- 2 days ago
Experience a timeless tale of love, longing, and difficult choices in The Romance That Could Never Be (1945). This classic romantic drama follows two ordinary people whose unexpected meeting leads to a deep emotional connection. As their feelings grow stronger, they must confront the realities of duty, commitment, and personal sacrifice. Featuring heartfelt performances and unforgettable storytelling, this beloved classic remains one of the most touching romance films of its era.
#ClassicRomance #RomanticDrama #ClassicFilm #OldHollywood #VintageCinema #1945Movies #LoveStory #DramaMovie #ClassicMovies #GoldenAgeCinema #RomanceFilm #BlackAndWhiteMovie #TimelessLove #MovieNight #VintageMovie #FilmLovers #ClassicHollywood #EmotionalDrama #LoveAndSacrifice #RetroCinema
#ClassicRomance #RomanticDrama #ClassicFilm #OldHollywood #VintageCinema #1945Movies #LoveStory #DramaMovie #ClassicMovies #GoldenAgeCinema #RomanceFilm #BlackAndWhiteMovie #TimelessLove #MovieNight #VintageMovie #FilmLovers #ClassicHollywood #EmotionalDrama #LoveAndSacrifice #RetroCinema
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:03The End
00:01:46Good evening, Mr. Godfrey.
00:01:49Hello, hello, hello.
00:01:50Quite a stranger, aren't you?
00:01:52I couldn't get in yesterday.
00:01:53I wondered what had happened to you.
00:01:54I had a bit of a dust-up.
00:01:55What about?
00:01:56Saw a chap getting out of a first-class compartment.
00:01:58When he came to give up his ticket, it was only third-class.
00:02:00I told him he'd have to pay the excess, and then he turned nasty, and I had to send to
00:02:03Mr. Saunders.
00:02:04That's not a good he'd be.
00:02:05Oh, he ticked him off.
00:02:06Seeing's believing.
00:02:07I tell you, he ticked him off proper.
00:02:09You pay the balance at once, he says, or I'll hand you over to the police.
00:02:12If you ought to see the look on the chap's face at the mention of the word police.
00:02:15Change his tune, then he did.
00:02:17Pay it up like lightning.
00:02:18That's just what I mean.
00:02:19He didn't have the courage to handle it himself.
00:02:21He had to call in the police.
00:02:23Oh, he's not a bad lot, Mr. Saunders.
00:02:24After all, he can't expect much spirit from a man with only one lung and a wife with diabetes.
00:02:28I thought something must be wrong when you didn't come.
00:02:31Well, I'd have popped in to explain, but I had a date and had a run for it the moment
00:02:33I went off.
00:02:34Oh, indeed.
00:02:35The chap I know is getting married.
00:02:37Very interesting, I'm sure.
00:02:40What's up with you, anyway?
00:02:41I'm sure I don't know to what you're referring.
00:02:44You're a bit unfriendly, all of a sudden.
00:02:45Barry, hurry up.
00:02:47Put some more coal on the stove while you're at it.
00:02:48Yes, Mrs. Radar.
00:02:49I'm afraid I really can't stand here wasting my time in idle gossip, Mr. Godby.
00:02:53Well, aren't you going to offer me another cup?
00:02:54You can have another cup and welcome when you finish that one.
00:02:57Barry will give it to you.
00:02:58They've got me accounts to do.
00:03:00I say, I'd rather you gave it to me.
00:03:02Tame and tade.
00:03:03Weak for no man, Mr. Godby.
00:03:07Laura, what a lovely surprise.
00:03:09Oh, darling.
00:03:10My dear, I've been shopping till I'm dropping my feet nearly off.
00:03:13My throat's parched.
00:03:15I thought of having teared spindles, but I was terrified of losing the train.
00:03:18Oh, dear.
00:03:19Oh, this is Dr. Harvey.
00:03:21How do you do?
00:03:21Oh, how do you do?
00:03:22Would you be a perfect day and get me my cup of tea?
00:03:24I really don't think I could drag my poor old bones over to the counter.
00:03:27No, please.
00:03:30Oh, dear.
00:03:30My dear, what a nice-looking man who on earth is.
00:03:32He, really, you're quite a dark horse.
00:03:34It'll telephone Fred in the morning and make mischief.
00:03:37This is a bit of luck.
00:03:38I haven't seen you for ages.
00:03:40I've been meaning to pop in, but Tony's had measles, you know,
00:03:43and then I had all that awful fuss over Phyllis.
00:03:45But, of course, you don't know.
00:03:46My dear, she left me.
00:03:47Oh, how dreadful, mind you.
00:03:48I never really cared for her much, but still Tony did.
00:03:50Tony adored her.
00:03:51And I'll tell you all about that later in the train.
00:03:54Thank you so very much.
00:03:56There's certainly enough milk in it, but still it'll be refreshing.
00:04:02Oh, dear.
00:04:03No sugar.
00:04:04It's in the spoon.
00:04:05Oh, of course.
00:04:06What a fool I am.
00:04:08Laura, you're looking frightfully well.
00:04:10I do wish I'd known you were coming in today.
00:04:11We could come together and lunch and have a good gossip.
00:04:14I loath shopping by myself anyway.
00:04:19There's your train.
00:04:19Yes, I know.
00:04:20Oh, aren't you coming with us?
00:04:22No, I go in the opposite direction.
00:04:23My practice is in Shirley.
00:04:24Oh, I see.
00:04:25I'm a general practitioner at the moment.
00:04:26Dr. Harvey's going out to Africa next week.
00:04:28Oh, has really?
00:04:30It's a 5.40 for Shirley, Lee Green and Langdon.
00:04:35I'm scared.
00:04:36Yes, you must.
00:04:36Goodbye.
00:04:37Goodbye.
00:04:49He'll have to run or he'll miss it.
00:04:51He's got to get right home to the other platform.
00:04:53Talking of missing trades reminds me of that awful bridge at Broadham Junction.
00:04:57You've got to go traipsing all up one side, along the top and down the other.
00:05:00Well, 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.
00:05:08Spare my idea, I flew.
00:05:10I got Tony with me.
00:05:11And like a fool, I just bought a new shade for the lamp in the drawing room.
00:05:14I could have got it just as easily here in Milford.
00:05:16Well, it's the most enormous thing.
00:05:19I could hardly see over it.
00:05:20I've never been in Shifrisen all my life.
00:05:22I nearly knocked a woman down.
00:05:24Of course, by the time I got home, it was battered a bit.
00:05:28Oh, is that our train?
00:05:29Can you tell me?
00:05:30Is that the Ketchworth train?
00:05:32No, it's the express.
00:05:33The boat train.
00:05:34Oh, of course, that doesn't stop, does it?
00:05:36I want some chocolate, please.
00:05:37Milk or plain?
00:05:39Plain, I think.
00:05:40Or...
00:05:40No, perhaps milk would be nicer.
00:05:42Have you any with nuts in it?
00:05:43Nassau's not milk for shelling on sexpence.
00:05:45I think one place, one...
00:05:48Large or small?
00:05:49Large.
00:05:55How are you?
00:06:03I've never noticed her go.
00:06:06Oh, I couldn't think where you disappeared to.
00:06:10I just wanted to see the express go through.
00:06:13What on earth's the matter? Are you feeling ill?
00:06:16I feel a little sick.
00:06:17Oh, my dear, come and sit down.
00:06:22There's our train.
00:06:23That's all right. Have you any brandy?
00:06:25I'm afraid it's out of ours.
00:06:27Oh, surely, if somebody's feeling ill.
00:06:28I'm all right, really.
00:06:29Just a sip of brandy, buck you up. Please.
00:06:32Very well. Thank you.
00:06:33How much?
00:06:34Ten pence, please.
00:06:37The train for Hedgeworth is now arriving in a platform free.
00:06:41Would you have to hurry?
00:06:53Oh, 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, really, I am.
00:07:03I just felt faint for a minute, that's all.
00:07:05Often happens to me.
00:07:06I did it once in the middle of Bobby's school concert.
00:07:08I don't think he's ever forgiven me.
00:07:11Well, he certainly was very good looking.
00:07:14Who?
00:07:14Well, your friend, doctor whatever his name was.
00:07:17Yes, he's a nice creature.
00:07:19Have you known him long?
00:07:20No, not very long.
00:07:23I hardly know him at all, really.
00:07:24Well, my dear, I've always had a passion for doctors.
00:07:27I can well understand how it is that women get neurotic.
00:07:30Of course, other than girls...
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.
00:07:45I wish...
00:07:46I wish...
00:07:47Fancy him going all the way to Africa.
00:07:48Is he married?
00:07:50Oh, yes.
00:07:50Any children?
00:07:51Yes, two boys.
00:07:52He's very proud of them.
00:07:53Is he taking them with him?
00:07:54His wife and children, I mean?
00:07:56Yes.
00:07:57Yes, he is.
