The Painted Veil

(BUZZING)

MUSIC: "Gnossienne No 1" by Eric Satie

-CLEARS THROAT

-Hello.

-Hello.

Say, I was wondering...

-What?

-Sorry. I was wondering if you'd like to dance.

Why not?

HAUNTING PIANO MUSIC

Kitty, who was the young man you were dancing with last night?

-Which one?

-Quiet, serious-looking one.

Oh, him. I suppose you invited him, Mother.

I don't know who you're talking about.

I invited him.

His name is Fane and he's a doctor.

He manages a government laboratory in Shanghai.

A civil servant?

In any case, he called around last Sunday.

We had a long chat. I told him to come back anytime.

It's not often that you like any of my young men.

Well, do you like him?

-Not really.

-What's wrong with him?

-Is he in love with you?

-I don't know.

I thought you'd know when a young man was in love with you.

The point is am I in love with him, and I'm not!

You'd better be careful, young lady. Time can run out, you know.

Oh, stop it, Mother! Honestly.

The very idea that a woman should marry any Tom, Dick, or Harry,

regardless of her own feelings, is simply prehistoric!

How much longer do you expect your father to go on supporting you?

-Oh.

-Oh.

-Hello.

-Hello. I...

I was... I was just coming...

Hmm...

Your father invited me.

I'm going out.

May I join you?

VOICES IN DISTANCE

Right on time.

What is it exactly that you do?

I'm a bacteriologist.

That must be fascinating.

You have no idea what that is, do you?

-No, I'm afraid not.

-No. There's no reason you should.

I study the microorganisms that carry disease.

Charming.

No, it's not, actually. It's the opposite.

Shall we step inside?

Do you like flowers?

Not particularly, no.

Well, I mean, yes, but...

we don't really have them around the house.

Mother says why purchase something you can grow for free?

Then, we don't really grow them, either.

Does seem silly, really.

To put all that effort into something that's just going to die.

I'd like to say something to you.

I came to see you to ask you if you'll marry me.

You could knock me down with a feather.

-Could you not tell that I'm in love with you?

-You never showed it.

Oh, I...

Well, I wanted to. It's difficult. I...

But there it is.

Right. I'm not sure that's very well put.

No! You see how clumsy I am? I... I'm terrible at this sort of thing.

The thing is, I've got to get back to China very soon.

-I don't have time to be cautious.

-I never thought of you in that way.

-I improve greatly upon acquaintance.

-I'm sure!

I'd do anything in my power... to make you happy.

Anything at all.

I think you'd like Shanghai.

It's quite exciting, it is.

Lots of dancing.

Surely you're not expecting me to answer this second.

LAUGHS INCREDULOUSLY I don't know you at all.

Yes!

Well, we had the highest of hopes,

but no expectation that he'd ask her so soon.

Yes. A lovely late autumn wedding.

She's done very well for herself, has my Doris.

At least one of them's made a success.

No, I gave up on Kitty ages ago.

Yes. Yes!

Well, I know you understand...

SPEAKS MANDARIN

Well...

-..is it smaller than you imagined?

-I'm not sure what I imagined.

Don't you have a piano?

No. I don't play the piano.

SHE SIGHS, KNOCK AT DOOR

-Who is it?

-It's I.

Come in.

Just wanted to see if you were all settled.

So, then, you're comfortable, then?

Do you need anything?

No. I'm fine.

-Thank you.

-Good. Good.

I am so happy you're here.

-Shall I shut the lamp?

-What for?

I must shut the lamp.

It's raining cats and dogs.

-I said, it's raining cats and dogs.

-Yes, I heard you.

(SIGHS) You might have answered.

I've gotten used to not speaking unless I have something to say.

If nobody spoke unless they had something to say,

the human race would soon lose the power of speech.

Walter!

I'm sorry.

-You're right. What...?

-INHALES DEEPLY

What shall we do? Shall we...?

-Shall we play a game?

-The games I play bore you.

Nonsense. Let's play cards.

SIGHS

Do you think you'd enjoy a night out?

We have an invitation for Saturday night.

-From whom?

-The Townsends.

Dorothy Townsend.

Do you not like her?

(SIGHS) I've only met her once,

-but there's no reason for her to put on such airs.

-Does she?

Yes. I have no idea why.

Because she was, what, married to a vice consul?

Honestly, they're absurd, this Shanghai set.

Mother wouldn't dream of asking half of them to dinner.

I'm taking that black five.

Well, it's alright. I thought you might enjoy it,

but... we certainly don't have to go.

(SIGHING) I don't care either way.

Go where?

GONG IS STRUCK

ORIENTAL MUSIC PLAYS

-Kitty Fane?

-Hello, Dorothy.

-I'm so glad you could come.

-This is Walter.

-I'm pleased to meet you.

This is my husband. Charlie, stop talking and greet our guests.

-You know Mr Fane.

-Charlie.

-It's Dr Fane, darling.

