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A Doll's House

Henrik Ibsen

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Title7 A Doll's House

Author7 Henrik Ibsen

1ele$se D$te7 8$r, 9::3 ;EBook #9$ngu$ge7 English

"h$r$cter set encoing7 A2"II

2TA1T ?. THE P1?@E"T GTEBE1G EB??C, A D?>>'2 H?2E

Pre$re by 8$rtin A$)son )$rtingr$ss)$rketfreeser&ecoukF

A D?>>'2 H?2E


2/76

by Henrik Ibsen

D1A8ATI2 PE12?AE

Tor&$l Hel)eror$, his %ifeDoctor 1$nk8rs >ineils Crogst$Hel)er's three young chilrenAnne, their nurseA House)$iA Porter(The $ction t$kes l$ce in Hel)er's house!

A D?>>'2 H?2E

A"T I

(2"EEA roo) furnishe co)fort$bly $n t$stefully, but note0tr$&$g$ntly At the b$ck, $ oor to the right le$s to theentr$nceh$ll, $nother to the left le$s to Hel)er's stuyBet%een the oors st$ns $ i$no In the )ile of the lefth$n%$ll is $ oor, $n beyon it $ %ino% e$r the %ino% $re $roun t$ble, $r)ch$irs $n $ s)$ll sof$ In the righth$n %$ll,$t the f$rther en, $nother oor $n on the s$)e sie, ne$rerthe footlights, $ sto&e, t%o e$sy ch$irs $n $ rockingch$irbet%een the sto&e $n the oor, $ s)$ll t$ble Engr$&ings on the

%$lls $ c$binet %ith chin$ $n other s)$ll objects $ s)$llbookc$se %ith %ellboun books The floors $re c$rete, $n $fire burns in the sto&e It is %inter

A bell rings in the h$ll shortly $fter%$rs the oor is he$r tooen Enter ?1A, hu))ing $ tune $n in high sirits 2he is inoutoor ress $n c$rries $ nu)ber of $rcels these she l$ys onthe t$ble to the right 2he le$&es the outer oor oen $fter her,$n through it is seen $ P?1TE1 %ho is c$rrying $ "hrist)$s Tree$n $ b$sket, %hich he gi&es to the 8AID %ho h$s oene theoor!

or$ Hie the "hrist)$s Tree c$refully, Helen Be sure thechilren o not see it until this e&ening, %hen it is resse (Tothe P?1TE1, t$king out her urse! Ho% )uch

Porter 2i0ence

or$ There is $ shilling o, kee the ch$nge (The P?1TE1th$nks her, $n goes out ?1A shuts the oor 2he is l$ughing toherself, $s she t$kes off her h$t $n co$t 2he t$kes $ $cket of)$c$roons fro) her ocket $n e$ts one or t%o then goesc$utiously to her husb$n's oor $n listens! +es, he is in(2till hu))ing, she goes to the t$ble on the right!

Hel)er (c$lls out fro) his roo)! Is th$t )y little l$rkt%ittering out there


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or$ (busy oening so)e of the $rcels! +es, it is6

Hel)er Is it )y little sJuirrel bustling $bout

or$ +es6

Hel)er -hen i )y sJuirrel co)e ho)e

or$ @ust no% (Puts the b$g of )$c$roons into her ocket $n%ies her )outh! "o)e in here, Tor&$l, $n see %h$t I h$&ebought

Hel)er Don't isturb )e (A little l$ter, he oens the oor $nlooks into the roo), en in h$n! Bought, i you s$y All thesethings H$s )y little senthrift been %$sting )oney $g$in

or$ +es but, Tor&$l, this ye$r %e re$lly c$n let oursel&es go$ little This is the first "hrist)$s th$t %e h$&e not neee toecono)ise

Hel)er 2till, you kno%, %e c$n't sen )oney recklessly or$+es, Tor&$l, %e )$y be $ %ee bit )ore reckless no%, )$yn't %e@ust $ tiny %ee bit6 +ou $re going to h$&e $ big s$l$ry $n e$rnlots $n lots of )oney

Hel)er +es, $fter the e% +e$r but then it %ill be $ %holeJu$rter before the s$l$ry is ue

or$ Pooh6 %e c$n borro% until then

Hel)er or$6 (Goes u to her $n t$kes her l$yfully by the

e$r! The s$)e little fe$therhe$6 2uose, no%, th$t I borro%efifty ouns to$y, $n you sent it $ll in the "hrist)$s %eek,$n then on e% +e$r's E&e $ sl$te fell on )y he$ $n kille )e,$nor$ (utting her h$ns o&er his )outh! ?h6 on't s$y suchhorri things

Hel)er 2till, suose th$t h$ene,%h$t then

or$ If th$t %ere to h$en, I on't suose I shoul c$re%hether I o%e )oney or not

Hel)er +es, but %h$t $bout the eole %ho h$ lent it

or$ They -ho %oul bother $bout the) I shoul not kno% %ho they%ere

Hel)er Th$t is like $ %o)$n6 But seriously, or$, you kno% %h$tI think $bout th$t o ebt, no borro%ing There c$n be nofreeo) or be$uty $bout $ ho)e life th$t eens on borro%ing $nebt -e t%o h$&e ket br$&ely on the str$ight ro$ so f$r, $n%e %ill go on the s$)e %$y for the short ti)e longer th$t therenee be $ny struggle

or$ ()o&ing to%$rs the sto&e! As you le$se, Tor&$l

Hel)er (follo%ing her! "o)e, co)e, )y little skyl$rk )ust notroo her %ings -h$t is this6 Is )y little sJuirrel out ofte)er (T$king out his urse! or$, %h$t o you think I h$&e


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got here

or$ (turning roun Juickly! 8oney6

Hel)er There you $re (Gi&es her so)e )oney! Do you think Ion't kno% %h$t $ lot is %$nte for housekeeing $t "hrist)$sti)e

or$ (counting! Ten shillings$ ount%o ouns6 Th$nk you,th$nk you, Tor&$l th$t %ill kee )e going for $ long ti)e

Hel)er Inee it )ust

or$ +es, yes, it %ill But co)e here $n let )e sho% you %h$t Ih$&e bought An $ll so che$6 >ook, here is $ ne% suit for I&$r,$n $ s%or $n $ horse $n $ tru)et for Bob $n $ oll $nolly's beste$ for E))y,they $re &ery l$in, but $ny%$y she%ill soon bre$k the) in ieces An here $re resslengths $nh$nkerchiefs for the )$is ol Anne ought re$lly to h$&e

so)ething better

Hel)er An %h$t is in this $rcel

or$ (crying out! o, no6 you )ustn't see th$t until thise&ening

Hel)er /ery %ell But no% tell )e, you e0tr$&$g$nt littleerson, %h$t %oul you like for yourself

or$ .or )yself ?h, I $) sure I on't %$nt $nything

Hel)er +es, but you )ust Tell )e so)ething re$son$ble th$t you%oul $rticul$rly like to h$&e

or$ o, I re$lly c$n't think of $nythingunless, Tor&$l

Hel)er -ell

or$ (l$ying %ith his co$t buttons, $n %ithout r$ising her eyesto his! If you re$lly %$nt to gi&e )e so)ething, you )ightyou)ight

Hel)er -ell, out %ith it6

or$ (se$king Juickly! +ou )ight gi&e )e )oney, Tor&$l ?nlyjust $s )uch $s you c$n $ffor $n then one of these $ys I %illbuy so)ething %ith it

Hel)er But, or$

or$ ?h, o6 e$r Tor&$l le$se, le$se o6 Then I %ill %r$ it uin be$utiful gilt $er $n h$ng it on the "hrist)$s Tree -ouln'tth$t be fun

Hel)er -h$t $re little eole c$lle th$t $re $l%$ys %$sting)oney

or$ 2enthriftsI kno% >et us o $s you suggest, Tor&$l,$n then I sh$ll h$&e ti)e to think %h$t I $) )ost in %$nt of


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Th$t is $ &ery sensible l$n, isn't it

Hel)er (s)iling! Inee it isth$t is to s$y, if you %erere$lly to s$&e out of the )oney I gi&e you, $n then re$lly buyso)ething for yourself But if you sen it $ll on thehousekeeing $n $ny nu)ber of unnecess$ry things, then I )erelyh$&e to $y u $g$in

or$ ?h but, Tor&$l

Hel)er +ou c$n't eny it, )y e$r little or$ (Puts his $r)roun her %$ist! It's $ s%eet little senthrift, but she usesu $ e$l of )oney ?ne %oul h$rly belie&e ho% e0ensi&e suchlittle ersons $re6

or$ It's $ sh$)e to s$y th$t I o re$lly s$&e $ll I c$n

Hel)er (l$ughing! Th$t's &ery true,$ll you c$n But you c$n'ts$&e $nything6

or$ (s)iling Juietly $n h$ily! +ou h$&en't $ny ie$ ho% )$nye0enses %e skyl$rks $n sJuirrels h$&e, Tor&$l

Hel)er +ou $re $n o little soul /ery like your f$ther +ou$l%$ys fin so)e ne% %$y of %heeling )oney out of )e, $n, $ssoon $s you h$&e got it, it see)s to )elt in your h$ns +oune&er kno% %here it h$s gone 2till, one )ust t$ke you $s you$re It is in the bloo for inee it is true th$t you c$ninherit these things, or$

or$ Ah, I %ish I h$ inherite )$ny of $$'s Ju$lities

Hel)er An I %oul not %ish you to be $nything but just %h$t you$re, )y s%eet little skyl$rk But, o you kno%, it strikes )eth$t you $re looking r$ther%h$t sh$ll I s$yr$ther une$sy to$y

or$ Do I

Hel)er +ou o, re$lly >ook str$ight $t )e

or$ (looks $t hi)! -ell

Hel)er (%$gging his finger $t her! H$sn't 8iss 2%eet Tooth been

bre$king rules in to%n to$y

or$ o %h$t )$kes you think th$t

Hel)er H$sn't she $i $ &isit to the confectioner's

or$ o, I $ssure you, Tor&$l

Hel)er ot been nibbling s%eets

or$ o, cert$inly not

Hel)er ot e&en t$ken $ bite $t $ )$c$roon or t%o

or$ o, Tor&$l, I $ssure you re$lly


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Hel)er There, there, of course I %$s only joking

or$ (going to the t$ble on the right! I shoul not think ofgoing $g$inst your %ishes

Hel)er o, I $) sure of th$t besies, you g$&e )e your %or(Going u to her! Cee your little "hrist)$s secrets to

yourself, )y $rling They %ill $ll be re&e$le tonight %hen the"hrist)$s Tree is lit, no oubt

or$ Di you re)e)ber to in&ite Doctor 1$nk

Hel)er o But there is no nee $s $ )$tter of course he %illco)e to inner %ith us Ho%e&er, I %ill $sk hi) %hen he co)es inthis )orning I h$&e orere so)e goo %ine or$, you c$n'tthink ho% I $) looking for%$r to this e&ening

or$ 2o $) I6 An ho% the chilren %ill enjoy the)sel&es, Tor&$l6

Hel)er It is sleni to feel th$t one h$s $ erfectly s$fe$oint)ent, $n $ big enough inco)e It's elightful to thinkof, isn't it

or$ It's %onerful6

Hel)er Do you re)e)ber l$st "hrist)$s .or $ full three %eeksbeforeh$n you shut yourself u e&ery e&ening until long $fter)inight, )$king orn$)ents for the "hrist)$s Tree, $n $ll theother fine things th$t %ere to be $ surrise to us It %$s theullest three %eeks I e&er sent6

or$ I in't fin it ull

Hel)er (s)iling! But there %$s recious little result, or$

or$ ?h, you shouln't te$se )e $bout th$t $g$in Ho% coul Ihel the c$t's going in $n te$ring e&erything to ieces

Hel)er ?f course you couln't, oor little girl +ou h$ thebest of intentions to le$se us $ll, $n th$t's the )$in thingBut it is $ goo thing th$t our h$r ti)es $re o&er

or$ +es, it is re$lly %onerful

Hel)er This ti)e I neen't sit here $n be ull $ll $lone, $nyou neen't ruin your e$r eyes $n your retty little h$ns

or$ (cl$ing her h$ns! o, Tor&$l, I neen't $ny longer,nee I6 It's %onerfully lo&ely to he$r you s$y so6 (T$king his$r)! o% I %ill tell you ho% I h$&e been thinking %e ought to$rr$nge things, Tor&$l As soon $s "hrist)$s is o&er(A bellrings in the h$ll! There's the bell (2he tiies the roo) $little! There's so)e one $t the oor -h$t $ nuis$nce6

Hel)er If it is $ c$ller, re)e)ber I $) not $t ho)e

8$i (in the oor%$y! A l$y to see you, )$'$),$ str$nger

or$ Ask her to co)e in


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8$i (to HE>8E1! The octor c$)e $t the s$)e ti)e, sir

Hel)er Di he go str$ight into )y roo)

