All language subtitles for The Moonstone [1972] E03.english

- Gabriel Betteredge.
- Agh!

Lucy Yolland, what do you want with me?

Where's the man you call Franklin Blake?

That's not a respectful way
to speak of any gentleman.

If you want to inquire after my lady's nephew,

you will please to mention him
as Mr Franklin Blake.

Mr Franklin Blake?

Murderer Franklin Blake
would be a better name for him.

Don't talk rubbish.

He's a murderer!
He's been the death of Rosanna Spearman.

The girl you speak of ..died by her own hand.

And I say he drove her to it!

What do you care?

What does any man care?

If she'd only thought of men as I think,
she might have been living now.

I tried to be her friend.

I loved her.

She was an angel.

She might have been happy with me.

I had a plan for our going to London together.

Then that man came here and bewitched her.

Don't tell me he didn't mean it and didn't know it.

He ought to have known it!

"I can't live without him.

He doesn't even look at me."

I told her -

no man's worth fretting for in that way.

And she said...

"There are men worth dying for.

And he's one of them."

And then her letter comes and tells me
she'd done with the burden of her life.

A letter?

Where is this gentleman
I mustn't speak of except with respect?

What do you want with Mr Blake?

I've got a letter to give him.

- From Rosanna?
- Yes.

- Sent to you in your own letter?
- Yes.

Oh.

Well, you can't see Mr Blake,
he's gone to London.

- I don't believe you.
- You can see for yourself.

This house is all shut up.

Her Ladyship, Miss Rachel... all gone to London.

Hey, wait. I expect news of Mr Blake.
Give me your letter and I'll send it on to him.

I'm to give it to him from my hand into his hand.

And I will give it to him in no other way.

Well, shall I write and tell him that?

Tell him I hate him.

And if he wants the letter,
he must come back here and get it from me.

And that remark put an end to the conversation.

And now, dearest Aunt, having paid
my respects, I must beg you to excuse me.

Are you leaving so soon?

Alas, London is not the country. I wish it were.

I must see a banking house in Lombard Street,

then I address a meeting of the
Mothers' Small Clothes Conversion Society.

There simply are not enough hours in the day.

Rachel, it's good of you to receive me
so soon after your arrival in London.

I'm always pleased to see you, Godfrey.

Aunt, I give you warning
I intend to be a frequent visitor.

What is it, Penelope?

If you please, my lady.

Mr Franklin Blake has called, and begs to
present his compliments to Miss Rachel.

- Ask him to come in.
- No.

Rachel.

You will tell Mr Blake
that I decline to receive him.

Begging your pardon, miss.

Mr Franklin says he's leaving England tonight
by the tidal train.

I think you heard what I said.

- Very good, miss.
- I will speak to Mr Blake.

Yes, m'lady.

Rachel...

if Franklin is leaving England, you must know
it's because of your conduct towards him.

Mama, you will please not bring that man
into my presence.

(Door opens)

Franklin.

I hear you are leaving England.

There no longer seems to be
a reason for me to stay.

Am I to be allowed to say goodbye to Rachel?

No.

She refuses to see you or speak to you.

I expected as much.
Does she give a reason yet?

None.

And only a week ago our relationship
was one of mutual affection.

Then from the moment
that wretched diamond disappeared,

she has not ceased to regard me as a stranger.

Worse, as an enemy.

Have you questioned her?

Once only. She declines to mention your name.

She's always been a stubborn child.

Sometimes to the point of wilfulness.

But this behaviour is so contrary to her nature,

that I've brought her to London
to be seen by a doctor.

Then you think this is an illness?

I know only that she's not to be reasoned with.

Franklin, I'm grieved to have to say this.

But for the present,
you and Rachel are better apart.

The only advice I can offer is, give her time.

- Perhaps when you ref...
(Door closes)

Franklin.

My dear fellow, how good it is to see you.

How are you, Godfrey?
I should have known I might find you here.

Forgive me, I'm pressed for time.

If you're going towards Lombard Street,
perhaps...

I don't think we go the same way.

Then I wish you success on your travels.

Aunt, you may depend upon it
I shall call upon you tomorrow,

and every day
until both you and Rachel beg for mercy.

Thank you, Penelope.

I think Godfrey can be relied upon
to use my absence well.

Goodbye, Aunt Julia.

I shall think of you often.

And of Rachel.

