Original subtitles

My name is Frances Hill, but all who know me call me Fanny.

I was born in a small village some 200 miles from London.

My parents were poor, but honest.

But whilst I was still a young girl, they were carried off by the smallpox,

leaving me friendless and almost destitute.

My fortune, contained in a pouch, consisted of just 17 shillings, and my

possessions could be packed in a carpet bag.

Having paid my fare and clutching both bag and pouch in my hands, I had boarded

the stagecoach to seek my fortune in London.

My poor country upbringing had not prepared me for the surprises which lay

store. I had already discovered, however, some of those surprises had

avoided.

Get out of here. Go away.

Now, young miss, can we help you?

Oh, no, thank you.

Hey, stop. Come back.

Help. Help me. Help. We want to be first.

It's young girl, sir. She done it.

It's a job, dearie.

Now, how would I go about that?

Oh, it's easy enough. A strong, handsome young woman like yourself.

The place you want is over there. It's the intelligence office.

It'll cost you two shillings.

Have you the money?

I've very little.

That's enough.

You'll need that shilling to give the lady inside.

But I don't even know if there's jobs to be had.

And you won't find out without asking.

Now, off you go.

Over there.

What do you want?

Please, ma 'am, I want work.

Where's your shilling?

Here, ma 'am.

Fanny Hill.

Where do you live?

This, ma 'am. I just got here.

Have you no friends or relatives?

No, ma 'am.

Well, you don't look very strong.

Not built for hard work.

But I'm very willing. I'll do anything I'm asked.

Well, go and sit over there. You'll have to take your turn. I'm not promising

anything.

Just a minute.

Turn around.

So, you're looking for a place?

Oh, yes, ma 'am. And a chance to please.

Well, I am looking for a servant.

What's your name, dear?

Fanny, ma 'am. Now, Fanny, London is a vile and wicked place.

You don't keep bad company, I trust?

Oh, no, ma 'am. I don't keep any company at all.

That's the condition that can change.

A little something for your trouble, dear.

Always a pleasure to do business with you, Mrs Brown.

Go along then, Sammy. Wear your things.

Oh, stolen, ma 'am. Of nothing but what are gone.

Deary me.

We'll have to do something about that. Oh, we dear.

Thank you.

considered, Fanny dear, to be one of the finest houses in London.

Martha, dear, come and meet Fanny Hill.

I've just employed her to look after my linen.

Oh, yes, ma 'am. And I charge you, Martha, to treat her with as much

you would myself.

Predigious fond of Fanny.

Are the girls occupied?

Well, Miss Baby's free and one or two of the others.

Oh, good.

Have them join us. Then they can all meet young Fanny. Yes, Ma.

Please,

Ma. Isn't Miss Phoebe and the other girls servants?

Not exactly, Fanny. They're more what you'd call relations.

Yes, that's it.

Very personal relation.

Girls, this is the new young companion for Fanny Hill.

How do you do, Miss Fanny? Hello, Fanny. Thank you.

You'll enjoy it, yeah? We'll look after you, all right? Oh, I hope so.

Oh, you've done well for yourself, ma 'am.

How experienced is she?

That I'll leave for you to find out, Phoebe, dear.

Come along, girls. Take Fanny upstairs and make her feel at home.

Hustle, bustle.

Phoebe, be very, very gentle with her. I think she may possess something very

valuable. You wouldn't mean a virtue.

I do.

And it'll command a fine price.

Perhaps good for one or two.

Carefully used, eh?

Polly and Jane, arch -Jades as they were, ran on in such effective incomings

their good mistress, their sweet mistress, and how lucky I was to light

them, that I could not have bespoke a better, with others alike, gross stuff,

such as would itself have started suspicions in any but such an

simpleton as I.

now, Fanny. Do you have a nice bath?

Mm -hmm.

Here, let me help you.

Miss Polly? Miss Jane, you're wanted in the parlour. Thank you, Martha.

Good night to you, Fanny.

Good night.

Good night, Phoebe.

Phoebe plied me with further false explanations of the nature of my future

service.

companion now I was to be of my mistress, Mrs. Brown, and to be properly

for the role, I was to keep myself up and out of sight for a few days till

suitable finery could be procured.

