It's devastating. Things coming to an end.
Sometimes it's more devastating things beginning.
You never told me why they call you Tony when your name is James.
That is wise.
But you haven't said a word about yourself, Claire.
I don't like people who discuss their private lives.
No. But I know you're not happy.
That you are .. that Corven ..
Sorry.
You realize of course, that I love you.
Yes.
But you don't love me.
I'm a respectable married woman, Tony.
Who's coming back to England because ..? - Because of the climate in Ceylon.
I can't bear the thought of not seeing you every day.
Couldn't you stay in London just for a night?
For dinner and the theatre.
My dear Tony, I shall be met by loving relatives and taken home.
Well, I must see you sometimes.
This club will always find me.
The Coffee House.
My uncle is a member. Sir Lawrence Mont.
Tall and twisty and thin, with an eye-glass.
I'll look out for him.
What will you do with yourself in England, Tony?
Oh, look for a job.
Anything except selling things on commission.
Does anybody do anything else nowadays?
I'd like something to do with horses.
Horses are dying out.
Yes, I know. I expect I shall have to be a chauffeur.
Where are you going to stay, Claire? - I shall be at home for a time.
Conderford Grange, Oxfordshire will find me.
And I'll have to look for a job too.
Hello, Dinny!
That's my sister.
I must go now, Tony.
Claire.
Has this meant anything to you?
Yes, it has.
If it never means anything more.
Thank you for helping me over a bad three weeks.
Goodbye. - Goodbye.
Your landing cards please.
Your landing card, lady.
Have your landing cards, please.
Darling.
How sweet of you to face this ballyhoo. You're looking splendid.
A good voyage? - Fine.
Except the bay. Where are you taking me?
To London first for lunch with David Dornford, and then home.
Where's your trunks? - I booked them straight through.
Come along then. The car is outside.
Glad to see you, My Lady.
Well darling, it's grand to see you.
Am I wrong to read between the lines?
No. I'm not going back to him, Dinny. - Never no?
Poor darling. - I don't want to talk about it.
It just became impossible. Quite impossible.
Who was the boy on the boat? - Oh, Tony Croom.
He was on a tea plantation in Ceylon.
They closed down. He's come home to look for a job.
I'll need a job too, Dinny. Is there any money in hats?
All-British hats? I'm afraid not.
I might try breeding dogs. Bull terriers.
You can help in the big election in Conderford first.
We're all working like mad down there. David Dornford's our national candidate.
We must get him in. A national government is our only hope there.
I'd love to help.
Anything to forget.
Was there another woman?
I don't think so.
He may follow me home. I shan't see him if he does.
Bonjour, Madame. - Morning, Pierre.
Bonjour, Madame.
Hello David. You've met my sister, Claire?
Yes, for a moment at the wedding, Lady Corven.
Do you remember? - Yes, I remember.
Let's go through.
We'll fix this. - Very good, sir.
It's rather a nice restaurant. I've been here before.
Claire, darling. How nice to see you. I had no idea you were home.
I just got back, Vi. How is everything? - Splendid. Joan's had a baby.
Really. How sweet.
Come and see us. We're in the Chelsea house you know. And the baby is lovely.
I'll ring you. - Do, dear.
Will you have a cocktail, Lady Corven? - No. Sherry for me.
And you, Dinny? - Same for me.
Three sherries.
Wait a minute .. light or dark?
Hello Claire! I had no idea you were home.
Is Gerald back too?
No, I came alone, Tommy. The climate just wiped me out.
Oh, that's rotten. Are you home for good?
Unless they can alter the climate.
I'll ring you up. Nell will be thrilled.
Light or dark? - I'm terribly sorry.
Light for me.
And me.
Light.
Now then, how about some hors d'oeuvres or smoked salmon?
Claire darling! You never told me you were back. How are you my dear?
Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would've come to Tilbury to meet you.
Wonderful chap, the cloakroom attendant. Never gives you a ticket for your hat.
He remembers every guest. Never been known to make a mistake. You watch.
Thank you, sir.
I'm very out of things, with papers four weeks late. Nothing but wireless news.
Things aren't really as bad as they look, are they?
I mean, this crisis.
I think it is going to be touch and go for a long time.
Didn't we come off the gold standard or something while I was on the way home?
What is the gold standard exactly?
It's what you want to be on when you're off and to be off when you're on.
Exports and interest from investments abroad, do not pay for our imports.
That means .. - Keep it, David.
You've got to speak tomorrow night. Don't waste it on Claire.
Yes, our train is at three.
Claire .. are you sure you don't want to tell me a little more about things?
Better not. Even you.
Why? Was it as bad as that?
Worse .. he was more brutal than I can tell you.
Claire .. in your last letter you told me that Corven beat you.
Struck you across the face with the handle of a riding crop and kicked you.
Is that true? - Yes.
You see why I don't intend to talk about my reasons for coming away.
You must get free. - But how?
It's my word against his.
You see, my husband's attentions were without witnesses.
Besides, how could I make a public show of that sort of thing? I couldn't.
A plain divorce causes enough attention. This would be meat for a 9-days wonder.
I can't even speak of it to anyone but you.
It will be nice to be home on a day like this.
The grass is really lovely stuff. And the elms ..
That blue look.
Here you are, George.
Hello, Albert. - Good evening, milady.
Good evening. - Good evening milady. Good you're back.
Welcome home, milady. - Good evening, Mary. Hello Scaramouche.
This one is new. - Yes. Bosh.
Oh, isn't he sweet.
Good evening, milady. - Hello Henry.
Where is everyone? - I think mother is in the drawing-room.
Here she is, mother.
Well darling, here is your bad penny turned up again.
You look just the same, bless you.
Dad is in his study.
Well, Dinny .. how is she?
She's alright, dear. But it is a split. Complete, I'm afraid.
Well, it's not her fault.
But I wouldn't ask her any questions.
What has the fellow been doing? - It's just his nature.
I knew there was a streak of cruelty in him.
What do you mean? You knew?
The way he smiled, I suppose.
His lips.
I want to see her.
Ah Claire, my dear. - Father.
Let me look at you.
Ah, it doesn't seem long since you left.
Spring last year. Seventeen months. That's all.
I'm afraid I'm a bit late for the garden.
Well, there are a few good roses out still.
We didn't have much of a show in the earlier part of the year, you know.
Too dry.
Too dry. I enjoyed those photographs.
It's always interesting to see how places alter.
I remember .. there was a part of Colombo that they used to call The Fort.
Do they still call it that? - The Fort? Yes, Daddy.
The bazaar is still there, I suppose? - Yes, the bazaar is still there.
Does it still smell?
