.

Thank you. Merry Christmas.

# Away in a manger #

# No crib for his bed #

# The little lord Jesus #

# Lay down his sweet head #

# The stars in the sky #

# Looked down where he lay... #

Good evening.

Good evening.

I believe miss Herries expects me.

Yes, sir.

I'm from Blakely's bank.

Yes, sir.

Come in, Simpson.

I've been expecting you.

Oh, you're the wrong man.

I'm Mr. Foster. I'm new.

Oh, I thought you were one of the Carol singers.

Where's Simpson? Is he dead?

Retired.

Oh, same thing.

Come in, won't you? And sit down.

Thank you.

Would you like some tea?

Would you rather have some Brandy?

You do drink?

Medicinally, of course.

Well, I hope you're ill enough

to have a little Brandy.

Thank you.

So, they've put poor Simpson

out to pasture, have they?

Well, I wish him well.

Oh, I must say, he had

a perfect genius for annoying me.

I think it was highly mutual.

My paintings were the things that he couldn't bear.

He never could understand

my spending thousands of pounds

for some paint daubed on canvas.

Really? I should say a painting like that El Greco

would have enormous value.

Are you fond of painting?

Well, uh, not particularly, but I realize

good painting has value, miss Herries.

Oh, good. I think we'll get along splendidly.

Will you have a cigarette?

No, thank you.

What a beautiful case.

Yes, isn't it?

I got it in France last year.

It's one of my fondest possessions.

Good evening.

I... I know it sounds foolish,

but I wanted to ask about this door knocker.

I beg your pardon?

Could you tell me, is it Italian, renaissance perhaps?

Uh, just a moment.

Miss Herries.

Yes?

What is it, Rose?

Excuse me. I was asking about the door knocker.

Yes?

Italian, renaissance, unless I'm mistaken.

Looks almost like a benvenuto cellini.

Yes, it is.

An original cellini?

Yes. Why?

I have passed this house many times.

It's always disturbed me.

An original cellini.

How did you know?

I'm an artist.

Besides, it couldn't be anything else.

It's magnificent.

Thank you. Good night.

Merry Christmas.

What an extraordinary man.

Uh, Mr. Simpson noted this paper needed signing

for several weeks.

Oh, I'll sign the wretched thing

as long as it's here.

But that isn't why I telephoned.

I hoped to be able to give Mr. Simpson

his Christmas present in person.

He smoked the most evil-smelling pipe.

I got him a new one.

Too late to benefit me, I'm afraid.

Perhaps his wife will appreciate it.

Would you give it to him?

Yes, certainly.

I haven't discovered what your vices are yet.

What do you do... Fish? Play cribbage?

Well, hadn't you better wait until next year?

No. I think you're going to get a book.

Splendid.

Good night, miss Herries, and thank you.

Good night.

Good-bye, my dear.

Bless you.

Good-bye, aunt Mary.

Hello.

Oh, good afternoon.

That's my house, isn't it?

Yes. Do you mind? It intrigues me.

Perhaps it was the door knocker.

Oh, do go on.

Thanks. I will. The light's good today.

How do you like it?

It's very nice.

Good. Perhaps you'll buy it.

I'd like you to see some more of my things.

They're a little more ambitious.

Well, perhaps you'll bring them by sometime.

You know where my house is.

Thank you, miss Herries. I will.

Oh, Rose, put these with the others, would you?

Oh, thank you, ma'am. Have you seen Harold?

Yes. He's here in the windowsill sulking.

Oh, he's always moody just before his bed.

Come on.

Oh, I think we're going to have a caller.

Rose, do you remember

the student of cellini, the artist?

Yes.

He's just coming across the road.

Oh, dear.

Pull yourself together, Rose.

In spite of your distrust of men,

I don't think he's going to murder us.

Besides, I looked him up.

He may want some tea.

Rose.

Stay nearby.

If he starts to steal anything, scream.

Yes, ma'am.

Good afternoon.

Would you tell miss Herries.

Mr. Elcott has called?

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Mr. Elcott.

Hello. So, your name is Elcott.

Christian name Henry.

How on earth do you manage

in this weather without an overcoat?

I haven't got one.

Whistler! what a wonderful portrait.

I've done a portrait or 2 myself.

If I were to do yours,

it would be quite different.

Yes? Shall we sit down?

Thank you.

And an El Greco.

Why, that's magnificent.

And a Rembrandt.

Hmm. That's beginning to fade.

They all do.

You have an educated eye.

Yes. I have been educated.

You make it sound rather grim.

It was... for me,

learning about all the things

I could never have or do.

Well, if you won't sit down,

perhaps you'll show me your paintings.

What? An Elcott beside an El Greco?

El Greco won't mind.

Ha ha ha.

This is a study in reflections,

and here's a Swiss scene.

In Switzerland, the cowherd pipes his cows to pasture.

Do you like them?

I don't know.

This one I painted directly on the canvas

with a palette knife.

It's an impression.

It's so hard to tell about paintings.

Sometimes one discovers genius.

Well, let's let it

go at that, shall we?

Would you have a cigarette?

Thank you. What an exquisite case.

Everything you have here is exquisite.

Exquisite. What a curious word.

They're good, just good pieces.

Immensely valuable paintings, aren't they?

Yes, they are valuable.

Oh, don't be afraid.

I'm completely harmless.

Afraid? What on earth of?