This digested perfectly well with me, but the truth was far from so.

Oh, it's so soft and comfortable.

I've never slept in a bed like this before.

Mrs Brown has guests.

No doubt the company are beginning to enjoy themselves.

well tonight oh that i will just think what might have become of you had you

had the good fortune to come upon our mistress oh yes i trembled to think

but happily

you're with us dear sweet fanny phoebe who i was to

learn was never out of her way when any occasion of lewdness presented itself

embraced and kissed me with great eagerness.

This was new.

This was odd.

But imputing it to nothing but pure kindness, which for aught I knew it

the London way to express in that manner, I returned to the kiss and

with all the fervour that perfect innocence knew.

Encouraged by this, her hands became extremely free and wandered over my

body with touches, squeezes, pressures.

They either shocked... or alarmed me.

The flattering praises she intermingled with

these invasions contributed also not a little to bribe my passiveness.

And, knowing no ill, I feared none.

especially from one who had prevented all doubts of her womanhood by

my hands to a pair of breasts that hung down in a size and volume that full

sufficiently distinguished her sex.

To me, at least, who had never made any other comparison.

What a charming creature thou art.

What a happy man will he be that first makes a woman of you.

Oh, I wish I were a man.

be your thing.

For my part, I was transported, confused and out of myself, feeling so new, too

much for me. My heated and alarmed senses were in a tumult that robbed me

liberty of thought.

My sweet girl, begin to hide all these treasures from my sight.

My sight must be feasted as well as my touch.

I must devour with my eyes this springing bosom.

Suffer me to kiss it.

Oh, I have not seen enough.

I must kiss it one more time.

What smooth, firm white flesh is here? How delicately shaped.

There is delicious down who let me view this small, dear, tender cleft.

Mrs. Brown had a visitor.

A certain rich merchant called upon her in connection with, I was to learn

later, a valuable item of merchandise, which Mrs. Brown had for sale.

Mr. Croft, ma 'am.

I got your note, Mrs. Brown.

How do I know she's really a virgin?

Rare enough these days.

That's why they're so expensive, Mr.

Croft. Come to the point, Mrs. Brown.

Then a hundred when you've mounted her.

A hundred and fifty guineas out of your mind.

You haven't seen her yet, Mr. Croft.

Oh, I can't believe it's really me.

Thank you, Phoebe.

It's Mrs.

Brown you have to thank.

Mr. Croft is downstairs with Mrs. Brown. Thank you, Martha.

We'll be right down.

Mrs. Brown wants you in the parlour. Oh, good. Good, I'd like to show her how

grateful I am. That won't be difficult.

She wants you to meet her cousin, Mr Croft.

A handsome gentleman.

Rich and mature.

Like a good port wine.

I'm a busy man, Mrs Brown.

I'm due on the exchange and I'm late already.

When a lady's getting dressed, Mr Croft, she should never be rushed.

Now, when she's getting undressed, that's a different matter.

Here we are, ma 'am.

Phoebe, dear, how pretty she looks.

Fanny, I want you to meet Mr.

Crofts.

So you're young Fanny, eh?

Turn around, my dear.

Excellent, excellent.

That little business matter we were discussing...

I see no reason why the transaction should not go ahead.

Thank you.

Delivery of the goods right away. I think it would be wisest for me to make

the goods are in order before we set a delivery date.

But it must be today, Mrs Brown. I insist.

The goods might get damaged if they're around too long.

Very well.

Today it is, then. Shall we say seven o 'clock?

Done.

I'll be back, Fanny dear.

Never fear.

Seven o 'clock. I'll be there.

Did not tell you he was a fine gentleman?

Oh, he's old and ugly.

Nonsense, Fanny dear.

He has a heart of gold.

And he means to put it in the right place.

Yes, well, run along, Fanny dear, and get a little rest.

And, Fanny dear, remember this.

If you've never swum before, it's best to dive into deep water.

That way, you'll learn to swim.

Mrs. Brown and Phoebe spent the day extolling the virtues of Mr. Cross. When

arrived promptly on time, they told me they both had wandered in another part

town and left me alone to his tender mercy.

Mr. Cross wasted no time on preliminaries, but went into action upon

delay.

