The Go-Between

'The past is a foreign country.

'They do things differently there.'

-This is Dry Toast.

-Hello, Dry Toast.

STRAINS OF CONVERSATION AND LAUGHTER

Come on, slug!

That's my father.

Come on...

MAN, READING ALOUD: "Mr Mowbray of St Ronan's,

"or as he was called by the Company -

"who affected 'knapping English'...

"The Squire, who was leader of the opposite faction...

"The fortune of the lady..."

Who's that?

CONTINUES READING: "Her pretensions to beauty..."

My sister is VERY beautiful.

Yes.

-What's that?

-Deadly Nightshade, you oaf!

-Atropa Belladonna.

-Atropa...what?

Atropa Belladonna. Every part of it is poisonous.

Die(!)

CHARLES: "Lady Penelope shrieked faintly

"while Lord Etherington, his looks darkening with feeling, remained."

DISTANT LAUGHTER

BELL RINGS

BIRDSONG

VOICES AND LAUGHTER IN DISTANCE

SINGING

-Is his mother a widow, Marcus?

-I think so. I don't know him well.

MARCUS: I think that he lives in rather a small house.

Yes, he seems to be a very nice boy. Now, is everyone here?

MARIAN PLAYS PIANO

Ah, Leo...good evening.

Good evening, Mrs Maudsley.

Mr Maudsley.

Let us go into dinner.

-­ Your croquet was good today, Marian.

-Was it?

Come along, Marian...Marcus.

-­ You're formidable at croquet.

-Am I?

I believe we must be wary of you, Leo.

I understand you're a magician. Are you?

Well, not really... only you know...

at school...

Anyway, it was supposed to be a secret, actually.

MARCUS: His curses are fearful!

He cast a fiendish spell on two boys at school.

They fell off a roof and were severely mutilated!

-< Did they die?

-No...they were just a little... severely mutilated.

Was it difficult to arrange? To get them to fall without dying?

Well, it wasn't a killing curse. There are curses and curses.

-Oh, how frightening!

-You're not going to bewitch us?

No...I shouldn't think so.

LAUGHTER

BABBLE OF CONVERSATION AND SINGING

-Hello. Enjoying yourself?

-Yes, sir.

Good. Pretty warm... what does it say?

83. Warm.

-..Suit a little warm, isn't it?

-No, sir.

-Enjoying yourself?

-Yes, thank you, sir.

Good!

And another thing...

When you undress - you mustn't fold up your clothes -

leave them lying wherever they fall.

That's what the servants are for.

You are looking hot! Haven't you anything cooler?

I'm not hot really.

That's a Norfolk jacket, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Well, it's quite appropriate. After all, we are in Norfolk!

-Have we a pair of bellows, Mama?

-Why?

To cool Leo!

Does Leo need cooling?

I may look hot, but I'm really quite cool underneath.

Did you leave your summer clothes at home?

I expect...Mother forgot to put them in.

Why not write and ask her to send them?

That would take too long, Mama.

I could get him an outfit tomorrow in Norwich.

Would you like that, Leo?

Well, I haven't any money. Only...

They can be your birthday presents. When is it?

It's on the 27th of this month. I was born under the sign of Leo.

-I can give you a lion skin.

-Or a mane!

Well, we'll go tomorrow.

Wouldn't you rather wait until Hugh is here?

Norwich would hardly be a treat for Hugh, Mama.

By then Leo will have melted into butter and need a muslin bag!

May we go, Mama?

Yes...of course you may.

'You flew too near the sun...

'and you were scorched.'

What did your father do?

-He worked in a bank, actually. He was a Pacifist.

-Ah.

And he was a book collector.

He liked books very much... and so he collected them.

That was his hobby.

Mother said they're quite valuable.

We might have to sell them.

Here's your pudding.

What's it like?

Very good.

Used any Black Magic lately?

Not lately, no.

What does it feel like to have such power?

Oh, it makes you feel fairly good,

but I only ever use it at school.

Can you teach me? I could use it here.

-Would you really want to?

-No, not really...

The results might be too alarming.

Can you amuse yourself in the Cathedral?

-I have shopping to do.

-Certainly.

-Can you be AMUSED in a cathedral?

'Well, it wasn't a killing curse.

'There are curses and curses.'

CHOIR SINGS PLAINSONG

STRAINS OF AUCTIONEER'S PATTER

AUCTIONEER: Right, gentlemen... Next lot - Number 68.

