Original subtitles

This is a picture of Harvard West.

Thank you.

You'll be with our son in heaven.

I see your instruction of behavior befitting a young lady goes on, business

usual. Oh, please don't be angry with Aunt Lavinia, Father.

She tried to stop me, but my heart beat my breast with such a voluptuous swell.

To have a daughter with such highbrow taste in dress and literature and at

a young age. Well, and it is you I have to thank, dear sister. Come on, Father.

Yes, yes.

There you go.

Oh, Father, I'm so sorry.

It was a raspberry.

On the continent... We're in New York, and the New York port is on the door.

Is it too much to ask that there be one thing not overdone in this household?

My wine went down the wrong way.

Come along, dear.

Now,

don't be nervous. We've rehearsed this a thousand times.

Sweetheart.

Oh. Sit down.

Shhh.

Maureen?

Maureen, it's been an accident. Do something.

Alice, would you like to recite something for us?

Do you want your cake?

Good night, Catherine.

Good night.

Good afternoon, Doctor. Good afternoon.

Father's home!

Mother's home! Catherine, unlike the 4th of July, the occasion of your father

coming home is an everyday occurrence.

Please do not jangle my nerves so arbitrarily.

Catherine!

Catherine!

Good afternoon, Dr. Stockbrook. Good afternoon, Father.

Did you forget?

The party at Aunt Elizabeth's.

My dear child, the world was created in six days. Surely we mortals can prepare

for a gathering in three hours.

Please, I beg you, allow me to attend myself. I fear what will happen if I

you from your preparations a moment longer.

How long could it take for one woman to minister to herself?

Now, Alston, choosing one's first evening gown alone is a great event for

young girl.

Please, be gentle.

If a prelude is necessary, it must be bad indeed.

So this magnificent creature is my child.

I will change.

You've taken up enough time already.

Come along.

There's a sure sign of getting old. It does seem that the young get more

that we get older.

It's delightful.

Anything short of his own chair in his front room seems violent to Alston.

It really has not cottoned under the fact that she's a sheep.

Lovely dear. I don't think Father agrees.

Oh, don't let that trouble go on, Julie, my dear. If there's one thing I've

learned of my brother after all these years... It's that he's generally not

approving sort.

Come, Marion is eager to see you.

Oh,

see how she beams.

They must be very much in love. Dear child, he's a stockbroker. He'll make a

fine husband.

That is all Marion requires.

I oftentimes think it's easier to be basic.

One's needs are so simple.

If I wanted to be a pioneer, I'd settle in Minnesota.

Beastly, you can't dance. I know.

So we'll buy a new house. Every three or four years, we'll keep moving up. Is it

true that it's all the rage of Paris?

Yes. What is it you want me to do now, Mary?

You must take Catherine outside to dance. If your wife -to -be is demanding

me, dear cousin, can you imagine? Oh, yes, I can.

Someone has to demand of you. It may help to build some long -awaited

See what you've done. You've made poor Miss... Miss...

Answer him, please.

He's conceited enough to believe he has made you speechless.

No, no, no.

This is Catherine Slova, Mary's cousin.

This is Morris Townsend.

If I can have your attention up here, I promise you I'll take care of down

there. Oh, forgive me. I've been off the dance floor for far too long.

Let's try that dangerous sport.

Here. Please, sit down.

I'll get some refreshments, shall I?

My dear, what are you doing hiding in the bush? You must come out where the

young men can see you.

Oh, my.

I don't believe we've been introduced.

Morris Townsend, cousin to Arthur.

I beg Miss Sloper to take pity on me. I'm afraid, as a dancer, I make a very

good horseman.

Well, Mr. Townsend, I came...

looking for my niece because there were several young men searching for her

frantically.

She's been ignoring a dance card shamelessly.

However, if she's promised to keep you company, I'll try to keep them at bay a

little longer.

Now, I've met the most charming women here tonight, but they all come from the

same family. It's remarkable.

I'm going to pretend I didn't find you, Catherine, but you must not monopolize

here, Mr. Townsend.

Oh, no.

Well, I see our time is limited. I must make the most of it. I don't want to

earn the enmity of every man here.

Please don't mock me, Mr.

Townsend. I've offended you.

No. No, I... Mr.

Robbins, he's... Oh, he's... Do you see?

And, um, Mr.

Almond. Mm.

He's...

He's my uncle.

A woman without guile.

What a rarity.

Guile? Me?

No, I mean, a woman of such uncommon grace has no need of guile.

Please don't banish me.

See, I've been away for a very long time.

And if you leave me, I...

I'll be forced to make my own way in this strange and I'm quite sure

world.

I knew I hadn't been mistaken.

You are indeed gracious.

Far beyond what I deserve, I'm sure. You are so beautiful. Thank you.

Thank you.

Allow me.

I'm sloping.

Who's that young foreigner talking to Catherine?

That's no foreigner, but you're right in thinking him one.

He looks quite brilliant.

He's Arthur's cousin, Austin. Several times removed.

Of course. Of course. You see, there are townsons and then there are townsons.