Will you have some tea?

Or would you rather have a drink?

No, thanks. I don't think I'll have anything.

I feel a little awkward here.

El Greco is rather strong competition.

So, if you'll excuse me...

All right, Rose. I can find my own way out.

Fine cold morning, miss Herries.

Not long till Christmas.

Afraid I'm going to forget your Christmas box?

You never have, ma'am.

Go to my book shop around the corner.

Yes, ma'am.

Good morning.

Good morning, miss Herries.

I want some books, Mr. Austen.

Yes. We've quite a few new ones.

Um, yes. Here's this new edition

of plebeians taverns of england.

Oh, no. Not quite right for the vicar.

Oh. Then we've a new one

on fly fishing by Wilson Harper.

I pawned it.

Even a second-rate artist has to buy paints.

I don't remember saying you were

a second-rate artist.

I managed to sell a picture,

so I got it out of pawn.

Didn't have the nerve to bring it back to your house, though.

You know, you left your paintings.

Yes. I'm afraid stealing isn't my strong point.

I lost my head.

Why didn't you ask for a lo?

You know, if you really wanted to help me...

Yes?

You'd come and look at the rest of my work.

Will you? I live only just across the street.

Here's that Harper book, miss Herries.

I'll be with you in one moment, sir.

Send these round to me, will you?

Yes, miss Herries.

I'm afraid the stairs are rather steep.

It's only one flight up.

Here we are.

I'd offer to take your coat,

but it's rather cold in here.

Thank you.

It's a pity you're not really a bad painter.

They sometimes make a lot of money.

Yes. While I appreciate only the best things,

like your cigarette case,

I can paint only these.

Exasperating, isn't it?

This portrait is very good.

Has it been shown?

Yes.

Oh, I like that.

It's yours.

How much?

Let's call it commission

on the cigarette case, shall we?

Is there a child here?

Yes, at night.

In this icebox?

We had a fire until Tuesday.

Ada's forgotten to clean out the grate.

This is Ada, my wife.

Beautiful, delicate, thin.

She's undernourished, but there's something about her.

Now, I want you to see this one.

The thought of a woman and child

in this I...

The child is put in a day nursery while Ada's at work.

She works in a draper's shop.

You see, she believes in my painting.

You'd have to be a very good painter, indeed, Mr. Elcott,

to justify what you're doing to your wife.

Really, miss Herries.

I didn't realize that your visit

was going to lead to a lecture on my wife's martyrdom.

No offense, miss Herries.

Perhaps you'll come again.

The car's here that you ordered, miss Herries.

Is there anything else to be delivered?

No. You haven't forgotten that box for Saint anselm's?

No, ma'am. The rest of the presents are to be called for.

They're all under the tree.

Rose, just a minute.

I want to send a note by that man.

Oh, yes, ma'am.

Yes?

Mr. Elcott?

Right.

Letter for you, sir.

Thanks.

Come in, dear.

It's a letter from a lady

who feels she's been a little pompous.

She sent a check for 25�

for some pictures I left at her house on speculation.

There's a little proviso about you here, Ada.

We're to buy you some new clothes,

something nice and warm.

Well, Ada?

Yes, Henry?

Aren't you pleased?

Yes, Henry.

She must be very kind.

It's him again, ma'am, the artist.

Wants to see you.

Show him in.

Mr. Elcott.

I should have telephoned,

but after what happened at the flat,

I was afraid you'd say you were out.

I brought the portrait,

the one that you admired.

Would you accept it

as a little peace offering?

Thank you.

That's very kind of you.

Ada wanted to thank you herself, but...

Would you care to see Ada and the baby?

They're waiting for me across the square.

Give me the baby.

Get her up on the bench.

She can't lie there in the cold.

Let her alone. Get a doctor.

Ada? Ada, are you all right?

Give me a hand here, will you?

Mr. Elcott, miss Herries says

you're to bring her into the house.

I'll take the baby.

The baby's all right. Thank you.

Put her on the sofa there.

Ada? Ada, are you all right?

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Get yourself something for Christmas.

I beg your pardon. I'm a doctor.

I saw a woman being carried in. Is anything wrong?

Oh, please come, doctor.

It's my wife. She seems to have fainted.

Well, doctor?

Your wife is quite ill.

Does she live here?

No.

I should like to take her temperature and make a more thorough examination.

I don't want to have her moved.

It may be pneumonia.

Pneumonia?

She can stay here.

Rose, take the baby upstairs.

Will you need a nurse, doctor?

You maid will do if she is competent,

at least until I can see the patient tomorrow.

Come with me.

Top of the stairs, first room to the right.

How do you like it?

Well, of course, it isn't exactly finished,

but I'm sure it will be very nice.

He paints very well, really.

How much is he charging you?

Nothing.

He regards it as payment.

I've never heard such a weird story in all my life.

Well, you wanted me to meet people.

Come in.

Oh, I beg your pardon.

This is Mr. Elcott.

This is my niece... Mrs. Weston.

How do you do? The doctor's still with Ada, miss Herries.

Did you wish to see him before he leaves?

Yes, I do.

I'll tell him.

I may be an old fool,

but I'm not that kind of an old fool.

I do wish you'd change your mind about visiting us.

You'd think Scotland was the other end of the earth

instead of just 8 hours away.

The whole Weston family insists you come up

immediately after the holidays.

All right, my dear. I'll think of it.

