When Ladies Meet (1941) - full transcript

Jimmy.

Mary.
- Now, Jimmy. No.

Jimmy.

What's the matter with you?

Matter? We are at a crowded reception.

Ah, those monkeys aren't
going to come in here.

If they were alive they would
not listen to that music.

Don't be vulgar.
- Vulgar?

What's the idea of those cheaters?
What has happened to you?

Happened? What do you mean?

When I left town just
over a month ago ..



Not only was your eyesight perfect but
you were my pal. My wonderful Minnie.

So now you are finding
out I'm not so wonderful?

No, Minnie, I don't ..
- I wish you'd stop calling me Minnie.

It's the Minnies who have all the fun.

Jimmy. Now, come on. Give me my glasses.

I got a surprise for your, darling.
- A surprise?

Yeah. Want to hear it?

Yes.

Yes. Of course.

Well, that series of conferences I
had with the boss out on the coast.

Led to something I've been
angling for for a long time.

A five-year contract.

Which means you're looking
at a pretty stable citizen.

The kind of a guy who could get married.



Why, Jimmy.
- Yep.

So, that being the case.

What about it, babe?

Jimmy, there is something we
have got to have out. I am ..

I am not sure this is the
place nor the time, but ..

While you were away, I ..

Found out that ..
- That what?

I found that our relationship
is trivial. Now, let's face it.

You think we have too much fun?

That isn't it, darling. But ..

It is all such nonsense. Such ..

Adult, infant ..

Infantilism.

Uhoh.

Them is might fancy
words, Minnie my girl.

Look, darling. I am asking you to marry
me. To be the mother of my children.

By the way, I want six of them.

And on my salary as a
journalist that's no nonsense.

Oh, Jimmy.

You couldn't settle down with a family.
And you know it better than I do.

Who wants to settle down?

Our kids will be gadabouts.

No, darling. It is no good.

Why not?
- Well ..

Oh.

We have to go in there now.

Come on, now. Give me my glasses, Jimmy.

What do I get in return?
- Oh no.

What do I get in return?
- No, Jimmy. No, no. Jimmy.

Well, for mercy's sake.

So this is where you were hiding.
- Why didn't you knock?

In my own house?
- The true essence of hospitality.

The true essence of hospitality is for
a hostess to produce her special guest.

Darling, I am sorry. Really I am.

Alright. Walter, go and
tell them we found her.

But I haven't met ..
- Run along.

Run along, Walter.

Jimmy, may I please have my glasses?

Just as I thought.
Nothing but plain, pure window glass.

Come along, Mary.

What happened to her
Bridget since I was away?

I haven't seen much of Mary.

Oh. That is suspicious, isn't it.

Mary. What have you been up to?

Oh, here you are.

I would know you anywhere, Miss Howard.

Homer. Come here.

Yes. Here she is. The world's
greatest female lady authoress.

You mustn't mind me. I was rousing her.

This is indeed a pleasure.
A very great pleasure.

Thank you.

We count on your books Miss Howard ..

As a real means of escape from this
sordid and matter-of-fact world of ours.

Thank you so much.

You know, I do try to
make them just that.

And this is Jimmy Lee.
Do you blame her for hiding out?

Thank you. You see, I have a fan too.

Now, we mustn't keep the others
waiting for Miss Howard.

There are more inside just like these.
- What?

I mean admirers, Mary.

I do hope you won't be bored, Jimmy.

Bored? Why, literary receptions
are my very life's blood.

Isn't she beautiful.

Just like one of her own heroines.

It was wonderful.

Yasha, the sonata was divine.
- Thank you, angel.

Hello. How are you?

Nice to see you.

Miss Howard.

I brought your last book.
Can you autograph it for me?

I would be delighted.
- Would you make it sort-of intimate?

With all best wishes to 'my friend'.

I'll not only write it, I'll mean it.

You are wonderful.
- Have you a pen?

I think there is one in the library.
- Alright.

Phew.

Bridgy.

How long will this go on?

Now, if you don't like it
Jimmy, why did you come?

It's the first chance to
see her since I got back.

You know me. I'd follow her
nibs into a blast furnace.

Now, don't be disrespectful.

I haven't met Mr Lee yet.

Haven't you? This is Walter Del Canto.
- How do you do.

Walter is my decorator.
He is doing me over.

I mean he's doing over my
place in the country.

What is it, Matthews?
- Supper is served, madam.

Come along everyone. Supper is served.

Walter, tell everyone supper is served.
Come on, Jimmy.

Supper. Everyone.

Excuse me a minute, Jimmy.

There you are.
- Thanks, Miss Howard.

I thank you.

Say, Mary.
- Darling, just a minute.

I feel we bore you
terribly, Miss Howard.

Bore me? It's a great privilege.

Thank you so much.
- Thank you.

Do you mind? For my son.

He couldn't come. He has the flu.

What is his name?
- It is Fred.

But I believe if you were to write ..

'To Freddie' he might get well.

To Freddie.

I hope he'll be well soon.

Thank you very much, Miss Howard.
- Thank you.

Miss Howard would you mind
terribly autographing ..

I would love to ..

With some personal sentiment.

Why not?

Darling, why did it
have to come to this?

We are such friends.
- We were never friends.

I was so nuts about you I'd have
proposed the first time I ever met you.

If I'd have had anything to offer.

I haven't much even now.
But it is a start.

Oh Mary, we have been so darned
happy bouncing around together.

Think what fun it would be for keeps.

How about taking a powder and
looking in on The Colonnade?

Sorry. I can't.

They got a new dance
band there that's terrific.

But I have to work.

Work? At this hour?

Yes. I love it.

Look, honey.

Someday you'll go sailing off in a pink
balloon and bump smack into Pike's Peak.

What you need is a steady,
practical, everyday guy like me.

Who makes sure to see you knock off work
in the afternoon when the whistle blows.

A steady, practical guy?

Do you think that description fits you?

What if you gave it a chance?

Darling, I have grown to be an
obsession with you. That is all.

What you need is some awfully
nice girl to play about with.

You can go to nightclubs
and have loads of laughs.

And take it all in your stride.
She'll come along someday.

If a girl says that, it means she's
got her eyes on another guy.

Hello Woodruf.
- I'm so glad to see you.

So that is who you are
out to impress, huh?

Impress?
- With the cheaters.

Mary.

Hello.

Sorry to be so late, Mary.
- That's alright, Rogers.

Jimmy, this is my publisher, Mr Woodruf.

Mr Lee.

How do you do.
- And Bridget.

I see you have already met.
- Oh yes.

Now, where was it?

Oh, somebody's houseboat
or swimming pool.

Anyway, I had the
impression it was very wet.

Mr Del Canto - Mr Woodruff.

Oh Mary, you do get
all the attractive ones.

What I mean is ..

What I mean, Walter, is ..

Oh, Mrs Prendergast.

Mr Woodruf, I do want you
to meet Mrs Prendergast.

Really? Thank you.

Your publisher?
- Yes.

Since when? But you were
with McGowan and Company.

No. I left them weeks ago.
Didn't I tell you?

No. You didn't tell me.

Thank you so much, Mr Woodruf.
- That was so nice of you.

Now sit down. I'll see you
get something to eat and drink.

No, please. I don't ..
- No trouble at all. Come along, Walter.

The reason I'm late is your book. I only
got the typescript this afternoon.

Tell me the worst.

The worst I can say is ..

It is your best.

Oh Rogers, you mean it?
- It is superb.

There is only one revision I
would suggest. The last chapter.

Oh, really?

That needs some working on.

I didn't know you had
finished your book.

Yes. About three weeks ago.

Didn't I write you?
- No. You didn't write me.

Then I'll have a script sent to your
office the first thing in the morning.

Here we are. Serve Mr Woodruf.

No. No thank you very much.

Mary. Sorry to rush you.

But I would like to talk about that last
chapter while it's fresh in my mind.

Of course. Do forgive me, Bridgy.

But you know I did explain
to you that I have to work.

Of course, dear. I understand.

If you must.

Shall we go to your office?

I have the script in my car.

I thought we might go to The Colonnade.
I've reserved a nice, quiet table there.

Going to a nightclub to
write a last chapter?

Or to begin a first one.

Jimmy, that is so clever.

Walter, why don't you say
bright things like that?

I mean you are clever too,
only not so amusing.

What I mean is ..

Never mind darling. Goodnight.
- Goodnight, dear.

Thank you for a lovely party.

I'll go to the door with you.
- Goodnight, Jimmy.

Let me know the minute you've
read the script and we'll discuss it.

It's been nice meeting you, Mr Grant.

The name is Lee.

I am so sorry.

A natural association. Grant and Lee.
I always think of them together.

Yes, that's right.
Only that Lee surrendered.

Yes.

Do you ever give them vitamin B?

Hello there.

If they got tired, nervous or depressed
give them three shots of vitamin B ..

And they'll leap out of bed and take
on the heavyweight champion.

Can I come in?

No.

Why not?

Not after standing me
up three times in a row.

You are dead wrong.
I was there every time.

You lie like a Trojan.

It's troopers that lie. Trojans work.

I've done that. I've done my
time looking over your wall.

You are crazy. I've been here every day.

Oh yeah? Tuesday afternoon 4:30.
Up on the balcony with Woodruf.

Wednesday. Twenty minutes to five.
On the balcony with Woodruf.

Yesterday at 5:30. Up on the balcony.

With Woodruf.

Woodruf is my publisher.

He keeps his printing presses up there?
- He's helping me revise my book.

That last chapter, huh?

Yes. It was more of
a job than I thought.

Did you read it, Jimmy?
- Every word.

I'm dying to know what you think of it.
- Yeah?

Snail poison.

When I was a kid in the country we
used stuff like this to kill Woodrufs.

I mean woodchucks.

By the way, Woodruf
is married, isn't he?

Rogers?
- I believe that's his name.

