(WE OPEN WITH THE SOUND OF A DOOR BEING VIOLENTLY BROKEN IN. CUT IN THE SOUND OF ESCAPING GAS, RUNNING FEET OVER. SOUND OF GAS STOPS. FEET AGAIN. SOUND OF BREAKING WINDOW. FADE UP FAST ON TWO TONE AMBULANCE HORN, AND TAKEN DOWN AS SCENE MOVES TO THE INTERIOR OF THE AMBULANCE. CUT IN ‘CLUNK’ OF AUTOMAN EQUIPMENT AND ALTERNATE ASPIRATION OF OXYGEN. VOICES OVER.)

You O.K. in there, Fred?

Yeah.

How is she?

Not too good. Don’t stop to do any shoppin’, mate.

Better warn casualty at St. Saviour’s, you reckon.

Yeah.

Right.

(CLICK OF SWITCH. CRACKLE)

Red Four Four to Control. Are you receiving me? Over.

(DISTORT) Control. Go ahead, Red Four Four. Over.

Casualty already reported from Number Twelve, One Two, Shelley Court. Patient deeply unconscious. Coal-gas poisoning. Respiration very shallow. Please advise Casualty Department at St. Saviour’s to stand by. Over.

Roger, Red Four Four. Understood. Will do. Over and Out.

(CLICK OF SWITCH)

Right. Wonder who she is?

Dunno. Landlady back there wanted to tell me all about it.

Don’t they just. Every time.

Told ‘em to save it for the police.

When she see ‘er last?

When she got back las’ night. Night School.

Back from - ? Who? The landlady?

No. This one. Seems the landlady goes to the same night school. But not las’ night.

Oh.

Said she seemed quiet ‘erself, though. Who’d ‘ave thought it, an’ all that.

This one ‘ere a teacher, then? Or a student?

Didn’t say. Could be either from the look of her. No means of tellin’. Night school.

Yeah.

(AMBULANCE HORN UP, DROWNING THE SOUNDS OF THE AUTOMAN EQUIPMENT, AND FADE OUT. CUT IN SOUNDS OF EVENING CENTRE, VOICES OVER)

Why, hello there, Miss Morley!

Good evening, Miss Nielson.

You? At an evening centre?

Oh? Why not?

Weeell -

I would have said I was typical.

Typical?

(WITH WRY HUMOUR) Unmarried. Early middle age?

There are others.

But more like me, eh?

Very few like you, in fact. You’re not the evening institute type.

(AMUSED) Too - sophisticated? That sort of thing? (LAUGHS) Don’t let it fool you! (PAUSE)

Er - what subject did you have in mind?

Oh, I don’t know. Contemporary Verse, perhaps?

There’s your brother’s class.

I think not. No. Might be embarrassing. For him. I mean.

Oh.

I din’t know you knew him, Miss Nielson.

(WITH RELIEF) Oh yes! (PAUSE) - little.

But, of course! You’re both at the same school, aren’t you? Ferris Hill?

We were. Not now.

(LAUGHS) I expect you’re barmy about him like the rest of the women teachers, eh?

Oh, no, no!

I’m sorry! I was merely - well now, what do I do? To register, or whatever you call it?

Just fill this in, please. And bring the card back here when you’ve got a receipt from the fee clerk.

Do you know, I’m quite looking forward to this?

Good.

A new experience.

Yes?

One should welcome new experiences, don’t you think?

Oh, quite.

After all, one never knows. (NERVOUS LAUGHTER) This could mark the beginning of a whole new life, eh? I’m the right age for it, too!

(LAUGHS POLITELY)

Right, then. (GOES, LAUGHING) Forward to the new life, what? Over here, you said?

Now, ladies, can I help you?

We were just looking, thank you!

(SOTTO VOICE) Caroline! Do come away!

What’s that, Harriet?

I said come away! You’re so - obvious!

So that’s her, is it?

Don’t stare so!

That Miss what’s her name - Nielson?

Yes.

And that’s the one Andrew Lorley’s playing around with now? I wondered what she looked like.

Caroline, really!

What do you expect, Harriet? You might say I have a personal interest in Miss Nielson.

I refuse to discuss the private affairs of my tenants.

Oh ho! Not much!

Not in public.

(LAUGHS)

My tenants are not my moral responsibility.

Just as well.

What do you mean?

If they’re all like her.

You’ve some room to talk, Caroline!

Though what he sees in her - ! I’m no raving beauty, but I’ll take her on!

Caroline! Do keep your voice down! There’s his sister!

Andrew’s? I’ve never met her. Which one?

There!

Which one?

In the suit. At the table there. Writing. The one who was talking to Miss Nielson.

My! Elegant!

Caroline! Don’t be so - obvious!

My goodness, she’s a bit different from the Nielson woman.

Different?

Well, look at her!

Oh, really!

Well, look! Miss Morley - groomed, that’s the word. Then look at that Nielson. What do you suppose Andrew sees in that? She must have hidden charms. Well hidden. Where is he, anyway?