8$i +es, sir

(HE>8E1 goes into his roo) The 8AID ushers in 8rs >IDE, %ho isin tr$&elling ress, $n shuts the oor! 8rs >ine (in $ejecte $n ti)i &oice! Ho% o you o, or$

or$ (oubtfully! Ho% o you o8rs >ine +ou on't recognise)e, I suose

or$ o, I on't kno%yes, to be sure, I see) to(2uenly!+es6 "hristine6 Is it re$lly you

8rs >ine +es, it is I

or$ "hristine6 To think of )y not recognising you6 An yet ho%coul I(In $ gentle &oice! Ho% you h$&e $ltere, "hristine6

8rs >ine +es, I h$&e inee In nine, ten long ye$rs

or$ Is it so long since %e )et I suose it is The l$st eightye$rs h$&e been $ h$y ti)e for )e, I c$n tell you An so no%you h$&e co)e into the to%n, $n h$&e t$ken this long journey in%interth$t %$s lucky of you

8rs >ine I $rri&e by ste$)er this )orning

or$ To h$&e so)e fun $t "hrist)$sti)e, of course Ho%elightful6 -e %ill h$&e such fun together6 But t$ke off yourthings +ou $re not col, I hoe (Hels her! o% %e %ill sito%n by the sto&e, $n be cosy o, t$ke this $r)ch$ir I %illsit here in the rockingch$ir (T$kes her h$ns! o% you looklike your ol self $g$in it %$s only the first )o)ent+ou $re $little $ler, "hristine, $n erh$s $ little thinner

8rs >ine An )uch, )uch oler, or$

or$ Perh$s $ little oler &ery, &ery little cert$inly not)uch (2tos suenly $n se$ks seriously! -h$t $ thoughtless

cre$ture I $), ch$ttering $%$y like this 8y oor, e$r "hristine,o forgi&e )e

8rs >ine -h$t o you )e$n, or$

or$ (gently! Poor "hristine, you $re $ %io%

8rs >ine +es it is three ye$rs $go no%

or$ +es, I kne% I s$% it in the $ers I $ssure you,"hristine, I )e$nt e&er so often to %rite to you $t the ti)e, butI $l%$ys ut it off $n so)ething $l%$ys re&ente )e

8rs >ine I Juite unerst$n, e$r

or$ It %$s &ery b$ of )e, "hristine Poor thing, ho% you )ust


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h$&e suffere An he left you nothing

8rs >ine o

or$ An no chilren

8rs >ine o

or$ othing $t $ll, then

8rs >ine ot e&en $ny sorro% or grief to li&e uon

or$ (looking increulously $t her! But, "hristine, is th$tossible

8rs >ine (s)iles s$ly $n strokes her h$ir! It so)eti)esh$ens, or$

or$ 2o you $re Juite $lone Ho% re$fully s$ th$t )ust be I

h$&e three lo&ely chilren +ou c$n't see the) just no%, for they$re out %ith their nurse But no% you )ust tell )e $ll $bout it

8rs >ine o, no I %$nt to he$r $bout you

or$ o, you )ust begin I )ustn't be selfish to$y to$y I)ust only think of your $ff$irs But there is one thing I )usttell you Do you kno% %e h$&e just h$ $ gre$t iece of gooluck

8rs >ine o, %h$t is it

or$ @ust f$ncy, )y husb$n h$s been )$e )$n$ger of the B$nk6

8rs >ine +our husb$n -h$t goo luck6

or$ +es, tre)enous6 A b$rrister's rofession is such $nuncert$in thing, eseci$lly if he %on't unert$ke uns$&ouryc$ses $n n$tur$lly Tor&$l h$s ne&er been %illing to o th$t,$n I Juite $gree %ith hi) +ou )$y i)$gine ho% le$se %e $re6He is to t$ke u his %ork in the B$nk $t the e% +e$r, $n thenhe %ill h$&e $ big s$l$ry $n lots of co))issions .or the future%e c$n li&e Juite ifferently%e c$n o just $s %e like I feelso relie&e $n so h$y, "hristine6 It %ill be sleni to h$&e

he$s of )oney $n not nee to h$&e $ny $n0iety, %on't it

8rs >ine +es, $nyho% I think it %oul be elightful to h$&e%h$t one nees

or$ o, not only %h$t one nees, but he$s $n he$s of )oney

8rs >ine (s)iling! or$, or$, h$&en't you le$rne sense yetIn our school$ys you %ere $ gre$t senthrift

or$ (l$ughing! +es, th$t is %h$t Tor&$l s$ys no% (-$gs herfinger $t her! But *or$, or$* is not so silly $s you think -eh$&e not been in $ osition for )e to %$ste )oney -e h$&e bothh$ to %ork

8rs >ine +ou too


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or$ +es os $n ens, neele%ork, crotchet%ork, e)broiery,$n th$t kin of thing (Droing her &oice! An other things $s%ell +ou kno% Tor&$l left his office %hen %e %ere )$rrieThere %$s no rosect of ro)otion there, $n he h$ to try $ne$rn )ore th$n before But uring the first ye$r he o&er%orkehi)self re$fully +ou see, he h$ to )$ke )oney e&ery %$y he

coul, $n he %orke e$rly $n l$te but he couln't st$n it,$n fell re$fully ill, $n the octors s$i it %$s necess$ryfor hi) to go south

8rs >ine +ou sent $ %hole ye$r in It$ly, in't you

or$ +es It %$s no e$sy )$tter to get $%$y, I c$n tell you It %$sjust $fter I&$r %$s born but n$tur$lly %e h$ to go It %$s $%onerfully be$utiful journey, $n it s$&e Tor&$l's life Butit cost $ tre)enous lot of )oney, "hristine

8rs >ine 2o I shoul think

or$ It cost $bout t%o hunre $n fifty ouns Th$t's $ lot,isn't it

8rs >ine +es, $n in e)ergencies like th$t it is lucky to h$&ethe )oney

or$ I ought to tell you th$t %e h$ it fro) $$

8rs >ine ?h, I see It %$s just $bout th$t ti)e th$t he ie,%$sn't it

or$ +es $n, just think of it, I couln't go $n nurse hi) I%$s e0ecting little I&$r's birth e&ery $y $n I h$ )y oorsick Tor&$l to look $fter 8y e$r, kin f$therI ne&er s$% hi)$g$in, "hristine Th$t %$s the s$est ti)e I h$&e kno%n sinceour )$rri$ge

8rs >ine I kno% ho% fon you %ere of hi) An then you %entoff to It$ly

or$ +es you see %e h$ )oney then, $n the octors insiste onour going, so %e st$rte $ )onth l$ter

8rs >ine An your husb$n c$)e b$ck Juite %ell

or$ As soun $s $ bell6

8rs >ine Butthe octor

or$ -h$t octor

8rs >ine I thought your )$i s$i the gentle)$n %ho $rri&ehere just $s I i, %$s the octor

or$ +es, th$t %$s Doctor 1$nk, but he oesn't co)e hererofession$lly He is our gre$test frien, $n co)es in $t le$stonce e&ery$y o, Tor&$l h$s not h$ $n hour's illness sincethen, $n our chilren $re strong $n he$lthy $n so $) I (@u)su $n cl$s her h$ns! "hristine6 "hristine6 it's goo to be


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$li&e $n h$y6But ho% horri of )e I $) t$lking of nothingbut )y o%n $ff$irs (2its on $ stool ne$r her, $n rests her $r)son her knees! +ou )ustn't be $ngry %ith )e Tell )e, is itre$lly true th$t you i not lo&e your husb$n -hy i you )$rryhi)

8rs >ine 8y )other %$s $li&e then, $n %$s berien $n

helless, $n I h$ to ro&ie for )y t%o younger brothers so Ii not think I %$s justifie in refusing his offer

or$ o, erh$s you %ere Juite right He %$s rich $t th$t ti)e,then

8rs >ine I belie&e he %$s Juite %ell off But his business %$s$ rec$rious one $n, %hen he ie, it $ll %ent to ieces $nthere %$s nothing left

or$ An then

8rs >ine -ell, I h$ to turn )y h$n to $nything I coul finfirst $ s)$ll sho, then $ s)$ll school, $n so on The l$stthree ye$rs h$&e see)e like one long %orking$y, %ith no resto% it is $t $n en, or$ 8y oor )other nees )e no )ore, forshe is gone $n the boys o not nee )e either they h$&e gotsitu$tions $n c$n shift for the)sel&es

or$ -h$t $ relief you )ust feel if

8rs >ine o, inee I only feel )y life unse$k$bly e)ty oone to li&e for $ny)ore (Gets u restlessly! Th$t %$s %hy Icoul not st$n the life in )y little b$ck%$ter $ny longer I

hoe it )$y be e$sier here to fin so)ething %hich %ill busy )e$n occuy )y thoughts If only I coul h$&e the goo luck to getso)e regul$r %orkoffice %ork of so)e kin

or$ But, "hristine, th$t is so frightfully tiring, $n you looktire out no% +ou h$ f$r better go $%$y to so)e %$teringl$ce

8rs >ine (%$lking to the %ino%! I h$&e no f$ther to gi&e )e)oney for $ journey, or$

or$ (rising! ?h, on't be $ngry %ith )e6

8rs >ine (going u to her! It is you th$t )ust not be $ngry%ith )e, e$r The %orst of $ osition like )ine is th$t it )$kesone so bitter o one to %ork for, $n yet oblige to be $l%$yson the lookout for ch$nces ?ne )ust li&e, $n so one beco)esselfish -hen you tol )e of the h$y turn your fortunes h$&et$kenyou %ill h$rly belie&e itI %$s elighte not so )uch onyour $ccount $s on )y o%n

or$ Ho% o you )e$n?h, I unerst$n +ou )e$n th$t erh$sTor&$l coul get you so)ething to o

8rs >ine +es, th$t %$s %h$t I %$s thinking of

or$ He )ust, "hristine @ust le$&e it to )e I %ill bro$ch thesubject &ery cle&erlyI %ill think of so)ething th$t %ill le$sehi) &ery )uch It %ill )$ke )e so h$y to be of so)e use to you


11/76

8rs >ine Ho% kin you $re, or$, to be so $n0ious to hel )e6It is oubly kin in you, for you kno% so little of the burens$n troubles of life

or$ I I kno% so little of the)

8rs >ine (s)iling! 8y e$r6 2)$ll househol c$res $n th$tsort of thing6+ou $re $ chil, or$

or$ (tosses her he$ $n crosses the st$ge! +ou ought not to beso suerior

8rs >ine o

or$ +ou $re just like the others They $ll think th$t I $)inc$$ble of $nything re$lly serious

8rs >ine "o)e, co)e

or$th$t I h$&e gone through nothing in this %orl of c$res

8rs >ine But, )y e$r or$, you h$&e just tol )e $ll yourtroubles

or$ Pooh6those %ere trifles (>o%ering her &oice! I h$&e nottol you the i)ort$nt thing

8rs >ine The i)ort$nt thing -h$t o you )e$n

or$ +ou look o%n uon )e $ltogether, "hristinebut you ought

not to +ou $re rou, $ren't you, of h$&ing %orke so h$r $nso long for your )other

8rs >ine Inee, I on't look o%n on $nyone But it is trueth$t I $) both rou $n gl$ to think th$t I %$s ri&ilege to)$ke the en of )y )other's life $l)ost free fro) c$re

or$ An you $re rou to think of %h$t you h$&e one for yourbrothers

8rs >ine I think I h$&e the right to be

or$ I think so, too But no%, listen to this I too h$&eso)ething to be rou $n gl$ of

8rs >ine I h$&e no oubt you h$&e But %h$t o you refer to

or$ 2e$k lo% 2uose Tor&$l %ere to he$r6 He )ustn't on $ny$ccountno one in the %orl )ust kno%, "hristine, e0cet you

8rs >ine But %h$t is it

or$ "o)e here (Pulls her o%n on the sof$ besie her! o% I%ill sho% you th$t I too h$&e so)ething to be rou $n gl$ ofIt %$s I %ho s$&e Tor&$l's life

8rs >ine *2$&e* Ho%


12/76

or$ I tol you $bout our tri to It$ly Tor&$l %oul ne&erh$&e reco&ere if he h$ not gone there

8rs >ine +es, but your f$ther g$&e you the necess$ry funs

or$ (s)iling! +es, th$t is %h$t Tor&$l $n $ll the othersthink, but

8rs >ine But

or$ P$$ in't gi&e us $ shilling It %$s I %ho rocure the)oney

8rs >ine +ou All th$t l$rge su)

or$ T%o hunre $n fifty ouns -h$t o you think of th$t

8rs >ine But, or$, ho% coul you ossibly o it Di you %in$ riKe in the >ottery

or$ (conte)tuously! In the >ottery There %oul h$&e been nocreit in th$t

8rs >ine But %here i you get it fro), then or$ (hu))ing$n s)iling %ith $n $ir of )ystery! H), h)6 Ah$6

