christchurch, new zealand's city of the plains
Here, when spring comes to canterbury
Daffodils bloom gay and golden in the woodland of Hagley Park
Through the park
Tree-bordered, green-banked, the Avon flows
A small and placid stream
The riverbank is cool and green
A quiet haven from the bustle of the city
nearby are tall buildings
Busy streets, and the heart of the city
cathedral Square
Every city street is flat
so there are bicycles everywhere
This is a city of cycling
Mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters all on wheels
cyclists of all ages
From 8 to 80 ride to play or work each day
There are thousands of them
And only copenhagen is said to boast more bicycles
canterbury University college
Weathered gray stone buildings
Shadowed cloisters
It was here Lord Rutherford began a great career
The girls' high school stands in cranmer Square
And not far away are the broad acres of Hagley Park
With playing fields for many sports
In spring, summer, and autumn
christchurch gardens are gay and coloured
Yes, christchurch
new zealand's city of the plains
Mummy!
It's Mummy! She's terribly hurt!
Please help us!
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant us, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
now, I am weak and Thou art strong
Jesus, keep us from all wrong
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee
Through this world of toil and snares
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
none but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant us, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
Sit
The imperfect subjunctive, like the imperfect indicative
Indicates action in the past
cHRISTcHURcH GIRLS HIGH ScHOOL 1952
(French)
Translate, somebody
Quickly
He wanted her to give him some money
Put up your hand
I will not have girls talking out of turn in my class
Good morning, girls
Good morning, Miss Stewart
Sit
Miss Waller, class
This is Juliet Hulme
Juliet is joining us from St Margaret
And prior to that, she spent some time at Queenswood in the Hawkes Bay
I am actually from England, Miss Stewart
Of course
Juliet's father is Dr Hulme
Rector of canterbury college
Juliet has travelled all over the world
And I'm sure she's very eager to share her impressions
Of exotic lands across the seas with the girls of 3A
Hmm, well, I'll leave you to it, Miss Waller
Juliet
You can sit over here, Juliet
We use French names in the class
You can choose your own
now, irregular verbs in the present subjunctive
(French)
Excuse me, Miss Waller, you've made a mistake
'"I doubted that he would come'" is, in fact, the spoken subjunctive
It is customary to stand when addressing a teacher
Antoinette
You should have written '"came'"
Oh, I must have copied it incorrectly from my notes
You don't need to apologize, Miss Waller
I found it frightfully difficult myself
Until I got the hang of it
Thank you, Juliet, open your textbook to page 17
Right, I thought we'd do some life drawing today
So why don't you pair off into twos
And decide who wants to model and who wants to draw?
Oh, Juliet, you haven't got a partner
Oh, that's all right, Mrs collins, I'm sure I can manage without one
Pauline, are you with anybody?
Good, you can come up here and pair up with Juliet
You might want to change the color, make it a bit darker
That's very nice, Joanne
Good heavens, Juliet
What on Earth in this?
St George and the dragon
Where's Pauline?
Oh, I haven't gotten around to drawing her yet
I was going to pop her on a rock
But I seem to have run out of room
Sorry
I don't know if you've noticed, Mrs collins
But I've actually drawn St George in the likeness
Of the world's greatest tenor, Mario Lanza
Yes, I know, it's very clever, Juliet
But when I set you a topic, I expect you to follow it
now, put that down and start again
I think your drawing's fantastic
Ooh, Mackerel
Well, we'll have them for lunch tomorrow
Oh, let's have them now while they're fresh, eh, Honora?
Well, I think you'll find our Mr Bayliss isn't too keen on seafood
And I've got lamb chops in the refrigerator
Excuse me
Would you mind if I put my new long-playing record on?
You're partial to a nice bit of mackerel, aren't you, Steve?
Uh, well, actually, I'm not much of a fish man, Mr Rieper
Oh, you have been splashing out
Oh, it's all right! I've got my board money
Hello
Well? Tell us how'd you go?
Got an '"A'", Mum
Oh, don't worry about it now, we'll sort it out after dinner
You go and put your record on
Doris Day
I think she's really talented
Got to be quick in this house, mate
Be my love for no one else can end this yearning
This need that you and you alone
Hey, isn't that that famous Irish singer, Murray O'Lanza?
He's Italian, Dad
The world's greatest tenor
The dreams that you inspire
With every sweet desire
Be my love
And with your kisses set me burning
Stop it!
One kiss is all I need to seal
You're spoiling it!
And hand in hand
You'll find
Go away!
Love's promised land
There'll be no one but you
And left
Right
And left
And right
And left
One two
can I have another look?