That's a promise, now. We'll expect you.

My love to George and the children.

I will, aunt Mary. Good-bye.

You're coming along splendidly, miss Elcott.

Be back in a moment, dear.

Oh, doctor, miss Herries would like

to see you a moment before you leave.

Oh, yes, of course.

Good-bye, Mrs. Weston.

Good-bye.

Miss Herries.

Sit down, doctor.

Thank you, but if you'll excuse me,

I have a number of calls to make.

I don't believe that the patient has pneumonia.

Good.

However, she isn't out of danger yet,

and I still think it is too early to have her moved.

It may mean her staying here for fully 2 weeks.

I'm afraid it's a terrible imposition.

It's not your fault.

Good day, miss Herries.

Good day.

Isn't Mrs. Weston staying?

No. She had to take a train.

Oh.

Tell me, how long have you been living

in that miserable flat?

Just over a year.

It seems obvious

that as an artist, you, uh...

I haven't done too well.

Isn't that what you were going to say?

I have other talents.

Oh, good. Then you can look for a job.

You're intelligent.

I will.

Don't worry about Ada.

We'll look after her.

Thank you.

Oh, doctor, I don't think.

Mrs. Elcott will be needing you anymore.

I see.

Of course, I won't be able to pay you right away.

Yes. That was our understanding.

It'll only be a few days.

Bye.

Thank you.

How are you this afternoon, miss Elcott?

Better, thank you.

You mustn't worry about staying here until you're well.

It won't be long.

You have some color in your cheeks already.

Thank you, miss Herries.

He's such a good baby.

I don't think I've ever heard him cry.

He is a good baby...

Quiet and sweet.

Have you seen the doctor lately?

The doctor?

Yes. I haven't seen him.

I thought perhaps he'd been here

while I was out of the house.

Out of the house?

Yes... when you were away, miss Herries.

I see.

Well, if you want anything,

just ask Rose for it.

Good morning. I'll sign for that.

Hello, Rose.

Thank you.

How is Mrs. Elcott today, Rose?

I'd say she's right as rain.

Would you?

Yes, sir.

Chilly, isn't it?

Marsdale, ravendon, and marsdale.

Miss Herries' solicitors, perhaps?

I couldn't say, I'm sure.

How about a cup of tea, Rose, in the drawing room?

You're not leaving.

You can't go like this.

I can, and I am.

You can say good-bye to miss Herries.

If I talk to her, I might change me mind.

I don't like Elcott, and I don't like his family.

Well, I don't like Mr. Elcott either,

but his wife's ill, and she's...

There's some people always looks like that,

and she's one of them.

Did you ever see a person with pneumonia?

I did. My first husband died of it.

Yes, but the doctor...

Doctor. They can make mistakes.

Besides, them elcotts sprung up from nowhere.

And I wouldn't be surprised

if the doctor did, too.

He didn't look like a doctor to me.

Tell miss Herries I'm very sorry.

I don't want my week's severance.

But it's awful, your leaving so suddenly.

Awful? Maybe.

Dora.

You're not afraid?

Afraid?

You are.

Well...

Good-bye.

Rose... answer the door, please.

Hello. Mr. and Mrs. Elcott here? We're friends.

Edwards? Come in, won't you?

Hello, Henry.

Mrs. Edwards. Just put the bags down there.

Rose, ask miss Herries

if it's all right

for friends of Ada to visit her.

I will, sir.

Aggie, take your hands off things.

How many times must I tell you?

We'll wait for miss Herries' permission.

- Oh, quite, Henry. - It's only right.

Just put your things there.

Clumsy child.

How's the baby, Henry?

Doing fine. Ada will be glad to see you.

We'll be glad to see her, too, Henry.

Nice layout.

Reminds me of a house I once stayed in

in Melbourne in Australia.

Doesn't it?

Aggie!

I wish you'd speak to her, mother.

Aggie, keep your hands off things,

or I'll put you back in school.

They'll learn you some manners.

Quite stairs, them.

Like this house I was talking about in Melbourne.

It's a good sign.

I didn't know you were ever in Melbourne.

After my time in the states.

Real fine house.

Lord... Pennystone. Something like that.

Black sheep, he was.

Came to Australia and made a pile of money.

Kept it in bars, gold bars as long as your arm. Ha!

Real peculiar.

Never got married.

Quite a conversation they're having up there.

Father?

Hmm?

Did the cook leave? Henry didn't say.

He didn't say?

No.

Aggie!

We'll have to put her back. That's all there is to it.

Absurd of you to feel like this, Rose,

and wrong of cook to leave.

In a day or 2, they'll be gone.

I'm so glad, miss Herries.

Now go down and let their friends come up.

And, Rose, if that doctor gets here,

I want to see him, too.

Miss Herries, this letter came for you.

I thought you'd like to have it. It's registered.

Thank you.

Is it all right for Ada's friends to come up?

Yes.

Oh, and when they've gone,

I'd like to speak to you.

Of course.

It's all right, Edwards. You can all come up.

Close the door, Rose.

Mr. Elcott seems to have taken over.

Yes. He's been like that all the time, miss Herries...

acts as if he owned us.

I've been a fool, Rose.

But it's going to stop.

Look in the directory

and telephone the nursing home

and order an ambulance.

Yes, ma'am.

Then pack everything that belongs

to Mrs. Elcott and the baby.

Yes.

And Rose...