8rs >ine Bec$use you couln't h$&e borro%e it

or$ "ouln't I -hy not

8rs >ine o, $ %ife c$nnot borro% %ithout her husb$n's

consent

or$ (tossing her he$! ?h, if it is $ %ife %ho h$s $ny he$ forbusiness$ %ife %ho h$s the %it to be $ little bit cle&er

8rs >ine I on't unerst$n it $t $ll, or$

or$ There is no nee you shoul I ne&er s$i I h$ borro%ethe )oney I )$y h$&e got it so)e other %$y (>ies b$ck on thesof$! Perh$s I got it fro) so)e other $)irer -hen $nyone is$s $ttr$cti&e $s I $)

8rs >ine +ou $re $ )$ cre$ture

or$ o%, you kno% you're full of curiosity, "hristine

8rs >ine >isten to )e, or$ e$r H$&en't you been $ littlebit i)ruent

or$ (sits u str$ight! Is it i)ruent to s$&e your husb$n'slife

8rs >ine It see)s to )e i)ruent, %ithout his kno%lege, to

or$ But it %$s $bsolutely necess$ry th$t he shoul not kno%6 8ygooness, c$n't you unerst$n th$t It %$s necess$ry he shoulh$&e no ie$ %h$t $ $ngerous conition he %$s in It %$s to )eth$t the octors c$)e $n s$i th$t his life %$s in $nger, $n


13/76

th$t the only thing to s$&e hi) %$s to li&e in the south Do yousuose I in't try, first of $ll, to get %h$t I %$nte $s if it%ere for )yself I tol hi) ho% )uch I shoul lo&e to tr$&el$bro$ like other young %i&es I trie te$rs $n entre$ties %ithhi) I tol hi) th$t he ought to re)e)ber the conition I %$s in,$n th$t he ought to be kin $n inulgent to )e I e&en hinteth$t he )ight r$ise $ lo$n Th$t ne$rly )$e hi) $ngry, "hristine

He s$i I %$s thoughtless, $n th$t it %$s his uty $s )y husb$nnot to inulge )e in )y %hi)s $n c$rices$s I belie&e he c$llethe) /ery %ell, I thought, you )ust be s$&e$n th$t %$s ho%I c$)e to e&ise $ %$y out of the ifficulty

8rs >ine An i your husb$n ne&er get to kno% fro) yourf$ther th$t the )oney h$ not co)e fro) hi)

or$ o, ne&er P$$ ie just $t th$t ti)e I h$ )e$nt to lethi) into the secret $n beg hi) ne&er to re&e$l it But he %$s soill then$l$s, there ne&er %$s $ny nee to tell hi)

8rs >ine An since then h$&e you ne&er tol your secret toyour husb$n

or$ Goo He$&ens, no6 Ho% coul you think so A )$n %ho h$ssuch strong oinions $bout these things6 An besies, ho% $inful$n hu)ili$ting it %oul be for Tor&$l, %ith his )$nlyineenence, to kno% th$t he o%e )e $nything6 It %oul usetour )utu$l rel$tions $ltogether our be$utiful h$y ho)e %oulno longer be %h$t it is no%

8rs >ine Do you )e$n ne&er to tell hi) $bout it

or$ ()eit$ti&ely, $n %ith $ h$lf s)ile! +esso)e$y,erh$s, $fter )$ny ye$rs, %hen I $) no longer $s nicelooking $sI $) no% Don't l$ugh $t )e6 I )e$n, of course, %hen Tor&$l isno longer $s e&ote to )e $s he is no% %hen )y $ncing $nressingu $n reciting h$&e $lle on hi) then it )$y be $goo thing to h$&e so)ething in reser&e(Bre$king off! -h$tnonsense6 Th$t ti)e %ill ne&er co)e o%, %h$t o you think of )ygre$t secret, "hristine Do you still think I $) of no use I c$ntell you, too, th$t this $ff$ir h$s c$use )e $ lot of %orry Ith$s been by no )e$ns e$sy for )e to )eet )y eng$ge)entsunctu$lly I )$y tell you th$t there is so)ething th$t isc$lle, in business, Ju$rterly interest, $n $nother thing c$lle

$y)ent in inst$ll)ents, $n it is $l%$ys so re$fully ifficultto )$n$ge the) I h$&e h$ to s$&e $ little here $n there, %hereI coul, you unerst$n I h$&e not been $ble to ut $sie )uchfro) )y housekeeing )oney, for Tor&$l )ust h$&e $ goo t$ble Icouln't let )y chilren be sh$bbily resse I h$&e felt obligeto use u $ll he g$&e )e for the), the s%eet little $rlings6

8rs >ine 2o it h$s $ll h$ to co)e out of your o%n necess$riesof life, oor or$

or$ ?f course Besies, I %$s the one resonsible for it -hene&erTor&$l h$s gi&en )e )oney for ne% resses $n such things, I h$&ene&er sent )ore th$n h$lf of it I h$&e $l%$ys bought the si)lest$n che$est things Th$nk He$&en, $ny clothes look %ell on )e,$n so Tor&$l h$s ne&er notice it But it %$s often &ery h$ron )e, "hristinebec$use it is elightful to be re$lly %ell


14/76

resse, isn't it

8rs >ine Luite so

or$ -ell, then I h$&e foun other %$ys of e$rning )oney >$st%inter I %$s lucky enough to get $ lot of coying to o so Ilocke )yself u $n s$t %riting e&ery e&ening until Juite l$te

$t night 8$ny $ ti)e I %$s eser$tely tire but $ll the s$)eit %$s $ tre)enous le$sure to sit there %orking $n e$rning)oney It %$s like being $ )$n

8rs >ine Ho% )uch h$&e you been $ble to $y off in th$t %$y

or$ I c$n't tell you e0$ctly +ou see, it is &ery ifficult tokee $n $ccount of $ business )$tter of th$t kin I only kno%th$t I h$&e $i e&ery enny th$t I coul scr$e together 8$ny $ti)e I %$s $t )y %its' en (2)iles! Then I use to sit here $ni)$gine th$t $ rich ol gentle)$n h$ f$llen in lo&e %ith )e

8rs >ine -h$t6 -ho %$s it

or$ Be Juiet6th$t he h$ ie $n th$t %hen his %ill %$soene it cont$ine, %ritten in big letters, the instruction7*The lo&ely 8rs or$ Hel)er is to h$&e $ll I ossess $i o&erto her $t once in c$sh*

8rs >ine But, )y e$r or$%ho coul the )$n be

or$ Goo gr$cious, c$n't you unerst$n There %$s no olgentle)$n $t $ll it %$s only so)ething th$t I use to sit here$n i)$gine, %hen I couln't think of $ny %$y of rocuring )oney

But it's $ll the s$)e no% the tireso)e ol erson c$n st$y %herehe is, $s f$r $s I $) concerne I on't c$re $bout hi) or his%ill either, for I $) free fro) c$re no% (@u)s u! 8ygooness, it's elightful to think of, "hristine6 .ree fro) c$re6To be $ble to be free fro) c$re, Juite free fro) c$re to be $bleto l$y $n ro) %ith the chilren to be $ble to kee the housebe$utifully $n h$&e e&erything just $s Tor&$l likes it6 An,think of it, soon the sring %ill co)e $n the big blue sky6Perh$s %e sh$ll be $ble to t$ke $ little trierh$s I sh$llsee the se$ $g$in6 ?h, it's $ %onerful thing to be $li&e $n beh$y (A bell is he$r in the h$ll!

8rs >ine (rising! There is the bell erh$s I h$ better go

or$ o, on't go no one %ill co)e in here it is sure to befor Tor&$l

2er&$nt ($t the h$ll oor! E0cuse )e, )$'$)there is $gentle)$n to see the )$ster, $n $s the octor is %ith hi)

or$ -ho is it

Crogst$ ($t the oor! It is I, 8rs Hel)er (8rs >IDE st$rts,tre)bles, $n turns to the %ino%!

or$ (t$kes $ ste to%$rs hi), $n se$ks in $ str$ine, lo%&oice! +ou -h$t is it -h$t o you %$nt to see )y husb$n$bout


15/76

Crogst$ B$nk businessin $ %$y I h$&e $ s)$ll ost in theB$nk, $n I he$r your husb$n is to be our chief no%

or$ Then it is

Crogst$ othing but ry business )$tters, 8rs Hel)er

$bsolutely nothing else

or$ Be so goo $s to go into the stuy, then (2he bo%sinifferently to hi) $n shuts the oor into the h$ll then co)esb$ck $n )$kes u the fire in the sto&e!

8rs >ine or$%ho %$s th$t )$n

or$ A l$%yer, of the n$)e of Crogst$

8rs >ine Then it re$lly %$s he

or$ Do you kno% the )$n

8rs >ine I use to)$ny ye$rs $go At one ti)e he %$s $solicitor's clerk in our to%n

or$ +es, he %$s

8rs >ine He is gre$tly $ltere

or$ He )$e $ &ery unh$y )$rri$ge

8rs >ine He is $ %io%er no%, isn't he

or$ -ith se&er$l chilren There no%, it is burning u 2hutsthe oor of the sto&e $n )o&es the rockingch$ir $sie!

8rs >ine They s$y he c$rries on &$rious kins of business

or$ 1e$lly6 Perh$s he oes I on't kno% $nything $bout itBut on't let us think of business it is so tireso)e

Doctor 1$nk (co)es out of HE>8E1'2 stuy Before he shuts theoor he c$lls to hi)! o, )y e$r fello%, I %on't isturb you I%oul r$ther go in to your %ife for $ little %hile (2huts the

oor $n sees 8rs >IDE! I beg your $ron I $) $fr$i I $)isturbing you too

or$ o, not $t $ll (Introucing hi)! Doctor 1$nk, 8rs >ine

1$nk I h$&e often he$r 8rs >ine's n$)e )entione here Ithink I $sse you on the st$irs %hen I $rri&e, 8rs >ine

8rs >ine +es, I go u &ery slo%ly I c$n't )$n$ge st$irs %ell

1$nk Ah6 so)e slight intern$l %e$kness

8rs >ine o, the f$ct is I h$&e been o&er%orking )yself

1$nk othing )ore th$n th$t Then I suose you h$&e co)e toto%n to $)use yourself %ith our entert$in)ents


16/76

8rs >ine I h$&e co)e to look for %ork

1$nk Is th$t $ goo cure for o&er%ork

8rs >ine ?ne )ust li&e, Doctor 1$nk

1$nk +es, the gener$l oinion see)s to be th$t it is necess$ry

or$ >ook here, Doctor 1$nkyou kno% you %$nt to li&e

1$nk "ert$inly Ho%e&er %retche I )$y feel, I %$nt to rolongthe $gony $s long $s ossible All )y $tients $re like th$t Anso $re those %ho $re )or$lly ise$se one of the), $n $ b$c$se too, is $t this &ery )o)ent %ith Hel)er

8rs >ine (s$ly! Ah6

or$ -ho) o you )e$n

1$nk A l$%yer of the n$)e of Crogst$, $ fello% you on't kno%$t $ll He suffers fro) $ ise$se )or$l ch$r$cter, 8rs Hel)erbut e&en he beg$n t$lking of its being highly i)ort$nt th$t heshoul li&e

or$ Di he -h$t i he %$nt to se$k to Tor&$l $bout

1$nk I h$&e no ie$ I only he$r th$t it %$s so)ething $boutthe B$nk

or$ I in't kno% this%h$t's his n$)eCrogst$ h$ $nything

to o %ith the B$nk

1$nk +es, he h$s so)e sort of $oint)ent there (To 8rs>IDE! I on't kno% %hether you fin $lso in your $rt of the%orl th$t there $re cert$in eole %ho go Ke$lously snuffing$bout to s)ell out )or$l corrution, $n, $s soon $s they h$&efoun so)e, ut the erson concerne into so)e lucr$ti&e osition%here they c$n kee their eye on hi) He$lthy n$tures $re leftout in the col

8rs >ine 2till I think the sick $re those %ho )ost nee t$kingc$re of

1$nk (shrugging his shoulers! +es, there you $re Th$t is thesenti)ent th$t is turning 2ociety into $ sickhouse

(?1A, %ho h$s been $bsorbe in her thoughts, bre$ks out intos)othere l$ughter $n cl$s her h$ns!