One
Lift those legs high, girls
Keeping those legs straight
One
That's so impressive
can I touch it?
carry on now, you're doing well
I've got scars, they're on my lungs
I spent months in bed during the war, ravaged by respiratory illness
Mummy and Daddy sent me to the Bahamas to recuperate
I didn't see them for five years
But we're together now
And Mummy's promised they'll never leave me again
I spent ages in hospital, too, with my leg
I had to have all these operations
Osteomyelitis turns your bones to chalk
Took them two years to drain all the muck out
cheer up
All the best people have bad chests and bone diseases
It's all frightfully romantic
Oh! Hi, Paul!
The evil Prince Runnymede is escaping!
Get him, Paul!
Faster!
come on!
The blighter's gone to ground!
Oh, God, Jonesy! Jonesy, stop it!
Leave her alone, you rotten little turd!
But she's an invader!
Go away, we're not playing anymore
Go on, bugger off
You said a swearword, I'm telling Mummy on you
And I'm going into your bedroom to break every one of your toys
I'm sorry
Oh, God!
I'm so sorry
It doesn't matter
Of course it matters!
It's Mario
What on Earth are these?
They're egg-and-salmon sandwiches
And I gave them to you several days ago
Yeah, I thought I could smell sulfur
God, Henry, you're hopeless!
can't be trusted with anything as simple as lunch
Mother!
Oh, hello
Mother, Jonesy broke Paul's record!
Oh, dear
We must buy her another one
Would you like a cup of tea, Paul?
Um, no, thank you
Well, Juliet's told us all about you
I hear you're very fond of opera
now, which one shall we play?
Juliet, your father is trying to study
Daddy can study while we're playing records
Why don't you go back outside, hmm?
I'll be finished soon
Hiya-a-a-a-a-a
There's a song in the air
But the fair senorita doesn't seem to care
For the song in the air
So I'll sing to the mule
If you're sure she won't think
That I am just a fool serenading a mule
Amigo mio, does she not have a dainty bray?
She listens carefully to each little tune you play
A bella senorita
Si,si, mi muchachito
She'd love to sing it, too, if only she knew the way
But try as she may
In her voice there's a flaw
And all that the lady can say
Mario!
Is '"Heeha-a-a-a-a-w'"
Senorita donkey-cita not so fleet as a mosquito
But so sweet like my chiquita
You're the one for me
There's a light in her eyes
Paul!
Oh, God! Paul, are you all right?
I I think I'm dying
Don't! Please
Please don't!
Paul!
You've been eating onions!
You toad!
Paul!
There's a light in her eyes
Though she may try to hide it
She cannot deny there's a light in her eyes
The charm of her smile so beguiles Don Diego
That he rode a mile for the charm of her smile
Her face is a dream
Like an angel I saw
But all that my darling can scream
Is '"Heeha-a-a-a-a-w'"
Senorita donkey-cita not so fleet as a mosquito
But so sweet like my chiquita
You're the one for me
Ole!
Oh, I wish James Mason would do a religious picture
He'd be perfect as Jesus
Daddy said the Bible is a load of bunkum
But we're all going to Heaven
I'm not, I'm going to the Fourth World
It's sort of like Heaven, only better because there aren't any christians
It's an absolute paradise of music, art and pure enjoyment
James will be there, and Mario
Only they'll be saints
St Mario
To be known as '"He'"
'"He'"
'"Him'"
'"This'"
'"That'"
'"It'"
Absolutely not!
Orson Welles! Ugh! The most hideous man alive!
We give praise to the saints
Saints
Oh, wonderful, Mum!
I got me self a pair of socks!
Oh, Wendy, oh
Oh, thanks
From Dad
Mario Lanza! Oh, thanks, Yvonne!
I hope it's all right
It's from Whitcombe & Tombs
I decided that my new Year's resolution
Is to be more lenient with others
Pikelets! Yum!
Aren't you going out?
not until 2:30
This is a private function, go away!
Oh! come on
come on through
Look who I found
Hello, Juliet
Hello, Mrs Rieper
It's so nice to meet you
And so, in a blazing fury
charles runs Lancelot Trelawney through with his sword
Leaving Deborah free to accept charles' proposal of marriage
I've heard your mother on 3YA
The Women's Session has lots of lively debate
Well, actually, Mummy's left that program now
She's far too busy with the Marriage Guidance council
They sound like a queer mob
Dad
I wouldn't want my private business being discussed
With a complete stranger
Oh, no, Mummy's awfully good at it
She has deep discussions with unhappy couples
And persuades them to give it another go
In two years, she's only had 4 divorces
She would really be working for the U n
My wife's blaming me, says it's all my fault
And how do you feel about that, Mr Perry?
Please call me Bill
I don't know what went wrong, my wife feels that, uh
Oh, no, no, let's talk about your feelings, Bill
Mummy's got a special technique called '"deep therapy'"
What's that?
I'm not sure
But it's proven to be very popular
Eat up, Yvonne
It's my middle name
Yvonne tells us you're good at making models
I adore anything to do with the arts
Well, we're pretty handy with the old model making, too, eh?
I've never cottoned on to plasticize like you girls
But I enjoy making anything out of wood
Oh, are you a carpenter, Mr Rieper?
