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00:00:00The End

00:00:30The End

00:01:00The End

00:01:30Evening, Mr. Godby.

00:01:49Hello, hello, hello.

00:01:51Quite a stranger, aren't you?

00:01:53I couldn't get in yesterday.

00:01:54I wondered what had happened to you.

00:01:56I had a bit of a dust-up.

00:01:57What about?

00:01:58Saw a chap getting out of a first-class compartment.

00:02:00When he came to give up his ticket, it was only third-class.

00:02:02I told him he'd have to pay the excess, and then he turned nasty, and I had to send for Mr. Saunders.

00:02:05That's not a good he'd be.

00:02:06Oh, he ticked him off.

00:02:07Seeing's believing.

00:02:08I tell you, he ticked him off proper.

00:02:11You pay the balance at once, he says, or I'll hand you over to the police.

00:02:14You ought to see the look on the chap's face at the mention of the word police.

00:02:17Changed his tune, then he did, paid up like lightning.

00:02:19That's just what I mean.

00:02:21He didn't have the courage to handle it himself.

00:02:23He had to call in the police.

00:02:24Oh, he's not a bad lot, Mr. Saunders.

00:02:26After all, he can't expect much spirit from a man with only one lung and a wife with diabetes.

00:02:30I thought something must be wrong when you didn't come.

00:02:32Well, I'd have popped in to explain, but I had a date and had a run for it the moment I went off.

00:02:35Oh, indeed.

00:02:37The chap I know is getting married.

00:02:38Very interesting, I'm sure.

00:02:41What's up with you, anyway?

00:02:43I'm sure I don't know to what you're referring.

00:02:45You're a bit unfriendly, all of a sudden.

00:02:47Daryl, hurry up. Put some more coal on the stove while you're at it.

00:02:50Yes, Mrs. Baggett.

00:02:51I'm afraid I really can't stand here wasting my time in idle gossip, Mr. Godby.

00:02:54Well, aren't you going to offer me another cup?

00:02:56You can have another cup and welcome when you've finished that one.

00:02:58Daryl will give it to you.

00:02:59They've got me a chance to do.

00:03:01I say, I'd rather you gave it to me.

00:03:04Time and day. Wait for no man, Mr. Godby.

00:03:09Laura, what a lovely surprise.

00:03:11Oh, darling.

00:03:12My dear, I've been shopping till I'm dropping my feet nearly off.

00:03:15My throat's parched.

00:03:16I thought of having tea at Spindles, but I was terrified of losing the train.

00:03:19Oh, dear.

00:03:20Oh, this is Dr. Harvey.

00:03:22How do you do?

00:03:23Oh, how do you do?

00:03:23Would you be a perfect day and get me my cup of tea?

00:03:25I really don't think I could drag my poor old bones over to the counter.

00:03:28No, please.

00:03:31My dear, what a nice-looking man who on earth is he, really?

00:03:34You're quite a dark horse.

00:03:35It'll telephone Fred in the morning and make mischief.

00:03:38This is a bit of luck.

00:03:40I haven't seen you for ages.

00:03:41I've been meaning to pop in, but Tony's had measles, you know, and then I had all that awful fuss over Phyllis.

00:03:46But, of course, you don't know.

00:03:47My dear, she left me.

00:03:49Oh, how dreadful, mind you.

00:03:50I never really cared for her much, but still, Tony did.

00:03:52Tony adored her.

00:03:53And I'll tell you all about that later in the train.

00:03:55Thank you so very much.

00:03:58There's certainly enough milk in it, but still, it'll be refreshing.

00:04:01Oh, dear, no sugar.

00:04:05It's in the spawn.

00:04:06Oh, of course, what a fool I am.

00:04:09Laura, you're looking frightfully well.

00:04:11I do wish I'd known you were coming in today.

00:04:13We could come together and lunch and have a good gossip.

00:04:15I loath shopping by myself anyway.

00:04:20There's your train.

00:04:21Yes, I know.

00:04:22Oh, aren't you coming with us?

00:04:23No, I go in the opposite direction.

00:04:24My practice is in Shirley.

00:04:25Oh, I see.

00:04:26I'm a general practitioner at the moment.

00:04:28Dr. Harvey's going out to Africa next week.

00:04:29Oh, how thrilling.

00:04:31It's a 5.40 for Shirley, Lee Green and Langdon.

00:04:36I'm scared.

00:04:37Yes, you must.

00:04:38Goodbye.

00:04:39Goodbye.

00:04:50He'll have to run or he'll miss it.

00:04:52He's got to get right over to the other platform.

00:04:55Talking of missing trains reminds me of that awful bridge at Broadham Junction.

00:04:58You've got to go traipsing all up one side, along the top and down the other.

00:05:02Well, the other day, I'd been over to see Bob's solicitors about renewing the lease of the house.

00:05:05And I arrived at the station with exactly half a minute to spare.

00:05:09My dear, I flew.

00:05:11I'd got Tony with me.

00:05:13And like a fool, I just bought a new shade for the lamp in the drawing room.

00:05:15I could have got it just as easily here in Milford.

00:05:18Well, it's the most enormous thing.

00:05:20I could hardly see over it.

00:05:22I've never been in Shifrizen all my life.

00:05:23I nearly knocked a woman down.

00:05:24Of course, by the time I got home, it was battered a bit.

00:05:29Oh, is that our train?

00:05:31Can you tell me?

00:05:32Is that the Ketchworth train?

00:05:33No, it's the express.

00:05:34The boat train.

00:05:35Oh, of course, that doesn't stop, does it?

00:05:37I want some chocolate, please.

00:05:39Milk or plain?

00:05:40Plain, I think.

00:05:41Or...

00:05:42No, perhaps milk would be nicer.

00:05:43Have you any nuts in it?

00:05:44Nassau's not milk for shelling on sexpots.

00:05:47I'll take one place.

00:05:48One...

00:05:48Large or small?

00:05:50Large.

00:06:01Where is she?

00:06:04I never noticed her, girl.

00:06:08Oh, I couldn't think where you disappeared to.

00:06:11I just wanted to see the express go through.

00:06:14What on earth's the matter?

00:06:15Are you feeling ill?

00:06:17I feel a little sick.

00:06:18Oh, my dear, come and sit down.

00:06:20There's our train.

00:06:22That's all right.

00:06:24Have you any brandy?

00:06:25I'm afraid it's out of hours.

00:06:26Oh, surely, if somebody's feeling ill.

00:06:28I'm all right, really.

00:06:29Just a sip of brandy, buck you up.

00:06:31Please.

00:06:32Very well.

00:06:34How much?

00:06:35Ten pence, please.

00:06:37The train for Hedgeworth is now arriving in a platform free.

00:06:41Would you have to hurry?

00:06:50Oh, well, this is a bit of luck.

00:06:56This train's generally packed.

00:06:59I really am very worried about you, dear.

00:07:01You look terribly peaky.

00:07:02I'm all right.

00:07:03Really, I am.

00:07:04I just felt faint for a minute, that's all.

00:07:06Often happens to me.

00:07:07I did it once in the middle of Bobby's school concert.

00:07:09I don't think he's ever forgiven me.

00:07:11Well, he certainly was very good looking.

00:07:14Who?

00:07:15Well, your friend, doctor whatever his name was.

00:07:17Yes, he's a nice creature.

00:07:19Have you known him long?

00:07:21No, not very long.

00:07:23I hardly know him at all, really.

00:07:25Well, my dear, I've always had a passion for doctors.

00:07:28I can well understand how it is that women get neurotic.

00:07:31Of course other women go...

00:07:32I wish I could trust you.

00:07:35I wish you were a wise, kind friend.

00:07:38Instead of a gossiping acquaintance I've known casually for years

00:07:41and never particularly cared for.

00:07:44I wish... I wish...

00:07:47Fancy him going all the way to Africa.

00:07:49Is he married?

00:07:50Oh, yes.

00:07:51Any children?

00:07:52Yes, two boys.

00:07:53He's very proud of them.

00:07:54Is he taking them with him?

00:07:55His wife and children, I mean?

00:07:56Yes.

00:07:57Yes, he is.

00:07:58Oh, I suppose it's sensible in a way, rushing off to start life anew in the wide open spaces

00:08:02and all that sort of thing, but wild horses wouldn't drag me away from England and home

00:08:07and all the things I'm used to.

00:08:08I mean, one has one's roots, after all, hasn't one?

00:08:11Oh, yes.

00:08:12One has one's roots.

00:08:13I knew a girl years ago who went to Africa, you know.

00:08:15Her husband had something to do with engineering or something.

00:08:17And, my dear, she had the most dreadful time.

00:08:19She got some awful kind of chance through going out on a picnic and she was ill for months and months.

00:08:23I wish you'd stop talking.

00:08:26I wish you'd stop prying and trying to find things out.

00:08:29I wish you were dead.

00:08:30No, I don't mean that.

00:08:31That was silly and unkind.

00:08:34But I wish you'd stop talking.

00:08:35My dear, all her hair came out and she said the social life was quite, quite horrid.

00:08:40Provincial, you know, and very nouveau riche.

00:08:42Oh, darling.

00:08:43What's the matter, dear?

00:08:44Are you feeling ill again?

00:08:45No, not very ill.

00:08:46I feel a bit dizzy.

00:08:47I think I'll just close my eyes for a little.

00:08:48Oh, you poor darling.

00:08:49And here am I, chattering away 19 to the dozen.

00:08:51I won't say another word.

00:08:53Oh, and if you drop off, I'll wake you up when we get to the level crossing.

00:08:56That'll give you a chance to pull yourself together and powder your nose before we get out.

00:08:59Thanks, darling.

00:09:04This can't last.

00:09:09This misery can't last.

00:09:13I must remember that and try to control myself.

00:09:16Nothing lasts, really.

00:09:18Neither happiness nor despair.

00:09:21Not even life lasts very long.

00:09:24There'll come a time in the future when I shan't mind about this anymore.

00:09:28When I can look back and say quite peacefully and cheerfully how silly I was.

00:09:33No, no, I don't want that time to come ever.

00:09:38I want to remember every minute.

00:09:41Always.

00:09:44Always to the end of my days.

00:09:48Catch what?

00:09:49Wake up, Laura.

00:09:50We're here.

00:09:51Catch what?

00:09:52I could easily come to the house with you, dear.