Younger branches, elder branches, and of course... Inferior branches?

Well, that's the way it is with all royal lines.

Arthur. Shoot me.

Your mother wants to see us go.

Oh, you must shoot your opponents with more discretion.

Go find out, girl.

Otherwise, there's no sword, there's a locker.

Can you stop it?

Can you drop this?

That charming young man was uncommonly tender, Lavinia, whenever you conversed.

Had such a devoted air.

My dear brother, the devotion was not to me. It was to Catherine he spoke.

So, he's in love with this regal creature, then?

He didn't say that.

But he admired her dress.

It must be love.

Or he thinks she has 80 ,000 a year.

I don't believe he thinks of that.

He's too refined.

It must be tremendously refined.

Yes. Yes, yes.

Yes.

I'm so proud of you, music.

My confidence in your presence is becoming legendary.

I'm sorry to have bothered you.

I was just so happy to see you.

I'm sorry.

You know, I don't always know how to... Please accept my apology.

You're so blessed to have a talent for music.

Oh, I have no talent.

Just, um, appreciation.

Well,

can it be that I have found a twin?

You see, music is such an intense love of mine that my weakness in the

of it is the cause of great pain.

And at times, greater embarrassment.

You see, I refuse to accept that I am so untalented as something that touches me

so deeply. I simply believe that I've not yet discovered the key that will

unlock the gift.

Really? Yes.

That's the exact thing.

Every night I include a mention of it in my prayer.

I said that I was alone.

Do you suppose it's possible that we could... I live with my sister

and her five children while I seek employment.

Our situation doesn't allow for such...

Frivolity is musical instruments that suppose that it would ever be possible

that we could I Still

want to find favor with you, please Please please don't believe that I'm so

a fool as I appear with you Good day

Mr. Townsend, we would be pleased to extend the use of our piano.

Is tomorrow too soon for our Sloper Townsend Music Society to commence?

No, not too soon, yes.

You'll have to excuse me, Mr. Townsend.

I have the most fortuitous headache.

Of course.

Excuse me.

I can hardly be an audience to you and Mr. Townsend forever.

I've neglected my duties shamelessly these past weeks.

Besides, most young ladies crave time alone with their boy.

He's not my boy.

Mr. Townsend's interest is in the piano.

Accomplished as Mr. Townsend may be, In many areas, he's no Frédéric Chopin.

And even Mr. Chopin would be hard -pressed to travel five times a week for

weeks across town in an omnibus to practice on an instrument so in need of

tuning. Besides, I have the young man's confidence.

He's come according.

Take Mr. Byron's advice.

Be warm and pure.

Be amorous.

Be James.

Are you afraid to be alone with me?

No.

It does not seem quite proper.

Is proper so important to you?

Do you stroll in the park proper?

Will that make you happy?

No, I ask for nothing more.

Well, you do.

Good afternoon, Doctor.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

Lovely day, Doctor.

No, they're lovely.

Oh, dear.

Maureen said you wanted to see me, Austin.

Would you care for some port?

Oh, my.

There.

This is my favorite time of day, watching the sun go down as the city

close, so peaceful and quiet.

It quite lulls one into a sense of restful tranquility.

Absolutely false as it happens, because darkness is falling and my daughter is

running wild in a public park with a man, a virtual stranger to me, but by

appearances not... To her? Are your duties too numerous, Lavinia? Let us

their number, shall we?

Well, there's chaperoning Catherine, and there's...

Well, with that said, should I perhaps hire you an assistant?

I wouldn't want to take advantage of our familial bond by overworking you.

Is it not a beautiful day?

Perhaps it's time I made the acquaintance of your young man.

Yes.

So, in short, I would say that if a gondola doesn't come equipped with a

gondolier, walking is a very good plan. Unless, of course, you like to swim.

Oh, Marth, Marth, tell Dr.

Sloper about the time in Switzerland when you took him in here to scale the

I'm sure the telling would benefit from a good cigar and some excellent port

wine. What do you think, Mr. Townsend? I think a story can't help but be

improved by such accoutrements.

As you both know, the story can't be that much of an inconvenience, shall we?

Yes, of course.

Delightful stories that women are enthralled with.

Now it is you who are being kind.

There. Thank you.

I hear you're looking for a position.

What are you fit for? Not very much, I'm afraid. I have only my good right arm,

as they say in melodramas.

You're far too modest.

In addition to your good right arm, you have your subtle brain and amazing

physiognomy. Well, I don't know how to answer in the face of such generous

observation.

You advise me, then, not to despair.

I should be sorry to admit that any robust, well -disposed young man need

despair.

Were you kindly intending to propose something to my advantage?

It occurs to me I sometimes hear of positions outside of New York.

I'm afraid I couldn't manage that.

You see, I'm my sister's only living relative. She's a widow, and I'm

an education for her five children.

I'm sure you must be a great comfort to her in the circumstances.

As honorable as that is, it is hardly a career.

It will not make my fortune, if that's what you mean.

Are you bent on making a fortune?