00:07:57Oh, I suppose it's sensible in a way.
00:07:59Rushing off to start life anew in the wide open spaces
00:08:01and all that sort of thing.
00:08:02But...
00:08:03Wild horses wouldn't drag me away from England and home
00:08:06and all the things I'm used to.
00:08:07I mean...
00:08:08One has one's roots, after all, hasn't one?
00:08:10Oh, yes.
00:08:11One has one's roots.
00:08:12I knew a girl years ago who went to Africa, you know.
00:08:14Her 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
00:08:21and she was ill for months and months.
00:08:23I wish you'd stop talking.
00:08:25I wish you'd stop prying and trying to find things out.
00:08:29I wish you were dead.
00:08:29No, 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
00:08:37and she said the social life was quite, quite horrid.
00:08:40Provincial, you know, and very nouveau riche.
00:08:42Oh, darling.
00:08:42What's the matter, dear?
00:08:43Are you feeling ill again?
00:08:44No, not very ill.
00:08:45I feel a bit dizzy.
00:08:46I think I'll just close my eyes for a little.
00:08:47Oh, you poor darling.
00:08:49And here am I, chattering away 19 to the dozen.
00:08:50I won't say another word.
00:08:52Oh, and if you drop off,
00:08:54I'll wake you up when we get to the level crossing.
00:08:55That'll give you a chance to pull yourself together
00:08:57and powder your nose before we get out.
00:08:59Thanks, darling.
00:09:05This can't last.
00:09:09This misery can't last.
00:09:12I must remember that and try to control myself.
00:09:16Nothing lasts, really.
00:09:18Neither happiness nor despair.
00:09:20Not even life lasts very long.
00:09:23There'll come a time in the future
00:09:25when I shan't mind about this anymore.
00:09:28When I can look back and say quite peacefully and cheerfully
00:09:30how silly I was.
00:09:34No, 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.
00:09:48Get to work!
00:09:49Wake up, Laura.
00:09:50We're here.
00:09:51Get to work!
00:09:54I could easily come to the house with you, dear.
00:09:55It isn't very much out of my way.
00:09:57All I have to do is to walk down Elmore Lane,
00:09:59past the grammar school,
00:10:00and I shall be home in two minutes.
00:10:01Oh, it's sweet of me, darling,
00:10:02but I'm perfectly all right now.
00:10:03Really, I am.
00:10:04Are you quite sure?
00:10:05Absolutely positive.
00:10:06Thank you for being so kind.
00:10:07Oh, nonsense, dear.
00:10:09Well, I shall telephone in the morning
00:10:10and see if you've had a relapse.
00:10:12I 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.
00:10:36They won't get to sleep until you go in
00:10:38and 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
00:10:58and I want to go to the circus.
00:11:01And tomorrow's not Margaret's birthday
00:11:03and she wants to go to the pantomime.
00:11:04My birthday's in June
00:11:05and there aren't any pantomimes in June.
00:11:08It's far too late to discuss it tonight
00:11:09and if you don't go to sleep at once,
00:11:11I shall tell Daddy not to let you go to either.
00:11:13Oh, Mum!
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
00:11:21and they'd be tired and fractious.
00:11:23Well, then, one on one day
00:11:24and 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
00:11:30if I left them to your over tender mercies.
00:11:33All right, have it your own way.
00:11:36Circus or pantomime?
00:11:37Neither.
00:11:38We'll thrash them both soundly,
00:11:39lock them up in the attic
00:11:40and go to the pictures by ourselves.
00:11:47Oh, Fred.
00:11:50What would a nurse the matter?
00:11:52Nothing, really.
00:11:53It's nothing.
00:11:55Darling, what's wrong?
00:11:56Tell me, please.
00:11:58Really and truly, it's nothing.
00:11:59I...
00:12:00Just a little run down, that's all.
00:12:03I had a sort of fainting spell
00:12:04at the refreshment room at Milford.
00:12:06Wasn't it idiotic?
00:12:08Darling Messeter was with me
00:12:09and she talked and talked and talked
00:12:10till I wanted to strangle her.
00:12:12Still, she meant to be kind.
00:12:14Isn't it awful about people meaning to be kind?
00:12:17Would you like to go to bed?
00:12:19No, Fred, really.
00:12:21Come and sit by the fire in the library and relax.
00:12:23You can help me with the Times crossword.
00:12:26You have the most peculiar ideas of relaxation.
00:12:29That's better.
00:12:30There you are, darling.
00:12:34But why a fainting spell?
00:12:36I can't understand it.
00:12:37Don't be silly, darling.
00:12:37I've often had fainting spells and you know it.
00:12:40Don't you remember Bobby's school concert?
00:12:41And Eileen's wedding?
00:12:43And that time you insisted on taking me
00:12:45to that symphony concert at the town hall.
00:12:46Go on.
00:12:47That was a nosebleed.
00:12:48I suppose I must be that type of woman.
00:12:50It's very humiliating.
00:12:52I still maintain there'd be no harm in you seeing Dr. Graves.
00:12:55It'd be a waste of time.
00:12:57Now, listen, I...
00:12:57Oh, but do shut up about it, darling.
00:12:59You're making a fuss about nothing.
00:13:01I've been shopping and I was tired
00:13:02and the refreshment room was very hot
00:13:03and I suddenly felt sick.
00:13:05Nothing more than that.
00:13:07All right.
00:13:08Really nothing more than that.
00:13:10Now, you get on with your old puzzle
00:13:11and leave me in peace.
00:13:12Have it your own way.
00:13:16You're a poetry addict.
00:13:17See if you can help me over this.
00:13:18It's Keats.
00:13:19When I behold upon the night-starred face
00:13:21huge, cloudy symbols of a high...
00:13:23something in seven letters.
00:13:26Romance, I think.
00:13:28I'm almost sure it is.
00:13:30Huge, cloudy symbols of a high romance.
00:13:32It'll be in the Oxford Book of English first.
00:13:34No, it's right, I'm sure,
00:13:35because it fits in with delirium and balukistan.
00:13:42Would some music throw you off your stride?
00:13:44No, dear, I like it.
00:14:14It will work a lot.
00:14:16I like it.
00:14:21It's all about you.
00:14:29It's all about you.
00:14:32There isn't to be in the Oxford...
00:14:32when I did it...
00:14:33No...
00:14:38Oh...
00:14:43I am not...
00:14:44No, not that.
00:14:50Fred, 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.
00:15:08As it is, you're the only one in the world that I can never tell.
00:15:12Never, never.
00:15:14Because even if I waited until we were old, old people and told you then,
00:15:19you'd be bound to look back over the years and be hurt.
00:15:23And don't, my dear, I don't want you to be hurt.
00:15:26You see, we're a happily married couple and must never forget that.
00:15:34This is my home.
00:15:37You are my husband and my children are upstairs in bed.
00:15:42I'm a happily married woman.
00:15:45Or rather, I was until a few weeks ago.
00:15:49This is my whole world.
00:15:51And it's enough.
00:15:54Or rather, it was until a few weeks ago.
00:15:58But, oh, Fred, I've been so foolish.
00:16:02I've fallen in love.
00:16:04I'm an ordinary woman.
00:16:07I didn't think such violent things could happen to ordinary people.
00:16:12It all started on an ordinary day.
00:16:15In the most ordinary place in the world, the refreshment room at Milford Junction.
00:16:22I was having a cup of tea and reading a book that I'd got that morning from Boots.
00:16:27My train wasn't due for ten minutes.
00:16:30I looked up and saw a man come in from the platform.
00:16:34He had on an ordinary Mac.
00:16:36His hat was turned down and I didn't even see his face.
00:16:39He got his tea at the counter and turned.
00:16:42Then I did see his face.
00:16:43It was rather a nice face.
00:16:44There, sugar.
00:16:45In a spoon.
00:16:45Here.
00:16:46He passed my table on the way to his.
00:16:48You're neglecting your duties.
00:16:50The woman at the counter was going on as usual.
00:16:52You know, I told you about her the other day.
00:16:55The one with the refined voice.
00:16:56Minnie hasn't touched her milk.
00:16:58Did you put it down for her?
00:16:59Yes, but she never came for it.
00:17:02Fond of animals?
00:17:03In their place.
00:17:04My landlady's got a positive mania for animals.
00:17:07She's got two cats, one manx, one ordinary, three rabbits, an hutch in the kitchen.
00:17:11They 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.
00:17:18I don't think it knows itself.
00:17:21Go and clean off number three, Beryl.
00:17:23I can see the crumbs on it from here.
00:17:25What about my other cup?
00:17:26I'd have to be moving.
00:17:27The 5.40 would be in in a minute.
00:17:29Who's on the gate?
00:17:30Young William.
00:17:58Oh, please, could you give me a glass of water?
00:18:00I've got something in my eye and I want to bathe it.
00:18:03Would you like me to have a look?
00:18:05Oh, no, don't trouble.