00:09:55It isn't very much out of my way.

00:09:58All I have to do is to walk down Elmore Lane, past the grammar school, and I shall be home in two minutes.

00:10:01Oh, it's sweet of you, darling, but I'm perfectly all right now.

00:10:03Really, I am.

00:10:04Now, you're quite sure?

00:10:05Absolutely positive.

00:10:06Thank you for being so kind.

00:10:07Oh, nonsense, dear.

00:10:08Well, I shall telephone in the morning and see if you've had a relapse.

00:10:11I shall disappoint you.

00:10:13Good night.

00:10:14Good night.

00:10:15Oh, give my love to Fred and the children.

00:10:27Is that you, Laura?

00:10:30Yes, dear.

00:10:31Thank goodness you've come back.

00:10:32The place has been in an uproar.

00:10:34Why, what's the matter?

00:10:35Bobby and Margaret have been fighting again.

00:10:37They won't get to sleep until you go in and talk to them about it.

00:10:39Mummy?

00:10:40Is that you, Mummy?

00:10:41Yes, Margaret.

00:10:42Come upstairs at once, Mummy.

00:10:44I want to talk to you.

00:10:52You're both very naughty.

00:10:53You should have been asleep hours ago.

00:10:55Now, what is it, you two?

00:10:56Well, Mummy, tomorrow's my birthday, and I want to go to the circus.

00:11:01And tomorrow's not Margaret's birthday, and she wants to go to the pantomime.

00:11:05My birthday's in June, and there aren't any pantomimes in June.

00:11:08It's far too late to discuss it tonight, and if you don't go to sleep at once,

00:11:11I shall tell Daddy not to let you go to either.

00:11:14Oh, Mummy!

00:11:15Well, why not take them to both?

00:11:17One in the afternoon, one in the evening.

00:11:18You know, that's impossible.

00:11:20You shouldn't get them to bed till all hours, and they'd be tired and fractious.

00:11:23Well, then, one on one day, and the other on the other.

00:11:26You're always accusing me of spoiling the children.

00:11:29Their characters would be ruined in a fortnight if I left them to your over tender mercies.

00:11:32All right, have it your own way.

00:11:35Syracuse or pantomime?

00:11:37Neither.

00:11:38We'll thrash them both soundly, lock them up in the attic, and go to the pictures by ourselves.

00:11:43Oh, Fred.

00:11:44What would a nurse the matter?

00:11:45Nothing, really.

00:11:46It's nothing.

00:11:47Darling, what's wrong?

00:11:48Tell me, please.

00:11:49Really and truly, it's nothing.

00:11:50I'm just a little run down, that's all.

00:11:51I had a sort of fainting spell at the refreshment room at Milford.

00:11:53Wasn't it idiotic?

00:11:54Darling, Messeter was with me, and she talked and talked and talked till I wanted to strangle her.

00:11:58Still, she meant to be kind.

00:11:59Isn't it awful about people meaning to be kind?

00:12:00Would you like to go to bed?

00:12:01No, Fred, really.

00:12:02Come and sit by the fire and the library and relax.

00:12:03You can help me with the times crossword.

00:12:05You have the most peculiar eyes.

00:12:06I have my own own ideas.

00:12:07I have my own ideas, don't you know?

00:12:08OK.

00:12:09I don't know, but you're afraid of my own ideas.

00:12:10But I'm afraid of your own ideas.

00:12:11I've never been worried about it.

00:12:12Oh.

00:12:13Great.

00:12:14They're just a little run down, that's all.

00:12:15And I heard a sort of fainting spell at the refreshment room at Milford.

00:12:18I wasn't this idiotic.

00:12:19I was with me, and she talked and talked and talked until I wanted to strangle her.

00:12:21Come and sit by the fire in the library and relax.

00:12:24You can help me with the Times crossword.

00:12:26You have the most peculiar ideas of relaxation.

00:12:30That's better.

00:12:31There you are, darling.

00:12:35But why a fainting spell? I can't understand it.

00:12:37Don't be silly, darling. I've often had fainting spells, and you know it.

00:12:41Don't you remember Bobby's school concert and Eileen's wedding?

00:12:44And that time you insisted on taking me to that symphony concert at the town hall.

00:12:47Go on. That was a nosebleed.

00:12:49I suppose I must be that type of woman. It's very humiliating.

00:12:53I still maintain there'd be no harm in you seeing Dr. Graves.

00:12:56It'd be a waste of time.

00:12:58Oh, listen, I...

00:12:59Oh, but do shut up about it, darling. You're making a fuss about nothing.

00:13:02I've been shopping, and I was tired, and the refreshment room was very hot,

00:13:04and I suddenly felt sick. Nothing more than that.

00:13:08All right.

00:13:09Really nothing more than that.

00:13:10Now, you get on with your old puzzle and leave me in peace.

00:13:13Have it your own way.

00:13:17You're a poetry addict. See if you can help me over this.

00:13:19It's Keats.

00:13:20When I behold upon the night-starred face

00:13:22huge cloudy symbols of a high...

00:13:24something in seven letters.

00:13:27Romance, I think.

00:13:28I'm almost sure it is.

00:13:31Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance.

00:13:33It'll be in the Oxford Book of English first.

00:13:35That's right, I'm sure,

00:13:36because it fits in with delirium and Baluchastan.

00:13:43Would some music throw you off your stride?

00:13:45No, dear, I like it.

00:14:15Thanks for watching.

00:14:16It'll go.

00:14:16Thanks for watching.

00:14:17It's a magic theory of how it can be a genius.

00:14:18As you know, while I use it, I think you must be...

00:14:19did not feel poverty in one body.

00:14:20And I hope you saw one day with day-to-day books.

00:14:21It's good for it.

00:14:21Big Wonowing father.

00:14:23It's good for every fantasy franchise.

00:14:24May I include a fairy tale franchise.

00:14:25Got you through these poems,

00:14:26you'll untimely,

00:14:28school-to-day books,

00:14:32you'll probably travel the same road on your own way.

00:14:34But some money,

00:14:34I prefer for everything we want to goет.

00:14:36And in the picture as you too.

00:14:37You'll come into all...

00:14:38There's no Enterprise Jeans.

00:14:39Fred, Fred, dear Fred, there's so much that I want to say to you.

00:14:59You're the only one in the world with enough wisdom and gentleness to understand.

00:15:04If only it were somebody else's story and not mine.

00:15:07As it is, you're the only one in the world that I can never tell.

00:15:13Never, never.

00:15:15Because even if I waited until we were old, old people and told you then,

00:15:20you'd be bound to look back over the years and be hurt.

00:15:24And don't worry, dear, I don't want you to be hurt.

00:15:27You see, we're a happily married couple and must never forget that.

00:15:35This is my home.

00:15:37You're my husband.

00:15:39And my children are upstairs in bed.

00:15:43I'm a happily married woman.

00:15:46Or rather, I was until a few weeks ago.

00:15:50This is my whole world.

00:15:52And it's enough.

00:15:54Or rather, it was until a few weeks ago.

00:15:57But, oh, Fred, I've been so foolish.

00:16:03I've fallen in love.

00:16:05I'm an ordinary woman.

00:16:08I didn't think such violent things could happen to ordinary people.

00:16:11It all started on an ordinary day in the most ordinary place in the world,

00:16:19the refreshment room at Milford Junction.

00:16:21I was having a cup of tea and reading a book that I'd got that morning from Boots.

00:16:28My train wasn't due for ten minutes.

00:16:31I looked up and saw a man come in from the platform.

00:16:35He had on an ordinary Mac.

00:16:36His hat was turned down and I didn't even see his face.

00:16:40He got his tea at the counter and turned.

00:16:42Then I did see his face.

00:16:44It was rather a nice face.

00:16:45Is that your sugar?

00:16:46A spoon.

00:16:46Yeah.

00:16:47He passed my table on the way to his.

00:16:49You're neglecting your duties.

00:16:51The woman at the counter was going on as usual.

00:16:53You know, I told you about her the other day.

00:16:55The one with the refined voice.

00:16:57Minnie hasn't touched her milk.

00:16:59Did you put it down for her?

00:17:00Yes, but she never came for it.

00:17:02Fond of animals?

00:17:04In their place.

00:17:05My landlady's got a positive mania for animals.

00:17:07She's got two cats, one manx, one ordinary, three rabbits and huts in the kitchen.

00:17:12They belong to our little boy by rights.

00:17:13And one of those daft-looking dogs with hair over its eyes.

00:17:16I don't know to what breed you refer.

00:17:19I don't think it knows itself.

00:17:22Go and clean off number three, Beryl.

00:17:24I can see the crumbs on it from here.

00:17:25What about my other cup?

00:17:27I'll have to be moving.

00:17:28The 5.40 being in a minute.

00:17:30Who's on the gate?

00:17:31Young William.

00:17:34Oh, please, could you give me a glass of water?

00:18:00I've got something in my eye and I want to bathe it.

00:18:02Would you like me to have a look?

00:18:06Oh, no, don't trouble.

00:18:06I expect the water will do.

00:18:08A bit of cold dust, I expect.

00:18:10A man I knew lost the sight of one eye through getting a bit of grit in it.

00:18:13Nasty.

00:18:14Very nasty.

00:18:15Better?

00:18:15I'm afraid not.

00:18:16Ooh.

00:18:17Can I help you?

00:18:18Oh, no, please.

00:18:19It says something in my eye.

00:18:20Try pulling your eyelid down as far as it'll go.

00:18:23And then blowing your nose.

00:18:25Please let me look.

00:18:25I happen to be a doctor.

00:18:26That's very kind of you.

00:18:27Look.

00:18:28Turn around the light, please.

00:18:30Now, look up.

00:18:32Now, look down.

00:18:37Keep still.

00:18:38I see it.

00:18:42There.

00:18:43Oh, what a relief.

00:18:44It was agonizing.

00:18:45Looks like a bit of grit.

00:18:46It was when the express went through.

00:18:47Thank you very much, indeed.

00:18:48There we go.

00:18:49On was run.

00:18:49I like it for me.

00:18:50You happened to be here.

00:18:51Anybody could have done it.

00:18:52Never mind, you did, and I'm most grateful.

00:18:53There's my train.

00:18:54I must go.

00:18:54Goodbye.

00:18:55Goodbye.

00:18:55That's how it all began.