I work at Dennis Brothers, fish supply
He's the manager
This is the dining room, do excuse us
Um, breakfast is between 7:00 and 9:00
The bedrooms are small
But they're very clean and comfortable
This, um, this story of yours
Perhaps the school newspaper will print it when it's finished
Actually, Mr Rieper, it's a novel
And we'll be sending it to new York
That's where all the big publishing houses are based
Is that a fact?
Well, you'd better put me name down for an advance copy
We have decided how sad it is for other people
That they cannot appreciate our genius
But we hope the book will help them to do so a little
Though no one could fully appreciate us
How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail?
How much is that doggie in the window?
Oh, go on
I do hope that doggie's for sale
california, california verse
I must take a trip to california
And leave my poor sweetheart alone
PORT LEVY, EASTER 1953
charles clutches his wounded shoulder as he gallops into the courtyard!
Deborah awaits his return in their private boudoir
at the very top of the tower!
He smells her scent from 50 paces
And urges his steed onward!
He flings open the door
And launches himself at the bed
Ravishing her!
Oh, God, yes! I bet she gets up the duff on their first night together
What's '"up the duff'"?
Something you wouldn't understand
Tell me! I'm almost 10!
You're 8 1/2 and incredibly stupid!
Mummy, Paul and I have decided
That charles and Deborah are going to have a baby
An heir to the throne of Borovnia
What a splendid idea
We're calling him Diello
Well, that's a good dramatic name
Paul thought it up
Aren't you clever?
There all done
Oh, look at you two
A couple of Borovnian Princesses if ever I saw them
My daughter
And my foster daughter
Hilda, I can't find that letter from the High commission
They want our passport numbers
Are you going abroad, Daddy?
Your father's attending a university conference in England, darling
We'll only be gone for a few weeks
You're not going, are you, Mummy?
Well, yes, I thought I might
It's, uh, a long time for your father and I to be apart
But, I should go, too
Darling, you've got school
You've only just settled in
But
Who's coming to the shops?
Me! I'm coming!
I need some cigarettes
Put on your shoes, Jonathon!
Julie!
Look, Paul!
What?
Look!
What?
Oh, it's so beautiful
What?!
Oh, it's so beautiful!
Pretty flowers
come with me!
It's all right, you'll see
come on! come on!
Look!
Today Juliet and I discovered the key to the Fourth World
We have had it in our possession for about six months
But we only realized it on the day of the death of christ
We saw a gateway through the clouds
Everything was full of peace and bliss
We then realized we had the key
We now know we're not genli, as we thought
We have an extra part of our brain that can appreciate the Fourth World
Only about 10 people have it
When we die, we will go to the Fourth World
But meanwhile, on two days every year we must use the key
And look into that beautiful world
Which we have been lucky enough to be allowed to know of
On this day of finding the key
To the way through the clouds
Push! It's coming!
Oh, God!
It's a boy!
Deborah
We have a son and heir
I shall call him Diello!
Oh, you're such an incredible woman!
I couldn't have done it without you, charles
The empress Deborah has the most enormous difficulty
Fending off her husband
Who tries to have his way with her
Morning, noon, and night
Thank you, Juliet
However, the queen's biggest problem is her renegade child, Diello
Who has proven to be an uncontrollable little blighter
Who slaughters his nannies whenever the fancy takes him!
That's enough, Juliet!
I suppose this is your idea of a joke!
no, Mrs Stevens
I suppose you think it witty and clever to mock the royal family
To poke fun at the queen and the empire
With this rubbish!
It's not rubbish!
Sit down! Pauline
I really don't understand why you're so upset, Mrs Stevens
I merely wrote an essay on the royal family as requested
It doesn't say it has to be the Windsors!
Sit down!
A girl like you should be setting an example
To your seat
Stop it, Juliet!
Mrs Hulme told me they had found out today
That Juliet has tuberculosis on one lung
Poor Juliet
I nearly fainted when I heard
I had a terrible job not to cry
I spent a wretched night
It would be wonderful if I could get tuberculosis, too
come on, sit up
I'm not hungry
Oh, Yvonne, you've got to eat
You hardly ate any dinner last night
now, come on
I'm not having you falling ill
I just want to be on my own for a while
Well, you may have forgotten that you were once a very sick little girl
But I haven't
All right
Do you think Juliet could stay here while her parents are away?
Juliet's infectious, she'll be going to the hospital
But she'll have no one to look after her!
Well, her parents won't be going overseas now
They have to cancel their trip
Don't worry about Juliet
Well, it's not too late to cancel our travel arrangements
If that's what you want
I'm sure you'll like it here
It's very tranquil
Oh, I've spoken to the matron
She promises to take extra special care of you
And you can carry on with your studies while you convalesce
It's for the good of your health, darling
cheer up, old thing, hmm?
