All language subtitles for S02E05 - Ring Once for Death

P C R 7 double 2 O Thriller Ring Once
for

Death Part 1 Take 1

Leaving a position where one has been
happy is always sad, madam.

However, the splendid references which
you've seen fit to sign are at least

consolation.

I would like to stay.

But I've always held the opinion that a
man in my position should strive

constantly to be extended.

And I think we would both agree that my
work here is finished.

All that remains is to tidy up.

You're a widow in a foreign land, Laura.
You need the protection of the American

embassy. You forget I was born here.

Ah, yes, but you've lived most of your
life abroad. You married an American.

have no friends here in England, no
acquaintances. You're a stranger here.

Since when did strangers in England need
diplomatic shelter?

Charming, though, my guardian would be.

Oh, not all strangers.

Just a beautiful, newly bereaved
millionaires.

I know George would have wanted me to
look after you. After all, he always

admitted he was lucky to have seen you
six months before I did.

Hugo, dear, there is no one I'd rather
be looked after by, if you'll forgive

undiplomatic grammar, but it's really
too soon.

I came here to get away.

Away from Washington, away from people
who knew me, from memories.

Anything that might remind me.

Well, you're going to be lonely.

Oh, Hugo, please don't think I'm not
delighted to see you.

I am.

And I know that later I'll be glad
you're here, but just now I want to be

strangers, anonymous. I want to
become... empty for a while.

Does that make sense?

Very well.

But you do well to remember what they
call me on the surface.

The bulldog, huh? You never let go.

It's rather comforting in a way.

Excuse me, madam.

There's a person in the hall, Mr.
Masters.

Says he has an appointment with you. An
interview for Butler?

Yes, sure, I'm in, Betty. Yeah, well,
I'll be on my way.

By the way, if this fellow doesn't work
out, I'd be a pretty mean hand at

butling myself.

Mr. Masters, madam.

Goodbye, Laura.

Think about it. I will.

Mr. Roger Masters, madam, at your
service.

It was noon you suggested, I think. If
you care to sit down, Mr. Martin. Thank

you, madam. I'm very well as I am.

Well, I've looked through the references
you sent me.

They're most impressive.

Tell me, why did you leave your last
employer?

She went abroad for her health, madam.

However, she was kind enough to write
down her impressions of me before she

left.

So I see.

Look after Mrs. Valens, Betty. She's
quite on her own, you know.

Oh, I will, sir. Don't you worry about a
thing.

Your last post was in the country, I
see.

Will you like it in town?

I'm sure I will, madam. I'm quite
accustomed to London.

Well, I don't intend to maintain a large
establishment.

If you came, there'd be yourself and the
maid, Betty. She also does the cooking

and cleaning. The advertisement
mentioned just yourself in the

That is so. Would it be your intention,
madam, to have frequent houseguests?

That would be very far from my
intention.

A staff of two would be perfectly
adequate, madam.

I want quiet masters.

Peace and quiet.

Should we agree? I'll expect you to
remember that.

I think I can promise to provide that,
madam.

Is the salary satisfactory?

Perfectly, thank you.

Very well, the engagement is yours.

You may bring your things this evening
and start tomorrow, if you wish. I do

wish you thank you.

I assure you, you won't live to regret
it.

You got the job, then?

I was appointed to the post of butler,
yes.

I saw your references the other day.

You move about quite a bit, don't you?

Mrs. Valance found them perfectly
satisfactory.

I never said she didn't, did I?

It went like a dream.

We're in.

No problems.

There's a maid who'll need watching.

Thank you, Betty.

He's the new butler, is he then, madam?

Yes, I'm sure you'll get on very well
with him.

He, uh, drives a bit of a flash car for
a butler, madam.

Well, we all have our little weaknesses.

Even butlers.

Yes, madam.

A cigar?

No, thanks, Dan.

I ran into Laura Valance today.

Laura Valance? Yes.

Remember Mrs. Valance?