00:19:03Just through me getting a little piece of grit in my eye.

00:19:07I completely forgot the whole incident.

00:19:09It didn't mean anything to me at all.

00:19:12At least I didn't think it did.

00:19:13The next Thursday, I went into Milford again, as usual.

00:19:22I changed my book at Boots.

00:19:35Miss Lewis had at last managed to get the new Kate O'Brien for me.

00:19:38I believe she'd kept it hidden under the counter for two days.

00:19:41On the way out, I bought two new toothbrushes for the children.

00:19:44I like the smell of a chemist better than any other shop.

00:19:46It's such a mixture of nice things, herbs and scent and soap.

00:19:51That awful Mrs. Leftwich was at the other end of the counter

00:19:54wearing one of the silliest hats I've ever seen.

00:19:57Fortunately, she didn't look up,

00:19:58so I got out without her button-holing me.

00:20:01Just as I stepped out onto the pavement...

00:20:03Good morning.

00:20:04Oh, good morning.

00:20:05How's the eye?

00:20:06Perfectly all right.

00:20:07How kind it was of you to take so much trouble.

00:20:08Nothing at all.

00:20:10It's clearing up, I think.

00:20:11Yes, going to be nice.

00:20:13Well, I must be getting along to the hospital.

00:20:14And I must be getting along to the grocers.

00:20:16What exciting lives we lead, don't we?

00:20:18Goodbye.

00:20:21That evening, I had to run nearly all the way to the station.

00:20:24I'd been to the Palladium as usual,

00:20:25but it was a terribly long film, and I was afraid I'd be late.

00:20:29As I came up onto the platform,

00:20:31the churly train was just puffing out.

00:20:34I looked up idly as the windows of the carriages went by,

00:20:37wondering if he was there.

00:20:39I remember this crossing my mind, but it was quite unimportant.

00:20:42I was really thinking of other things.

00:20:43The present for your birthday was worrying me, rather.

00:20:47It was terribly expensive, but I knew you wanted it.

00:20:50And I'd sort of half taken the plunge

00:20:52and left a deposit on it at Spink and Robson's until the next Thursday.

00:20:56The next Thursday.

00:20:59Well, I squared my conscience by thinking how pleased you'd be and bought it.

00:21:03Yes, I'll have it.

00:21:04Thank you, madam.

00:21:05It was wildly extravagant, I know, but having committed the crime,

00:21:08I suddenly felt reckless and gay.

00:21:11The sun was out, and everybody in the street looked more cheerful than usual.

00:21:15And there was a barrel organ at the corner by Harris's,

00:21:18and you know how I love barrel organs.

00:21:20It was playing, let the great big world keep turning.

00:21:23And I gave the man sixpence and went to the cardoma for lunch.

00:21:27It was very full, but two people had got up from the table just as I'd come in.

00:21:31That was a bit of luck, wasn't it?

00:21:34Oh, was it?

00:21:35Just after I'd given my order, I saw him come in.

00:21:38He looked a little tired, I thought,

00:21:40and there was nowhere for him to sit,

00:21:42so I smiled and said,

00:21:43Good morning.

00:21:45Oh, good morning.

00:21:46Are you all alone?

00:21:47Yes, I am.

00:21:48Would you mind if I showed you a table?

00:21:49It's very full, but it doesn't seem to be anywhere else.

00:21:51No, of course not.

00:21:56I'm afraid we haven't been introduced properly.

00:21:58My name's Alec Harvey.

00:21:59How do you do?

00:22:00Mine's Laura Jessen.

00:22:02Mrs or Miss?

00:22:03Mrs.

00:22:04You're a doctor, aren't you?

00:22:05I remember you said so that day in the refreshment.

00:22:07Yes.

00:22:07Not a very interesting one, just an ordinary GP.

00:22:10My practice is in Chirley.

00:22:11Yes, sir.

00:22:12What did you plump for?

00:22:13Yes, sir.

00:22:14Um, the soup and fried soap.

00:22:17Yes, I'll have the same.

00:22:18Anything to drink?

00:22:19No, thank you.

00:22:20That is, would you like anything to drink?

00:22:22No, thank you.

00:22:23Just plain water, please.

00:22:24Plain water, please.

00:22:24Yes, sir.

00:22:30Oh, dear, it really is dreadful, isn't it?

00:22:46But we oughtn't to laugh, they might see.

00:22:48There should be a society for the prevention of cruelty to musical instruments.

00:22:51You don't play the piano, I hope.

00:22:53I was forced to as a child.

00:22:54You haven't kept it up?

00:22:55No.

00:22:56My husband isn't musical at all.

00:22:57Good for him.

00:22:58Well, for all you know, I might have a tremendous burning professional talent.

00:23:01Oh, dear, no.

00:23:02Why are you so sure?

00:23:04You're too sane and uncomplicated.

00:23:07I suppose it's a good thing to be uncomplicated, but it does sound a little dull.

00:23:10You can never be dull.

00:23:13Do you come here every Thursday?

00:23:15Yes, to spend a day at the hospital.

00:23:17Stephen Lynn, the chief physician here, graduated with me.

00:23:20I take over from him once a week.

00:23:22Gives him a chance to go up to London.

00:23:23Gives me a chance to study the hospital patients.

00:23:25I see.

00:23:26Do you?

00:23:27Do I what?

00:23:29Come here every Thursday.

00:23:30Oh, yes, I do the week shopping.

00:23:33Change my library book, have lunch, and generally go to the pictures.

00:23:37Not a very exciting routine, but it makes a change.

00:23:41Are you going to the pictures this afternoon?

00:23:43Yes.

00:23:44Hmm.

00:23:45Extraordinary.

00:23:46So am I.

00:23:48I thought you had to spend all day at the hospital.

00:23:50Well, between ourselves, I killed two patients by accident this morning.

00:23:53The matron is very displeased with me.

00:23:55I simply didn't go back.

00:23:57Can you be so silly?

00:23:59But seriously, I really did get through most of my work this morning.

00:24:01Won't matter at all if I played truant.

00:24:03Would you mind, very much, if I came to the pictures with you?

00:24:06Well, I could sit downstairs.

00:24:08You could sit upstairs.

00:24:09Upstairs is too expensive.

00:24:13The orchestra stopped.

00:24:14The orchestra stopped as abruptly as it had started.

00:24:16And we began to laugh again.

00:24:18I had no premonitions.

00:24:19So I suppose I should have had.

00:24:21It all seemed so natural and so innocent.

00:24:24We finished lunch.

00:24:25And that idiot of a waitress had put the bill all on one.

00:24:27I really must insist.

00:24:29I couldn't possibly.

00:24:30Having forced my company on you, it's only fair that I should pay through the nose for it.

00:24:33Oh, please don't insist.

00:24:34I should so much rather have we halved it.

00:24:35I would really please.

00:24:37I shall give in gracefully.

00:24:38We halved it meticulously.

00:24:41We even halved the tip.

00:24:54We have two choices.

00:24:58The loves of Cardinal Richelieu at the palace or love in the mist at the palladium.

00:25:01You're very knowledgeable.

00:25:02And there must be no argument about buying the tickets.

00:25:04We each pay for ourselves.

00:25:05You must think me a very poor doctor if I can't afford a couple of one and nine minutes.

00:25:08I insist.

00:25:09I had hoped you were going to treat me.

00:25:10Which is it to be, palace or palladium?

00:25:12Palladium.

00:25:13I was once very sick on a channel steamer called Cardinal Richelieu.

00:25:43I feel awfully grand perched up here.

00:26:02It was very extravagant of you.

00:26:03It was a famous victory.

00:26:05Do you feel guilty at all?

00:26:06I do.

00:26:06Guilty.

00:26:07You ought to more than me, really.

00:26:08You neglected your work this afternoon.

00:26:09I worked this morning.

00:26:10A little relaxation never did harm to anyone.

00:26:13Why should either of us feel guilty?

00:26:15I don't know.

00:26:16How awfully nice you are.

00:26:32It can't be.

00:26:35It is.

00:26:40We walked back to the station together.

00:26:43Just as we reached the gates, he put his hand under my arm.

00:26:46I didn't notice it then, but I remember it now.

00:26:50What's she like, your wife?

00:26:51Madeleine?

00:26:53Small, dark, rather delicate.

00:26:56How funny.

00:26:57I should have thought she would have been fair.

00:26:58And your husband, what's he like?

00:27:00Medium height, brown hair, kindly, unemotional, and not delicate at all.

00:27:05You said that proudly.

00:27:06Did I?

00:27:07Even.

00:27:08Even.

00:27:09We've just got time for a cup of tea before our trains go.

00:27:12And for the third time in one week, he brought that common man and his wife to the house without so much as a buy or leave.

00:27:18Two teas, please.

00:27:19Cake or pastry?

00:27:21Cake or pastry?

00:27:22No, thank you.

00:27:23Are those bath buns first?

00:27:24Certainly.

00:27:25They are made this morning.

00:27:26Two, please.

00:27:29That'll be seven pence.

00:27:31Take the tea to the table, Barry.

00:27:34I'll carry the buns.

00:27:40You must eat one of these fresh this morning.

00:27:43Very fattening.

00:27:43I don't hold to such foolishness.

00:27:45They do look good, I must say.

00:27:46One of my earliest passions in life.

00:27:48I've never outgrown it.

00:27:49What happened then, Mrs. Baggett?

00:27:51Well, well, it's all very fine, I said, expecting me to do this, that, and the other, but what do I get out of it?

00:27:57You can't expect me to be a cook, housekeeper, and chire rolled into one during the day, and a loving wife in the evening just because you feel like it.

00:28:04Oh, dear me, no.

00:28:06There are just as good fish in the sea, I said, as ever came out of it.

00:28:09And I blacked my boxes then and there and left him.

00:28:12Didn't you never go back?

00:28:13Never.

00:28:15I went to my sister's place at Folkestone for a bit.

00:28:17Then I went in with a friend of mine, and we opened a tea shop in Hath.

00:28:21What happened to him?

00:28:22Dead as a doornail inside three years.

00:28:25Well, I never.

00:28:25Is tea bad for one?

00:28:29Worse than coffee, I mean.

00:28:31If this is a professional interview, my fees are guinea.

00:28:34Why did you become a doctor?

00:28:35Oh, that's a long story.