Lot Number 68. Property of a gentleman...

Bay gelding - seven years old. Sixteen two hands.

How much shall I say for it? Been hunted regularly... >

150 guineas...120...?

100 guineas. Thank you, sir. >

- Most impressive. - What a splendid green!

- Most fetching. - Charming.

-Is the tie from Challow & Challow?

-Yes.

-And the shoes?

-Sterling & Potter.

-What green is this?

-Lincoln Green.

I shall dub you Sir Robin Hood.

-­ Do you feel different?

-I feel quite another person.

Let me have a proper look at you.

I think it does very well.

And I hope that your mother will, too.

-Have you written to her, Leo?

-Yes.

-Good.

Did you do any shopping yourself, Marian?

No, Mama. That can wait.

It mustn't wait too long.

-You didn't see anyone in Norwich?

-Not a soul. We were hard at it all the time.

Yes, we were.

'I believe that you are liable to colds. But you may watch, of course.'

-MARCUS: 'Why bring your bathing suit?'

-'It is a bathing party.'

-'But you're not going to swim.'

-'I know.'

'In that case, why?'

What cheek! He's trespassing!

What shall we do? Order him off!

What cheek!

-Who can he be?

-I don't know.

He's a good swimmer and really rather well-built...don't you think?

Come on, Kate. Let's go and change.

Shall we order him off?

- It's Ted Burgess! - Who's he?

The tenant of Black Farm. He farms the land on the other side.

- You'd better be nice. - I shall ask how he is.

We don't know him socially, but I'd better be nice to him.

Yes.

I didn't know anyone would be here.

Just started on the harvest...it's hot.

Don't worry. We were hot too...up at the Hall.

I won't be long. Just one more header.

Absolutely!

I think I put him at ease, don't you?

Why undress if you're not swimming?

It will look absurd!

LAUGHTER I'll get you for that! >

No...!

- Aaah... - Revenge!

LAUGHING AND JOKING

My hair's come down... it's all wet!

I'll never get it dry.

You look so dry and smug, I should throw you in(!)

-..That man gone?

-Yes. He went off in a hurry.

-His name is Ted Burgess. Do you know him?

-We may have met.

'Ohh...it's dripping on my dress.'

Here's my bathing-suit...

It's quite dry.

If you fasten it round your neck - so that it hangs down -

you can spread your hair on it.

Your hair will dry and your dress won't get wet.

Spread my hair on it...

Take care not to pull it. O-hh...!

Is it well spread?

Is it dry?

What a comfort...your bathing-suit on my shoulders.

Is my hair well spread?

Oh, yes, it is.

THEY GREET EACH OTHER

"See then that ye walk circumspectly,

"not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming time, because of evil days.

"Wherefore be ye not unwise,

"but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess.

"Be filled with the Spirit, speaking in psalms...

"singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

"Giving thanks always for all things."

Let us pray.

Keep us, we beseech thee, O Lord, with thy perpetual mercy.

< And because the frailty of man, without Thee, cannot but fall

< keep us ever from all things hurtful.

< Lead us to our salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

TOGETHER: Amen.

- Kipper? - More sugar?

Now everybody, let us decide what we are to do today. Hugh...

come and sit down.

Advise us...

Now, what do you suggest?

-What's up?

-Decent of you to ask, but don't come in.

-I have a headache and spots. It may be measles.

-Hard cheese!

-See Trimingham?

-The man with the face?

Yes. Got it in the war. He was gored by the Boers!

Hard cheese!

CHURCH BELLS RING

STRAINS OF ORGAN MUSIC

Morning, Vicar.

-Hello. My name is Trimingham.

-How do you do, Trimingham?

Call me Hugh if you like. Or Trimingham, if you prefer.

Why not Mr Trimingham?

I think Trimingham is more in order, if you prefer it to Hugh.

But why not Mr Trimingham?

-Well, as a matter of fact, I'm a Viscount.

-Viscount?

-Yes.

-Oughtn't I to call you My Lord?

-No...Hugh will do.

What's your name?

-Colston.

-Mr Colston?

-Well...er...Leo, if you like.

-I'll call you Leo, if I may.

-Yes, that's fine.

-Does Marian call you Leo?

-Yes. I think she's ripping!

-I'd do anything for her.

-What would you do?

-Er...anything. Anything.

-Would you take her a message for me?

-What shall I say?

Tell her I've got her Prayer Book.