Laura Valance. Yes, I mentioned her the
other day.

Oh, yeah.

Washington, wasn't she?

Married to that guy in the State
Department. That's right. You got it.

bumped into her, did you? Yes.

Yes. Her husband died, you know, and
she's over here on a kind of a

to get over it. And that's how you
bumped into her? Yes.

Yes. She's taking a house near the park.

Sensible lady.

And where did this collision take place?

What? Oh, they... Yes.

Let's see what you... Well, no, she's...
We met over at her house.

Rather too big for her, I would have
thought.

Still, well, you know, she wants
seclusion. Pretty shaken up, I suppose.

yes.

Well, I remember what it was like when
your mother died. Takes a bit of getting

used to. I should think the best thing
for her would be to get married again.

Well, she was very happy with what's
-his -name, wasn't she? That's the

It's the people that were happy the
first time around who have the best

of making a go of it again.

So when's the wedding?

When are you going to marry Laura
Valance? Well, that's what you were

around to in about two hours' time,
isn't it?

I mentioned her the other day. Do you
realize exactly how many times you've

mentioned her recently?

Oh, dear.

The house is too big for her, if you ask
me.

Too big and too quiet.

No friends, no relatives.

What she wants to do is marry that night
with Hugo and have a life again.

This is Madam's study, where she does
all the accounts and correspondence and

such like.

She should have a man to do all that for
her.

Oh, she has now, Betty.

Me. I mean a husband, not a butler.

What's in here?

Madam's personal papers.

Bank things, checkbooks, documents,
things like that.

They're none of your concern.

You've evidently not been in service
very long. The whole house and all its

problems are the concern of the butler.

Is that what it was like achieving
manner?

What do you know of Chevening Manor?

Don't know nothing about it. Just
thought on your references, that's all.

Prying into other people's affairs is
one of the little habits you're going to

have to get out of. Now I'm in charge.

Thank you, Masters. The temperature is
perfect. I think we shall get on very

well. I shall use my very best
endeavours to that end, Madam. You may

Thank you, Madam. Good night, Madam.

Good night, Masters.

Oh, you did give me a turn.

What are you doing?

No, on the contrary, what are you doing?

I've just been upstairs to see if she
wanted anything.

Well, that's my responsibility now.

Kindly remember your station.

My station?

Where do you think you are, bleak house?

Queen Victoria's dead, you know.

Anyway, what were you doing in there?

I was checking the doors and windows.

The security of the house is my concern.

The security of the house?

Creeping about like Frankenstein?

It's enough to give a girl curly hair.

Come in, Betty.

Betty, this is most distressing, and I
hope you don't... Forgive me, madam. I

know how embarrassing these matters can
be.

The fact is that a valuable ring is
missing from Mrs. Valance's jewel case.

What? It was there when Mrs. Valance
went to sleep last night. It is not

now, since there are only the two of us
in the house.

Oh, excuse me, madam. That will be the
police. The police? I didn't tell you to

tell the police.

I'm sorry, madam, but I am at a
disadvantage in this matter.

I am the newcomer.

And I therefore felt it essential in my
own interests that the matter be

investigated in the proper manner.

If you'll forgive me, madam.

Madam, I swear...

It's

absolutely horrible.

There are police all over the house.

The maid is miserable.

I should never have let it get this far.

Well, it's a rotten thing to have
happened, but after all, you had Betty,

two weeks?

Master's arrived just yesterday. It's
best to get it straightened out. Oh,

I'm so glad you're here.

I don't think I could have cooked by
myself.

Well, I thought I'd just drop by on my
way to the madhouse, see if you care to

have lunch with me.

I think we've got it sorted out, Mrs.
Valance.

Is that the ring?

Yes.

Yes, that's the one.

Where did you find it?

I dropped it somewhere and not realised.

No, madam, you hadn't dropped it. Not in
that sense.

We found it in your maid's bedroom.

Roll up in a pair of tights.

But she couldn't.

She wouldn't.

