The Spiral Staircase Page #4

She wanted to scream herself,

but somehow she couldn't.

She tried to rush into the house...

...but was held back

because it was hopeless.

So without being able

to do one thing to help...

...she saw her mother and father

burn to death.

I'm sorry, Helen, but I had to do it.

It's only because

I wanted to help you.

Go over everything

that happened that day.

Have the courage to see it all again.

And by not blocking it out of your

mind, you may find your voice again.

I don't like being an outsider,

and you shouldn't either.

I know what I'm talking about

because I'm an outsider here myself.

A lot of people don't want me.

They want me to quit.

But I won't, because there's at least

one person who wants me here...

...and that's good enough for me.

And there's one person

who wants you to talk...

...and that ought to be

good enough for you. Look at me.

Look at me.

Remember how wonderful

it was when you had a voice?

When you could say ''hello''

or ''thank you''?

When you could yell back

at someone picking at you?

I do it all the time.

You look at me as though you don't

believe it, but I know I'm right.

Try to talk! Try it! Try it!

Excuse me.

My mother is asking for you, Helen.

I'll speak to Professor Warren

about your leaving.

What is this about Helen leaving?

I'll discuss it with your brother.

Is it something you

can't discuss with me?

Why is she leaving?

Where is she going?

Well, I've been doing a great deal

of thinking about Helen.

I know her condition

is due to shock.

I'm sure a new mental therapy

can restore her voice.

I'd like to take her to Boston.

Aren't you taking

a tremendous responsibility?

Building up her hopes.

Making her think there's some

miracle in store for her.

It's up to her, not you.

What you're doing

is cruel and foolish.

That girl is adjusted to her affliction.

I think you should let it go at that.

Suppose you let me

mind my own business.

It so happens I don't think much

of your business, Dr. Parry.

If there is a solution

to her problem...

...it ought to be in the hands of

someone other than a hick doctor.

The thing that keeps me

from cracking you in the jaw...

...is the almost certain possibility

that it would break your neck.

What's the trouble, doctor?

The good country doctor,

having lost his wits...

...was about to resort to his fists.

Professor Warren, I know you're

interested in Helen's welfare.

I've told you what I've learned.

I've decided it's for her best interest...

-...that she leave here tonight.

-Tonight?

She can stay at my mother's

until we can take her to Boston...

...for the examination

first thing in the morning.

Doctor, you know

that I agree with you...

...about the element of hope

that you have for Helen...

...but what's your reason for

suddenly making her leave tonight?

Well, Mrs. Warren feels...

...that she's in danger here.

Surely you don't take the ramblings

of a sick woman seriously.

I take most things seriously.

But, doctor, there are many

other considerations.

Helen needs this position.

It's her only means of support.

No family. It won't be easy--

I've thought of all those things,

professor.

I....

I intend to take care of her.

Oh, I see.

Well, I'm very glad for you

and for her.

You're a sentimentalist, doctor.

Are your humanitarian instincts

restricted...

...only to people

with serious afflictions?

You're very insolent.

Dr. Parry.

Excuse me.

Hello?

Yes, he is. Just a moment.

-It's for you, doctor.

-Thank you.

Hello?

Helen...

...the Wilson boy is sick.

I have to go over there.

Now, here's their phone number.

You can pack while I'm gone.

If you need anything before

I get back, have Mrs. Oates call me.

I'll be back as soon as I can.

Be sure and bar the door

behind me.

And don't let anyone in but me.

Wilt thou obey him...

...serve him...

...Iove, honor and keep him,

in sickness and in health...

...and forsaking all others...

...keep thee only unto him...

...so long as ye both shall live?

Signify by saying, ''I do.''

Say, ''I do.''

Say, ''I do.''

Say, ''I do.''

Say, ''I do.''

Say, ''I do.''

Say, ''I do.''

Say, ''I do.''

Say, ''I do. ''

Say, ''I do. ''

What's the matter, Helen?

Don't you feel well?

I understand you're

going to leave us.

Well, I don't know whether

Dr. Parry is right or wrong...

...but I agree that you should have

that chance to go to Boston.

And I want you to understand if things

don't work out satisfactorily...

...that you're always

welcome to come here.

Now, you run along.

I like to see women cry.

Men like to see women cry.

It makes them feel superior.

Oh, Steve...

...I'm very unhappy...

...and upset.

You dramatize everything, Blanche.

We've been very happy.

At least, I have.

-I don't like your attitude at all.

-I'm sorry.

It's just, I'm-- I'm making trouble

between you and your stepbrother.

I don't like to hide anything I feel.

And you know how I feel about you.

That's very sweet of you, Blanche.

But are you sure

you're telling me the truth?

Truth about what?

Just that I think you're

uncomfortable because of your...

...past relationship with my brother.

-You are a--

-Don't say it.

Just answer my question.

Get out.

Don't be so melodramatic.

I didn't realize you were so strong.

I'm leaving here.

I never want to see you again.

I'll miss you.

A house like this needs charm.

I told you to get out.

You're going to regret this.

I'm sorry to intrude, Helen.

I have a favor to ask of you.

You're leaving tonight,

and I want to go into town with you.

I'm happy for you.

Things will be so different

when you're cured.

I don't know what will become of me,

but I've got to leave this house.

It hasn't been good for anyone here.

I'm only taking a few things with me.

Oates can pick up

my other things tomorrow.

My suitcase is in the basement.

I'll only be a few minutes.

This is the second time

I've closed that window tonight.

I definitely know I did.

Now, if only I knew who opened it.

You're not that clever,

and if you were....

Oh, it's you.

You scared the life out of me.

I told you not to touch me. Get out.

I'll get out, Mrs. Warren.

Not only out of here...

-...but out of this house.

-Good riddance.

But before I go, you're going

to hear a few things.

I'm tired of being a target

for an evil old woman.

Nobody's asking you to stay.

If you got down

on your knees, I wouldn't stay.

-I don't need this job.

-Why don't you go?

You need a keeper, not a nurse.

I don't care if you never walk again.

You can stay in that bed

for the rest of your life.

I've taken everything,

but I'll not put up with this.

I'm leaving this house tonight.

I'll soon clear them out.

I hate nurses. Always fussing.

Always washing your face.

Helen.

Did you know there was a girl

murdered here a long time ago?

I saw it.

Upstairs, from the window.

It was getting dark.

I thought it was a tree in the garden.

Stood so still...

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