1$nk -hy o you l$ugh $t th$t H$&e you $ny notion %h$t 2ocietyre$lly is

or$ -h$t o I c$re $bout tireso)e 2ociety I $) l$ughing $tso)ething Juite ifferent, so)ething e0tre)ely $)using Tell )e,Doctor 1$nk, $re $ll the eole %ho $re e)loye in the B$nkeenent on Tor&$l no%

1$nk Is th$t %h$t you fin so e0tre)ely $)using


17/76

or$ (s)iling $n hu))ing! Th$t's )y $ff$ir6 (-$lking $bout theroo)! It's erfectly glorious to think th$t %e h$&eth$tTor&$l h$s so )uch o%er o&er so )$ny eole (T$kes the $cketfro) her ocket! Doctor 1$nk, %h$t o you s$y to $ )$c$roon

1$nk -h$t, )$c$roons I thought they %ere forbien here

or$ +es, but these $re so)e "hristine g$&e )e

8rs >ine -h$t6 I

or$ ?h, %ell, on't be $l$r)e6 +ou couln't kno% th$t Tor&$lh$ forbien the) I )ust tell you th$t he is $fr$i they %illsoil )y teeth But, b$h6once in $ %$yTh$t's so, isn't it,Doctor 1$nk By your le$&e6 (Puts $ )$c$roon into his )outh! +ou)ust h$&e one too, "hristine An I sh$ll h$&e one, just $ littleoneor $t )ost t%o (-$lking $bout! I $) tre)enously h$yThere is just one thing in the %orl no% th$t I shoul e$rly

lo&e to o

1$nk -ell, %h$t is th$t

or$ It's so)ething I shoul e$rly lo&e to s$y, if Tor&$lcoul he$r )e

1$nk -ell, %hy c$n't you s$y it

or$ o, I $ren't it's so shocking

8rs >ine 2hocking

1$nk -ell, I shoul not $&ise you to s$y it 2till, %ith us you)ight -h$t is it you %oul so )uch like to s$y if Tor&$l coulhe$r you

or$ I shoul just lo&e to s$y-ell, I') $)ne6

1$nk Are you )$

8rs >ine or$, e$r6

1$nk 2$y it, here he is6

or$ (hiing the $cket! Hush6 Hush6 Hush6 (HE>8E1 co)es out ofhis roo), %ith his co$t o&er his $r) $n his h$t in his h$n!

or$ -ell, Tor&$l e$r, h$&e you got ri of hi)

Hel)er +es, he h$s just gone

or$ >et )e introuce youthis is "hristine, %ho h$s co)e to to%n

Hel)er "hristine E0cuse )e, but I on't kno%

or$ 8rs >ine, e$r "hristine >ine

Hel)er ?f course A school frien of )y %ife's, I resu)e


18/76

8rs >ine +es, %e h$&e kno%n e$ch other since then

or$ An just think, she h$s t$ken $ long journey in orer to see you

Hel)er -h$t o you )e$n 8rs >ine o, re$lly, I

or$ "hristine is tre)enously cle&er $t bookkeeing, $n she

is frightfully $n0ious to %ork uner so)e cle&er )$n, so $s toerfect herself

Hel)er /ery sensible, 8rs >ine

or$ An %hen she he$r you h$ been $ointe )$n$ger of theB$nkthe ne%s %$s telegr$he, you kno%she tr$&elle here $sJuick $s she coul Tor&$l, I $) sure you %ill be $ble to oso)ething for "hristine, for )y s$ke, %on't you

Hel)er -ell, it is not $ltogether i)ossible I resu)e you $re$ %io%, 8rs >ine

8rs >ine +es

Hel)er An h$&e h$ so)e e0erience of bookkeeing

8rs >ine +es, $ f$ir $)ount

Hel)er Ah6 %ell, it's &ery likely I )$y be $ble to finso)ething for you

or$ (cl$ing her h$ns! -h$t i I tell you -h$t i I tellyou

Hel)er +ou h$&e just co)e $t $ fortun$te )o)ent, 8rs >ine

8rs >ine Ho% $) I to th$nk you

Hel)er There is no nee (Puts on his co$t! But to$y you )uste0cuse )e

1$nk -$it $ )inute I %ill co)e %ith you (Brings his fur co$tfro) the h$ll $n %$r)s it $t the fire!

or$ Don't be long $%$y, Tor&$l e$r

Hel)er About $n hour, not )ore

or$ Are you going too, "hristine

8rs >ine (utting on her clo$k! +es, I )ust go $n look for $roo)

Hel)er ?h, %ell then, %e c$n %$lk o%n the street together

or$ (heling her! -h$t $ ity it is %e $re so short of s$cehere I $) $fr$i it is i)ossible for us

8rs >ine Ple$se on't think of it6 Goobye, or$ e$r, $n)$ny th$nks


19/76

or$ Goobye for the resent ?f course you %ill co)e b$ck thise&ening An you too, Dr 1$nk -h$t o you s$y If you $re %ellenough ?h, you )ust be6 -r$ yourself u %ell (They go to theoor $ll t$lking together "hilren's &oices $re he$r on thest$irc$se!

or$ There they $re6 There they $re6 (2he runs to oen the oor

The 12E co)es in %ith the chilren! "o)e in6 "o)e in6 (2toos$n kisses the)! ?h, you s%eet blessings6 >ook $t the),"hristine6 Aren't they $rlings

1$nk Don't let us st$n here in the r$ught

Hel)er "o)e $long, 8rs >ine the l$ce %ill only be be$r$blefor $ )other no%6

(1AC, HE>8E1, $n 8rs >IDE go o%nst$irs The 12E co)esfor%$r %ith the chilren ?1A shuts the h$ll oor!

or$ Ho% fresh $n %ell you look6 2uch re cheeks like $les$n roses (The chilren $ll t$lk $t once %hile she se$ks tothe)! H$&e you h$ gre$t fun Th$t's sleni6 -h$t, you ulleboth E))y $n Bob $long on the slege both $t onceth$t %$sgoo +ou $re $ cle&er boy, I&$r >et )e t$ke her for $ little,Anne 8y s%eet little b$by oll6 (T$kes the b$by fro) the 8AID$n $nces it u $n o%n! +es, yes, )other %ill $nce %ith Bobtoo -h$t6 H$&e you been sno%b$lling I %ish I h$ been theretoo6 o, no, I %ill t$ke their things off, Anne le$se let )e oit, it is such fun Go in no%, you look h$lf froKen There isso)e hot coffee for you on the sto&e

(The 12E goes into the roo) on the left ?1A t$kes off thechilren's things $n thro%s the) $bout, %hile they $ll t$lk toher $t once!

or$ 1e$lly6 Di $ big og run $fter you But it in't biteyou o, ogs on't bite nice little olly chilren +ou )ustn'tlook $t the $rcels, I&$r -h$t $re they Ah, I $res$y you %oullike to kno% o, noit's so)ething n$sty6 "o)e, let us h$&e $g$)e6 -h$t sh$ll %e l$y $t Hie $n 2eek +es, %e'll l$y Hie$n 2eek Bob sh$ll hie first 8ust I hie /ery %ell, I'll hiefirst (2he $n the chilren l$ugh $n shout, $n ro) in $n outof the roo) $t l$st ?1A hies uner the t$ble, the chilren

rush in $n out for her, but o not see her they he$r hers)othere l$ughter, run to the t$ble, lift u the cloth $n finher 2houts of l$ughter 2he cr$%ls for%$r $n retens tofrighten the) .resh l$ughter 8e$n%hile there h$s been $ knock$t the h$ll oor, but none of the) h$s notice it The oor ish$lf oene, $n C1?G2TAD $e$rs, lie %$its $ little the g$)egoes on!

Crogst$ E0cuse )e, 8rs Hel)er

or$ (%ith $ stifle cry, turns roun $n gets u on to herknees! Ah6 %h$t o you %$nt

Crogst$ E0cuse )e, the outer oor %$s $j$r I suose so)eoneforgot to shut it


20/76

or$ (rising! 8y husb$n is out, 8r Crogst$

Crogst$ I kno% th$t

or$ -h$t o you %$nt here, then

Crogst$ A %or %ith you

or$ -ith )e(To the chilren, gently! Go in to nurse -h$to, the str$nge )$n %on't o )other $ny h$r) -hen he h$s gone %e%ill h$&e $nother g$)e (2he t$kes the chilren into the roo) onthe left, $n shuts the oor $fter the)! +ou %$nt to se$k to)e

Crogst$ +es, I o

or$ To$y It is not the first of the )onth yet

Crogst$ o, it is "hrist)$s E&e, $n it %ill een on yourself

%h$t sort of $ "hrist)$s you %ill sen

or$ -h$t o you )e$n To$y it is $bsolutely i)ossible for )e

Crogst$ -e %on't t$lk $bout th$t until l$ter on This isso)ething ifferent I resu)e you c$n gi&e )e $ )o)ent

or$ +esyes, I c$n$lthough

Crogst$ Goo I %$s in ?lsen's 1est$ur$nt $n s$% your husb$ngoing o%n the street

or$ +es

Crogst$ -ith $ l$y

or$ -h$t then

Crogst$ 8$y I )$ke so bol $s to $sk if it %$s $ 8rs >ine

or$ It %$s

Crogst$ @ust $rri&e in to%n

or$ +es, to$y

Crogst$ 2he is $ gre$t frien of yours, isn't she

or$ 2he is But I on't see

Crogst$ I kne% her too, once uon $ ti)e

or$ I $) $%$re of th$t

Crogst$ Are you 2o you kno% $ll $bout it I thought $s )uchThen I c$n $sk you, %ithout be$ting $bout the bushis 8rs >ineto h$&e $n $oint)ent in the B$nk

or$ -h$t right h$&e you to Juestion )e, 8r Crogst$+ou, oneof )y husb$n's suborin$tes6 But since you $sk, you sh$ll kno%


21/76

+es, 8rs >ine is to h$&e $n $oint)ent An it %$s I %hole$e her c$use, 8r Crogst$, let )e tell you th$t

Crogst$ I %$s right in %h$t I thought, then

or$ (%$lking u $n o%n the st$ge! 2o)eti)es one h$s $ tinylittle bit of influence, I shoul hoe Bec$use one is $ %o)$n,

it oes not necess$rily follo% th$t -hen $nyone is in $suborin$te osition, 8r Crogst$, they shoul re$lly be c$refulto $&oi offening $nyone %ho%ho

Crogst$ -ho h$s influence

or$ E0$ctly

Crogst$ (ch$nging his tone! 8rs Hel)er, you %ill be so goo $sto use your influence on )y beh$lf

or$ -h$t -h$t o you )e$n

Crogst$ +ou %ill be so kin $s to see th$t I $) $llo%e to kee)y suborin$te osition in the B$nk

or$ -h$t o you )e$n by th$t -ho rooses to t$ke your ost$%$y fro) you

Crogst$ ?h, there is no necessity to kee u the retence ofignor$nce I c$n Juite unerst$n th$t your frien is not &ery$n0ious to e0ose herself to the ch$nce of rubbing shoulers %ith)e $n I Juite unerst$n, too, %ho) I h$&e to th$nk for beingturne off

or$ But I $ssure you

Crogst$ /ery likely but, to co)e to the oint, the ti)e h$sco)e %hen I shoul $&ise you to use your influence to re&entth$t

or$ But, 8r Crogst$, I h$&e no influence

Crogst$ H$&en't you I thought you s$i yourself just no%

or$ $tur$lly I i not )e$n you to ut th$t construction on

it I6 -h$t shoul )$ke you think I h$&e $ny influence of th$tkin %ith )y husb$n

Crogst$ ?h, I h$&e kno%n your husb$n fro) our stuent $ys Ion't suose he is $ny )ore un$ss$il$ble th$n other husb$ns

or$ If you se$k slightingly of )y husb$n, I sh$ll turn youout of the house

Crogst$ +ou $re bol, 8rs Hel)er

or$ I $) not $fr$i of you $ny longer As soon $s the e% +e$rco)es, I sh$ll in $ &ery short ti)e be free of the %hole thing

Crogst$ (controlling hi)self! >isten to )e, 8rs Hel)er Ifnecess$ry! I $) re$re to fight for )y s)$ll ost in the B$nk


22/76

$s if I %ere fighting for )y life

or$ 2o it see)s

Crogst$ It is not only for the s$ke of the )oney inee, th$t%eighs le$st %ith )e in the )$tter There is $nother re$son%ell, I )$y $s %ell tell you 8y osition is this I $res$y you

kno%, like e&eryboy else, th$t once, )$ny ye$rs $go, I %$sguilty of $n iniscretion

or$ I think I h$&e he$r so)ething of the kin

Crogst$ The )$tter ne&er c$)e into court but e&ery %$y see)eto be close to )e $fter th$t 2o I took to the business th$t youkno% of I h$ to o so)ething $n, honestly, I on't think I'&ebeen one of the %orst But no% I )ust cut )yself free fro) $llth$t 8y sons $re gro%ing u for their s$ke I )ust try $n %inb$ck $s )uch resect $s I c$n in the to%n This ost in the B$nk%$s like the first ste u for )e$n no% your husb$n is going

to kick )e o%nst$irs $g$in into the )u

or$ But you )ust belie&e )e, 8r Crogst$ it is not in )yo%er to hel you $t $ll

Crogst$ Then it is bec$use you h$&en't the %ill but I h$&e)e$ns to co)el you

or$ +ou on't )e$n th$t you %ill tell )y husb$n th$t I o%e you)oney

Crogst$ H)6suose I %ere to tell hi)

or$ It %oul be erfectly inf$)ous of you (2obbing! To thinkof his le$rning )y secret, %hich h$s been )y joy $n rie, insuch $n ugly, clu)sy %$yth$t he shoul le$rn it fro) you6 Anit %oul ut )e in $ horribly is$gree$ble osition