Don't be afraid of anything.

And leave the door open.

Yes, ma'am.

Nothing this nice in Melbourne, ma'am.

This is Ada's room on the left.

Good-bye.

Aggie, say good-bye to Ada.

Good-bye, Ada.

That's a good girl.

Mind your manners, and you'll keep your friends.

We shouldn't have come, father.

Hmm, she looks a bit seedy.

I hope we didn't do any harm.

Country air. That's what she needs.

I couldn't tell which was whiter... her or the sheets.

Miss Herries, I want you to meet Ada's friends.

I'd rather not meet them.

They want to meet you, miss Herries.

Ain't it touching the way she loves

the scrawny little baby?

Not an ounce of flesh on either one of them.

These are Ada's friends...

Edwards, Mrs. Edwards, Aggie.

How do you do, ma'am?

We've just seen Ada.

My, she's a sight, isn't she?

I do hope the excitement

wasn't too much for her.

Not an ounce of flesh on her, ma'am.

Oh, this room faces the side.

Very nice room.

Miss Herries, it occurs to me

that we'll be needing a new cook.

May I venture to recommend Mrs. Edwards?

She's an excellent...

I need no one.

I'm glad your friends are here.

They'll help you move your wife.

You mean move her today?

Yes.

That's a pretty hard way to talk, miss Herries.

After all, she's very ill.

I don't care to discuss it.

I want you to get your wife out of here today.

It might be life or death, you know.

Do you think she ought?

I will not discuss it.

Stop that, Aggie.

Go and wait in Ada's room, dear.

Oh, it's dear Mary.

It's good, Henry.

Get out, all of you.

Well, now, that's easier said than done.

Such a fine big house.

Wonderful how clean it is

with only 2 to help.

I was just telling mother...

that's my old lady, Mrs. Edwards...

how much this house reminds me

of one I stayed in in Melbourne, Australia.

Same layout. Was the staircase made me think of it.

Used to be a private house.

Turned it into a lodging house later.

This is monstrous. What is it you want of me?

My pay.

His pay.

For all these weeks of planning.

Surely you don't think I just stumbled on this

by accident, do you?

Shall I close the shutters, Henry?

That's not necessary. Oh, we won't need that, Mrs. Edwards.

Miss Herries is going to cooperate.

She isn't stupid. She won't scream.

Sit down, old lady.

Edwards, you must learn how to deal with people.

There's no need to handle her roughly.

There now. That's better.

I'll just put her onto the bed.

Mrs. Edwards will attend to that.

Luck.

The minute I seen that staircase, I knew it.

Luck.

Please, miss, can't you get me that number?

All right, I'll hang on.

It's very important.

Uh, hello. This is the maid

at 67 melbrook square.

I want to arrange for a room.

What's that?

67 melbrook square.

Yes, that's right.

There, now. Comfortable?

If you want anything,

I'll be coming back.

I'll go down and see what kind of a kitchen you've got.

Right. And now you'll be thinking of calling for help.

The windows are closed, but if you scream loud enough,

I think the neighbors will hear you.

I shan't scream. I'll wait.

Oh, you're thinking there will be callers and so forth.

You're right. There will be callers.

Now, I think you'll find it all most interesting.

We'll get on with the portrait tomorrow.

Rest comfortably.

Back door's locked.

Oh, what a lovely pantry.

Good thing we brought the bags, father.

I had a proper fright

when I came down, Henry.

She was on the telephone.

She was calling for an ambulance.

Who?

The maid.

She didn't say what hospital.

Did she give this address?

Yes.

Did she?

Bloomsbury 7831.

I'll go get the bags, mother.

Bloomsbury 7831, please.

Brought your things, too, Henry.

Go into the drawing room and sit down, Aggie.

Hello. What? Oh, Saint Mary's hospital.

This is the maid that called a while back

about an ambulance.

Melbrook square. Yes.

Say never mind. They took her in a taxi.

Well, please never mind.

They took her in a taxi.

To her own doctor.

To her own doctor.

Go on in. Mind you don't touch anything.

Make sure the ambulance hasn't left.

What's that?

The ambulance hasn't left, has it?

Thank you.

No. They take their time.

I'll get Aggie.

It's best she goes back, father.

Right-o.

Rose, where's dora...

The cook?

She's left, hasn't she?

That's what you were going to tell miss Herries, wasn't it?

All right, Rose.

Go on up to your room.

Uh-uh. Up you go.

Ah. Oh, it's Christmas Eve tonight.

Lovely, ain't they?

Come on, Aggie.

Merry Christmas.

Well, Ada, everything all right this evening?

Our son and heir seems to be enjoying

his unaccustomed luxury.

Thoughtful of miss Herries, wasn't it?

Are those people, the Edwards...

are they staying, Henry?

Yes.

In service.

Edwards will make an elegant Butler, I'm sure.

Well, Ada, you're looking a great deal better this evening.

Mrs. Edwards will bring up your supper.

You must get a little more flesh on you.

I'll help you with that, Mrs. Edwards.

Thank you.

Here we are, miss Herries.

Mrs. Edwards has prepared you a nice little supper.

No appetite?

Very well. I'll leave it there.

It's plain food but palatable.

No need to be offended, Mrs. Edwards.

She'll eat it later.

Good evening.

Come in, constable.

Good evening, sir.

Good evening.

Merry Christmas, sir.

Same to you.