(Clatter of hooves)

I beg your pardon, sir. My fault.

Not at all, sir. Mine entirely.

After you, sir.

My dear sir, I wouldn't hear of it. After you.

Boy, wait! Come back here!

Yes, ma'am?

Miss, if you please. Miss Clack.

Will you inform Lady Verinder that I've called
on the subject of poor Mr Godfrey Ablewhite?

Poor Mr Godfrey Ablewhite. Yes, miss.

Wait.

Will you favour me by accepting a tract?

It's one of a series addressed to young women
on the sinfulness of dress.

"A word with you on your cap ribbons.”

- Is it written by a man or a woman, miss?
- Bya..

If it's written by a woman,
I'd rather not read it on that account.

And if it's written by a man,
I beg to inform him he knows nothing about it.

My lady's engaged for the moment,

and begs that you will wait in the library,
for which she will be very much obliged.

To sum up, your Ladyship,
I find Miss Rachel in excellent health.

She seems to me
to be of an unhappy disposition.

But now she is in London,
she must get out and amuse herself.

The opera, the flower show.

This apart, I assure you she is as healthy
as a young lady of her age should be.

I'm very grateful to you.

To be blunt, I feel that you may be more urgently
in need of medical advice than your daughter.

Mr Richardson,
you're here on Rachel's account, not on mine.

Indeed.

But as a friend of your late husband's,

I take the liberty of speaking to you with
a personal as well as a professional interest.

Your appearance troubles me.

I would like to come and see you privately,
at a time when your daughter is absent.

Perhaps I can save you the trouble.

I have a disease of the heart.

Is that merely your opinion?

I know it, sir.

I've known it for the past two years.

(Hums a merry tune)

Oh.

- Good morning, Drusilla.
- Good morning.

What are you doing with those papers?

These papers, as you are pleased to call them,
dearest cousin, are tracts.

Little homilies to urge us ever upwards
along the Golden Path.

I'm sure you will agree,
we must all sow the good seed somehow.

- How are you, Rachel?
- I am well Cousin.

Oh, the frivolity of her dress.

I heard a cab and I thought...

Being poor, I came by omnibus.

..and I thought it might be Mr Ablewhite.

Our cousin, coming here?

Oh, but this is providential.

The reason for my visit
was to implore news of him.

You've heard of the outrage
which befell him in Northumberland Street?

I should think all London has.

And another gentleman
similarly attacked on the same day.

Not quite a gentleman, I have heard.

A Mr Septimus Luker.

Dear, precious Mr Ablewhite.

He might have been murdered.

And then what a loss for the
Mothers' Small Clothes Conversion Society.

You have heard of our admirable work,
I'm sure, dear Cousin.

Our object is to rescue unredeemed
fathers' trousers from the pawnbrokers'

and to prevent their resumption
on the part of the miserable parent

by at once abridging them with scissors
to suit the proportions of the innocent son.

Mr Ablewhite is our guiding star.

Mr Godfrey Ablewhite is in the drawing room,
Miss Rachel.

Ladies.

Godfrey. I'm delighted to see you.

I wish you had brought Mr Luker with you.
You are the two most interesting men in London.

(Chuckles) Oh, Rachel. And Miss Clack.

- Are we nicely off for trousers?
- Oh.

Aunt Julia.

Dear Godfrey, I'm glad to see you unharmed.

My dear aunt, how would I be harmed?

I've merely been mistaken for somebody else,
been strangled, blindfolded,

thrown flat on my back
on a very hard carpet on a very hard floor.

I've not been murdered, I've not been robbed.

I've lost nothing but nervous force,
which the law does not recognise as property.

If I could have had my own way,
I would have kept my adventure to myself.

How are you, my dear Rachel?
Enjoying the gaieties of London?

Godfrey, I should like you to tell me
the whole Northumberland Street story.

I'm sure the newspapers have left some of it out.

They've told it much better than I can. Which is
just as well, as I don't care to speak of it.

- Why?
MISS CLACK: Rachel, my love.

True greatness and true courage
are ever modest.

RACHEL:
You are a good fellow in every way, Godfrey.

But I'm quite sure you're not great.

And if you ever had any modesty,

your lady worshippers relieved you of that virtue
a good many years since.

No.

You have some private reason for not talking
of your adventure. And I mean to know it.

Rachel, you go too far.

I want to know what happened
in Northumberland Street.