In any case, she's far too sensible. She
must have known I'd miss it.

You'd be surprised, madam, how careless
lots of ladies are with their jewellery.

They don't know whether it's on their
hand or their... Well, these girls know

that. They tread on it.

Do you wish us to prefer charges, Mrs.
Valance?

No, no, no, no. Good heavens, no.

Oh, Hugo, please, will you deal with it?

I just couldn't face her.

Tell Martha to give her the customary
amount in lieu of notice.

Oh, deal with it in any way you like.
Tell her... I'm sorry.

Please don't distress yourself, madam.
You did the only thing you could.

You seem such a straightforward person.

She probably has a record of such
thefts. The girl was lucky not to find

prosecuted.

That makes me a bit nervous about
finding a replacement.

Might I suggest, madam, that you leave
it to me?

I'm confident of finding a suitable
person.

Yes.

Yes, of course, master.

Why don't you do that?

I'll leave it in your hand. Very good,
madam.

Will madam be at home for lunch?

No, no, I shall be lunching out with Mr.
Fane.

I've also asked him to dine here the day
after tomorrow, so if you could arrange

something before then. Of course, madam.

Will that be all, madam?

Yes, thank you, masters.

You're a genius.

These are the best oeuf en cacade I've
had since Brussels.

Where'd you find it?

I didn't.

Master did it. You know, he really is
turning out to be quite a prize.

No chance for me to do my stuff then,
huh?

Hugo.

Beautiful.

My compliments to the chef.

But one vital ingredient missing.

At the moment, the creamed spinach.

I got that out of her when we discussed
the menu.

Your dog, Spinach.

He never touches it.

Wise man.

Congratulations, masters.

Where did you dig up this goddess of the
kitchen?

We've worked together before, sir. I
remembered her, and she happened to be

free. I can't think why.

If it weren't you, my dear, I'd steal
her away myself tomorrow.

A little more spinach, madam?

Yes, yes, I believe I will.

I don't feel very well, Mark, do I?

Oh, dear, I'm sorry to hear that, madam.

You should be down to breakfast.

I know how wretched these little upsets
can make one feel.

Might I suggest, madam, that you return
to bed, and I'll instruct Lisa to

prepare something simple.

I'll bring up the mail and the household
checks for you to sign later.

I think that's a very good idea.

I really do feel most odd.

Just some coffee and a little dry toast,
and, oh, please, telephone Mr. Fane and

ask him if we could meet at one o 'clock
rather than noon. Very good, madam.

That's enough.

We don't want to kill her, do we?

May I take the train?

Forgive me, madam, but I really don't
think you should be up.

I must make an effort. Mr. Fane is
expecting me.

Did you give him my message?

I hope you won't be offended, madam,
that I took the liberty of cancelling

appointment with Mr. Fane.

I really didn't think you'd be well
enough to go, and I informed Mr. Fane

accordingly.

I think you're right.

He was very thoughtful of you, master.
It's probably gastric flu. It's very

prevalent at the moment.

If I might venture, the only way to deal
with it is to retire to bed and to

remain there for a day.

I've always found it works wonders.

I believe you're right again, master.

I'm always recommending it to other
people, always reluctant to do it

If you'll permit me. No, no, really,
really, I'm perfectly all right.

Here we are, madam.

I'm being spoiled outrageously. I hope
you'll feel better soon, madam. That

be all, Lisa.

That is the sixth time in a row.

I know you're cheating, but I can't spot
how.

Just about on schedule.

Well, go on, then.

Take it easy.

It'd never do to show her I was
expecting it, would it?

I should be in bed and pass the sleep,
shouldn't I?

Mint.

Mr. Roger Masters reporting for duty.

I'm sorry, madam. I sleep like the dead.
Have you been ringing long?

I'm sorry.

I didn't wish to disturb you, Masters.

I really believe I'm quite ill. I think
I'd better have a doctor.

Well, certainly, madam. I know an
excellent man. Oh, no, no, no. Mr. Fane.