Rogers. Not Clarence
or Jake. But Rogers.

Is there a missus?

Why ..

Yes. I suppose so. I am sure there is.

You ever met her?

No. Why?

I just wondered.

What's all this got to do with my book?

He says this is your best, huh?

Yes.

No reason a big publisher like
that should kid you, is there?

No. Of course not.
- Of course not.

And the answer is he doesn't know his
business because this, in my opinion ..

Is from Dixie.

Jimmy. You don't really think that?

No. I don't mean to hurt you, Mary.

Aside from being crazy for you, I am
pretty darned proud of your work.

I sure hate to see you slip like that.

But after all, a lot of other
people have liked it.

Yours is only one opinion.

And you used to be
considered pretty sound.

Your first stuff was as real as ..

As that crooked tree.

It was alive because it was about
something you knew something about.

But this stuff, Mary. It's artificial.
It's put together like a jigsaw puzzle.

You people never come to life.
They are not even human.

Neither fish nor flesh.

Just foul.

Louder, Jimmy. They can't
hear you across the river.

You'll admit your men
never were too convincing.

I this case, you don't
even know your women.

I don't know women.
I don't know women?

Just what I said.

You start by making your heroine a
straightforward, square-shooting gal.

Then let her take a man from his wife.
- But don't you see?

The wife was already done with him.
- So you say.

I wrote the book, didn't I?

Just what I am trying to say. Minnie,
these people of yours aren't alive.

They're trumped up.

It's pretty obvious you don't
know very much about women.

Oh, yes I do.

All kinds. Good and bad.
Straight and loose.

The worst kind is the one that
pretends to be on the level but isn't.

Women are like eggs, my darling.
When they're good they're good.

When they're not .. phooey.

I'll thank you to keep your
vulgar similes out of this.

'Vulgar'. There is that word again.

Well, listen. If I am vulgar,
what about that girl of yours?

She's such a dirty
little double-crosser ..

The guys will be fed up with her in a
few months and hit her in the mouth.

Yes. He might. If you were they guy.

Jimmy.

You see, I am not writing
about guys like you.

My characters are people who have to
wrestle seriously with ethical problems.

Moral problems.
- Oh, Mary.

They may be introverts.

And as such, they may bore and annoy
guys like you but that's what they are.

You'd do what the girl in the book does?
- Ridiculous.

Would you?
- We're talking about a book.

You may be, Minnie. But I am not.

And I am asking you. Would you do
that the female heel of yours does?

Would you greatly mind
getting out of here?

Uhuh.

Shall I call the police?

Can I be of any help, old man?

Hello Bridget. Hello Walter.

Jimmy, I am sorry. Come on upstairs.

Your front door was open
so we barged right in.

Why not?

Walter.

Be amusing.

Like Jimmy.

Jimmy. Now try and be nice like Walter.

Hello, darling.

Hello, Mary dear.

How are you, Walter?
- Hello, Jimmy.

Well, was it a fight?

Of course not. Not a fight at all.

It was just a literary discussion.
- Oh.

I bet you two can't guess
what we've been doing.

You and Walter?
- Uhuh.

I thought that's what we
weren't meant to guess.

I don't see why you say that. Oh ..

We went to Greenwich Village
to look at some pictures.

And I said to Walter, as we've come this
far, we might as well go the whole way.

Tut-tut. You said that to Walter?

To the picture you idiot.
- Oh.

When is your book coming out, Marry?
- In a couple of months.

What is it about?

It's about a girl.

Noble, fine, high principled.

Who is in love with a married man.
A great love. The real thing.

He goes for her like a steamroller.

Does she try to back away
from him? Not in the least.

She goes for him hook, line and sinker.

And how does it end?
- She sinks.

I am working on the ending now.

I am crazy to read it, Mary.

I usually don't like your ..

Darling.

Oh my, isn't it hot?

Jimmy, would I stick to that chair?

It depends on how sticky you are.

You say the cleverest things.

Walter, why don't you ..

Why don't you sit down, Walter.

Oh my.

Isn't it awful? The heat.

Thank goodness I am moving out
to the country for good tomorrow.

Oh, Mary.

I wish you'd come out Friday
night instead of Saturday.

I can't wait to show you what
Walter has done to the old place.

Going to Bridget's for the weekend?
- Yep, To work.

Speaking of work.

Doctors say I must spend 5 days in the
country or they won't be responsible.

Bridget, would you like some tea?
- Tea?

I would not. I'm not as old as all that.

Alright then, a cocktail.
- That's more like it.

Jimmy, be a darling and make some.
It's Anna's day off.

I must tell you. I had lunch
with Dora Mills yesterday.

I'll bet it's true.
- What's true?

About her and Phil Corsey.

I never believed it before
actually. I do now.

Why now? Does she look guilty?
- Cocktails, Jimmy.

I don't want to leave now. You fix them.

You and Walter can both go.
Now go on. We want to talk.

We men never get in on anything.
Come on, Walter.

Jimmy is so amusing.

You want me to ask him up this weekend?
- Why Jimmy? I can see him any time.

Well, who then?

Anyone you like. Of course.

I have to rewrite my last chapter
and I could do it at your place if ..

If what?

If you would ask Mr Woodruf.

I would love to have him up dear
but I have never met his wife.

I sort-of hate inviting people I
don't know. Do you know her?

No.

No, but ..

This isn't a social engagement, Bridgy.

It's business and there
is no need to ask her.

You mean, ask him without his wife?
- Business, Bridgy. Do you understand?

No. I don't.

Oh. Yes, yes, yes.

I do.

Darling, do you like this hat?

Oh, just the thing for a glamour girl.

Walter says it gives me
a touch of the gamin.

Darling, look.
I am Bridgy, your old friend.

Come on. Give.

What are you talking about?
- Business.

Your suspicions, Bridgy,
are out of order.

Mr Woodruf is a married man.

But of course. The good ones always are.
Somebody has always beaten you to it.

I am afraid springtime and that
hat are giving you ideas.

But darling, I haven't any ideas.

I was merely saying he is a
terribly attractive man who ..

Seems to drop in here
terribly often and ..

Life is flying by so terribly
fast and after all .. why not?

Oh, Bridgy.

This is an awfully hard
age for us women.

That is if you care for the real thing.

I've never been content with imitations.

Yet here we are surrounded
by them on all sides.

Nothing lasting. Nothing real.

Nothing fine.

Practically nothing at all.

And when it comes to love.

What is that nowadays?

Something to while away
hours in nightclubs ..

Along with Highballs
and the boogie-woogie.

Oh, darling. It isn't all like that.

No.

No. But when it isn't, what then?

Suppose the great thing does
happen to come along.

The thing that even
transfuses the ugliness and ..

And somehow makes it lovely and poetic.

And suppose that thing is forbidden.

What then?

Yes. What indeed?

I wonder what she is like.

His wife, I mean.

They say she is an awful droop.

Droop?

Who says so?
- I have heard tell.

An intellectual droop.

You know, just the sort of a woman
you'd expect a publisher's wife to be.

What does he say about her?

He doesn't talk about her. He's gallant.

Maybe he is ashamed.

Ashamed of what?

I don't know. The way he
treats her or something.

Oh, no. I've never known him to do
or say anything that wasn't fine.

Darling. Maybe you are making a mistake.

A mistake?

A gallant man who is stuck
with an intellectual droop.

Well, life certainly
owes him .. something.

[ Doorbell ]

Maybe that is Rogers.

Bridget.

There is no need to tell Jimmy you are
asking Mr Woodruf down for the weekend.

No. What?

Oh.

Mary.

Hello, Rogers.

Your door was unlocked.

Bridget is here with Walter.

Oh?

Jimmy is here too.
- Oh.

Don't look so gloomy.
They will be leaving soon.

I thought we'd have dinner together.
- We are.

Bridgy.

Bridgy. Here is Mr Woodruf.
- Mrs Drake.

Mr Woodruf. Why, you are just about the
last person on earth I expected to see.

I hope you're as glad to
see me as I am to see you.

Just about. I expect.

Well.

Don't go out of your way.
I only came to show Mary a new jacket.

What?

She disliked the last one
I had made up for her.

Well. I suppose, when a man buys a girl
a jacket it does mean .. business.

He means the jacket to my
book, dear. The cover.

The cover, is it?
- Yes.

Oh, I thought he meant ..

It's the weather.
Bridget is allergic to the heat.

That is why she is so anxious
to get up to the country.

Aren't you, darling?

I can't wait to see your
new house in the country.

Of course.

By the way, Mr Woodruf.

Mary is coming up top my little
place for the weekend and ..

Yes. If you're about to ask
me, please go right ahead.

How sweet of you to accept.

Well, here we are.

Cocktails.

Hello, Woodruf.
I am sorry my hands are full.

Hello.
- Hello.

Walter, we mustn't stay long.

Mr Woodruf and Mary want
to talk about her wrapper.

I mean, her book.

And we have so many things
to collect for the weekend.

Thank goodness I will soon be out
of this beastly, hot, dirty town.

Oh, for the peace and purity
and quiet of the country.

To the peace and purity and
coolness of the country.

Here's hoping I don't collapse
here in this hot sticky town.

Of course, Jimmy.
I was planning to invite you out too.

Sometime.

So Mary isn't going out this weekend?

Yes.

But you see, Mary isn't a guest.

She is just a friend.

So she doesn't have to be comfy.

And anyway, she will be
busy with her last chapter.

I suppose, Mr Woodruf, you think
Mary's book is terribly clever.

Don't you?
- It's better than that.

I hope it sells as well
as well as Wildcats.

Walter, who wrote Wildcats?

Timothy Bix.

I adore Bix.

You and five million others, Mrs Drake.

Now that is my kind of a novel.
But of course, I am still romantic.

About everything but me.
- Shush, Walter.

We are being literary.

I don't suppose Woodruf that you
would stoop to publish Timothy Bix?