On the contrary, I'm simply looking to turn an honest penny.

I shall keep that in mind.

If my situation becomes desperate, I shall perhaps take the liberty of

you. Be assured I will not lose sight of you. Now, I'm quite in the mood of an

alpine adventure.

And leave out none of the details that I'm sure you did for the ladies.

What can they be talking about all this time?

I feel one of my headaches coming on.

If you wish to retire, I will make your excuses.

Oh, did it go well?

He's an extraordinary man, your father.

The type of man I would wish to be.

I knew you two would get along.

And what if we hadn't?

I should like you to tell me that it wouldn't have mattered.

But of course it would have mattered.

It would have mattered greatly.

You would not have welcomed the opportunity to contradict him.

I never contradict him.

You would hear me abused without opening your lips in my defense.

My father would not abuse you.

He does not know you well enough.

I'd like us to play for your father, Catherine.

No.

Don't you know yet that together...

We have sanctuary.

It's alright.

Fatica d 'amore, fatica d

'amore tui fecsa, tu chiami

una vita cheden.

He shall eat your kidney.

Each family is our daily.

Each family is our daily.

Bravo.

He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils.

I must confess, I acquired a certain

veneer during my travels.

I'd heard tales of this thing, but I suspected it was an idea originated by

mercenary novelists.

I'm performing the most useless task in the hope that I'll find a moment's

respite from thinking of you.

I'm quite overcome.

On this most happy of occasions, I would like to congratulate my daughter and my

son -in -law.

My greatest hope for you both is that your year together will be as happy and

bountiful as your mother's and mine.

Austin, don't you think he's charming?

So you too believe that he's paying attention to my daughter for her

beauty and wit? Would this be an inopportune time to remind you that your

was very well endowed monetarily when you had occasion to marry her?

You're certainly not suggesting, are you? I suggest nothing.

For you, nor Mr.

Townsend. I merely state facts.

He's altogether too familiar, too self -assured. He's... Ravishing, possessed

a rapier wit and a velvet charm.

Well, you, dear Austin.

Oh.

Now, if you are really intent on gathering inside information, this is

Montgomery, the much -mentioned sister.

Catherine.

What? What? I don't see Catherine.

My dear Catherine, I am so pleased to meet you.

Morris has told me so much about you.

I am Catherine.

I have heard much about you, too.

May I present Alice Allman to my cousin? Oh, Catherine, look, we're missing the

ring. Come.

Please excuse us.

Okay, Alice.

Who's going to find the ring?

Oh, my brother.

Miss Penelope, your handkerchief. Beware the Ides of March. We must meet and

plan. Danger is at hand.

There you are.

Where did that come from?

The cake.

You caught the ring in the cake?

I hope that's a good moment.

Your father is investigating me.

He doesn't trust me, I'm afraid.

See, how would you know?

I feel.

I'm very quick to feel.

Morris.

When my mother and my brother were taken, I became father's wife.

But he must feel certain that he has done his duty towards me.

If I were being pursued by the Pope, you would investigate him too.

If you were being perceived by the Pope, you should indeed have cause for

dismay.

It's my size.

How charming.

You've, uh... Traveled extensively, Mrs. Montgomery?

Oh, my brother.

He's collected something from everywhere he's ever been for me.

Are you close to him? Oh, yeah.

We were orphaned at an early age and reared each other.

What sort of gentleman is your brother?

Excuse me.

Thank you, Teresa.

It's difficult to talk about one's brother.

It seems to me it is not when one has good things to say.

Oh, yes, even then.

And such a great deal depends upon it.

And for your brother, a great deal does depend on it.

I meant from a closer.

Please, sit down.

What does he tell you?

That he is in love.

You can't be that obtuse.

It's my belief your brother lives off you. Now he means to live off my poor

Catherine, and she's too simple -minded to see it.

If that is truly what you believe, then your path is a simple one.

Don't let her marry him.

You have daughters.

Yes. When young men come a -courting, you will be concerned with their moral

character.

Catherine is ill -equipped to look after herself. I can't stand by and see her

make so great a mistake.

If I throw him back on you, the least I can do is help with the burden.

I shall take the liberty of placing on your hands an amount for your brother's

support.

No wonder you have such a great concern about money.

You believe he can buy anything.

You forgive me for telling you it's easy to say when one has not experienced

purchasing power.

People talk greatly about a plain, stupid girl with a large fortune

handsome, worldly man without a penny, don't they, Doctor?

Imagine the indignity.

Why, people might even think that you had been taken for a fool.

It's more than a man in your position should ever have to bear.

You do me a grave injustice.

Do I?

Time will tell the truth of it

Mr. Townsend, I hope you weren't waiting too long. You can only approximate how

long these things take.

Oh, no. It's a wonderful thing to have a profession.

Ah, but it's not only a thing one has, it's a thing one must apply daily.

Yes, but there is tremendous satisfaction in that application.

As much as in scaling an alp or riding in a gondola?

Well, I'm sure I wouldn't know.

Never having had a profession.