Thank you.

was already busy again on my behalf.

She had made arrangements to dispose up for a second time that commodity on

which Mr.

Crofts had already made a down payment.

My prized and much discussed possession had now been reserved by her for a

certain member of the aristocracy who was expected back in town in less than a

fortnight.

One night Phoebe took the opportunity of continuing my education in secret

Thank you.

Oh.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Excited and aroused by what I had observed the night before, I woke to a

of anticipation.

What is the time?

Oh, it's just past six o 'clock, sir.

My God, I'd be to sleep half the night.

I drank too much and fell asleep.

Why didn't I see you last night?

I was upstairs, asleep.

Alone? Yes.

You sleep here, and yet you don't work here?

What are you smiling at?

You look so surprised.

I am.

You don't look the kind of girl I'd expect to find in a place like this.

What kind of girl do you take me for?

A sweet and beautiful girl who I'd very much like

to kiss.

When Charles, for that was the young man's name, had left, I went back to

but sleep eluded me. I could not get him out of my mind.

Who is it?

It's me, Mum.

The gentleman gave me this letter for you. Mum!

You mustn't let Mrs Brown know. Forget the rule.

What's the matter?

Oh, nothing. Thank you for bringing me the letter, Martha. That's all right.

I shan't forget you.

Why should you forget me? We're under the same roof, aren't we?

Oh, yes, of course.

Goodbye, Martha.

Goodbye?

I see.

Goodbye, Fanny.

I shan't forget you either.

At first light the following morning, I crept downstairs, unlocked the front

door, and fled the house of Ms. Brown.

We drove some miles to an inn where Charles had arranged for us to be

For the first time,

I was to lie in the arms of a man.

I had seen so much, but knew so little. I prayed that Charles would understand

and be gentle.

Did I hurt you?

A little.

But no matter.

You weren't.

I was.

Now I feel guilty.

Oh, no. It was the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me.

Oh, my dearest Fanny.

I suspected something of your innocence, but never this.

Let me look at you.

Do you approve?

Does a man who has won a lottery complain of his good fortune?

As time passed, I learned more about the young man who was my lover.

His father was a rich shipowner who had little sympathy or love for his son and

gave him but a pittance to live on.

Prize I desire most.

Now I'm yours and so I shall remain.

Forever? Forever.

completing the arrangements with regard to our future together, Charles decided

that there was an unfinished business to be cleared up.

Having learnt of my unfortunate experiences at the hands of Mrs. Brown,

sought the advice of his grandmother's lawyer, a wily old bird by the name of

Mr. Wilcombe.

Mrs. Brown to you, sir.

Mrs. Brown, how very delightful to see you. What an amazing ensemble. Oh, but

please come in. I'm at a privy seating, would you?

Oh, Mrs. Brown, I am so very pleased to see that you are wise enough to accept

my invitation to pay me a visit.

It wasn't so much an invitation.

The gentleman who delivered your message made it very clear. If I didn't come to

you, the bailiffs might come to me.

I'm afraid my clerk can be very tactless.

However, I dare say you've got the general gift of the affair.

My client, you see, has contacted me about a very private and personal matter

regarding you and your establishment, Mrs. Brown.

To be sure, most matters conducted in my house are personal and usually

extremely private.

As you ought to know.

Tell me, does the name Hill mean anything to you?

Why, of course.

There's Ludgate Hill and Highgate Hill and Tower Hill. Oh, I know lots of

And how about Fenny Hill?

That does seem a little familiar, though I can't quite call it to mind.

Is it a small hill or a big hill?

Oh, it is a comparatively small hill, but it could represent quite a large

problem for you, Mrs Brown.

Oh.

Oh, yes, of course.

Now I remember. Yes, Fanny Hill.

She absconded from my house with a fine lace gown. Isn't that the truth, Martha?

I cannot tell a lie, sir.

It was linen, not lace.

Linen or lace, it's of no account.

She ran away.

Ran away.

From what, may I ask?

Very well, you don't have to bother to answer. I shall tell you. She ran away

from an importuning member of the opposite sex.

In short, she ran away from a man to whom you, Mrs.

Brown...

You see, there are a dozen cases they may prefer against you.

It is all written down here in this book.