Very well.

I was lured there by a note
which was handed to me by a street urchin.

It purported to be from a lady who required
information on one of our charities.

Lies, deceit!

The rest you know.

I was overpowered by three men
who seemed to be Indian.

I was bound, blindfolded and searched.

My belongings were thrown about the room,

and I was left there
until my cries summoned assistance.

What more can I tell you?

You can tell me about Mr Septimus Luker.

Mr Luker?

Well, no man knows less of him than I do.

He too was attacked on the same afternoon
in the same manner.

Yes?

And yet you never in your life met him?

I had seen him.

Oh?

When Mr Luker and I were examined together
by the police, I recognised him.

Earlier that same day, he and I had collided
in the doorway of my banking house.

We exchanged a few words,
and then each went his own way.

As strangers?

Of course.

I think I have heard of this Mr Luker.

You, Aunt?

Sergeant Cuff described him as a person
who had received stolen property.

The newspapers say that unlike you,
he was robbed by the men who attacked him.

Robbed of a receipt
which he had got from his bankers.

Do you know what that receipt was for?

Yes, he told the police.

It was for a precious gem which he'd placed
in the safekeeping of the bank.

- A precious gem?
JULIA: Rachel.

The Moonstone, perhaps?

Do you think I can answer that question?

No, you cannot answer it.

But is it not true that idle people,
perfect strangers to us,

have begun to trace a connection between
what happened at the house in Yorkshire

and what has happened since in London. Well?

Yes, there are rumours.

And do those same idle people say that Mr
Luker's valuable gem is in fact the Moonstone?

Yes, they do say it.
Mr Luker denies anything of the kind.

- But he continues to be the victim of scandal.
- Very much so.

And I'm sure that the scandal which has assailed
Mr Luker has not spared you.

Rachel, you've no right to say that.

I mean no harm, Mama. I mean good.

An unlucky accident has associated you
in people's minds with Mr Luker.

What do they say about you?

It's better forgotten.

I will hear it.

They say that the Moonstone
is in pledge to Mr Luker,

and that I am the man who pawned it.

They say that you are.

This is my fault.

I should have spoken out.

Because I know.

I know the hand that took the Moonstone.

Rachel, you cannot.

I know that Godfrey Ablewhite is innocent
and I can prove it.

Take me before the magistrate
and I will swear it

- Now. Take me there now.
- No, Rachel.

You cannot appear publicly in such a thing.
Your reputation...

My reputation?

I am accused as well as you.

The best detective officer in England declares

that I have stolen my own diamond
to pay my private debts.

If you won't take me before the magistrate,
I'll go out and cry it in the streets.

I won't let any innocent man be accused
and wronged through my fault.

Which is it to be? It is for you to choose.

Rachel, I think your dear mama is not well.

Oh, mama!

I felt faint, nothing more than that.

I shall go to my room.

Be guided by Godfrey, Rachel.

He has experience of the world. He knows best.

(Doorbell rings)

Ah. Good evening, young woman.

I think her Ladyship is expecting me.
Name of Bruff.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Would you care to wait in the library?
This way, sir.

I know where it is. You go and tell your mistress.

Oh.

Good evening to you, Miss Clack.

Good evening.

Well now...
you've come to stay for a week or so, have you?

Mr Bruff, the contents of my bag are sacred!

Good heavens.

And the reason for my presence here
is that my aunt is about to sign her will,

and has asked me to be a witness.

And why not?

I think you're over 21.

And you haven't the slightest pecuniary interest
in Lady Verinder's will.

No interest?

Oh, how thankful I am!

- Indeed?
- And how glad.

If my aunt were to remember me in her will,

my enemies might doubt the motives
which have brought me here,

loaded with my most cherished treasures
from my library.

For my dear aunt's ennoblement, you know.

Now not the cruellest scoffer of them all
can point his godless finger at me, I am glad.

Your happiness delights me, Miss Clack.

And what is the latest news
in the charitable circles?

How's your friend Mr Godfrey Ablewhite?

Egad, they tell a pretty story about
that charitable gentleman in my club.

I live very much out of the world, Mr Bruff,

and I do not possess the advantage
of belonging to a club.

But I know the story to which you refer,
and a viler falsehood never was told.

Yes, you believe in your friend, naturally.

Do you too accuse Mr Ablewhite?

Appearances are against him.