Crogst$ ?nly is$gree$ble

or$ (i)etuously! -ell, o it, then6$n it %ill be the %orsefor you 8y husb$n %ill see for hi)self %h$t $ bl$ckgu$r you$re, $n you cert$inly %on't kee your ost then

Crogst$ I $ske you if it %$s only $ is$gree$ble scene $t ho)eth$t you %ere $fr$i of

or$ If )y husb$n oes get to kno% of it, of course he %ill $tonce $y you %h$t is still o%ing, $n %e sh$ll h$&e nothing )oreto o %ith you

Crogst$ (co)ing $ ste ne$rer! >isten to )e, 8rs Hel)erEither you h$&e $ &ery b$ )e)ory or you kno% &ery little ofbusiness I sh$ll be oblige to re)in you of $ fe% et$ils

or$ -h$t o you )e$n

Crogst$ -hen your husb$n %$s ill, you c$)e to )e to borro% t%ohunre $n fifty ouns


23/76

or$ I in't kno% $nyone else to go to

Crogst$ I ro)ise to get you th$t $)ount

or$ +es, $n you i so

Crogst$ I ro)ise to get you th$t $)ount, on cert$in

conitions +our )in %$s so t$ken u %ith your husb$n'sillness, $n you %ere so $n0ious to get the )oney for yourjourney, th$t you see) to h$&e $i no $ttention to the conitionsof our b$rg$in Therefore it %ill not be $)iss if I re)in you ofthe) o%, I ro)ise to get the )oney on the security of $ bon%hich I re% u

or$ +es, $n %hich I signe

Crogst$ Goo But belo% your sign$ture there %ere $ fe% linesconstituting your f$ther $ surety for the )oney those lines yourf$ther shoul h$&e signe

or$ 2houl He i sign the)

Crogst$ I h$ left the $te bl$nk th$t is to s$y, your f$thershoul hi)self h$&e inserte the $te on %hich he signe the $erDo you re)e)ber th$t

or$ +es, I think I re)e)ber

Crogst$ Then I g$&e you the bon to sen by ost to yourf$ther Is th$t not so

or$ +es

Crogst$ An you n$tur$lly i so $t once, bec$use fi&e or si0$ys $fter%$rs you brought )e the bon %ith your f$ther'ssign$ture An then I g$&e you the )oney

or$ -ell, h$&en't I been $ying it off regul$rly

Crogst$ .$irly so, yes Butto co)e b$ck to the )$tter inh$nth$t )ust h$&e been $ &ery trying ti)e for you, 8rsHel)er

or$ It %$s, inee

Crogst$ +our f$ther %$s &ery ill, %$sn't he

or$ He %$s &ery ne$r his en

Crogst$ An ie soon $fter%$rs

or$ +es

Crogst$ Tell )e, 8rs Hel)er, c$n you by $ny ch$nce re)e)ber%h$t $y your f$ther ieon %h$t $y of the )onth, I )e$n

or$ P$$ ie on the 94th of 2ete)ber

Crogst$ Th$t is correct I h$&e $scert$ine it for )yself An,


24/76

$s th$t is so, there is $ iscre$ncy (t$king $ $er fro) hisocket! %hich I c$nnot $ccount for

or$ -h$t iscre$ncy I on't kno%

Crogst$ The iscre$ncy consists, 8rs Hel)er, in the f$ct th$tyour f$ther signe this bon three $ys $fter his e$th

or$ -h$t o you )e$n I on't unerst$n

Crogst$ +our f$ther ie on the 94th of 2ete)ber But, lookhere your f$ther h$s $te his sign$ture the 9n of ?ctober Itis $ iscre$ncy, isn't it (?1A is silent! "$n you e0l$in itto )e (?1A is still silent! It is $ re)$rk$ble thing, too,th$t the %ors *9n of ?ctober,* $s %ell $s the ye$r, $re not%ritten in your f$ther's h$n%riting but in one th$t I think Ikno% -ell, of course it c$n be e0l$ine your f$ther )$y h$&eforgotten to $te his sign$ture, $n so)eone else )$y h$&e $teit h$h$K$r before they kne% of his e$th There is no h$r) in

th$t It $ll eens on the sign$ture of the n$)e $n th$t isgenuine, I suose, 8rs Hel)er It %$s your f$ther hi)self %hosigne his n$)e here

or$ ($fter $ short $use, thro%s her he$ u $n looks efi$ntly$t hi)! o, it %$s not It %$s I th$t %rote $$'s n$)e

Crogst$ Are you $%$re th$t is $ $ngerous confession

or$ In %h$t %$y +ou sh$ll h$&e your )oney soon

Crogst$ >et )e $sk you $ Juestion %hy i you not sen the

$er to your f$ther

or$ It %$s i)ossible $$ %$s so ill If I h$ $ske hi) forhis sign$ture, I shoul h$&e h$ to tell hi) %h$t the )oney %$sto be use for $n %hen he %$s so ill hi)self I couln't tellhi) th$t )y husb$n's life %$s in $ngerit %$s i)ossible

Crogst$ It %oul h$&e been better for you if you h$ gi&en uyour tri $bro$

or$ o, th$t %$s i)ossible Th$t tri %$s to s$&e )y husb$n'slife I couln't gi&e th$t u

Crogst$ But i it ne&er occur to you th$t you %ere co))itting$ fr$u on )e

or$ I couln't t$ke th$t into $ccount I in't trouble )yself$bout you $t $ll I couln't be$r you, bec$use you ut so )$nyhe$rtless ifficulties in )y %$y, $lthough you kne% %h$t $ $ngerousconition )y husb$n %$s in

Crogst$ 8rs Hel)er, you e&iently o not re$lise cle$rly %h$tit is th$t you h$&e been guilty of But I c$n $ssure you th$t )yone f$lse ste, %hich lost )e $ll )y reut$tion, %$s nothing )oreor nothing %orse th$n %h$t you h$&e one

or$ +ou Do you $sk )e to belie&e th$t you %ere br$&e enough torun $ risk to s$&e your %ife's life


25/76

Crogst$ The l$% c$res nothing $bout )oti&es

or$ Then it )ust be $ &ery foolish l$%

Crogst$ .oolish or not, it is the l$% by %hich you %ill be juge,if I rouce this $er in court

or$ I on't belie&e it Is $ $ughter not to be $llo%e tos$re her ying f$ther $n0iety $n c$re Is $ %ife not to be$llo%e to s$&e her husb$n's life I on't kno% )uch $bout l$%but I $) cert$in th$t there )ust be l$%s er)itting such things$s th$t H$&e you no kno%lege of such l$%syou %ho $re $l$%yer +ou )ust be $ &ery oor l$%yer, 8r Crogst$

Crogst$ 8$ybe But )$tters of businesssuch business $s you$n I h$&e h$ togethero you think I on't unerst$n th$t/ery %ell Do $s you le$se But let )e tell you thisif I lose)y osition $ secon ti)e, you sh$ll lose yours %ith )e (He

bo%s, $n goes out through the h$ll!

or$ ($e$rs burie in thought for $ short ti)e, then tosses herhe$! onsense6 Trying to frighten )e like th$t6I $) not sosilly $s he thinks (Begins to busy herself utting the chilren'sthings in orer! An yet o, it's i)ossible6 I i it for lo&e's s$ke

The "hilren (in the oor%$y on the left! 8other, the str$nger)$n h$s gone out through the g$te

or$ +es, e$rs, I kno% But, on't tell $nyone $bout the str$nger)$n Do you he$r ot e&en $$

"hilren o, )other but %ill you co)e $n l$y $g$in

or$ o, no,not no%

"hilren But, )other, you ro)ise us

or$ +es, but I c$n't no% 1un $%$y in I h$&e such $ lot to o1un $%$y in, )y s%eet little $rlings (2he gets the) into theroo) by egrees $n shuts the oor on the) then sits o%n on thesof$, t$kes u $ iece of neele%ork $n se%s $ fe% stitches, butsoon stos! o6 (Thro%s o%n the %ork, gets u, goes to the h$ll

oor $n c$lls out! Helen6 bring the Tree in (Goes to the t$bleon the left, oens $ r$%er, $n stos $g$in! o, no6 it isJuite i)ossible6

8$i (co)ing in %ith the Tree! -here sh$ll I ut it, )$'$)

or$ Here, in the )ile of the floor

8$i 2h$ll I get you $nything else

or$ o, th$nk you I h$&e $ll I %$nt ;E0it 8AID=

or$ (begins ressing the tree! A c$nle here$n flo%ers hereThe horrible )$n6 It's $ll nonsensethere's nothing %rong Thetree sh$ll be sleni6 I %ill o e&erything I c$n think of tole$se you, Tor&$l6I %ill sing for you, $nce for you(HE>8E1


26/76

co)es in %ith so)e $ers uner his $r)! ?h6 $re you b$ck$lre$y

Hel)er +es H$s $nyone been here

or$ Here o

Hel)er Th$t is str$nge I s$% Crogst$ going out of the g$te

or$ Di you ?h yes, I forgot, Crogst$ %$s here for $ )o)ent

Hel)er or$, I c$n see fro) your )$nner th$t he h$s been herebegging you to s$y $ goo %or for hi)

or$ +es

Hel)er An you %ere to $e$r to o it of your o%n $ccor you%ere to conce$l fro) )e the f$ct of his h$&ing been here in'the beg th$t of you too

or$ +es, Tor&$l, but

Hel)er or$, or$, $n you %oul be $ $rty to th$t sort ofthing To h$&e $ny t$lk %ith $ )$n like th$t, $n gi&e hi) $nysort of ro)ise An to tell )e $ lie into the b$rg$in

or$ A lie

Hel)er Din't you tell )e no one h$ been here (2h$kes hisfinger $t her! 8y little songbir )ust ne&er o th$t $g$in Asongbir )ust h$&e $ cle$n be$k to chir %ithno f$lse notes6

(Puts his $r) roun her %$ist! Th$t is so, isn't it +es, I $)sure it is (>ets her go! -e %ill s$y no )ore $bout it (2itso%n by the sto&e! Ho% %$r) $n snug it is here6 (Turns o&er his$ers!

or$ ($fter $ short $use, uring %hich she busies herself %iththe "hrist)$s Tree! Tor&$l6

Hel)er +es

or$ I $) looking for%$r tre)enously to the f$ncyress b$ll$t the 2tenborgs' the $y $fter to)orro%

Hel)er An I $) tre)enously curious to see %h$t you $re goingto surrise )e %ith

or$ It %$s &ery silly of )e to %$nt to o th$t

Hel)er -h$t o you )e$n

or$ I c$n't hit uon $nything th$t %ill o e&erything I thinkof see)s so silly $n insignific$nt

Hel)er Does )y little or$ $ckno%lege th$t $t l$st

or$ (st$ning behin his ch$ir %ith her $r)s on the b$ck of it!Are you &ery busy, Tor&$l


27/76

Hel)er -ell

or$ -h$t $re $ll those $ers

Hel)er B$nk business

or$ Alre$y

Hel)er I h$&e got $uthority fro) the retiring )$n$ger tounert$ke the necess$ry ch$nges in the st$ff $n in there$rr$nge)ent of the %ork $n I )ust )$ke use of the"hrist)$s %eek for th$t, so $s to h$&e e&erything in orerfor the ne% ye$r

or$ Then th$t %$s %hy this oor Crogst$

Hel)er H)6

or$ (le$ns $g$inst the b$ck of his ch$ir $n strokes his h$ir!