The old Bailey, Mrs. Brown, is packed to the rafters every session with a

hundred felons who are charged and convicted of a quarter of the crimes

your feet.

And you know their punishment, Mrs. Brown.

Hanging, flogging.

I would suggest that the pillory is the best you can have for in your future.

Oh, please, sir.

Have pity on a poor old woman who's only trying to make her living as best she

can. Oh, please have mercy on the old bird kind, sir.

She only supplies young chickies to the gentry. Get up, Mrs. Brown. I'm sure if

you approach Mr. Whittlecombe in the right way, you can make amends.

Oh, do get up, Mrs. Brown. You look so ridiculous like that.

Yes, sir. Anything, sir. Anything you say. Just name it.

The name, ma 'am, is restitution.

Oh, yes, sir.

Restitution.

You see, the question of the l 'argent was the money.

Money? What money?

The money, ma 'am, you demanded and received for her virtue.

A mere trifle.

Quite a large trifle, I would suggest.

Fifteen.

Fifty. Shillings.

Guinness. Pounds. Let's not waste any more time. Send for the bailiffs without

delay. Wait a minute.

Fifty guinness it is.

Damn the both of you.

And double damn young Fanny.

And good riddance for bad rubbish.

This is all your fortune at that, isn't it?

Thus was the dowry provided.

However, unwillingly by Mrs. Brown, Charles and I set up house.

At last, after my journeys and adventures, I felt I had reached a safe

settled down to a life of domestic bliss.

Alas, Charles still had to spend much of his time away from me.

But at least three nights a week we dined and slept together.

My whole existence was built around those nights, and I went through agonies

worry and suspense until at last he arrived.

came weeks, and the weeks turned into months.

My happy existence was made even happier by the knowledge that I was with child.

Charles shared my joy, and although his father's attitude toward him had become

even harsher, we still hoped that one day the fates would permit us to marry.

If there was a single serpent in our Garden of Eden, it was Mrs. Jones, the

from whom we rented our little abode.

Oh, McFunny, I want a word with you.

Mrs. Jones, is anything the matter?

You're a fine one to ask that question.

Three months gone unless I'm very much mistaken.

No, you're not mistaken.

But why should it worry you if it does not worry me?

Because I rented this place out to two people, not three.

Well, I know nothing of money matters. You'll have to speak to Mr. Charles.

Speak to him, I shall.

When's he coming here?

Tonight, Mrs. Jones. He'll be here in my arms.

I waited for him in vain.

It was the ever inquisitive Mrs. Jones who went to his father's office to make

discreet inquiries.

The truth was nearly as terrible as I feared.

His father had heard of our liaison and had without mercy decided to put a stop

to the affair.

Lulled aboard one of his father's ships on a false pretext, he had literally

been kidnapped and was now on his way to the Indies.

Poor Charles had been helpless, not even able to send me a message of farewell.

I miscarried and the loss of my child, all I had to remind me of Charles, made

me ready to welcome my own demise.

For days I lay close to death.

But my resistance triumphed over my misfortunes, and finally I began to once

again take stock of my affairs.

I was not the only person to be concerned with such matters.

I must ask you first to settle our little account.

Including the rent outstanding, food, medicine, the nurse, etc., etc., It all

comes to a grand total of 23 pounds, 17 shillings and sixpence.

And when am I likely to see the colour of your money, Miss Hill?

The debt is a debt and the law is the law.

I certainly have no desire to send such a tender young creature as you to

prison. Prison?

Newgate, so I'm told.

That's where they send the debtors, and that's where they stay. Sometimes for

months, even years, until their debts are paid.

Of course, there might be a way to avoid all this

unpleasantness.

It so happens that I do have acquaintance of a certain gentleman who

disposed to help you overcome your problems.

Do I know this gentleman?

No. No, not yet. But if you so desired, he could take tea with you this

very day.

Oh.

Oh, now then. Come on, Miss Fanny. Hold your head up, do.

Don't let Sora spoil that pretty face.

Yes, you.

No, no, Fanny.

This... A kind gentleman who prefers to be known as Mr. H has generously

consented to settle your indebtedness.

He looks to you now to show you gratitude.

I am indeed grateful.

Now, then, no nonsense, Fanny, and make sure you give satisfaction.