'How careless. I forget everything. Please thank him for me.'

LAUGHTER OUTSIDE

HE MOUTHS

HORSE NEIGHS

WHINNIES

Aahh...!

WHAT the hell are you doin'?!

I should give you the biggest thrashin'...

-My knee!

-Get up...what are you doin' here? Who are you anyway?

I know you. We've met.

Met?

At the bathing place... you were bathing.

I came with the others.

Oh...you're from the Hall?

Can you walk?

I saw you dive... you did jolly well!

You were lucky, you might have spoiled your suit.

Miss Marian gave it to me...

Miss Marian Maudsley.

..Oh, did she?

-Is it stingin'?

-Yes.

You're a Spartan!

-Won't you want that?

-I got plenty more.

Try walkin'.

Thank you very much, Mr Burgess.

Is there...anything I can do for you?

..Well, p'raps there is.

Could you take a message for me?

Of course. Who to?

-How old are you?

-I shall be 13 this month.

Can I trust you?

Of course you can.

There's a boy, isn't there...?

A lad of your age?

-He's in bed with measles.

-Oh, is he?

Are you...ever alone with anybody - in the house?

Well...nobody talks to me much.

They're all grown-up, you see. Except Marcus...

And he's in bed.

Oh, Marian talks to me... Miss Marian.

Oh, does she?

She often does.

She talks to me most.

-When her hair was wet...

-Are you ever alone with her?

I mean just the two of you - in a room - with no-one else?

Well, sometimes...

Sometimes we sit together on a sofa.

On a sofa...?

Could you give her a letter?

Without anybody else seein'?

Of course I could!

But can I trust you...

to keep your mouth shut?

Because you see...it's a secret.

All right...

I'll trust you!

Uuuh...

There.

-Is this his?

-Yes.

He said he wouldn't want it back.

Shall I throw it on the rubbish-dump?

Oh, I don't know. Perhaps I'll wash it out.

It's quite a good handkerchief.

Oh...he asked me to give you this.

-It's a bit crumpled.

-DOOR CLOSING NEARBY

These dresses...!

Now...the bandage.

-You've put it on!

-Oh...yes.

-Now, I'll put on your stocking.

-I...I can do that.

No, no. I'll put it on.

You won't tell anyone about this letter, will you?

Will you?

Of course I won't!

There!

Shall you be going to Goodwood? >

I thought I'd see Lady Mary. >

CHATTER CONTINUES I think I shall go. >

Shall you? > Yes...I think so. >

Are you referring to Augustine Thomas?

Hello, there's Mercury.

-Why do you call him Mercury?

-Because he takes messages.

You took a message for me, didn't you?

To this young lady here. Didn't fetch a very warm response.

Do you know who Mercury was?

Mercury is the smallest of the planets.

Ah, but before that he was the messenger of the Gods.

He went to and fro between them.

BABBLE OF VOICES

Do you know Ted Burgess?

Ted Burgess? We ALL know Ted. He's a bit of lad, Ted Burgess.

What do you mean by "a lad"? I should have said he was a man!

-Enjoying yourself?

-Oh, yes, thank you, sir.

Miss your mother?

Yes, sir...I mean, no, sir.

A little, sir.

-Pretty hot today.

-Is it a record?

I shouldn't be surprised. I'll have to look it up.

-Hot weather suit you?

-Yes, sir.

GEESE CALL

< HI...MERCURY...!

Come here! I want you.

Trying to sneak past in dead ground?

-Where were you off to?

-Nowhere.

Ah, nowhere. Would you like to go somewhere?

-Well, yes. Where?

-It's up to you.

-Oh.

I want you to find Marian. We need her to make a four at croquet.

-Can you find her?

-I don't know.

-No-one else can. But YOU can. Will you?

-Yes.

You must bring her back, dead or alive!

RUSTLING IN UNDERGROWTH

What are YOU doing here?

-Hugh asked me to find you.

-Why?

He wants you to play croquet.

He said to bring you dead or alive.

Well, which am I?

We're going to luncheon with some neighbours tomorrow.

-I don't suppose you want to come.

-No, I can stay here.

-What will you do?

-Oh...anything.

Yes, but what?

I might go for a walk.

Where to?

-I might slide down the straw-stack.

-Oh, whose?

-Farmer Burgess.

-Oh, his!

Well, if you go that way perhaps you'd give him a letter.

I was hoping you'd say that.

-Why? Because you like him?