He’s not here. At least, I’ve not seen him. I can’t understand you, Caroline. Still hankering after him - a married man.

Hasn’t stopped the Nielson woman, has it? When I think -

Yes, I know. He was all set to get interested in you, wasn’t he?

All set? He was interested!

You’d like to think so, no doubt.

He took me out. Twice. He was interested.

Yes, he said so.

Then she comes along - Nielson. Throws herself at him. Fills his head with scandal about me -

Now what could she possible say, Caroline?

Never mind that! She meant having him. And she’s got him - the bitch! What do you expect me to say? Good luck, Miss Nielson? That’s how it goes? May better woman win?

Caroline? You must control yourself. You’re well out of it. After all, he is a married man.

The way you go on about that! Does she know?

She?

His sister. Miss Morley. What’s her name?

Miss Morley? Oh. Olive.

Olive, eh? Olive Morley. Olive. Suits her.

Suits her.

Glossy. Smooth, Hard centre, too, I shouldn’t wonder. Well, does she?

Does she what?

Know. About Andrew and the Nielson woman.

I shouldn’t think so. Let’s change the subject, shall we?

All right. (PAUSE) What makes you think she doesn’t.

Miss Morley has standards. Not like - well, some people. That sort fo thing would - upset her.

(FADE UP HEART BEATS . VOICE OVER)

She’s not used to that sort of thing, you know…. You know… you know…

(‘YOU KNOW’ BLENDS INTO HEART-BEATS UNTIL ONLY THE HEART BEATS ARE HEARD. TAKE DOWN AND VOICES OVER. SUSTAIN THE HEART BEATS THROUGH THE SCENE.)

Just move her over here, will you. On to the emergency trolley.

(SOUNDS OF EFFORT)

Righ sister. You carry on. I’ll talk to these chaps.

(SOUNDS OF TROLLEY GOING)

Touch an’ go, y’ask me.

Yes. How did you find her?

Fireman smashed the door in.

And where is she?

On the floor. Near the gas oven.

Near the gas oven? Not inside?

No. Definitely.

Looked as if she meant to. But her head was outside.

You’re sure.

Yes.

Hmmmm. Fallen out, I imagine. Tablets?

Yes. We got the bottle. Empty. Here.

Oh, good. Thanks. Was this the lot? Did you check?

Well, no.

Hadn’t time, really. Thought we’d better get her here.

Quite right. Anyone with her?

No.

Lives on her own. Landlady wanted to come. Fait bustin’, she was. But we thought not.

No, perhaps not. Time enough for that. Right, thanks, you chaps….

(CLAND OF DOORS. FADE UP SOUNDS OF EVENING CENTRE CANTEEN. TAKE DOWN AND VOICES OVER.)

Harritet! You get the coffee. I’ll bag a couple of seats.

(LONG SUFFERING) Very well.

(SOTTO VOICE) I say! Look who’s here! (ALOUD) Good evening, Miss Morley!

I’m sorry! Have - we met?

(APPROACHING) Hello, Miss Morley! May I introduce a friend of mine - Caroline Smeaton?

So nice to meet you!

How do you do?

I’m just going to get a table. Will you join us? Harriet’s getting the coffee. It is coffee, is it, Miss Morley?

Thank you.

(GOING) Come along then. We have to be quick, or the 8.15 lot will be in. Look there’s a table.

(WE GO WITH THEM)

Here we are! It’s a dreadful crush early in the term. Still, only twelve more Tuesdays to Christmas, I always say.

Really? I’d no idea these places were so popular.

Well, you wouldn’t, would you?

Why ever not?

You’re not the type.

(AMUSED) I can’t think what you mean.

Well, look around…..

I’m sorry, I - still don’t see.

Do forgive me. I’m always doing it. I’m like that. Straightforward. I say what I think. Without thinking, you know.

Not at all.

I was saying to Harriet - last week. Elegant, I said. That’s the word. Elegant.

Well, thank you. (QUICKLY) What subject are you taking.

When you were talking to Miss Nielson.

Oh yes?

I think it is so nice you can talk to her. So - adult.

Adult?

I mean, considering ….

I’m sorry, I - don’t follow.

Oh dear! There! I’ve done it again! I thought you knew all about it.

About it?

Oh, my goodness!

Excuse me - is there something - I should know?

Oh no, no! It’s - nothing. Nothing at all. Oh look, here’s Harriet. (CALLS) Harriet! Over here!

(APPROACHING) Sorry, I’ve been so long!

It’s very kind of you.

My pleasure. (POINTEDLY) I usually get the coffee, don’t I, Caroline?

(SOUND OF CHAIRS, CUPS, ETC)

(AMUSED) Miss- Smeaton, is it? - was hinting at some dark secret.

Secret?

We were talking about Miss Nielson,actually.

Caroline! How could you? Discussing Miss Morley’s brother! You really are the end!