And I hope, Mr. H, you will have no cause for complaint.

Oh, I've had none in the past, Mrs. Jones, and I hope this young filly will

prove a well -spirited and satisfying mount.

If I'm content, I may well provide her with a new stable and a good, reliable

fourth of oath.

Now then, take heed, Fanny. Mr. H is a haunting man and is quite accustomed to

the chase.

Serve him well over the fences and he'll warm you to the chase.

Good night, Fanny. I'll see you in the morning.

In good health, I hope. Yes, well, thank you very much, Mrs. Jones. Good night.

Good night, Mr. H.

Jones, good night.

Well, alley -ho.

Please, sir, be gentle with me. I have known but one man and loved him dearly.

A filly's a filly, young lady. He'll wait no more time.

Well, it's hot in here.

Warm work ahead.

Let's suit our dress to the occasion.

Oh, look sharp, young lady.

I slept little that night.

After the loving consideration of Charles, the brutalities of Mr. H were a

savage contrast.

And yet I must admit that I found some unexpected excitement and stimulation in

the attentions of Mr. H.

When he offered me the chance of becoming his mistress, I

accepted it.

and soon rid myself of the unpleasant Mrs. Jones, who received not only the

monies I owed her, but also a substantial gift from Mr. H.

I changed my abode in some style and was soon installed in a handsome cottage in

Richmond.

I also acquired as a servant a young and willing country girl, Hannah by name.

My new dress, Miss Fanny.

Yes, the price has been fairly earned.

I'd like a glass of wine.

Yes, ma 'am.

Good day, sir.

Good day, Miss Fanny.

And how do you like my new dress?

You know the dress in which I like you best.

Deary me, with you it's hardly worth getting dressed at all.

that Mr. H's preference for the ladies extended also to the stable.

I soon discovered that Mr. H, as usual, intended to combine a little pleasure

with some business.

Note that Mr. H had at least one young but promising stallion in his stable.

Among the gifts I received from Mr. H was appropriately a fine gelding, and I

developed my skill as a rider, as opposed to being ridden.

On one occasion, however, a distant thunderstorm happened to turn to rain,

galloped home to arrive much earlier than expected.

that Hannah believed in going into service in every way.

I was not amused at this development, but resolved to put the best face upon

whole affair.

William, my horse.

Oh, yes, ma 'am.

My closer observation of young William impressed me with the thought that I

might derive some amusement with paying Mr. H for his duplicity.

and possibly adding to my own store of pleasure.

With my William's youth, I felt that rough clothes might conceal the makings

substance of a considerable man.

Come in.

It's William, Miss Franny. He has a message for you.

Show him in, Anna.

Yes, Miss Franny.

William!

Anna, you may go.

Yes, Miss Franny.

message, will you? It's not in writing, Miss Bunny.

Martha said to tell you he cannot join you this day.

He'll come to see you tomorrow at two.

What a pity.

I shall be all alone for the rest of the day.

Why, William, I do declare you're shy.

I'm not used to seeing a lady like you, Miss Bunny, without her clothes.

There's nothing about our bodies of which we need be ashamed.

And if you're worried about my lack of time, why don't we loosen your

bounds? What are you doing, ma 'am? Letting your unease free you from your

delight.

Shine it.

Ma 'am!

What are you doing?

I could scarcely believe what I am there.

That a house only newly built can be built tall. And even as I looked, the

grew bigger and bigger still.

Miss Perry!

I...

you doing?

Will you be requiring anything more of me today, Miss Fanny?

Thank you. No, William.

Best you tell Mr. H.

I am somewhat indisposed.

Yes, Miss Fanny. And William?

Yes, Miss Fanny?

Please bring round my horse tomorrow.

If I am sufficiently recovered, I may go riding.

Yes, Miss Fanny.

I may require you to accompany me.

Oh, yes, Miss Fanny.

Tell me, Mistress Fanny, where did you learn so much about the art of love?

By being in love.

With whom?

A man I fear I may never see again.

I loved him very much.

If you loved him so much, why did you leave him?

I never did.

He was taken from me.

Please, Miss Fanny.

I wouldn't have asked you that question if I'd known it distressed you so much.

Don't cry.