Four months, fly by in no time
Juliet won't be allowed visitors for at least a couple of months, dear
I've booked you in for a chest X-ray, just to be on the safe side
I thought I'd have a go at building the birdhouse on Saturday
Anybody want to give me a hand?
You used to love making things with Dad, Yvonne
This evening, I had a brain wave
That Juliet and I should write to each other as charles and Deborah
I wrote a six-page letter as charles
And a two-page letter as Paul
She has entered into the spirit of the thing greatly
My dear charles
I miss you and adore you in equal amounts
And long for the day that we will be reunited
But as I languish here in this house of disease and decrepitude
My mind turns with increasing frequency
To the problem of our son
Although only 10
Diello has thus far killed 57 people and shows no desire to stop
It worries me, Charles
My dearest, darling, Deborah
Affairs of state continue to occupy my time
I have to report that the lower classes are terrifically dull
Only yesterday, I was compelled to execute several peasants
Just to alleviate the boredroom
Diello insisted on coming along
In fact, he made such a fuss that I had to let him wield the ax himself
Heads did roll
not just the prisoners, but the royal guard, my valet
And several unfortunate onlookers copped it as well
Oh, charles, I am despaired enough to put Diello in the hands of the cardinal
In the hope that a good dose of religion will set the young chap on the right path
Hello again
How are you getting on?
It must be awfully hard being away from your school chums
I've got something here that you might just like to have a look at
Unfortunately, the miracles of modern medicine
can only go so far in combating an illness like TB
That's why I'm here, because
Reach out, Juliet! Reach out of Jesus!
Yvonne!
Paul!
I'm so happy to see you!
Don't get too close, she's still not 100%
Hello, Juliet
Hello!
We brought you some fruit
Oh, thank you so much!
Your letters are wonderful, charles!
Well, that's, um, coming along nicely
Oh, I'm the matron's favorite patient
And she showed me her special stitch
I love the color
It's for you
Goodness, me, what a lot of letters
Ha, are your parents enjoying their trip?
Oh, there's a couple of unopened ones
I'm saving them for a rainy day
I know it's hard for you being in here
But it is for the good of your health
They sent me off to the Bahamas for the good of my health
They sent me off to the Bay of Bloody Islands for the good of my health!
I'm sorry, Mrs Rieper
I'm feeling quite fatigued
Well, we don't want to tire you out, dear
Oh, can't you stay a bit longer, Paul?
no, we've got a tram to catch, Yvonne
Bye
You know, this is quite something, you're damn clever
So, Deborah is married to charles
And this chap nicholas is her tennis instructor?
Yes, but there's nothing between them
Deborah'd never go for a commoner
nicholas has got his eye on Gina
An amazingly beautiful gypsy
Looks like you, Yvonne
Juliet made it
This is really quite incredible
I'd bet you girls know the entire royal lineage for the last five centuries
Oh, yes, it's all worked out
You'll never guess what's happened
What?
John has fallen in love with me!
That idiot boarder?
Yes!
How do you know? Did he tell you?
Well, uh, no, but it's so obvious
Is that why you haven't replied to my last letter?
Oh, no, silly
I'm only teasing
He's only a stupid boy
Yvonne
What do you want?
I can't sleep
can I borrow a book?
Shut the door
This looks interesting
Some of these knitting patterns look damn complicated
Have you tried the tea cozy?
It's damn cold, isn't it?
Do you think I could hop into bed just for a minute, just to warm up?
My feet are like ice blocks
Well, you should've worn your slippers
come on, Yvonne, I'll catch my death
Just for a minute
To think that so much could happen
In so little time caused by so few
A terrible tragedy has occurred
no, girls, it isn't '"O'", it's '"E'"!
And she goes, '"Eee'" as if someone was jabbing a pen into her
Silly old trout
I love you, Yvonne
And then in history
We've got this senile old bat, who goes
And charles II met nell Gwyn aboard a boat
And he was a wealthy, young prince, and she was a pretty, young thing
And these things do happen
God, it's no wonder I don't excel in history
Do you love me as much as I love you?
Of course, my darling, nicholas
My name's John
Well, I like '"nicholas'" much better
You can call me anything you like
What are you doing?
nothing
Oh, bloody hell!
Go to the house
You've broken my heart, Yvonne
I lay there mesmerized
It was just too frightful to believe
When I got up, I found Father had told Mother
coming to Lancaster Park today, Mr Rieper?
Oh, where's John? He said he'd walk with me
John is no longer staying here
Shot through this morning
Said his old mom had taken sick
I had a nasty, foreboding feeling at first
But now I realized my crime was too frightful for an ordinary lecture
From now on, you are sleeping in the house
Where we can keep an eye on you
If you think for one minute that your father and I
Will tolerate this kind of behavior
You've got another think coming!
You're only 14! You're a child!
What on Earth is the matter with you, Yvonne?
You know what can happen with boys
Don't you have any self-respect?
can I go now?
