A Woman's Vengeance Page #2

You're early, aren't you?

It's my afternoon out.

And by the way.

You don't mind if I'm a little bit late

getting back this evening, do you?

My sister is giving a party.

Peas. I'm so bored with peas.

Well, I'll see if cook has

something else instead.

Wait, nurse.

Emily, you are having lunch with us.

No, no. I won't see him.

- Nonsense.

He'll say he's sorry and

you'll forgive and forget.

And then we have a nice

little party to celebrate.

Oh, alright. Alright.

Send Maisey in to help me to dress.

And I'll go and tell Henry.

Thank you.

Oh that poor Mrs Maurier.

She's terribly ill isn't she.

Oh it isn't her health I'm thinking

about. It's .. well, you know.

Miss Spence, I could tell you things

that would make your hair stand on end.

Sex. That's all they think about.

- What do you mean?

Men. I wouldn't trust any of them.

And a Frenchman into the bargain.

Does Mrs Maurier suspect?

I mean, does she think

there's another woman?

Oh, he's clever enough

to keep things dark.

But I tell you, we wouldn't

be surprised at anything.

Mrs Maurier and you seemed to have to

have talked things over a great deal.

She knows I'm a friend.

Shall I tell you something, Miss Spence.

You know that brooch of hers?

That diamond dragonfly?

Yes, I know the one you mean.

She's going to leave

that to me in her will.

Not that I'm expecting her to die.

Though of course it might easily happen.

With her heart in that condition.

Hello, Henry.

Well, what news?

Peace or war?

- Peace.

Oh thank goodness. Even

if it is only an armistice.

Come with me. I want

to show you something.

Oh.

A Modigliani.

You haven't bought it, have you?

Couldn't afford it but

couldn't resist it.

What an astonishing piece of work.

Yes and to think this idiot

went and died at 37.

When he might have gone

on painting this sort of thing.

I've no patience with

people who die young.

Make a note of it, Janet.

You are invited to lunch

on my 80th birthday.

Are you sure you won't be

bored with me by then?

No.

I will still be wondering what goes on

behind that mysterious smile of yours.

What is going on, by the way?

You won't answer.

Where is that .. sixpence?

Now you have to tell.

My dear, I wouldn't eat those

redcurrants if I were you.

Why shouldn't I?

- Remember what Libbard said.

Nothing with skins and pips.

But I'm so fond of currants.

That is no reason for

making yourself ill.

Don't be a tyrant.

Of course I believe in letting

her have what she fancies.

It does her more good than fussing

about with diets and things.

That is what I always tell Dr Libbard.

Alright. Have it your own way.

Shouldn't you be going, nurse?

You will miss your bus.

I just want to give

Mrs Maurier her medicine.

No, don't bother. I will deal with

the medicine. You run along.

That's very kind of you I'm sure.

I probably shan't see you

until morning, Mrs Maurier.

I hope you have a nice party.

- Thank you.

Goodbye, Miss Spence.

- Goodbye.

Thank goodness.

Now don't blame me if

those things upset you.

Do I ever blame you?

You never have anything to blame me for.

I am the idea husband.

That isn't even funny.

It is nice to feel the

sun on one's skin.

Clara, my medicine. Run

and fetch it for me, will you.

The bottle on the sideboard.

- Don't bother, Clara.

I've got to go and get my cigars.

- Thank you, sir.

Shall I pour the coffee for you?

- Please dear.

You take sugar don't you?

- Rather a lot, please.

Libbard always gives me the

most evil tasting concoctions.

Three lumps. That ought

to take the taste away.

And get one in the saucer.

Coffee for you, Henry?

- And no sugar. Thanks.

Here you are my dear.

- Thank you.

Oh, too revolting. Quick, my coffee.

Thank you, Janet.

You know. I used to get punished

for this when I was a child.

Nothing to what I used

to get for doing this.

But now happily, one can commit all the

misdemeanours with perfect impunity.

Goodness, it's hot.

Would you like me to move

your chair into the shade, dear?

No thank you.

I think I'll go indoors

and have a little nap.

These first warm days are very trying.

Sleep well, my dear.

Oh by the way, I shan't

be in for dinner tonight.

Where are you going?

Old Mr Johnson wants to discuss the new

aviation company he's interested in.

You know how I hate to

be alone in the house.

My last evening at home, what's more.

- Oh, I'm sorry my dear.

I didn't think you would

feel sentimental about it.

Will you be very late?

- No, no. Of course not.

Not later than half-past ten.

- On the dot.

Well, good evening, Mr Lester.

- Good evening.

Has .. has anybody been asking for me?

I'll ask at the desk, sir.

Good. Get me a Martini

while youre about it.

Very good, sir.

[ Loud music ]

Horrible, isn't it?

There ought to be a law

against those things.

Don't you think so?

- I don't know.

Do you like music?

Not much.

- You don't?

That's bad.

Nothing for you at the desk, sir.

He brought only one.

He can easily fetch a second.

- No thank you.

Thank you.

A teetotaller as well as a music hater?

Added to all this, you appear

to be practically dumb.

Now, there's a deal to be

said for dumb women.

In every sense of that ambiguous word.

In the first place.

Hello.

- Sorry I'm late.

I'm glad you came. There's a man

here who's been bothering me.

What?

No, Henry.

Your eyes do not deceive you.

It is indeed your irresponsible

and half-witted brother-in-law.

Won't you introduce me to

this charming young person?

Doris, this is Mr Robert Lester.

Miss Mead.

How strange life is, Miss Mead.

To think that you're practically

a member of the family.

I must tell Amy about this new

addition to the domestic circle.

She'll be delighted.

Excuse me, Doris.

Alright.

How much do you want?

Well, Emily was about to

give me four hundred.

When you in your wisdom

thought fit to intervene.

Alright, I'll give you four hundred.

Emily was giving .. you're buying.

Not a penny less than five hundred.

Robert, you are a ..

- Henry.

You know how I hate bad language.

Alright.

Come round tomorrow.

I'll give you a cheque.

I'll come early.

Before Emily gets up.

Come whenever you like. You'll

always be equally unwelcome.

This has been a very memorable

occasion, Miss Mead.

I intend to celebrate our meeting

with some champagne.

You will feel better if you

ordered a bottle yourself, Henry.

Is he really your brother-in-law, Henry?

Yes.

I don't want to do a thing that's wrong.

- It will be alright.

I'd rather give you up altogether.

Just because I love you so much.

Oh, darling.

Thank you, Doris.

You make me feel almost ashamed.

Albert was right about

one thing, though.

We need some champagne with our dinner.

After all, who tells you the world is

not coming to an end this evening?

Let us assume we have only

six hours before the last trump.

Six hours to make the best of it.

Goodnight, McNabb.

Libbard.

Is my wife ill?

They tried to reach you at Mr Johnson's

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