-Yes.

-But there's another reason.

-What?

Because I like you.

Hello.

Tell 'er that's all right.

GUNSHOT

Look what you've done.

HE SIGHS Tell 'er that's no go.

Enter boldly. My disease has fled!

You don't look better.

I am. I shall be down later.

You can bore me with your stories.

-Marcus is bet...

-KNOCK AT DOOR

Ah! A conspiracy. A love scene!

May I seize you from this fortunate fellow?

Is "seize" an appropriate word?

Gather, then. May I gather you from this fortunate fellow?

-Do you mind if I'm "gathered", Leo?

-Oh, no...

Not at all.

WHISPERS INAUDIBLY

HE SOBS

HORSE WHINNIES >

Hello.

How's the Postman?

Very well, thank you.

Brought anythin' for me?

I'm afraid I shan't be able to bring you any more letters.

-Why not?

-Well, Marcus has got over his measles.

You said he wasn't to know.

If he came here with me, then he would know.

-'Ave you told Miss Marian that?

-No.

She won't know what to do.

Nor shall I.

What did you do before I came?

Well...it wasn't so easy then.

She likes you, don't she?

You want her to like you, don't you?

You wouldn't want 'er to stop liking you...

No, you wouldn't.

She won't be the same to you, if you don't take 'er letters.

That's the truth.

They're not just ordinary letters.

She'll miss them...

So shall I.

She'll cry p'raps.

Do you want 'er to cry?

That's not hard to make 'er cry.

She used to cry before you come along.

Did you make her cry?

She cried when... she couldn't see me.

How do you know?

Because she cried when she did see me.

I've been busy... Smiler's going to have a foal.

She's ill.

Why does she have it then, if it makes her ill?

She hadn't much choice.

What made her have one?

What?

What made her have one?

Hah...between you and me...

she did...a bit of spoonin'.

Spooning?! I didn't know horses could spoon?

That's a silly word really.

What does it mean?

You seem to know something about it.

I don't know anything about it. That's the point.

It's all this kissing, isn't it? That's what it is.

I've seen it on postcards at the seaside.

-You can't tell me horses do that!

-No. Horses don't...do that.

Well, what do they do? What does anyone do?

There's more to it than kissing. But what?

You'll find out.

Could you marry someone without ever spooning with them?

Spooning's a silly word.

Well, whatever the word is, could you marry someone...

and never do - whatever it is?

You could.

But it wouldn't be a very lover-like thing to do.

-"Lov...?"

-That's enough questions.

-But you haven't told me anything!

-Let's make a bargain.

I'll tell you all about it on the condition that you go on being our postman.

Why shouldn't I wear my cap?

Because it's a school cap.

If it were an England cap, or a County cap you could wear it.

But to wear a school cap at a private match isn't done.

Stomach-pump!

-Yoo-hoo!

-Hoi!

Mr Quick...Mr Burgess. How do you do?

This is our twelfth man, Mr Colston.

Mr Payne...Mr Burgess.

We know each other - Master Colston and me.

He comes to slide down my straw-stack.

Of course!

Are you a good batsman?

Oh, no. I'm not much of a cricketer really.

He's very dangerous, Leo.

I just hit 'em.

We're going to get you out anyway!

- I ain't seen 'im for years. - Yeah?

He's won the toss... we're batting.

-Good luck.

-Thanks, Leo.

Such command and elegance!

SPECTATORS APPLAUD

­ Good ol' boy!

Another one. > APPLAUSE

We're in trouble. There's only me to come... that's any good!

CROWD MURMURS

Come on...

Out!

That's me! But he's not young - I mustn't tire him.

No!

Why doesn't he run?

He wants to save Father's strength, which is quite unnecessary.

- No! - Come on...!

OUT!

NOISY HUBBUB

Beautifully played! Thank you.

Now...what about you?

Oh, I shan't give you much trouble.

We've got to get Burgess out. Trimingham's cunning.

Burgess has no culture or discipline.

CRIES OF ASTONISHMENT

HEARTY APPLAUSE

Get two there. >

He's a hard man to beat... >

FRIGHTENED SCREAMS

-Are you all right?

-Yes...

-A close shave!

He's terribly savage!

My word! It come through fast. >

HUGH: WHERE'S our twelfth man?

-Are you all right, Marian?

-Yes.

-The ball didn't hurt you?

-No, Mama.

- We got a head in front? - Yeah, that's right.