There's an embassy list.

It's in my address book on the dressing
table. There's a doctor's number in

there.

Yeah, of course, madam.

Oh.

I'm sorry to ring you at this late hour.
I'm speaking with Mrs. Laura Valance, a

friend of Mr. Hugo Fane.

Could I speak to Dr. Eastor, please?

I see.

Yes, I see.

When will he... Not till then.

Oh, thank you. My apologies again for
disturbing you.

I'm sorry, madam. Apparently Dr. Eastor
is aware at a medical convention in

Bermuda. He'll not be back for two
weeks.

Oh, no.

However, as I say, I do know an
excellent man, used by a number of my

employers. He's a most conscientious
doctor. I'm sure he'll be in good hands.

May I fetch him?

Oh, yes, yes, please do. Certainly,
madam.

His number's downstairs. I'll telephone
him immediately.

Yes, it's a virus infection, Mrs.
Vallance. I know that sounds alarming,

it's not. It's very minor.

The symptoms are distressing, I know.
But his bark is worse than his bite, if

you understand me. I'm sorry to be in so
much trouble. Not at all, not at all. I

wish all my patients were sensible.

Hit small things early and they don't
develop to big things. That's what I

always say.

How long will I be?

What, in bed?

Depends on you, largely. If you're a
sensible girl, do as you're told.

Take your medicine.

Four or five days.

Five days?

Well, it could be much longer if you
don't behave yourself.

Now then.

I've written out some prescriptions
there which I'm leaving with your chap,

I'm relying on him to see that you play
the game.

So, when I'm not here, he is, as it
were, in loco parentis for me. You

understand?

And I'm telling him you need lots of
rest and lots of quiet, and he's to see

that you get him.

All right?

Good.

Now take these, and I'll help you to
sleep.

Here we are.

Good. Good.

Fine.

Well, that's it, then.

There we are.

Now, then.

Yes. Oh, yes. And remember, your butler
is the boss.

I will remember.

Right.

Same as last time, I suppose.

Impossible to detect and gradual in the
way that it hits them. It's the only

stuff. As for tonight, there'll be more
later as usual. There was a time, you

know. Yeah.

That's before you got struck off.

Come off it, Ledworth.

You haven't lived so well for years.

And try and stay at least one quarter
sober, would you? I may want you again.

Now, don't you push me around.

You need me.

I own you.

Don't forget that, Ledworth.

I picked you up out of your own filth,
dusted you off, and made you useful

again. Money, the clothes you stand in,
the liquor you pour down your gullet,

they're there by the grace of me.

I even put a roof over your head.

Oh, perhaps you'd like to go back where
I found you, eh, Ledwin?

The alcoholic ward? All right, all
right, all right. I didn't mean

I'll do what you say.

Of course you will.

Of course you will.

And get back to the house.

What's the matter with him?

I think it's the time of night when bent
doctors remember their Hippocratic

oath.

Good morning, madam. I trust you slept
well. Oh, yes, thank you. I'm very

thirsty. Breakfast will be up in five
minutes, madam.

What are you doing?

Dr. Letterworth prescribed complete rest
and quiet, madam. No telephone calls. I

don't think that's necessary. He warned
me you might be a difficult patient,

madam. I'm afraid I shall have to be
quite heartless.

What do you mean, no telephone calls?

The doctor was quite explicit, sir. He
said no telephone calls and no visits.

He said it was most important that Mrs.
Valance had complete rest.

What's the matter with it, did he say?

He said it was a virus.

Not serious, but it could become so if
Mrs. Valance did not observe his

Oh, Dr. Eastall, here's one thing.

Doctor, this is going to sound rather
odd, but has Mrs.

Laura Valance consulted you? And if so,
and just completely in confidence, of

course, what the devil's wrong with her?

She hasn't consulted you?

No, no, no, no, nothing at all. Thank
you, Doctor.

I'm hungry, Martin.

You hardly gave me any breakfast either.

