Disgrace Page #2

have better things to do

than rehash a story

over which there's no dispute.

I plead guilty to both charges.

Pass sentence

and let us get on with our lives.

Professor Lurie, we are here

to listen to both sides.

Perhaps it would be better

if you were represented

by someone who is more familiar

with our procedure?

Why? I can represent myself

perfectly well.

Despite the plea I've entered,

must we continue with this hearing?

We want to give you a chance

to state your position.

I've stated my position. I'm guilty.

- Guilty of what?

- Of all I'm charged with.

You are taking us in circles.

Have you read Miss Isaacs' statement?

No, but I'm sure it's all true.

Would it not be prudent

to actually read her statement?

No.

There are more important things

in life than being prudent.

Have you consulted anyone?

A priest, for instance,

or a counsellor?

Would you be prepared

to undergo counselling?

No. I'm beyond counselling.

I've made my plea.

Is there any form

of public statement

you would be prepared

to subscribe to?

What do you want

the statement to contain?

An admission that you were wrong.

I've admitted that. I'm guilty.

There's a difference

between pleading guilty

and admitting you were wrong.

And that would satisfy you?

An admission I was wrong?

No. First, Professor Lurie

must make his statement.

Then we can decide

if we can accept it.

See if it comes from the heart.

From the words I use, you can see

if it comes from the heart?

Very well.

I took advantage of my position.

It was wrong...

...and I regret it.

The question is, does it reflect

your sincere feelings?

That's enough.

Let's play it by the book.

I plead guilty.

I'd become a servant of Eros.

That's him! Here he comes!

Professor Lurie!

Excuse me, Professor,

can we talk to you for a minute?

- What about?

- You know, the hearing.

I can't comment on that.

- Are you sorry?

- No.

I was enriched by the experience.

He was what by the experience?

He was enriched.

I always forget how far away you live.

Well, you 're here now. Nice and safe.

Where's Helen?

Back in Johannesburg... since April.

You didn't tell me you broke up.

- Aren't you nervous on your own?

- I've got the dogs.

And I've started a boarding kennel.

Anyway, if there's a break-in,

I don't see how two people

are better than one.

Very philosophical.

And I have a rifle.

It's never been used, but it's there.

An armed philosopher. I like that.

Did you bring work with you?

I'm thinking of perhaps writing

an opera... Byron's time in Italy.

- Petrus...

- Mmm?

This is my father.

Molo. Kunjani?

I have come for the spray.

It's in the kombi.

Wait here, I'll go get it.

I look after the dogs

and work in the garden.

Yes, the dog man.

I'm anxious about my daughter alone.

So isolated.

Yes, everything dangerous today.

But here it is alright, I think.

Thanks.

Petrus helps me out.

He's also co-proprietor.

Since when?

Does he live on the property?

I've put electricity in the old stable.

He stays there.

What would you like to do first?

Would you like a cup of tea

or a show-off around the farm?

Show me what you've been up to.

Rosalind rang me,

filled me in with the details.

What happened with the hearing?

They wanted me to go through

some kind of public repentance.

I'd prefer to be put up

against a wall and shot.

So you left the university?

I was asked to resign.

Oh, dear.

Will you miss teaching?

Ah, my daughter, the one who comes

to teach learns the keenest of lessons.

Those who come to learn,

learn nothing.

Well, we start at 5:00

tomorrow morning, Professor.

Shall I wake you?

If you make me coffee.

I will do that.

Take those to the kombi.

Monica, this is my father, David,

visiting from Cape Town.

OK. Hi.

Have you ever thought

of getting married again?

I wasn't made for marriage.

- Well, you can't keep...

- Preying on young women?

It's not going to get any easier

as you get older.

Do you remember Blake?

He says, "Sooner murder

an infant in the cradle

"than nurse un-acted desires."

- Good day. How much are your carrots?

- Two rand.

I'll take one, thank you very much.

- Thanks.

- Thank you.

- 'Bye.

- 'Bye.

Why did you quote that to me?

Just that every woman

I've been close to

has taught me something about myself.

To that extent,

they've made me a better person.

500 rand.

Mmm. It's pretty good.

I'm going to stop in on Bev.

I need to collect medicine for the dogs.

Who's Bev?

She's one of my closest friends.

She runs an animal clinic.

All voluntary.

Hello?

Hello, Lucy.

- How are you?

- Good. And you?

I'm good.

Bev, this is my father, David.

Nice to meet you, David.

Come in.

Yeah?

- Sorry we're late.

- That's alright. You 're here now.

Hello, Bill.

Lucy, how are you?

- I'm well. How are you?

- Fine.

Ah, you must be David.

I'm Bill.

Come, make yourself at home.

Tea? Sit down, sit down.

We can't stay. I'm just going to get

the medicine for the dogs.

Ah. I'll go and get it.

Oh, sh*t.

He is good.

Mmm! He's a good man.

Poor tackling by our Kaizer Chiefs.

What's the story with Petrus?

Can he just come in here

and do as he pleases?

We have an understanding.

He got a Land Affairs grant

earlier this year,

enough to buy a hectare

and a bit from me.

We share the dam, and everything

from there to the fence is his.

If he gets a second grant,

he'll build a house

and move out of the stable.

He's very busy.

You should give him a hand.

Give Petrus a hand? I like that.

I like the historical piquancy.

And will he pay me?

I'm sure he will.

Why don't you ask him?

And what can I do for you

while I'm here?

You can help me with the dogs,

you can help Bev at the clinic.

You mean Bev? Help Bev?

I don't think Bev and I will hit it off.

Don't expect to get paid.

You'll have to do it

out of the goodness of your heart.

Hmm, I don't know, Lucy,

these animal welfare people

are a bit like Christians.

Everyone is so cheerful

and well-intentioned,

then after a while you itch to go off

and do some raping and pillaging.

Or kick a cat.

Bev tries to set an example.

What are you reading?

Oh.

Hey, mister! Some money, please, sir?

Can I have some money, sir?

Sir, can I have some money?

Sorry, I've got nothing.

Come on.

David, just in time.

Could you hold him from the front?

Come round and take his legs.

There, my friend.

Hey, steady, my friend.

Hey, my friend.

It's OK.

Steady, steady, my friend.

Shh.

Blowflies.

You waited too long.

You can leave him here with me

and I will give him a quiet end

or come back on Thursday

when the vet is here,

but I think it's too late.

What a pity.

You can't force the owners.

They like to slaughter their animals

their own way.

How do you pay for this stuff?

We get it wholesale.

Hold public collections, donations.

We get a grant

for putting the dogs down.

Who does that?

Dr Oosthuizen, our vet.

But there are too many of them.

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