Stoop? I should say I would.

Would you, Rogers?

I'm afraid so.

Unfortunately I have
stockholders to satisfy.

I doubt if he'd change
publishers though.

He may change if you gave
him what he wanted.

No harm in trying.

Besides, you have a very
persuasive way authors.

Do you know Bix?

Do I know Bix?

Where could I reach him?

Let me see now.

He is leaving for the coast on Sunday.

I might fix up a luncheon for Saturday.

But Saturday is .. is ..

It is the end of the week.

Oh dear. It is hot.

I mean ..

What time is it?

6:30, more or less.

6:30? Oh, Mary.

Walter, did you hear? It is 6:30.

Jimmy, you will have to give us
a lift up down. I mean, will you?

The taxi fares these
days are so exorbitant ..

I feel as though I were paying
my income tax all over again.

You'll give us a lift?

No need to work so hard, Bridgy.
I catch on.

Can I give you a lift, Woodruf?

Thanks. But I have to see Mary about ..
- I know. About her kimono.

Goodbye, dear.
- Goodbye.

Mr Woodruf. I will see you ..

When I see you. Come along, Walter.

So long, Mary.
- Goodbye.

Mr Woodruf.
- Bye.

Coming, Jimmy?

I'm sorry I can't take
you for a ride, Woodruf.

Don't forget Bix.

No. I'll try to reach him tomorrow.
So long, Mary.

I'll walk to the door with you.
Be back in a moment.

You sore at me?

For the way I talked about your book?

No, no. I am not angry at all.

I do think however that you
are wasting your talents.

You ought to make your editor
let you do the book reviews.

Sarcasm, huh?

I don't suppose you're ever
sarcastic to me, are you dear.

Oh, stop being an authoress
and have dinner with me.

I am sorry, Jimmy. Not tonight.

I get it.

As a matter of fact I've a
dinner date at the Guinnesses.

Mabel called this afternoon.
Needs an extra man.

Jimmy.

We are waiting.
- Coming, Bridgy.

Goodbye, Jimmy.
- I will see you.

When I see you.
- Okay.

Goodbye, Mary.
- Bye, Bridgy.

Goodbye.
- Bye, Walter.

I'd better fix your door so that the
rest of the wolves can't get in.

Rogers.

Yes?

Are you publishing my
book for the stockholders?

Yes.

You see, I am trying
to improve their taste.

Sweet.

There is something I want to ask you.

Do you think my heroine is .. obvious ..

And vulgar?

Vulgar?

What in the world gave
you an idea like that?

Oh.

Something Jimmy said.

You mean Jimmy Lee?

Yes.

He has been fairly sound in the
past as a critic, you know.

Rogers, I do so want this story to
be about an exceptional woman.

I want her instincts to be fine.

But they are fine, my dear.

Then why can't she do
what I have her do now?

Why couldn't she go to the wife without
subterfuge or hypocrisy to say simply ..

I love your husband.

Darling, that seems to me to be the
only honest way to meet the problem.

But that's exactly why your book
fails in its purpose, Mary. That scene.

In real life, if those two women met ..

They would make a mess of everything.

Maybe I could write it more simply.

After all, Rogers. They are two
modern, intelligent women.

Surely, they could talk things over
sanely and come to an understanding.

At this moment I wish you
had never written a book.

I've had a grilling day, Mary.

I have looked forward so much to this.

How selfish of me. I am sorry.

Come on.

We'll forget all about the book.

Would you like another cocktail?
- Yes, please.

Lovely, isn't it.

Twilight. Your garden. The river.

All we need is a moon.

Or would a moon be too obvious?

Beauty has a habit of being obvious.

You never ..

Thank you.

Thank you.

Well. Where shall we have dinner?

Couldn't we stay here and eat
the flowers or something?

I hate leaving all this.

You poor darling.
Then we shan't leave it.

We'll have dinner here
and I will be the cook.

Don't tell me you can cook.

Well, a little. A steak and a salad.

Now I know that I am dreaming.

We both are. Look.

Entering just on cue: the moon.

It is perfect.

Well, I'll wake up just long enough to
cook the steak and change for dinner.

Excuse me.

Long experience as a single, unattached
extra man has proven to me ..

That a New York hostess giving a dinner
party has no scruples and no honor.

Meaning who, Jimmy?
- Certainly not you, Mabel.

No. She calls you up at five o'clock and
she says 'be an angel and help me out'.

'Cousin Lottie is here from Kirkuk'.

'You'll be crazy about Lottie.
She is a darling'.

The darling usually turns
out to be six feet tall.

She'd have worn braces on her teeth
when she was a kid. But didn't.

But she did get vaccinated
though because there it is.

Staring at you all through dinner.

Excuse me.
- Enter Lottie.

Darling.

I'm so glad to see you.
- You'll never guess why I am late.

I played hooky and drove
over to the yacht club.

Sailing?
- All afternoon.

It was glorious.
It made a new man of me.

This is Jimmy Lee.
- How do you do?

Cousin Lottie.

Just arrived from Kirkuk by sailboat.

Lottie dear, show the
gentleman your vaccination.

Why, certainly.

Is it only Mabel or are you crazy too?

Well, if you like them crazy
then that's what I am.

That's very charming of you.
- Come along, Lottie.

Oh, excuse me.

Have a drink, dear?
- Thanks. The same.

Was today the first sail of the season?
- Uhuh.

How did you find the Jolly Roger?
- Leaking.

A foot of water in the bilge.
I had to bail it out.

You bailed a boat with those fair hands?

And a bucket.
- What boat do you sail?

A skimmer.
- How high is your boom?

You mean the main mast, don't you?

Jimmy wouldn't know the difference.
- Is that so?

I wanted to find out how much
Lottie knew about sailing.

Are you a sailor, Mr Lee?
- Ha .. am I a sailor?

I cut my teeth on a lifebuoy.
- I like Mr Lee.

'Jimmy' to you, Lottie.

'Clare' to you.

Jimmy.

That is a lovely name, Clare.

Clare what or am I being too personal?

Woodruf.

When I was a kid I used to spend my
summers in Nantucket and that's where ..

Did you say Woodruf?
- Hmm.

Why? Was it wrong of me to tell you?

You couldn't by any chance
be Mrs Rogers Woodruf?

Not only could be.

I am.

Do you know my husband?

I have met him, yeah.

Oh.

Poor Rogers, he's so
disappointed about tonight.

He was looking forward to this dinner.

Then at noon, one of his authors called
in from the country wanting help.

Rogers had to go.

What kind of help?

The story has gone dead or the author
is having trouble with his wife or ..

Planning to commit suicide.
You know what authors are like.

Yes. And do I.

You see, Rogers is not only their
publisher. He tries to be their friend.

That's awfully nice of him but
kinda hard on you, isn't it?

I don't mind.

It is like being married to a doctor.

Hi, sailors. Dinner is ready.

Aye-aye, sir.

It is interesting you know.

Meeting someone with whom
you have so much in common.

Oh?

Oh, boats?

Yeah.

Boats.

Well, shall we go in?

Thank you, Mary.

For what, the steak?

For the prefect end of a hectic day.

I thank you.

There is a jewel which no
Indian mines can buy.

No chymic art can counterfeit.

Makes men rich in greatest poverty.

Makes water wine.

Turns wooden cups to gold.

That is a very obscure poem.

How do you happen to know it?

I don't know, Rogers. I just do.

I think I must have learned it long ago
just to keep you company at this moment.

How wonderful it would be if there were
only some means of holding this moment.

Of protecting it forever.
- We will protect it.

In our memories.

Will tomorrow be tiresome for you too?

I am afraid so.

After all, today I had
your book to read.

Between interruptions.

It was a little bit like being with you.

Well, my heroine's problem
is much easier than mine.

You see she knows exactly
what sort of woman the wife is.

Why not? I invented both of them.

What is that to do with us?

I don't know your wife, Rogers.

I don't know what
resources she may have.

I don't know how vitally
I may be hurting her.

I tell you that has
nothing to do with us.

I love you, Mary.

Rogers, I keep putting
myself in her place.

And if it weren't for me, I ..

It's such a heart-breaking business.

By the way, I am going
down to Bridget's on Friday.

I think it's better if you come down on
Saturday instead of driving with me.

By that time, I'll have something
done for you to criticise.

Thank you for putting that
black line around the jacket.

I think it has a lot more style.
Don't you?

Mary.

Please say goodnight now, Rogers.

Alright, my dear.

And forget about the last
chapter for a little while.

When the inspiration does strike ..

You are going to find
it will write itself.

If the inspiration strikes.

It will.

There's some great
writing in this chapter.

Deep feeling too.

You mean, where the girl
first realizes she is in love?

How did you know I meant that bit?

I like it too.

Telepathy.

I always know when I'm really
hitting the truth, Rogers.

It does something rather funny to me.

It makes my heart sort-of flutter.
- Does it? That is extraordinary.

It is exactly the way I can tell
when something is good.

The best bit of writing is what follows.
- Yes. I know.

Where she confesses her love for him.

That is it. Oh, she is glorious.

With all the obstacles in her way,
a coward in nature might have held back.

But not she.

No doubts or fears. No running away.

No schoolgirls talk
of 'let's be friends'.

Only the fearless acceptance
of the situation.

Because she is a sensitive woman.

And she knows by instinct
that a love like this ..

Is the whole meaning of life.

Had I told you that is
my favorite melody?

Why no, darling.

Then how did you know?

Telepathy.

Was I playing it so badly, Rogers?

Mary.

Am I to go all through life .. alone?

Oh, darling.

Mary. Are you still up?

No. Let me.

Jimmy.

This is the first time I've
climbed up a balcony.

Jimmy!

There goes my garter.

I'll bet Romeo didn't wear garters.

Jimmy.

Hiya, Minn.

Jimmy, you are tight.

So am I.
- Then go on home.

It is terribly late.

Hello Minn.