Oh, you think you're such a clever little madam!
You had your father in tears last night!
My God, what a disgrace you are
You shame me, you shame the family
You're nothing but a cheap little tart!
Well, I guess I take after you, then!
You ran of with Dad when you were only 17!
nana Parker told me!
You're going to be late
I'm terribly cut up
I miss nicholas terrifically
Mother thinks I will have nothing more to do with him
But little she knows
nicholas was pleased that I was so early
We sat around and talked for an hour
And then went to bed
I declined the invitation at first
But he became very masterful
And I had no option
I discovered that I had not lost my virginity on Thursday night
However, there is no doubt whatsoever that I have now
To pine and sigh
But I, I love to spend my time in singing
Some joyous song
To set the air with music bravely ringing
Is far from wrong
Listen! Listen! Echoes sound afar!
Funiculi, funicula
Funiculi, funicula!
Echoes sound afar
Funiculi, funicula
Listen! Listen! Echoes sound afar!
Funiculi, funicula
Funiculi, funicula!
Echoes sound afar
Funiculi, funicula
Funiculi, funicula, funiculi, funicula
Funiculi, funicula
charles!
Gina! It's great to see you here!
Deborah?
Deborah!
Diello!
careful, Gina, we almost lost you
For you, my lady
Deborah
All of a sudden we go up
Let go
You're crying
Listen! Listen! Echoes sound afar!
Don't be sad, Gina
Funicula, funicula
Echoes sound afar
Funiculi, funicula
Yvonne
Yvonne?
Yvonne!
I didn't hurt you, did I?
I've got to go home
I love you so much
Oh, Pauline!
Daddy! Daddy!
There, living among two beautiful daughters
Of a man who possesses two beautiful daughters
You cannot know nor yet try to guess
The sweet soothingness of their caress
The outstanding genius of this pair
Is understood by few, they are so rare
Beautiful boy!
Mummy!
Oh, darling! Hello, welcome home
Yvonne!
Stop!
I still love you!
compared with these two, every man is a fool
The world is most honored that they should deign to rule
And I worship the power of those lovely two
With that adoring love known to so few
Yvonne!
Ah, pretty
This indeed a miracle one must feel
That two such heavenly creatures are real
Both sets of eyes, though different far
Hold many mysteries strange
And passively, they watch the race of men
Decay and change
Hatred burning bright in the brown eyes with enemies for fuel
Icy scorn glitters in the gray eyes, contemptuous and cruel
And why are men such fools
They will not realize the wisdom that is hidden behind those strange eyes?
And these wonderful people are you and I
Mrs Rieper, may I come in?
Yes, of course
Thank you
Your daughter, an imaginative
And spirited girl
Look, if she's spending too much time at your house, you only need to say
All those nights that she spends over, she's assured us that you don't mind
Uh, no, it's rather more complicated than that
Since Mrs Hulme and I have returned home
Juliet's been behaving in a rather disturbed manner
Surliness, um, short temper
General irritability, most uncharacteristic
You sure I can't tempt you to a nice sherry, Dr Hulme?
Uh, no, thank you
The thing is
Yvonne hasn't been herself, either
Locking herself away in her room, endlessly writing
My wife and I feel that the friendship is
Unhealthy
no arguments there, Dr Hulme
All that time inside working on those novels of theirs
They don't get any fresh air or exercise
I'm not sure what you mean, Dr Hulme
Your daughter
Appears to have formed a rather
Unwholesome attachment to Juliet
What's she done?
She hasn't done anything
It's the, um...
It's the intensity of the friendship that concerns me
I think we should avert trouble before it starts
Dr Bennett's a good friend of mine
He's a general physician
But he has some expertise in child psychology
If Pauline is, indeed, developing in a rather
Wayward fashion
Dr Bennett is the ideal man
To set her back on track
What about your studies?
Are you enjoying school?
Are you happy at home?
Answer Dr Bennett, Yvonne
Yvonne
Mrs Rieper, perhaps you, you wouldn't mind waiting outside?
Do you like your mother?
no
And why is that?
She nags me
And that's why you like to stay with the Hulmes
Or is it because you want to be with Juliet?
Do you like girls?
no
Why not?
They're silly
But Juliet's not silly
no
Yvonne, there's nothing wrong with having a close friend
But sometimes things can get too friendly
Such associations can lead to trouble
It isn't good to have just one friend
My wife and I have several friends
And we enjoy seeing them on a regular basis
And it's all perfectly healthy
Perhaps you could think about
Spending more time with boys
You don't want to hurt Juliet's feelings
But I'm sure she'd understand
You're having other interests outside of the friendship
I mean, there's all sorts of clubs and hobbies that you
Bloody fool
Um, Mrs Rieper
Um, homosexuality
I agree, Mrs Rieper, it's not a pleasant word
But let us not panic unduly
This condition is often a passing phase
With girls of Yvonne's age
But she's always been a normal, happy child
Oh, it can strike at any time
And adolescents are particularly vulnerable
What about the vomiting?