Yes. It still smells.
That's where I got my typhoid.
Oh .. have you had your tea? - No.
It's ready now. It's getting cold.
Let's have it.
Coming?
It's good to have you back, dear.
What shall I do with these tendrils, Dinny? They are an awful plague.
Shall I cut them again?
I think I should let them grow for the time being.
You can't tell what's coming.
It might be ringlets.
Oh, how awful.
Do you think women get themselves up to please men?
Certainly not.
To excite and annoy each other, then?
Fashion, mostly.
Women are sheep about appearances.
What about models? - Have we any?
Man-made anyway.
By nature, we've only got feelings.
I've none now. - Sure?
Well, in hand anyway.
There is something sane and fresh about this air.
Fresh and homespun.
Can you never rest and be still?
It was all new out there.
Rather exciting.
Tantalizing, unsatisfying.
There was no rest.
Now it's over and done with.
Aunt M, I'm so glad you've come. - You know perfectly well you're not.
We got everybody to vote last year.
But who for? Us or them?
Where is Claire? - Inside.
Hello, all.
My dear.
Claire, darling.
I'm so glad you're helping us, Lady Mont.
We're giving you the end of the village while we go to the farms.
I'm quite willing to shout at the deaf.
Shake hands with the dirty.
But I cannot mmm mmm the dumb.
Well, cheerio. Goodbye, Dinny.
Bye-bye.
Her hair looks rather yellow. It isn't the baby, is it?
No, dear.
When I was in Ceylon everyone was having babies, even the elephants.
And that takes nine years you know.
Did Claire like Ceylon? - Not much.
Why not?
Liver?
She's very yellow you know. - No, it wasn't her liver.
And she's not yellow. It's her husband.
Oh. His liver then?
Auntie. You won't say anything except to uncle Laurence if I tell you?
There has been a split.
I thought he looked liverish at the wedding.
Anyway, there is too much difference in their ages.
He seems to have been quite a cad.
Poor, dear Claire.
Has she a young man? - Oh, no.
Not on board ship?
Oh .. I planted that tree when I was five.
I would like to be buried under it, but I know they won't.
They are sure to do something .. stuffy.
Oh, look.
I've often thought I'd like to be a goat.
Not in England.
Tied to a stake and grazing in a mangy little circle?
Oh no. One with a bell on a mountain.
A he-goat for preference, so as not to be milked.
Now then Keith, I've come to make you vote.
I'm not voting any more, Miss. - Of course you are.
Nope.
Everybody's got to vote this time, Benjy.
See here, Miss.
See that picture, Miss?
That's Mr Gladstone.
A fine looking old man wasn't he. - Aye.
He's dead, though. No use voting any longer.
Oh but Benjy, he's been dead for years and years.
Aye. That's the trouble.
I'll take you in the car, Benjy.
All by myself, Miss?
In a motor car? - And Mrs Purdy.
She's ailing, Miss.
I'd like you to see her.
Here is someone to see you, Mother.
Why, it's Miss Claire.
I'm here again, Mrs Purdy. I've come to make Benjy vote.
Benjy won't vote any longer.
Not since Mr Gladstone died.
I'll come for the motorcar drive, Miss.
I won't say as I'll vote.
Shush. Now, won't you take a cup of tea, Miss Claire?
Not now, Mrs Purdy. I have to go all round.
I'll come in when the election is over.
And you will stay for a cup of tea? - I certainly will.
I'll see you tomorrow morning when I call for Benjy.
Good day.
Hello, Claire.
What on earth are you doing here, Tony?
I couldn't go on any longer without a glimpse of you.
You weren't going to call, were you? - If I couldn't see you any other way.
Claire, if I don't see you now and then, I shall go batty.
Oh just once, Claire.
Quick, then.
No, Tony.
If you are going to see me, it's got to be in town.
But what's the good of seeing me? It will only make us unhappy.
Us? Oh bless you for that, Claire.
Have you got a job? - There aren't any.
Things will be better when the election is over.
Now Tony, you must go.
Promise to let me know the first day you come up to town.
Do you realize what the last government has done?
By indecision, bungling and lack of courage.
We've lowered our whole prestige in the eyes of the world.
Isn't that what Gladstone said in '98? - Oh, shut up, M.
You realize .. that today.
This pound note .. is only worth.
Fourteen shillings.
I'll give you fourteen shillings for it, Governor.
[ Radio music. Loud ]
What awful stuff they broadcast nowadays.
Do they have that noise every night?
[ Radio ] "This is the first election result."
"Hornsley South."
"Major Cremin, Conservative: 29,743."
"Joseph Hill, Labour: 7,929."
"Conservative majority: 21,813."
By Jove!
What a thumping majority.
That's no triumph. Hornsley is always Conservative.
Can't you get rid of that awful whistling noise, Claire?
Oh, leave it alone for heaven's sake.
You'll ruin it if you're not careful.
It always makes that noise.
Laurence does something to ours with a penknife.
David's in! Terrific majority. He just telephoned.
Dornford: 12,324.
Perkins: 4,561.
4,000 people voting for a man named "Perkins"?
What is the country coming to?
He's coming straight up before he goes to town.
They are absolutely winning everywhere.
Thank heavens for that.
Congratulations, Mr Dornford.
Thank you, Mr Perkins.
Now a big cheer for David Dornford, MP for Conderford.
Hip-hip! - Hooray!
[ Radio ] "Thomas Watts. Labour. 12,429."
"National gain from Labour."
This is something like it. - A thrashing.
I'm sleepy.
Go to bed, auntie. I'll put a slip under the door with the latest when I come up.
Goodnight, dear.
So that's put Perkins in his place anyway.
My dear, tell Dornford the moment he gets into parliament ..
He must do something about ringing down the income tax.
Or I shall be bankrupt before the end of the year. That would be awful.
Goodnight, Dinny.
Tell Dinny how awfully glad I am, dear.
I shan't be long, dear.
You know I always feel like Lady Macbeth when I go to bed with a candle.
It's a lovely place, but too cold, even in summer.
Why don't you have some hot water pipes put inside the columns?
Nobody would notice and it would make the place so very much more comfortable.
Oh, I've a pain! Oh, I must see my doctor tomorrow.
I don't know whether it is flatulence or the hand of God.
Now aunt, you are old enough to know better.
Oh, I shan't sleep a wink tonight. I shall have terrible nightmares.
Perkins and prosperity.
Goodnight darling. I'll send your tea in at ten in the morning.
Come .. come.
What is done .. cannot be undone.
To bed.
Wait here. I'll only be a minute.
Dinny.
Congratulations.
Splendid news, David.
It's the same everywhere. The National Party is sweeping the country.