I said hello. How are you?

I am fine.

Oh, a party?

Informal too. Well, well, well.

I've been to a party myself.

Formal mind.

Very formal.

The Guinnesses.

Will you please go home.

That's exactly what I'm doing.
Going home.

See, I was walking round the block
and saw the light in the window.

And I knew it was shining for me.

So I said to myself, Mary won't
mind if I take a shortcut so ..

I climbed over the wall, through
the garden, up the tree ..

And now I'm going right straight ..

Well hello, Mr Woodruf.

I didn't know you were here.

Yet.

I hope I'm not butting in.

Mr Woodruf and I were
working on my book.

You're likely to wreck you eyesight
working in the dim lighting, Mr Woodruf.

We'll soon fix that.

There. Better?

Well. Who wants a drink?

Personally, I don't need one.

Really I don't.

Have you got a cigarette, Woodruf?

Yes. Here.

What a lovely cigarette case.

Just like the one Mary gave me once.

I guess I had better be running along.

And let you discuss your book or
whatever you were discussing.

It is getting kinda late.

Oh. It's getting very late.

Boy-o-boy-o-boy. What a party.

By the way, Woodruf.
I met your wife tonight.

She is a very charming woman.
I had never met her before.

I said I met your wife tonight.
She is a very charming woman.

Ain't it funny the unexpected
way you bump into people.

Your wife is very fond of sailing.
Knows all about handling a boat.

Is she as good a sailor as she says?

Yes, she is quite an expert.
- Yeah.

She invited me to go sailing with her.

I hope you don't mind.

Not at all.

Goodnight, Mary.

Wait.

Jimmy.

Mr Woodruf will drive you home.

That is might nice of him. Mighty nice.

Now it's his turn to take me for a ride.

I hope for your sake you don't recall
the exhibition you've made of yourself.

Don't get exasperated, Mary.
- I am not exasperated.

I'm angry. Really angry.
- I'm awfully sorry, Mary.

Never mind the apologies.
Just get out of here.

I'm going. I'm going. I'm going.

But you get your beauty sleep.
Don't you work too hard.

Oh boy, oh Boy, oh boy.

I wouldn't bust up an affair like
that for all the rice in China.

Goodnight, Mary.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, Mary.

Goodnight, Jimmy.

[ Banging noises ]

Jimmy.

Jimmy.

Jimmy.

The shortcut seems a trifle bumpy.

Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum.

That is a pretty fancy outfit
you've got there, sailor.

Let me see. What kind of a boat
was it you said you sailed?

Me?

A schooner.

Well, blow me down.

After that grandeur sailing a tiny sloop
like this must be a comedown for you.

Not at all. Not at all. Why, when I'm
on the water nothing is a comedown.

What happened, Jimmy?

I was attracted by the view on
this side. Lovely marine view.

Well, get back to windward
before we capsize.

I say, skipper. Look ahoy.

Ahoy?

I mean a-high ahoy ..

Way up there. Way up high.

Do you like the look of yon clouds?

It does look like rain.

Better reach down there and
break open a couple of slickers.

What's that?

Break open a couple of slickers.
- Huh?

Raincoats.

Huh?
- Right there.

Right down there.

Alright, I will get the slickers.
Here, sailor. You take the tiller.

Got it?
- Yep.

Jimmy.

Hold her aft.

Hold her aft, Jimmy.

Get up there.
- Huh?

You ready?

Slack off the jib sheet.
- What?

The jib sheet.

Right there.

Never mind. I'll do it.
You take the tiller.

What, again?

Jimmy.

Hang on. I try to will bring her round.
- I'm hanging.

Hold on. I will get you out.

Are you alright?
- Yeah. I'm alright.

Yoo-hoo, Mary. Look who is here.

Just arrived.
- Hello, Mary.

Hello, Rogers.

She is having such a good time up here.

Ichabod.
- Yes, ma'am?

You can turn off the waterwheel now.

There is plenty of water in the pool.
- Yes, ma'am.

I have a surprise for you, Rogers.
Wait until you hear.

Never mind Mary. You will have
plenty of time for your last chapter.

Come along. I must show you the place.
- It's very beautiful.

I wanted to do it colonial
but Walter said no.

Everybody who owns a farm
in Connecticut is colonial.

You're going to remain
just the way you are.

A picturesque old mill.

Plus all the modern conveniences.

Here we go.

Be careful!

Look at that. Isn't she wonderful.

Mary, you are marvelous.

Bridget.

Oh dear, Walter is having
more trouble with Pierre.

Excuse me. Coming.

Help a lady out, will you.

Thank you.
- What is the surprise?

The last chapter.

Finished?
- All but.

Just waiting for your okay.
- What gave you the idea, darling?

You did.

I wasn't here.

That's what I mean. Come on.

It has been quiet. Deadly quiet.

I've had much more time to miss
you down here than I had in town ..

With all the bustle and
noise and interruptions.

And how I missed you.

Say, this is worth all the sacrifice
of coming up late. Go ahead.

Well, I have gone over every
talk we've had in my mind.

Sitting alone in the garden and walking
alone at night under the stars.

Did I tell you I missed you?

Tell me again.
- I missed you.

Darling.

The trouble with the last chapter is
that I've been treating it too mentally.

You can't solve an emotional
problem with the brain.

My girl has got to go
to the man and say:

'Are you sure this is the real thing'?

'Are you sure it is what we both want'?

'And that there will never
be any regrets ever'?

'Because if it is the real thing'.

'Then I am not going
to fight it any longer'.

'I am going to face it bravely and take
the consequences right on the chin'.

Good.

But he says to her
quite simply. He says:

'You're the only woman in my
life and you fill it completely'.

And then he takes her hands and
kisses them with reverence.

Fini.

Well, have I got it or have I got it?

This time you've got it without
any doubt in the world.

Put the bag in the car, Cletus.
- Thank you, sir.

Hello.
- Hello.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Jimmy.

But it takes time for a lady to
get her hair dried and done over.

How are you feeling?

Like a grounded mullet.

When do we sail again?
- Again?

How about next Saturday?
- No. I can't. I've another engagement.

Well, the Saturday after?
- No. That's a newspaper guild meeting.

So we'll make it three weeks from today.
- That will be fine.

No, no. I can't possibly.
I am going to a funeral.

Jimmy.

I haven't laughed.

Really laughed, for such a long time.

I am beginning to ache.

Clare, would you mind waiting
in the car for me a minute.

I want to use the telephone.
- Yes, of course.

Hello.

Hello. Is this the Rogers Woodruf
Rogers Publishing company?

Is Mr Woodruf there?

Well, do you know where you
can get in touch with him?

Yes. It is very important.

This is Mr Bix speaking.

Bix.

No. Timothy Bix. The author of Wildcats.

That's it.

Can you tell Mr Woodruf that I fly to
the coast tonight instead of tomorrow.

And that I will be at the
Waldorf until five o'clock.

That is right. Thanks very much.

I loved your book, Mr Bix.

Mr Bix.

I say, Mr Bix.

Mr Bix!

I am just simply crazy about Wildcats.

I'll bet they are crazy about you too.

Do you know what I would like?

What?

To spend the rest of
my life in the country.

Our life.

Our life?

I stand corrected.

Oh, that's alright.
They are not broken.

Why do you wear these, sweetheart?

Eye strain.

Do you want to know the real reason?
- Yes.

Well, the real reason is that
actually I am awfully shy.

I use them to hide behind.

I thought it was something like that.

But you don't have to
hide from me, do you.

No.

Not anymore.

You have the most romantic
hands in the world.

Lovely long, slender fingers.

A thoroughbred.

What a sweet compliment.

I like it.

What will the harvest be?

What will the harvest be?

What will the harvest be?

Oh, there you are.

There is a long-distance
call for you, Rogers.

What a bore.
- Who could it be?

Probably my office. I left this number
in case anything important came up.

Will you excuse me?

You know where the telephone is?
- Yes. Thank you.

Bridgy.

Was it the office?

Well, I don't know.
It sounded like an office.

I mean, it didn't sound like his wife.
If that is what you mean.

I didn't say who I was.
I sounded very impersonal.

Like a hotel or something.

You needn't worry.

Was that thunder?

It's the weekend, so of course
we can expect it to rain.

Don't worry, darling.

You are playing much
better this spring, Walter.

I'm so sorry. I must get back to town.
- Oh no, Rogers.

I'd like my car if I may, Bridget.
- Well, if you must.

Sorry you must leave so soon, old man.
- So am I.

It is Timothy Bix.

He is flying out the coast tonight.

I mustn't let the stockholders
down you know.

Oui, madame?

Will you get out the car
de Monsieur Woodruf?

Pardon?

The car. The car.

Comment?

You know. The car. The automobile.

The auto of Monsieur Woodruf.

Ah, oui.

L'auto de Monsieur?
- Exactly. Tout de suite.

Oui, madame.

It's so good of you to let me
drop in and out like this.

I'll be back bright and early tomorrow.

You and I can put in a
good day on the book.

I'll go down to the end of the road
with him. I'll be right back, Bridgy.

Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

Bye.

Bridget.
- Huh?

I have a hunch he'll be back tonight.

Oh dear. I hope not.

In case he should, I'm going to move
him into one of the rooms over the barn.

What are you talking about?

It's just as comfortable as
the one upstairs and ..

Well, I had put him next to Mary.

Aha.

Now, Walter. Don't be that way.

I think it is perfectly awful to think
what I think you must be thinking.

Why did you invite him at all?

My usual mental confusion.

I can't imagine how we
got off the right road.

Where are we now?
- I will ..

Enquire at this house.

Don't be long.
- I'll be back in a minute.

I am sure I heard a car, Walter.

I beg your pardon but could you
tell me if this is the road to ..

Well, Bridgy. How did you get here?

How did I get here?

I live here.

For heaven's sakes, it's Jimmy.
- Hello, Walter.