00:28:37Perhaps because I'm a bit of an idealist.

00:28:39I think all doctors ought to have ideals, really.

00:28:42Otherwise, their work would be unbearable.

00:28:43Surely you're not encouraging me to talk shop.

00:28:45Why shouldn't you talk shop?

00:28:46It's what interests you most, isn't it?

00:28:47Yes, it is.

00:28:49I'm terribly ambitious, really.

00:28:51Not ambitious for myself, so much as for my special pigeon.

00:28:54What is your special pigeon?

00:28:55Preventive medicine.

00:28:57I see.

00:28:58I'm afraid you don't.

00:28:59I was trying to be intelligent.

00:29:01Most good doctors, especially when they're young, have private dreams.

00:29:05That's the best part of them.

00:29:07Sometimes, though, those get over-professionalized and strangulated.

00:29:09Am I boring you?

00:29:10No.

00:29:10I don't quite understand, but you're not boring.

00:29:13What I mean is this.

00:29:14All good doctors must primarily be enthusiasts.

00:29:18They must, like writers and painters and priests, they must have a sense of vocation.

00:29:23A deep-rooted, unsentimental desire to do good.

00:29:26Yes, I see that.

00:29:27Well, obviously, one way of preventing disease is worth 50 ways of curing it.

00:29:30That's where my ideal comes in.

00:29:32Preventive medicine isn't anything to do with medicine at all, really.

00:29:34It's concerned with conditions.

00:29:36Living conditions and hygiene and common sense.

00:29:39For instance, my speciality is pneumoconiosis.

00:29:41Oh, dear.

00:29:43Don't be alarmed.

00:29:44It's simpler than it sounds.

00:29:46It's nothing but a slow process of fibrosis of the lung

00:29:48due to the inhalation of particles of dust.

00:29:51In the hospital here, there are splendid opportunities

00:29:53for observing cures and making notes because of the coal mines.

00:29:55You suddenly look much younger.

00:29:58Do I?

00:29:59Almost like a little boy.

00:30:02What made you say that?

00:30:04I don't know.

00:30:06Yes, I do.

00:30:08Tell me.

00:30:11No, I couldn't really.

00:30:12You were saying about the coal mines.

00:30:15Oh, yes.

00:30:16The inhalation of coal dust.

00:30:20That's one specific form of the diseases.

00:30:22It's called anthracosis.

00:30:25What are the others?

00:30:28Charlicosis.

00:30:29That comes from metal dust.

00:30:32Steelworks, you know.

00:30:34Yes, of course, steelworks.

00:30:37And silicosis.

00:30:39That's stone dust.

00:30:42Gold mines.

00:30:44I see.

00:30:48There's your train.

00:30:49Yes.

00:30:50You mustn't miss it.

00:30:51No.

00:30:53What's the matter?

00:30:54Nothing.

00:30:54Nothing at all, really.

00:30:57It's been so very nice.

00:30:58I've enjoyed my afternoon enormously.

00:31:00I'm so glad.

00:31:00So have I.

00:31:01I apologize for boring you with long medical words.

00:31:03I feel dull and stupid not to be able to understand more.

00:31:07Shall I see you again?

00:31:09It's the other platform, isn't it?

00:31:10You'll have to run.

00:31:11Don't bother about me.

00:31:12Mine's not due for a few minutes.

00:31:13Can I see you again?

00:31:15Yes, of course.

00:31:16Perhaps we'll come out to Ketchworth one Sunday.

00:31:17It's rather fun, I know, but we should be delighted.

00:31:19Please, please.

00:31:21What is it?

00:31:21Next Thursday, the same time.

00:31:24I couldn't possibly...

00:31:26Please.

00:31:27I ask you most humbly.

00:31:30You'll miss your train.

00:31:32All right.

00:31:33Run.

00:31:35Goodbye.

00:31:35I'll be there.

00:31:37Thank you, my dear.

00:32:03I stood there and watched his train draw out of the station.

00:32:12I stared after it until its tail light had vanished into the darkness.

00:32:20I imagined him getting out at Churley, giving up his ticket,

00:32:25walking back through the streets,

00:32:28letting himself into his house with his latchkey.

00:32:30His wife, Madeleine,

00:32:36would probably be in the hall to meet him.

00:32:39Or perhaps upstairs in her room,

00:32:42not feeling very well.

00:32:44Small, dark, and rather delicate.

00:32:48I wondered if he'd say,

00:32:50I met such a nice woman at the Cardoma.

00:32:53We had lunch and went to the pictures.

00:32:57And then suddenly I knew that he wouldn't.

00:32:59I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that he wouldn't say a word.

00:33:03And at that moment,

00:33:03the first awful feeling of danger swept over me.

00:33:06I got into the first compartment I saw.

00:33:17I wanted to get home as quickly as possible.

00:33:20I looked hurriedly around the carriage to see if anyone was looking at me,

00:33:24as if they could read my secret thoughts.

00:33:26No one was, except a clergyman in the opposite corner.

00:33:30I felt myself blushing,

00:33:32and opened my library book and pretended to read.

00:33:38By the time I'd got to Ketchworth,

00:33:39I'd made up my mind definitely that I wasn't going to see Alec anymore.

00:33:42Good evening, Mrs. Jessen.

00:33:43The silly and undignified flirting like that was a complete stranger.

00:33:47Oh, good evening.

00:33:48I walked up to the house quite briskly and cheerfully.

00:33:52I'd been behaving like an idiot, admittedly,

00:33:53but after all, no harm had been done.

00:33:58You met me in the hall.

00:33:59Your face was strained and worried, and my heart sank.

00:34:02Fred, what's the matter?

00:34:04It's all right, old girl,

00:34:05but you must keep calm and not be upset.

00:34:07Oh, what is it? What's wrong?

00:34:07It's Bobby.

00:34:08He was knocked down by a car on the way home from school.

00:34:10Now, it's not serious.

00:34:11He was just grazed by the mudguard,

00:34:13but it knocked him against the curb,

00:34:14and he's got slight concussion.

00:34:15The doctor's upstairs with him now.

00:34:23It's all right, Mrs. Jessen.

00:34:25Nothing to worry about.

00:34:26He'll be as right as rain in a few hours.

00:34:30You're sure?

00:34:31You're sure it's not serious?

00:34:33Quite sure,

00:34:34but it was certainly a very lucky escape.

00:34:36I've given him a little sedative,

00:34:38and I should advise keeping him at home for a couple of days.

00:34:41It must have been a bit of a shock,

00:34:42and his right arm...

00:34:43I felt so dreadful, Fred,

00:34:44looking at him lying there with that bandage around his head.

00:34:47I tried not to show it,

00:34:48but I was quite hysterical inside,

00:34:50as though the whole thing were my fault,

00:34:52a sort of punishment,

00:34:55an awful, sinister warning.

00:34:58An hour or two later, of course,

00:34:59everything became quite normal again.

00:35:01He began to enjoy the whole thing thoroughly,

00:35:03and reveled in the fact that he was the centre of attraction.

00:35:05Oh, God.

00:35:07Do you remember how he spent the whole evening planning his future?

00:35:13But he's much too young to decide, really.

00:35:15Good life.

00:35:16The boy has a feeling for it.

00:35:17Well, how can we possibly really know if he has a feeling for it?

00:35:20He'll probably want to be an engine driver next week.

00:35:22No, it was last week he wanted to be an engine driver.

00:35:24It seems so final, somehow,

00:35:26entering a child of that age for the Navy.

00:35:29It's a healthy life.

00:35:30Well, I know it's a good life,

00:35:31and I know it's a healthy life.

00:35:33And I know he'll be able to see the world,

00:35:34and have a wife in every port,

00:35:36and keep on calling everybody sir,

00:35:37but what about us?

00:35:39What do you mean, what about us?

00:35:40We shall hardly ever see him.

00:35:42Oh, nonsense.

00:35:43It isn't nonsense.

00:35:44He'll be sent away to sea as a smooth-faced boy,

00:35:47and the next thing we know,

00:35:48he'll come walking in with a long beard and a parrot.

00:35:50I think you take rather a Victorian view of the Navy, my dear.

00:35:55He's our only son,

00:35:56and I should like to be there while he's growing up.

00:35:58All right, old girl.

00:35:59Then we'll put him into an office,

00:36:00and you can see him off on the 8.50 every morning.

00:36:04You really are very annoying.

00:36:05You know perfectly well I should hate them.

00:36:06All right, have it your own way.

00:36:12Fred.

00:36:13Hmm?

00:36:16I had lunch with a strange man today,

00:36:18and he took me to the movies.

00:36:19Good for you.

00:36:20He's awfully nice.

00:36:22He's a doctor.

00:36:24A very noble profession.

00:36:28Oh, dear.

00:36:30It was Richard III who said,

00:36:32My kingdom for a horse, wasn't it?

00:36:34Yes, darling.

00:36:35Yes, well, I wish to goodness he hadn't,

00:36:37because it spoils everything.

00:36:39I thought perhaps we might ask him to dinner one night.

00:36:42By all means.

00:36:45Who?

00:36:47Dr. Harvey, the one I was telling you about.

00:36:49Must it be dinner?

00:36:52Well, you're never at home for lunch.

00:36:53Exactly.

00:36:56Oh, Fred.

00:36:59Now, what on earth's the matter?

00:37:00It's nothing.

00:37:03It's only...

00:37:04Oh, Fred.

00:37:06Well, I really don't see what's so frightfully funny.

00:37:09Oh, I do.

00:37:10It's all right, darling.

00:37:11I'm not laughing at you.

00:37:11I'm laughing at me.

00:37:13I'm the one that's funny.

00:37:14I'm an absolute idiot.

00:37:16Worrying myself about things that don't exist

00:37:18and making mountains out of molehills.

00:37:21I told you when you came in that it was nothing serious.

00:37:24There was nothing to get into such a state about.

00:37:26I do see that now.

00:37:27I really do.

00:37:27When Thursday came, I went to meet Alec more as a matter of politeness than for any other reason.

00:37:43It didn't seem of any importance, but after all, I had promised.

00:37:48I managed to get the same table.

00:37:50I waited a bit, but it didn't come.

00:37:53The ladies' orchestra was playing away as usual.

00:37:57I looked at the cellist.

00:37:59She'd seemed to be so funny last week.

00:38:01Today, she didn't seem funny anymore.