CROWD CHEERS AND APPLAUDS

MAG-NIFICENT catch!

-I didn't mean to catch you out.

-Damned good catch!

Fancy bein' caught out by our postman!

- Well played, Ted. - Yes.

BURST OF APPLAUSE < Good ol' Ted!

And last but not least, except in stature, our young "David"...

who slew "Goliath" of Black Farm, if I may so describe him,

not with a sling but with a catch! APPLAUSE

And now, it is time for the music. Who will give us the first song?

Ted's the one... He's he big hitter. >

Come on, Ted!

CHEERS

I can't see the piano-player. < Where is he?

He's got a fatal finger disease! LAUGHTER

You don't need music, Ted. Don't be shy.

Take yer collar off first!

C'mon, be a gen'leman! You're dressed up like one!

MURMURS OF APPROVAL

- (Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes.) - What you say?

Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes.

BEGINS INTRODUCTION

# Take a pair of sparkling eyes

# Hidden ever and anon In a merci-i-iful eclipse

# Do not heed their mild surprise

# Having passed the Rubicon Take a pair of rosy lips

# Take a figure trimly planned

# Such as admiration whets

# Be particular in this

# Take a tender little hand Fringed with dainty fingerettes

# Pre-e-e-ess it! Press it!

# In parenthesis A-a-a-a-ah

# Take all these, you lucky man

# Take and keep them

# If you can, if you can

# Take all these, you lucky man

# Take and ke-ep them if you ca-an

# If you can

# Take my counsel, happy man

# Act upon it if you can

# If you can, if you can

# Act upon it if you ca-a-an

# Happy man If you ca-a-an. #

APPLAUSE

'Well, Leo, what's it to be?

'I can sing Angels Ever Bright And Fair.

'All right.'

-#

-Angels ever bright and fair

-#

-Take, oh, take me to your care

-#

-Speed to your own courts my flight

-#

-Clad in robes of virgin white

-#

-Clad in robes of virgin white.

-#

Well, thank goodness we've said goodbye to the village for a year.

-Did you notice the stink in there?

-No.

-What a whiff!

You were too busy rolling your eyes and sucking up the applause...

Still, toadstool, I must admit you didn't do TOO badly(!)

Oh, thank you.

Apart from your slimy serpent tongue stuck to the roof of your mouth,

and your face like a sick cow!

You po-faced, pot-bellied bed-wetter!

Pax...! I'll tell you a secret.

-What?

-Marian's engaged to marry Trimingham.

It'll be announced after the Ball. Are you glad?

Yes, I am.

I'm sure I am.

TRACTOR ENGINE IN DISTANCE

-Are you going out?

-Yes, shall we?

-I'm afraid I can't.

-Why not, sewer-rat?

Nanny Robson isn't well, she lives in the village.

Marian says I have to visit this afternoon.

Isn't it boring?!

Marian said she was going herself after tea.

What will you do with your evil-smelling carcass?

-I may hang round the rubbish-tip...

-Don't get carted away!

Hello, Leo. Just the man I was looking for.

-Will you do something for me?

-Yes, what?

Take this letter.

But, who to?

Who to?! Why, to the farm, you silly!

What's the matter?

-But I can't.

-"Can't"? Why not?

-Because of Hugh.

-Hugh?

What's Hugh to do with it?

He might be upset.

WHAT has Hugh got to do with it?

It's business between Mr Burgess and me.

It has nothing to do with anyone else! Understand?

-You and Hugh...

-WHAT are you talking about? You come in here...

our guest... a poor nothing out of nowhere!

We know nothing about you...

we feed you, clothe you, make a great fuss of you...

Then you have the damned cheek to say you won't do a simple thing

any ragamuffin would do for nothing!

NOTHING!

You want paying, I suppose?

I see...how much do you want?

Hello...it's the Postman.

How are you?

..You've been cryin'.

What's the matter?

Here...

Do you want to 'ave a go with my gun?

I was just goin' to clean it, but I can do that afterwards.

Come and watch me, then.

Some rooks round 'ere could do with a peppering.

FIRES TWO SHOTS

ROOKS CAWING

You got a letter for me?

Looks as though you been sleepin' on it!

You'd like some tea, wouldn't you?

I'm on me own today.

My daily woman doesn't come on Sundays.

Oh, do you have a woman every day?

No.

I told you. She doesn't come on Sundays.

Have you any message for her?

-Who?

-Marian.

I might have.