00:18:06I expect the water will do.
00:18:08Very cold, I expect.
00:18:09A man I knew lost the sight of one eye through getting a bit of grit in it.
00:18:13Nasty.
00:18:13Very nasty.
00:18:14Better?
00:18:15I'm afraid not.
00:18:16Ooh.
00:18:16Can 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.
00:18:24Please let me look.
00:18:25I happen to be a doctor.
00:18:26That's very kind of you.
00:18:27Look, turn around the light, please.
00:18:29Now, look up.
00:18:32Now, look down.
00:18:36Keep still.
00:18:38That's it.
00:18:41There.
00:18:42Oh, what a relief.
00:18:44It was agonizing.
00:18:44Looks like a bit of grit.
00:18:45It was when the express went through.
00:18:46Thank you very much indeed.
00:18:47There we go.
00:18:48On this run.
00:18:49I like it for me.
00:18:49You happen to be here.
00:18:50Anybody could have done.
00:18:51Never mind, you did.
00:18:52And I'm most grateful.
00:18:53There's my train.
00:18:54I must go.
00:18:54Goodbye.
00:18:54Goodbye.
00:18:55Goodbye.
00:19:00That's how it all began.
00:19:03Just through me getting a little piece of grit in my eye.
00:19:06I completely forgot the whole incident.
00:19:08It didn't mean anything to me at all.
00:19:12At least I didn't think it did.
00:19:19The next Thursday, I went into Milford again as usual.
00:19:32I changed my book at Boots.
00:19:34Miss Lewis had at last managed to get the new Kate O'Brien for me.
00:19:37I believe she'd kept it hidden under the counter for two days.
00:19:40On 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.
00:19:48Herbs and scent and soap.
00:19:51That awful Mrs. Leftwich was at the other end of the counter wearing one of the silliest
00:19:54hats I've ever seen.
00:19:56Fortunately, she didn't look up.
00:19:58So I got out without her buttonholing 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?
00:20:05Perfectly all right.
00:20:06How kind it was of you to take so much trouble.
00:20:08There's nothing at all.
00:20:09It's clearing up, I think.
00:20:10Yeah, it's going to be nice.
00:20:12Well, I must be getting along to the hospital.
00:20:14And I must be getting along to the grocers.
00:20:15What exciting lives we lead, don't we?
00:20:17Goodbye.
00:20:20That evening I had to run nearly all the way to the station.
00:20:24I'd been to the Palladium as usual, but it was a terribly long film and I was afraid I'd be
00:20:27late.
00:20:29As I came up onto the platform, the Charlie train was just puffing out.
00:20:33I looked up idly as the windows of the carriages went by, wondering if he was there.
00:20:39I remember this crossing my mind, but it was quite unimportant.
00:20:41I was really thinking of other things.
00:20:44The present for your birthday was worrying me rather.
00:20:47It was terribly expensive, but I knew you wanted it.
00:20:49And I'd sort of half taken the plunge and left a deposit on it at Spink and Robson's until the
00:20:54next 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, I suddenly felt reckless and gay.
00:21:10The 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 and you know how I love barrel organs.
00:21:19It 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?
00:21:33Oh, 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, and there was nowhere for him to sit.
00:21:41So I smiled and said,
00:21:43Good morning.
00:21:44Oh, good morning.
00:21:45Are you all alone?
00:21:46Yes, I am.
00:21:47Would you mind if I showed you table?
00:21:49It's very full.
00:21:49There doesn't seem to be anywhere else.
00:21:55I'm afraid we haven't been introduced properly.
00:21:57My name's Alec Harvey.
00:21:59How do you do?
00:22:00Mine's Laura Jessen.
00:22:01Mrs. or Miss?
00:22:02Mrs.
00:22:04You're a doctor, aren't you?
00:22:05I remember you said so that day in the refreshment.
00:22:06Yes.
00:22:07Not a very interesting one, just an ordinary GP.
00:22:09My practice is in Shirley.
00:22:11Yes, sir?
00:22:12What did you plump for?
00:22:13Excuse me, sir.
00:22:14Um, the soup and fried sow.
00:22:17Yes, I'll have a say.
00:22:18Anything to drink?
00:22:19No, thank you.
00:22:20Oh, that is, would you like anything to drink?
00:22:22Uh, no, thank you.
00:22:23Just plain water, please.
00:22:24Just plain water, please.
00:22:34Oh, you'll just look at the chest.
00:22:43Oh, 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.
00:22:55My 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.
00:23:00Oh, 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.
00:23:24I see.
00:23:26Do you?
00:23:27Do I what?
00:23:28Come 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 pictures this afternoon?
00:23:43Yes.
00:23:44Not extraordinary.
00:23:45So am I.
00:23:47I thought you had to spend all day at the hospital.
00:23:49Well, between ourselves, I killed two patients by accident this morning.
00:23:53The matron is very displeased with me.
00:23:55I simply dare to go back.
00:23:57Oh, can you be so silly?
00:23:58But seriously, I really did get through most of my work this morning.
00:24:01Won't matter at all if I played truant.
00:24:02Would you mind, very much, if I came to pictures with you?
00:24:05Well, I could sit downstairs, and you could sit upstairs.
00:24:09Upstairs is too expensive.
00:24:13The orchestra stopped as abrupt as it had started, and we began to laugh again.
00:24:18I had no premonitions, so I suppose I should have had.
00:24:20It all seemed so natural and so innocent.
00:24:24We finished lunch, and 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 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.
00:24:56We have two choices.
00:24:57The 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.
00:25:42I was once very sick.
00:26:00I feel awfully grand, perched up here.
00:26:02It was very extravagant of you.
00:26:03It was a famous victory.
00:26:04Do 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.
00:26:11A little relaxation never did harm to anyone.
00:26:13Why should either of us feel guilty?
00:26:14I 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?
00:26:51Madeline?
00:26:53Small, dark, rather delicate.
00:26:56How funny.
00:26:56I should have thought she would have been fair.
00:26:58And your husband?
00:26:59What'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?
00:27:07Here, ma'am.
00:27:08Here.
00:27:09You'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
00:27:16so 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, Fris?
00:27:24Certainly, they are made this morning.
00:27:26Two, please.
00:27:29That'll be seven pence.
00:27:32Take 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 of such foolishness.
00:27:45Very little good, I must say.
00:27:47One 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.
00:27:54You're not expecting me to do this, that and the other.
00:27:56But 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.
00:28:02And 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 packed my boxes then and there and left him.
00:28:12Didn't you never go back?
00:28:13Never.
00:28:14Went 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.
00:28:28Is tea bad for one?
00:28:29Worse than coffee, I mean.
00:28:31If this is a professional interview, my fee is a guinea.
00:28:34Why did you become a doctor?
00:28:35That's a long story.
00:28:37Perhaps because I'm a bit of an idealist.
00:28:39I just 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.
00:29:00I 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.
00:29:11I 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,
00:29:21they 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.
00:29:42Oh, 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
00:29:49due 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.
00:30:10No, I couldn't really.
00:30:12You were saying about the coal mines.
00:30:15Oh, yes.
00:30:17The 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.
00:30:33Yes, of course, steelworks.
00:30:37And silly curses.
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.
00:30:52No.
00:30:53What's the matter?
00:30:54Nothing.
00:30:54Nothing at all, really.
00:30:57It's been so very nice.
00:30:59I've enjoyed my afternoon enormously.
00:31:00I'm so glad.
00:31:01So have I.
00:31:01I apologize for boring you whose 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?
00:31:11You'll have to run.
00:31:11Don't bother about me.
00:31:12Mine's not due for a few minutes.
00:31:13Shall I see you again?
00:31:15Yes, of course.
00:31:16Perhaps we'll come out to Ketchworth one Sunday.
00:31:18It's rather far, I know, but we should be delighted.
00:31:19Please.
00:31:20Please.
00:31:21What is it?
00:31:21Next Thursday, the same time.
00:31:25No, I couldn't possibly.
00:31:26Please.
00:31:27I ask you, most humbly.
00:31:30You'll miss your train.
00:31:32All right.
00:31:34Run.
00:31:35Goodbye.
00:31:36I'll be there.
00:31:37Thank you, my dear.
00:32:06I 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 Churney, giving up his ticket,
00:32:25walking back through the streets,
00:32:28letting himself into his house with his latchkey.
00:32:32His wife, Madeline,
00:32:36would probably be in the hall to meet him.
00:32:40Or 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.
00:32:58And then suddenly, I knew that he wouldn't.
00:33:00I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that he wouldn't say a word.
00:33:03And at that moment,
00:33:04the first awful feeling of danger swept over me.
00:33:15I 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.
00:33:27No one was,
00:33:28except a clergyman in the opposite corner.
00:33:31I felt myself blushing
00:33:33and opened my library book and pretended to read.