00:38:04She looked pathetic, poor thing.

00:38:07After lunch, I happened to pass by the hospital.

00:38:12I remember looking up at the windows and wondering if he were there

00:38:14or whether something awful had happened to prevent him turning up.

00:38:18I got to the station earlier than usual.

00:38:20I hadn't enjoyed the pictures much.

00:38:22It was one of those noisy musical things, and I'm so sick of them.

00:38:25I'd come out before it was over.

00:38:28As I took my tea to the table,

00:38:29I suddenly wondered if I'd made a mistake.

00:38:32And he'd meant me to meet him there.

00:38:33Oh, with God be, how dare you!

00:38:52I couldn't resist it.

00:38:52I'll trouble you to keep your hands to yourself.

00:38:54Oh, you're blushing.

00:38:56Oh, you look wonderful when you're angry.

00:38:57Just like an avenging angel.

00:38:59I'll give you avenging angel, coming in here taking liberties.

00:39:02I thought I was what you said last Monday.

00:39:03You wouldn't object to a friendly little slap.

00:39:05Have you mind about last Monday?

00:39:07I'm on duty now.

00:39:08Oh, nice thing if Mr. Saunders had happened to be looking through the window.

00:39:11Well, if Mr. Saunders is in the habit of looking through the windows,

00:39:13it's about time he saw something worth looking at.

00:39:15You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

00:39:17Oh, it's high spirits. Don't be mad at me.

00:39:19High spirits, indeed.

00:39:21Take it to him. Be quiet.

00:39:22It's all your fault, really.

00:39:24I don't know to what you're referring.

00:39:26I was thinking of, um, tonight.

00:39:28If you don't learn to behave yourself,

00:39:30they won't be here tonight, or any other night, either.

00:39:32Give us a kiss.

00:39:33I'll do no such thing. The lady might see us.

00:39:35Come on, a quick one across the bar.

00:39:36Albert, stop it.

00:39:37Come on, there's a love.

00:39:38Let go of me this minute, Albert.

00:39:40Now, look at me Banbury's all over the floor.

00:39:44Just in time, or born in the vestry?

00:39:47You shut your mouth.

00:39:48Let Mr. Godby pick up them cakes.

00:39:51Come along, now.

00:39:52What are you standing there gaping at?

00:39:57As I left the refreshment room, I saw a train coming in.

00:40:16His train.

00:40:18He wasn't on the platform,

00:40:20and I suddenly felt panic-stricken

00:40:21at the thought of not seeing him again.

00:40:27Oh, dear, I'm so sorry.

00:40:32I'm so hysterical, sir.

00:40:32I know we're letting you in.

00:40:33You're not sure you're missing?

00:40:34The house surgeon had to walk, please, sir.

00:40:36I can't help, but I thought they might shout your name out of the bar.

00:40:47Please, don't let him.

00:40:47I'm really sorry.

00:40:52Quickly, quickly, the whistle's gone.

00:40:57I'm so glad I had a chance to explain.

00:41:02I didn't think I'd see you again.

00:41:03How absurd.

00:41:04I mean, quickly, quickly.

00:41:07Next Thursday.

00:41:08Yes, next Thursday.

00:41:09Goodbye.

00:41:10Goodbye.

00:41:11Thursday.

00:41:12Goodbye.

00:41:14The train for Ketchworth

00:41:16is about to leave from platform three.

00:41:27The stars can change in their courses.

00:41:32The universe go up in flames

00:41:34and the world crash around us,

00:41:35but there'll always be Donald Duck.

00:41:36I do love him so.

00:41:37His dreadful energy

00:41:38and his blind, frustrated, raging.

00:41:41It's the big picture now.

00:41:43Here we go.

00:41:43No more laughter.

00:41:44Prepare for tears.

00:41:50It was a terribly bad picture.

00:41:52We crept out before the end,

00:41:54rather furtively,

00:41:56as though we were committing a crime.

00:41:58The usherette at the door

00:41:59looked at us with stony contempt.

00:42:02It was a lovely afternoon

00:42:03and it was a relief to be in the fresh air.

00:42:06We decided we'd go to the botanical gardens.

00:42:09Do you know,

00:42:09I believe we should all behave quite differently

00:42:12if we lived in a warm, sunny climate all the time.

00:42:14We shouldn't be so withdrawn

00:42:16and shy and difficult.

00:42:17Oh, Fred, it really was a lovely afternoon.

00:42:20There were some little boys sailing their boats.

00:42:23One of them looked awfully like Bobby.

00:42:25That should have given me a pang of conscience.

00:42:26I know, but it didn't.

00:42:28I was enjoying myself,

00:42:30enjoying every single minute.

00:42:32Alec suddenly said

00:42:33that he was sick of staring at the water

00:42:34and that he wanted to be on it.

00:42:37All the boats were covered up,

00:42:39but we managed to persuade the old man

00:42:40to let us have one.

00:42:42He thought we were a raving man.

00:42:45Perhaps he was right.

00:42:47Alec rode off at a great rate

00:42:48and I trailed my hand in the water.

00:42:51It was very cold,

00:42:52but a lovely feeling.

00:42:59You don't row very well, do you?

00:43:02I'm going to be perfectly honest with you.

00:43:03I don't row at all.

00:43:05And unless you want to go round and round

00:43:06in ever-narrowing circles,

00:43:08you'd better start steering.

00:43:11Oh, we had such fun, Fred.

00:43:13And I felt gay and happy

00:43:15and sort of released.

00:43:17That's what's so shameful about it all.

00:43:20That's what would hurt you so much

00:43:21if you knew.

00:43:23That I could feel as intensely as that

00:43:25away from you

00:43:26with a stranger.

00:43:28Oh, look out!

00:43:32We can't get through.

00:43:33Pull on your left!

00:43:39Oh, dear.

00:43:41I never could tell left from right.

00:43:43I'm most awfully sorry.

00:43:44You know, the British have always been nice

00:44:09to mad people.

00:44:11That boatman thinks we're quite dotty.

00:44:12Look how sweet he's been.

00:44:15Tea, milk, even sugar.

00:44:38You know what's happened, don't you?

00:44:42Yes.

00:44:45Yes, I do.

00:44:48I've fallen in love with you.

00:44:52Yes, I know.

00:44:58Tell me honestly.

00:44:59Please tell me honestly

00:45:00if what I believe is true.

00:45:03What do you believe?

00:45:05That it's the same with you.

00:45:07That you've fallen in love too.

00:45:08It sounds so silly.

00:45:12Why?

00:45:13I know you're so little.

00:45:14It is true, though, isn't it?

00:45:18Yes, it's true.

00:45:19Laura.

00:45:20No, please.

00:45:21We must be sensible.

00:45:22Please help me to be sensible.

00:45:23We mustn't behave like this.

00:45:25We must forget that we've said what we've said.

00:45:27Not yet.

00:45:28Not quite yet.

00:45:28But we must, don't you see?

00:45:29Listen, it's too late now to be as sensible as all that.

00:45:37It's too late to forget what we've said.

00:45:39And anyway, whether we'd said it or not

00:45:40couldn't have mattered.

00:45:42We know.

00:45:43We've both of us known for a long time.

00:45:46How can you say that?

00:45:48I've only known you for four weeks.

00:45:50We only talked for the first time last Thursday week.

00:45:53Last Thursday week.

00:45:56Has it been a long time for you since then?

00:45:58Answer me truly.

00:46:00Yes.

00:46:02How often did you decide that you were never going to see me again?

00:46:06Several times a day.

00:46:07Several times.

00:46:07I love you.

00:46:10I love your wide eyes.

00:46:12The way you smile.

00:46:14And your shyness.

00:46:17The way you laugh at my jokes.

00:46:18Please don't.

00:46:19I love you.

00:46:20I love you.

00:46:21You love me too.

00:46:23It's no use pretending it hasn't happened.

00:46:24Because it has.

00:46:26Yes, it has.

00:46:27I don't want to pretend anything either to you or to anyone else.

00:46:31But from now on, I shall have to.

00:46:33That's what's wrong, don't you see?

00:46:35That's what spoils everything.

00:46:36That's why we must stop here and now talking like this.

00:46:40When either of us free to love each other,

00:46:42there's too much in the way.

00:46:44There's still time.

00:46:47If we control ourselves,

00:46:48we behave like sensible human beings.

00:46:51There's still time.

00:46:56There's no time at all.

00:47:02There's your train.

00:47:03Yes.

00:47:05I'll come over to the platform with you.

00:47:07Oh, no, Alec, not here.

00:47:20Someone will see.

00:47:20Oh, no, Alec, not here.

00:47:30Someone will see.

00:47:31I'll love you so.

00:47:32You think we might have that down a bit, darling?

00:47:49Hi, Laura.

00:47:50Yes, dear.

00:47:53You were miles away.

00:47:57Was I?

00:47:57Yes, I suppose I was.

00:47:59Do you mind if we turn that down a little?

00:48:00It really is death.

00:48:02No, of course not.

00:48:12It shouldn't be long ever this, darling.

00:48:14Then we'll go up to bed.

00:48:16You look a bit tired, you know.

00:48:18Don't hurry.

00:48:18I'm perfectly happy.

00:48:19How can I possibly say that?

00:48:31Don't hurry.

00:48:32I'm perfectly happy.

00:48:35If only it were true.

00:48:37Not, I suppose, that anybody's ever perfectly happy, really.

00:48:40But just to be ordinarily contented, to be at peace.

00:48:46It's such a little while ago, really, but it seems an eternity since that train went out of the station,

00:48:52taking him away into the darkness.

00:48:55I was happy then.

00:48:57As I went back through the subway to my own platform, I was walking on air.

00:49:02And when I got under the train, I didn't even pretend to read.

00:49:06I didn't care whether people were looking at me or not.

00:49:08I had to think.

00:49:09I should have been utterly wretched and ashamed.

00:49:12I know I should, but I wasn't.

00:49:14I felt suddenly quite wildly happy.

00:49:16Like a romantic schoolgirl.

00:49:19Like a romantic fool.

00:49:21You see, he'd said he loved me.

00:49:25And I'd said I loved him.

00:49:27And it was true.

00:49:28It was true.

00:49:30I imagined him holding me in his arms.

00:49:33I imagined being with him in all sorts of glamorous circumstances.