I'm constable orkin, sir.

Yes?

Miss Herries asked me to come by.

Miss Herries?

Oh, yes, of course.

How stupid of me.

Is Rose taking the evening off?

Rose? Well, she...

Rose is away for the holidays.

That's what you dropped in for, wasn't it?

Yes, as a matter of fact, it was.

Thank you, sir, and miss Herries, too.

Not at all. I'm afraid it quite slipped my mind.

It's been such a difficult day.

You see, miss Herries was taken ill this afternoon.

Oh, nothing serious, I hope, sir.

Very serious, I'm afraid.

Quite violent.

I am sorry to hear that, sir.

Weren't you on this beat this afternoon?

Why... why, yes, sir.

I wonder you didn't hear her screaming.

Screaming, sir?

The doctor and I fully expected

the entire police force to descend on us.

I'm afraid I... Don't follow you, sir.

Her mind.

Miss Herries?

Well, that's hard to believe.

Shocking, I know.

What a shame.

I'll explain to Jones.

That's the man on the day beat, sir.

The day... Edwards.

You won't mind taking him

his little present, I'm sure.

It'll save his dropping round.

There we are.

Thank you, sir.

You can count on both of us, sir,

for any help you may need.

Thank you very much.

Good night, Mr...

Elcott.

Good night, Mr. Elcott. Good night.

Good night, sir.

No, no. Take this one.

Look at that chippendale.

It's very early.

There isn't a finer piece of mahogany in the country.

It should be in a museum.

Yes.

Well, there we are, Mr. Elcott.

Oh, it's too bad about miss Herries.

Yes. She'll be better off in the country.

Always a ghoulish business, this.

People spend their whole lives collecting...

Oh, gently.

Edwards, give them a hand.

That's very kind of you.

Look at that inlay. Perfect.

You can't find that now.

No.

You're getting a top price, Mr. Elcott.

All right, bank it around.

I shall be able to sell it.

Where do people get the money?

For things like these? One can't imitate them.

Oh, I brought the money as you requested... in banknotes.

Ah, thank you.

Better get upstairs, nurse.

Yes, Mr. Elcott.

That's due to what?

Oh, horrible. Well, get on with it.

Horrible.

Well, good day.

Well, good day.

How's the old lady, Edwards?

Bad. Very bad.

May have to send her to an institution.

And I'd say do it. Can't take care of her here.

Can't be sentimental. Screaming.

Screaming?

Good morning.

I saw it coming. First sign... loss of memory.

She forgot me Christmas box.

Oh, that is a shame.

Thank you.

First sign... loss of memory.

So, you finally screamed.

You smelled a visitor, and you screamed, foolish woman.

I told you there'd be visitors.

This one was an antique dealer, a very nice chap.

Do you know what he said when he heard you scream?

"Horrible. Horrible."

He's buying the drawing-room furniture.

They're moving it out now.

Post, Henry.

We got 300� for the Sheraton table.

What's this?

Late Christmas cards and other foolishness.

Gas bill. We'll pay that.

And a letter.

Signed "your loving niece, Lucy."

Isn't that the girl I met here... Mrs. Weston?

"Dear aunt Mary..."

It seems that her little boy is in hospital.

Nothing to be alarmed about,

but she wonders if you could delay

your visit for a fortnight.

Well, that seems to have taken care of itself.

Doesn't it, dear aunt Mary?

Contemptible, wretched man.

Why don't you take what you want and go?

You can untie her, Mrs. Edwards.

Give her the freedom of the room.

Be sure that the door is locked.

Oh, Edwards, might be wise to board up the windows,

for her own safety, of course.

I think it should set very well, Mr. Elcott.

When will it be ready?

Day after tomorrow, sir.

Make it double, triple around that porcelain.

It's very fragile.

Yes, sir. You can depend on us, sir.

Good day, sir.

Henry.

I don't remember saying you might leave your room.

Surely you don't think you're going out.

Yes, sir.

I want to see the baby.

I've never been away from him before.

But, Ada, it was your idea

that the baby should be put in a home

where he could be properly taken care of.

I could be there and back by evening.

Everything you ever dreamed of for the baby

will be his.

You must be patient.

Henry, I don't like to stay in that room alone.

Very well, Ada. You shan't.

We all have work to do.

Mrs. Edwards, my wife seems to be pining

for lack of exercise.

She wants to assist you.

Oh, it's about time.

She can start with the old lady's tea.

Bring it over here.

Yes, and she can serve Rose her meals in her room.

Who has the key?

Father.

Edwards will give you the key.

Stairs will do you good.

Oh, by the way, Mrs. Edwards,

I want miss Herries brought down here this afternoon.

We're expecting a visitor.

We are?

Please see that she looks her best.

Everything all right, Rose?

Come on. Come on.

Mind your step now.

You haven't been up and about

for a while, you know.

Here we are.

Good. Bring her over here, Mrs. Edwards.

Yes, I'm afraid the room does look rather empty.

Too bad to see everything go.

They were exquisite pieces, all of them.

Where's Rose?

I wouldn't want her to see you in this distressed condition.

Sit down.

Now then, aunt Mary,

I have something here I want you to sign.

Power of attorney.

I'll sign nothing.

It's senseless to resist.

I am resisting.

Stubborn.

Yes, stubborn. Stubborn and proud.

My mother, my mother of sainted memory

was just such a woman...

kind and understanding and stubborn.