00:33:38By the time I'd got to Ketchworth,
00:33:40I'd made up my mind definitely
00:33:41that I wasn't going to see Alec anymore.
00:33:42Good evening, Mrs. Jessen.
00:33:43The silly and undignified
00:33:44flirting like that with a complete stranger.
00:33:47Oh, good evening.
00:33:49I walked up to the house quite briskly and cheerfully.
00:33:52I'd been behaving like an idiot, admittedly,
00:33:54but after all, no harm had been done.
00:33:58You met me in the hall.
00:34:00Your face was strained and worried and my heart sank.
00:34:02Wait, 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?
00:34:08It's Bobby.
00:34:08He was knocked down by a car on the way home from school.
00:34:11Now, it's not serious.
00:34:12He 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.
00:34:24It'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.
00:34:37I'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.
00:34:43I felt so dreadful, Fred,
00:34:44looking at him lying there
00:34:45with 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,
00:34:53a sort of punishment,
00:34:55an awful, sinister warning.
00:34:58And a hour or two later, of course,
00:35:00everything became quite normal again.
00:35:02He began to enjoy the whole thing thoroughly
00:35:03and reveled in the fact
00:35:05that he was the center of attraction.
00:35:06Oh, God.
00:35:08Do you remember how he spent the whole evening
00:35:10planning 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
00:35:19if 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
00:35:23he wanted to be an engine driver.
00:35:25It seems so final,
00:35:26somehow,
00:35:27entering 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
00:35:35and have a wife in every port
00:35:36and keep on calling everybody sir,
00:35:38but 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.
00:35:45He'll be sent away to sea
00:35:46as a smooth-faced boy
00:35:47and the next thing we know
00:35:49he'll come walking in
00:35:49with a long beard and a parrot.
00:35:52I think you take rather
00:35:52a Victorian view of the Navy, my dear.
00:35:55He's our only son
00:35:56and I should like to be there
00:35:57while he's growing up.
00:35:59All right, old girl.
00:36:00Then we'll put him into an office
00:36:01and you can see him off
00:36:02on the 8.50 every morning.
00:36:04You really are very annoying.
00:36:05You know perfectly well
00:36:06I should hate them.
00:36:07All right, have it your own way.
00:36:13Fred.
00:36:14Hmm?
00:36:16I had lunch with a strange man today
00:36:18and he took me to the movies.
00:36:19Good for you.
00:36:21He'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
00:36:32who said my kingdom for a horse,
00:36:34wasn't it?
00:36:34Yes, darling.
00:36:35Yes, well I wish to goodness
00:36:37he hadn't
00:36:37because it spoils everything.
00:36:40I thought perhaps
00:36:41we might ask him
00:36:41to dinner one night.
00:36:42By all means.
00:36:46Who?
00:36:48Dr. Harvey,
00:36:48the one I was telling you about.
00:36:51Must it be dinner?
00:36:52Well, you're never
00:36:53at home for lunch.
00:36:54Exactly.
00:36:56Oh, Fred.
00:36:59Now what on earth's the matter?
00:37:03It's nothing.
00:37:04It's only...
00:37:05Oh, Fred.
00:37:06Well, I really don't see
00:37:07what's so frightfully funny.
00:37:09Oh, I do.
00:37:10It's all right, darling.
00:37:11I'm not laughing at you.
00:37:12I'm laughing at me.
00:37:14I'm the one that's funny.
00:37:15I'm an absolute idiot.
00:37:17Worrying myself about things
00:37:18that don't exist
00:37:19and making mountains
00:37:20out of molehills.
00:37:22Oh, I told you
00:37:22when you came in
00:37:23that it was nothing serious.
00:37:24There was nothing
00:37:25to get into such a state about.
00:37:26I do see that.
00:37:27Now, I really do.
00:37:38When Thursday came,
00:37:39I went to meet Alec
00:37:41more as a matter of politeness
00:37:42than for any other reason.
00:37:44It didn't seem of any importance,
00:37:45but after all,
00:37:46I had promised.
00:37:49I managed to get the same table.
00:37:51I waited a bit,
00:37:53but it didn't come.
00:37:55The ladies' orchestra
00:37:56was playing away as usual.
00:37:58I looked at the cellist.
00:38:00She'd seemed to be so funny last week.
00:38:02Today, she didn't seem funny anymore.
00:38:04She looked pathetic, poor thing.
00:38:08After lunch,
00:38:09I happened to pass by the hospital.
00:38:12I remember looking up at the windows
00:38:14and wondering if he were there
00:38:15or whether something awful
00:38:16had happened to prevent him turning up.
00:38:19I got to the station earlier than usual.
00:38:21I hadn't enjoyed the pictures much.
00:38:22It was one of those noisy musical things
00:38:25and I'm so sick of them.
00:38:26I'd come out before it was over.
00:38:28As I took my tea to the table,
00:38:30I suddenly wondered if I'd made a mistake
00:38:32and he'd meant me to meet him there.
00:38:50Oh, but God be!
00:38:51How dare you!
00:38:52I couldn't resist it.
00:38:53I'll trouble you to keep your hands to yourself.
00:38:55Oh, you're blushing.
00:38:56Oh, you look wonderful when you're angry.
00:38:58Just like an avenging angel.
00:38:59I'll give you a avenging angel.
00:39:01Coming in here, taking liberties.
00:39:03I thought that's what you said last Monday.
00:39:04You wouldn't object to a friendly little slap.
00:39:06Have you mind about last Monday?
00:39:08I'm on duty now.
00:39:09Nice thing if Mr Saunders
00:39:10had happened to be looking through the window.
00:39:12Well, if Mr Saunders is in the abit
00:39:13of looking through the windows,
00:39:14it's about time he saw something worth looking at.
00:39:16You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
00:39:17Oh, it's high spirits.
00:39:18Don't be mad at me.
00:39:20High spirits, indeed.
00:39:21Take it here and be quiet.
00:39:23It's all your fault, really.
00:39:24I don't know to what you're referring.
00:39:26I was thinking of, um, tonight.
00:39:29If you don't learn to behave yourself,
00:39:30they won't be here tonight
00:39:31or any other night either.
00:39:33Give us a kiss.
00:39:34Oh, do no such thing.
00:39:35The lady might see us.
00:39:36Come on, a quick one across the bar.
00:39:37Albert, stop it.
00:39:38Come on, there's a love.
00:39:39Let go of me this minute.
00:39:40Albert!
00:39:41Now look at me Banbury's all over the floor.
00:39:45Just in time or ball in the vestry?
00:39:48You shut your mouth
00:39:49and hope Mr Godby pick up them cakes.
00:39:52Come along now.
00:39:53What you're standing there gaping at?
00:40:14As I left the refreshment room,
00:40:15I saw a train coming in.
00:40:17His train.
00:40:18He wasn't on the platform
00:40:20and I suddenly felt panic-stricken
00:40:22at the thought of not seeing him again.
00:40:31He was going to be right.
00:40:32I'm so sorry.
00:40:32Sir, Mr. Alexander,
00:40:33I've had no way of letting you in.
00:40:34He told you you're missing.
00:40:35The house surgeon had to walk away, sir.
00:40:37I didn't talk to you.
00:40:45I thought they might shout your name
00:40:47out of the bar.
00:40:47Please don't let me out of the bar.
00:40:48Please don't let him out of the bar.
00:40:55Quickly, quickly. The whistle's gone.
00:41:01I'm so glad I had a chance to explain. I didn't think I'd see you again.
00:41:04How absurd. I mean, quickly, quickly.
00:41:08Next Thursday. Yes, next Thursday.
00:41:10Goodbye. Goodbye.
00:41:11Thursday. Bye.
00:41:15The train for Ketchworth is about to leave from Platform 3.
00:41:31The stars can change in their courses. The universe go up in flames and the world crash around us, but
00:41:36there'll always be Donald Duck.
00:41:37Oh, I do love him so. His dreadful energy and his blind, frustrated raging.
00:41:42It's the big picture now. Here we go. No more laughter. Prepare for tears.
00:41:50It was a terribly bad picture. We crept out before the end, rather furtively, as though we were committing a
00:41:57crime.
00:41:59The usherette at the door looked at us with stony contempt.
00:42:03It was a lovely afternoon, and 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, I believe we should all behave quite differently if we lived in a warm, sunny climate all
00:42:14the time.
00:42:15We shouldn't be so withdrawn and shy and difficult.
00:42:19Oh, Fred, it really was a lovely afternoon.
00:42:22There were some little boys sailing their boats. One of them looked awfully like Bobby.
00:42:25That should have given me a pang of conscience. I know, but it didn't.
00:42:28I was enjoying myself, enjoying every single minute.
00:42:33Alex suddenly said that he was sick of staring at the water and that he wanted to be on it.
00:42:38All the boats were covered up, but we managed to persuade the old man to let us have one.
00:42:43He thought we were raving mad. Perhaps he was right.