He was in the house
when the Moonstone was lost,

he was the first person in the house
to go to London afterwards,

and now this business
in Northumberland Street.

I believe you have a high regard
for my cousin Miss Rachel Verinder.

I most certainly have.

- And you would rely on her truthfulness?
- Beyond question.

Then permit me to inform you, Mr Bruff,

Mr Ablewhite's innocence has been proclaimed
by Miss Verinder in my presence and his.

And in the strongest language
I have ever heard any young lady use in my life.

- The devil, you say.
- Mr Bruff.

If you will allude to the devil
in that manner, I must leave the room.

I beg your pardon, Miss Clack.

Well, if Rachel has so testified,

then I do not scruple to say that I believe in
Mr Ablewhite's innocence as firmly as you do.

There's hope for all infidels yet.

I beg your pardon?

I was about to remark that there was another
present in the house on the night of the robbery.

- Another?
- You know him.

I hope you are not referring to Mr Franklin Blake.

A profligate, Mr Bruff.

A young man of the most worldly appetites.

And one whose debts are a subject of notoriety.

{Knock at door)

Would you care to come in now, please, sir?

Good evening, Mr Bruff.

Drusilla, it was kind of you to come.

Your Ladyship, my best respects.

May I hope that you will soon be
quite well again?

You may, Mr Bruff.

Is the will prepared?

It needs only your signature,
and that of myself and of Miss Clack.

The bequests are according to your instructions.

And you've named my brother-in-law
as Rachel's guardian?

Yes, Mr Ablewhite the senior
has said that he will be happy to act.

Now if you would care to sign the document,

then I need not weary you further.

Thank you.

Miss Clack.

Just there.

Thank you.

So... our business is done.

I think that your Ladyship should rest.

So we will bid you good night.

I wish with all my heart that your indisposition
will soon be cured.

Good night, Lady Verinder.

Miss Clack.

JULIA: Good night, Mr Bruff, and thank you.

Aunt Julia...

Drusilla, do not think yourself neglected.

I mean to give you your legacy
with my own hand.

Oh, dearest Aunt, what can I say?

Except to beg you to read this beautiful book.

It is entitled The Serpent At Home.

And it tells how the evil one lies in wait for us, in
all our most apparently innocent daily actions.

All females should read such chapters as: Satan
in the Hairbrush, Satan under the Tea Table...

- Oh, Drusilla...
- And for you, the most apposite,

Satan among the Sofa Cushions.

The doctor has told me that I'm not so well.

He has ordered me that if I read at all,

I'm to read only the lightest
and most amusing of books.

Indeed?

And now, if you will excuse me, I am tired.

Good night, Drusilla.

Good night, dear Aunt.

RACHEL:
But, Godfrey, why can we not talk in the library?

GODFREY:
Because I think Miss Clack may be there.

Clack in the library?

You're quite right, Godfrey,
you'd much better stop here.

I am sorry I couldn't go with you to the concert.

Mama's illness worries me so much.

She will be better in a day or two.

As for me, if you only knew how much happier
I am here with you than at any concert...

Godfrey.

When you spoke to me in the country,
we agreed we were to be cousins and no more.

I break that agreement every time I see you.

- Then don't see me.
- Quite useless.

I'd only go on dreaming of some future time
when your heart might soften to me.

Godfrey.

Are you really so fond of me as that?

Fond?

I have lost every interest in life
except my interest in you.

Every time I see
a confounded ladies' committee now,

I wish myself at the outermost ends of the earth.

You would not want to marry me, Godfrey.

Not want to?

Suppose you were not in love with me.

Suppose you were in love with another woman.

Well?

Suppose you discovered that other person
to be unworthy of you.

That it would be a disgrace to you
to waste another thought on her.

And yet...

..suppose, despite all that,

you found you couldn't tear her from your heart.

Oh, how can I make a man understand

that a love for someone can be the breath of my
life and the poison that kills me both in one?

Please go away.

Don't tempt me to be more wretched
than I already am.

Let me ask you one question, Rachel.

What are your feelings for me?

I respect you.

And I admire you.

There are many wives, my dear,

who merely respect and admire their husbands,

and yet they get on very well.

I don't know what you meant just now.
I don't wish to know.

But women try marriage as a refuge
far more numerously than they admit.

And what is more, they find that marriage
has justified their confidence in it.