So we're at an impasse, as they say. I've never scaled an out of being

with applying my profession.

I wish to marry your daughter, sir.

She is simply one of the most delightful and charming individuals I've ever

encountered.

Mr. Townsend, you must be very susceptible.

As Catherine's father, I have, I trust, a just and tender...

appreciation of her many good qualities, but I don't mind telling you I've never

thought of nightfall or charming and never expected anyone else to either.

Well, I'm sure I don't know what I'd think of Catherine if I were her father.

can't put myself in that place. I speak from my own point of view. And you speak

very well. Keep talking, sir, for I feel sure you'll be telling the next of her

beauty and wit. Dr. Sloper, I don't pretend to know what alchemy...

is at work here, but the fact is I've never been happier than these ten weeks.

Introduce magic to a man of science in the course of a dialogue signals that

common ground has long departed.

Well, then let me speak a language you will understand.

I've lived long enough to learn certain truths about myself.

One is that my vanity requires an audience.

Now, this is not the most attractive of traits, and women are quick to

acknowledge this.

Not so, Catherine.

I tire of myself before she tires of me, which is saying a great deal, what you

see.

And my stories are all I bring to this union.

And she makes me feel like the most important being ever to roam the planet.

Do you know what it's like to be the most important person in the world to

someone? Perhaps you do. Perhaps that is what brings us to this place.

Catherine is so good.

And honest.

And true.

She lives in a place where everything is shining and clean.

And where everyone has the best of intentions. I never imagined such a

And now I want to live there with her.

You are a remarkable individual.

As a dinner companion, as a storyteller, as a man of the world.

In fact, as the superior human being, I take off my hat to you.

But the absence of employment means a profession, any visible prospects, place

you in a category from which it would be imprudent for me to choose a husband

for my daughter.

But it's not for you to choose. It's for Catherine to, and she has chosen me.

You've spent a life idling. Now you've decided it's time you found a position.

A position in the parlor of 21 Washington Square as a husband of a weak

woman. You see, you need not be concerned with my eyesight.

Well, that is not what Catherine sees.

I have 26 years.

And the deep well of her respect and admiration to draw from, I'll supply

pair of spectacles.

Well, do not forget that I too draw from that same well.

This is too amusing. You mean to defy me?

A man who spends his life, you call it?

idling i call it searching seek something you know for me it was

having gone to the ends of the earth in pursuit of it what you suppose are the

chances of giving it up having discovered it on his doorstep please

i'm late for life

What's going on?

What's going on?

We made his robe now.

Mr. Townsend. I refuse to carry on a conversation with that contraption.

I have my reputation to think of. Then why choose an establishment which very

reeks of licentiousness?

I'd heard it was reliable for things clandestine.

Do you have anything for me?

He will never change.

To do so would be to surrender.

I know his hard intellectual nature. He's impervious to pity.

He will be vanquished only by the established fact.

Well, it's a fact that I want to marry his daughter. I presented it to him, and

he didn't seem to leave the banquet.

Marry Catherine first.

Meet him afterward.

You mean I should carry her off?

Alone? Don't you see?

He thinks you like the money.

If you marry her, no one should be disinherited.

He has no choice but to see that you're honorable.

Would you really wish the life of a pauper on your knees?

She has 10 ,000 a year from her mother.

She's used to more.

My husband, the good reverend, once married a young couple in the same

The father was reconciled afterward. Everything worked out beautifully.

Well, unfortunately, we do not have Reverend Pennyman.

No, but you have me.

I can't perform the ceremony, of course, but I can be in attendance.

We must use the subterranean chapel.

with little lighting somewhere.

What do you call me here to ask me?

I thought you might wish to see someone close to Catherine.

A central word? A message?

A lock -up here?

She knows my heart.

As I do.

I know it to be good and constant and true.

You cannot know this, but I went to great personal peril to come here.

Austin threatened to throw me to the elements, and worse, if I continued to

you. However, I cannot sit by and see you in distress.

My nature demands that if I can be of assistance in matters of the heart, I

be.

I'm thinking only of you, Morris.

I rack my brains trying to think of ways to help you. I pay the penalty with my

headaches.

My perfect circlet of pain.

But I carry it. The queen carries her crown.

What are they doing in there?

I have no idea.

You can hop for it.

Yeah?

Father?

You told me if I had anything to say about Mr. Townsend, you would be

to listen.

I wish to see him.

To bid him goodbye.

He's not going anywhere.

Would you like to make your father very happy?

If I can.

You can if you will. It depends on your will.

Is it to give him up?

You are happier than I. I've no doubt you're unhappy now.

But it's better to be unhappy for three months and get over it than be unhappy

forever. But the only thing that would make me unhappy forever...

Would be to be without him. You suppose I know nothing of men, their vices and

falsities. He's not vicious.

He's not false. You make nothing of my judgment, then.

I... I can't believe it.

We don't ask you to believe it. Take it on trust.

But we can wait a long time.

Of course.

You can wait until I die.

Your engagement will have one delightful effect on you.

It will make you extremely impatient for that event.