00:42:48Alec rode off at a great rate, and I trailed my hand in the water.
00:42:52It was very cold, but a lovely feeling.
00:43:00You don't row very well, do you?
00:43:03I'm going to be perfectly honest with you. I don't row at all.
00:43:05And unless you want to go round and round in ever-narrowing circles, you'd better start staring.
00:43:12Oh, we had such fun, Fred. I felt gay and happy and sort of released.
00:43:18That's what's so shameful about it all.
00:43:21That's what would hurt you so much if you knew.
00:43:23That I could feel as intensely as that, away from you, with a stranger.
00:43:31Oh, look out! We can't get through.
00:43:34Pull on your left.
00:43:41Oh, dear, I never could tell left from right.
00:43:44I'm most awfully sorry.
00:44:09You know, the British have always been nice to mad people.
00:44:11That boatman thinks we're quite dotted.
00:44:14Look how sweet he's been.
00:44:16Tea, milk, even sugar.
00:44:39You know what's happened, don't you?
00:44:44Yes.
00:44:46Yes, I do.
00:44:49I've fallen in love with you.
00:44:53I know.
00:44:54Yes, I know.
00:44:59Tell me honestly.
00:45:00Please tell me honestly if what I believe is true.
00:45:04What do you believe?
00:45:06That it's the same with you.
00:45:07That you've fallen in love, too.
00:45:12It sounds so silly.
00:45:13Why?
00:45:13I know you so little.
00:45:15It is true, though, isn't it?
00:45:19Yes, it's true.
00:45:20Laura.
00:45:21No, please.
00:45:22We must be sensible.
00:45:23Please help me to be sensible.
00:45:24We mustn't behave like this.
00:45:26We must forget that we've said what we've said.
00:45:28Not yet.
00:45:29Not quite yet.
00:45:29But we must, don't you see?
00:45:33Listen.
00:45:35It's too late now to be as sensible as all that.
00:45:38It's too late to forget what we've said.
00:45:40And anyway, whether we'd said it or not couldn't have mattered.
00:45:43We know.
00:45:44We've both of us known for a long time.
00:45:47How can you say that?
00:45:49I've only known you for four weeks.
00:45:51We only talked for the first time last Thursday week.
00:45:54Last Thursday week.
00:45:57Has it been a long time for you since then?
00:45:59Answer me truly.
00:46:01Yes.
00:46:03How often did you decide that you were never going to see me again?
00:46:07Several times a day.
00:46:08So did I.
00:46:09I love you.
00:46:11I love your wide eyes.
00:46:13The way you smile.
00:46:15And your shyness.
00:46:18And the way you laugh at my jokes.
00:46:19Please don't.
00:46:20I love you.
00:46:21I love you.
00:46:23You love me too.
00:46:24It's no use pretending it hasn't happened, because it has.
00:46:27Yes, it has.
00:46:29I don't want to pretend anything either to you or to anyone else.
00:46:32But from now on, I shall have to.
00:46:34That's what's wrong, don't you see?
00:46:36That's what spoils everything.
00:46:37That's why we must stop here and now talking like this.
00:46:41When either of us free to love each other, there's too much in the way.
00:46:45There's still time.
00:46:48If we control ourselves and behave like sensible human beings,
00:46:53there's still time.
00:46:57There's no time at all.
00:47:03There's your train.
00:47:04Yes.
00:47:06I'll come over to the platform with you.
00:47:30There's no time at all.
00:47:30Oh, no, Alec, not here.
00:47:31Someone will see.
00:47:32I'll love you so.
00:47:47You think we might have that down a bit, darling?
00:47:50Hi, Laura.
00:47:54Yes, dear.
00:47:55You were miles away.
00:47:58Was I? Yes, I suppose I was.
00:48:00Do you mind if we turn that down a little?
00:48:02It really is death.
00:48:03Of course not.
00:48:13It shouldn't be long ever this, darling.
00:48:15Then we'll go up to bed.
00:48:17You look a bit tired, you know.
00:48:19Don't hurry. I'm perfectly happy.
00:48:36If only it were true.
00:48:39Not, I suppose, that anybody's ever perfectly happy, really.
00:48:42But just to be ordinarily contented.
00:48:44To be at peace.
00:48:47It's such a little while ago, really,
00:48:49but it seems an eternity since that train went out of the station.
00:48:53Taking him away from the world.
00:48:54The way into the darkness.
00:48:56I was happy then.
00:48:59As I went back through the subway to my own platform,
00:49:01I was walking on air.
00:49:03And when I got under the train,
00:49:05I didn't even pretend to read.
00:49:07I didn't care whether people were looking at me or not.
00:49:09I had to think.
00:49:11I should have been utterly wretched and ashamed.
00:49:13I know I should, but I wasn't.
00:49:15I felt suddenly quite wildly happy.
00:49:18Like a romantic schoolgirl.
00:49:20Like a romantic fool.
00:49:22You see, he'd said he loved me.
00:49:26And I'd said I loved him.
00:49:28And it was true.
00:49:29It was true.
00:49:32I imagined him holding me in his arms.
00:49:34I imagined being with him in all sorts of glamorous circumstances.
00:49:38It was one of those absurd fantasies,
00:49:40just like one has when one is a girl,
00:49:41being ruled and married by the ideal of one's dreams.
00:49:49I stared out of that railway carriage window into the dark,
00:49:53and watched the dim trees and the telegraph posts slipping by.
00:49:57And through them I saw Alec and me.
00:50:02Alec and me.
00:50:04Perhaps a little younger than we are now,
00:50:06but just as much in love.
00:50:07And with nothing in the way.
00:50:14I saw us in Paris.
00:50:16In a box at the opera.
00:50:18The orchestra was tuning up.
00:50:25Then we were in Venice.
00:50:27Drifting along the Grand Canal in a gondola
00:50:29with the sound of mandolins coming to us over the water.
00:50:32I saw us travelling far away together.
00:50:35All the places I've always longed to go.
00:50:40I saw us leaning on the rail of a ship,
00:50:42looking at the sea and the stars.
00:50:46Standing on a tropical beach in the moonlight
00:50:48with the palm trees sighing above us.
00:50:51Then the palm trees changed into those polluted willows by the canal
00:50:55just before the level crossing.
00:50:58And all the silly dreams disappeared.
00:51:01And I got out at Ketchworth and gave up my ticket
00:51:05and walked home as usual.
00:51:07Quite soberly and without wings.
00:51:10Without any wings at all.
00:51:12When I changed for dinner and was doing my face a bit,
00:51:14do you remember?
00:51:15I don't suppose you do, but I do.
00:51:18You see, you didn't know that that was the first time in our life together
00:51:21that I'd ever lied to you.
00:51:22It started then.
00:51:25The shame of the whole thing.
00:51:27The guiltiness.
00:51:29The fear.
00:51:31Good evening, Mrs. Jessen.
00:51:32Hello, dear.
00:51:35Had a good day?
00:51:36Yes, lovely.
00:51:38What did you do?
00:51:40Well, I shopped and had lunch and went to the pictures.
00:51:43All by yourself?
00:51:44Yes.
00:51:45No, not exactly.
00:51:47What do you mean, not exactly?
00:51:49Well, I went to the pictures by myself, but I had lunch with Mary Norton.
00:51:54She couldn't come to the pictures with me because she had to go and see her in-laws.
00:51:57They lived just outside Milford, you know.
00:51:59So I walked with her to the bus and then came home on my own.
00:52:02Haven't seen Mary Norton for ages.
00:52:03How's she looking?
00:52:05Very well, really. A little fatter, I thought.
00:52:07Hurry up with all this beautifying.
00:52:08I want my dinner.
00:52:10You go on down. I won't be five minutes.
00:52:12Let's go.
00:52:34Number, please.
00:52:36Ketua 37, please.
00:52:37Ketua 37.
00:52:46Hello.
00:52:47Hello.
00:52:47Is Mrs. Norton there, please?
00:52:48Yes.
00:52:49Will you hold on?
00:52:50Yes, I'll hold on.
00:52:53Hello.
00:52:54Hello.
00:52:55Is that you, Mary?
00:52:55Oh, Laura!
00:52:57I fancy hearing from you.
00:52:58I thought you were dead.
00:53:00No, I haven't seen you for ages.
00:53:03Listen, my dear.
00:53:04Will you be a saint and back me up in the most appalling domestic lie?
00:53:07As bad as all that.
00:53:09My life depends on it.
00:53:11Well, today I went into Milford as usual to do my shopping.
00:53:14With the special intention of buying a far too expensive present for Fred's birthday.
00:53:19Aha.
00:53:19Well, Spink and Robson's hadn't got what I wanted, which was one of those clocks with barometers and everything in
00:53:24one.
00:53:24But they ran up their branch at Broadham and said there was one there.
00:53:28So I hopped on the one-sided train and went to get it.
00:53:30Go on.
00:53:31Well, this is where the black lie comes in.