She wanted to make me a gentleman, and she did.

Now, then, aunt Mary, a nice big "m."

Never mind. Tomorrow, the next day,

sooner or later, she'll sign. She'll sign anything.

Let me try.

No. Oh, no.

That'll be monsieur Malaquaise, the art dealer.

He has a client in Paris

for the El Greco and the Rembrandt.

Open the door, Edwards.

I want miss Herries to talk to him.

Talk to her, Henry?

Yes, yes. There are fine points here

you don't understand, Edwards.

I want her to realize the hopelessness of her situation.

Risky, Henry.

Edwards, you're a worrier. Answer the door.

I don't think monsieur Malaquaise

will be interested in this.

Good luck.

Good afternoon, sir.

I am monsieur Malaquaise.

Right in here, sir.

Mr. Elcott will be with you in a moment, sir.

Madam. Pardon me.

I am Henri Malaquaise of Paris.

I have an appointment with monsieur Elcott.

You are miss Herries?

Yes.

Ah, this is the El Greco.

Have you a card?

Of course, madam.

Have you seen the Rembrandt?

Ah, the Rembrandt. Yes. Let me see.

It is a very famous painting, of course.

I wish there was more light.

You must examine it closely.

Closely.

What is this, madam?

It's very important.

It's a very important picture.

Please understand.

Understand, madam?

Shh... he's listening.

Listening, madam?

Mr. Elcott.

Please, try to understand.

Yes, madam, I believe I do understand.

You will help me, please?

Ah, Mr. Malaquaise.

Monsieur Elcott.

Good of you to come.

I see you two have met.

Yes.

You got a look at the paintings?

Well, I, uh...

Let me give you some more light.

Thank you.

Well, aunt Mary, you're looking splendid.

Doing you good to be up and about.

We mustn't overtax ourselves,

must we?

Nurse, I think miss Herries

would like to go to her room now.

Certainly, Mr. Elcott.

I'll stay, I think.

Just as you please.

I remember these paintings

when the Cameron family in Manchester owned them.

Yes. We bought the pick of that collection.

May I suggest that you have these paintings

sent to our London galleries

for further examination?

But they're perfectly genuine.

My aunt had them authenticated.

Here are the papers.

Yes.

And these papers will accompany the paintings?

Of course.

Forgive me, madam, but I have

very little time in London.

Good-bye, monsieur Malaquaise.

Good day, madam.

When can we conclude the sale?

There are certain arrangements.

Will the day after tomorrow be satisfactory?

Certainly.

And thank you for the opportunity.

Not at all.

Oh, monsieur Elcott,

the lady... Gave me this.

The poor woman. She does that all the time.

I'm sorry.

Oh, not at all. I'm sorry you had to be embarrassed.

Thank you for being so understanding.

Thank you. Good day, sir.

Well, that's that.

Bring it off, Henry?

Crate them up, Edwards, all 3 of them.

Good.

Well, aunt Mary, take a last look

at your precious paintings.

They're going out tomorrow.

But then, El Greco won't mind.

All right, Mrs. Edwards,

you can take her upstairs.

Oh, by the way...

Monsieur Malaquaise gave me this.

A note.

I didn't open it.

Ain't she the clever one?

Wheelchair.

Right-o.

It's coming nicely, aunt Mary.

Now, then, chin up. That's right.

You're really an excellent subject.

Yes?

Good day.

I'm Mr. Harkley. This is Mrs. Harkley.

We've come to see about Rose.

Rose?

Aye.

Yes, sir. The maid.

Oh, Rose? Well, uh... Have a seat.

I'll be down in a moment.

There's people downstairs...

Mr. and Mrs. Harkley.

Well?

They came to see about Rose.

Very well, Edwards.

Pour the tea, Ada.

I'll send Mrs. Edwards up.

Excuse me, aunt Mary.

This is Mr. Elcott.

Good afternoon. Can I help you?

Yes, sir. It's about Rose.

I'm her sister.

Rose? Oh, she left miss Herries' employ some time ago.

Oh? She was to come visit us

just after Christmas,

but she never turned up.

You never heard from her?

No, sir.

Well, I... I hate to be the one

to have to tell you this,

but at the time she left here,

there was a man involved.

A man?

A married man.

Ah.

And she went away with him.

Rose?

Aye. It's always the ones

that say they can't abide men.

But I shouldn't worry too much if I were you.

I'm sure you'll be hearing from her soon.

She's selfish, that girl.

She was never partial to men.

Well, I'm afraid that's all I can tell you,

except that she went away without her wages.

She must have been in a hurry.

If you care to step this way,

I'll be glad to give them to you.

You're not like the others,

are you, Ada?

Where's Rose?

She's in her room.

Who brings her her meals?

I do.

Then you have a key?

No. Edwards always goes with me.

What happened to your portrait, Ada?

Why did Mr. Elcott

take it out of the drawing room

before Malaquaise came?

I don't know.

I think you do, Ada.

You must help me.

Will you bring the portrait to me here?

Will you help me, Ada?

Miss Herries, please...

if you should hear from Rose...

I'll let you know, of course.

I have your address here on this receipt.

Good-bye. Good-bye.

See them out, Edwards.

Thank you very much, sir.

Good day.

Bye, Mr. Harkley.

Good day, sir.

Aye, a lovely mess.

A married man.

I think we should call the police.