If I do not marry before your death, I will not have to. There's one thing you

can tell him if you see him again.

Tell him if you marry without my consent, you'll not get a farthing of my

Well, I ought not in that case to have a farthing of it.

You are an ungrateful, cruel child.

If you see him again, you'll have given your father the greatest pain of his

life.

I'll take it to Mr. Townsend and wait for an answer.

I'll take it for you.

Miss Wilford made me swear not

to give it to anyone but himself.

She did not include me in that number. Give it here.

Are you questioning my trustworthiness?

Just go ask the young miss if it's all right.

You'll just get my bonnet.

Have you called me here to look at me?

And gratifying as that is, after three weeks, three weeks of silence, I'm in

need of hearing your voice.

I did want to look at you.

My father has asked me to go away with him to Europe for six months.

And I have agreed.

So, it's done.

You've given me up for him.

No, Morris.

No.

Let me explain. Explain what?

That I am an undesirable match because I am poor.

Or that...

He believes that I am a mercenary.

He told me to tell you that if I marry you without his consent, I shall not

inherit a penny of his fortune.

Please tell him that I don't give a damn for his message and that I want or need

his money.

Marry me.

Without his consent?

You can't.

Feed us both.

You have to choose.

I have.

I have chosen you.

He's taking me to Europe to test our devotion.

No. No, he's taking you to Europe so you will forget me.

No.

People think terrible things.

They don't know what is between us.

They see you when they see me, and the father doesn't understand.

I don't understand.

Forgive me, but I cannot.

I cannot forsake him, sir.

Please, please wait for me.

Please wait for me, Morris.

Thank God in Paris.

Something beautiful.

Something beautiful that's worthy of you.

preposterous. He's gone too far.

He writes... He writes there to spend another six months.

Another six months?

What does that mean?

Well, it could be one of two things.

One knowing three.

We know.

I've just thought of another.

Lavinia.

It must be that she's persuaded him over to you, and they're both so happy

they've decided not to break the journey.

Or he promised that if she remained faithful for yet another six months, it

be love, and he will give his blessing.

Or in exchange for his consent, she's given him another six months.

It would, after all, be the last time he has her company so freely.

Or... Or she has refused to give you up.

And he's holding her hostage in some non -English -speaking, densely populated

nation which civilization has yet to reach until she sees reason.

Oh.

Now, there.

There, there. Don't despair.

Cook has prepared your favorite.

The lamb cassoulet.

With the new potatoes.

Of course.

By now we know not to serve a meal without your favorite potatoes.

Should you like to be left in such a place as this to starve?

That'll be your fate.

That's how he'll leave you.

Well, that's not true, Father.

You shouldn't say it.

What were you thinking of when I came upon him?

You were glowing.

You were thinking of him, were you not?

The story of his alpine adventure.

That one over there, I imagined.

His young, beautiful torso dangling in midair with only a rope between him and

mortality. But we're all young and beautiful once.

It's transient.

What will you have when that's gone?

That's his only talent, that, and hoodwinking, dim -witted young ladies

their inheritances.

I love him.

And when we go home, I shall marry him.

You should be very thankful to me.

A year ago, you were rusted, limited.

Now your value is twice as great with the knowledge and taste you've acquired.

We have fattened the sheep for him before he kills it.

How obscene.

As your mother should give her life so you could inhabit space on this earth.

Oh, young man, where is the boat from? It's already docked, ma 'am, right

Oh, thank you.

Thank you, officer.

Oh, will the... Catherine.

Catherine.

Oh, my.

He wanted to allow you rest after your journey.

Oh.

Europe must have agreed with you, Austin. You look almost civil.

I'm going to turn to the luggage.

Maureen, you're not married yet?

Oh, Doctor. He wanted to come meet you, but I convinced him that Austin would

think him presumptuous.

Besides,

he had pressing business in his office that required his immediate attention.

Oh, it was to be a surprise, but he gave me leave to tell you. Isn't it

wonderful?

Your father can find no fault now.

And he's not a subordinate either.

He's a partner with business cards and everything.

I've seen a great deal of him.

Well, he isn't easy to know.

I suppose you think you know him, but you do not.

Well, not as I do.

You will know him after you've lived with him for a while.

I have lived with him, and I may say he's full of...

Always just full of remarkable charm and energy, full of passion and... What is

it?

He wrote me of your kindness.

Thank you, Paul.

Did you go to bring your father along?

The purpose of my journey was not to bring father around, as you say, but

to spend some time with him before I left his house. It is done.

You are the same.

You have not swerved the line. I am the same.

Only more so, I am home to marry.

Without your father's consent?

With or without it, it makes no difference.

You have become brave.

Perhaps it does make a difference to us.

Why are you so contradictory?

A year ago, you wished me not to worry about this pleasing father.

No, I thank you for your care of Morris, but I am home now.

To marry.

Come, let's go.

You know how father dislikes dilly -dallying.

I have been missed.

You better marry me tomorrow.

Next week.

To make me wait longer may well jeopardize your virtue.

You are shameful.