00:53:35Fred asked me if I'd had a good day.
00:53:37And I said yes.
00:53:38And that you and I had lunch together.
00:53:40And that you'd gone to see your in-laws and I'd gone to the pictures.
00:53:43So if you run into him, don't let me down, will you?
00:53:46Darling, of course not.
00:53:48I'll do as much for you, I promise.
00:53:50Well, let's really lunch one day.
00:53:52Yes, that'd be lovely.
00:53:53What about next Thursday?
00:53:55No, I can't on Thursday.
00:53:56That's my Milford day.
00:53:58What about Friday?
00:53:59Fine.
00:54:00Better make it here.
00:54:01All right.
00:54:02Perfect.
00:54:03You know what my cook's like.
00:54:04It'll have to be early.
00:54:06Yes.
00:54:07All right.
00:54:08Goodbye.
00:54:09Goodbye.
00:54:24Good morning.
00:54:25That week was misery.
00:54:28I went through it in a sort of trance.
00:54:33How odd of you not to have noticed that you were living with a stranger in the house.
00:54:39Thursday came at last.
00:54:42I'd arranged to meet Alec outside the hospital at 12.30.
00:54:52Hello.
00:54:53Hello.
00:54:54I thought you wouldn't come.
00:54:56I've been thinking all the week that you wouldn't come.
00:54:59I didn't mean to, really, but here I am.
00:55:07Do you know I hadn't been inside the Royal since Violet's wedding reception?
00:55:11It all seemed very grand.
00:55:13He actually ordered a bottle of champagne,
00:55:15and when I protested, he said that we were only middle-aged once.
00:55:18We were very gay during lunch and talked about quite ordinary things.
00:55:22Oh, Freddy really was charming.
00:55:23I knew you'd have liked him if only things had been different.
00:55:26As we were going out, he said that he had a surprise for me,
00:55:29and that if I would wait in the lounge for five minutes, he'd show me what it was.
00:55:32He went out and down the steps at a run,
00:55:35more like an excited schoolboy than a respectable doctor.
00:55:39Suddenly, out of the dining room came Mary Norton
00:55:41and that rich, over-made-up cousin of hers.
00:55:44They must have been in the dining room all the time
00:55:46and seen Alec and me and the champagne and everything.
00:55:49Laura!
00:55:50So it was you, after all.
00:55:52Hermione said it was, but you know how short-sighted I am.
00:55:55I peered and peered and still couldn't be sure.
00:55:57I never saw you at all.
00:55:58How awful of me.
00:55:59I expect it was the champagne.
00:56:00I'm not used to champagne for lunch,
00:56:02or for dinner either, for that matter, but Alec insisted.
00:56:05Alec? Alec who, dear?
00:56:07Alec Harvey, of course.
00:56:08Surely you remember the Harveys.
00:56:10I've known them for years.
00:56:11No, I don't think I...
00:56:12Well, you'll be back in a minute.
00:56:13You'll probably recognize him when you peer very closely.
00:56:16He looks very charming and very attentive.
00:56:18Oh, he's a dear.
00:56:19One of the nicest people in the world and a wonderful doctor.
00:56:24Oh, Alec, you remember Mrs. Norton, don't you?
00:56:27I'm afraid I don't.
00:56:29It's no use, Laura.
00:56:30We've never seen each other before in our lives.
00:56:32I'm quite sure we haven't.
00:56:33How absurd.
00:56:34I made certain he and Madeleine were there
00:56:35when you dined with us just before Christmas last year.
00:56:38Alec, this is Mrs. Rowland.
00:56:39How do you do?
00:56:40How do you do?
00:56:41Horrid weather, isn't it?
00:56:42Yes.
00:56:42Of course, one can't really expect spring at this time of the year, can one?
00:56:45No, no.
00:56:49Well, we must be going.
00:56:50I'm taking Hermione with me to see the in-laws as moral support.
00:56:54Goodbye, Dr. Harvey.
00:56:55Goodbye.
00:56:55Goodbye, my dear.
00:56:57I do so envy you your champagne.
00:56:59Goodbye.
00:57:00Goodbye.
00:57:06That was awful.
00:57:08Never mind.
00:57:09They've been watching us all through lunch.
00:57:11Oh, dear.
00:57:12Forget it.
00:57:13Come out and look at the surprise.
00:57:15There at the foot of the steps was a little two-seater car.
00:57:19Alec had borrowed it from Stephen Lynn for the afternoon.
00:57:22I tried so hard to look pleased, but it wasn't any good.
00:57:25I kept thinking of those two, laughing and talking.
00:57:30Laughing and talking about us, and I couldn't get them out of my mind.
00:57:34When we were out in the real country, I think it was a few miles beyond Brayfield, we stopped
00:57:39the car just outside a village and got out.
00:57:41There was a little bridge and a stream, and the sun was making an effort to come out, but
00:57:46really not succeeding very well.
00:57:48We leaned on the parapet of the bridge and looked down into the water.
00:57:51I shivered, and Alec put his arm around me.
00:57:54Cold?
00:57:56No, not really.
00:57:57Happy?
00:58:01No, not really.
00:58:05I know exactly what you're going to say.
00:58:08That it isn't worth it.
00:58:10That the furtiveness and lying outweigh the happiness we might have together.
00:58:16Isn't that it?
00:58:18Something like that.
00:58:23I want to ask you something, just to reassure myself.
00:58:27What is it?
00:58:30It is true for you, isn't it?
00:58:32This overwhelming feeling we have for each other, it's as true for you as it is for me, isn't it?
00:58:38Yes, it's true.
00:58:46We must have stayed on that bridge for a long time.
00:58:50Because when we got back to Stephen Lynn's garage, it was getting dark.
00:58:55I remember feeling as if I was on the edge of a precipice.
00:58:58I think Alec felt that too.
00:59:00You see, we both knew how desperately we loved each other.
00:59:06Alec said that he had to leave the keys of the car in Stephen Lynn's flat,
00:59:09and suggested that I came up with him.
00:59:11I refused rather too vehemently.
00:59:14Alec reminded me that Stephen wasn't coming back till late,
00:59:16but I still refused.
00:59:28I'm going back.
00:59:29I'm going to miss my train.
00:59:31Back where?
00:59:32To Stephen's flat.
00:59:34Oh, Alec.
00:59:52I must go home now.
00:59:53I really must go home.
01:00:16A cup of tea, please.
01:00:27Good afternoon.
01:00:28Afternoon, lady.
01:00:29Afternoon.
01:00:30A couple of whiskies, please.
01:00:31Very sorry, it's out of hours.
01:00:32Well, just sneak them to us under the cover of them poor old sandwiches.
01:00:36Them sandwiches were fresh this morning, and I shall do no such thing.
01:00:38Come on, be a sport.
01:00:40You can have as much as you want to after six o'clock.
01:00:43My throat's like a parrot's cage.
01:00:44Listen.
01:00:46I'm sorry.
01:00:47My license does not permit me to serve alcohol out of hours.
01:00:50That's final.
01:00:51You wouldn't want to get me into trouble, would you?
01:00:53Just give us the chance, lady.
01:00:54That's all we ask.
01:00:55Just give us the chance.
01:00:59Daniel!
01:01:02I'll ask Mr. Goldby to come here for a moment, will you?
01:01:05Yes, Mrs. Bennet.
01:01:06How do's he when he's at home?
01:01:07You'll soon see.
01:01:08Coming in here cheeking me.
01:01:09Charm of it, Mother Beard, pal.
01:01:11I'll give you mother, you saucy upstart.
01:01:13Oh, you call in an upstart.
01:01:15You!
01:01:15And I'll trouble you to get out of here double quick.
01:01:18Disturbing the customers and making a nuisance of yourselves.
01:01:20Here, where's the fire?
01:01:21Where's the fire?
01:01:22What's going on in here?
01:01:23Mr. Goldby, these gentlemen are annoying me.
01:01:26What?
01:01:26We haven't done nothing, have we, Johnny?
01:01:28Well, we did us ask a couple of drinks, that's all.
01:01:30They insulted me, Mr. Goldby.
01:01:32We never did anything of the kind.
01:01:34Just having a little joke, that's all.
01:01:35Hop it, both of you.
01:01:36We've got a right to stay here as long as we like.
01:01:38You heard what I said.
01:01:39Hop it.
01:01:40Now, look here.
01:01:40What is this?
01:01:41A free country or a blooming Sunday school?
01:01:42I checked your warrants at the gate.
01:01:44Your train's due in one minute.
01:01:45Number two platform.
01:01:46Hop it.
01:01:46Now, look here.
01:01:47Ah, come on, Johnny.
01:01:48Come on.
01:01:49Don't argue with the poor basket.
01:01:51Hop it.
01:02:00And if them sandwiches were made this morning, you're Shirley Temple.
01:02:06Thank you, Albert.