Is that better?

William's education proceeded to our mutual satisfaction.

Unfortunately, my enjoyment of the whole affair made me increasingly careless.

One day, I forgot to lock the door.

This tale is true that has come to my ears.

You stupid, get out of bed.

You lads, get your clothes on.

That's for you, young lady. The rent here is paid till the end of the month.

clothes you may keep, the horse is mine, though I doubt not you will quickly

find yourself a new mount.

I wish you well in your stable.

You must be accustomed to the smell of dung.

Out, boy, out!

Out! When I say out, I mean out! Out!

Out! Out,

boy!

Once again the time had come for

me to change my abode, and I resolved to make a change for the better.

a place to stay.

Then you must come and stay with us.

Not with Mrs. Brown.

Oh, no, I left that one back four years since.

I'm working for a new establishment now in Covent Garden.

Establishment?

Mill and Rizal aren't a trade. That's that, it has.

And other little things.

There are three girls and myself.

We can certainly use a fifth.

And those other little things?

Well... You can probably guess what five young ladies with some imagination

might provide.

Provide for whom?

For those with a long enough purse to stretch our imagination.

Mrs. Cole was a lady of considerable elegance who had achieved a great deal

success with a novel variation on an old line of trade.

I found that among my companions was at least one familiar face, for Phoebe had

joined Martha at Mrs. Cole's establishment.

Girl, girl.

You've all met Martha's little friend, Fanny. She is properly welcome to our

little family.

Fanny, I've arranged a celebration in your honor tonight.

It's a little entertainment that I introduced into the colonies, of course.

didn't appreciate it there.

You see, each young lady invites her own special cavalier. And I've taken the

liberty of inviting a handsome and able -bodied young man for you.

So tonight...

celebrate the ascent of pleasure.

Celebrate her initiation.

Oh, good that it were me.

Maestro, blindfolds for you.

Thank you.

Can't be myself for a moment.

Raven Manor, in which Phoebe and the others demonstrated their experience in

field of amour, seemed to make my own ordeal all the more frightening.

I feared I might make a fool of myself before my new friends.

Come and gone, so to speak. Here, Harriet, lock up and get me a little

Oh, Fanny, dear, now tell me, how did you enjoy the evening?

Oh, yes, thank you, Mrs. Cole. The young gentleman was considerably to my

liking. Oh, that's so nice.

But, dear, if you'll benefit from my experience, which is considerable,

realize that mixing business with pleasure is convenient, but it is not

essential. And if it becomes habitual, it can be very dangerous.

Do you know what I mean?

Oh, yes, ma 'am, I do.

So, from now on, dear, I will take care of the business and you will concentrate

on the pleasure.

One of the advantages of Mrs. Cole's more legitimate trade was that it gave

an excuse and a method for her providing her more profitable line of goods.

For instance, should a gentleman wish to arrange for a delivery, off the

premises as it were, of a piece of desirable merchandise...

he could discreetly make his requirements known to Mrs. Cole in the

her other professional activity.

In short, he could order a hat.

Oh, girls, I have another order from that nice Mr.

Norbert. It seems he's in urgent need of another chapeau. No doubt a surprise

for his wife.

He wants something in a brand -new design, pink with blonde trimming,

size 17 preferred.

Fen, I think this is a job for you.

Me? Yes, I'm sure darling you can deliver the goods.

Mr. Norbert, whose profession lay in the law, believed in the letter of the law.

The hat I had bought was for his wife, who would also receive the bill.

I made the delivery promptly and in what appeared to be a very satisfactory

manner.

As for Mr. Norbert's other requirements, these I was obliged to deliver both by

hand and word of mouth.

Mom?

young gentlemen who are desirous of some pleasant company this evening for a

ball. A fancy dress ball.

Phoebe, I do believe you know one of them.

Now, who shall I send as your companion?

Oh, Mrs. Cole, can Fanny come with me? Oh, yes, please.

Well, why not? But what have I got for them to wear?

Oh, what about that lovely shepherdess dress?

That'll fit you perfectly.

Oh, yes, Phoebe, that'll do you nicely. And what's for Fanny?

Oh, what about the matching shepherd outfit?

You'll make a charming boy in britches and a shirt.