I'm sorry, Madam, Doctor's orders.

You know what they say, feed a cold and
starve a fever. Is that what I've got, a

fever? I'm afraid I know nothing about
the art of medicine, madam. But I do

a great respect for medical men.

Dr. Letterworth says it's for your own
good.

Oh, did Mr. Fane telephone this morning?

No, madam.

I see. Thank you.

I don't see there's anything odd about
it at all, Dad.

Well, I recommended our own doctor to
her. Now she's gone and gotten herself

ill. She's called in somebody else.

Woman's privilege.

She decided not to take your advice.

Maybe that's what it's all about, is it?

I mean, after all, she couldn't choose
her own doctor without starting a

congressional debate.

Yeah, I suppose you're right.

Can I borrow your car tonight?

Hmm?

Yeah.

What's wrong with your own?

Great then, madam.

I've had hardly anything to eat for the
past two days. I think that's why I'm

feeling so weak.

I'm sorry, madam, but I'm only following
the doctor's instructions.

I'm sure it's doing you good.

I'm sorry, sir. I'd be wrong to disobey
the doctor's and madam's instructions.

The treatment requires complete rest and
no visitors.

Who's looking after?

He's an American doctor, sir.

He's a friend of Madam's who happened to
be over here.

Well, where can I get in touch with him?

I'm afraid I don't know, sir.

Mrs. Balance called him herself.

He seems very strict.

Thank you. There we are, Madam.

Why has Mr. Fane called?

No, I'm afraid not, Madam.

Will that be all, Madam?

Yes.

Hugo? It all seems very unnecessarily
complicated to me.

Hugo! Just y 'all do as I call.

Certainly, sir. Goodbye, sir.

I'm sorry, madam. I wasn't able to get
away at once.

Was that Mr. Fane?

Yes, he was, madam.

I asked him if he'd like to come up, but
he said he'd spoken to Dr. Ledworth,

and the doctor had advised against it.

He came to say goodbye, madam.

Goodbye? Mr. Fane has been posted back
to Washington, madam.

His plane leaves at noon. He called here
on his way to the airport.

Oh, no.

Oh, sugar.

It's not like Laura.

To be so uncommunicative, I mean.

Well, she is ill.

Well, that's true. What does it take to
pick up a telephone?

That's what worries me. You know, I'm
beginning to think she's not just ill,

she's very ill. I wouldn't worry too
much if I were you.

You say a butler's a pretty competent
man.

He seems to have a grip on things.

Yes, he does indeed.

You see my notes, anyway?

Notes? Yes, for this broadcast of mine
tomorrow.

Pretty sensitive subject, isn't it? Arab
nationalism. Somebody's got to speak

out.

I thought this was supposed to be live.

And unscripted. Is it?

It is.

Twenty years in the embassy have taught
me that a few notes never win a match.

Madam, what are you doing out of bed?

You shouldn't. You really shouldn't.

I've discovered.

Here, let me help you back.

Thank you.

There we are.

I don't know what Dr. Ledworth would
say, I'm sure.

Supposing you got out on the landing and
fallen down the stairs.

I wouldn't have done that.

I dare say not, madam, but where would I
have been if you had?

I was worried about disturbing you, but
now I'm glad I did.

There's simply some household checks for
you to sign, madam.

I'm sorry to trouble you, but they have
to be attended to.

Yes. If you'd be so kind.

Thank

you,

madam.

I don't mind telling you you alarmed me
just now, madam.

I can see you're not to be trusted.

Your feet?

I shall have to take precautions.

Or Dr. Ledworth will have my hide.

There now, that's better, isn't it? Keep
the light out of your eyes. I don't

want that. Try and get some sleep now.

What time is it? What day is this?

Oh.

She's a tough girl.

She's had enough of the stuff to knock
us sideways, but she keeps fighting

More? Not yet.

It won't be long now. She's beginning to
lose touch.

Mr.

Fane?

Yes, well, I've come along here this
afternoon to... Hugo.