-Oh, dear!

-I do beg your pardon, Dr Fane.

-Not at all.

This is Dr Fane's wife, Kitty.

-Mrs Fane.

-Mr Townsend.

I do apologize. I assumed you worked with Charlie at the consulate.

Nothing so glamorous. I'm at the Civil Laboratory.

Oh. The government lab? How fascinating.

HIGH-PITCHED DRAMATIC SHRIEK

CYMBALS CRASH

ORIENTAL MUSIC PLAYS

HIGH-PITCHED SINGING

Are you enjoying it?

I've never seen anything like it.

Every gesture has a meaning.

See how she covers her face?

She is mourning her misfortune.

What happened to her?

She was sold into slavery.

Condemned to a life of drudgery and despair

in a strange land far from home.

Her chains represent the heavy bondage of her poor trapped soul

from which there is no escape.

And so she weeps.

She weeps for the lively, vivacious girl she once was.

The lonely woman she has become...

And most of all,

she weeps for the love she'll never feel.

For the love she'll never give.

Is that really what she's saying?

Actually, I haven't a clue what she's on about.

I don't speak Chinese.

APPLAUSE Bravo! Bravo!

MOANING

What was that?

-Perhaps it was the -

-Sshh!

-They've gone.

-(GASPS)

-He heard us.

-Who?

Walter.

Walter. What if it was? For all he knows, you were taking a nap.

-With my doors locked?

-Kitty, dear,

you need a drink.

Even if it was, my impression is he'll do nothing.

That's flattering.

He knows there's nothing to be gained by making a scandal.

Has it occurred to you that my husband is in love with me?

I have a feeling you're about to say something awful.

It's just that... women are often under the impression

that men are much more in love with them than they really are.

I wouldn't delude myself for a second that you were in love with me!

Now there you're wrong.

Do you like your present?

It's good enough.

-Charlie?

-Mm?

Do I make you as happy as you make me?

Of course you do, darling.

-Hassan?

-Yes?

-Who brought this package around?

-Dr Fane.

-When?

-While you sleeping.

It's nearly midday.

We could stop up here under the trees,

but I'd like to press on, if it's alright with you.

-Certainly my comfort's of no concern to you.

-Right.

Then, we'll continue.

Charlie Townsend, please.

"Charles Townsend."

I need to see you.

"I can't possibly see you. I've got a meeting in an hour."

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-"What is it?"

I have to go.

What are you doing home?

I'm sorry, there's something I need to speak with you about.

Actually, I was just about to take my bath.

I'm afraid it's rather important, darling. Can't wait.

Sit down.

Do you know a place called Mei-tan-fu?

No.

Well, it... It was in the papers the other day.

It's a small town on a tributary of the Yangtze River,

in the interior.

They've had an outbreak of cholera there,

the worst epidemic anyone's seen in a long time.

The Chinese medical officer has died.

There's a convent of French nuns running the hospital.

They're doing their best, but people are dropping like flies.

I have volunteered to go and to take charge.

-Why?

-Because they need a doctor.

-But you're not a doctor. You're a bacteriologist.

-I'm an MD.

That I'm foremost a scientist

-is actually all to the good in this case.

-Oh.

Won't it be awfully dangerous?

-CLEARS THROAT

-I suppose it might, yes.

Now, Mei-tan-fu is a 10-day journey.

You go by rail for the first part. After that it's carriage,

and then we'll have to take a sedan chair.

-Who's we?

-Why, you and I, of course.

-You're not expecting me to come, too!

-I hoped you would want to go.

Surely it's no place for a woman. It would be madness for me to go.

-Why should I?

-To cheer and comfort me?

No. No, I won't go. In fact, it's monstrous of you to even ask me.

Fine. Then I shall file my petition for divorce tomorrow.

I'm afraid that you have thought me a bigger fool than I am.

-I don't know what you're talking about.

-Don't you?

I am divorcing you for adultery.

I am naming Charles Townsend as your lover.

I'm sorry, Walter. I realize this is very unpleasant,

-but let's not make this uglier than it needs to be.

-By all means.

What is it that you propose that we should do?

-You could let me divorce you quietly.

-You divorce me?

-On what grounds?

-That's what a gentleman would do.

Give me one reason to put myself to an inconvenience for you!

Please, Walter, don't be so hateful.

We didn't mean to hurt anyone. But...

Charlie and I have fallen in love. HE LAUGHS

He wants to marry me.

Really? I knew that you weren't the cleverest girl in the world,

-but I didn't know that you were a fool.

-Yes.

If it makes you feel better to hurt me, go ahead.

But you might as well get used to it. We love each other.

And we're sick to death of the secrecy and compromise!

-And you curse the day you ever met me.

-Stop mocking me.

There's no other response for such pathetic behaviour! It's comic.

When I think about how hard I tried to make you happy.

Acting as though I was as thrilled as you by the latest gossip!

-I don't have to listen!