Police? What for?

For Rose. To list her.

To list her as a missing person.

She's not a missing person.

She run away with a man, a married man.

Well, this will take care of our trip from Leeds.

We've done a lot for her,

and this is the least she could do for us.

But I think...

come along, come along.

I do apologize for the interruption.

It was Rose's sister, wondering about

not having heard from her at Christmas.

The husband was completely satisfied, however,

when I gave him Rose's back wages.

Actually obliged by giving me this receipt.

Wonderful, the power of money.

And such a trifling amount, too.

Well, aunt Mary, I promised you

my impression of you would be different.

But even I didn't realize quite how different.

Not as elegant as the whistler, perhaps,

but almost prophetic...

A portrait of what you're slowly becoming.

Look at it.

There is your destiny.

It's corrupt, as you are.

Vicious... and insane.

Really, aunt Mary,

you mustn't feel that way about it.

We are making progress, good progress.

Study it. Study it closely.

Better take those things in, miss parsol.

It looks like rain.

Nice lady, there.

Nice neighborhood.

It's the wood for the crates that Henry wants.

Father, you seen that picture

that Henry's painting of the old lady?

Well, I didn't particularly notice.

Look at it sometime, close.

Why?

Just look at it... Close.

What's the matter with you, mother?

I don't like it.

I don't like him.

That note... Too close for comfort.

Look, when he hired us,

it was going to be a quick job.

He was going to clear out the house and leave.

He's got the money.

Has he given you any?

No.

Well, there you are.

Too many people come into the house, and I don't like it.

Mother, you're a worrier.

Now that Ada's helping,

why don't you get upstairs and get some rest?

You'll feel much better.

Good day. I'm Mr. Foster.

From Blakely's bank.

I have an appointment with Mr. Elcott.

Oh, yes, sir.

If you'll just wait a moment right here.

And now for the final sitting.

Just the finishing touches.

There's a man downstairs from a bank.

Foster.

You wait here.

I'm Mr. Foster from Blakely's bank.

Oh, yes. I was expecting you.

I'm afraid we're a little disorganized.

May I take your things?

Won't you come inside?

Your coat?

No, thank you.

Well, I got your telegram.

Good. Won't you sit down?

You move more swiftly than I thought.

Does this mean that you found a buyer for the house?

Well, there are certain... Complications.

Oh? What sort of complications?

Weren't the documents I sent you in order?

Oh, yes, quite. But you see...

I beg your pardon.

No, thank you.

Well, I'm afraid the bank

is unwilling at this time

to guarantee to the buyer

your right to sell.

They wish to examine miss Herries themselves.

I see.

Well, that does not mean...

it can mean only one thing...

that I'm misrepresenting my aunt's intentions.

Not at all.

Or that I'm conspiring against her.

Mr. Elcott...

there can be no other explanation.

Yes, but these are legal questions.

No. My aunt is extremely anxious

to sell this house.

I'm doing everything I can to expedite matters.

But I will not have her examined by anyone.

You cannot?

Will not... Now, unless, of course,

her doctor permits, which is most unlikely.

May we know the exact nature

of Mrs. Herries' illness?

Certainly.

She's had a complete nervous breakdown.

Oh...

And I cannot have her tormented by anyone.

But what a dreadful thing. She...

Miss Herries!

Miss Herries!

It's all right, sir. I'll take care of it.

All right. All right, miss Herries.

There we are. There we are.

Here we go.

Terribly sorry you had to see this.

Please forgive me.

Of course.

My poor aunt is perfectly rational most of the time.

I'm afraid this is one of her bad days.

I see.

I'll get your things.

Go down and put your proper jacket on.

How did you manage it, dearie?

Regular Mrs. Houdini, you are.

Here we are.

Thank you.

Yes. It's obvious that my aunt

must be moved to a smaller place,

in the country, perhaps.

That is why we want to sell this house.

A charming, lovely woman.

Yes. As you see, we're disposing of everything

so that the move can be made at short notice.

I see.

Mr. Foster, whatever is necessary

to the completion of the sale, I'll agree to,

including the examination, if needs be.

I shall report to the bank.

She's quite all right, sir.

She was a bit frightened,

but Mrs. Edwards has her in charge now.

Thank you, Edwards. Mrs. Edwards is the nurse.

Yes, I see.

Whatever can be done, I shall be grateful.

Thank you.

We are extremely eager to sell.

Yes.

Good day.

Good day.

I think I turned that rather neatly, don't you?

Yes, especially after monsieur Malaquaise.

Malaquaise was keen. This chap's stupid.

Henry, never trust a stupid man.

Edwards, that crowbar I saw in the pantry...

Fetch it.

Has he gone?

He must have seen me, don't you think?

Still, if he thinks I am insane...

Mr. Elcott probably knows what he's doing.

But you're getting in pretty deep.

Yes, dearie.

If you and Mr. Edwards were to leave...

Go on, dearie.

You probably wouldn't, but still...

Mr. Elcott hired us.

Wouldn't be proper to leave

before he'd settled up with us, now, would it?

Mr. Elcott isn't as thorough as he thinks.

There's a considerable amount of cash somewhere in this room.

In here, Edwards.

Move that out of the way, will you?

Magnificent... The courage, the strength,

the willpower to put in that dramatic appearance

just when you knew that Foster was here.

He was extremely solicitous, of course.