Uh, she's lost a lot of weight
Physically, I can find nothing wrong
I've checked for TB, and she's clear
I can only attribute her weight loss to her mental disorder
Look, Mrs Rieper, try not to worry too much
Yvonne's young and strong
And she's got a loving family behind her
chances are she'll grow out of it
If not, well, medical science is progressing in leaps and bounds
There could be a breakthrough at any time
Oh
It was a rather snobbish conception
Mother woke me up this morning
And started lecturing me before I was properly awake
Which I thought was somewhat unfair
She has brought up the worst possible threat now
She said that if my health did not improve
I could never see the Hulmes again
The thought is too dreadful
Life would be unbearable without Deborah
I wish I could die
This is not an idle or temporary impulse
I have decided over the last 2 or 3 weeks
That it would be the best thing that could happen altogether
And the thought of death is not fearsome
Oh, thank you!
Oh, Wendy
I've got me self a pair of socks!
Is it hurting, dear?
Your leg
Have you got pain?
My new Year's resolution
Is a far more selfish one than last year
It is to make my motto
Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you may be dead
Hi, Paul!
Ready
Smile
This arrived today, Yvonne
My name is Gina
It's a letter from the school, from Miss Stewart
What does Old Stu want?
She says the standard of your work is slipping
At this rate, she doesn't think you'll get school certificate
Who cares?
I care, and your father cares
We want you to get a good education
I'm educating myself
You're failing English!
You used to be the top of the class!
I'm doing my own writing!
Don't think these stories are going to get you school certificate!
You don't seriously think anyone's going to publish them?
What would you know?
You wouldn't know the first thing about writing!
You're the most ignorant person I've ever met!
You're rude rude and insolent!
And I don't think I should keep a horrid little child like you
In school a minute longer
I don't want to be in bloody school!
All right! Well, you go out there!
You go out there and get a job, and you damn well pay your own pay!
I think I'm going crazy
no, you're not, Gina
It's everyone else who's bonkers
Lets' go overseas
You mean travel by ourselves?
Where shall we go?
Bot the Bahamas, it's bloody awful
Of course! It's so obvious!
I know, I'll lean back and put my hair on my shoulder
Then I'll look just like Veronica Lake, oh, great!
Stay still, or else they'll be blurry
Oh, well, hurry up! It's freezing!
Oh, just a couple more
I know, I'll lean forward now and I'll show more cleavage
Those girls are up to something in the bathroom
I think they're taking photographs of each other
Just leave them alone, Henry
I'm prepared to tolerate that Rieper girl's presence
but I will not stand for any you know hanky-panky
I'm sure it's all perfectly innocent
I'm sure they'll notice things missing
They'll blame the bloody housekeeper
She nicks stuff all the time
This lot's got to be worth 50 quid
I can try my father's safe
I'm sure I can get the keys to his office
That's great!
We'll have the fare in no time
As soon as those bods in Hollywood cop a look at us
They'll be falling over themselves
Oh, it'll be amazing to meet James in person
I just know we'll hit it off brilliantly
And Guy Rolfe and Mel Ferrer
And Mario!
Oh, I can't wait to do the love scenes!
But what if they're married?
Oh, don't worry about that
We'll simply murder any odd wives that get in our way
I rose at 5:30 this morning
And did all the housework before 8:00
Including taking Wendy her breakfast in bed
I feel very pleased with myself on the whole
And also the future
We are so brilliantly clever
A good shot, Hilda
Ah excellent
Boys and girls, what have you been doing?
Direct hit!
Gave his trousers a jolly good soaking
Everyone will think he's peed himself
Ha!
Damn it!
net fault
Bloody Bill is sniffing around Mummy something chronic
I thought he was supposed to be terribly ill
That's what we were led to believe
Henry, I'm terribly worried about Bill Perry
He's just had this spell in hospital
He's got nowhere to convalesce
no?
I've offered him the flat
not in his condition
Yeah
I was so looking forward to the ambulance arriving
There's something desperately exciting about body on stretchers
Oh, God! Bill!
But it wasn't like that at all
Bill!
I hope the trip didn't tire you
Hello
not in the least
What a splendid place
Hello
It used to be the servants' quarters
But it's very comfortable
Oh, corker
Mother was completely taken in
Do you think bloody Bill's trying to get into her drawers?
Too right
But he doesn't have a show
nobody gets into Mummy's drawers except Daddy
Poor Father
Don't worry, Gina
Mummy and Daddy love each other
Thanks, Prof
You have alienated the professorial board
And completely compromised the good will of the council
You could've at least been a bit more reasonable about the forestry school
I stand by the report I made last year
canterbury college should not be diversifying
Henry, it's just not working
Surely a man of your caliber is needed back in England
I have my daughter's health to consider
She requires a warm climate
Dr Hulme, let's make an effort to avoid a public embarrassment
You have until the end of the year to find a new position
Bill, it's not right
It's not right
When?
not now!