You live here?
You're not kidding are you?

I wish I were.
- How did you get here?

Well, I thought I was
taking a shortcut and ..

And you got lost.

Right outside my house.
Well, for mercy's sake.

It just goes to prove that
I have a guardian angel.

Well, now that you are found
come and have a drink.

Thanks, Bridget. There's nothing I'd
like better but I have a friend with me.

Well, bring him in.
- He is a 'her'.

A woman? Jimmy ..

Hmm. She is a lady.

A perfect lady.
- Oh?

Well bring her in anyway.

Who is she?

She is .. she is a kind of a cousin.

Oh Jimmy. I would love to
meet your 'kind of a cousin'.

Well, I will ask her to come in.

Jimmy.

Mary is here.
- Oh, is she?

Is she?

She is.
- Well, isn't that nice.

Anyone else?
- No.

Why?

Well, I was just wondering.
You see, my ..

My cousin is a little bit shy.

So, I thought if you had a crowd
here .. we wouldn't come in.

I'll be right back.

Walter, find Mary and tell her that
Jimmy is here with woman.

Yes.
- And Walter.

Don't let on to Jimmy that
Mr Woodruf has been here.

I won't say a word.

Oh dear.

Guess what. A friend of mine lives here.
- Really?

She wants us to come in for a drink.
- Fine.

I .. I told her that you
were sort-of a cousin.

You did? But why?

Well.

Say no more. I see it all clearly.

She's your big heartbeat and you don't
to be caught lost with another woman.

No, no. Not at all.

I will wait here in the car while you
have drinks. She needn't see me at all.

Tell her your cousin is on the wagon.
- No.

There is another one in there.
- Another one?

Yeah. The one I am nuts about.
I always have been and I always will be.

Well, tell her who I am and how
I got here. I'm sure she won't mind.

But you don't understand.
You see, I am ..

I'm the dust under feet.
Not the cream in her coffee.

Now, you don't expect
me to believe that.

It's true. But .. I've got an idea.

She's never seen me with another woman.
Never thinks I am with another woman.

So, if she saw me with you and ..

We played things up a little bit.
Well, she might sit up and take notice.

Are you game?
- Right to the finish.

I won't tell her your name.

It will tip her off that you're a
respectable married lady you see.

My name wouldn't mean anything to her.

It might. As a matter of fact it would.

She is a writer. She knows publishers.

You have ..

You have probably heard
of her. Mary Howard.

Yes, yes. Of course.
- You like her stuff?

One of her books was awfully good.

Yeah. Now let me see.
How shall I introduce you?

Suppose I just half your name?
Clare. Mrs Clare? How would that be?

That suits me.

Of half of me.

I haven't had as much
fun in a blue moon.

Wait a minute.
- What's the matter?

Did you by any chance plan to get lost
so this girl would see you with me?

What?

Aha. You did.
- Now, so help me ..

Aha.

Of course you did. That is why you
suggested the new road, wasn't it?

Don't give me away, will you.

This is the funniest things
that's ever happened to me.

Why me? Why didn't you pick one of those
beautiful sweet young things? You know.

The kind to be jealous of.

No. She knows I'd not
go for anyone like that.

What?

I mean, you are just the type
she would be jealous of.

That is better.
- Yes.

Jimmy, this afternoon is
doing me so much good.

Wait and see what it does for me.

Bridget, I can't find Mary anywhere.
- She drove down to the end of ..

Shush. They will hear you.

Bridgy, this is my cousin. Mrs ..

Mrs Clare.

How do you do, Mrs Clare?
- And this is Mrs ..

Bridgy, do you have another name?
- 'Drake'. You idiot.

Oh yes, yes. And this is Walter.

Del Canto.
- How do you do?

What's the matter with you, Jimmy?
Are you tight?

No. Certainly not.
That's why I'm so nervous.

What an enchanting place.

Oh, thank you.

Why, it is lovely.

But really lovely.

I am so glad you like it.

I don't when I have seen
such an attractive room.

It is sweet, isn't it.

Walter made it over out
of an old mill and a barn.

Really?

Ever tried to make something
out of nothing, Mrs Clare?

She's working on me now, Bridgy.

I have given him up.

I think everything is
absolutely charming.

Do you mind if I look round some more?
- I'd love to have you do so.

I want to show you a little room
that Walter has set up here.

I think you've done wonders.

I am really enjoying it all.

Thank you.
- Right in here.

Walter. Lightning.

It is clouding up. Turn on the lights.

Oh look.

And Walter.

Mix them one of your
'old mill' specials.

Right.

What was this room originally?

The old grange room.

Al that is left now is the rye.

Bridget.

Well, a lovely view.

The old mill wheel.

A babbling brook.

The old millstone.

Early American furniture.

What was this over here, Bridgy?

That was part of the barn.
Where they milked the cows.

The old milk room.

Well, I bet the cows hated to leave.

Or did they leave?

Walter, did you hear that?

You didn't get the smell out.

Why, of course not.

It's artistic, huh Walter?

And what do you think?

The last straw.

Oh, Jimmy.

Jimmy, you are so amusing.

Isn't he amusing, Walter?

Very. Ha-ha.

Pardon, madame. Commence le boire.

Pierre, how many times have I
asked you please to parlez slowly.

[ French language ]

You don't have to tell me it's raining.
I can see it perfectly well for myself.

Well don't stand there looking
at me like that. Do something.

The windows.

Close. Close the windows.

Madame.

J'ai d?j? ferm? les fen?tres.

Will you please close the windows.

[ French language ]

All I ask is, will you please close ..

Close the windows.

I mean that, he's trying
to tell you, Mrs Drake.

That he's already closed the windows.

For heaven's sake.

Why didn't he say so in the first place?

You may aller now, Pierre.
Aller, aller.

Je suis fini.

Pierre is too aggravating.

Hello? Where is everybody?

In here, dear.

It's beginning to pour down.
I got in just in time.

Hello Mary.
- Hi, Jimmy.

I ..

I got lost and came in
to find out where I was.

And where do you think I am? Right here.

This is Mrs Clare - Miss Howard.
The Mary Howard I was told you about.

How do you do, Miss Howard.
- How do you do.

So you got lost, huh?

Yes. I was driving with Mrs Clare
and on the way home I ..

Took a shortcut.

You seem to have quite
a weakness for shortcuts.

Yes. And then I ..

Got lost.
- Yes. That's right.

And ..

And found himself here.

I don't know how I did it.

Nonsense. You never do
anything unless you want to.

You know.

That is the only thing I've ever seen
you try that you haven't done perfectly.

Well. Here you are.

Thank you.

I hope you like them.

These are Walter's specials.

He calls them 'the old mill'.

Thank you, Walter.

Excuse me.
- Surely.

Well .. here we go.

Have you got my hankie?

Jimmy-dimmy?

Have I?

I think I put it in your pocket.
This one over here.

It must be your other pocket.

I put it in there when we
were sitting under that tree.

Remember? Under that tree.

Oh yes, yes. Under the tree.

We stopped the car and got
out to look at the view.

It was a lovely view.

And so nice sitting there.
Just the two of us.

Yes. Everything was alright until that
cow came to the back of you and mooed.

You needn't laugh, darling.
You were just as scared as I was.

No. What scared me was when
the cow's husband showed up.

You should have seen the
stranglehold she got on me.

Can't you find my hankie, lamb?

No, no .. no, I can't.

Here, use mine.

Snooks.

Mrs Clare. Would you care
to see the dining room?

Yes. I would love to.

A personally conducted tour.
- Right through here.

Thank you.

Jimmy said that Mrs Clare
is some kind of cousin.

Oh?

You didn't tell me you
had a cousin, Jimmy.

Well, there are cousins and cousins.

She is the kind you don't talk about.

Don't you think that Walter has
done a beautiful job, Mrs Clare?

I am just speechless with admiration.

This must be a marvelous place to write.

Hmm.

Are you working here, Miss Howard?

Yes. On my new book.

How is the work coming along?
- Splendidly, thank you.

I've read several of your books.

I liked them very much.

They have a pleasant facility for ..

For lifting one out of the
prosaic realities of life.

Oh?

Thank you.

When is the new one coming out?

Very soon now. I just solved
the last problem today.

Did you, Mary?
Well, well. I didn't know that.

I saw you sitting pencil in hand ..

But I didn't know anything was going on.

Anything creative, I mean.

This creative business is so funny.
You never do know when it's going on.

Are you creative, Mrs Clare?

Not at all.

I know I would be if
I just let myself go.

That is when I am creative.

Mrs Clare.

Would you care to see
the rest of the house?

I just can't wait.

Bridgy.

My car is out in the rain. Can I have
your man put it in the garage?

Yes. Of course.
- Thank you.

Mary. You think I should
ask them to stay to dinner?

It looks as though Jimmy has
already decided that for you.

Alright.

Bridget.

Coming.

Excuse me, dear.

Jimmy.

Your cousin is charming.

I'll bet.

Why haven't I met her before?
- You know. California.

Honolulu and places like that.
- Is she a widow?

Well, practically.

Ah, one of those.
- Hmm.

What is her name?

Mrs Clare.
- No. Her first name.

Lottie.

Lottie. You know, short for Carlota.

And her husband?
- That's just it.

She seems terribly keen about you.

Why shouldn't she be?
- No reason at all.

I just wonder if you're as keen
about her as you seem.

Why not? Only the other day you
told me to find someone else.

Well, I must say you
are a very fast worker.

I think it would be perfectly marvelous
if you were married to a woman like her.

You can write my life for me
just as you write your books.

I want you to be happy.

First you want me to find a nice girl.
Now you want me to be happy.

As I've said before, that kind of talk
coming from a lady means only one thing.

She's in love with somebody else.

Are you, Minnie?
- As you're so understanding, why ask?

Guilt sticks out all over you. In your
eyes and voice and the room we're in.

So you're psychic too.