Do you want to take it?

Not very much.

But she'll be angry if I don't.

So, it was her?

It's not fair to ask you to do it for nothin'...

What could I do to make it worth your while?

Last time I was here... you said you'd tell me something.

-Oh, did I?

-Yes.

You said you'd tell me about... spooning.

Hm!

I don't know any other word...

Is there another word?

You said you'd tell me.

Yes...

-but now I'm not sure that I shall.

-Why not?

It's a job for your dad really.

-My father's dead...but I'm sure he never did it.

-Oh, are you?

You can't break your promise.

It's puttin' your arm round a girl and kissing her,

that's what it means.

I know that...but it's something else. It makes you feel something.

What do you like doin' best?

The kettle's boilin'...

It's like whatever you like doin' best...

and then some more.

But WHAT more? What is "lover-like"?

What does it mean? What is a lover? What does a lover do?

Are you a lover? What do you do?

You know. I know YOU know!

I won't take messages unless you tell me...

GET OUT!

HOI!

"Dear Mother,

"I am sorry to tell you...

"I am not enjoying myself here.

"I would like to come home."

FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS

Hello.

Come in.

-Never been in here before?

-No.

Sit down.

Cigar?

No, thank you.

-Can I ask you something?

-You can.

I've been reading a book...

and in this book, two men fought a duel over a quarrel

-about one of the men's wife.

-Hm?

And then...in this duel,

the wife's husband...

the husband was shot.

Mmm?

What's your question?

Well, I thought...

when I read it, that it was probably the lady's fault,

but SHE didn't have to fight the duel.

And I just thought that it was a little unfair.

NOTHING is ever a lady's fault.

Oh!

Does that answer your question?

Yes.

Any other questions?

What do you think of Ted Burgess?

What do I think of Ted Burgess?

He's a powerful hitter...

but you had the measure of him.

You defeated him, didn't you?

Ted is quite a decent fellow -

a bit wild.

"Wild"? Do you mean he's dangerous?

He's not dangerous to you or to me...

he's a bit of lady-killer, that's all.

-"Lady-killer"?

-DOOR OPENS

Sit down... please sit down.

Ah, a new recruit to the smoking-room.

Have you been showing him the pictures?

Have you looked at the pictures?

He doesn't like them!

We were talking about Ted Burgess when you came in.

I told Leo...

that he was a lady-killer.

He has that reputation, I believe.

I've talked to him about the Army.

A likely man...single... no ties.

And a pretty good shot I'm told.

He has THAT reputation, too.

Do you think he'll go?

He may... He was quite interested.

MR MAUDSLEY: He won't altogether be a loss to the district.

Why? What you were just saying...

They say he's got a woman up this way.

I know.

But she doesn't come on Sundays.

Cigar?

GRAMOPHONE PLAYS MUSIC

MOWER ENGINE

Whoa!

Jack...

Walk on...walk on.

I didn't think you'd come again.

I'm sorry I shouted at you...

I didn't mean to.

I just didn't feel like tellin' you

what you wanted to know, that's all.

But I'll tell you now, if you like.

Do you want me to tell you?

Because I'll tell you now. If you want me to.

No, no...I wouldn't dream of troubling you.

I know someone who'll tell me.

As a matter of fact, I know several people who could.

As long as they don't tell you wrong.

How could they? It's common knowledge, isn't it?

What you doin' with your bathing-suit?

I said you were teaching me to swim.

I've come to say goodbye, you see.

Oh, you're off, are you?

I'm expecting to hear from my mother by Friday at least.

I think I really should go.

She does miss me, you know.

I'm sure she do.

Is it true you're going to the war?

Who told you that?

Lord Trimingham.

Did you know Marian was engaged to him?

Yes, I did.

Is that why you're going?

I don't know that I am goin'...

That's for her to say.

-It's not what

-I

-want...

It's what she wants.

Well, goodbye...

So long - Postman.

Goodbye, Ted.

Shall I take one more message?

Yes...

Tell 'er tomorrow's no good,

but...er...Friday - half past five - same as usual.

RECALLS TED SHOOTING ROOKS

'So, you met my grandson?'

-'Yes, I did.'

-'Does he remind you of anyone?'

'Of course...

'Ted Burgess.'

'That's it...that's it. He does.'

Why don't you marry Ted?

I can't.

I can't. Can't you see why?

Why are you marrying Hugh?

Because I must.

I must...I've got to.