To remove a man from the object of his desire for a day is brutal to do so for

year. It carries a penalty so high, one should not incur it.

How is your father, Catherine?

My father does not figure anywhere in this equation.

He's unchanged?

Yes.

Oh, my poor dear girl.

I don't mind it now.

You must let me try him.

No, Morris.

He will not be brought round. You will only make him worse. You say that only

because I managed so badly the last time.

I've had a year to think about it now.

I have more tact.

Is that what you've been thinking about for a year?

No. The idea sticks in my crop.

I don't like to fail.

Well, how have you failed if we marry?

Not on the main issue, of course, but on the rest of it. My reputation.

My relations with your father.

on my relation with our children.

We shall have enough for our children.

Enough for everything.

Besides, I believe you will succeed brilliantly in business. It isn't of the

material comfort that I speak.

It's of the moral comfort.

Of the intellectual satisfaction.

I have great moral comfort now.

Yes, of course you have.

You have it with me. It is different. I... I stake my pride on proving to your

father that he's wrong.

And now that... Now that I am the head of a business, I can deal with him as an

equal. Please, Catherine, please... Please let me go at him.

No, Morris.

No.

I have good reason.

What is it?

My father despises me.

Catherine, that isn't true.

Do not do that.

What?

It is a great thing to be separated from your father.

Especially when... But it is done.

Hey, get on, Faye.

We must never speak of it again.

Oh, Frances, don't bounce. May I help with it, please? Take a walk in the

Both of you look as if you haven't seen the light of day for some time. No, we

haven't.

Oh, do be careful, please. Be careful.

Children, I think I can be trusted for an hour. One more minute and I will

withdraw my offer to prepare for Elizabeth.

Marion, your hat.

We're going.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Marion.

The young.

No one knows more than they do.

Especially not their parents.

How is dear Catherine?

As stubborn as a mule and quite as stupid.

I tried everything, but she remained stuck like glue.

She gained nothing from our European trip, except a year older.

I can barely sit in my own parlor anymore.

His essence permeates it. I can find no refuge.

From Morris Townsend to my own home, and I have Lavinia to thank for that.

She is not a woman to be left alone.

She has to have entertainment.

He was available.

All the better.

With Lavinia in the boat, you may be assured it'll sink.

Healthy baby.

Lavinia has a capital way of destroying all she sets out to help.

I believe she fantasizes that the attention of that...

abounding male energy in the front room is for her.

Well, let's assume for a moment that your theory is correct and he is

What does it matter?

You've worked all your life to amass this fortune, knowing that Catherine

be the only one to leave it to.

Shouldn't she have some happiness with it, even if it does mean she has to buy

it? There is no evidence to suggest that he will not make a fine husband.

not raise my daughter to have so little dignity.

What fantasy is being shattered by her marrying this man?

By your own account, she is dim -witted, unattractive, with no social skill or

grace. What dream did you have for this prize?

Where did Morris Townsend fall down?

Yes, you can.

Well, Austin?

Well, I thought you'd end the days.

Washington Square, in the best of comfort.

Well, I suppose that in some years to come, some man might happen along, and

widower perhaps wouldn't mind how she was too much, would be content to live

the remainder of his life with her.

The afternoon sun lights the west section of the parlor.

Catherine, head bent over, embroidered.

while the widower smokes his cob pipe and reads the newspaper.

Well, don't you see? That would be so perfect for Catherine. She requires so

little.

All this time I thought it was because you didn't think he was deserving of

What have you done?

She will never let go.

Please don't stop.

When I came into the hall just now, I was reminiscing about all the times I

home to my daughter, almost knocking me down the steps in her eagerness to greet

me.

Do you remember?

I remember how distasteful you found such clumsy displays of affection.

When I heard you, I thought of your dear mother.

Are you to marry him?

Yes, Father.

I would like a definite notice of when you set a date.

When a poor man is about to lose his only child, you'll like an inkling

beforehand.

Thank you.

Well, when is it to be?

It occurs to me if I live with you,

I ought to obey you.

If that's your theory, it's certainly mine.

But if I don't obey you, I ought not to live with you, to enjoy your

kindness and protection.

What a distasteful idea.

It must be Mr.

Townsend's. No.

It is mine.

Why do you speak to me thus?

I've done nothing but try to protect you from... From?

From what, Father?

Love?

Affection?

Caring?

Respect?

It seems you've already departed.

It's such a beautiful day.

I was a little worried when you sent for me to meet you here and not the house.

But now I see the reason.

What manner of man do you think I am to come where I am not welcome?

Your father does not want me in his house and I don't wish to be there.

Of course. How inconsiderate of me.

Oh, let us not speak of my father. Today I am exceedingly happy.

I'm glad you are happy.

Are you...

Not well?

You seem restless.

And you look pale.

I'm afraid you are overworked. You want to work so hard. Well, I don't wish to

owe you everything.

I suppose you think all the effort is on your side. No.

No, I know how difficult the situation has been for you.

But it has had the advantage of making us one.

We will bear things together.