What was Woodruf doing in
your house the other night?

I've told you a good many times, dear.
We were working on my book.

You're lying.
- Can you mind your own business.

Tell me honestly, Mary.
Are you in love with Woodruf?

Yes I am.

More than I ever thought I could be.

Oh, darling.

Don't you see this is different?

We've had a lot of fun you and I, but ..

Well.

We two, Rogers and I.
We meet on every plane and it's ..

He is interested in my
intellectually as well as ..

Oh baloney.

That big literary talk he gives
you is nothing but a .. gimmick.

A gimmick?

I feel I'm not up on your vocabulary.
- It's nothing but a line.

He is nuts about you for the same reason
I am and it's not because you're brainy.

Mercy. It is getting worse and worse.

The storm, I mean.

Jimmy, I don't see how you and your
cousin will ever get away in this.

Mrs Drake, I think every room in this
house is the loveliest thing I ever saw.

How kind of you to say so.

Jimmy, we should be going now.

But ..

Look at the rain.
- Even so. Where is my coat?

Mrs Clare.

Do you like lightning? I am sure you do.
You look so calm and poised.

Say, that must have struck close by.

Walter, Walter. The smelling salts.

It isn't the lightning.
It's the electricity.

We'll be alright, Bridget.

Be calm, sweet. It is alright.

Is there anything I can do?
Where are the smelling salts?

They're up there in that little drawer.

It is alright, Bridget. Alright.
Everything will be alright.

I suppose this will give you an excuse
to stay and annoy me all through dinner.

Don't you want me to stay?
- No. I don't, dear.

Mrs Clare.

Minnie here says we must stay to dinner.
Bridgy won't take no for an answer.

She doesn't hear you.

Mrs Clare.
- Mrs Clare. Why so formal?

Lottie.

Say. Lottie.

I am afraid, Lottie,
we will have to stay.

I am talking to you, Lottie.

Oh.

I see. I see now.

That thunder made me a little deaf too.
- Yes. What were you saying?

I said we're staying for dinner
whether we're welcome or not.

Are we?

Of course you are welcome.
- I'm afraid we're a terrible nuisance.

Not at all. Nuisances are my speciality.

What I mean is ..

I love to have company.

Madame.

Madame.

[ French language ]

Pierre, je suis in no condition
to cope with your problems.

[ French language ]

Why can't I be told what is
going on in my own house?

Excuse me. Pierre says
the lightning struck a tree.

And knocked it across the driveway.
Just this side of the gate.

Well, in that case we won't
be able to get the cars out.

Why don't you move it. Movez, movez.

Why do you stand there
looking at me like that?

[ French language ]

Je suis fini.

It looks like you're going to have house
guests as well as dinner guests, Bridgy.

Oh, I forgot. About dinner.

Walter. I think that ..

You had better tell Pierre
there will be two extra.

No matter what he says, be firm.

Right.

Mary, let's play some bridge and
take our minds off the storm.

Alright.

Jimmy, there is a red card table down
there in that cabinet by the fireplace.

Be a darling and get it, will you.

Suppose they spend the night.
What will I do?

What can you do?

Put Jimmy in the barn of course.
But what will I do with his cousin?

I can't put her in the same barn.
- No.

Maybe I could put her in
the room next to you?

Why not? Go ahead.

Oh, the cards.

Excuse me, Jimmy.

Cards.

Cards.

Pencils.

Thanks.

You play very nicely.

Thank you.

Anything else in the way
of accomplishments?

I used to be quite active in sports.

Tennis and, boating.

My only sport is taking long walks.

I've walked miles playing golf.

I've rather given that up lately.
- Why?

There shouldn't be more than
one good golfer in a family.

Really? Why not?

I've discovered that it does
not pay to be too capable.

Husbands don't approve.

Well.

Look at this.

It's as old as the hills but I love it.

Yes. So do I.

Do you know it?
- Yes.

And again.

I love thee more than all
else under heaven.

I love thee.

I love thee.

I love body through all eternity.

I love.

Thee.

For .. eternity.

Jimmy. Walter!

It's nothing but a fuse blown, Bridget.
That's all.

Light the candles.

Pierre and I will get some
more from the kitchen.

Poor Bridgy.

You girls seem to be quite in harmony.

She isn't a bit jealous of you, Jimmy.

For that matter, neither is she of me.

I suppose you have just been tossing
me back and forth to each other.

Well, I wanted you two to meet.

You have got a lot in common.

Look out for the top step, Mrs Clare.

Thank you.

For mercy's sake.

Of course.

Now everybody gets ready to go to bed
and turn off the lights, on they come.

The storm seems to be about over.

This is your room, Mrs Clare.
Right next to Mary's.

How nice and neighbourly.

I thought you'd prefer that to being
over in the barn next to Jimmy.

Or do you?

Oh. This is fine, thanks.

Oh.

Mary.

I had Rogers' luggage put in
that other room in the barn.

You know, just in case.
- Yes.

Let's go and see if she's comfortable.
- Alright.

I do hope you have everything you need.

I forgot to get your nightie
and toothbrush and things.

It's a shame to be giving
you so much trouble.

No trouble at all.

I'm tickled to death to have somebody
use one of those toothbrushes.

I've had them on hand for years.

She is kind.
- Yes. Isn't she.

Well, now I have telephoned
home I can relax.

Comfortable?
- I should say so.

We are having so much fun.

This is a real adventure.

I hate things to be too
humdrum, don't you?

But somehow, things never
seem to happen to me.

I don't know why not.

You seem to be oozing with
some vitality and vibrations.

My vibrations have been a little
on the subdued side of late.

You and Jimmy have keyed
them up considerably.

Yes. Jimmy certainly is
good at 'keying people up'.

You don't really think that ..

What?

Nothing.

Go ahead and say it.

You don't think for a minute do you that
Jimmy cares anything at all about me?

In that way.

I hope so.
Nothing could be finer for Jimmy.

Nothing could be finer for me.

For any woman.

Jimmy has the makings of
a wonderful husband.

A husband? Are you kidding?

He has a quality that is very rare.

He is one of those men who
is very attractive to women.

And never realises it.

And then too ..

Jimmy is a one-woman man.

And having once found the
one he wanted, if he got her ..

He wouldn't be looking around.

Ever.

That guy makes a marvelous husband.

Do you believe that most men
think somebody else wants them?

Of course.

And somebody usually does.

But there isn't anything of that in
Jimmy and it makes him so sweet.

I just love him.

Yes. But I get awfully
mad at him sometimes.

I am so mad at him right
now I could kill him.

Are you? Why?

Here's your things.

Here is the cold cream
and the skin tonic.

They are really awfully good.

Look at what they have done for me.

Or am I worse?
- No, darling. You're beautiful.

You never can tell
about yourself, can you.

And there is the darned
old toothbrush and paste.

Aren't you a darling.

And here is your nightie and negligee.

Just imagine sleeping in
things as lovely as these.

Well, Bridget believes in keeping
up her standards at night.

I certainly do.

Suppose there's an earthquake?

Goodnight, Mrs Clare.

Goodnight and thank you very much for
everything. I am having a lovely time.

Thank you. Goodnight, Mary.

Goodnight.

You know, I think we're
awfully cosy, we three.

You see, most women who know anything
treat me as though I didn't.

But you and Mary don't.

Oh, the mules.

These ones I keep beside my chair in
case anyone goes in my room by mistake.

Has anyone ever?

Not in years.

I adore Bridgy.

She is the most intelligent
fool I've ever known.

For mercy's sake.

Will you look at these two things
I found prowling around.

Hello Mary. Lottie.
- Hello.

What are you doing here?

I'm taking a look at
the rest of the house.

I like to get the layout of the place
before I go to sleep. In case of fire.

You know, I was in a house once that
caught fire in the middle of the night.

People came out of the strangest places.

Where do you sleep, Walter?

Down at the other end of the hall.
- That is my room.

And this is where I sleep.
- Right in here?

Right next door to each other.
- Hmm.

Well, that's fine.

Very nifty. Very nifty.

What I want to know is why I am out in
the barn all alone? I am house broken.

Because there's no other rooms, idiot.
- No?

Where is your room, Bridgy?
In case of fire and you need help.

Right across the hall.
That is where I am going now.

Night, night.
- Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Well, I will be off to my little cell.

If lightning strikes me at least I'll be
alone. That will be a lucky break.

For you.

Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Sorry to have dragged you into
town on a wild goose chase.

I can't understand what
has happened to Bix.

Keep after him and if you do locate him
call me at that same number. You know.

I'll be there over the weekend.
- Okay, chief.

Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Harry.

[ Door knocks ]

May I come in?

Yes. Please do.

Sorry to disturb you but this
outfit demands an audience.

Sensational.

I really ought to go and start that
fire that Jimmy was talking about.

No. Don't go unless you're sleepy.
- Not a bit.

Come in.
- Thank you.

Sit down.
- Thanks.

Put your feet up.
Make yourself comfortable.

A cigarette?
- I would love one.

Does this feel good.

I left the house at
8 o'clock this morning.

You must be tired.
- A little.

So.

Finishing your new book, eh?

Yes. I will be very interested
to know what you think of it.

I'll read it the minute it
comes out and wrote to you.

You know, two men have told
me two different things about it.

One of them has the colossal
masculine effrontery to say that ..

'If a woman is good she's good
and if she's bad she's bad'.

'And that's all there is to it'.

Men are so proper and conventional about
their own 'good women', aren't they.

Some of them are. The 'old school' type.

But don't you think that if a man is
really in love he doesn't give a darn ..

In how many other men she might have
been in love with before she met him.

He wants to marry her just the same.

Yes .. but ..

In my book the situation
is a little different.

The man can't marry the girl.

Why not?

He is already married.
- Oh.

But theirs isn't just an ordinary case.

You see.

They have numerous interests in common.

Intellectual, cultural.

They live in a world
apart and always will.