We shall have 500 seats at this rate.
Marvelous.
Must you go out tonight? Can't you stay? - I must go now. I'll be back tomorrow.
I just wanted to thank you for all you've done for me.
And you, Claire and Dinny. You've worked like Trojans.
I'm sorry it is over. So is Claire.
David, you want a secretary. Claire wants a job.
Dinny, how could you?
I say, do you really? I do need someone badly.
Dinny is a fool to say that.
She can type, speak French and German, be nice to people and rude if necessary.
Tony.
I've got a job .. yes.
I'm the secretary to David Dornford, our new member.
I'll stay with uncle Laurence in Mount Street until I find rooms for myself.
I'll phone you from there.
No, you mustn't call.
You mustn't.
I've got a perfect reason for calling.
I met your uncle here in the club last night. He's put me in touch with a job.
A training stable near Oxford.
I think I ought to call and thank him, don't you?
Alright, tomorrow night at six.
[ Telephone ]
Is Sir Laurence Mont at home? - No, sir. Lady Mont is in, sir.
I'm afraid I don't know Lady Mont.
I wonder if I could see Lady Corven for a moment?
If you give me your name, sir.
Mr James Bernard Croom.
Oh.
You had better tell her I'm Mr Tony Croom.
Very well, sir.
If you will wait in here for a moment.
Oh, here is Lady Corven.
Tony. What punctuality.
Come up and meet my aunt. - Darling.
Shush. Not so loud.
Here is an old shipmate, aunt M. He's come to see uncle Laurence.
Mr Croom.
My aunt, Lady Mont.
Ah ships, of course.
How do you do? - How do you do.
Tell me all about Sir Laurence, Mr Clay.
"Croom" auntie. Tony Croom.
You'd better call him Tony. It isn't his name but everybody does.
Did you know her out there, Mr Tony?
No. We only met on the ship.
Laurence and I used to sleep on deck.
But that was in the naughty nineties.
And that reminds me.
Now Tony, behave.
But surely, that's what she went out for?
Aunt M is extraordinarily kind. I'm not going to abuse her kindness.
Oh but Claire, you don't know why .. - Oh yes I do.
Will you sit down?
Now listen, Tony.
I've had enough of this "love" business to last me for a long time.
If we're going to be pals, it's got to be platonic.
But that sounds awful. - It's got to be.
Or else we're simply not going to see each other.
You want to help me, don't you?
There is a lot of time.
Someday perhaps?
Very well.
Anything as long as I can see you.
Tony.
If I wasn't married, you'd have waited cheerfully and it wouldn't hurt you.
Think of me like that. - Who couldn't.
I see.
I'm not blossom anymore.
Oh don't, Claire. I'll do anything you want.
If I'm not always as cheerful as a bird you'll have to forgive me, that's all.
Good.
I've found rooms.
It's a queer little hole. Used to be an antique shop in an old mews.
Sounds fine. When shall I come over?
Tomorrow evening if you like.
Number 2, Melton Mews. Say 6:30? - Splendid.
Only remember, Tony.
No bother .. life is real, life is earnest.
Now you must go.
I'll come down with you and see if my uncle has come back.
Claire.
What's happening about Sir Gerald? - Nothing so far.
That can't possibly last.
Have you thought things out? - Thinking won't help.
Quite possibly he'll do nothing.
I can't bear to think of you alone. - Come along.
I don't think I'll wait and see your uncle.
Don't bother to come down, Claire.
Tomorrow. 6:30.
Goodbye.
Oh you were in, uncle. - Yes, my dear.
Tony Croom was here to see you.
Oh, that pleasant young man without a job? Him?
He wanted to thank you. - Not very much, I'm afraid.
I put him in touch with Jack Muscombe who is opening a training stable.
I hope it will come off. He looks a keen youngster.
Sir Gerald Corven has called, Sir Laurence.
I put him in the little room and said I would see if Lady Corven was in.
Are you in, Claire?
Just a minute, Blore. Come back when I ring.
Now my dear.
He must have taken the next boat.
Uncle, I don't want to see him.
I'll see him for you. If you tell me what to say.
Thanks, uncle. But I don't see why you should do my dirty work.
Well I'll be here, in case you want me.
Goodnight, my dear.
Sir Gerald Corven, milady.
Funny. Announcing a husband to a wife.
You were very sudden, my dear.
What do you want?
You.
You can't have me.
Don't be absurd.
Leave me alone or I'll ring.
Stand over there and I'll talk to you. Otherwise you must go.
Well, if you want to be ridiculous.
Do you think I would have run away from you if I hadn't meant it?
You have my apology.
I give you my word against anything of the sort happening again.
How good of you.
Some women like rough handling.
You're a brute.
No look here, Claire. It's not good being silly.
You must come back.
You can fix your own terms.
And trust you to keep them?
That's not my idea of a life, thanks.
I'm only 24, you know.
I see.
I noticed a young man leaving as I came in.
Well?
You've got the misfortune to be my wife.
So I was thinking.
I've an official position to keep up. And I can't play about.
That's your misfortune.
I'm not a humbug.
I'm not trading on my position on the sanctity of marriage and that stuff.
The government service still pays attention to that sort of thing.
I can't afford to let you divorce me.
I didn't expect it.
You want me to divorce you?
You've no reason.
So you say .. naturally.
And mean.
So you're going to live with your people then?
No. I've got a job. - Oh?
I'm secretary to our new member of parliament.
Oh Claire, you'll soon get sick of that.
Why, it's all ridiculous.
There are some things that can't be done to me and you've done them.
Well, I won't stand for another man having you.
Did you hear me? - Yes.
I mean it, too.
I can see that.
You're a stony little devil.
I wish I had been.
I'm not going back without you.
I'm staying at the Bristol.
Be sensible. There's a darling. And come to me there.
I'll be ever so nice to you.
Can't you understand?
You've killed all the feeling that I ever had for you.
I'll never come back.
And I say you will.
Au revoir.
Uncle Laurence, what is the law on divorce now?
Well .. never had much truck with it myself.
I think it's not so patient as it used to be.
Here we are.
"If a husband seeks divorce."
"It is sufficient for him to prove the wife's adultery."
"In which case he may obtain damages from the adulterer."
Then if I want him to divorce me, I've got to be unfaithful.
Yes, I'm afraid that's the elegant way of putting it.
In the best circles, the man does the dirty work.
Yes. But he won't.
He wants me back and he has to consider his position.
And I have to think of the family honour.
It might be worthwhile if you were to keep an eye on him.
It's rather degrading.
Besides, I don't want to hurt his career.
How would it be if I saw him?
And tried to arrange for you both to go your own ways?