-What about these mysterious out-houses?

-Good idea.

Not that there's anything worth seeing when we're there.

-There's the Deadly Nightshade.

-La Belladonna.

-Atropa Belladonna.

I don't mean that at all, I mean Deadly Nightshade.

-Mama's ill in bed.

-Why?

I don't know.

What do you think of my mother?

I think she has a lot to look after...

with the house and everything, and organising the Ball.

She has...yes. She undoubtedly has!

My sister is VERY beautiful, isn't she?

Yes, she is very beautiful.

-She's going to London tomorrow.

-What for?

To buy a dress for the Ball... the engagement Ball, you oaf.

-And then to get something for you.

-What do you mean?

A birthday present, frog-spawn!

Now, shall I tell you what it is...

or shall I not?

Do you know what it is?

Yes, but I don't tell little boys!

-Well, swear you won't tell anyone.

-I swear.

-It's a bicycle.

-What?!

And do you know what colour it is?

It's green...green, you imbecile! Bright green.

D'you know why? Because you're green yourself.

Your true colour...Marian said so.

Green...green...green!

-Did she say that?

-But, of course!

Green...green...green!

-Do you know where Marian is at this moment?

-No.

-Do you?

-Yes.

-Where?

"I don't tell little boys..."

Little boy...little boy, wouldn't you like to know?

Pax!

-Do you really know where she is?

-Ah-ha!

"Dear Leo, it would be ungrateful to Mrs Maudsley

"after all her kindness to you, if you were to leave suddenly.

"The ten days will soon pass, my darling, then you'll be home.

"We can't expect to be happy all the time, can we?"

STRAINS OF SOMEONE SINGING

PANTING

DIE!

Die...all evil!

Delenda...est Belladonna.

CLOCK CHIMES MIDNIGHT

(Delenda...delenda...delenda!)

-ADULT COLSTON'S VOICE:

-'Delenda est Belladonna.'

-Lucky thing! Who gave it to you?

-Mr Maudsley.

And now...

today is Leo's day.

You've opened your presents,

at seven o'clock you'll cut your birthday cake

and receive a rather special present - so, I believe.

Now, how would you like to spend the day?

Unfortunately, the weather has changed,

but if it clears, perhaps we could go for a drive to Beeston Castle.

-That would be very nice.

-We shall do that...if it clears.

-We shall decide at luncheon.

-What if the weather doesn't clear?

Then we shall have to think again. We will make our decision at lunch.

-Hugh?

-Quite a fair plan, I should say.

But it may not clear!

HUGH: I think it will.

The rain seems to have stopped now.

'It seems that all will be well for Leo's birthday.'

Hello, Leo. Come and tell me what the weather means to do.

Do you think the summer's over?

It's one of the hottest summers on record, you know.

-Of course it isn't over... Would you like to walk?

-Oh, yes.

-Where shall we walk?

-I can't, I'm afraid...

You see, it's this kind of walk...

-Oh, no...!

-Oh, yes.

MARIAN LAUGHS

Marian...! Leo...!

What were you fighting about?

Oh, I was just teaching him a lesson.

Was that the bone of contention?

Yes, it's for Nanny Robson...

I wanted him to take a message.

I'm going to see her this afternoon sometime.

But Leo didn't want to,

pretended he had something to do.

-But I...

-Yes, you did!

-Don't let it worry you...

she often doesn't remember you have been.

She is growing old, poor Nanny Robson.

It's time that Leo and I took a walk in the garden.

Come on...I don't think you've seen the garden properly.

-You can spare Leo now, can't you, Marian?

-Oh, yes.

-Would you like Marcus to come?

-Oh, no...

-Marcus isn't interested in flowers, but you are, aren't you?

-Yes, I am.

Well, now, here's the garden.

Well, the rain has certainly stopped.

-What kind of flowers truly interest you?

-Poisonous ones, really.

I don't think you'll find many of those.

-Oh, there is one in the out...

-In the what?

-Well, I've seen...

-WHAT have you seen, Leo?

Well...there is a Deadly Nightshade in one of the out-houses.

Oh - you mean where the old garden used to be?

-Yes. Somewhere there.

-Do you often go to the out-houses?

Oh, no...not often.

These always remind me of Marian.

How sweet of you to say you'll take her note to Nanny Robson.

Does she often send you with notes?

Oh, no. Just once or twice.

It rather worries me that I stopped you going just now.

Perhaps you'd like to go?