There are some things we cannot bear together.

Separation, for instance.

Why do you speak of separation?

Will you promise not to make a scene?

A scene?

Do I make scenes?

I must go away on business.

Your business is with me now, Lawrence. Yes, that is what the world said.

Where are we going?

To New Orleans to buy cotton.

I'll go with you.

Do you really think that I would take you to a nest of yellow fever?

That I would expose you to... If there is yellow fever, why should you go? But

to make $6 ,000, or would you deny me that satisfaction?

If you can go to New Orleans, I can go.

Why shouldn't you catch yellow fever quite as easily as I? I'm strong.

When we were in Europe, we were in many unhealthy places, and I never caught

anything. But what would be the use of $6 ,000 if you die of a fever?

When a person is going to be married, you shouldn't think about cotton. You

should think about me.

You go to New Orleans some other time. There will always be plenty of cotton.

You said you wouldn't make a scene.

I call this a scene.

But I've never asked anything of you before.

Oh, because I have nothing to give. Thank you. I need no reminder.

You think too much of money, Morris. You dare say that to me. I think of money

because I must find ways to keep you in the comfort to which you are accustomed.

I can't forget that I am the reason that you are disinherited.

Morris, are you going to leave me?

Yes.

Yes, just for a little while.

For how long?

Until you're reasonable again.

I shall never be reasonable again in that way. Try to be calmer the next time

come. Is it tomorrow?

I don't know. Morris, Morris, come tomorrow.

I'll be better tomorrow. I'll show you how good I can be.

I will come when I can.

I don't have the luxury of sloth. I work for my living.

Oh,

my dear, what catastrophe has befallen us?

Take Mr.

Shakespeare's advice. Give sorrow worry.

The grief that does not speak whispers the o 'erfraught heart and bids it

I know not of what song you speak.

Come, come, my dear. Your eyes are not reddened with joy.

Your pride is my pride.

Your susceptibilities are mine.

I see your side, but I also see the situation as a whole.

Your father might bear the brunt of your anger.

Morris did everything he could.

He was patient.

He allowed Austin to abuse him? How much can a young man of his talents be

expected to take?

No, Catherine, we must study resignation.

Resignation? To what?

To a change of our plans.

My plans have not changed.

Oh, he hasn't told you?

Told me what?

Well, what has happened between you then?

You have spoken to Mr. Townsend about...

Our situation?

Yes.

I have conferred with him.

Is it you, then, who has changed him and made him so unnatural?

He doesn't belong to you.

You have nothing to do with what is between us.

How could you be so wicked?

So cruel?

My father was right. You do. You spoil everything you touch.

I was afraid of you all the time we were abroad.

I had no rest when I thought you were always talking to him.

You are a most ungrateful girl.

Do you think you're the only one who was lost?

I thought of the young man as my own... my own son.

I'm sure we never talked of anything but you. Yes.

You talked about me and talked about me until you made him sick of the very

mention of my name.

If you truly loved him, you would want more for him.

It's time.

Catherine is downstairs in the corner.

I

passed

the point of propriety.

My apologies.

I've given up everything for you.

I can't be the cause of your losing all that is dear.

Without you, I have nothing.

I will write to you as best.

I do not wish you to write me.

Be the man you profess to be.

Let me hear you say you're only interested in my fortune.

Say it.

So I will never spend a sleepless night thinking it was something I did or did

not do.

At least give me that small comfort.

Your father will comfort you.

Heaven deliver me from my father's comfort.

He will reinstate your rights when he... Say it!

Say it! Say what?

That I wanted you with your money?

Is that so immoral?

Would you want me without my attributes?

You have money. I have this.

It was a fair exchange.

Cheers, I could go.

And I could still have a life so silly.

10 ,000 a year, it's a fortune.

Oh, yeah, but not when one was expecting 30 and spent two years of one's youth

in pursuance of it. I know.

I know, I know. I know what I am. I know what I lack.

But I'll be a mother good and understanding wife. You'll never suffer

trouble for me.

My father, I'll go to my father and I'll beg him.

You can't leave me to that house.

What do you want me to do? Just tell me what you want me to do. For God's sake,

what do you think I am?

I'm not good enough for you.

Not nearly good enough.

What do you want me to do?

I want you to love me.

Thank you.

want these?

Yes. Thank you, Greta.

It's ginger.

Are you preparing for a married life in which servants have no role?

Hook is frightened of anything you.

If I want anything that even whispers of the exotic, I must show her.

It occurs to me that you're not treating me with all the consideration I

deserve.

How so?

We've been back from our trip almost three months.

You must have set your wedding date. I ask that you give me notice.

I have not left your house.

Perhaps unembodied, but you may as well be under the conjugal rule for all the

benefit we have of your society.

Well... I

will try to be more social.

I think you ought to.

Distract me. You're a very lucky young lady.

It would be a convenience to know when I can expect an empty house for when you

go, your aunt marches.

Is it tomorrow?

Next week?

I shall not be leaving.

He's backed out.

I have broken off my engagement.

I have asked him to leave New York for a long, long time.