It would be lovely of you, uncle, only ..
Right .. you leave it to me, Claire.
In the meantime.
Young men without jobs.
Are they wise?
Well .. that's alright, uncle.
Hello, Dinny. - Hello, dear.
Come on in.
What a place to find.
Yes, it is a bit hidden away.
Still, it's nice and quiet.
And convenient my new job and work.
Mind the walls. They're not dry yet. - Oh.
Atishoo.
Dinny .. this is Tony Croom. - Hello.
Oh hello. I saw you waiting on the quay.
I say, how do you think this ceiling would look painted blue?
It would make the room look smaller than ever.
You couldn't possibly make it look any smaller.
Where on earth do you sleep, Claire?
On that couch. It's very luxurious. And I have a bath dressing room with heater.
What about painting the bathroom blue? - No.
Pink, then? - No.
Our butler in Ceylon put it on in five different colours.
White walls. Blue ceilings.
Green doors and a red fireplace.
You never saw anything like it.
Anyway, I'll bring some blue distemper in the morning and just do a little bit.
On the condition that you wipe it off again.
So long, Tony.
Goodbye, Claire. Café Martin. 8 o'clock.
Goodbye, Miss Charwell. - Goodbye.
Well, darling, how are you?
Bodily, fine. Mentally, rather worried.
I told you Gerry had come over?
Does he know about this place? - Not so far.
You and aunt M and Tony are the only people who know.
He's bound to find out if he wants to.
Tell me, Claire. How do you get on with Tony Croom?
So long as he behaves, I like to see him. That's all.
Mother and father are nervous, darling. - Yes, they would be.
Naturally, don't you think?
If it were known that Tony came here, that's all Gerry would need in law.
If I start looking at it from a jury's point of view, I might as well be dead.
Don't worry, darling.
Tony knows how I feel about things.
Is he in love with you?
Yes.
Are you in love with him?
I'll tell you I like him quite a lot.
Beyond that, I've no feeling at present.
Do you mind if I change, dear?
I'm having dinner with Tony at a grubby little restaurant.
This living on next to nothing is rather fun.
Claire .. it's Gerry.
Gerry?
Well, I won't see him and I'm due at eight.
Shall I go? He must have seen you were in.
Oh, take him away will you, Dinny.
I'll try. - Oh, do dear. It's sweet of you.
How on earth did he find out?
Now it's going to be persecution, I suppose.
Alright, Claire. I won't go away without him.
Who is it? - Hello, Dinny.
Oh, it's you. - Is Claire in?
Yes, but she can't see anyone.
You mean she won't see me?
Well, if you like to put it that way. - Very well then. Another day will do.
What are you doing? - I'm going to Mont Street.
Can I drop you anywhere? - I'll come, if I may.
Please do. - A lovely afternoon.
Let's go to the park, shall we? - Alright.
Claire's been giving me bad marks I suppose?
We won't discuss it, please. Whatever she feels, I do too.
If Claire comes back to me.
She won't even remember what happened in two years' time.
You mean by that time you'll be involved with someone else?
What I want you to understand is that I'm two men.
One and the one that matters, has his work to do and means to do it.
And the other man? Well, the less said about him the better.
You see, I'm honest.
Or shameless, if you like that word better.
Where exactly does love come in?
It doesn't.
A marriage is made up of two things.
Mutual interest and desire.
Desire fades with the years.
Mutual interest gets stronger. That's all.
Then marriage is a mixture of business and pleasure?
I like your bluntness, but seriously, Dinny.
It's alright. I understand.
Goodnight.
Alright. Goodnight.
Won't you shake hands, Dinny?
That's better.
Cheerio.
That's all for today. - Can I go home now?
Yes.
Remember we dine with aunt M tonight. 8 o'clock prompt. You know what she is.
I shall be there.
And how do you like the job, Lady Corven?
It's fine. - Not tired of it?
Good heaven, no. Do I look it? - No.
I'd be helpless without you already.
I'll walk along.
Oh no, don't. It's 7 o'clock. You've got to change.
I must rush away too. So long. - So long, Claire.
Hello, my dear.
Sorry you couldn't see me when I called yesterday.
I can't now, either.
Are you sure?
Are you quite sure?
After you, my dear. - No.
Oh come on, now. Don't be silly.
I have rung up Claire's room. There is no answer.
She left me over an hour ago.
What's for dinner, Blore?
Capon, milady. A particularly fine bird.
Don't let us insult him. Let us eat him while he's hot.
I'm certainly not going to wait.
Sit down. You here, David. Dinny.
I hope you've got something nice to go with the capon, Blore.
It's time we got hold of the antiquated marriage laws and scrapped the lot.
They were alright in Queen Victoria's time.
But such ideas are positively ridiculous today.
If I had my way, I wouldn't let a man marry a girl ..
Unless they could both prove they had no individuality at all.
That's not the point.
The point is that Police can make rules.
Clergymen can write to the newspapers.
Judges can express themselves as they like.
But human nature will find its own way about.
As it did when I was cutting my wisdom teeth.
Auntie, would you excuse me?
I must go and find out what's happened to Claire.
Get me a taxi, Blore?
Shall I come with you? - Thanks, David.
I'd rather go alone.
I've never known Claire do a thing like this.
She must have had an accident.
Where are you going, Dinny?
I'm going to Claire's room.
Wait a minute, please.
To the Bristol Hotel, please.
Could you tell me if Sir Gerald Corven is in the hotel?
No, madam. He went out some time ago.
Have you any idea when he'll be back?
No, madam. He left no messages.
Thank you.
Taxi .. back to Mont Street, please.
You know you owe me half a crown from last night.
Oh, do I?
Where did you find her?
I couldn't get in to her room and he wasn't in his hotel.
Perhaps she's out with that Tony. - I don't think so.
Auntie, I'm afraid she's in trouble.
Kidnapped or locked up?
You remember that case when I was young? Thompson or Watson?
A great fuss.
But husbands are not allowed to do that sort of thing now.
Hello, Dinny.
Was it you who came before? - Yes. Were you in?
Sorry. I couldn't let you in.
Yes. Gerry has been here. He's only been gone ten minutes.
Darling.
I was a fool to let him in.
I'll take good care it doesn't happen again.
Would you like me to stay?
No. It's alright.
Let's have a cup of tea. I just made it.
I'll say you had a bad headache.
Two lumps? - Thanks.
Is that Gerry?
Let's go round the back way and hide.
What's the good?
He'll wait until he sees me.
Well?
I'll leave it to you, sir.
Well.
We've been going into this, Claire.
And Gerry admits .. that you have much on your side.
But he's given me his word that he won't offend again.