00:49:36It was one of those absurd fantasies, just like one has when one is a girl, being wooed and married by the ideal of one's dreams.

00:49:43I stared out of that railway carriage window into the dark and watched the dim trees and the telegraph posts slipping by.

00:49:55And through them I saw Alec and me.

00:49:58And through them I saw Alec and me.

00:49:58Alec and me.

00:50:03Perhaps a little younger than we are now, but just as much in love and with nothing in the way.

00:50:08I saw us in Paris, in a box at the opera.

00:50:17The orchestra was tuning up.

00:50:23Then we were in Venice, drifting along the Grand Canal in a gondola with the sound of mandolins coming to us over the water.

00:50:30I saw us travelling far away together, all the places I've always longed to go.

00:50:38I saw us leaning on the rail of a ship, looking at the sea and the stars.

00:50:45Standing on a tropical beach in the moonlight with the palm trees sighing above us.

00:50:50Then the palm trees changed into those polluted willows by the canal just before the level crossing.

00:50:55And all the silly dreams disappeared.

00:51:00Then I got out at Ketchworth and gave up my ticket.

00:51:04And walked home as usual.

00:51:06Quite soberly and without wings.

00:51:08Without any wings at all.

00:51:11When I changed for dinner and was doing my face a bit, do you remember?

00:51:14I don't suppose you do, but I do.

00:51:16You see, you didn't know that that was the first time in our life together that I'd ever lied to you.

00:51:21It started then.

00:51:24The shame of the whole thing.

00:51:26The guiltiness.

00:51:27The fear.

00:51:29Good evening, Mrs. Jessen.

00:51:31Hello, dear.

00:51:33Had a good day?

00:51:34Yes, lovely.

00:51:37What'd you do?

00:51:38Well, I shopped and had lunch and went to the pictures.

00:51:41All by yourself?

00:51:42Yes.

00:51:44No, not exactly.

00:51:46What do you mean, not exactly?

00:51:48Well, I went to the pictures by myself, but I had lunch with Mary Norton.

00:51:52She couldn't come to the pictures with me because she had to go and see her in-laws.

00:51:55They lived just outside Milford, you know.

00:51:57So I walked with her to the bus and then came home on my own.

00:52:00Haven't seen Mary Norton for ages.

00:52:02How's she looking?

00:52:03Well, very well, really.

00:52:04A little fatter, I thought.

00:52:05Hurry up with all this beautifying.

00:52:07I want my dinner.

00:52:08You go on down.

00:52:09I won't be five minutes.

00:52:33Number, please.

00:52:34Petra 3-7, please.

00:52:36Petra 3-7, please.

00:52:44Hello.

00:52:45Hello.

00:52:46Is Mrs. Norton there, please?

00:52:47Yes.

00:52:47Will you hold on?

00:52:48Yes, I'll hold on.

00:52:52Hello.

00:52:53Hello.

00:52:53Is that you, Mary?

00:52:54Oh, Laura.

00:52:55I fancy hearing from you.

00:52:57I thought you were dead.

00:52:59No, I haven't seen you for ages.

00:53:01Listen, my dear.

00:53:03Will you be a saint and back me up in the most appalling domestic lie?

00:53:06As bad as all that.

00:53:07My life depends on it.

00:53:10Well, today I went into Milford as usual to do my shopping.

00:53:13With the special intention of buying a far too expensive present for Fred's birthday.

00:53:17Uh-huh.

00:53:18Well, Spink and Robson's hadn't got what I wanted,

00:53:20which was one of those clocks with barometers and everything in one.

00:53:23But they rang up their branch at Broadham and said there was one there.

00:53:26So I hopped on the one-thirty train and went to get it.

00:53:29Go on.

00:53:29Well, this is where the black lie comes in.

00:53:34Fred asked me if I'd had a good day.

00:53:36And I said yes.

00:53:37And that you and I had lunch together.

00:53:39And that you'd gone to see your in-laws and I'd gone to the pictures.

00:53:42So if you run into him, don't let me down, will you?

00:53:44Well, darling, of course not.

00:53:46I'll do as much for you, I promise.

00:53:48Well, let's really lunch one day.

00:53:50Yes, that'd be lovely.

00:53:52What about next Thursday?

00:53:53No, I can't on Thursday.

00:53:55That's my Milford day.

00:53:56What about Friday?

00:53:57Fine.

00:53:58Better make it here.

00:54:00All right, perfect.

00:54:01You know what my cook's like.

00:54:03You have to be early.

00:54:05Yes.

00:54:06All right.

00:54:06Good-bye.

00:54:07Good-bye.

00:54:23That week was misery.

00:54:26I went through it in a sort of trance.

00:54:31How odd of you not to have noticed that you were living with a stranger in the house.

00:54:34Thursday came at last.

00:54:40I'd arranged to meet Alec outside the hospital at 12.30.

00:54:43I thought you wouldn't come.

00:54:54I've been thinking all the week that you wouldn't come.

00:54:56I didn't mean to, really, but here I am.

00:55:06Do you know I hadn't been inside the Royal since Violet's wedding reception?

00:55:09It all seemed very grand.

00:55:11He actually ordered a bottle of champagne, and when I protested, he said that we were only middle-aged once.

00:55:16We were very gay during lunch and talked about quite ordinary things.

00:55:19Oh, Freddie really was charming.

00:55:21I know you'd have liked him if only things had been different.

00:55:25As we were going out, he said that he had a surprise for me, and that if I would wait in the lounge for five minutes, he'd show me what it was.

00:55:30He went out and down the steps at a run, more like an excited schoolboy than a respectable doctor.

00:55:37Suddenly, out of the dining room came Mary Norton and that rich, over-made-up cousin of hers.

00:55:42They must have been in the dining room all the time and seen Alec and me and the champagne and everything.

00:55:48Laura!

00:55:48So it was you, after all.

00:55:50Hermione said it was.

00:55:51How are you?

00:55:52Do you know how short-sighted I am?

00:55:53I peered and peered and still couldn't be sure.

00:55:55I never saw you at all.

00:55:56How awful, aren't me?

00:55:57I expected it was the champagne.

00:55:59I'm not used to champagne for lunch.

00:56:01Or for dinner either, for that matter, but Alec insisted.

00:56:03Alec?

00:56:04Alec who, dear?

00:56:05Alec Harvey, of course.

00:56:07Surely you remember the Harveys.

00:56:08I've known them for years.

00:56:09No, I don't think I've ever...

00:56:11Well, you'll be back in a minute.

00:56:12You'll probably recognize him when you peer very closely.

00:56:14He looks very charming and very attentive.

00:56:16Oh, he's a dear.

00:56:18One of the nicest people in the world and a wonderful doctor.

00:56:23Oh, Alec, you remember Mrs. Norton, don't you?

00:56:26I'm afraid I don't.

00:56:27It's no use, Laura.

00:56:28We've never seen each other before in our lives.

00:56:30I'm quite sure we haven't.

00:56:32How absurd.

00:56:32I made certain he and Madeleine were there when you dined with us just before Christmas last year.

00:56:36Alec, this is Mrs. Robinson.

00:56:38How do you do?

00:56:39Horrid weather, isn't it?

00:56:40Yes.

00:56:41Of course, one can't really expect spring at this time of the year, can one?

00:56:43No.

00:56:47Well, we must be going.

00:56:49I'm taking Hermione with me to see the in-laws as moral support.

00:56:52Goodbye, Dr. Harvey.

00:56:53Goodbye.

00:56:54Goodbye, my dear.

00:56:55I do so envy you, your champagne.

00:56:58Goodbye.

00:57:05That was awful.

00:57:06Never mind.

00:57:07They've been watching us all through lunch.

00:57:09Oh, dear.

00:57:10Forget it.

00:57:11Come out and look at the surprise.

00:57:14There at the foot of the steps was a little two-seater car.

00:57:17Alec had borrowed it from Stephen Lynn for the afternoon.

00:57:19I tried so hard to look pleased, but it wasn't any good.

00:57:24I kept thinking of those two, laughing and talking, laughing and talking about us, and I couldn't get them out of my mind.

00:57:31When we were out in the real country, I think it was a few miles beyond Brayfield.

00:57:37We stopped the car just outside a village and got out.

00:57:40There was a little bridge and a stream, and the sun was making an effort to come out, but really not succeeding very well.

00:57:45We leaned down the parapet of the bridge and looked down into the water.

00:57:50No, I shivered, and Alec put his arm around me.

00:57:53Cold?

00:57:54No, not really.

00:57:55Happy?

00:58:00No, not really.

00:58:03I know exactly what you're going to say.

00:58:06That it isn't worth it.

00:58:09That the furtiveness and lying outweigh the happiness we might have together.

00:58:14Isn't that it?

00:58:16Something like that.

00:58:20I want to ask you something, just to reassure myself.

00:58:25What is it?

00:58:28It is true for you, isn't it?

00:58:30This overwhelming feeling we have for each other.

00:58:32It's as true for you as it is for me, isn't it?

00:58:36Yes, it's true.

00:58:44You must have stayed on that bridge for a long time.

00:58:46Because when we got back to Stephen Lynn's garage, it was getting dark.

00:58:51I remember feeling as if I was on the edge of a precipice.

00:58:56I think Alec felt that, too.

00:58:58You see, we both knew how desperately we loved each other.

00:59:04Alec said that he had to leave the keys of the car in Stephen Lynn's flat,

00:59:08and suggested that I came up with him.

00:59:10I refused rather too vehemently.

00:59:12Alec reminded me that Stephen wasn't coming back till late,

00:59:14but I still refused.

00:59:26I'm going back.

00:59:27I'm going to miss my train.

00:59:30Back where?

00:59:30To Stephen's flat.

00:59:33Oh, Alec.

00:59:33I must go home now.

00:59:51I really must go home.

01:00:03A cup of tea, please.

01:00:25Good afternoon.

01:00:26Afternoon, lady.

01:00:27Afternoon.

01:00:28A couple of whiskies, please.

01:00:29Very sorry.

01:00:29It's out of hours.

01:00:30Well, just sneak them to us under the cupboard of them poor old sandwiches.

01:00:34Them sandwiches were fresh this morning, and I shall do no such thing.

01:00:36Come on, be a sport.

01:00:38You can have as much as you want to after six o'clock.

01:00:41My throat's like a parrot's cage.

01:00:42Listen.