You haven't gone away.

My throat. I'm choking.

Some water, please. Quickly.

Hello?

Hello? This is Laura Valance.

Please, don't interrupt. Tell Mr.

Fane.

Hello?

This won't do, madam.

This really won't do at all. You're not
helping yourself, you know.

This is exactly what you shouldn't be
doing.

You said Mr.

Fane had gone away.

And so he has, madam.

No, I heard him on the radio.

It was probably recorded, madam, before
he went away. No, it was live. They said

it was live.

Madam probably imagined it was live,
knowing the voice.

You're in a very weak state, you know.
It's easy for one's mind to play tricks.

Nothing wrong with my mind. I want
another doctor, a second opinion.

I'll speak to Dr. Ledworth, madam.

He'll be very hurt, I'm sure, but
nevertheless, if it's what you wish, I

so. Yes.

Now I suggest you settle down and
conserve your energy.

You've only to ring if you need me.

No food at all today.

But the milk's got the stuff in it.

Salvation's what she needs now.

Hunger's a great little spirit breaker.

What did she actually say?

That's what she said, that all she said,
hell meant to fame.

Then she hung up.

She found all right?

No, she found a bit odd.

Very odd, in fact.

And she said nothing more?

Not a thing.

Look, I thought I'd better just hang on
and tell you in person, but now I've

really got to go.

You won't forget I'm staying in Oxford
overnight, will you? No, sir, I'll

remember. Fine. Bye.

Mrs. Valentine's residence.

Oh, yes, sir.

Yes, she did phone you.

Completely against doctor's orders.

And then she had a little fainting fit.

Just what the doctor said might happen
if she overexerted herself.

She just wanted to tell you she was all
right, sir, and to apologize for not

being in touch.

Well, she's asleep now, sir. I wouldn't
wish to disturb her.

But I'll certainly tell her you called.

Thank you, sir.

Goodbye, sir.

Now, look, I had enough of your
interference. Now, get out of my way.

Hugo!

Hugo!

They made me prisoner. They took the
phone away. They were starving me.

All right, now. They told me you'd gone
away. I haven't gone away, have I?

I'm here to look after you. Just sit
down a minute.

Yes. You need a doctor.

Yes. And we both need the police.

Come on.

Lisa?

A miscalculation.

Another few days and it'll be over.

We'll be out of here and on our way.

Just another few days.

I'm going to have to leave you for a
while.

I'll be all right.

Of course you will.

Because you trust me, don't you?

Completely trust me.

Don't open the door to anyone.

No loose end.

Hello, Jeremy?

Here it is.

You don't have my old man with you, do
you?

Well, it's just that he didn't sleep
here last night. No wonder.

Don't be disgusting.

Fine. Thanks.

Hello, Peter?

Piers.

Look, I don't want to be an alarmist or
anything, but Hugo seems to be missing.

Yeah, I mean, I know it's nothing,
but... Well, he was pretty outspoken

Arab affairs yesterday.

Getting to be a habit, though, isn't it?

Funny the way it happens, I've not had
an inquiry on this patch for over a

and suddenly I'm in and out like the
tide.

What is it this time?

Just a few routine inquiries, sir.

Oh, certainly, Sergeant. Please do come
in.

Going away, are you?

My employer's been rather ill. She's
gone to Bermuda to recuperate. I am to

follow.

This is the life, eh, Constable?

Butler.

Nothing but the best.

Best houses.

Best food.

Of course, you are a servant.

But then so am I.

Servant to the public on tap, day and
night.

I'm inquiring about a Mr. Fane.

Mr. Hugo Fane.

He's not in his usual haunts.

We heard he might have called here last
night. Mr. Fane, yes, he did call here

last night. He's a friend of Mrs.
Vallance.

I told him he'd just missed her.

He was very disappointed.

And then Mr. Fane got into his car and
drove away.

He didn't say where he was going, did
he, sir?

No, I'm afraid not, Sergeant.

Oh, thank you kindly, sir.