-As ignorant of the world...

-Shut up!

If you interrupt me again, I'll strangle you.

Sit down.

I knew when I married you... that you were selfish and spoiled.

But I loved you.

I knew you married me to get as far away from your mother as possible

and I hoped that one day...

there'd be something more.

I was wrong. You don't have it in you.

If a man hasn't what's necessary to make a woman love him,

then it's his fault, not hers.

Either way...

Tomorrow morning we are to leave for Mei-tan-fu,

or I shall file my petition.

You can't be serious about taking me into the middle of an epidemic.

Do you think that I'm not?

My God!

That's what you want, isn't it?

Do you really think Charlie will let you do this?

I don't think Charlie has very much to say about it.

Everything you said is true.

Everything.

I married you even though I didn't love you.

But you knew that.

Aren't you as much to blame for what's happened as I?

Alright.

Here's what I'll do...

Gentlemen, we all have assets to protect here.

Unfortunately, Mr Nagata's actions created a rather urgent situation.

It was an unfortunate but unavoidable incident.

-Your foreman shot a worker.

-He was an agitator.

He was a Chinese.

You may have suppressed a very small strike

but in doing so, you have started a very large demonstration.

CHAOTIC SHOUTING

-I need to use your pen, please.

-Here you are, miss.

-Thank you.

What about support from Chiang Kai-shek? Where does he stand?

He's a nationalist. He'll stand on the side of the Chinese.

That's why they're called nationalists.

Excuse me!

Mr Townsend.

-You underestimated the situation.

-I have three of my mills shut down

-because of walkouts.

-There is talk about boycotts.

A handful of municipal soldiers is hardly a show of force.

If you'll excuse me.

Mrs Fane. What a pleasant surprise.

You've rescued me from a pack of wild bores.

I wouldn't have come if it wasn't necessary.

Are you alright?

I needed to see you.

-I'm sorry.

-Kitty, this is not the most opportune time...

-Charlie...

-He knows.

-Right.

After you, Mrs Fane.

-Hello, Charlie.

-Hello, George.

-Hello, Townsend.

-Howden.

He wants a divorce.

You didn't commit yourself, did you?

-Acknowledge anything?

-No.

-Are you sure?

-Quite sure.

(SIGHS) Well...

this is a bloody scrape we're in.

He says he has proof.

We deny it. He can't prove anything.

It wouldn't do any good to create a scandal.

There isn't going to be a scandal.

Walter's agreed to let me divorce him quietly.

Pfft!

Well... (LAUGHS)

That's not so terrible, is it?

-Will you hold me?

-Of course I will.

Oh, God!

SHE SNIFFS

-Charlie?

-Mm?

His offer comes with a condition.

-I'm not a rich man.

-He doesn't want your money.

He's agreed to let me divorce him if Dorothy will agree to divorce you.

And...if...

What?

If you'll promise to marry me.

Darling, whatever happens,

we must try to keep Dorothy out of it.

What do you mean?

We can't only think of ourselves.

I know Dorothy. Nothing in the world will induce her to divorce me.

You don't want to divorce her.

-It's not a question of my marriage.

-Then, what?

-Do you have any idea

-of the importance of my station here? If I were...

-(LAUGHS)

Why are you laughing?

STIFLES SOBS

I don't think Walter intended for one minute to divorce me.

He knew you'd let me down.

-Try to understand.

-I understand, alright.

Kitty. Kitty, please. We'll work this out, I promise...

-I'm coming with you.

-Good. I thought you might.

I needn't take more than a few summer things? And a shroud?

I've told Hassan what you'll need. She's packing.

ANXIOUS CHATTER IN MANDARIN

GASPS

I wouldn't touch that if I was you. They may have died in that bed.

This can be your room.

KNOCK AT DOOR

You must be the doctor's wife.

I've just met your husband and invited myself to dinner.

I've kept the Watsons' cook for you. She's not bad.

She'll have to do as your amah as well. We're a little short-handed!

-Sorry, my name is Waddington.

-Oh, yes, of course. Kitty Fane.

-I'm the deputy commissioner.

-Please...

I believe you're one of our neighbours.

Only neighbour, I'm afraid. Last one standing.

-And Watson was the missionary living here?

-Yes. Nice fellow.

American. Lovely family...

-I'll show you their graves tomorrow, if you like.

-How kind of you(!)

I hope your journey wasn't too arduous.

-We've been travelling for two weeks.

-Two weeks?

-What did you do, swim?

-No, we didn't come upriver.

-Came overland.

-Whatever for?

Well, we wanted to take in a bit of the countryside.

Get a bit of sun. Didn't we, darling?

Anyone for a cocktail?

Here's luck.

I was told I might get some help from the local army officer.

Colonel Yu, is it?

Good luck with him. He's not fond of us British.

Listen, I'll warn you,

things are pretty dicey even out here.

If the cholera doesn't get us, the nationalists might.

Tried to get those nuns to go but they refused.