Some weeks later, whilst taking the air in Covent Garden, I did, unbeknownst to

myself, cause some excitement.

The individual concern would in due course have considerable effect upon

my own future.

But what may I do for you, sir?

Mrs. Cole, how kind of you to see me.

You must forgive me, but I happen to see a female that is a member of the

opposite sex enter this establishment just a few minutes ago. Most attractive,

she was.

Would you by any chance be acquainted with her name, I wonder?

I think, sir, that you are referring to Miss Fanny Hill.

Oh, then you must be acquainted with her. Oh, certainly.

She is a...

virtuous and lovely young lady who does reside here.

And tell me, sir, what is your interest in her? Nothing that won't improve her

present situation, I assure you.

Tell me, kind sir, what is it that you know of her present situation?

Simply, madam, when I see a pretty young girl entering such an establishment as

this... Well, sir, you are wrong.

The young lady you are referring to is my very own niece, Miss Fanny Hill.

She is a very respectable young lady. She acts free from vice or even the

suspicion of vice. Of the angels in heaven.

She wouldn't be by any chance, ma 'am, in what I understand is known as a

virginal condition.

Oh, sir, God is my judge.

She is as yet completely unfullied from the touch of man.

In fact, she is completely surrounded by a young female.

How soon can I meet this paragon of virtue, eh?

Well, if you will join us here tomorrow at seven, and if your intentions are

honorable and substantial, I will do everything I can to advance your seat.

Thank you. See to that, please.

I'm much enamored of Miss Hill, and if she's as virtuous as you declare, I'll

tell you something about myself.

I'm a bachelor of some substance, although I say it myself.

One might say I'm a good match waiting only to be struck.

Goodbye, goodbye.

Good day. Thank you very much. Good day.

Yes. Yes, indeed.

I look forward to that.

Thank you. The girl through the devil's mouth.

A good match. Oh, faggot. Oh, good news, that light.

He's as much of a Romeo as Fanny the Virgin.

Silent girl.

What you don't know about Mr. Barville, and I'm sure it's the same, is that he

is as rich as to own half of Threadneedle Street.

Well, I only hope he's as blind as he's rich.

How is his colleague going to convince him that Fanny's a virgin?

Dears, that's my business and my quality.

Edward. What an unexpected pleasure.

Oh, forgive the intrusion. I didn't realize that you had a previous

An inconsequential affair.

How good to see you. I cannot believe that the affair is that inconsequential,

since it requires such an elaborate toilet, my dear friend.

Follow me.

I've got something. I don't know whether I should tell you. Oh, of course.

I've got deep secrets from old friends.

Do you know what?

It happened to me.

I'm preparing myself for what they call an event.

An event?

Yes. What sort of an event, may I ask? A consummation of a passionate attachment

I formed with a beautiful young female.

Are we not being a trifle optimistic, dear fellow? Oh, no, no, no, no.

Everything's been arranged.

Well, in experiences of this nature, it is my personal... experience that it is

the man who proposes and Anno Domini who did both. Are you sure that you're

up to it?

Never felt better in my life, I tell you.

If only you could see it.

Oh, so young, so innocent, so pure.

So very, very optimistic.

Well, I do wish you sincerely the very best of luck, dear friend.

There are you.

There you are.

Nice to see you.

You warm enough?

Not too bad.

Don't want anything to read or anything like that.

Want a drink?

Nothing.

Is this a surprise for you?

Yes.

So it is for me, I tell you.

What a bit of luck.

They are.

They're pretty and undressed, you know.

Lovely girl.

I should have brought that bottle of champagne up.

Didn't finish it, did you?

Want me to get out of bed and go and get it?

No. Manage without it? I bet you can't give us a kiss.

They are.

I've never done this before.

I haven't.

Promise me. Promise.

No. Don't tell me that.

No. Don't do it again.

Oh, Mr.

Fox. That's wonderful.

Oh, you devil, you.

Family jewels.

Oh, Fanny.

Fanny, sit down.

Here, I understand that Mr. Barber could be quite an interest in you.

Oh, yes, Mrs. Cole.

He led me over to his house nearly every night. I know.

He's really like a father to me.

Quite. But, dear, I hope you remember my advice about not mixing business with

pleasure. He looks after me very nice.