That is how the girl knows
that their love is justified.

You understand her viewpoint, don't you?

Yes.

If she loves him terrifically.

But ..
- But what?

The hard thing for me to believe ..

Is that she believes this man
when he says he loves her.

Oh, a woman always knows
when a man is in love.

Perhaps.

But .. speaking as a married woman.

I feel your girl, if she
has been around ..

Ought to know enough not to believe a
married man when he makes love to her.

Can't a man, even though he's married ..

Fall as deeply and as honestly
in love as a woman?

Of course.

If he honestly loves this other girl
and if the wife still loves him.

It's the most tragic situation in
the world for the three of them.

What in the name of heaven can they do?

How do you work it out?
- Well.

After she's been in love with
him for months she decides to ..

What's the wife doing all this time?

She doesn't know.

Doesn't know that for months her husband
has been in love with someone else?

No. She doesn't even suspect.

Well.

Either she is very stupid or her
husband is incredibly clever.

This is very interesting.

Go on.

Tell me what happens.

Well, the girl. Eileen.

Makes her decision.

She decides to face it out with the man
she loves and take the consequences.

Well.

You will write it brilliantly.
I am sure of that.

But tell me. What is it that
you can't quite accept?

How can your girl ..

Eileen.

Think that his man is
worth what it costs her?

Costs her?
- Yes.

Her place in the sun.

Her place with her fellow human beings
and most important of all, with herself.

But on the other hand don't
you see if she were ..

Cowardly enough to deny
this love of theirs.

She would feel for the rest
of her life that she had ..

That she had not only cheated
herself but him too.

Perhaps. But I think it takes an awfully
big man with an awfully big nature ..

To appreciate what she
has done and stick.

If he isn't married to her.

I feel that he'd be apt after a while ..

To wish that she hadn't been quite
so magnificent for his sake.

You know, you sound just like Jimmy.

Do I?
- Uhuh.

Well, perhaps I am not a
good judge of this story.

You see.

I happen to be married to a man who can
no more help attracting other women ..

Than he can help breathing.

And of course, each one thinks
that she is the love of his life.

And that he will ultimately
divorce me and marry her.

But he doesn't seem to.

Somehow.

Well, that's because you are you.

I mean ..

You are not the type that men desert.

No. You are just not that kind of woman.

We are all that kind of woman.

There is nothing to be done about it.

It's that terrible .. getting tired
of the things we are used to.

Nobody can help it really.

I get very tired of him sometimes.

But I made him my man and
I've built my life around him.

Really?

I understood from Jimmy that you were ..

Well .. more or less free.

He was trying to make you jealous.

No.

No. There has never been but one man
for me and there never will be.

In spite of all the competition.

Somehow I think you are very wise.

I am not so wise.

When the first one came to
light it very nearly killed me.

I thought the end of
everything had come.

And then.

When the second bobbed up
it took the sting out of the first.

Because I knew then that one didn't
mean any more to him than the other.

I can always tell when one of
his infatuations is on the wane.

He turns back to the good old
comfortable institution of marriage.

Just as naturally as a baby to a bottle.

I am sorry.

Thank you.

My, you have attractive hands.

Lovely long slender fingers like ..

Like a thoroughbred.

Thank you.

I am grateful.

I haven't heard that said about
my hands for quite some time.

Go ahead. You said you had
built your life around him.

Yes. I have.

He still has more charm for me
than anyone else in the world.

I think that is wonderful.

I see what other women see in him.

And it gets me just as it gets them.

But you hold him against all others.

And you know that no other vital
thing is ever going to come his way.

I used to believe that.

But now, just lately ..

I am not so sure it hasn't come.

Really?

There is somebody now.

And it may be the real thing.

Why not?

It could happen of course.
- No, not with you. I don't believe it.

I hardly ever see him nowadays.

I don't know where he
is most of the time.

I like awake half the night telling
myself what a fool I am to care.

When I hear his key in the latch ..

Everything in the world is right again.

I go to sleep halfway happy.

Trying to make myself
believe that this one too ..

Will pass.

But what if he ..

Suppose he did ..

Love somebody else?
- Yes. Really love her.

After all, things like that
do happen you know.

And when they do ..

Well.

I loathe her.

With a deadly hate that
would shrivel her up.

I'd tell her every bitter truth
she is ever going to learn.

The truths that only a wife can know.

Truths?

I would say to her ..

Of course, you are something
new and interesting.

Of course, I look the same old way
and sound the same old way ..

And walk and talk the same old way.

But so will you.

After a little while.

Do not forget that.

I would say.

Of course I can understand
his loving you.

But are you prepared to stand
up to the job of loving him?

Most of the things you find irresistible
in him are very hard to live with.

You have got to love him so abjectly
that you'd gladly play second fiddle ..

Just to keep the music going for him.

Well, surely love makes that quite easy?

No. It doesn't.

I think it makes everything
most difficult.

I think from the time those two
women met and faced each other ..

And talked things out, life would be
an impossible mess for all of them.

Now you sound like Rogers.

Like ..

Who?

Rogers Woodruf. My publisher.

He was here today working with me.

What's the matter? Are you ill?
- No. It's nothing.

May I get you something?
- No thank you.

Are you sure you're alright?
- Yes, I am quite alright. Really.

What were you saying
about your publisher?

Nothing. Except he has been helping me.

Does he like your book?

Oh yes.

Yes.

He thinks the girl is the best
thing I have ever done, but ..

The wife, he says isn't quite as real.

What does he think about the man?

Does he think the man will
stick to this new love?

This girl who has thrown
overboard her self-respect.

Everything that is worthwhile in life.

Yes. He says it would make
him love her all the more.

I suppose you have done the girl so
well because you believe she is right.

I suppose you would do
the same thing yourself.

Yes. I would.

I believe a love like that should
come before everything.

She didn't go after this man or
take him away from anyone.

He was just there.
So what could they do?

It came. It was.

That's all.

You can't hope to hold
him as just yourself.

I don't care how beautiful or
clever or wonderful you are.

He has to have something in
him that will make him stick.

Nothing else can pull a man and woman ..

Through the heart-breaking
job of living together.

[ Door knocks ]

Hello, dearest.
- Hello.

My office had the message
from Bix wrong.

Had a dreadful time coming back.

I had to leave my car on the highway
and climb over a tree to ..

Oh.

Mr Woodruf ..
- What are you doing here, Clare?

She doesn't know who I am, Rogers.

I am Clare Woodruf.

Jimmy Lee brought me up here for a joke.

It is rather ridiculous, isn't it.

Now you turn up.

It is really very funny.

Miss Howard has just told me
that you are her publisher.

Yes. I've helped her with her book.
- Yes, Of course.

We have been talking about the book.

Among other things, discussing what both
women may say to each other if they met.

It seems to me that it is up
to the man to do the talking.

Don't you think so, Rogers?

Don't you think it's rather up to him ..

To tell both women which one he wants
to spend the rest of his life with.

When the right time comes, I do.

But not as a part of this .. joke.

Yes. Of course.

By all means.
It should be the right time.

I believe I have your room, Rogers.

You can go out that way.

Don't come to my room.

I will be asleep.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Mary.
- Please, Rogers.

Let's not discuss it now.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Come in.

Well, hello Woodruf.
So you are my neighbor.

I was wondering whose luggage
was in the room next door.

Sit down and have a cigarette.
- No thanks.

It just occurred to me you
might know who it was ..

Who called my office
pretending to be Timothy Bix.

Why would anyone want
to do a thing like that?

For no other reason than to
deliberately humiliate a girl.

Just because she happens to
prefer someone else to you.

To me?

To say nothing of hurting still another
person who never did you any harm.

It seems to me when it comes to
causing humiliation and hurt ..

You've got the shoe on the
wrong foot. Don't you think?

Whatever has happened could have been
worked out in a decent, adult way.

Instead of having
interference from outsiders.

I'm not exactly an outsider.

You see, I happen to be in love
with Mary, as you probably know.

What's more, I've been her
closest friend for years.

I imagine she knows how
good a friend you are now.

She knows darned well
the kind of a friend I am.

She thinks you're in love with
her which warps her judgement.

It hasn't warped mine though.

As I had a hunch from the very beginning
that you're not on the level with Mary.

Or yourself.

So I think she ought to know before
things went any further just ..

Just what she is letting herself in for.

That's why I wanted
her to meet your wife.

So she learned what this was doing to
one of the finest women I've ever met.

You can leave Clare out of this.

Alright.

But I got to hand it to you, Woodruf.
You're a darned lucky picker of women.

Now you've crashed your way into this
situation like a bull in a china shop ..

Would you mind clearing out?

I am quite sure Mary won't
want to see you again.

Okay.

If Mary wants to see you after all this
I'll bow out of the picture for good.

But I'd like to tip you off
to one thing, Woodruf.

If anything goes wrong with Mary
I will hold you responsible.

And I am not clowning.

Goodnight.

Hello? Ridge garage?

Will you please send a taxi to
Mrs Drake's on Lower Maple Lane.

Yes. Yes, thank you.

Oh, there is a fallen tree
blocking the driveway.

Yes.

So if you just park on the highway and
sound your horn I'll come right out.

Yes. As soon as possible.

Thank you.

I didn't know anyone was up.

I was going to ..
- You needn't leave.

I've already phoned for a taxi.

Mary.

I am going to look you up in New York
after I've had a chance to think a bit.

The suddenness and the shock ..

Kept me from saying
all that should be said.

I thought you were pretty definite.

Well, it did rather look as if you
had already made up your mind ..

What you planned to
do before you met me.

You had, hadn't you?

Yes.

Because I'd made sure that he loved me.

You think he does love you?

I know he does.

Then, a thing I always
thought would happen ..

Has happened at last.

I can't begin to tell you
how sorry I am but ..

It had to happen like this.

I was hoping it might
be different somehow.

I don't know why I thought so but I did.