They all wanna be martyrs, damn them.

Well, why have you stayed?

I was posted here. Simple as that.

I was shocked to hear you'd volunteered.

Opportunity for research. I couldn't pass it up.

Yes. And you?

I don't suppose you've come to Mei-tan-fu for research.

My husband's the scientist.

Indeed.

Did you have any reaction to the inoculation?

-You have been inoculated?

-Yes, of course.

It's no guarantee. The Watsons were, too. It didn't do them much good.

-Oh, er, have you brought any gramophone records?

-No.

Unfortunately not.

Pity. I'm sick of all mine!

DRUMS BEAT IN DISTANCE

Listen. What's all that?

Oh, across the river.

Trying to frighten off the spirit of death.

I'm going to town in the morning, have a look around.

I expect you'll want to rest. I can inoculate you in the evening.

-Will you be doing yourself?

-No, I don't think so.

-You needn't bother with me, then.

-Suit yourself.

Tell me, Walter...

Is it a long, drawn-out affair, dying of cholera?

No. All of the fluid goes out of you in the first 36 hours.

You die of dehydration, actually. So it's messy and...

very painful. But it is relatively quick.

Good night.

DRUMS BEAT LOUDLY, SHOUTING

SHE SOBS

BELLS RING

(It's rather unfortunate.)

I thought you and your wife would take precautions

in case you'd have to leave.

-Do you think all this is necessary?

-You can see the picture.

I thought you'd like to put your wife's mind at ease

from this situation.

This is Colonel Yu. He's the KMT's man.

He's posting one of his men here at the house.

Am I a prisoner?

No. It was Mr Waddington's idea, actually.

-He feels we should take precautions.

-Against what?

A few days ago, British troops opened fire

on a group of Chinese workers who were demonstrating in Shanghai.

11 were killed. We've only just heard.

Those were plastered around the town last night.

I shouldn't worry too much.

Even the nationalists are afraid of cholera.

CHILDREN CHATTER

Do they take that water from the well?

Can I see where they get the water?

We've got to stop people from using this well until I can test it.

CLEARS THROAT

SPEAKS MANDARIN

-CORRECTS OWN PRONUNCIATION

-Do you understand?

Yes, I understand, Dr Fane.

I received my military training in Moscow.

If you don't like English, we can speak Russian.

English will be fine. Thank you.

BELLS RING

Here. You have seen cholera before, yes, doctor?

-At the laboratory, of course.

-No, I mean in a patient.

No. I haven't had the chance, actually.

Well, I'm not a clinician. Did they not tell you?

I'm an infectious-disease specialist.

-Shall we?

-After you,

Doctor.

PATIENT GROANS

SCREAMS

No, it's alright. I'm alright.

Alright, let's go.

I don't need you.

Go back!

Mr Waddington?

Oh.

I'm looking for Mr Waddington.

Wait here.

Alright?

KNOCKS AT DOOR Hello?

Mr Waddington?

Mrs Fane?

Oh.

Good morning.

-What can I do for you, Mrs Fane?

-I, er, found a record for you.

Oh. Stravinsky!

Very modern. Thank you.

Was there something else?

I was wondering if you could tell me when the post comes through.

-It's for Shanghai.

-Unfortunately, since the cholera,

the cowards won't venture past the river port. Leave it with me.

A local trader I know is making the trip on Friday.

Townsend...

-Charlie Townsend?

-Yes.

He's an acquaintance of my husband.

-Do you know him?

-Years ago.

We were both assigned to the consulate in Shanghai.

-Charming wife.

-Yes. They're very popular, aren't they?

He'd made a science of popularity.

-So, you know his family?

-Well enough.

I like Dorothy.

Yes, I understand they're quite the devoted couple.

He had his little flirtations.

Nothing serious!

I heard her say she found it most unflattering

that the women who fell for her husband were so second-rate.

Well, er,

enjoy the record.

Mrs Fane...

The letter.

Right. It suddenly occurred to me that Friday's much too late.

Thanks all the same.

Can you pass the salt, please?

-I'm sorry, did you say something?

-Could you pass the salt?

Mm.

Thank you.

So this is how it's going to be.

Passing our evenings in silence.

Walter.

Walter!

I wonder if you haven't gone insane.

SPEAKS MANDARIN

-She's not cooking it.

-Leave it!

Leave it.

Thank you.

Are you looking to kill yourself?

DRUMS BEAT

CHILDREN LAUGH

Town well's contaminated.

ANXIOUS SHOUTING

-SPEAKS MANDARIN

-This is dirty. It's dirty.

VILLAGERS SPEAK MANDARIN

What?

BIRDS CHIRP

ORIENTAL MUSIC

Mr Waddington.

GIRL SPEAKS MANDARIN

SPEAKS MANDARIN

Mrs Fane? Mrs Fane?

Mrs Fane!

-Come away. Come away.