The old ideas of marriage may be gone, but after all ..
You both took certain vows.
The old ideas about vows have changed, too.
What's going to happen to you both?
You can't get a divorce.
With your name .. his position.
If you live apart, it isn't fair to you or to him.
It's fairer to both than living together.
So you say .. but we've both had more experience than you.
I knew that would come sooner or later.
Well, you know dear. I only want what's best for you.
So Gerry has persuaded you what's best?
Well, it's the worst.
I'm not there and that's an end of it.
Very well then.
I'll make other arrangements.
Goodbye, sir.
Goodbye, Claire.
I wish to heaven I could understand this business.
Did he tell you he used his riding whip on me?
What?
On you?
Yes.
It was just the finishing touch.
Sorry to hurt you, daddy.
The bounder!
He told me he spent the evening with you the other day.
That isn't true, is it?
He practically forced his way in.
Swine!
Well, Gerry has gone back to Ceylon. He sailed this morning.
He's not the sort of man to let it hurt for long.
That's one thing in his favour. He doesn't hang about.
I don't see how either of you are the better off for his going.
I'm never going back to him. - "Never" is a long time.
And that Mr Croom.
I know you've got principles, Claire. But you're too pretty.
That's sweet of you, aunt M, but really I know what I'm about.
I promised my father not to marry for a year.
Seven months .. and then your uncle.
There is always someone.
Well, I promised not to run wild for a year.
I ought to know my own mind by then. If I don't, I can't have one.
The trouble is, one's mind has nothing to do with it.
But cross your heart.
A cross where it ought to be.
Mr Tony Croom on the telephone, milady.
There, you see?
Ah .. why did I ever start this tiresome thing?
I've got a job, Claire.
Yes .. it's fine to do a bit of work again.
I've been fixing up the boxes for some new mares we're taking over.
Look here, Claire.
I'm coming up to London tomorrow for the weekend.
What's that?
You cross your heart?
Alright, I'll cross mine.
7 o'clock tomorrow night. Dinner and a picture.
Fine.
Two 3 and 6's.
One 3 and 6.
In here.
Is that table in the corner free? - Certainly, sir.
À la carte.
Well, there is Arab blood in every English thoroughbred horse.
It mostly dates from generations back. Muscombe's idea is ..
To bring over half a dozen first-class Arab mares and see what happens.
Rump steak, chipped potatoes and cauliflower.
I tell you what .. why not come down tomorrow and have a look at the place?
Let's have a real Sunday outing.
Tea at Oxford and back by 10 o'clock.
I promised to go home, really.
Ring up and put it off.
You may not get another chance for weeks.
Sounds perfect to me. Will you call at the mews?
Say, 2 o'clock? - Better make it half past.
Grand.
Hello .. is that you?
This is Bert.
2:30, outside Melton Mews.
They are going into the country.
And then Oxford for tea.
What?
Difficult? No ..
A couple of babes in the wood.
Mr C entered Lady Corven's rooms.
10:15 pm.
Left same .. 11:40 pm.
Said .. "goodnight .. darling".
Morning, George. - Morning, Bert.
He's just gone in.
A nice day for a run in the country.
Got something to eat with you?
I'll get something when they get theirs.
Where are they going? - Bablock Hythe.
Where the fellow has got a job.
That's what I reckon from what he said.
And Oxford for tea.
Back here by 10.
There they go.
So long, George.
Keep your eyes open and see me in the morning.
So long, Bert.
She doesn't go so badly, Tony. - Oh, she's an easy old thing.
Only five years old.
I always think she might blow up, but she never does.
Hoy!
Here is where I live.
Would you like a cup of coffee?
Not wise, my dear.
After you show me the paddocks, we'd better get on to where you're not known.
But aren't you going to see the horse-boxes?
I'll wait until the Arab mares arrive.
It's different, bringing me to see the boxes and my coming to see the mares.
Oxford is really a marvelous place.
You get a sort of romantic feeling in an old town like this.
I think I should have enjoyed the past.
Palfreys and buff jerkins.
You know? - You'd have looked fine on a palfrey.
And a hat with an enormous green feather.
And one of those collars.
Still, the present is good enough for me.
This is the longest time we've spent together without a break.
Now Tony, don't start getting sentimental.
I'm not.
Come on. We must move.
Sleepy? - Not really.
I can drive if you'd like a rest.
Rest? Gracious, no.
I was only thinking that every mile takes me that much away from you.
Oh, this must be Nettleford.
Nothing between here and Henley, now.
And then it's 35 miles.
Oh, the lights have gone.
Lights are out!
I can see that, you darned fool.
We're off the road. - An adventure, my dear.
Well, this wood goes on for a mile or two.
Is there anything at all before Henley?
Nothing I remember.
Besides, you can't recharge a battery just anywhere.
Let's leave the car and walk. It will be alright.
What shall we do then? I must be back by daylight.
I tell you. I'll walk to a hotel, borrow a torch and come back for the car.
You can't walk 10 miles.
Let's both stay here.
I've always wanted to try at spending a night in a car.
Do you trust me?
Don't be old-fashioned, Tony.
It's the best idea and rather fun. If we go, we'll get smashed up by another car.
Pull her further in among the trees.
Now, stop!
We're up against a tree now.
Here is the road. Nobody can see us from here.
I'll try stopping a car if you like.
Oh, it will only mean a lot of fuss.
I'm very comfy here.
Thank heaven for that.
Would you like me to put the side curtains up?
I don't think so. It's very mild.
Do you mind my pipe? - Of course I don't.
Give me a cigarette.
It's almost perfect.
Almost.
I should love to see aunt M's face now.
You warm? - Sure.
Are you?
Lovely.
Tony, you will forgive me, won't you?
I did promise.
It's quite alright.
Take your hat off, Claire.
Whenever you like, here's my shoulder.
Don't let me snore.
You, snore?
Everyone does on occasion.
This will be one of them.
If you don't mind, I will put my head on your shoulder, Tony.
It's getting light, Tony. - Heavens, have I been asleep?
Yes, poor dear. I've had a perfect night.
A bit stiff in the legs. - Half past four.
Oh, pins and needles.
Let's get out and stretch. - So, it's over.
Was it so very terrible?
Morning, George. - Morning, Bert.
Have a good day?
Babes in the wood, I call them.
Gorblimey.
I want to show you a job in the garage.
Excuse me, sir.
Are you Mr James Bernard Croom?
Yes.
I'm instructed to give you this.
From The High Court Of Justice.
Probate Divorce and Admiralty Division.
In the matter of the petition of Sir Gerald Corven.
Good day, sir.
Lady Corven? - Yes.