But surely you must have
known that even a ..

Different woman resents
being cast aside.

I'd give anything in the world if there
was some other way we could solve this.

What can I say?

I believe you.

In fact.

I have been thinking over all the things
that you and I have said to each other.

And now I find myself ..

Rather admiring and liking you.

And I know that whatever
is between you and Rogers.

It isn't anything cheap or common.

Please believe this.

It is beyond me how any man who
had ever known you could ..

Even think of anyone else.

Except you.

Where are you going?

To call for a taxi and go.

Home.

Mary, do you know where Clare is?
- Yes.

She is in there phoning for a taxi.

Darling, don't go in yet.
Don't see her now.

Why not?

I have just talked to her and there's
nothing you can say now to help her.

We must let her be alone for a while.

To try and find herself a little
before she has to face you.

Darling, what is it? What is the matter?

I have never really cared
for you as much as now.

Why now?

Because you are thinking first of her.

But of course I am.

I've never been honest with a single
soul in my whole life, Mary.

Not even ..

With her.

But I am going to be honest with you.

Go ahead, Rogers.

I think that you are great enough ..

To surmount every obstacle that we
would ever have to face together.

I know that I am not.

Until tonight I had fooled myself that
you and I could go on forever ..

Living in a world of our own.

I was too busy.

Conjuring up those ..

Very highly-colored
dreams to come down to ..

Honest reality.

But the moment she walked
in on those dreams.

They suddenly ..

Went all grey.

I see.

I didn't know it would happen.
I was too selfish and too self-centered.

So you see, I haven't only
been fooling you, Mary.

And her.

I've been fooling myself.

Do you think she will take you back?

I pray she does.

I want to thank you.

I must thank you for adding
me to your collection.

Mary. Don't.

I ought to be a museum piece
in that collection of yours.

I am the girl who knew
all about everything.

Who knew about love with a capital 'L'.

Who knew about that other thing too.

That tawdry .. or whatever
else it was you felt for me.

I am the girl who dedicated her life to
tell others about these things in books.

I am the one who thought I ..

Inspired a world-shattering romance.

I was another Juliet.

A modern Francesca.

Oh yes. I was .. even then
Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

And all the while I was ..

Just another one of your adventures.
- Oh, my sweet.

But I am learning, Rogers.

I am learning fast.

I am finding out that ..

An intelligent woman of
the world .. can be a fool.

A silly, immature fool.

Well, for mercy's sake what
is going on down here?

Oh.

So you did get back?

Hello, Bridget.

Well, may I join the party?

For goodness sake what is
the matter with you people?

Don't you know what beds are for?
Or do you?

Or is that the wrong thing to say?

I am sorry, Mary.
- Jimmy. Please don't say anything.

For mercy's sake, isn't that a one.

I had quite a time explaining that
we wanted two cabs sent out here.

Cabs? What for?

I am going back to town.

In two cabs?

Don't tell me she is twins?

No, dear. I ordered the other one.

Please. Won't you just let me say
goodbye and thank you very, very much.

Goodbye? Goodbye?

You'd think it's a nightclub with people
coming and going, ordering cabs ..

And saying hello and goodbye
at 2 o'clock in the morning.

If you can wait until the tree is
removed I will drive you home.

Thank you, Jimmy. But ..

I'll wait for the cab.

Of course, if I had the vaguest notion
of what's going on in my own house ..

I might be more intelligent about it.
- Sorry. I forgot.

Jimmy, would you mind
explaining your little joke?

Oh, a joke.

What joke?

Bridgy.

This is Mrs Woodruf.

Oh? This is Mrs Woodruf.

This is Mrs Woodruf.

Is that so?

Yes. You see, Jimmy passer her off
as his cousin to play a joke on me.

Oh? Jimmy passed her off as his
cousin to play a joke on you.

Is that so?

Well, I'll be hanged. What is the idea?

What in the world are you
doing down here, Bridgy?

Me? I am a ship in a fog tooting a horn.

Well, you see, Walter.

Jimmy brought the man's wife here as
Jimmy is in love with the man's girl.

And the man's wife wants to take
a taxi home at 2 in the morning.

And the sun rises in the east and sets
in the west and anyhow it's all a joke.

Correct me if I am wrong.

I apologise, Bridgy.

You see, darling.

I thought maybe a couple of clowns
over the weekend might amuse you.

And then the place
got thick with clowns.

Then they started making fun
of real things and real people.

Now, all we have
succeeded in doing is ..

To make a horrible mess
of your charming place.

But if it does all of you any good to
know that I am ashamed of myself.

You hear me say it because I am.

Terribly ashamed.

Mary.

Mary, darling.

What you need is a cup of coffee.

No Thanks, Bridgy. I am
going up to pack my things.

But you can't go now.

What about your last chapter?

That is finished.

Everything is solved.

Mary is such a fool,
but I love her for it.

It makes me feel so close to her.

Well, anyhow I need coffee
even if nobody else does.

Come on, Walter. Help me make it.
- Alright, Bridget.

Sorry I let you in for this, Clare.
Dead sorry.

It's alright, Jimmy.

It was bound to happen. Sometime.

Clare.

I'll take you home.

No thanks, Rogers.

Will you believe me when I tell you ..

You are all my life?

It doesn't matter, Rogers.

Clare.

This time it is different.

Always before I have been
thankful when it was over.

Always thinking of you.

Never of .. her.

This time I have seen her.

And something has happened to me.

I've seen all of her.
Her heart and soul.

And I know so well how you've
made her love you like that.

Clare, listen to me.
I'm trying to tell you.

No, Rogers.

Now, it is the last time for me.

What do you mean?

You don't even know what I
am talking about, do you?

You can't imagine that
I could stop loving you.

But you see that is what has happened.

I've eaten a lot of humble bread
in the years I have been with you.

An awful lot.

For the sake of our home and ..

Because I have loved you very deeply.

Always, I thought ..

I thought the time had come
when we would put these ..

These silly bad things behind us.

And then maybe we would ..

We would have children
and a real home and ..

And a life together that was real.

But there is something so brutal in the
way that you have treated this girl.

She wasn't playing any cheap
game with you, Rogers.

Which the others were.

And you're not worth one minute
of a single anxious hour ..

That either one of us has given you.

You are never going to
cost me another one.

Never.

[ Car horn ]

[ Car horn ]

There is my cab.
- Clare.

Goodbye, Rogers.

Well, Woodruf.

There has to be a first
time for everything.

Some woman was bound to
say 'no' to you and mean it.

You know, the trouble with a lot
of men is they're .. too smart.

They choose to think that the simple
things in life like a home ..

Kids and a fireside is all
a lot of copybook stuff.

It's meant for children and morons.

Yes. I know that now.

Do you have a light?

Yes.

Thanks.

Look, Woodruf. Why not try and get your
feet back under your own table again?

It will be a battle. But two great
women have thought pretty well of you.

Who know? One of them might again.

I doubt there is much chance of that.
- I'll bet there is.

What you need is a quick follow-up
before you lose that woebegone look.

Go on. Try to catch up with her.

She might let you ride
in on the running board.

I'd like to think she would.

You'll never know unless you try.

I'll try. Thanks.

Good luck.

Now Walter, I don't care if
it does keep me awake.

Be careful you don't slip.

Where will I put it?

Over here.

And then you can get me that chair.

Alright.

Oh, Mary. You are not
really leaving, are you?

Yes, Bridget. I am.

Well, you have got to have a cup of
coffee to cheer you on your way.

It's all ready.

Oh.

Go right ahead. Go right ahead, Mary.

I'll stay way over here.
Across the room.

Come over here dear and be
comfortable right here in this chair.

If I were you Mary,
I'd never forgive Jimmy.

If a woman must make
a fool of herself ..

The least a man can do is to let
her be one in her own way.

Of course, it's happened to me so
often I never expect anything else.

I mean, making a mistake about a man.

But when it happens to an
intelligent woman like you ..

Walter is being subtle.

Of course, there is no denying that
the only real unhappiness in life ..

Is losing a man.

If he dies, well then that
is a different matter.

If you lose him that way you
know it isn't your fault.

You know.

Death isn't nature's greatest mistake.
Falling in love is.

If we didn't do that ..

All of the misery in life
would be cut right out of it.

But my goodness, so would all the fun.

So, what are you going to do about it?

Ahem.

Could I have just a small cup of coffee?

Alright. Come on over.

Not that you deserve it after the
way you've treated this poor girl.

Mary, I don't see how you could
ever even look at him again.

Just because you couldn't force
her to fall in love with you.

You play a mean,
despicable, practical joke.

Oh really, Jimmy. It is too much.

You are not welcome here.

And I am sure Mary doesn't
want to see you anymore.

Bridgy, lay off Jimmy.

It wasn't all his fault.

Well.

Well, I wash my hands
of the whole affair.

I am going to bed. Come along, Walter.

I didn't man that.

What I meant was .. goodnight.

Or is it morning?

[ Car horn ]

So this is goodbye, huh?

It looks like it.

Not for always.

I think it is better that way.

Don't you, Jimmy?

Well, alright.

If that is the way you want it.

Anyhow.

We've had fun.

So, thanks for the memories, Minnie.

I'll carry your bags out for you.

[ Car horn ]

Jimmy.

Yeah, Minnie?

Jimmy, I've made an awful ..

Will you please stop calling me Minnie.

Why should I?
You won't be around to hear me.

Every morning when I'll
say to the alarm clock ..

'Well old pal, how do you think
Minnie is feeling this AM'?

Then I hop in the shower and go to town.

I'll sing at the top of
my voice like this ..

I dream of Minnie with
the light-blue eyes.

May I please have my bag?

Oh.

Your glasses are over here.

You mustn't forget these.

0h.

Minnie.

Why in the world doesn't
somebody take that cab?

[ Car horn ]

What is going on, Bridget?

Walter.

This is where we came in.

..w-g..