If you h$n't been so busy I shoul h$&e $ske you $ tre)enouslybig f$&our, Tor&$l

Hel)er -h$t is th$t Tell )e

or$ There is no one h$s such goo t$ste $s you An I o so%$nt to look nice $t the f$ncyress b$ll Tor&$l, couln't yout$ke )e in h$n $n ecie %h$t I sh$ll go $s, $n %h$t sort of $ress I sh$ll %e$r

Hel)er Ah$6 so )y obstin$te little %o)$n is oblige to getso)eone to co)e to her rescue

or$ +es, Tor&$l, I c$n't get $long $ bit %ithout your hel

Hel)er /ery %ell, I %ill think it o&er, %e sh$ll )$n$ge to hituon so)ething

or$ Th$t is nice of you (Goes to the "hrist)$s Tree A short$use! Ho% retty the re flo%ers look But, tell )e, %$s itre$lly so)ething &ery b$ th$t this Crogst$ %$s guilty of

Hel)er He forge so)eone's n$)e H$&e you $ny ie$ %h$t th$t)e$ns

or$ Isn't it ossible th$t he %$s ri&en to o it by necessity

Hel)er +es or, $s in so )$ny c$ses, by i)ruence I $) not sohe$rtless $s to cone)n $ )$n $ltogether bec$use of $ single f$lseste of th$t kin

or$ o, you %ouln't, %oul you, Tor&$l

Hel)er 8$ny $ )$n h$s been $ble to retrie&e his ch$r$cter, if heh$s oenly confesse his f$ult $n t$ken his unish)ent

or$ Punish)ent

Hel)er But Crogst$ i nothing of th$t sort he got hi)self outof it by $ cunning trick, $n th$t is %hy he h$s gone uner $ltogether


28/76

or$ But o you think it %oul

Hel)er @ust think ho% $ guilty )$n like th$t h$s to lie $n l$ythe hyocrite %ith e&ery one, ho% he h$s to %e$r $ )$sk in theresence of those ne$r $n e$r to hi), e&en before his o%n %ife$n chilren An $bout the chilrenth$t is the )ost terrible

$rt of it $ll, or$

or$ Ho%

Hel)er Bec$use such $n $t)oshere of lies infects $n oisonsthe %hole life of $ ho)e E$ch bre$th the chilren t$ke in such $house is full of the ger)s of e&il

or$ (co)ing ne$rer hi)! Are you sure of th$t

Hel)er 8y e$r, I h$&e often seen it in the course of )y life $s$ l$%yer Al)ost e&eryone %ho h$s gone to the b$ e$rly in life

h$s h$ $ eceitful )other

or$ -hy o you only s$y)other

Hel)er It see)s )ost co))only to be the )other's influence,though n$tur$lly $ b$ f$ther's %oul h$&e the s$)e result E&eryl$%yer is f$)ili$r %ith the f$ct This Crogst$, no%, h$s beenersistently oisoning his o%n chilren %ith lies $nissi)ul$tion th$t is %hy I s$y he h$s lost $ll )or$l ch$r$cter(Hols out his h$ns to her! Th$t is %hy )y s%eet little or$)ust ro)ise )e not to le$ his c$use Gi&e )e your h$n on it"o)e, co)e, %h$t is this Gi&e )e your h$n There no%, th$t's

settle I $ssure you it %oul be Juite i)ossible for )e to %ork%ith hi) I liter$lly feel hysic$lly ill %hen I $) in the co)$nyof such eole

or$ (t$kes her h$n out of his $n goes to the oosite sie ofthe "hrist)$s Tree! Ho% hot it is in here $n I h$&e such $ lotto o

Hel)er (getting u $n utting his $ers in orer! +es, $n I)ust try $n re$ through so)e of these before inner $n I )ustthink $bout your costu)e, too An it is just ossible I )$y h$&eso)ething re$y in gol $er to h$ng u on the Tree (Puts his

h$n on her he$! 8y recious little singingbir6 (He goes intohis roo) $n shuts the oor $fter hi)!

or$ ($fter $ $use, %hisers! o, noit isn't true It'si)ossible it )ust be i)ossible

(The 12E oens the oor on the left!

urse The little ones $re begging so h$r to be $llo%e to co)ein to )$))$

or$ o, no, no6 Don't let the) co)e in to )e6 +ou st$y %iththe), Anne

urse /ery %ell, )$'$) (2huts the oor!


29/76

or$ ($le %ith terror! Der$&e )y little chilren Poison )yho)e (A short $use Then she tosses her he$! It's not trueIt c$n't ossibly be true

A"T II

(THE 2A8E 2"EETHE "hrist)$s Tree is in the corner by the

i$no, strie of its orn$)ents $n %ith burnto%n c$nleenson its ishe&elle br$nches ?1A'2 clo$k $n h$t $re lying onthe sof$ 2he is $lone in the roo), %$lking $bout une$sily 2hestos by the sof$ $n t$kes u her clo$k!

or$ (ros her clo$k! 2o)eone is co)ing no%6 (Goes to the oor$n listens! oit is no one ?f course, no one %ill co)e to$y,"hrist)$s D$ynor to)orro% either But, erh$s(oensthe oor $n looks out! o, nothing in the letterbo0 it isJuite e)ty ("o)es for%$r! -h$t rubbish6 of course he c$n't bein e$rnest $bout it 2uch $ thing couln't h$en it isi)ossibleI h$&e three little chilren

(Enter the 12E fro) the roo) on the left, c$rrying $ bigc$rbo$r bo0!

urse At l$st I h$&e foun the bo0 %ith the f$ncy ress

or$ Th$nks ut it on the t$ble

urse (oing so! But it is &ery )uch in %$nt of )ening

or$ I shoul like to te$r it into $ hunre thous$n ieces

urse -h$t $n ie$6 It c$n e$sily be ut in orerjust $ little$tience

or$ +es, I %ill go $n get 8rs >ine to co)e $n hel )e %ithit

urse -h$t, out $g$in In this horrible %e$ther +ou %ill c$tchcol, )$'$), $n )$ke yourself ill

or$ -ell, %orse th$n th$t )ight h$en Ho% $re the chilren

urse The oor little souls $re l$ying %ith their "hrist)$s

resents, but

or$ Do they $sk )uch for )e

urse +ou see, they $re so $ccusto)e to h$&e their )$))$ %iththe)

or$ +es, but, nurse, I sh$ll not be $ble to be so )uch %iththe) no% $s I %$s before

urse ?h %ell, young chilren e$sily get $ccusto)e to $nything

or$ Do you think so Do you think they %oul forget their)other if she %ent $%$y $ltogether

urse Goo he$&ens6%ent $%$y $ltogether


30/76

or$ urse, I %$nt you to tell )e so)ething I h$&e often%onere $boutho% coul you h$&e the he$rt to ut your o%nchil out $)ong str$ngers

urse I %$s oblige to, if I %$nte to be little or$'s nurse

or$ +es, but ho% coul you be %illing to o it

urse -h$t, %hen I %$s going to get such $ goo l$ce by it Aoor girl %ho h$s got into trouble shoul be gl$ to Besies,th$t %icke )$n in't o $ single thing for )e

or$ But I suose your $ughter h$s Juite forgotten you

urse o, inee she h$sn't 2he %rote to )e %hen she %$sconfir)e, $n %hen she %$s )$rrie

or$ (utting her $r)s roun her neck! De$r ol Anne, you %ere $

goo )other to )e %hen I %$s little

urse >ittle or$, oor e$r, h$ no other )other but )e or$An if )y little ones h$ no other )other, I $) sure you %oul-h$t nonsense I $) t$lking6 (?ens the bo0! Go in to the) o% I)ust +ou %ill see to)orro% ho% ch$r)ing I sh$ll look

urse I $) sure there %ill be no one $t the b$ll so ch$r)ing $syou, )$'$) (Goes into the roo) on the left!

or$ (begins to un$ck the bo0, but soon ushes it $%$y fro)her! If only I $re go out If only no one %oul co)e If only

I coul be sure nothing %oul h$en here in the )e$nti)e 2tuff$n nonsense6 o one %ill co)e ?nly I )ustn't think $bout it I%ill brush )y )uff -h$t lo&ely, lo&ely glo&es6 ?ut of )y thoughts,out of )y thoughts6 ?ne, t%o, three, four, fi&e, si0(2cre$)s! Ah6 there is so)eone co)ing (8$kes $ )o&e)entto%$rs the oor, but st$ns irresolute!

(Enter 812 >IDE fro) the h$ll, %here she h$s t$ken off herclo$k $n h$t!

or$ ?h, it's you, "hristine There is no one else out there, isthere Ho% goo of you to co)e6

8rs >ine I he$r you %ere u $sking for )e

or$ +es, I %$s $ssing by As $ )$tter of f$ct, it is so)ethingyou coul hel )e %ith >et us sit o%n here on the sof$ >ookhere To)orro% e&ening there is to be $ f$ncyress b$ll $t the2tenborgs', %ho li&e $bo&e us $n Tor&$l %$nts )e to go $s $e$olit$n fishergirl, $n $nce the T$r$ntell$ th$t I le$rne $t"$ri

8rs >ine I see you $re going to kee u the ch$r$cter

or$ +es, Tor&$l %$nts )e to >ook, here is the ress Tor&$l h$it )$e for )e there, but no% it is $ll so torn, $n I h$&en't $nyie$


31/76

8rs >ine -e %ill e$sily ut th$t right It is only so)e of thetri))ing co)e unse%n here $n there eele $n thre$ o% then,th$t's $ll %e %$nt

or$ It is nice of you

8rs >ine (se%ing! 2o you $re going to be resse u to)orro%

or$ I %ill tell you %h$tI sh$ll co)e in for $ )o)ent $n seeyou in your fine fe$thers But I h$&e co)letely forgotten toth$nk you for $ elightful e&ening yester$y

or$ (gets u, $n crosses the st$ge! -ell, I on't thinkyester$y %$s $s le$s$nt $s usu$l +ou ought to h$&e co)e toto%n $ little e$rlier, "hristine "ert$inly Tor&$l oesunerst$n ho% to )$ke $ house $inty $n $ttr$cti&e

8rs >ine An so o you, it see)s to )e you $re not yourf$ther's $ughter for nothing But tell )e, is Doctor 1$nk $l%$ys$s eresse $s he %$s yester$y

or$ o yester$y it %$s &ery notice$ble I )ust tell you th$the suffers fro) $ &ery $ngerous ise$se He h$s consu)tion ofthe sine, oor cre$ture His f$ther %$s $ horrible )$n %hoco))itte $ll sorts of e0cesses $n th$t is %hy his son %$ssickly fro) chilhoo, o you unerst$n

8rs >ine (roing her se%ing! But, )y e$rest or$, ho% oyou kno% $nything $bout such things

or$ (%$lking $bout! Pooh6 -hen you h$&e three chilren, you get&isits no% $n then fro)fro) )$rrie %o)en, %ho kno% so)ething

of )eic$l )$tters, $n they t$lk $bout one thing $n $nother

8rs >ine (goes on se%ing A short silence! Does Doctor 1$nkco)e here e&ery$y

or$ E&ery$y regul$rly He is Tor&$l's )ost inti)$te frien,$n $ gre$t frien of )ine too He is just like one of the f$)ily

8rs >ine But tell )e thisis he erfectly sincere I )e$n, isn'the the kin of )$n th$t is &ery $n0ious to )$ke hi)self $gree$ble

or$ ot in the le$st -h$t )$kes you think th$t

8rs >ine -hen you introuce hi) to )e yester$y, he ecl$re heh$ often he$r )y n$)e )entione in this house but $fter%$rs Inotice th$t your husb$n h$n't the slightest ie$ %ho I %$s2o ho% coul Doctor 1$nk

or$ Th$t is Juite right, "hristine Tor&$l is so $bsurly fonof )e th$t he %$nts )e $bsolutely to hi)self, $s he s$ys At firsthe use to see) $l)ost je$lous if I )entione $ny of the e$r folk$t ho)e, so n$tur$lly I g$&e u oing so But I often t$lk $boutsuch things %ith Doctor 1$nk, bec$use he likes he$ring $bout the)

8rs >ine >isten to )e, or$ +ou $re still &ery like $ chilin )$ny things, $n I $) oler th$n you in )$ny %$ys $n h$&e $little )ore e0erience >et )e tell you thisyou ought to )$ke$n en of it %ith Doctor 1$nk


32/76

or$ -h$t ought I to )$ke $n en of

8rs >ine ?f t%o things, I think +ester$y you t$lke so)enonsense $bout $ rich $)irer %ho %$s to le$&e you )oney

or$ An $)irer %ho oesn't e0ist, unfortun$tely6 But %h$t then

8rs >ine Is Doctor 1$nk $ )$n of )e$ns

or$ +es, he is

8rs >ine An h$s no one to ro&ie for

or$ o, no one but

8rs >ine An co)es here e&ery$y

or$ +es, I tol you so

8rs >ine But ho% c$n this %ellbre )$n be so t$ctless

or$ I on't unerst$n you $t $ll

8rs >ine Don't re&$ric$te, or$ Do you suose I on't guess%ho lent you the t%o hunre $n fifty ouns

or$ Are you out of your senses Ho% c$n you think of such $ thing6A frien of ours, %ho co)es here e&ery$y6 Do you re$lise %h$t $horribly $inful osition th$t %oul be

8rs >ine Then it re$lly isn't he

or$ o, cert$inly not It %oul ne&er h$&e entere into )y he$for $ )o)ent Besies, he h$ no )oney to len then he c$)e intohis )oney $fter%$rs

8rs >ine -ell, I think th$t %$s lucky for you, )y e$r or$

or$ o, it %oul ne&er h$&e co)e into )y he$ to $sk Doctor1$nk Although I $) Juite sure th$t if I h$ $ske hi)

8rs >ine But of course you %on't

or$ ?f course not I h$&e no re$son to think it coul ossiblybe necess$ry But I $) Juite sure th$t if I tol Doctor 1$nk

8rs >ine Behin your husb$n's b$ck

or$ I )ust )$ke $n en of it %ith the other one, $n th$t %illbe behin his b$ck too I )ust )$ke $n en of it %ith hi)

8rs >ine +es, th$t is %h$t I tol you yester$y, but

or$ (%$lking u $n o%n! A )$n c$n ut $ thing like th$tstr$ight )uch e$sier th$n $ %o)$n