How does he take his dismissal? I don't know.

You mean you don't care?

You're very cruel after encouraging him playing at the soap mall.

I am my father's daughter.

Sit down, everyone.

On your seats. Ladies and gentlemen, animals in a suit.

Put your napkins on your clothes, please.

Let me have my godchild.

He is my darling.

You haven't eaten all day.

Can you believe my daughter is eight years old?

It seemed like yesterday we were here for the purpose of my engagement.

Seems very long ago to me.

How beautiful. Another lifetime.

I suppose when I think about it, it does to me, too.

They were good days, though, Catherine.

Full of promise, expectation.

The whole future lay before us.

Catherine, the comfort of being an idiot is

that people pardon you readily.

Forgive me.

Dr. Ludlow.

We really should try it.

What are you suggesting we try?

Motherhood. Well, marriage first, of course.

Alas,

it is not I who possess the cold feet.

I'm going to go and get some port and leave my future in your very capable

hands.

It seems exceedingly rude to refuse him.

Make a good husband.

Catherine!

Stop breathing!

Who would ever have believed that doctors make the worst patients?

I would.

You never changed this room?

In this room, I couldn't allow her presence.

You suppose you'll marry John Ludlow?

No.

I don't think I shall.

Is it by chance?

Because you planned to marry Townsend after my death.

I will not listen to talk of death.

I'm dying.

There's nothing to talk about.

As a physician, I understand these things.

It would give me great satisfaction if you would have promised that upon my

death you will not marry Townsend.

I very seldom think of Mr. Townsend.

Oh, the easier to keep your promise.

I can't promise.

You're very obstinate.

I don't think you understand.

Please explain that.

I can't explain.

And I can't promise.

The will of record divided Dr. Sloper's estate in six ways.

Mrs. Penniman is to receive $2 ,000 a year for the rest of her life.

To Mrs. Allman, the same amount.

To his cousins, Bethan and Robert Lawson, is left a one -time gift of

Maureen O'Donnell is to receive $100 a year in addition to her salary, as long

as she remains an employee at 21 Washington Square.

Catherine Sloper is to receive the balance of the estate.

valued somewhere upwards of $300 ,000.

As I've said, that is the will of record written some ten years ago.

However, several weeks before his death, the doctor recorded the codicil.

The amounts accorded to all remain unchanged, with one exception.

In the case of Catherine Sloper, her portion has been reduced to this house

Washington Square.

The bulk of the estate goes to various and sundry medical institutions around

the city.

He wrote an explanation of this change, which I'm sure you'll wish to read in

private, Miss Sloper.

Please, read the codicil, Mr. Webber. This is something between you and your

father, Miss Sloper.

Would you please excuse us? We have some family matters to attend to. By the

very nature of the gesture, and the fact...

Please, everyone sit.

And please read it to me, Mr. Buck.

She is amply provided for on her mother's side, never having spent more

fraction of her income from this source, so that her fortune is already more

than sufficient to attract the unscrupulous adventurers whom she has

reason to believe that she persists in regarding as an interesting class.

You must break the will. No, no, no. I like it very much.

Catherine, it's a travesty. No, no, I think it's rather flattering.

I think it's the perfectly fitting conclusion to the saga of father's all

-important fortune.

I like it very much indeed.

Let's have fun.

Some tea, shall we?

Oh, no, no.

Perhaps something stronger.

And, Lavinia, let's break out the good port.

Well, is it not customary to celebrate the reading of the well?

Come on, everyone.

Join me. Wait.

Edith, is your mother working late again tonight?

Well, you must help me clean up this mess.

I never seem to manage it alone.

There's always so much to do.

What have you got there?

My book.

What is that?

I'm sitting.

I'm ready to leave now.

Right.

Honcho, dog.

Oh, my dear.

Oh, my dear, this will not do.

It will not do at all.

Oh, Hans, you know the most extraordinary happenstance. Oh, I had

fortune to promise.

Oh, promise me, promise me you'll be faithful.

Promise me.

Promise me.

Aunt, could you take Edith in for some milk and biscuits?

Oh, yes.

Come along.

There have been changes.

How have the years treated you, Mark?

Badly.

I suppose that you would say that's as it should have been.

You look very well.

I have... I have ventured... I so much wanted to...

I was determined... Will you not sit down?

No, I think you were better not.

For many years, it has been my deepest desire to be friends again.

We both know we were never friends.

Oh, Catherine, you did me an injustice.

You treated me badly.

Not if you think of it rightly.

You had your life with your father, which was what I couldn't make up my

rob you of.

Yes, I had that.

The path can be put behind us if you will allow it.

I will not allow it.

It hurt me too badly.

I felt it very much.

I felt it for years.

Made a great change in my life.

But I can't talk about it.

Why didn't you marry then?

The vineyard tells me there have been chances.

I didn't wish to marry.

Yes.

You had nothing to gain.

I had nothing to gain.

Whatever else happened, I did.

I did love once.

Well, and truly.

Do you hate me?

No.

But please don't come here again.