-SHE WEEPS

WADDINGTON SHOUTS

WOMAN SPEAKS QUIETLY IN MANDARIN

What's the matter with Te-Ming?

You have the dead man on you.

They're very superstitious.

She's lost three children and a husband to the cholera.

So you can hardly blame her.

You know, this is no place for a woman.

When they telegraphed me that you were coming out,

I was astonished.

I imagined you might be a grim-visaged old nurse,

with thick legs and a moustache.

I came into the bungalow and there you were...

Frail...and tired

and very unhappy.

It was a long journey.

-But you're unhappy now.

-SHE SIGHS

And it occurred to me that you and your husband might be madly in love

and you'd simply refused to stay behind.

-That's a reasonable explanation.

-Yes.

But it's not the right one.

Do you know what I find strange?

That your husband should never look at you.

He looks at the walls, the floor,

his shoes.

-He has a great deal on his mind.

-Yes, I'm sure of it.

PATIENTS COUGH

Dr Fane!

Dr Fane?

Oh, God.

Alright.

What are you doing?

Martini?

TAP AT DOOR

Yes?

I'm the...bearer of a message from the Mother Superior.

-Who?

-The nun who...

supervises the orphanage and the hospital.

(SIGHS) I didn't know she was aware of my existence.

Well, apparently, Mr Waddington has spoken of you.

She would very much like to meet the...

loving, loyal wife of the compassionate Dr Fane.

Right. Then I must prepare myself for the charade.

She does understand if you...

don't want to venture into the centre of the epidemic.

If you're not afraid, why should I be?

Oh, God!

-(GROANS)

-Walter!

-Oh, my God!

-(LAUGHS)

You're drunk!

VARIOUS VOICES SHOUTING

Don't expect anything grand. They're miserably poor.

BELL TINKLES

BABY CRIES

HE WHISTLES ABSENT-MINDEDLY

Ssh!

-Hello.

-It is a great pleasure to make the acquaintance

-of the wife of our good and brave doctor.

-Lovely to meet you too.

Mr Waddington.

You must eat the madeleine.

Sister St Joseph made them for you herself this morning.

-Merci, ma soeur!

-GIGGLES

So tell me, Mrs Fane,

-to which faith do you subscribe?

-COUGHS

Excuse me. Erm...

We attended services.

Not religiously... Er, regularly.

You could say I'm a member of the Church of England.

That's an inoffensive way of saying you don't quite believe in much.

You're very pretty.

And very young.

I assure you I'm not.

I feel ancient.

If Mrs Fane would like to see over the convent and orphanage,

I shall be glad to show her.

Alone.

VOICES CHATTER

Sshh!

We keep the older girls busy with sewing. It keeps them occupied.

And earns money for the convent.

WOMAN SHOUTS IN MANDARIN

That one won't allow us to baptize her.

WOMAN SHOUTS IN MANDARIN

CHILDREN SING "ABIDE WITH ME" IN FRENCH

Our music room.

Sister Maryse.

Sister Dominique was our pianist.

She died last week. Cholera.

Through there is the infirmary.

It is not a sight one would wish to see.

Shall I call Dr Fane out to see you?

No. You needn't disturb him.

Now, with the epidemic,

we have even more to care for.

This baby was brought in this morning.

Another orphan.

SHE SPEAKS FRENCH

She says Dr Fane loves babies.

He spends as much time as he can helping them out in the nursery.

Mrs Fane?

Mrs Fane?

Are you alright?

Yes. (SIGHS)

It's nothing.

Only foolishness.

What do you want?

Oh. Sorry.

-I brought you your supper.

-Alright. Just leave it there.

HE SNIFFS

Is there something else?

What's that you're doing?

I'm...testing the nitrate levels of a local tomato.

Why?

Why?

It can't possibly interest you.

Well...

-enjoy your supper.

-Mm.

Walter...

What do you propose we should do if we get through the epidemic?

I have no idea.

No good will come of talking about a situation we'd do better to forget.

-But you don't forget!

-Please. I really must work.

-Won't you listen to what I have to say?

-Alright. If you insist.

It's just,

today, having been at the convent,

-with those nuns.

-What have they done, converted you?

No!

-They spoke of you. And it made me feel...

-What?

It made you feel what?

-I think I've been afraid of you.

-Well, you should have been.

Excuse me. If I can't work, I'm going to bed.

I know you're angry at me. But if we could just talk about...

Honestly, I don't understand you. What is it that you want from me?

Perhaps I just want us to be a little less unhappy.

You're mistaken in thinking I'm unhappy. I have too much to do.

That's exactly what I'm trying to say. I feel useless.

-What do you propose I do...?

-For God sakes, will you stop punishing me?!

Do you absolutely despise me?

-No. I despise myself.

-Why?

For allowing myself to love you once.

SHE WEEPS SOFTLY

MANDARIN SPOKEN IN HUSHED TONES

Ah! Hello. CHILDREN CHATTER EXCITEDLY

I'm very well. And you?