8rs >ine ?ne's husb$n, yes


33/76

or$ onsense6 (2t$ning still! -hen you $y off $ ebt you getyour bon b$ck, on't you

8rs >ine +es, $s $ )$tter of course

or$ An c$n te$r it into $ hunre thous$n ieces, $n burn ituthe n$sty irty $er6

8rs >ine (looks h$r $t her, l$ys o%n her se%ing $n gets uslo%ly! or$, you $re conce$ling so)ething fro) )e

or$ Do I look $s if I %ere

8rs >ine 2o)ething h$s h$ene to you since yester$y )orningor$, %h$t is it

or$ (going ne$rer to her! "hristine6 (>istens! Hush6 there'sTor&$l co)e ho)e Do you )in going in to the chilren for theresent Tor&$l c$n't be$r to see ress)$king going on >et Anne

hel you

8rs >ine (g$thering so)e of the things together! "ert$inly but I $) not going $%$y fro) here until %e h$&e h$ it out %ithone $nother (2he goes into the roo) on the left, $s HE>8E1 co)esin fro) the h$ll!

or$ (going u to HE>8E1! I h$&e %$nte you so )uch, Tor&$le$r

Hel)er -$s th$t the ress)$ker

or$ o, it %$s "hristine she is heling )e to ut )y ress inorer +ou %ill see I sh$ll look Juite s)$rt

Hel)er -$sn't th$t $ h$y thought of )ine, no%

or$ 2leni6 But on't you think it is nice of )e, too, to o$s you %ish

Hel)er icebec$use you o $s your husb$n %ishes -ell, %ell,you little rogue, I $) sure you i not )e$n it in th$t %$y ButI $) not going to isturb you you %ill %$nt to be trying on yourress, I e0ect

or$ I suose you $re going to %ork

Hel)er +es (2ho%s her $ bunle of $ers! >ook $t th$t I h$&ejust been into the b$nk (Turns to go into his roo)!

or$ Tor&$l

Hel)er +es

or$ If your little sJuirrel %ere to $sk you for so)ething &ery,&ery rettily

Hel)er -h$t then

or$ -oul you o it


34/76

Hel)er I shoul like to he$r %h$t it is, first

or$ +our sJuirrel %oul run $bout $n o $ll her tricks if you%oul be nice, $n o %h$t she %$nts

Hel)er 2e$k l$inly

or$ +our skyl$rk %oul chir $bout in e&ery roo), %ith her songrising $n f$lling

Hel)er -ell, )y skyl$rk oes th$t $nyho%

or$ I %oul l$y the f$iry $n $nce for you in the )oonlight,Tor&$l

Hel)er or$you surely on't )e$n th$t reJuest you )$e to )ethis )orning

or$ (going ne$r hi)! +es, Tor&$l, I beg you so e$rnestly

Hel)er H$&e you re$lly the cour$ge to oen u th$t Juestion $g$in

or$ +es, e$r, you )ust o $s I $sk you )ust let Crogst$ keehis ost in the b$nk

Hel)er 8y e$r or$, it is his ost th$t I h$&e $rr$nge 8rs>ine sh$ll h$&e

or$ +es, you h$&e been $%fully kin $bout th$t but you couljust $s %ell is)iss so)e other clerk inste$ of Crogst$

Hel)er This is si)ly increible obstin$cy6 Bec$use you chose togi&e hi) $ thoughtless ro)ise th$t you %oul se$k for hi), I $)e0ecte to

or$ Th$t isn't the re$son, Tor&$l It is for your o%n s$keThis fello% %rites in the )ost scurrilous ne%s$ers you h$&etol )e so yourself He c$n o you $n unse$k$ble $)ount of h$r)I $) frightene to e$th of hi)

Hel)er Ah, I unerst$n it is recollections of the $st th$tsc$re you

or$ -h$t o you )e$n

Hel)er $tur$lly you $re thinking of your f$ther

or$ +esyes, of course @ust rec$ll to your )in %h$t these)$licious cre$tures %rote in the $ers $bout $$, $n ho%horribly they sl$nere hi) I belie&e they %oul h$&e rocurehis is)iss$l if the De$rt)ent h$ not sent you o&er to inJuireinto it, $n if you h$ not been so kinly isose $n helfulto hi)

Hel)er 8y little or$, there is $n i)ort$nt ifference bet%eenyour f$ther $n )e +our f$ther's reut$tion $s $ ublic offici$l%$s not $bo&e susicion 8ine is, $n I hoe it %ill continue tobe so, $s long $s I hol )y office


35/76

or$ +ou ne&er c$n tell %h$t )ischief these )en )$y contri&e -eought to be so %ell off, so snug $n h$y here in our e$cefulho)e, $n h$&e no c$resyou $n I $n the chilren, Tor&$l6Th$t is %hy I beg you so e$rnestly

Hel)er An it is just by interceing for hi) th$t you )$ke it

i)ossible for )e to kee hi) It is $lre$y kno%n $t the B$nkth$t I )e$n to is)iss Crogst$ Is it to get $bout no% th$t thene% )$n$ger h$s ch$nge his )in $t his %ife's biing

or$ An %h$t if it i

Hel)er ?f course6if only this obstin$te little erson c$n gether %$y6 Do you suose I $) going to )$ke )yself riiculous before)y %hole st$ff, to let eole think th$t I $) $ )$n to be s%$ye by$ll sorts of outsie influence I shoul &ery soon feel theconseJuences of it, I c$n tell you6 An besies, there is one thingth$t )$kes it Juite i)ossible for )e to h$&e Crogst$ in the B$nk

$s long $s I $) )$n$ger

or$ -h$te&er is th$t

Hel)er His )or$l f$ilings I )ight erh$s h$&e o&erlooke, ifnecess$ry

or$ +es, you coulcouln't you

Hel)er An I he$r he is $ goo %orker, too But I kne% hi) %hen%e %ere boys It %$s one of those r$sh frienshis th$t so oftenro&e $n incubus in $fterlife I )$y $s %ell tell you l$inly,

%e %ere once on &ery inti)$te ter)s %ith one $nother But thist$ctless fello% l$ys no restr$int on hi)self %hen other eole$re resent ?n the contr$ry, he thinks it gi&es hi) the right to$ot $ f$)ili$r tone %ith )e, $n e&ery )inute it is *I s$y,Hel)er, ol fello%6* $n th$t sort of thing I $ssure you it ise0tre)ely $inful for )e He %oul )$ke )y osition in the B$nkintoler$ble

or$ Tor&$l, I on't belie&e you )e$n th$t

Hel)er Don't you -hy not

or$ Bec$use it is such $ n$rro%)ine %$y of looking $tthings

Hel)er -h$t $re you s$ying $rro%)ine Do you think I $)n$rro%)ine

or$ o, just the oosite, e$r$n it is e0$ctly for th$tre$son

Hel)er It's the s$)e thing +ou s$y )y oint of &ie% is n$rro%)ine, so I )ust be so too $rro%)ine6 /ery %ellI )ust ut$n en to this (Goes to the h$ll oor $n c$lls! Helen6

or$ -h$t $re you going to o

Hel)er (looking $)ong his $ers! 2ettle it (Enter 8AID! >ook


36/76

here t$ke this letter $n go o%nst$irs %ith it $t once .in $)essenger $n tell hi) to eli&er it, $n be Juick The $ressis on it, $n here is the )oney

8$i /ery %ell, sir (E0it %ith the letter!

Hel)er (utting his $ers together! o% then, little 8iss

?bstin$te

or$ (bre$thlessly! Tor&$l%h$t %$s th$t letter

Hel)er Crogst$'s is)iss$l

or$ "$ll her b$ck, Tor&$l6 There is still ti)e ?h Tor&$l,c$ll her b$ck6 Do it for )y s$kefor your o%n s$kefor thechilren's s$ke6 Do you he$r )e, Tor&$l "$ll her b$ck6 +ouon't kno% %h$t th$t letter c$n bring uon us

Hel)er It's too l$te

or$ +es, it's too l$te

Hel)er 8y e$r or$, I c$n forgi&e the $n0iety you $re in,$lthough re$lly it is $n insult to )e It is, inee Isn'tit $n insult to think th$t I shoul be $fr$i of $ st$r&ingJuillri&er's &enge$nce But I forgi&e you ne&ertheless,bec$use it is such eloJuent %itness to your gre$t lo&e for)e (T$kes her in his $r)s! An th$t is $s it shoul be,)y o%n $rling or$ "o)e %h$t %ill, you )$y be sure I sh$llh$&e both cour$ge $n strength if they be neee +ou %illsee I $) )$n enough to t$ke e&erything uon )yself

or$ (in $ horrorstricken &oice! -h$t o you )e$n by th$t

Hel)er E&erything, I s$y

or$ (reco&ering herself! +ou %ill ne&er h$&e to o th$t

Hel)er Th$t's right -ell, %e %ill sh$re it, or$, $s )$n$n %ife shoul Th$t is ho% it sh$ll be ("$ressing her!Are you content no% There6 There6not these frightene o&e'seyes6 The %hole thing is only the %ilest f$ncy6o%, you )ustgo $n l$y through the T$r$ntell$ $n r$ctise %ith your

t$)bourine I sh$ll go into the inner office $n shut the oor,$n I sh$ll he$r nothing you c$n )$ke $s )uch noise $s youle$se (Turns b$ck $t the oor! An %hen 1$nk co)es, tell hi)%here he %ill fin )e (os to her, t$kes his $ers $n goesinto his roo), $n shuts the oor $fter hi)!

or$ (be%ilere %ith $n0iety, st$ns $s if roote to the sot,$n %hisers! He %$s c$$ble of oing it He %ill o it He %illo it in site of e&erythingo, not th$t6 e&er, ne&er6Anything r$ther th$n th$t6 ?h, for so)e hel, so)e %$y out ofit6 (The oorbell rings! Doctor 1$nk6 Anything r$ther th$nth$t$nything, %h$te&er it is6 (2he uts her h$ns o&er herf$ce, ulls herself together, goes to the oor $n oens it 1ACis st$ning %ithout, h$nging u his co$t During the follo%ingi$logue it begins to gro% $rk!


37/76

or$ Goo $y, Doctor 1$nk I kne% your ring But you )ustn'tgo in to Tor&$l no% I think he is busy %ith so)ething

1$nk An you

or$ (brings hi) in $n shuts the oor $fter hi)! ?h, you kno%&ery %ell I $l%$ys h$&e ti)e for you

1$nk Th$nk you I sh$ll )$ke use of $s )uch of it $s I c$n

or$ -h$t o you )e$n by th$t As )uch of it $s you c$n

1$nk -ell, oes th$t $l$r) you

or$ It %$s such $ str$nge %$y of utting it Is $nything likelyto h$en

1$nk othing but %h$t I h$&e long been re$re for But Icert$inly in't e0ect it to h$en so soon

or$ (griing hi) by the $r)! -h$t h$&e you foun out Doctor1$nk, you )ust tell )e

1$nk (sitting o%n by the sto&e! It is $ll u %ith )e An itc$n't be hele

or$ (%ith $ sigh of relief! Is it $bout yourself

1$nk -ho else It is no use lying to one's self I $) the )ost%retche of $ll )y $tients, 8rs Hel)er >$tely I h$&e beent$king stock of )y intern$l econo)y B$nkrut6 Prob$bly %ithin

$ )onth I sh$ll lie rotting in the churchy$r

or$ -h$t $n ugly thing to s$y6

1$nk The thing itself is cursely ugly, $n the %orst of it isth$t I sh$ll h$&e to f$ce so )uch )ore th$t is ugly before th$tI sh$ll only )$ke one )ore e0$)in$tion of )yself %hen I h$&eone th$t, I sh$ll kno% retty cert$inly %hen it %ill be th$t thehorrors of issolution %ill begin There is so)ething I %$nt totell you Hel)er's refine n$ture gi&es hi) $n unconJuer$bleisgust $t e&erything th$t is ugly I %on't h$&e hi) in )y sickroo)

or$ ?h, but, Doctor 1$nk

1$nk I %on't h$&e hi) there ot on $ny $ccount I b$r )y oorto hi) As soon $s I $) Juite cert$in th$t the %orst h$s co)e, Ish$ll sen you )y c$r %ith $ bl$ck cross on it, $n then you%ill kno% th$t the lo$thso)e en h$s begun

or$ +ou $re Juite $bsur to$y An I %$nte you so )uch to bein $ re$lly goo hu)our

1$nk -ith e$th st$lking besie )eTo h$&e to $y this en$ltyfor $nother )$n's sin Is there $ny justice in th$t An ine&ery single f$)ily, in one %$y or $nother, so)e such ine0or$bleretribution is being e0$cte