01:02:07What a nerve, talking to you like that, Mrs. Baggett.
01:02:09Be quiet, Beryl.
01:02:10Pull me out a nip of three star.
01:02:12I'm feeling quite upset.
01:02:13Let's get back to the gate.
01:02:14I'll be seeing you later, Albert.
01:02:17Okay.
01:02:24The train now arriving at platform three is at 543 from Ketchwood.
01:02:34I really must go home.
01:02:35I'm going back to the flat.
01:02:37I must go home.
01:02:39I really must go home.
01:02:41I'm going back to the flat.
01:02:45I'm going home.
01:03:10Excuse me.
01:03:11I've forgotten something.
01:03:38I'm going home.
01:04:18Darling.
01:04:27It's raining.
01:04:29It started just as I turned out of the high street.
01:04:32You had no umbrella and your coat's wet.
01:04:35You mustn't catch cold. That will never do.
01:04:41What an absolute fright.
01:04:43Let me put that down for you.
01:04:49I hope the fire will perk up in a few minutes.
01:04:52I expect the wood was damp.
01:04:55Yes, I expect it was.
01:04:59Do sit down, darling.
01:05:07I got right into the train, then got out again. Wasn't it idiotic?
01:05:10We're both very, very foolish.
01:05:18Eric, I can't stay, you know. Really, I can't.
01:05:20Just a little while. Just a little while.
01:05:26Quickly, quickly. I must go.
01:05:27Here. Through the kitchen. There's a tradesman staircase.
01:05:41Is that you, Alec?
01:05:43Yes.
01:05:48Yes.
01:05:48You're back earlier.
01:05:49Yes, I found a cold coming on, so I denied myself the always questionable pleasure of dining with that arch
01:05:54-arguer Roger Hinchley.
01:05:55Decided to come back to bed.
01:05:57Inflamed membranes are unsympathetic to dialectic.
01:06:00What'll you do about food?
01:06:01I can always ring down to the restaurant if I want any later on.
01:06:04Oh.
01:06:04We live at a modern age, and this is a service fair.
01:06:07Yes, yes, of course.
01:06:09It, um, caters for all tastes.
01:06:17You know, my dear Alec, you have hidden depths, which I never even suspected.
01:06:20Look here, Stephen.
01:06:21Oh, for heaven's sake, Alec, no explanations or apologies.
01:06:23I am the one who should apologize for returning so inopportunely.
01:06:27It's quite obvious to me that you are interviewing a patient privately.
01:06:31Women are frequently rather neurotic creatures, and the hospital atmosphere is upsetting to them.
01:06:36By the rather undignified scuffling which I heard when I came into the hall,
01:06:40I gather that she beat a hasty retreat down the back stairs.
01:06:43I'm surprised at this farcical streak in your nature, Alec.
01:06:47Such carryings on are quite unnecessary.
01:06:49After all, we've been friends for years, and I am the most broad-minded of men.
01:06:54I'm really very sorry, Stephen.
01:06:56I'm sure that the whole situation must seem inexpressibly vulgar to you.
01:07:00Actually, it isn't in the least.
01:07:02However, you're perfectly right, explanations are unnecessary,
01:07:05particularly between old friends.
01:07:07I must go now.
01:07:08Very well.
01:07:08I'll collect my hat and coat. Goodbye.
01:07:10Perhaps you'll let me have my latchkey back.
01:07:11I only have two, and I'm so afraid of losing them.
01:07:13You'll know how absent-minded I am.
01:07:17You're very angry, aren't you?
01:07:19No, Alec, not angry. Just disappointed.
01:07:47I ran until I couldn't run any longer.
01:07:50I leaned against a lamppost to try and get my breath.
01:07:52I was in one of those side roads that lead out of the high street.
01:07:55I know it was stupid to run, but I couldn't help myself.
01:07:59I felt so utterly humiliated and defeated and so dreadfully, dreadfully ashamed.
01:08:06After a moment or two, I pulled myself together and walked on in the direction of the station.
01:08:12It was still raining, but not very much.
01:08:15I suddenly realized that I couldn't go home.
01:08:18Not until I'd got myself more under control and had a little time to think.
01:08:21Then I thought of you waiting at home and the dinner being spoiled.
01:08:24So I went into the high street and found a tobacconist and telephoned to you.
01:08:29Do you remember?
01:08:55Hello, Fred, is that you?
01:08:57Yes, dear, it's me, Laura.
01:09:00Yes, everything's perfectly all right, but I shall be home to dinner.
01:09:04I'm with Miss Lewis.
01:09:06Miss Lewis, dear, you know the librarian I told you about at Boots.
01:09:10Yes, I can't explain in any detail because she's outside the box now.
01:09:14Well, I met her in the high street a little while ago in a terrible state.
01:09:18Her mother's been taken ill and I've promised to stay with her until the doctor comes.
01:09:23Yes, I know, but she's always been awfully kind to me and I feel so sorry for her.
01:09:28Now, I'll get a sandwich.
01:09:30But ask Ethel to leave me some soup and a saucepan in the kitchen.
01:09:35Yes, of course, as soon as I can.
01:09:38All right, goodbye.
01:09:41It's awfully easy to lie when you know that you're trusted implicitly.
01:09:45So very easy and so very degrading.
01:09:49I started walking without much purpose.
01:09:51I turned out of the high street almost immediately.
01:09:54I was terrified that I might run into Alec.
01:09:57I was pretty certain that he'd come after me to the station.
01:10:01I walked for a long while.
01:10:03Finally, I found myself at the war memorial.
01:10:05You know, it's right at the other side of the tower.
01:10:08It stopped raining altogether and I felt stiflingly hot.
01:10:12So I sat down on one of the seats.
01:10:15There was nobody about and I lit a cigarette.
01:10:17I know how you disapprove of women smoking in the street.
01:10:20I do too really, but I wanted to calm my nerves and I thought it might help.
01:10:26I sat there for ages.
01:10:28I don't know how long.
01:10:30Then I noticed a policeman walking up and down a little way off.
01:10:34He was looking at me rather suspiciously.
01:10:38Presently, he came up to me.
01:10:41You feeling all right, miss?
01:10:43Yes, thank you.
01:10:44Waiting for someone?
01:10:46No.
01:10:47No, I'm not waiting for anybody.
01:10:48Don't go and catch cold now.
01:10:50A damp night they're sitting about on seats.
01:10:53I'm going now.
01:10:53Anyhow, I've got to catch a train.
01:10:55You sure you feel quite all right?
01:10:57Quite, thank you.
01:10:59Good night.
01:11:00Good night, miss.
01:11:03I walked away trying to look casual, knowing that he was watching me.
01:11:07I felt like a criminal.
01:11:09I walked rather quickly back in the direction of the high street.
01:11:13I got to the station 15 minutes before the last train to Ketchworth.
01:11:17And then I realized that I'd been wandering about for over three hours.
01:11:21But it didn't seem to be any time at all.
01:11:24Stan, you are awful.
01:11:26See you in the yard.
01:11:27All right.
01:11:32I'd like a glass of brandy, please.
01:11:33We're just closing.
01:11:35Yes, I see you are, but you're not quite closed yet, are you?
01:11:37Three star.
01:11:38That'll be it.
01:11:44Oh, and have you got a piece of paper in an envelope?
01:11:47I'm afraid you'll have to get that at the bookstall.
01:11:49Well, the bookstall's closed.
01:11:51Please, it's very important.
01:11:52I should be so much obliged.
01:11:54All right, just a minute.
01:12:13Thank you very much.
01:12:14We close in a few minutes, you know.
01:12:16Yes, I know.
01:12:16That's what we're talking about.
01:12:23Thank you very much.
01:12:27You have to thank you.
01:12:28Thank you very much.
01:12:38Thank you very much.
01:12:50Darling, I've been looking for you everywhere.
01:12:52Please go away. Please don't send me. Please go away.
01:12:55I can't leave you like this.
01:12:56You must. It'll be better. Really, it will.
01:12:58You're being dreadfully cruel.
01:13:00It was just an accident that he came back early.
01:13:02He doesn't know who you are. He never even saw you.
01:13:03I suppose he laughed, didn't he?
01:13:05I suppose you spoke of me together as men of the world.
01:13:07We didn't speak of you.
01:13:08We spoke of some nameless creature who has no reality at all.
01:13:10Why didn't you tell him who I was?
01:13:11Why didn't you say we were cheap and low and without courage?
01:13:13Stop it, Laura. Pull yourself together.
01:13:15Well, it's true, isn't it? It's true.
01:13:15Nothing of the sort.
01:13:17We know we really love each other. That's true.
01:13:19That's all that really matters.
01:13:20It isn't all that really matters. Other things matter, too.
01:13:23Self-respect matters and decency. I can't go on any longer.
01:13:28Could you really say goodbye?
01:13:30Never see me again?
01:13:33Yes, if you'd help me.