If you accept me,

then you will marry a man
who prizes your respect, and admiration,

above the love of any other woman
on the face of the earth.

- Godfrey, if I say yes to you, you will repent it.
- Never.

Then I warn you,

I am miserable enough and desperate enough
to marry you on your own terms.

Now, please take that warning and go.

I ask you only for what you can freely give.

You mean that?

I implore you to let me prove it.

Then there is no more to be said.

Very well, Godfrey,

if you are quite sure in your own mind,

hen yes, I will marry you.

My darling.

WOMAN: Miss Rachel!

Miss Rachel!

It's my lady.

I can't wake her. I think she's...

- You must come.
- Mama!

CHARLES: It suit you to a T, my dear.

It's a good-sized house, tastefully furnished,
no more than a mile from Brighton

and facing the sea.

Godfrey can travel backwards and forwards
by the London train

and always be at your disposal.

Well, then?

By the sea, Uncle?

Well, doesn't that suit you?

I was thinking of the sea in Yorkshire.

By my dear child, you've already
refused to live in the house in Yorkshire

because of its association with the lost diamond.

- Yes, I know.
- Just as you've declined to live in this house

because of the calamity of
your poor mother's death under this roof.

So I as your new and legal guardian
have found this house in Brighton for you.

My dear wife has exerted herself day and night

and chosen suitable servants for you

and persuaded Miss Clack to go down there
and make arrangements for your arrival.

She's so clever
and I have no experience in these matters.

We'll join her as soon as she's ready for us.

CHARLES: And once your period of mourning is
over, we can proceed with a more joyful matter.

You are both very kind.

Kind? Nonsense.

I couldn't have wished Godfrey
to make a happier choice.

Although I must say in all humility
that my son'd make any young lady,

no matter how exalted her rank,

the most admirable of husbands.

Charles, my dear, this is not the time.

Nonsense, Caroline,

I'm not hiding
the brightest light of my family under a bushel.

Yes. The most admirable of husbands.

CAROLINE: Godfrey was very vexed,
Drusilla, not to be able to come with us today.

There was something in the way
which kept him in town.

Mr Bruff volunteered to take his place
and make a holiday of it for a day or two.

A pleasure, Mrs Ablewhite.

The sea air will do me good.

I have discovered a friend of mine,

a clerical friend resident in the town,

who has kindly arranged seats for our little party
in the church in which he himself ministers,

and has placed the contents of his library, all
precious publications, entirely at our disposal.

Oh, Drusilla, you are so clever.

Rachel, my dear, more tea?

I've often seen the sea on our Yorkshire coast
with that light on it.

But those days can never come again.

MR BRUFF: My dear young lady,
I think you're a little out of sorts.

I seem to detect an unaccustomed pallor.

A small headache, Mr Bruff, no more.

There's only one remedy for a headache.

A walk. It is the thing to cure it.

I am at your service if you will honour me
by accepting my arm.

With the greatest of pleasure.

A walk is the very thing I was longing for.

But, Rachel, it's past two o'clock
and afternoon service begins at three.

Really, Drusilla,

you cannot expect me to attend church
twice in one day with such a headache as mine.

Come, Mr Bruff.

You'll excuse us, ladies?

Oh, is this worthy of a Christian Englishwoman?

May I ask when Mr Godfrey
is expected in Brighton?

He has promised to join us this evening.

I see.

Mr Bruff,
I know you have something to say to me.

Your frown gives you away.

May I be told what it is?

- I have first of all a question.
- Ask it.

Will you forgive an old friend
and servant of your family

if I venture to enquire whether your heart
is set on this marriage with young Ablewhite?

No.

It is not.

I am marrying Godfrey on the chance of
dropping in to some sort of happiness,

which may reconcile me to my life.

Is that answer enough for you?

It is.

And it lessens my reluctance to tell you
what I am about to.

Come. Let us walk.

I know a solicitor called Smalley.

I've put much business his way, so...

Oh, Mr Godfrey,
Rachel has told me what she has done.

What does it mean?

Dear Miss Clack, do not distress yourself.

But what does it mean?

Er, suppose we sit down?

Oh, but, Mr Ablewhite, why?

What reason did she give?

Reason, Miss Clack?

Reflection has convinced her
that she will best serve both our welfares

by retracting a rash promise.

That is the only reason she will give.

And what have you done on your part?

- Have you submitted?
- Yes, I have submitted.