You're a dreadful flirt
Just washing my hair now, Laurie
Won't be a moment
Is she still in there?
come on, Yvonne, you've had enough time
Yvonne!
Yes, yes, yes
You open up this door right now
I'm bloody dressing as fast as I can, for God's sake
Open this door!
Mother gave me a fearful lecture along the usual strain
I rang Deborah immediately
As I had to tell someone sympathetic
How I loathed Mother
Mother told me I could not go to Ilam again
Until I was 8 stone and more cheerful
All week I have looked forward to going to Ilam
And now this
She is most unreasonable
I also overheard her making insulting remarks about Mrs Hulme
I was livid
I am very glad, because the Hulmes sympathize with me
And it is nice to feel that adults realize what Mother is
Dr Hulme is going to do something about it, I think
Why could not Mother die?
Dozens of people are dying all the time, thousands
So why not Mother?
And Father, too
Yvonne
come on, dear
now shut your eyes and make a wish
23rd APRIL 1954
The balloon has gone up!
What on Earth are you talking about?
Mr Perry's ill, I've brought him a cup of tea
Would you care for one, Juliet?
Don't try and fob me off
It's going to cost you £ 100, or else I'm blabbing to Daddy
Mister Perry and I are in love, Juliet
Hilda
Your father knows about us
Until other arrangements can be made
We've decided to live together as a threesome
I don't care what you do
Paul and I are going to Hollywood
There's desperately keen to sign us up, we're going to be film stars
What are you talking about?
It's all arranged
We don't need your bloody £ 100 anyway
So stick it up your bottom!
Deborah told me the stupendous news
I'm going out to Ilam, as we have much to talk over
Hello!
Deborah was still in bed when I arrived
Dr Hulme asked us to come into the lounge to have a talk with him
Your mother and I are getting divorced
The shock was too great to have penetrated my mind
It is so incredible
Poor Father
Dr Hulme was absolutely kind and understanding
He said we must tell him everything about our going to America
He was both hope-giving and depressing
We talked for a long time
And Deborah and I were near tears by the time it was over
What is to be the future now?
We may all be going to Italy and dozens of other places
Or not at all
none of us know where we are
And a good deal depends on chance
Dr Hulme is the noblest
And most wonderful person I have ever known of
One thing Deborah and I are sticking to
Through everything we sink or swim together
Your mother and I've talked things over and we've made some decisions
I'm resigning from the university
And I'll be taking up a position back in England
But, Daddy, you can't just leave me here with Mother
I thought it best if you accompany your father
Is Gina coming, too?
Of course not
I'm not going to England without Gina!
You're not going to England, darling
I'm leaving you in South Africa with Auntie Ena
That chest of yours isn't getting any better
A warmer climate is just what you need
For the good of your health
The Hulmes will look after me
They want me to live with them
Don't be so ridiculous
You're our daughter, you belong here with us
I belong with Deborah
we're going to South Africa
You're not going to anywhere
You're 15 years old, Yvonne
You have to let me go!
We'll talk about this when you've calmed down
I felt thoroughly depressed
And even quite seriously considered committing suicide
Life seemed so much not worth the living
And death such an easy way out
Love, you can still write to each other
Anger against Mother boiled up inside me
As it is she who is one of the main obstacles in my path
Suddenly a means of ridding myself of this obstacle occurred to me
If she were to die...
I cannot begin to attempt to measure
The inestimable value of Dr Hulme's contributions
To canterbury college, both social and official
We wish both him and Mrs Hulme all the best for the future
Everything's going to be okay, Gina
Mr Perry promised to give me £ 50 for my horse
That's 120! Just another £ 30, and we've got the fare!
It's no bloody good
I went to the passport office today
They won't give me one till I'm 20!
But that's not true! I've got one!
no
I need my sodding parents' consent
Oh, don't cry, Gina, Gina, please don't cry
We're not going to be separated, we're not
They can't make us!
They can't!
They cannot
Off me!
I hate you!
Yvonne
Don't be like this, love
I did not tell Deborah of my plans for removing Mother
I have made no decision yet
As the last fate I wish to meet is one in a borstal
I am trying to think of some way
I've just had Hilda Hulme on the telephone
What now?
She says Juliet's in a terrible state
She's uncontrollable
I've told her Pauline isn't going to South Africa, she refuses to accept it
Well, I expect you've heard the same from your own daughter
Um Yvonne hasn't spoken to me for nearly two weeks
Yes, well, it hasn't been an easy time for any of us, Mrs Rieper
She's cut us out of her life, Mrs Hulme
It's been causing her mother and I a lot of worry
What I'm suggesting
Is that we let the girls spend these last three weeks together
We would like Pauline to come and stay with Juliet until she leaves
Is that a good idea?
