Gaslight Page #4

Well, I'm certain

that he is Louis Bauer,

and I've a shrewd idea

of what he's up to in that house.

Can't prove it, of course.

The only one who can help us

is that poor woman.

And she's crazy.

She will be

if she stays there much longer.

- Does she know that he's not Mallen?

- I don't think so.

But she knows something.

That's her danger.

That's why we've got to get her

away from him, out of that house.

- That's easier said than done, sir.

- Cobb?

- What is it?

- A gentleman to see the governor.

- It's a stranger, sir. Shall I take...?

- Thank God you're here, sir! Come in!

- I didn't know he was a friend of yours.

- Never seen him in my life before.

- Are you Mr Rough?

- That's right.

- I got your letter. I'm...

- Mr Vincent Ullswater from Devonshire.

Come along and sit down, sir.

I've got a lot to talk to you about.

- Your boots, sir.

- Mm-hmm.

- Mrs Mallen is in her room?

- Yes, sir.

I think she's got a headache, sir.

Did you ever know a time when

Mrs Mallen did no! have a headache?

Hardly ever, sir.

And when is your next evening out,

Nancy?

Tonight, sir.

And where do you usually pass the

evenings with your gentlemen friends?

Walking around the square, sir.

Or in the park.

Then perhaps it would be

departing too much from tradition

if you were to come with me

to a music hall.

Ooh! Do you mean it?

I always mean what I say.

I shall meet you at 7:50

at the corner of the square.

You're a rum 'un. I thought

you was never going to do nothing.

That will do, Nancy. Answer the bell.

Is Mrs Mallen at home?

- What name should I say, sir?

- Her cousin, Mr Ullswater.

Very good, sir.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Will you come in here for a moment?

See that Mrs Mallen

is not informed of this call.

Very good, sir.

I hope you'll forgive me

for calling at this hour,

but I happened to be in London,

and I'd hoped to see Bella.

I'm sorry,

but my wife is unable to see you.

Mr Mallen,

this is a little difficult to explain,

but you may remember

that at the time of your marriage,

there was a slight friction

between us.

I was peculiarly alive to the fact.

My sister and I have long regretted

these differences.

They've kept us separated

from Bella too long.

In your opinion.

We're anxious to see her again,

have her stay with us in Devonshire.

The air always used to do her

so much good down there.

- You're under the impression she's ill?

- Well...

And what has given you

that impression?

- She was never strong.

- I'm the best guardian of my wife's health.

All the same,

I should like to see my cousin.

Bella was with me

when we heard you arrive.

If she had wished to see you,

she wouldn't have asked me

to speak to you down here.

She refused to see me?

The inference appears to me

perfectly clear.

I don't think I like your tone, Mallen.

You're under no obligation

to listen to it, Mr Ullswater.

I'm not going to leave this house

until I see my cousin.

Do you propose to interfere

between a husband and wife?

It would require physical force,

Mr Ullswater.

Nancy, will you please

show this gentleman out?

Yes, sir.

Vincent!

Paul! I've just seen Vincent

out in the square.

- Has he been here?

- Yes, he's been here.

And you let him go

without seeing me.

Paul, why didn't you tell me?

- So you did write to him?

- Write?

Against my express orders,

you went behind my back

and complained to your cousins.

But I didn't.

I've never written to them.

- How did he know this address?

- I don't know.

- Or that you'd been ill?

- I don't know.

- What else did you tell him?

- Nothing. I never wrote.

What lies about me

have you told him?

Paul, if I had written, which I didn't,

do you suppose I'd have said a word

to my cousins against my husband?

Do you think I can trust

the insane ravings of a madwoman?

- Paul, don't say that.

- Your mind is diseased!

You are as witless as an animal!

Paul.

I'm desperate.

If I do the things you say,

then I am going mad.

It's when you're angry

with me like this...

My head aches,

and my mind gets tired.

You must help me, Paul.

If you were afflicted,

I would be gentle.

I should love you more.

Let go of my arm.

Paul, how can you be so cruel?

You used not to be.

It's only since we came

to this hateful, horrible house

that everything's changed.

It must be

because of that envelope I found.

Who was Louis Bauer?

There's no such person

as Louis Bauer.

Then why should that

have changed our lives,

just a name on an old envelope?

There was never even an envelope!

That was the beginning

of your madness,

when I realised

you were a half-witted creature

who pried through my desk

and my papers.

But this is the end.

You're not only mad,

you are dangerous!

You are going

to see a doctor, madam.

No, Paul, not a doctor.

More than one doctor

tomorrow morning.

I'm too tired.

Paul, did you ever love me?

I hate you.

You are utterly repulsive to me.

Louis Bauer.

What I can't understand

is my cousin not wanting to see me.

You've only got his word for it.

She's his wife.

I couldn't force him to let me see her.

Surely there must be something

we can do to help her.

Nothing you can do now.

It won't do to let him get really afraid

of your interference.

- My cab will take you back to your hotel.

- It's very kind of you.

I hate leaving you to deal with this.

After all, I am her cousin.

Well, I can perhaps use methods

that you can't.

I may need your influence to get

a warrant, if I can't get my evidence.

Good.

But he won't risk anything

that'll lead to an inquiry afterwards.

In the meantime,

you know where to find me.

- Anderson's Hotel.

- Jim, Anderson's Hotel.

Right. Come on.

- Mr Rough. Mr Rough, sir.

- What's the trouble?

- It's Mrs Mallen.

- What's happened?

- He's going to have her certified.

- How do you know?

- Well, Nancy heard...

- Come to the point, boy.

Well, I waited, and I saw Nancy

and Mr Mallen get into a cab.

- Where have they gone?

- To Canterbury Music Hall.

- This is our chance.

- Where are we going?

Save your breath.

You'll need it later on.

For one long year

and two long months

Three weeks,

four days, five hours

Alas, I went a-courting

one of nature's fairest flowers

Miss Serafina Honeybun

who caused a deep sensation

In the region of my...

Oh, now

I'm full of aggravation

How...

For it's very aggravating

when your love's not true...

- Enjoying yourself?

- I'll say so. Aren't you?

Immensely.

Life's gonna be one long holiday for you

after tomorrow.

Bachelor, eh?

Brooch. No, that's not it.

Oh, Elizabeth, it's you.

Help me to move this.

My brooch may have dropped behind.

If only I could find my brooch,

he may not send for the doctors.

- A gentleman to see you, ma'am.

- Tell him my husband isn't in.

It's you he wants to see, ma'am,

not the master.

And he says it's urgent.

Vincent. He's come back.

I'm sorry, Elizabeth.

Good evening, Mrs Mallen.

You? But I thought...

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