Oh, I'm sure.

But, dear, if you play your cards right.

They'll look after you even better.

I'll manage. No, dear.

You'll do the daughtering, and I'll manage.

Yes, Mrs. Cole.

I know what you're going to say. There's no fool like an old fool.

Oh, love, that's quite wrong. I have known a lot of young men that are far

sillier than you, sir.

However, if it agrees with your taste and your palate, who am I to say that

are right or wrong?

I've already made up my mind, Edward, my boy.

I'm entitled to a little bliss at my time of life, aren't I?

The young lady will be kept in the best of comforts. She will, when I choose,

attend me at my house. In due course, I may decide to make some sort of

permanent settlement upon her.

Must have knotted off, I beg your pardon.

Shall I read you some more?

Not just now, darling. Thank you.

Is there anything I can do?

No, I might have another little snooze, if you don't mind.

Oh, then you'll be wanting to go to bed.

No, no, no, no, no.

Not tonight, Fanny.

What is the matter?

Oh, nothing the matter with you, my darling.

Perhaps there is with me. You know, a man can pretend many things to many

people. But there are times when it's better for him to learn to tell the

to himself.

I don't suppose you know what I'm talking about.

But I'm going to have a little snooze all alone.

Very well.

But I don't mind, you know.

Thank you, Danny.

Thank you, my darling. Run along.

You can run along.

We'll probably send for you tomorrow.

Tonight.

Oh,

thank you.

Thank you.

Oh, thank you.

Good night.

Ah.

But the message which came later that night was of a different kind.

Bye, John.

Ashes to ashes, just to dust.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

He was such a good provider.

We'll never get so much for so little again.

After the funeral, I was summoned to the home of Mr. Barville for the last time.

Oh, don't come in, please. Be seated, please.

Mr. Whittle, come.

You must be the young lady's aunt?

Yes. So you must be the young lady.

Well, that depends on which young lady you wish.

I wish and am looking for, madam, the young lady to whom this document refers.

Document? What's that?

It is a will.

The last will and testament of the late Mr. Barfield.

It is my solemn duty to read it to you.

Will it take long?

No, not very long. Just as long as it takes me to inform you that he has left

you his entire fortune.

What?

His entire fortune, ma 'am.

His house in the country, his London house here, his estates in Ireland, his

stocks and bonds, and over 50 ,000 pounds.

Did you say £50 ,000 cash?

I did indeed, ma 'am.

You mean he left it all to me?

Every penny.

I could not help but remember, as I started my journey north in great style,

but a while ago I had first travelled to London and the adventures that had

befallen me.

We made a leisurely progress and stopped by chance at a convenient inn to spend

the night.

As so often in my life, fate had once again taken a hand in the game.

Sir. Oh, good evening, my lady. Jonathan Berwick, your host. What is your

pleasure, ma 'am? Rooms for the night, sir. Oh, my best room is at your

disposal, milady. And sleeping accommodation and supper for my

course, my lady.

I shall dine in my room. Have you any other guests? We have, but you will not

disturbed. Fine. I shall be leaving early in the morning. I shall have

ready for your departure at six.

Splendid. Show me my room.

This way, madam.

that voice.

It was the voice I had dreamed about for all the lonely months since he went

away.

found you at last.

Your ladyship!

Your ladyship!

Is this man disturbing you?

Very much indeed.

Good night, landlord. We shall not be leaving early in the morning.

After many adventures and privations, Charles had returned from the Indies but

week ago to learn that his father had died a bankrupt through various

misfortunes.

His grandmother had passed away, leaving Charles almost penniless.

Finding no trace of me in London, he had travelled north with no success and was

on his way back to London to take ship to America when chance brought him to my

door.

I was able to acquaint him with my own good fortune and of how I had wealth

enough to keep us both in comfort till the end of our days.

Good morning, my lady. I trust everything was to your satisfaction?

Oh, yes, it was indeed.

Sir? Memorable, sir. Memorable.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Right then, my girl, I know what we're going to do. Oh, sir, we're off again.

See you.

Last at

length, I got snug into port.

Looking back on the course of vice I had run, I could not help pitying those who

are insensitive to the delicate charm of virtue.