(BOTH SPEAK MANDARIN)

I hope I haven't come at an inconvenient time.

Sister Maryse died last night.

I've just written to inform her parents.

I'm so sorry.

But it is sinful of me to grieve

when I know that her good and simple soul

has flown straight to heaven.

-How can I help you?

-Erm...

Well, I'm sure that with the sister's death,

you must be even more short-handed.

You see, I was wondering if...

I could come to the convent and...

do anything, just... just to help out.

My dear child, you've done enough coming here with your husband.

I've been here a month and,

believe me, I have nothing to do from morning till night.

Perhaps I could help with the sisters in the hospital.

That is impossible. Cholera is a terrible thing to see.

What would happen if you fell ill?

I'd be happy to scrub the floors. Anything.

Just something to feel useful.

That will not be necessary. The orphans scrub the floors.

No, no, it is our business and our privilege to do such things.

But there is always more to do each day.

Have you spoken to your husband of your wish?

Yes.

WOMAN SPEAKS MANDARIN

BABIES SCREAM, WOMAN SHOUTS

I don't know what you're saying!

I also found traces in the river, downstream from the burial grounds.

-You've checked these results?

-I tested it three times.

Well, that's it, then.

I would recommend barricading the bathing area.

Cut off all access to the river.

How far do you expect people to walk for water?

I've no idea. Upriver, at least a half-mile above the burial ground.

-That's too far.

-Nevertheless!

I agree with Dr Fane.

It's necessary.

Also, I thought we'd agreed to post a directive

-ordering disposal of the corpses.

-We've done that already.

Enforce it!

Families hide bodies for days, bury them close to the river.

I understand. You don't have to explain it twice.

Colonel, I respectfully request

that you order your soldiers to enter these people's homes

and remove the bodies!

It's alright.

BABIES CRY

Hello.

ANGRY SHOUTING IN MANDARIN

I understand.

The spirits need access to the water.

I just want to move a few of these so they don't live in the water.

He said they're under the protection of their warlord.

If he wants to move the bodies, he will send his own soldiers.

It's not the best time for a Western woman to explore by herself.

Oh, do be quiet.

As if you care whether I'm killed by nationalists or boredom.

Besides, I wasn't alone.

I was with my gallant protector, Sung Ching.

By the way,

you might be happy to know that I'm just as useless to the nuns

as I am to you.

I shut off the town's only water supply today.

What will you do?

I have no idea.

Hmm...

Then, I suppose we're both useless.

At last, something in common.

Ah! Dr Fane.

-We've both been caught out in the weather...

-Not now, sorry.

-I beg your pardon?

-Counting.

Counting?

We'll camp here tonight.

What makes you think this warlord will cooperate?

I don't think he will.

-So, what do you plan to say to persuade him?

-I don't know.

These men are like animals.

They have no vision. They only have hunger and strength.

Men like this have held the real power in China since I was young.

But that time is coming to an end.

There's no place for them in the new China.

I don't think you like my being here very much either, do you?

I think China belongs to Chinese people.

But the rest of the world seems to disagree.

Yes, but that's got nothing to do with me.

I didn't come with a gun. I came with a microscope.

I believe you.

It'd be nice to do this work together

without your country's guns pointing at our people.

Our plan is to divert the water to the town from the fields upriver.

With your permission and the assistance of your troops

graves will be moved from the water.

Colonel Yu and his men will enforce the prompt burial of the dead.

Maintaining the integrity of the water and enforcing sanitation

will make a difference between a few more deaths and possibly thousands.

SPEAKS MANDARIN

He said no.

He doesn't speak any English, does he?

Tell him that's the most ridiculous suit I've ever seen.

CHILDREN CHATTER, PIANO MUSIC PLAYS

PLAYS PIANO RAPIDLY

Er...

-I'm sorry.

-Do not stop on my account if...

Dr Fane is enjoying himself.

No. No, not at all. I...

-It's very nice. I was passing.

-No! Stay.

-I should go.

-I insist.

-Alright, if you like.

-Continue, Mrs Fane.

But...perhaps something a little more soothing.

Yes, of course.

PLAYS "GNOSSIENNE NO 1"

MUSIC: "Gnossienne no 1" by Eric Satie

They brought in a new baby today.

The girls named her Zan Xien. It means "brand-new".

The nuns are going to call it Katherine, which, of course,

none of the girls will be able to say.

Thank goodness for those nuns.

They do so much for so little in return.

I suppose you could look at it that way.

You suppose?

I think it might be a bit more complicated than that.

They take in desperate children and give them a chance at life.

What could be so complicated about that?

They also go to young mothers in their homes.

They ask them to give their babies to the convent.

They offer them money to support their families to persuade them.

They're not just here to run an orphanage, your nuns.

They're turning those children into little Catholics.

None of us are in China without a reason.

Still, on the whole,

I think that what they're doing is a pretty good deed, don't you?