Perhaps I could telephone tonight, Mrs Hulme
Yes, yes, of course
11TH JUnE 1954
When you are in love
It's the loveliest night of the year
Stars twinkle above
And you almost can touch them from here
Words fall into rhyme
Anytime you are holding me near
When you are in love
It's the loveliest night of the year
charles! charles! charles! Oh!
Waltzing along in the blue
Like a breeze drifting over the sand
Thrilled by the wonder of you
We've realized why Deborah and I have such extraordinary telepathy
And why people treat us and look at us the way they do
It is because we are mad!
We are both stark raving mad!
When a birthday is near
All the cast of the saints are mad, too
Dr Hulme is mad, as mad as a March hare
The loveliest night of the year
It was the first time I had ever seen '"It'"
Deborah had always told me how hideous he was
Is that you?
You're through, Harry, come out
You haven't got a chance this way
What do you want?
You might as well give up
'"It'" is appalling
He is dreadful
come back!
I have never in my life seen anything in the same category of hideousness
But I adore him!
Hurry!
Deborah, close the door!
We talked for some time about '"It'"
Getting ourselves more and more excited
We enacted how each saint would make love in bed
We spent a hectic night going through the saints
It was wonderful
Heavenly beautiful and ours
We felt satisfied, indeed
We have now learned the peace of the thing called 'bliss'"
The joy of the thing called '"sin'"
I'm coming with you
I know what to do about Mother
We don't want to go to too much trouble
Some sort of accident
People die every day
Our main idea for the day was to murder Mother
This notion is not a new one
But this time it is a definite plan which we intend to carry out
We have worked it out carefully
And are both thrilled by the idea
naturally, we feel a trifle nervous
But the pleasure of anticipation is great
Only the best people fight against all obstacles
In pursuit of happiness
We both spent last night having a simple wonderful time
In every possible way
I was picked up at 2:00p m
I have been very sweet and good
I have worked out a little more of our plan
Peculiarly enough, I have no qualms of conscience
I arose late and helped Mother vigorously this morning
Deborah rang and we decided to use a rock and a stocking
Rather than a sandbag
We discussed the murder fully
I feel very keyed up
As though I were planning a surprise party
Mother has fallen in with everything beautifully
And the happy event is to take place tomorrow afternoon
next time I write in this diary, mother will be dead
How odd
Yet how pleasing
Have they gone?
I pretended to be asleep
Because I wanted to be alone with you
I have so many things to tell you
Or one thing as huge as the sea
Mummy!
Deep and indefinite as the sea
You are my love and all my life
I am writing a little of this up on the morning before the death
I felt very excited and
The-night-Before-christmas-ish last night
I am about to rise
Juliet?
Hurry up
Ah, thought I'd lost you
Mummy
You've got roses in your cheeks
Oh, I haven't seen that in such a long time
Oh, bye
Have a lovely time, darling
I will
I'm so looking forward to it
Bye, Daddy!
See you tonight!
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, that's enough bread to feed an army
Hello
Hello, Juliet
Oh, what a nice outfit
Thank you, I, um, bought it especially, Mrs Rieper
Fruit
Oh, pop them in a bowl
Let's go upstairs, Deborah
I wrote the first 10 pages of my opera last night
All right, then
Ugh, do you feel all sweaty?
Oh, I feel sweaty
It's a three-act story with a tragic end
Your mother is rather a miserable woman, isn't she?
I thought for hours
About whether carmelita should accept Bernard's marriage proposal
I think she knows what's going to happen
She doesn't appear to bear us any grudge
But in the end I decided against it
I thought it would spoil all their fun
Affairs are much more exciting than marriages
As Mummy can testify
It's true
He was spotted in the lingerie department, eh, Wendy?
There's nothing wrong with Sir Edmund Hillary buying underwear for his wife
He was a very nice man
I bet it was thermal underwear
I bet I bet he pitches a tent in the middle of their bedroom
And they have to pretend to be on a mountain
That's enough, Yvonne
That man's a credit to the nation
Right, who's going to help me clear away?
I will, Mum
Anything to get away from Laurel and Hardy
I'd better be getting back, bye, love
Bye
Have a nice outing, you lot
Bye, Dad
Bye, Mr Rieper
Well, I'm going to make myself a bit more presentable
Isn't it beautiful?
Let's go for a walk down here, come on, Mummy
Oh, no, I'd like a cup of tea first, come on
You have it
Oh, no, I'm watching my figure
But you're not fat, Mrs Rieper
Oh, well, I put on a lot of weight over christmas
Go on, Mum
Treat yourself
All right
Yvonne, love, we should be going back
We don't want to miss the bus
Juliet, you button up your coat, you'll get a chill
Look Mother
Gina!
Hurry!
no!
Don't hit me!
Gina
Do not leave, I'm coming! I'm coming!
Don't go!
You can't!
I'm sorry
no!