Excuse me. I have this for you.
From the High Court of Justice. Probate, Divorce and Admiralty division.
In the matter of the petition of Sir Gerald Corven.
Thank you.
Oh, you've had one, too? - Yes.
A pleasant little document. - Darling.
My dear, you look frozen.
Come up and have some brandy.
It's no good talking about what we ought to have done.
Talk about what we're going to do.
He must have thought we were a couple of fools.
I never dreamt they were watching us. - I didn't, either.
But why shouldn't we have done exactly what we've done?
There is no law against innocence.
Heaven knows, it's what I want to get you free of him.
If only you felt for me what I feel for you.
It's all my fault for letting you run the risk.
It's not your fault.
It's no good talking about our feelings.
The point is we're innocent. What are we going to do about it?
I shall do whatever you want.
To think, if we defend and win you will still be tied to him.
And your petitioner claims from the said James Bernard Croom.
Damages in respect of the said adultery the sum of two thousand pounds.
If we don't defend and win, you'll be ruined, Tony.
You had better let me have the truth, Claire.
That isn't true.
We've done nothing.
Who is this man?
Tony Croom.
I met him on the boat. He's 26. He was on a tea plantation that went bust.
Uncle Laurence has found him a job. - The deuce he has.
He hasn't any money.
I've brought him down here to see you.
Are you in love with him?
I like him.
And you say there has been nothing between you?
He kissed me three times.
On the cheek twice and the hand once. That's all.
He's waiting in the drawing room.
Will you see him, Dad?
I had better see him alone.
Sit down, Mr Croom.
I'm not going to beat about the bush.
You seem to have got my daughter into a mess.
Yes, sir.
Kindly give me an account of it.
Whatever she told you is true.
Very correct, Mr Croom, but not what I want.
She's given me her version. I'd like to hear yours.
I'm in love with her, sir.
I have been ever since I first met her.
We've been going about rather, in London. Theatres, cinemas.
I've been back to her room. Five times altogether.
What do they mean by: "you spent the night of the 3rd .. with her"?
I drove her down to see the place where I'm working.
On the way back, my lights failed.
I expect she told you. - Yes.
It was pitch-black and I hadn't got a torch, so ..
Well .. we waited in the car until it was light.
Whether you believe me or not sir, I swear there was nothing between us.
There never has been.
I .. I'm awfully sorry about this.
But I'm not sorry I'm in love with Claire.
I think we'd better go right into the court.
Corven versus Corven and Croom.
The husband's petition.
If Your Lordship pleases.
In the middle of September last year.
While the petitioner was up country discharging his official duty.
The respondent, without a word of warning, left her home.
And sailed to England.
Aboard the ship was the co-respondent.
These two young people were always together on the ship.
On one occasion the co-respondent was seen leaving the respondent's room.
I won't dwell on the watch kept on their movement after their arrival in England.
You will have these from expert witnesses.
Sir Gerald Corven.
Take the oath.
I swear by almighty God, to tell the truth ..
The whole truth and nothing but the truth. So help me, God.
You thought it your duty to institute these proceedings?
Yes.
This claim for damages.
Not very usual nowadays among men of honour.
I shall settle them on my wife.
Would it surprise you to hear that she would not take a penny from you?
Nothing would surprise me.
It did not even surprise you that she left you?
Yes. That did surprise me.
What would you say was the reason your wife left you?
My wife can best answer that.
Now sir, you are on oath.
Did you or did you not, ill-treat your wife in any way?
I admit one incident. And I've apologized for it.
What was that incident?
My Lord, I submit my learned friend is not entitled to ask that question.
My Lord ..
I must stop you, Mr Forsythe.
I bow to Your Lordship's ruling.
When did you first know of the existence of Mr Croom?
Last May.
I was coming out of the house where my wife was staying.
What made you pitch on him as a means of securing a divorce from your wife?
What I heard on the ship that took me back to Ceylon.
The same ship in which my wife and the co-respondent returned to England.
What made you so suspicious?
I was told that he'd been seen coming out of my wife's state room.
You travel by sea a good deal I suppose?
A great deal.
And have you noticed people frequently go to each other's state rooms?
Yes, quite a lot.
Does it always arouse your suspicion?
No.
May I go further and suggest that it never did before?
You may not.
I suggest that you had ill-treated your wife.
And wish to be free of an association that hurt your pride.
My Lord, I object.
My Lord, the petitioner having admitted ..
Yes, but most husbands have done a thing for which they have had to apologise.
As Your Lordship pleases.
I suggest that you practically forced her to leave you.
And then took the earliest opportunity to ensure that she shouldn't come back.
No.
You say that though you instituted these actions on the first gossip you heard.
And though you added a claim of damages against a man you've never spoken to.
In spite of this, you are a forbearing husband ..
Whose only desire was that his wife should come back to him?
I wish to suggest nothing to the jury.
Very well.
Imagine that horrible man peering into the car at us when we were asleep.
Of course my head was on Tony's shoulder. Why not?
You try sleeping in a 2-seater.
I can't bear that filthy suggestion in court ..
That your opponent is always mean and malicious and a liar.
It's a sort of game.
Both sides play according to the same rules ..
And the judge is there to discount exaggerations.
There is no other way of getting to the bottom of the case.
It makes one wonder if anything is really quite clean.
They don't think anything ever is.
Now tell me all about the judge, Dinny.
Did he have a long nose? And did he look like a tortoise?
No. But he sat very low in his chair and kept shooting his neck out.
Fat? - I didn't ask him, dear.
What a pity.
Go and have a long bath, Claire. A little nap.
Dinner in bed with a hot-water bottle.
And you'll be nice and fresh for the judge in the morning.
I suppose it will all be in the papers tomorrow.
It's bound to be. Gerry is a public man.
Not her address, I hope?
There was about the young man.
Yes, I'm sorry for Tony.
What a lovely line in the papers tomorrow.
"A night in a car."
If it please Your Lordship and members of the jury.
The answer to allegations of misconduct between respondent and co-respondent.
Will be a simple and complete denial.
I call the respondent.
Take the oath.
I swear by almighty God, to speak the truth ..
The whole truth and nothing but the truth. So help me, God.
Is it true, Lady Corven that you have been unfaithful to your husband?
It is not. - You swear that?
I do.
There have been no love passages between you and Mr Croom? - None.
Before you answer my next question.
I want you consider that very much depends on that answer.
Why did you leave your husband?
I left because I didn't feel I could remain and keep my self-respect.
But you can tell me why that was?
You had done nothing that you were ashamed of.
No.
But your husband has admitted that he had.
And had apologised. - Yes.
What had he done?