I'm here to study bacteria. I don't have an opinion about the rest.

Well, I do, and I admire them.

I don't think it has to be so complicated and gloomy.

And I think what you're doing, for instance, is incredibly noble.

You used to feel contempt for me. Don't you still?

Walter! I can't believe that you, with your cleverness,

should have such little sense of proportion.

We humans are more complex than your silly little microbes.

We're unpredictable. We make mistakes and we disappoint.

-Yes, we certainly do.

-I'm sorry!

I'm sorry I'm not the perfect young woman that you want me to be.

I'm just ordinary.

I never tried to pretend that I was anything else.

No, you certainly didn't.

I liked theatre, and dancing and...

..playing tennis. I like games! I like men who play games.

That's the way I was brought up!

I play a fierce hand of bridge.

Oh, well, that's bloody exciting!

(LAUGHS)

And you dragged me round all those interminable galleries in Venice,

blathering on about the miracle of the canals

and the flushing of the lagoon system, or some such nonsense.

Honestly, I'd have been much happier playing golf at Sandwich.

I suppose you're right.

It was silly of us to look for qualities that we never had.

Yes.

Yes, it was.

Walter?

Why didn't you break down that door

when you knew I was in there with Charlie?

You might have at least tried to thrash him.

He wasn't worth it.

Or maybe I'm just too proud to fight.

I don't know about that.

I've told Mother Superior to keep her sisters inside the convent.

I put a guard outside the gate.

I'd advise any Westerners to stay indoors.

Alright.

-Sister, has Mrs Fane been at the convent today?

-Oui, doctor.

But she has left a few minutes ago.

Sung Ching.

Let's go.

Let's go!

Let's go!

Stop it! ANGRY SHOUTING

Sung Ching! Where's Mrs Fane? Where's Mrs Fane?

I don't know what you're saying! MEN SHOUT

Get away from her.

-Are you alright?

-Yes.

SPEAKS MANDARIN

ALL SHOUT ANGRILY

GUNSHOT

Come on.

We're out of whisky.

STRING MUSIC PLAYS

Dr Fane.

Could I trouble you for a drink?

LAUGHTER / MUSIC PLAYS

-Hello, darling.

-GIRL SPEAKS MANDARIN

SLOW JAZZ PLAYS

I was stationed at Hankow

during the revolution, when they were massacring all the Manchus.

I was able to help a particular family.

New documents, that sort of thing.

She was the youngest of the daughters.

I didn't pay her too much attention at first.

Well, more than I should have, I suppose!

When I left Hankow,

she followed me.

I sent her back two, three times, but she...

but she kept coming back.

I didn't realize you had so much affection for her.

What makes you think I do?

I can see it in your eyes.

Men are incalculable.

I thought you were like everybody else.

-Now I feel I don't know the first thing about you.

-A-ha!

I wonder what she sees in you.

Wan Xi.

BOTH SPEAK MANDARIN

She says I'm a good man.

As if a woman ever loved a man for his virtue.

GASPS

GROANS SOFTLY

Morning.

Morning.

I should think it best to stay away from town today.

Alright.

I'm going for a walk.

Come on, then!

BOTH HAGGLE IN MANDARIN

What on earth are you doing all the way out here?

Walking off a crippling hangover.

-What are you doing?

-Attempting to purchase a stock of bamboo

off this fine gentleman here, but his price is exorbitant.

My head is... too shattered to negotiate.

COW MOOS LOUDLY

So,

-would you like a ride home?

-On what? The buffalo?

BACKGROUND MUSIC DROWNS SPEECH

You see, we're diverting it from these fields temporarily

sending it into the centre of town, where they can get at it easily.

It's over a half-mile. It gave us a devil of a time!

Oh, Mother.

-Am I going to die?

-Come, come. You mustn't be so silly.

Listen, ma chere.

Is it possible you are with child?

-No.

-Oh, yes.

-No.

-Yes!

I mean...

I...

I suppose it's possible.

-There is no doubt about it.

-Yes. Sister St Joseph knew at once.

She comes from a large family. She has experience in these matters.

(SIGHS) I can't believe it.

Why can't you believe it? Having a child is so natural.

-SPEAKS FRENCH

-Yes.

Think how happy your husband will be.

What's happened here?

-I'm alright.

-They said you fainted.

-I'm fine.

-Let me look.

-It's not cholera.

-No. I don't think so.

Did you feel nauseous? Or just faint?

Walter, stop.

I'm pregnant.

A baby?

-You're quite certain?

-Yes.

Well, that's wonderful.

How long...do you think you've been like this?

Two months.

Maybe longer.

Kitty...

Am I the father?

I honestly don't know.

I'm sorry.

Well...

..it doesn't matter now...

-..does it?

-No.

No, it doesn't.

Ssh...

CHEERING

Dr Fane?

Come with me.

-Where are they coming from?

-The cholera spread along the river.

They have no doctors or facilities.