01:00:44I'm sorry.

01:00:45My license does not permit me to serve alcohol out of hours.

01:00:48That's final.

01:00:49You wouldn't want to get me into trouble, would you?

01:00:51Just give us the chance, lady.

01:00:52That's all we ask.

01:00:53Just give us the chance.

01:00:57Gabriel!

01:00:58Ask Mr. Godby to come here for a moment, will you?

01:01:03Yes, Mr. Beckett.

01:01:04How do's he when he's at home?

01:01:05You'll soon see.

01:01:06Coming in here cheeking me.

01:01:07Charm of it, mother.

01:01:08Be a pal.

01:01:09I'll give you mother, you saucy upstart.

01:01:11Oy, oy.

01:01:12You call in an upstart.

01:01:13You.

01:01:13And I'll trouble you to get out of here double quick.

01:01:15Disturbing the customers and making a nuisance of yourselves.

01:01:18Yeah, where's the fire?

01:01:19Where's the fire?

01:01:20What's going on in here?

01:01:21Mr. Godby, these gentlemen are annoying me.

01:01:24What?

01:01:24We haven't done nothing, have we, Johnny?

01:01:26Well, we did us ask a couple of drinks, that's all.

01:01:28They insulted me, Mr. Godby.

01:01:30We never did anything of the kind.

01:01:32Just having a little joke, that's all.

01:01:33Hop it, both of you.

01:01:34We've got a right to stay here as long as we like.

01:01:36You heard what I said.

01:01:37Hop it.

01:01:38Now, look here.

01:01:38What is this?

01:01:39A free country or a blooming Sunday school?

01:01:40I checked your warrants at the gate.

01:01:42Your train's due in one minute.

01:01:43Number two platform.

01:01:44Hop it.

01:01:44Now, look here.

01:01:45Ah, come on, Johnny.

01:01:46Come on.

01:01:47Don't argue with the poor basket.

01:01:49Hop it.

01:01:50Cheerio, Muller.

01:01:58And if them sandwiches were made this morning, you're surely triple.

01:02:04Thank you, Albert.

01:02:05What a nerve, talking to you like that, Mrs. Baggett.

01:02:07Be quiet, Beryl.

01:02:08Pull me out a nip of three star.

01:02:10I'm feeling quite upset.

01:02:11Let's get back to the gate.

01:02:12I'll be seeing you later, Albert.

01:02:15Okay.

01:02:16Okay.

01:02:16The train now arriving at platform three is the 543 from Ketchwood.

01:02:32I really must go home.

01:02:33I'm going back to the flat.

01:02:35I must go home.

01:02:37I really must go home.

01:02:39I'm going back to the flat.

01:02:43I'm going home.

01:02:46Excuse me, I've forgotten something.

01:03:16I'm going home.

01:03:46I'm going home.

01:04:12It's raining.

01:04:25It started just as I turned out of the high street.

01:04:29You had no umbrella, and your coat's wet.

01:04:31If you mustn't catch cold, that would never do.

01:04:38I'm an absolute fright.

01:04:40Let me put that down for you.

01:04:46I hope the fire will perk up in a few minutes.

01:04:49I expect the wood was damp.

01:04:51Yes, I expect it was.

01:04:56Do sit down, darling.

01:05:04I got right into the train, then got out again. Wasn't it idiotic?

01:05:07We're both very, very foolish.

01:05:15Eric, I can't stay, you know. Really, I can't.

01:05:17Just a little while. Just a little while.

01:05:23Quickly, quickly. I must go.

01:05:25Here. Through the kitchen. There's a train in your staircase.

01:05:38Is that you, Alec?

01:05:40Yes.

01:05:45You're back earlier.

01:05:46Yes, I found a cold coming on,

01:05:47so I denied myself the always questionable pleasure

01:05:49of dining with that arch-arguer, Roger Hinchley.

01:05:51Decided to come back to bed.

01:05:53The flame membranes are unsympathetic to dialectic.

01:05:56What'll you do about food?

01:05:58I can always ring down to the restaurant if I want any later on.

01:06:01Oh.

01:06:02We live in a modern age, and this is a service fair.

01:06:04Yes, yes, of course.

01:06:06It, um, caters for all tastes.

01:06:14You know, my dear Alec,

01:06:15you have hidden depths which I never even suspected.

01:06:17Look here, Stephen.

01:06:18Oh, for heaven's sake, Alec.

01:06:19No explanations or apologies.

01:06:20I'm the one who should apologize for returning so inopportunely.

01:06:24It's quite obvious to me

01:06:25that you are interviewing a patient privately.

01:06:27Women are frequently rather neurotic creatures,

01:06:30and the hospital atmosphere is upsetting to them.

01:06:32By the rather undignified scuffling

01:06:35which I heard when I came into the hall,

01:06:37I gathered that she beat a hasty retreat down the back stairs.

01:06:40I'm surprised at this farcical streak in your nature, Alec.

01:06:43Such carryings on are quite unnecessary.

01:06:45After all, we've been friends for years,

01:06:47and I am the most broad-minded of men.

01:06:50I'm really very sorry, Stephen.

01:06:52I'm sure that the whole situation

01:06:54must seem inexpressibly vulgar to you.

01:06:56Actually, it isn't in the least.

01:06:58However, you're perfectly right.

01:07:00Explanations are unnecessary,

01:07:01particularly between old friends.

01:07:03I must go now.

01:07:04Very well.

01:07:05I'll collect my hat and coat.

01:07:06Goodbye.

01:07:07Perhaps you'll let me have my latchkey back.

01:07:08I only have two,

01:07:09and I'm so afraid of losing them.

01:07:10You'll know how absent-minded I am.

01:07:14You're very angry, aren't you?

01:07:16No, Alec.

01:07:17Not angry.

01:07:18Just disappointed.

01:07:19I'm very shy,

01:07:21Not angry.

01:07:22You told me that you are such foods.

01:07:24Not angry with anyone.

01:07:25Just a command.

01:07:26Do you hear that where they are?

01:07:28I'll discuss all the great hours of plastic,

01:07:29yes.

01:07:30I'll cover the water...

01:07:32I'll go now too much.

01:07:33And if I have to plug the bag,

01:07:34they'll use that into my pillow and a blanket.

01:07:35I ran until I couldn't run any longer.

01:07:47I leaned against a lamppost to try and get my breath.

01:07:50I was in one of those side roads that lead out of the high street.

01:07:52I know it was stupid to run, but I couldn't help myself.

01:07:56I felt so utterly humiliated and defeated and so dreadfully, dreadfully ashamed.

01:08:01After a moment or two, I pulled myself together

01:08:06and walked on in the direction of the station.

01:08:10It was still raining, but not very much.

01:08:13I suddenly realized that I couldn't go home.

01:08:15Not until I'd got myself more under control and had a little time to think.

01:08:19Then I thought of you waiting at home and the dinner being spoiled.

01:08:22So I went into the high street and found a tobacconist and telephoned to you.

01:08:26Do you remember?

01:08:31Hello, Fred. Is that you?

01:08:55Yes, dear. It's me, Laura.

01:08:57Yes, everything's perfectly all right, but I shall be home to dinner.

01:09:00I'm with Miss Lewis.

01:09:03Miss Lewis, dear. You know the librarian. I told you about at Boots.

01:09:07Yes, I can't explain in any detail because she's outside the box now.

01:09:11Well, I met her in the high street a little while ago in a terrible state.

01:09:16Her mother's been taken ill and I've promised to stay with her until the doctor comes.

01:09:21Yes, I know, but she's always been awfully kind to me and I feel so sorry for her.

01:09:24No, I'll get a sandwich, but ask Ethel to leave me some soup in a saucepan in the kitchen.

01:09:32Yes, of course, as soon as I can.

01:09:35All right, goodbye.

01:09:36It's awfully easy to lie when you know that you're trusted implicitly.

01:09:42So very easy and so very degrading.

01:09:46I started walking without much purpose.

01:09:49I turned out of the high street almost immediately.

01:09:52I was terrified that I might run into Alec.

01:09:54I was pretty certain that he'd come after me to the station.

01:09:59I walked for a long while.

01:10:01Finally, I found myself at the War Memorial.

01:10:03You know, it's right at the other side of the town.

01:10:06It stopped raining altogether and I felt stiflingly hot.

01:10:09So I sat down on one of the seats.

01:10:12There was nobody about and I lit a cigarette.

01:10:15I know how you disapprove of women smoking in the street.

01:10:18I do too, really, but I wanted to calm my nerves and I thought it might help.

01:10:22I sat there for ages.

01:10:25I don't know how long.

01:10:28Then I noticed a policeman walking up and down a little way off.

01:10:31He was looking at me rather suspiciously.

01:10:35Presently, he came up to me.

01:10:38Feeling all right, miss?

01:10:40Yes, thank you.

01:10:42Waiting for someone?

01:10:43No. No, I'm not waiting for anybody.

01:10:46Don't go and catch cold now.

01:10:48A damp night they're sitting about on seats.

01:10:49Yes, I'm going now. Anyhow, I've got to catch a train.

01:10:52You sure you feel quite all right?

01:10:55Quite, thank you.

01:10:56Good night.

01:10:58Good night, miss.

01:11:00I walked away trying to look casual, knowing that he was watching me.

01:11:05I felt like a criminal.

01:11:07I walked rather quickly back in the direction of the high street.

01:11:09I got to the station 15 minutes before the last train to Ketchworth.

01:11:15And then I realized that I'd been wandering about for over three hours.

01:11:18But it didn't seem to be any time at all.

01:11:21Stan, you are awful.

01:11:24See you in the yard.

01:11:25All right.

01:11:29A night, glass of brandy, please.

01:11:31We're just closing.

01:11:32Yes, I see you are, but you're not quite closed yet, are you?

01:11:34Three star.

01:11:35That'll do.

01:11:42Oh, and have you got a piece of paper in an envelope?

01:11:44I'm afraid you'll have to get that at the bookstool.

01:11:46Well, the bookstool's closed.

01:11:48Please, it's very important. I should be so much obliged.

01:11:51All right, just a minute.

01:11:53Just a minute.

01:12:05Thank you very much.

01:12:11We close in a few minutes, you know.

01:12:13Yes, I know.

01:12:35Darling, I've been looking for you everywhere.

01:12:49Please go away.