It is against my wish to talk about my married life.
I understood you said you could not remain with your husband ..
And keep your self-respect.
Yes, My Lord.
Do you feel you could leave him like that and keep your self-respect?
Yes, My Lord. - Hmm.
I don't think you can usefully pursue the point, Mr Forsythe.
The respondent has evidently made up her mind on it.
If your Lordship pleases.
Once more, Lady Corven.
There is no truth in these allegations of misconduct with Mr Croom?
No truth whatever.
Thank you.
Lady Corven.
You, a married woman.
Wouldn't call inviting a young man to your cabin ..
Entertaining him alone in your room at half past eleven at night ..
Spending a night with him in a car ..
And going about with him during the absence of your husband .. misconduct?
Not in itself. - You have said.
That until you saw him on the ship, you had never met the co-respondent?
How was it that from ..
I think, the second day at sea ..
You were so thick with him?
I was not thick with him at first.
Always together, weren't you? - Often, not always.
Ceylon is not a large place from a society point of view.
It's not.
Lots of Polo matches and other functions where you're continually meeting people?
Yes.
And yet you never met Mr Croom?
I've said I never did.
If you ask me tomorrow, I shall say the same.
I am suggesting that you did not meet as strangers on the boat.
You may suggest what you like, but we did.
So you say.
You heard the stewardess give evidence.
Was that the only time the co-respondent came to your state room?
The only time he came for more than half a minute. - Oh.
He came at other times then?
Once or twice, to borrow a book.
On the occasion when he came and spent .. half an hour there.
20 minutes, I should say. - 20 minutes.
What were you doing? - He was showing me photographs.
Do you mean to say ..
That nothing else whatever took place between you during those .. 20 minutes?
Nothing that could give you satisfaction.
How were you dressed?
Sorry to have to inform you that I was fully dressed.
My Lord.
May I ask to be protected from these sarcasms?
Answer the questions simply.
Yes, My Lord.
I suggest that you were more than friends before you left the ship.
We were not and we never had been.
When did you first see the co-respondent after leaving the ship?
About a week later near my home at Conderford.
What were you doing?
I was in a car.
Alone?
Yes, I had been canvassing for the election.
With the co-respondent?
He was in the car, too.
He sprang up I suppose, quite naturally?
My Lord, I ask to be protected from these sarcasms.
What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, Mr Brough.
What was he doing on this country road, fifty miles from London?
He had come to see me.
Perhaps you can tell us the exact words you used?
I could not.
I remember that he asked if he might kiss me.
And you let him? - Yes.
You think that is proper conduct for a married woman?
Perhaps not. But after I left my husband I didn't see myself as a married woman.
Oh .. and what did you do after he had kissed you?
Went home to tea.
Feeling none the worse?
Better, if anything.
Are you speaking seriously?
Yes, My Lord.
Even when they are not in love, women are grateful for being loved.
Oh .. go on.
Now, when you were driving back from Oxford on the night of July 3rd.
You have said .. that your car lights went out about half past ten.
Four miles or so short of Henley.
In a wood.
Yes. - Was that an accident?
Of course. - Did you examine the battery?
No. I don't understand batteries in cars.
Did you know how or when it was last charged?
If you are suggesting that Mr Croom tampered with the battery ..
Just .. answer my question, please.
I am answering.
Mr Croom wouldn't play a dirty trick.
It was a dark night. - Yes.
And a large wood. - Yes.
Just the spot one would choose.
Choose?
If you had designed to spend a night in a car.
Possibly, if one had designs.
I think you said that it was your suggestion to pass the night in the car?
I did.
After Mr Croom had proposed walking to Henley?
Yes.
He seemed rather keen on it.
Not particularly. - Did you press him?
No.
Did you think he meant it? - Of course he did.
You had not passed the night with him before?
Of course I hadn't.
You used the expression "of course".
Rather freely and with little reason.
You had many opportunities of passing the night with him.
On the ship. In your room.
When there was nobody there but yourself.
Plenty .. but I did not avail myself of them.
Doesn't it seem rather singular, that you suggested it on this occasion?
No. I thought it would be rather fun.
Fun?
But you knew the young man was passionately in love with you.
I regretted it afterwards. It was not fair to him.
He had beautiful manners, hadn't he, this young man who was in love with you?
Yes. I have thought since that he had.
You knew then that he must have. If your story is true.
But is it true, Lady Corven?
Isn't it entirely fantastic?
It might be fantastic but it is entirely true.
Everything that I've said in this box is true.
And then in the morning you woke up.
As if nothing had happened.
And said .. now we can go home and have breakfast.
Yes.
Tell me, Lady Corven.
Why did you defend this action?
Because however appearances were against us, we had done nothing.
On that night in the car ..
You were on a main road. What was to prevent you from stopping another car?
And asking for a lift into Henley?
I don't think we thought of it, My Lord.
I did suggest following one, but they went by too quickly.
Now.
In any case, what was there to prevent you ..
Walking into Henley, as Mr Croom suggested?
Leaving the car on foot.
Nothing I suppose, really.
Only it would have been midnight before we got to Henley.
And it seemed more awkward than just staying in the car.
I've always wanted to try sleeping in a car.
Ah .. and do you still want to?
No, My Lord. It's overrated.
I'll break for lunch, Mr Brough.
I liked the judge better than the jury. - 0h Dinny, I feel so tired.
That perpetual suggestion that one is lying, infuriates me so I could scream.
That's what he does it for. Don't gratify him.
Poor Tony. I feel such a beast for having mixed him up in this.
The court is in session.
Now, Mr Brough.
My Lord.
Before resuming the cross-examination of the respondent.
I desire to recall the petitioner.
It has been suggested.
That he intended of securing a divorce from the moment of his wife's departure.
He has official evidence to give in regard to that point.
Very well, Mr Brough.
You have told us, Sir Gerald.
The last occasion but one you saw your wife before your return to Ceylon.
Was at her rooms.
At Melton Mews.
Yes.
On that occasion ..
Besides any conversation that took place between you, what else occurred?
My wife and I were reunited.
You mean that the marital relationship between you was re-established?
Yes, My Lord. - Ah.
Thank you, Sir Gerald. That's all I wanted to ask.
Why did you not say that when you were first examined?
I did not see its importance until after your cross-examination.
Do you swear that you've not invented it?
I most certainly do.
Now, Lady Corven, will you go back in the box please?
You heard that piece of evidence, Lady Corven?
Yes.
Is it true? - I don't wish to answer.
Why?
My Lord, when my counsel asked me about my married life I refused to go into it.
And I don't wish to go into it now.
The question arises out of the evidence.
You must answer it.
Ask the question again, Mr Brough.