They'll contaminate everything. We must keep them out!

Dr Fane.

Dr Fane!

-Stop.

-SPEAKS MANDARIN

Stop there. We can help you here.

Colonel, tell them not to go into town! Tell them we'll help here!

TENSE SHOUTING

CHILDREN SING IN FRENCH

Mrs Fane. Gather all the children in the music room.

Wait here.

Let's go!

MOB SHOUTS

SCREAMING

SCREAMING AND SHOUTING

NUNS SHOUT IN FRENCH

Hey! That boy, bring him here.

Bring him in.

ANGRY SHOUTING OUTSIDE

LOUD BANG

CHILD SPEAKS ANXIOUSLY IN FRENCH

Sssh.

GUNSHOT

I don't understand. Why didn't he wake me?

He made an early start. And you needed the rest.

How far is the refugee camp?

Just outside the town, in the foothills.

Dr Fane told me he wanted you to leave, but you would not.

-I didn't want to leave you.

-Yes, and we appreciate it, dear child,

but... I think you did not want to leave him either.

Well...it's my duty.

Duty is only washing your hands when they are dirty!

I fell in love when I was 17. With God.

A foolish girl with romantic notions about the life of a religious.

But my love was passionate.

Over the years my feelings have changed.

He's disappointed me. Ignored me.

We've settled into...

a relationship of peaceful indifference.

The old husband and wife who sit side by side on the sofa,

but rarely speak.

He knows I will never leave him.

This is my duty.

But when love and duty are one,

then grace is within you.

Your soldier is waiting to take you back.

I'd rather stay.

No.

CRICKETS CHIRRUP

WOMAN SPEAKS URGENTLY IN MANDARIN

What? What is it?

Mrs Fane?

Mr Waddington?

It's your husband.

What? What is it?

He's been taken ill.

Oh!

Where is he?

Mrs Fane...

-Walter!

-She can't be here. It's not safe.

-Waddington!

-I'm afraid I've got no say in the matter.

I don't want an audience.

You have to go.

-Your baby...

-Please, you must go.

Walter, tell me what I should do.

Slow that drip down. It's running too fast.

Good.

-LABOURED BREATHING

-Kitty? Kitty.

It's going to get much worse before it breaks.

Are you prepared for this?

Yes.

MUFFLED WEEPING

GROANS

GROANS SHARPLY

What is it?

Can you send for more?

Kitty.

Kitty.

Oh, you're awake.

Are you feeling better?

Forgive me.

Forgive you?

There's nothing to forgive.

SOBS

Walter...

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Mrs Fane?

Dr Fane would want to be buried immediately.

Yes, of course.

MUSIC: "A La Claire Fontaine"

# A la claire fontaine, m'en allant promener

# J'ai trouve l'eau si belle que je m'y suis baigne

-CHILDREN'S CHOIR:

-# Il y a lontemps que je t'aime

# Jamais je ne t'oublierai

# Sous les feuilles d'un chene, je me suis fait secher

# Sur la plus haute branche, un rossignol chantait

# Il y a lontemps que je t'aime

# Jamais je ne t'oublierai

# Chante, rossignol, chante, toi qui as le coeur gai

# Tu as le coeur a rire, moi je l'ai a pleurer... #

-What are you doing?

-# Il y a lontemps que je t'aime

# Jamais je ne t'oublierai

# J'ai perdu mon ami sans l'avoir merite

# Pour un bouquet de roses que

# je lui refusais

# Il y a lontemps que je t'aime

# Jamais je ne t'oublierai

# Je voudrais que la rose fut encore au rosier

# Et que mon douce ami fut encore a m'aimer

# Il y a lontemps que je t'aime

# Jamais je ne t'oublierai

# A la claire fontaine, M'en allant promener

# J'ai trouve l'eau si belle Que je m'y suis baigne

# Il y a longtemps que je t'aime

# Jamais je ne t'oublierai

# Sous les feuilles d'un chene, Je me suis fait secher

# Sur la plus haute branche, Un rossignol chantait

# Il y a longtemps que je t'aime

# Jamais je ne t'oublierai. #

It's silly, really.

They'll die in a week. It's hardly worth the cost.

-What do you think?

-I think they're quite nice.

Really?

I think you're right.

We better hurry. Grandfather's waiting.

Kitty Fane?

-As I live and breathe!

-Hello, Charlie.

What are you doing in London?

I know it's been a long time.

I should have written.

Who's this fine chap? Hello, young man.

-What's your name?

-Walter.

Hello, Walter.

I'm Charlie Townsend.

-How old are you?

-Five.

-Five...

-Come on, darling. We should really press on.

Yes, of course.

Well, it's... lovely seeing you again.

And you.

-Goodbye, Walter.

-Goodbye.

Kitty...

I'm going to be in London for three weeks. Perhaps...

Goodbye, Mr Townsend.

Goodbye, Mrs Fane.

Who was that, Mummy?

No-one important, darling.