Oh, thank you. See that, Constable?

That's what I call the perfect butler.

Smart, too.

Look at those buttons, almost
regimental.

He didn't say anything about anyone
following him, nothing like that, sir.

did seem a little strained, but no, he
said nothing like that.

All right, sir, thank you very much.

Sorry to have bothered you. Not at all.

Did your father get any other strange
calls after the broadcast, sir?

No, Mrs. Valance was the only one.

Well, that one seems to be a dead end
with her going away and all.

Maybe that's what she was calling to
say.

Well, why should she hang up, sir,
suddenly?

Who knows? With women, sir.

I'm simply asking you to be sensible,
madam. A little business before lunch.

I'm not signing any will.

I wouldn't dream of asking you to,
madam.

It's not a will, it's a simple power of
attorney.

With you like this, someone has to look
after your affairs.

Sign this and I will be able to do so.

I'd be signing my death warrant.

Madam is being fanciful.

Perhaps we'd better leave you to think
it over.

My lunch.

I need food.

You're starving me. All in good time,
madam.

I don't think you're well enough to eat
anything at the moment.

We'll see how you feel a bit later.

Please.

Please.

Rog, I wish you wouldn't go.

I've told you I've got to clear up one
or two things down at the manor before

leave. We're leaving the manor as well?

Well, this job's got to be too hard.

Let's pick up sticks and clear off when
we get that signature.

When we get it?

Another 24 hours without food and she'll
sign her life away for a dog biscuit.

You really enjoy all this, don't you?

No, it's purely business.

Now, you play it cool and don't go near
her no matter how much she rings. Got

it? Yes.

I'll be back this evening.

No. I'll pray so, sir.

In a wood in Somerset.

In the boot of his car, he'd been
stabbed.

I've just heard from the county police
they think it could be political.

Obviously nothing to do with Mrs.
Valance.

Yeah,

I suppose you're right.

I just can't help thinking... No, I
guess not.

Yeah, yes, I will.

Thank you, Sergeant.

I walked straight in here.

The front door was open and I walked
straight in here.

All you have to do is stay here, sit
tight and make sure no one comes

and I walk straight in here. I must have
forgotten.

You are drunk.

All those advantages.

A good family, the right education, a
medical degree and you just fritter them

away.

Do you know how I was educated,
Ledworth?

Here and there and not very often.

My father was an underporter.

He blacked people's boots.

He lived for 66 years, and all that
time, all he ever did was black other

people's boots.

While my mother helped out in the
kitchens.

That's my heritage, Ledworth.

Not like yours.

Good part.

Solid background in the upper bracket.

And yet... Look at you now.

And look at me.

Fetch me a drink, Ledworth.

A drink?

Scotch. With ice.

In a crystal glass. On a silver tray.

Well, go on. It must obey your orders.

Here, Ledworth.

No, no, no, you're doing it all wrong,
Ledworth. You're catching my eye.

Never look directly into the master's
eye.

Deferential, Ledworth, deferential.

Otherwise the master might think you
were getting above your station.

Might think you were regarding yourself
as an equal.

No, stay where you are.

I swear I'll chop you one day.

Chop me?

You wouldn't do that.

Bring me down and you go down too.

Besides, you know I'd kill you, don't
you?

Anyway, you won't have to put up with me
for much longer.

What?

The balance woman.

Close to the kill now.

Then I think Lisa and me will take a
little holiday on the Riviera.

Relax a bit, catch our breath.

And then, when we're both nicely
rested...

The world is rich pickings on the
Riviera, Ledworth.

People crying out for an exemplary
butler.

What about me?

What about you? Well, you can't do it
alone. You need me, a doctor.

I expect there's a French equivalent to
you, Ledworth.

The gutters of the world are filled with
Ledworths. Oh, no, no, you couldn't.

You couldn't leave me behind here.

No, you're right. I couldn't.

Slip out from under my thumb and you'd
go to pieces. Start talking.