01:13:46I love you, Laura. I love you, Laura. I shall love you always, until the end of my life.
01:13:52I can't look at you now, because I know something.
01:13:56I know that this is the beginning of the end.
01:13:58Not the end of my loving you, but the end of our being together.
01:14:02But not quite yet, darling. Please, not quite yet.
01:14:07Very well, not quite yet.
01:14:10I know what you feel about this evening.
01:14:12I mean, about the sordidness of it.
01:14:15I know about the strain of our different lives.
01:14:17Our lives apart from each other.
01:14:20The feeling of guilt, of doing wrong, is too strong, isn't it?
01:14:24Too great a price to pay for the happiness we have together.
01:14:29I know all this, because it's the same for me, too.
01:14:35You can look at me now. I'm all right.
01:14:44Let's be very careful.
01:14:46Let's prepare ourselves.
01:14:48A sudden break now, however brave and admirable, will be too cruel.
01:14:52We can't do such violence to our hearts and minds.
01:14:56Very well.
01:15:01I'm going away.
01:15:03I see.
01:15:04But not quite yet.
01:15:05Please, not quite yet.
01:15:10That's the 10.10. It's after closing time.
01:15:12Oh, is it?
01:15:12I shall have to lock up.
01:15:14All right.
01:15:27I want you to promise me something.
01:15:29What is it?
01:15:30Promise me that however unhappy you are, and however much you think things over, that you'll meet me again next
01:15:36Thursday.
01:15:37Where?
01:15:38Outside the hospital at 12.30.
01:15:41All right. I promise.
01:15:42I've got to talk to you. I've got to explain.
01:15:44About going away?
01:15:45Yes.
01:15:46Where would you go? Where can you go? You can't give up your practice.
01:15:50I've had a job offered me. I wasn't going to tell you. I wasn't going to take it. But I
01:15:55know now it's the only way out.
01:15:58Where?
01:15:59A long way away. Johannesburg.
01:16:03Oh, Eric.
01:16:04My brother's out there. They're opening a new hospital. They want me in it.
01:16:10It's a fine opportunity, really. I'll take Madeline and the boys.
01:16:14It's been torturing me, the necessity of making a decision one way or the other.
01:16:18I haven't told anybody, not even Madeline.
01:16:21I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you.
01:16:25But now I see it's got to happen soon, anyway.
01:16:29It's almost happening already.
01:16:34Stanley!
01:16:40When will you go?
01:16:43Almost immediately.
01:16:45In about two weeks' time.
01:16:48Quite in the air, isn't it?
01:16:50Do you want me to stay?
01:16:52Do you want me to turn down the offer?
01:16:53Oh, don't be foolish, Ellie.
01:16:56I'll do whatever you say.
01:16:59That's unkind of you, my darling.
01:17:00The train for Ketchworth is now arriving at Platform 3.
01:17:22You're not angry with me, are you?
01:17:24No, I'm not angry.
01:17:26I don't think I'm anything, really. I just feel tired.
01:17:29Forgive me?
01:17:31Forgive you for what?
01:17:32For everything.
01:17:34For meeting you in the first place.
01:17:36For taking the piece of grit out of your eye.
01:17:39For loving you.
01:17:41For bringing you so much misery.
01:17:45I'll forgive you, if you'll forgive me.
01:17:56Thursday.
01:18:00All that was a week ago.
01:18:02It's hardly credible that it should be so short a time.
01:18:07Today was our last day together.
01:18:09Our very last together in all our lives.
01:18:13I met him outside the hospital, as I had promised, at 12.30.
01:18:16At 12.30 this morning.
01:18:20That was only this morning.
01:18:22We drove into the country again, but this time he hired a car.
01:18:25I lit cigarettes for him every now and then as we went along.
01:18:28We didn't talk much.
01:18:30I felt numbed and hardly alive at all.
01:18:33We had lunch in a village pub.
01:18:38Afterward, we went to the same bridge over the stream.
01:18:41The bridge that we'd been to before.
01:18:46Those last few hours went by so quickly.
01:19:00As we walked through the station, I remember thinking,
01:19:04this is the last time with Alec.
01:19:07I shall see all this again, but without Alec.
01:19:11I tried not to think of it.
01:19:13Not to let it spoil our last moments together.
01:19:42You all right, darling?
01:19:44Yes, I'm all right.
01:19:47I wish I could think of something to say.
01:19:51It doesn't matter, not saying anything, I mean.
01:19:53I'll miss my train and wait to see you in the house.
01:19:54No, please don't.
01:19:55I'll come over with you to your platform, I'd rather.
01:19:57Very well.
01:20:01Do you think we shall ever see each other again?
01:20:05I don't know.
01:20:06Not for years, anyway.
01:20:09Children will all be grown up.
01:20:12I wonder if they'll ever meet and know each other.
01:20:14Couldn't I write to you just once in a while?
01:20:17No, Alec, please.
01:20:18You know, we promised.
01:20:20Oh, my dear.
01:20:22I do love you so very much.
01:20:25I love you with all my heart and soul.
01:20:30I want to die.
01:20:33If only I could die.
01:20:35If you died, you'd forget me.
01:20:38I want to be remembered.
01:20:40Yes, I know I do, too.
01:20:47We've still got a few minutes.
01:20:48Laura!
01:20:49What a lovely surprise!
01:20:51My dear, I've been shopping till I'm dropping.
01:20:53My feet are nearly falling off.
01:20:54My throat's parched.
01:20:56I thought of having tea at Spindles,
01:20:57but I was terrified of losing the train.
01:20:59Oh, dear.
01:21:00Oh, um, this is Dr. Harvey.
01:21:02How do you do?
01:21:02Oh, how do you do?
01:21:03Would you be a perfect day and get me a cup of tea?
01:21:05I really don't think I could drag my poor old bones over to the counter.
01:21:08No, please.
01:21:08It was cruel a fate to be against us right up to the very last minute.
01:21:12Dolly Messeter, poor, well-meaning, irritating Dolly Messeter,
01:21:17crashing into those last few precious minutes we had together.
01:21:21She chattered and fussed, but I didn't hear what she said.
01:21:25I felt dazed and bewildered.
01:21:26Oh, dear. No sugar.
01:21:27It's in the spoon.
01:21:28Alec behaved so beautifully, with such perfect politeness.
01:21:32No one could have guessed what he was really feeling.
01:21:35And then...
01:21:39There's your train.
01:21:40Yes, I know.
01:21:41Oh, aren't you coming with us?
01:21:43No, I go in the opposite direction.
01:21:44My practice is in Shirley.
01:21:45Oh, I see.
01:21:46I'm a general practitioner at the moment.
01:21:47Dr. Harvey's going out to Africa next week.
01:21:49Oh, how thrilling.
01:21:51The train now arriving at Platform 4
01:21:54is the 5.40 for Shirley, Lee Green, and the Langwood.
01:21:59I must go.
01:22:00Yes, you must.
01:22:00Goodbye.
01:22:01Goodbye.
01:22:07I felt the touch of his hand on my shoulder for a moment.
01:22:11And then he walked away.
01:22:14Away, out of my life forever.
01:22:17He's got to get right over to the other platform.
01:22:20Talking of missing trains reminds me of that awful bridge at Broadham Junction.
01:22:23Darley still went on talking, but I wasn't listening to her.
01:22:27I was listening for the sound of his train starting.
01:22:32Then it did.
01:22:35I said to myself, he didn't go.
01:22:38The last minute his courage failed him, he couldn't have gone.
01:22:42Any minute now he'll come back into the refreshment room
01:22:44pretending he's forgotten something.
01:22:46I prayed for him to do that.
01:22:48Just so that I could see him again for an instant.
01:22:54But the minutes went by.
01:22:58Is that the train?
01:22:59Oh, can you tell me?
01:23:01Is that the Ketchworth train?
01:23:02No, it's the express.
01:23:03The boat train.
01:23:04Of course, that doesn't stop, does it?
01:23:06I want some chocolate, please.
01:23:08Milk or plate?
01:23:38I meant to do it, Fred.
01:23:40I really meant to do it.
01:23:42I stood there trembling right on the edge.
01:23:47But I couldn't.
01:23:49I wasn't brave enough.
01:23:52I used to like to be able to say that it was the thought of you and the children that
01:23:55prevented me, but it wasn't.
01:23:59I had no thoughts at all.
01:24:02Only an overwhelming desire not to feel anything ever again.
01:24:07Not to be unhappy anymore.
01:24:09I turned.
01:24:13I went back into the refreshment room.
01:24:23That's when I nearly fainted.
01:24:24I went back into the hours...
01:25:04Laura.
01:25:09Yes, Jim.
01:25:10Whatever your dream was, it wasn't a very happy one, was it?
01:25:18No.
01:25:19Is there anything I can do to help?
01:25:25Yes, Fred, you always help me.
01:25:27You've been a long way away.
01:25:33Thank you for coming back to me.
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