But you convinced him beyond doubt

that the house must be sold.

He'll need your signature on the deed of conveyance,

with a doctor to witness, perhaps.

All in good time.

Thank you, Edwards.

You're getting restless, aunt Mary.

You've been too active of late...

Altogether too active.

This evening will do.

Yes.

Don't force my hand.

Mrs. Edwards,

have you been thinking about what I told you?

What would be in this for you, dearie?

After you've taken the money, you give me a key.

You mean the key to this room?

Oh, no.

The key to the room they're keeping Rose in.

Aren't you the sly one?

If you look in that middle drawer, you'll find �200.

It's not locked.

What do you mean wrong, Foster? Wrong in what way?

Well, I don't know exactly.

But those strange paintings,

that hulking fellow, the manservant.

A necessary attendant to her illness.

Perhaps. But then the cigarette case.

You see, the case he used...

you're worrying about a cigarette case.

Well, it may mean nothing.

I know it doesn't sound sensible or convincing.

But when they took her upstairs to her room,

I thought...

Mr. Blakely, I'm not an easily disturbed man,

but at that moment, I was afraid they were...

in these mental cases, there's always a great deal of unpleasantness.

But, sir...

Foster, you're not with Scotland yard.

Send a physician to attend to her.

But that would take time, sir.

If the bank examines her, that is all that is necessary.

But she was such a charming woman, sir.

Yes, yes.

Where have you been, mother? I've been looking for you.

I've been upstairs packing.

We're getting out.

We don't have to stay on any longer.

Hmm?

Where did that come from?

From the old lady, but never mind about that.

Let Henry stretch it out if he wants to.

You and me is going.

You've got brains, mother.

That's why I married you. You're smart.

There's no rush. We'll count this as profits.

What?!

We'll wait for what's coming to us.

No.

We'll wait.

We'll do no such thing.

We'll wait on Henry.

That's flat.

You shouldn't have tried to go downstairs, miss Herries.

You must never try to escape.

Let me see that.

Take me to the light.

I know this style of painting.

I've seen it before somewhere.

Where was this portrait painted?

Paris.

Look.

No.

Look here.

There's a woman in a shroud.

It's you.

Miss Herries, please...

you're as much a captive as I am.

Why are you part of their plan, Ada?

The baby... I was afraid.

There was a woman in Paris.

He painted her portrait, too.

She was...

She was found in the seine...

Drowned...

Her hair floating on the water,

just the way it was in the portrait.

She was murdered.

They never found out.

They never knew.

But you knew. Why didn't you go to the police?

You think you're helping your baby by staying here?

You must go to the police.

No.

Then you must help Rose.

I can't.

Yes, you can.

Here. Here's the key to her room.

Edwards?

Edwards?!

Was that miss Herries?

Uh, no.

What was it?

Uh...

Rose...

The maid.

She got loose somehow.

She started to run away.

When I caught her, she started to run away,

and I followed her.

Well, what was I supposed to do, Henry?

She started to run away. So I grabbed her by the mouth!

And didn't let go, you stupid, bungling fool!

You hulking idiot!

How did she get out?

Her room was locked. I kept it locked myself.

It must have been Ada!

It was her, Henry.

Ada.

Hello.

Mr. Foster?

Foster?

Just one moment, please.

Hello, Foster.

I'm calling to express my concern about miss Herries.

I hope she's better tonight.

Oh, as well as can be expected. Thank you.

Well, I don't want to upset her, but I would like to see her tonight.

You want to see her tonight?

Yes, if you don't mind.

I see.

No, no, no. Of course not.

All right. Well, shall we say in about an hour?

Right. Till then. Bye.

He's coming here tonight?

Yes.

Henry, we can't stay here.

All right, Edwards.

Pack your things.

Well, aunt Mary, I have news for you.

We're clearing out... All of us.

How I hate to leave this portrait unfinished.

A little more time, and this would have been a masterpiece.

I want you to keep it as a memento,

a reminder of a rather exhilarating episode.

Well, well...

My loving wife.

I begin to understand.

You and Ada...

Hmm.

And such inquisitiveness.

You've found out all about me, haven't you?

Paris?

The woman in the seine,

her hair floating on the water.

How tragic. How very tragic.

Just as you were doing so nicely.

You've had a relapse.

You're ill, aunt Mary...

Too ill ever to leave this room.

Edwards.

You all packed?

Yes. Mother's almost done.

I've got to get upstairs and change.

Uh, Edwards...

There's been a slight complication.

Complication, Henry?

Miss Herries knows about Rose.

She knows that you killed her.

We've got to get out of here, Henry.

What, and leave her alone with Foster?

He's coming, you know.

She mustn't be allowed to talk to him, must she?

Well, Edwards?

You see, doesn't our friend constable orkin

pass by here on his beat at about this time?

8:00.

I don't understand, Henry.

It's simple.

A witness...

An official witness

to her death,

her accidental death.

Go on, Henry.

When orkin comes by...

Yes, Henry?

Aah!

Edwards, keep away from that window!

Foster's down below.

Foster?

Yes. The obliging Mr. Foster.

Don't you understand, Edwards?

The one man that I warned of this catastrophe

has arrived to see it happen.

He couldn't be more welcome.

Get around to the back.

So, it was Rose.

Yes, it was Rose.

I'll answer it.

Are you safe, miss Herries?

I'm all right now.

Come in, please.

Excuse me.