I've lost a beautiful girl, an excellent
social position and a handsome income

and I have submitted to it without a struggle.

Oh.

Best of friends,
tell me, what do I want with an income?

I can pay for my bread and cheese
and my nice little lodging.

What do I want with a position?
I've got a position.

Miss Clack,
I have shamelessly neglected my dear ladies.

And the poor.

Forgive me.

Oh, Mr Godfrey, I can answer for
a lovely reception on your return.

The wise economy of Providence
is to remind greatness that it is mortal.

How time flies with you.

I shall barely catch the train.

- You're leaving tonight?
- Yes, I fear so.

I must tell Father
what has happened between Rachel and me.

His heart is set on our marriage.

I must stop him from coming here

until he is reconciled to
the breaking off of the engagement.

Best...

and dearest of friends,

we shall meet again soon.

Charles, my dear, I think
that you should speak to Godfrey first.

Don't argue, madam.
Your son's a mean-spirited hound.

I mean to get to the bottom of this.
You just see if I don't.

As we expected.

Now, my dear, be resolute.

Rachel, my dear...

What's this I hear about a lovers' quarrel?

My foolish son seems to have taken it seriously.

There has been no quarrel, Uncle.

I knew. Of course not.

But Godfrey and I are no longer engaged.

Eh?

I have told him that I will not marry him.

No quarrel but you will not marry him?

I beg to ask you
what complaint you have to make of my son.

You're not bound to answer that question.

You are a self-invited guest in this house.

Your interference would come with a better
grace if you were to wait until it's asked for.

Now, what has my son done
to deserve this treatment?

I have no reasons to give you.

In plain English, it's your sovereign will
and pleasure to jilt my son?

Well, he may not feel the insult, but I do.

How are you insulted?

You ask how?
Your cursed family pride is insulting Godfrey

the same way it insulted me
when I married your aunt.

The whole family turned their back on her
because she married an honest man.

A man who'd made his own way,
won his own fortune.

Oh, I didn't have any ancestors.

I wasn't related to a set of cut-throat scoundrels.

You've got the Herncastle blood in you!

I suspected it all along.

Mr Ablewhite, permit me to compose your mind.

Only read the words of comfort,
words of wisdom, words of love,

of the illustrious Miss Jane Ann Stamper.

Jane Ann Stamper be damned!

Oh, sir. There is a tract intended
for the uses of profanity.

Ah, I have it.

It is entitled Hush, For Heaven's Sake.

Who asked this impudent fanatic into the house?

Miss Clack is here as my guest!

Oh? Oh, she's here as your guest?

In my house.

I see.

You appear to forget that you took this house
as Miss Verinder's guardian for her use.

Come, Miss Clack.

If my uncle chooses to think in that way,
then let us leave him to think as he pleases.

Not so fast.

I've a last word to say which I would have said
if this rampant spinster hadn't interrupted.

Oh!

If my son's not good enough
to be your husband,

I can't presume myself to be good enough
to be your guardian.

I decline to act

This house is hired in my name. It's my house.
I don't wish to hurry you, Miss Verinder.

On the contrary, I beg you to remove your guest
and your luggage at your convenience.

Thank you, sir, but I shall trouble you no longer
with my presence.

Mr Bruff,

if you will be kind enough to wait,
I shall instruct Penelope to pack immediately.

And Miss Clack and I
will accompany you to London.

Your son has made a bad mistake,
Mr Ablewnhite.

My son?

What are you saying?

I say that he has revealed the mercenary object
of the marriage on his side.

What the devil do you mean by that, sir?
Be plain.

After Lady Verinder's death
he engaged a lawyer to examine the will

to determine the provisions
regarding the disposal of the estate.

Hardly the behaviour of a gentleman,
would you say?

Ahh.

He was informed that Miss Verinder
has nothing but a life interest in the property.

Neither she nor her husband
can raise sixpence on it.

She has the house to live in and the income
and that is all.

The damn young fool.

(Bell rings)

Why, Gabriel Betteredge.

Did Robinson Crusoe inform you that you
might expect to see Franklin Blake this evening?

By the lord Harry, Mr Franklin,
that's exactly what Robinson Crusoe has done.

Oh, as I live by bread,
the bit I was reading as the doorbell rang.

"I stood like one thunderstruck
or as one who had seen an apparition."