You'll have to think of a happy
solution, won't I?

To stop you talking.

Just my little joke, Ledworth.

Just to show you how easy it could be.

You behave yourself and I'll look after
you.

And behaving yourself means keep the
front door locked.

Your nose clean and pacing your
drinking.

I wouldn't leave you behind, Ledworth.

I like looking at you.

You're the mirror of my success.

I'm ever so sorry. I didn't know.

How could you?

Mr. Fane was very nice to me the times I
saw him.

Oh, dear.

Please, sit down.

What did you want to see my father
about?

Well, it's not your problem, really.

If you thought my father could help,
maybe I can, too.

Well, it was about Mrs. Vallance,
really.

What about Mrs. Vallance? No, perhaps
another time. No, please.

What about Mrs. Vallance?

Well, it was about me being sacked for
stealing the ring.

Well, I didn't do it.

And there was only me and him there. The
butler, I mean.

So I knew he must have arranged it. You
know, tried to get rid of me to get me

the sack. Why should he want to do that?
Well, that's what I asked myself.

So I went down to the village where his
last job was at Chevening Manor. I saw

it on his references.

Yeah, so you went there. Well, I didn't
get any joy at the house. Just an old

doctor living there.

Doctor? That's what the locals told me.
At least he used to be a doctor.

Struck off. A drunk.

But that wasn't all they told me.

You see, it seems there was a maid
living there, too, when Masters arrived.

And one day some silver went missing,
and they found it in her room, so she

sacked. What was the name of his
employer there? Oh, that's no good. She

abroad.

What? She was ill for a long time.
Didn't see anyone. Then she went abroad

recuperate. The village people say she
must have left him in charge of the

manor. They see him down there
sometimes. Right. Call Sergeant Rayner.

to get around to Mrs. Valance's right
away.

I'm Detective Constable Kane, Rochester
Row.

Sergeant Rayner about?

Here.

I'm here.

Sergeant Rayner isn't here.

If you'd like to come back later when
Mr. Masters the butler's here, I'm sure

he... That's funny. The sergeant said
he'd meet me.

He said he was coming to collect his
notebook.

I think he left it in your kitchen this
morning.

Is Mrs. Valance about?

gone away?

We told your sergeant this morning.

Of course, you're right. He told me.

Well, if the sergeant isn't going to
show up, perhaps I'd better collect his

notebook for him.

Which way is the kitchen? It's all
right. I'll go and look for it. You stay

here. Thank you very much, miss.

In food. Then starving.

Signature.

It's over.

You're getting out of here.

Can you stand?

I don't know.

No.

We're in the news.

There's a policeman in the house.

What? Where is he?

I don't know. I left him there. He said
he was looking for Sergeant Rayner.

So that's him.

That's the man.

Here's Fane. How nice.

The house is about to burn down, and
your charred remains are going to be

mistaken for mine. The gallant butler,
burned to a crisp, trying to save his

mistress. Pity, really. You and your
father, you did have style.

Come on, sir.

Oh, but it will, sir.

Fire is your great leveler.

Makes no distinction between master and
bondman. Rog, we can't! Text the other

Kansas. Shut up!

Come on, Lisa.

Roger!

That reminds me, I just have to find a
new name.

Goodbye!

It's been fun.

Oh, good evening, sir.

Going out, were you?

I don't know, I despair of the public
sometimes.

But keep telling them before you go out,
make sure you've left no lighted

candles burning down into pools of
paraffin.

Take care of it, Constable.

In the bedroom, are they, sir?

What?

They found this button in Mr. Fane's
hand, sir.

I remember admiring it when we had our
little chat.

Funny you're not noticing a thing like
that, sir.

You being the perfect butler and all.

Leading a position where one has been
happy is always sad, madam.

However, the splendid references which
you've seen fit to sign are at least

consolation.

I would like to stay.

I've always held the opinion that a man
in my position should strive constantly

to be extended.

And I think we will both agree that my
work here is finished.

All that remains is to tidy up.