The Outsider Page #7

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Because I make you well, for Basil. Eh?

Why, yes.

You know, you're a very lucky girl to be seeing

in the new year with a genius like me.

Surely they're the loveliest

bells in all the world.

You hear what they are saying to you?

You will be well.

You will be well.

You will be well.

I feel so weak and tired.

I can't hold on.

Basil will hold on for you.

Go to sleep.

It's so long.

So long.

It won't be long now.

Hold on to your father's pearls.

They will press... kisses to your fingers.

And when you wake...

...your boy will come to you.

And you will run to him...

...laughing.

Because he loves you.

Well, come on. Here we are, everybody.

Happy New Year! Happy New Year!

How's Lally?

Why did you bring that mob here?

Can't you keep them quiet?

Oh, yes.

Shut up! All of you!

What's the matter?

Well, she's asleep. Don't you understand?

- Oh, good.

- Good, eh?

That I should tell her lies and lies?

And then get her off to sleep by

making love to her for you?

Now listen to me, Mr Owen.

I've done all I can.

It's your love she wants now.

The love that gives her the strength

and the will to go on.

That's all she's got left to fight with.

But I think you're a little... tired

of sick rooms, eh?

Of course I'm tired of them.

Who wouldn't be?

But I've stuck them - and you

can't say I haven't.

If I leave her on your hands a cripple...

...you'll have to stick them all your life.

Yes.

Why? What do you mean?

Oh, well, you can't leave her now.

You are a public schoolboy.

If you were an outsider, like me...

...then you could desert her.

You know, you're being rather offensive.

If Lally can't get well without me,

of course I'll stay.

I love her.

- You swear?

- Yes.

Oh, that's all right, then.

You come tomorrow morning, early?

Yes.

And this time you will not fail me, please.

Because if you do...

...l will smash every bone in your body...

...so really well you will be one cripple

that even Ragatzy cannot cure!

Basil.

Basil.

Lally, darling.

Good night.

Good night.

Kiss me.

Two wars, a rebellion, half a million Chinese

drowned and an earthquake.

And I'm told off to cover a flower show!

At that you'd better get better pictures

than you did last year.

There won't be anything different.

You're wrong. They've got a different mayor.

Oh, all right.

And what have you got for me?

The Duchess of Hornsea's opening a

new home of rest - for horses.

The old girl's so old I'll have to soft focus her...

...as she might be mistaken for

one of the inmates.

Harry.

You cover the Ragatzy story.

He's taking that girl off the Rack today...

...and half Harley Street will be there to see

Lalage Sturdee get up and walk.

Take two cameras, cover the arrivals

and crowds. Get going.

- What's going on here?

- Don't know.

Wedding, I suppose.

Watch the dickie-bird.

And this, Miss Sturdee, is

our latest creation.

No.

There's a big crowd outside.

Don't you feel excited?

Of course I do.

I must look beautiful.

Come over here and help

me to choose a frock.

Oh, no!

I'm not a dress-maker - I'm a rack-maker.

If Basil were here, he'd soon

know what to choose.

I'm sure he would.

I wonder what's happened to him?

He telephoned you twice this morning

to say he was coming over.

But I think he's as excited as you are.

Darling, it's all too silly -

talking like this.

We can't give each other up.

And why should we?

After all, we only have one life to live.

Maybe, by this time next year we'll

probably all be blown to pieces.

Or gassed, or something.

Well, there's only one thing

we can do, Wendy.

If Lally really can walk she won't need me so

much. She can get anyone she wants.

And I'll ask her to let me go.

But if Ragatzy's failed I shall

have to stand by her.

Oh, I do hope she walks.

She must.

I think I'm going to do a little

praying this morning.

It's a pity I'm so out of practice.

- Well, goodbye, Wendy.

- Goodbye, Basil.

Hold it! Thank you.

Basil.

Lally.

I waited ages for you to choose

my new frock.

- Well, I---

- But it's too late now.

Mr Ragatzy picked one instead.

And... as it's his last day, I'm going to

wear it especially for him.

Now, nurse - will you please take

her into the other room.

Look, isn't it lovely?

Yes.

Can I have a picture, Sir Montague?

- I never give pictures.

- Hold it!

Thank you.

Few words for the London Newsreel, sir?

Certainly not. I'm a surgeon, not an actor.

Or a politician.

Cigarette?

No thanks.

Now, what's the matter?

Nothing.

You don't look very happy.

Aren't you glad she's cured?

- Of course I am! What do you think?

- Oh, you make me sick.

Now look here, Ragatzy. I've

had about enough of this.

You think this has been easy

for me, don't you?

Well?

I'm very fond of Lally and desperately

sorry for her.

- Well?

- Well...

...there's someone else.

Oh.

But don't you worry. If

Lally wants me, I---

Good morning, Sir Montague.

You didn't expect me?

- Er, no. But, er---

- I thought not.

That's why I came.

I don't like people to think they know

exactly what I will, or will not, do.

It makes them think they

know too much.

Ah, gentlemen.

I'm glad you've come.

To see what you've done.

Tell me, er... has she walked yet?

No, not a step. That was

part of the bargain.

The surgeons to be present when

she was taken off the Rack.

You succeeded, d'you think?

Naturally! You've seen the x-ray photographs.

Photographs don't show everything.

They wouldn't show if you've

destroyed the nerve power.

That's true.

There would be no indication of that.

Ha! I show you.

You shall see her walk -

just like you do.

Right foot, left foot, right foot.

Well, where is she?

I bring her.

Oh, Miss Preston.

- Is she ready?

- Yes, sir.

All right.

Ah!

Here she is.

Dr Ladd. Sir Montague!

Dr Helmore, Sir Nathan.

Well, this is an honour.

Well, my dear... you'll be glad to get

off this, er, grid iron, anyway.

- Now, Mr Ragatzy.

- Oh, no no, wait a moment.

Tell me.

How's Father?

Very well.

And he's thinking of you.

Always.

Is he coming here today?

No. It's for me to go to him.

Basil.

Isn't it wonderful?

Now we begin, gentlemen.

Excuse me.

There you are.

Straight and perfect, eh?

Can she bend them?

Of course I can.

No pain?

No.

It's so strange.

Numb.

Oh, you'll soon get over that.

Now.

Oh, mind her. Mind her, Ragatzy.

So, for the last time I hold

you in my arms.

Yes.

That's the only thing that makes me

regret I cure you so well.

Now, you sit down.

There.

Now you are all right.

You see, gentlemen...

...I've kept the muscles strong and supple...

...with the vibration and the

electric massage.

Now, er, put your shoulders back.

That's it.

Now stretch out your arms.

Oh, how gorgeous!

I feel I want to put my arms

around everybody.

So you shall, my dear.

Sir Montague?

I know you'll never believe

until you see me walk.

Come on. Let's see what you can do.

All right. Stretch your legs.

Try kicking them, even.

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