01:12:50Please don't save me.

01:12:51I've watched every train.

01:12:51Please go away.

01:12:52I can't leave you like this.

01:12:53You must.

01:12:53It'll be better.

01:12:54Really, it will.

01:12:55You're being dreadfully cruel.

01:12:57It was just an accident that he came back early.

01:12:59He doesn't know who you are.

01:13:00He never even saw you.

01:13:01I suppose he laughed, didn't he?

01:13:02I suppose you spoke of me together as men of the world.

01:13:04We didn't speak of you.

01:13:05We spoke of some nameless creature who has no reality at all.

01:13:07Why didn't you tell him who I was?

01:13:08Why didn't you say we were cheap and low and without courage?

01:13:11Stop it, Laura. Pull yourself together.

01:13:12Well, it's true, isn't it?

01:13:12It's nothing of the sort.

01:13:14We know we really love each other.

01:13:15That's true.

01:13:16That's all that really matters.

01:13:17It isn't all that really matters.

01:13:18Other things matter, too.

01:13:20Self-respect matters and decency.

01:13:22I can't go on any longer.

01:13:25Could you really say goodbye?

01:13:27Never see me again?

01:13:31Yes, if you'd help me.

01:13:34I love you, Laura.

01:13:44I shall love you always until the end of my life.

01:13:50I can't look at you now because I know something.

01:13:53I know that this is the beginning of the end.

01:13:56Not the end of my loving you, but the end of our being together.

01:13:58But not quite yet, darling.

01:14:01Please, not quite yet.

01:14:04Very well, not quite yet.

01:14:07I know what you feel about this evening.

01:14:09I mean, about the sordidness of it.

01:14:12I know about the strain of our different lives.

01:14:14Our lives apart from each other.

01:14:17The feeling of guilt, of doing wrong, is too strong, isn't it?

01:14:20Too great a price to pay for the happiness we have together.

01:14:26I know all this because it's the same for me, too.

01:14:33You can look at me now.

01:14:34I'm all right.

01:14:41Let's be very careful.

01:14:43Let's prepare ourselves.

01:14:44A sudden break now, however brave and admirable, would be too cruel.

01:14:49We can't do such violence to our hearts and minds.

01:14:53Very well.

01:14:58I'm going away.

01:15:01I see.

01:15:01But not quite yet.

01:15:02Please, not quite yet.

01:15:07That's the 10.10. It's after closing time.

01:15:09Oh, is it?

01:15:10I shall have to lock up.

01:15:11All right.

01:15:14I want you to promise me something.

01:15:26What is it?

01:15:28Promise me that however unhappy you are,

01:15:30and however much you think things over,

01:15:32that you meet me again next Thursday.

01:15:34Where?

01:15:35Outside the hospital at 12.30.

01:15:38All right. I promise.

01:15:39I've got to talk to you. I've got to explain.

01:15:42About going away?

01:15:42Yes.

01:15:43Where would you go? Where can you go?

01:15:45You can't give up your practice.

01:15:48I've had a job offered me.

01:15:49I wasn't going to tell you.

01:15:51I wasn't going to take it.

01:15:52But I know now it's the only way out.

01:15:55Where?

01:15:56A long way away.

01:15:58Johannesburg.

01:16:00Oh, Alec.

01:16:01My brother's out there.

01:16:03They're opening a new hospital.

01:16:04They want me in it.

01:16:05It's a fine opportunity, really.

01:16:08I'll take Madeline and the boys.

01:16:11It's been torturing me,

01:16:12the necessity of making a decision one way or the other.

01:16:15I haven't told anybody, not even Madeline.

01:16:18I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you.

01:16:22But now I see it's got to happen soon, anyway.

01:16:26It's almost happening already.

01:16:28Stanley!

01:16:30Stanley!

01:16:36When will you go?

01:16:40Almost immediately.

01:16:42In about two weeks' time.

01:16:45Quite in the air, isn't it?

01:16:46Do you want me to stay?

01:16:49Do you want me to turn down the offer?

01:16:50Oh, don't be foolish, Ellie.

01:16:53I'll do whatever you say.

01:16:56That's unkind of you, my darling.

01:16:57The train for Ketchworth

01:16:59is now arriving at Platform 3.

01:17:16You're not angry with me, are you?

01:17:21No, I'm not angry.

01:17:23I don't think I'm anything, really.

01:17:24I just feel tired.

01:17:26Forgive me.

01:17:28Forgive you for what?

01:17:29For everything.

01:17:31For meeting you in the first place.

01:17:34For taking the piece of grit out of your eye.

01:17:36For loving you.

01:17:38For bringing you so much misery.

01:17:42I'll forgive you if you'll forgive me.

01:17:46I'll forgive you.

01:17:53Thursday.

01:17:57All that was a week ago.

01:18:00It's hardly credible that it should be so short a time.

01:18:04Today was our last day together.

01:18:06Our very last together in all our lives.

01:18:10I met him outside the hospital, as I had promised, at 12.30.

01:18:13At 12.30 this morning.

01:18:16That was only this morning.

01:18:19We drove into the country again, but this time he hired a car.

01:18:23I lit cigarettes for him every now and then as we went along.

01:18:25We didn't talk much.

01:18:27I felt numbed and hardly alive at all.

01:18:30We had lunch in a village pub.

01:18:35Afterwards, we went to the same bridge over the stream.

01:18:37The bridge that we'd been to before.

01:18:43Those last few hours went by so quickly.

01:18:45As we walked through the station, I remember thinking,

01:18:59this is the last time with Alec.

01:19:04I shall see all this again, but without Alec.

01:19:06I tried not to think of it.

01:19:10Not to let it spoil our last moments together.

01:19:12Not to let it go.

01:19:13Not to let it go.

01:19:39You all right, darling?

01:19:40Yes, I'm all right.

01:19:43I wish I could think of something to say.

01:19:47It doesn't matter, not saying anything, I mean.

01:19:49I'll miss my train and wait to see you in the morning.

01:19:51No, please don't. I'll come over with you to your platform, I'd rather.

01:19:53Very well.

01:19:57Do you think we shall ever see each other again?

01:20:01I don't know. Not for years, anyway.

01:20:05The children will all be grown up.

01:20:07I wonder if they'll ever meet and know each other.

01:20:11Couldn't I write to you just once in a while?

01:20:14No, Alec, please. You know we promised.

01:20:17Oh, Laura, dear.

01:20:19I do love you so very much.

01:20:22I love you with all my heart and soul.

01:20:27I want to die.

01:20:30If only I could die.

01:20:32If you died, you'd forget me.

01:20:35I want to be remembered.

01:20:37Yes, I know I do, too.

01:20:43You've still got a few minutes.

01:20:45Laura! What a lovely surprise!

01:20:48My dear, I've been shopping till I'm dropping.

01:20:50My feet are nearly falling off.

01:20:51My throat's parched.

01:20:53I thought of having tea at Spindles, but I was terrified of losing the train.

01:20:56Oh, dear.

01:20:58This is Dr Harvey.

01:20:59How do you do?

01:21:00Would you be a perfect day and get me a cup of tea?

01:21:02I really don't think I could drag my poor old bones over to the counter.

01:21:04No, please.

01:21:05It was cruel a fate to be against us right up to the very last minute.

01:21:09Dolly Messiter.

01:21:11Poor, well-meaning, irritating Dolly Messiter.

01:21:14Crashing into those last few precious minutes we had together.

01:21:16She chattered and fussed, but I didn't hear what she said.

01:21:21I felt dazed and bewildered.

01:21:23Oh, dear, no sugar.

01:21:24It's in the spoon.

01:21:25Alec behaved so beautifully.

01:21:27With such perfect politeness.

01:21:29No one could have guessed what he was really feeling.

01:21:32And then...

01:21:33There's your train.

01:21:36Yes, I know.

01:21:38Oh, aren't you coming with us?

01:21:39No, I go in the opposite direction.

01:21:41My practice is in Shirley.

01:21:42Oh, I see.

01:21:43I'm a general practitioner at the moment.

01:21:44Dr Harvey's going out to Africa next week.

01:21:46Oh, how thrilling.

01:21:48The train now arriving at Platform 4 is the 5.40 for Shirley, Lee Green and Langwood.

01:21:56I must go.

01:21:57Yes, you must.

01:21:58Goodbye.

01:21:59I felt the touch of his hand on my shoulder for a moment.

01:22:07And then he walked away.

01:22:11Away, out of my life forever.

01:22:14He's got to get right over to the other platform.

01:22:16Talking of missing trains reminds me of that awful bridge at Broadham Junction.

01:22:20Dolly still went on talking, but I wasn't listening to her.

01:22:24I was listening for the sound of his train starting.

01:22:29Then it did.

01:22:32I said to myself, he didn't go.

01:22:35The last minute his courage failed him. He couldn't have gone.

01:22:38Any minute now he'll come back into the refreshment room pretending he's forgotten something.

01:22:43I prayed for him to do that.

01:22:45Just so that I could see him again for an instant.

01:22:51But the minutes went by.

01:22:55Is that the train?

01:22:56Oh, can you tell me?

01:22:57Is that the Ketchworth train?

01:22:59No, it's the express.

01:23:00The boat train.

01:23:01Of course, that doesn't stop, does it?

01:23:03I want some chocolate, please.

01:23:05No complaint.

01:23:26I meant to do it, Fred.

01:23:36I really meant to do it.

01:23:39I stood there trembling right on the edge.

01:23:44But I couldn't.

01:23:46I wasn't brave enough.

01:23:49I just like to be able to say that it was the thought of you and the children that prevented me, but it wasn't.

01:23:53It wasn't.

01:23:56I had no thoughts at all.

01:23:59Only an overwhelming desire not to feel anything ever again.

01:24:04Not to be unhappy anymore.

01:24:06I turned.

01:24:10I went back into the refreshment room.

01:24:12That's when I nearly fainted.

01:24:20That's when I nearly fainted.

01:24:42I didn't know that.

01:25:01Laura.

01:25:06Yes, dear.

01:25:07Whatever your dream was, it wasn't a very happy one, was it?

01:25:14No.

01:25:16Is there anything I can do to help?

01:25:21Yes, Fred, you always help.

01:25:24You've been a long way away.

01:25:30Thank you for coming back to me.

01:25:37I don't know.

Brief Encounter - HD (1945)

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