38/76

or$ (utting her h$ns o&er her e$rs! 1ubbish6 Do t$lk ofso)ething cheerful

1$nk ?h, it's $ )ere l$ughing )$tter, the %hole thing 8y oorinnocent sine h$s to suffer for )y f$ther's youthful $)use)ents

or$ (sitting $t the t$ble on the left! I suose you )e$n th$t

he %$s too $rti$l to $s$r$gus $n $te e foie gr$s, on't you

1$nk +es, $n to truffles

or$ Truffles, yes An oysters too, I suose

1$nk ?ysters, of course, th$t goes %ithout s$ying

or$ An he$s of ort $n ch$)$gne It is s$ th$t $ll thesenice things shoul t$ke their re&enge on our bones

1$nk Eseci$lly th$t they shoul re&enge the)sel&es on the unlucky

bones of those %ho h$&e not h$ the s$tisf$ction of enjoying the)

or$ +es, th$t's the s$est $rt of it $ll

1$nk (%ith $ se$rching look $t her! H)6

or$ ($fter $ short $use! -hy i you s)ile

1$nk o, it %$s you th$t l$ughe

or$ o, it %$s you th$t s)ile, Doctor 1$nk6

1$nk (rising! +ou $re $ gre$ter r$sc$l th$n I thought

or$ I $) in $ silly )oo to$y

1$nk 2o it see)s

or$ (utting her h$ns on his shoulers! De$r, e$r Doctor1$nk, e$th )ustn't t$ke you $%$y fro) Tor&$l $n )e

1$nk It is $ loss you %oul e$sily reco&er fro) Those %ho $regone $re soon forgotten

or$ (looking $t hi) $n0iously! Do you belie&e th$t

1$nk Peole for) ne% ties, $n then

or$ -ho %ill for) ne% ties

1$nk Both you $n Hel)er, %hen I $) gone +ou yourself $re$lre$y on the high ro$ to it, I think -h$t i th$t 8rs >ine%$nt here l$st night

or$ ?ho6you on't )e$n to s$y you $re je$lous of oor"hristine

1$nk +es, I $) 2he %ill be )y successor in this house -hen I$) one for, this %o)$n %ill


39/76

or$ Hush6 on't se$k so lou 2he is in th$t roo)

1$nk To$y $g$in There, you see

or$ 2he h$s only co)e to se% )y ress for )e Bless )y soul,ho% unre$son$ble you $re6 (2its o%n on the sof$! Be nice no%,Doctor 1$nk, $n to)orro% you %ill see ho% be$utifully I sh$ll

$nce, $n you c$n i)$gine I $) oing it $ll for you$n forTor&$l too, of course (T$kes &$rious things out of the bo0!Doctor 1$nk, co)e $n sit o%n here, $n I %ill sho% you so)ething

1$nk (sitting o%n! -h$t is it

or$ @ust look $t those6

1$nk 2ilk stockings

or$ .leshcoloure Aren't they lo&ely It is so $rk here no%,but to)orro% o, no, no6 you )ust only look $t the feet ?h

%ell, you )$y h$&e le$&e to look $t the legs too

1$nk H)6or$ -hy $re you looking so critic$l Don't you thinkthey %ill fit )e

1$nk I h$&e no )e$ns of for)ing $n oinion $bout th$t

or$ (looks $t hi) for $ )o)ent! .or sh$)e6 (Hits hi) lightly on thee$r %ith the stockings! Th$t's to unish you (.ols the) u $g$in!

1$nk An %h$t other nice things $) I to be $llo%e to see

or$ ot $ single thing )ore, for being so n$ughty (2he looks$)ong the things, hu))ing to herself!

1$nk ($fter $ short silence! -hen I $) sitting here, t$lking toyou $s inti)$tely $s this, I c$nnot i)$gine for $ )o)ent %h$t%oul h$&e beco)e of )e if I h$ ne&er co)e into this house

or$ (s)iling! I belie&e you o feel thoroughly $t ho)e %ith us

1$nk (in $ lo%er &oice, looking str$ight in front of hi)! An tobe oblige to le$&e it $ll

or$ onsense, you $re not going to le$&e it

1$nk ($s before! An not be $ble to le$&e behin one the slightesttoken of one's gr$titue, sc$rcely e&en $ fleeting regretnothingbut $n e)ty l$ce %hich the first co)er c$n fill $s %ell $s $ny other

or$ An if I $ske you no% for $ o6

1$nk .or %h$t

or$ .or $ big roof of your frienshi

1$nk +es, yes6

or$ I )e$n $ tre)enously big f$&our


40/76

1$nk -oul you re$lly )$ke )e so h$y for once

or$ Ah, but you on't kno% %h$t it is yet

1$nk obut tell )e

or$ I re$lly c$n't, Doctor 1$nk It is so)ething out of $ll

re$son it )e$ns $&ice, $n hel, $n $ f$&our

1$nk The bigger $ thing it is the better I c$n't concei&e %h$tit is you )e$n Do tell )e H$&en't I your confience

or$ 8ore th$n $nyone else I kno% you $re )y truest $n bestfrien, $n so I %ill tell you %h$t it is -ell, Doctor 1$nk, itis so)ething you )ust hel )e to re&ent +ou kno% ho% e&otely,ho% ine0ressibly eely Tor&$l lo&es )e he %oul ne&er for $)o)ent hesit$te to gi&e his life for )e

1$nk (le$ning to%$rs her! or$o you think he is the only

one

or$ (%ith $ slight st$rt! The only one

1$nk The only one %ho %oul gl$ly gi&e his life for your s$ke

or$ (s$ly! Is th$t it

1$nk I %$s eter)ine you shoul kno% it before I %ent $%$y, $nthere %ill ne&er be $ better oortunity th$n this o% you kno%it, or$ An no% you kno%, too, th$t you c$n trust )e $s you%oul trust no one else

or$ (rises, eliber$tely $n Juietly! >et )e $ss

1$nk ()$kes roo) for her to $ss hi), but sits still! or$6

or$ ($t the h$ll oor! Helen, bring in the l$) (Goes o&er tothe sto&e! De$r Doctor 1$nk, th$t %$s re$lly horri of you

1$nk To h$&e lo&e you $s )uch $s $nyone else oes -$s th$thorri

or$ o, but to go $n tell )e so There %$s re$lly no nee

1$nk -h$t o you )e$n Di you kno% (8AID enters %ith l$),uts it o%n on the t$ble, $n goes out! or$8rs Hel)ertell)e, h$ you $ny ie$ of this

or$ ?h, ho% o I kno% %hether I h$ or %hether I h$n't Ire$lly c$n't tell youTo think you coul be so clu)sy, Doctor 1$nk6-e %ere getting on so nicely

1$nk -ell, $t $ll e&ents you kno% no% th$t you c$n co))$n )e,boy $n soul 2o %on't you se$k out

or$ (looking $t hi)! After %h$t h$ene

1$nk I beg you to let )e kno% %h$t it is


41/76

or$ I c$n't tell you $nything no%

1$nk +es, yes +ou )ustn't unish )e in th$t %$y >et )e h$&eer)ission to o for you %h$te&er $ )$n )$y o

or$ +ou c$n o nothing for )e no% Besies, I re$lly on't nee$ny hel $t $ll +ou %ill fin th$t the %hole thing is )erely f$ncy

on )y $rt It re$lly is soof course it is6 (2its o%n in therockingch$ir, $n looks $t hi) %ith $ s)ile! +ou $re $ nice sortof )$n, Doctor 1$nk6on't you feel $sh$)e of yourself, no% thel$) h$s co)e

1$nk ot $ bit But erh$s I h$ better gofor e&er

or$ o, inee, you sh$ll not ?f course you )ust co)e herejust $s before +ou kno% &ery %ell Tor&$l c$n't o %ithout you

1$nk +es, but you

or$ ?h, I $) $l%$ys tre)enously le$se %hen you co)e

1$nk It is just th$t, th$t ut )e on the %rong tr$ck +ou $re $rile to )e I h$&e often thought th$t you %oul $l)ost $s soonbe in )y co)$ny $s in Hel)er's

or$ +esyou see there $re so)e eole one lo&es best, $nothers %ho) one %oul $l)ost $l%$ys r$ther h$&e $s co)$nions

1$nk +es, there is so)ething in th$t

or$ -hen I %$s $t ho)e, of course I lo&e $$ best But I

$l%$ys thought it tre)enous fun if I coul ste$l o%n into the)$is' roo), bec$use they ne&er )or$lise $t $ll, $n t$lke toe$ch other $bout such entert$ining things

1$nk I seeit is their l$ce I h$&e t$ken

or$ (ju)ing u $n going to hi)! ?h, e$r, nice Doctor 1$nk, Ine&er )e$nt th$t $t $ll But surely you c$n unerst$n th$t being%ith Tor&$l is $ little like being %ith $$(Enter 8AID fro)the h$ll!

8$i If you le$se, )$'$) (-hisers $n h$ns her $ c$r!

or$ (gl$ncing $t the c$r! ?h6 (Puts it in her ocket!

1$nk Is there $nything %rong

or$ o, no, not in the le$st It is only so)ethingit is )yne% ress

1$nk -h$t +our ress is lying there

or$ ?h, yes, th$t one but this is $nother I orere itTor&$l )ustn't kno% $bout it

1$nk ?ho6 Then th$t %$s the gre$t secret

or$ ?f course @ust go in to hi) he is sitting in the inner


42/76

roo) Cee hi) $s long $s

1$nk 8$ke your )in e$sy I %on't let hi) esc$e

(Goes into HE>8E1'2 roo)!

or$ (to the 8AID! An he is st$ning %$iting in the kitchen

8$i +es he c$)e u the b$ck st$irs

or$ But in't you tell hi) no one %$s in

8$i +es, but it %$s no goo

or$ He %on't go $%$y

8$i o he s$ys he %on't until he h$s seen you, )$'$)

or$ -ell, let hi) co)e inbut Juietly Helen, you )ustn't s$y

$nything $bout it to $nyone It is $ surrise for )y husb$n

8$i +es, )$'$), I Juite unerst$n (E0it!

or$ This re$ful thing is going to h$en6 It %ill h$en insite of )e6 o, no, no, it c$n't h$enit sh$n't h$en6 (2hebolts the oor of HE>8E1'2 roo) The 8AID oens the h$ll oor forC1?G2TAD $n shuts it $fter hi) He is %e$ring $ fur co$t, highboots $n $ fur c$!

or$ ($&$ncing to%$rs hi)! 2e$k lo%)y husb$n is $t ho)e

Crogst$ o )$tter $bout th$t

or$ -h$t o you %$nt of )e

Crogst$ An e0l$n$tion of so)ething

or$ 8$ke h$ste then -h$t is it

Crogst$ +ou kno%, I suose, th$t I h$&e got )y is)iss$l

or$ I couln't re&ent it, 8r Crogst$ I fought $s h$r $s Icoul on your sie, but it %$s no goo

Crogst$ Does your husb$n lo&e you so little, then He kno%s%h$t I c$n e0ose you to, $n yet he &entures

or$ Ho% c$n you suose th$t he h$s $ny kno%lege of the sort

Crogst$ I in't suose so $t $ll It %oul not be the le$stlike our e$r Tor&$l Hel)er to sho% so )uch cour$ge

or$ 8r Crogst$, $ little resect for )y husb$n, le$se

Crogst$ "ert$inly$ll the resect he eser&es But since youh$&e ket the )$tter so c$refully to yourself, I )$ke bol tosuose th$t you h$&e $ little cle$rer ie$, th$n you h$yester$y, of %h$t it $ctu$lly is th$t you h$&e one


43/76

or$ 8ore th$n you coul e&er te$ch )e

Crogst$ +es, such $ b$ l$%yer $s I $)

or$ -h$t is it you %$nt of )e

Crogst$ ?nly to see ho% you %ere, 8rs Hel)er I h$&e been

thinking $bout you $ll $y long A )ere c$shier, $ Juillri&er,$%ell, $ )$n like )ee&en he h$s $ little of %h$t is c$llefeeling, you kno%

or$ 2ho% it, then think of )y little chilren

Crogst$ H$&e you $n your husb$n thought of )ine But ne&er)in $bout th$t I only %$nte to tell you th$t you nee nott$ke this )$tter too seriously In the first l$ce there %illbe no $ccus$tion )$e on )y $rt

or$ o, of course not I %$s sure of th$t

Crogst$ The %hole thing c$n be $rr$nge $)ic$bly there isno re$son %hy $nyone shoul kno% $nything $bout it It %illre)$in $ secret bet%een us three

or$ 8y husb$n )ust ne&er get to kno% $nything $bout it

Crogst$ Ho% %ill you be $ble to re&ent it A) I to unerst$nth$t you c$n $y the b$l$nce th$t is o%ing

or$ o, not just $t resent

Crogst$ ?r erh$s th$t you h$&e so)e e0eient for r$ising the)oney soon

or$ o e0eient th$t I )e$n to )$ke use of

Crogst$ -ell, in $ny c$se, it %oul h$&e been of no use to youno% If you stoo there %ith e&er so )uch )oney in your h$n, I%oul ne&er $rt %ith your bon

or$ Tell )e %h$t ur

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