And if that isn't as much as to say, "Expect
the sudden appearance of Mr Franklin Blake,"

then there's no meaning
in the English language.

How are you, Gabriel?

Oh, well enough, sir.

Oh, come in, Mr Franklin. I'll cook you supper.

This house has been shut
for nigh on a year now.

But I'll soon have a room ready for you.

Oh, no, Gabriel,
I'm staying at Hotherstone's Farm.

This is Miss Rachel's house.

And although she's in London,
she will not want me here.

Oh, she has her faults, sir.

And riding the high horse now and then
is one of them.

Making so bold, sir, then matters
haven't changed between you and her?

I called at Miss Rachel's house yesterday
on my return from the Continent.

She refused to see me.

I wrote to her
and told my servant to wait for an answer.

The reply was that Miss Verinder declined to
enter into any correspondence with Mr Blake.

- And still no reason given, sir?
- No reason given, Gabriel.

And while I was in London
I thought to call on Mr Godfrey Ablewhite

but I am told that he is travelling abroad.

So I came here.

It does my heart good to see you, Mr Franklin.

But what purpose brings you to an empty house
in the middle of the country?

The same purpose
as brought me here nearly a year ago.

The Moonstone.

If that's a joke, sir, I'm afraid I'm getting
a little dull in my old age. I don't take it.

No, it's no joke, Gabriel.

I have come to do what nobody has done yet.

To find out who took the diamond.

Oh, leave it be, sir. That cursed jewel's
misguided everybody who's come near it.

And how can you hope to succeed
when Sergeant Cuff himself made a mess of it?

- The greatest policeman in England.
- Yes, Sergeant Cuff.

I shall want to speak to him sooner or later.

He won't help you, sir.

No? Why not?

The Sergeant's retired from business.

He's got a little cottage at Dorking
and he's up to his eyes in the growing of roses.

I have it from him in his own handwriting.

Then I shall have to do without him.

Gabriel, would you be glad to hear
that Miss Rachel and I were friends again?

I've served your family, sir,
to mighty little purpose if you doubt it.

I cannot achieve that
unless I find out the name of the thief.

And to do that I need your help,

to pick up the fragments of evidence
that Sergeant Cuff has left behind him.

If it comes to that, sir,
I may be of more help than you know.

You remember that poor girl of ours
who took her own life?

Rosanna Spearman? Of course.

You always thought she had
some sort of confession to make to you.

- What of it?
- Rosanna left a letter behind her.

A letter addressed to you.

- Where is it?
- In the possession of a friend of hers, sir.

But why wasn't it forwarded to me?

Lucy Yolland has a will of her own, sir.

She wouldn't give it into any hands but yours.
You left before I could write.

Where does she live?
We must go and get it at once.

- Too late, sir, tonight.
- Nonsense. It's only a little after ten.

You'll find the door locked.

They go to bed early at Cobb's Hole.

They're great savers of candles along our coast.

(Sighs)

Then tomorrow morning, Gabriel, early.

As early, Mr Franklin, as you like.

{Knock at door)

(Cry of seagulls)

Lucy.

This gentleman is Mr Franklin Blake.

Stay there.

I want to look at you.

I think you have a letter addressed to me.

No

I can't find out what she saw in his face
or what she heard in his voice.

Can you eat and drink?

Yes.

- Can you sleep?
- Yes.

When you see a poor girl in service,
do you feel no remorse?

Certainly not. Why should I?

Take it.

I never set eyes on you before.

God Almighty forbid
I should ever set eyes on your face again.

ROSANNA: Sir, if you're curious
to know the meaning of my behaviour,

do what you are told to do
in the memorandum enclosed with this.

And do it without any person
being present to overlook you.

Your humble servant, Rosanna Spearman.

Well, sir?

Got to the Shivering Sands
at the turn of the tide.

Come on, Gabriel.

ROSANNA:
Walk out on the south spit

until the south-spit beacon and the flagstaff
of the coastguard station are in a line together.

Go to the edge of the rocks and feel down
among the seaweed until you find a chain.

To your left, Mr Franklin. To your left.

Keep the flagstaff and the beacon in line.

Got it!

Gabriel.

Where are you going?

Look in the letter and you'll see.

She charged you to do this alone, sir.

Poor soul, she died a dreadful death.

We should humour that fancy of hers.

Besides, there's nothing against
your letting the secret out afterwards.

Don't be any longer than you can help, sir.