-You know the way, don't you?

-Well, not quite...

but I can ask.

You don't know the way? I thought you'd taken notes before.

Yes...

Well, yes, I have.

But you don't know the way?

I think perhaps the note should be delivered...You have it, don't you?

I'll call the gardener and ask him to take it.

Oh, no, really. It's...it's not important. Please, don't bother.

It is important in a way, you see.

-STANTON!

-Yes, ma'am?

Would you come here a minute?

We have a note here for Miss Robson...rather urgent.

-Would you mind taking it?

-Yes, ma'am.

I-I've...lost it. I haven't got it...

It must have fallen out...

Feel again!

Oh, I must have dropped it.

Very well, Stanton.

Take your hands from your pockets!

Has no-one told you not to stand with your hands in your pockets?

I could ask you to turn your pockets out...

but I won't do that.

I'll just ask you one question.

You say you've taken messages for Marian before?

-Well, I...

-I think you said so.

If you don't take them to Nanny Robson...

'to whom DO you take them?'

'So you met my grandson?'

-'Yes, I did.'

-'Does he remind you of anyone?'

'Of course...Ted Burgess.'

'That's it...

'That's it.'

He does.

-It must be a comfort to you to have him near you.

-Yes...

but he doesn't come to see me very much.

I think he has a grudge against me.

Ohh, surely not.

They tell me he wants to marry a girl - a nice girl,

but he won't ask her.

He feels...I think he feels,

he's under some sort of spell... or curse, you see.

That's just plain silly!

Now, this is where you come in.

-I...?

-Yes, you.

You know the facts. You know what really happened.

Tell him. Tell him everything, just as it was.

Every man should get married.

You ought to have married.

You're all dried up inside. I can tell that.

Don't you feel any need of love?

Speak to him.

Tell him there's no spell or curse...

except an unloving heart.

'Tell him that.'

ROLLING THUNDER

PEAL OF THUNDER Look at the lightning, Mama.

-Lucky we didn't go to Beeston Castle.

-It would have been rather damp.

Sit here, please, Leo dear...

You see, I don't like the number 13 - isn't it silly of me?

So, we've put 12 candles round the big cake,

and when they're blown-out you can light that one...

and blow that one out.

-When?

-When Marian comes.

She has a rather special present for you.

She wants to give it to you herself...

naturally.

Let's all sit down.

Marian will be back at about six o'clock...from Nanny Robson.

-HUGH: I haven't seen her for years... How is she?

-Remarkably well.

-Isn't it time that Leo cut the cake?

-Yes. If he can do it!

That's unkind! Of course he can do it.

He's a man of great capabilities.

Considerable. And well-loved.

Didn't you know he was Marian's cavalier?

LOUD PEAL OF THUNDER

CHEERS AND APPLAUSE

Leave a piece for Marian.

- She ought to be here now. - It's still raining...

We'd better send the carriage down to fetch her.

< Why didn't we think of it before?

MR MAUDSLEY: Send the carriage for Miss Marian.

She may be walking up in the rain. She'll get soaked.

What about your thirteenth candle?

You must cut a piece for yourself.

He'd rather have his cake than eat it(!)

Let's have a round of crackers.

Here, Leo...come pull one with me.

Now, all together... CRACK

-WHISPERS INAUDIBLY

-Leo?

Excuse me, ma'am. The carriage is back,

but Miss Marian wasn't there and hasn't been there all day.

Well, all we can do is wait for her.

­ I've just found a riddle. Listen to this...

"What's the...?"

No...we won't wait!

I'm going to look for her.

Leo...you know where she is. You shall show me the way!

MADELEINE!

-No!

-You SHALL come!

MOANS FROM HAYLOFT

Look...!

'You came out of the blue to make us happy...

'and we made YOU happy, didn't we?

'We trusted you with our great treasure.

'You might never have known what it was...

'You might have gone through life without knowing.'

You see, you can tell him, Leo.

Tell everything - just as it was.

'Hugh was true as steel. He wouldn't hear a word against me.

But everybody wanted to know us, of course.

I was Lady Trimingham, you see.

I still am. There is no other.

Remember how you loved taking our messages...

'bringing us together in happiness.

'Well, this is an another errand of love...

'and the last time I shall ever ask you to be our postman.'

Our love was a beautiful thing, wasn't it?

Tell him he can feel proud to be descended from our union.

'The child of so much happiness and beauty.

'Tell him.'