I beg your pardon, My Lord. I didn't hear you.
I said ..
Ask the question again, Mr Brough.
Did you hear me?
Yes, My Lord.
Is it true ..
That on the occasion of which your husband has just spoken.
A marital relationship was re-established between you?
No, it's not true.
You swear that?
Yes.
So your husband has gone out of his way to commit perjury?
It's his word against mine.
And I think I know which will be taken.
Isn't it true .. that you have made this answer.
In order to spare the feelings of the co-respondent?
It is not.
Very well.
I have no more to ask.
James Bernard Croom.
Please take the oath.
I swear by almighty God, to speak the truth ..
The whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me, God.
Your name is James Bernard Croom.
You are in charge of a horse-breeding establishment at Bablock Hythe.
Have you any private means? - None whatever.
Did you ever meet the respondent in Ceylon?
Never.
You met her first on the boat? - Yes.
You made no secret of the fact that you fell in love with her?
None.
In spite of that.
Is there any truth in these allegations of misconduct between you?
None whatever.
If these allegations of misconduct were true.
You would be in the position of a man who betrayed her husband's confidence.
What would you have to say to that?
If Lady Corven had felt for me what I feel for her.
I should have written at once to her husband to tell him the state of things.
But she did not feel for you what you felt for her?
I'm sorry to say, no.
So that no occasion to inform the husband ever arose?
No. - Thank you.
According to the story you both tell.
You were pursuing, in the absence of her husband.
A married woman who didn't want you to pursue her.
Not a very honourable position of yours, was it?
I suppose not.
I suggest that in spite of what you say, she did want you to pursue her.
She didn't.
You say that in the face of her invitation to her cabin.
In the face of her invitation to her room?
Yes, I do.
If what you both say is true.
She gave you the very devil, I beg your pardon, My Lord.
In the care, didn't she?
Was that considerate of her?
When a person is not in love.
I don't think they quite realize the feelings of one who is.
Tell me, did you sleep the night in the car when her head was on your shoulder?
Yes.
Considering your feelings, wasn't that .. singular?
I was up at five that morning. I had driven 250 miles.
Do you seriously expect us to believe ..
That you took no advantage, but just went to sleep?
I took no advantage.
But I don't expect to be believed.
I don't wonder.
I suggest you had done everything you can for this lady.
That your attitude has been one of distorted chivalry. - No.
Very well. That's all.
Let's go out.
There were more people than ever.
You can always find an audience to watch suffering.
The whole thing makes me sick.
Forsythe has made a mess of the case.
And that suggestion of Corven wanting to divorce her.
They never would have brought Corven back to the box without that.
How do you think it's going, dear? I can't stand much more.
They've finished with Tony. - Ah, it's nearly over.
And in regard to the co-respondent.
You must remember that there is in this country a tradition of belief ..
That a man who was involved with a married woman ..
Must not, in vulgar parlance, give her away.
You must ask yourselves how far you can trust this man as a truthful witness.
And now, members of the jury, I send you to your task.
The issues are grave for the future of these people.
I am sure I can trust you to give them your best attention.
Well.
I think as I did right through.
I don't like the fellow's face.
I reckon he'd done something to her that didn't come out.
We've got to judge on the evidence.
Not on what didn't come out.
They never said what the photographs were, she showed him in her cabin.
What's that got to do with it? - Everything .. and nothing.
It's the night in the car that I'm thinking about.
I don't believe that any young man could behave himself with a girl like that.
Well ..
The jury is returning.
Do you find the respondent guilty of adultery with the co-respondent?
Yes, My Lord.
Did you find the co-respondent guilty of adultery with the respondent?
Yes, My Lord.
Well, Dinny? - Lost.
No damages. Only the costs.
Well, I've been a fool and that's the end of it.
I should clear out. - Don't do anything for a bit, Tony.
Nothing silly or hasty. Promise?
I've brought a message for you from Claire.
She wants you to dine with her at seven.
You'll be coming home for a while? - Quite soon. Tomorrow probably.
When you're divorced and they don't defend.
You keep thinking of pet answers when it's too late.
Did you give my message to Tony?
Poor Tony. - Not dear Tony?
If you like. Dear Tony.
Goodbye, darling. - Goodbye.
Melton Mews, please.
Well, Tony.
You look ill.
You look fine.
I'm sorry. I didn't know you'd want to go out.
I don't .. we're going to dine in.
You can stay as long as you like now, and not be the worse.
Claire.
Hang your hat and come up. I've made a new cocktail. I'll try it on you.
In spite of the law, we had better pull the curtains.
Do you want a wash?
Well .. a funny business wasn't it?
There wasn't any of it very nice, was it.
You feeling alright?
Poor Tony.
I want to tell you how bitterly sorry I am.
Don't be an idiot, Tony. Anyway, it's all over.
Come and sit down.
It's only a cold meal. There hasn't been time to cook.
I bought those last night and got everything ready this morning.
I knew last night that we shouldn't win.
Chicken, Tony?
Some ham?
With all that was happening, you could think of this.
These flowers.
This wine.
Why not? We can't starve.
Come on, Tony.
You'll feel better in no time.
You can stay as long as you like without anyone slinking in doorways watching us.
I couldn't bear to see you in the witness box, Tony.
I owe you a lot.
Owe?
You owe me nothing.
It is I.
No.
I'm the debtor.
Why so far away, Tony?
I pay my debts.
Debts?
Claire ..
Tony.
May I come in for a minute? - Only a minute?
Well, I thought that may be longer than you'd want to see me.
Come upstairs.
You don't know how sorry I was this morning that I sent you away last night.
You don't know how sorry I was that I took it like that.
I know.
You don't have to tell me. I'll tell you.
You love me as a woman wants to be loved.
And I've treated it so you didn't.
But you know why?
I've had all the tenderness killed in me by that small episode in love in Ceylon.
I think I've been a little cracked on the subject of love and marriage ..
And all that sort of thing.
You are staring a very vague sort of stare, Tony.
I don't wonder.
This is an apology.
And a confession, too.
I came to apologise, too. And explain.
But I've come to myself.
This is the confession part.
I don't like eating my breakfast alone.
And I think I can appreciate the way you love me, Tony.
I do, this morning.
With Corven out of my life and the divorce business done.
Loathsome as it was, it seems to have cleared my heart and I can feel again.
I can feel lonely for you, Tony.
I was ashamed of myself last night.
And I'd like to be in love with you, my dear.
If you still like me, that is.
Like you?
Alright, we'll call it that .. there is too much said about love anyway.
But if I've got to like you for the rest of my life, darling.
You had better give me some breakfast.
(.t.g.)