Three Strangers Page #7

I know how you feel,

And believe me,

I'm sorry for you.

But think of

what I went through...

The torture of having

him and then not knowing.

And I'm his wife.

He belongs to me.

But it isn't only David

and I any longer.

Miss Elliot,

I've come to you

Because I must have

him back-I must.

David and I are going

to have a child.

Oh, please.

I can't stand any more.

I'm so sorry.

I'll do anything you want,

Mrs. Shackleford, anything.

Only, please go.

And I haven't

the money, Mr. Case.

I trusted in your judgment

when I bought the stock.

You must give me more time,

a few more days.

I'll take the risk.

Unless you have your

margin in your hand

by the close of business

tomorrow,

We'll be forced to

close out your account.

But you can't do that.

It will be my ruination.

Blast you, why did you

get me into this?

I told you I didn't want

to be a speculator.

Now I'm ruined,

and it's all your fault

Blast you.

Ruination...

he said ruination.

Shh... maybe he's broke

a blood vessel. Crikey!

Regent 2110.

He ain't had a stroke.

No such luck.

Speaking of luck, how about

a ticket for the sweeps?

I got a book

of them here.

No, I never win anything.

Lady Rhea,

this is Mr. Arbutny.

Lady Rhea:
what is it, Mr. Arbutny?

There's a matter of importance,

lady Rhea, to talk over with you.

I wonder if I could take advantage

of your dinner invitation?

Why, of course. Would

tonight be convenient?

Tonight? Why, that would

be perfect, yes, indeed.

Then, 7:
00?

Arbutny:
delightful dinner.

Most enjoyable. Delightful.

Lady Rhea:
but you've

barely touched it.

Oh, I ate heartily,

Yes, indeed,

most heartily.

Would you like

some brandy, Mr. Arbutny?

Oh, thank you.

Thank you very much.

Napoleon... my husband's favorite brand.

Mine, too.

Thank you very much.

Sit here, Mr. Arbutny.

Thank you very much.

And now you have

something to tell me.

After dinner, you said.

Oh, yes, yes,

quite, of course.

Excellent brandy,

excellent.

I, uh...

well, I, uh...

It's like this.

Like what?

It's hard rather

getting started...

Not easy putting

into words...

Saying what

I have to say.

What makes it

so difficult?

Is anything the matter?

Oh, no, no, no,

absolutely not.

To the contrary-

Handy gadget.

Is it?

Oh, yes...

always works. Always.

Unless that is, it needs

a new flint or something.

Then, sometimes I forget

to put fuel into it.

Do you?

Oh, yes, but that's

a rare occurrence, very.

You were about to say...

Ah, yes, yes...

Lady Rhea, I hope

- Believe me, I do not wish to offend.

I mean, I have the highest

respect for your rank, lady Rhea,

And for you yourself.

Only too well aware of the

difference between our stations.

Oh, friendship bridges

such things.

I hope so...

friendship and...

Love.

Love, Mr. Arbutny?

Love, yes.

Two years since lord

Belladon passed on, isn't it?

Two long years.

And you are a woman,

well, in the prime of life.

Ooh...

Definitely.

I am convinced firmly

that lord Belladon himself

Would approve,

otherwise...

Otherwise?

Otherwise I wouldn't dream

of making such a request.

Request, Mr. Arbutny?

Yes, the honor of

filling his place.

You mean...?

Marriage... exactly.

If I've offended

in any way...

Oh, marriage, I...

I'm quite overcome.

Will you have

a glass of water?

Thank you, no.

You forget one thing,

Mr. Arbutny...

That although lord Belladon

is only a memory to you,

For me, he's a reality.

To be sure,

he returns, I know,

But he's not flesh and blood, I mean.

That is between us.

You'd never guess.

His visits-

They needn't stop.

I'm afraid lord Belladon

wouldn't be so broad-Minded.

If I've offended

in any way...

Shh!

What is it?

I believe...

I believe he's coming.

Yes, he is.

He is coming.

Please go.

Go quickly, Mr. Arbutny.

I'll tell you tomorrow

what Robin lord Belladon thinks.

Good night, lady Rhea.

Do you think

West's guilty?

Perhaps,

perhaps not.

He'll hang, I'll wager.

That's another matter.

Odd number-West.

Talks like a gentleman

when he talks,

The papers say.

If he's a gentleman, more's

the reason he ought to hang.

He's had advantages.

Not one word

in his own defense.

"What's the use of wasting

my breath?" He says.

"Wouldn't be believed anyway. "

"The director of

the barrister's club

Take pleasure in placing your

application before the membership. "

Ah!

"You will kindly

furnish the names

"Of 4 persons

prepared to make...

Certification of your character

and personal integrity. "

Good afternoon.

Come in.

Lady Belladon

to see you, sir.

She's here?

Show her in.

Ah, Mr. Arbutny.

Lady Rhea, my dear.

Sit here, my dear.

Thank you.

I've been waiting.

And do you feel today

as you felt last night-

If you even remember

the things you said?

Do I?

I mean, of course

I do, absolutely.

Well, I don't know

how to tell you.

It isn't necessary.

I mean, I know.

I'm sorry.

Sorry?

Why? You will.

We ought to be married.

Lord Belladon was

furious, simply furious.

Oh...

Quite unreasonable, a very

jealous nature, lord Belladon's.

He simply raved

and ranted.

He did?

Oh, how he carried on!

He made all kinds

of accusations.

Accusations?

Against you and me.

He simply wasn't to

be reasoned with.

Among other things,

He said you were simply

after me for my money.

Imagine... as though you

ever had such a thought.

You must know different.

Of course, but I couldn't

convince lord Belladon.

He suspects you of

all kinds of things.

He suspects?

Yes, and to make

his mind at peace,

I promised to have

the books examined.

Surely...?

Oh, only to humor him,

you understand?

You don't intend...

Well, a promise

is a promise,

So, I asked Mr. Gaising

to meet me here.

Who is Mr. Gaising?

The accountant. May

I tell him to come in?

Oh, no, lady Rhea.

I mean, wait...

why must you do this?

There's no harm in

having the books examined.

But it's such short notice.

It's not customary.

Under the circumstances,

you will consent.

Mr. Gaising...

Oh, but the books

aren't in order.

I mean, there are several

entries to be made.

It will require

some bookkeeping.

Mr. Gaising, while you're going

over the books of 1936 and 1937,

Mr. Arbutny will have plenty of

time to make additional entries.

Isn't that so?

If you'll be so kind,

Mr. Arbutny.

Very well, lady Rhea.

You'll give the books containing

lady Rhea Belladon's account,

1936 and 1937,

to this gentleman.

Yes, sir.

Good afternoon,

lady Rhea.

Good afternoon,

Mr. Arbutny.

Good day.

"The directors of

the barrister's club... "

"Character and professional

integrity... "

Afternoon paper, sir.

Thank you.

Beg pardon, sir?

Thank you very much.

Not at all, sir.

Take the rest of

the afternoon off.

You may both take the

rest of the afternoon off.

Beg pardon, sir, but are

you feeling quite all right?

Quite all right,

thank you.

He thanked me, he did.

What's that?

Like the ground slipping out

from under my feet, it was.

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