I never mentioned - Miss Morley’s brother.

My brother? But I thought you - said Miss Nielson….

Nothing but silly gossip, Miss Morley.

Oh. I see.

Let’s change the subject, Caroline!

All right, but don’t blame me!

Blame you?

If you hadn’t butted in, Miss Morley wouldn’t have known that her brother -

Caroline!

- was having an affair with Miss Nielson.

Stop it! Stop it!

I’d rather not hear any more. (GOING)Thank you for the coffe, Miss Topham.

Really, Caroline, you’re too bad!

Rubbish! Why should people like her be sheilded from the facts of life? Do her good!

You shouldn’t interfere!

Did you see her face?

Yes, I did!

That sort - the smooth sort - they always take things hard. She’ll be after that precious brother of hers like a shot. You mark my words.

(RECEIVER LIFTED. BELL RINGS DISTANT. DISTANT RECEIVER LIFTED)

Andrew! Is that you? (QUICKLY) Listen! I heard - or -something tonight. A most upsetting piece of gossip - scandal, that is. About you and - another teacher. Of course, I don’t believe it for a moment, but in view of the headship you’re up for, don’t you think - ?

(SLAM OF DISTANT RECEIVER. RECEIVER REST JIGGLED)

Andrew! Andrew! Oh damn! Andrew!

(‘ANDREW’ REPEATS CONTINUOUSLY AND BLENDS INTO THE HEART-BEATS, GRADUALLY BECOMING FAINTER AND MORE RAPID. VOICES OVER)

She’s ready, doctor.

Right. Let’s have a cylinder of 5% CO2 in oxygen, eh? And an ambu bag!

Right. Nurse Adams!

Bleep the anaesthetist on call, will you? We’re going top need him!

Yes. Nurse Willis, find out who’s on call, will you?

Ask him to step on it!

Off you go, Nurse! Sharp, now!

Sister, you breathe her with the ambu bag. And I’ll have a look at her. What was her blood pressure?

Eighty over fifty.

Hmm. Better put a call out for the Houseman. We’re going to have trouble with this one, I guess. She’s pretty far gone……

(HEART-BEATS RISE TO PEAK AND FADE AS VOICES ARE HEARD OVER)

Very well! Since you won’t listen to me, Andrew, I’ll talk to her.

(CUT TO PHYLLIS)

I really can’t see that it’s any concern of yours, Miss Morley.

Andrew is my brother.

He’s not a child. He’s old enough to look after his own affairs.

An unfortunate choice of words.

Anyway, what do you expect me to do about it?

I should have thought that was obvious.

Not to me.

I can’t think why you ever allowed such a situation to come about.

It wasn’t entirely my doing, you know.

No?

I have tried. I even got a transfer from Ferris Hill.

Then you must try again. You must give him up.

Give him up? What are you talking about? He’s not some hobby I’ve taken up to pass the long dark nights!

I won’t comment on that.

(EXPLODING) Oh, for God’s sake! What do you know about such matters?

Men, you mean?

A man, I mean.

We are not discussing any man Miss Nielson. (PAUSE) He’s up for an important promotion.

I’m well aware of that.

And you’re not prepared to help him?

Help him?

This sort of thing could ruin his chances.

I’m not about to tell anyone.

People have already heard. A perfect stranger told me. It’s - horrible.

Your opinion. Anyway, we’ve already made up our minds.

You mean not to see each other?

Not to see - ? No, I mean not to do anything about the divorce.

(AGHAST) Divorce?

Until this headship thing is over.

There’s no possibility of that! Divorce? Andrew?

He’s free, white and twenty-one, you know.

He’s not! He’s not! There are - others to consider.

Others? You mean his wife?

Well, yes. Jane. So there’ll be no divorce.

That has absolutely nothing to do with you.

You’re wrong, I’ve talked to June.

(FADE IN SQUELING PUPPIES AND BARKING DOGS. EXTERIOR SCENE. OLIVE’S VOICE OVER)

Jane! Aren’t they sweet? May I pick them up?

Not yet, please. Bit early.

Oh, you darling! Aren’t you just adorable!

I wouldn’t have thought dogs were much in your line.

Dogs? I love puppies. They’re like all young things. Beautiful. And - helpless.

Would you like one? Later?

Don’t tempt me, Jane! No, no, I couldn’t. Left alone in a flat all day? No, I couldn’t do that.

(MOVED) Good for you. (HER TONE BECOMES MORE FRIENDLY) Come into the house, and have some coffee!

Thank you. I - I want to talk to you, as it happens….

Oh? You go ahead, then whilst I put these away.

(YELPING INCREASES, AND SUBSIDES AS DOOR LATCH IS HEARD. FOOTSTEPS GOING AWAY. SOUND OF INTERIOR DOOR CLOSING)

There we are. Smoke, if you want to. There’s an ash-tray somewhere, I think.

Thanks. I smoke too much. Nerves, I suppose.

Nerves? You?

Jane, I - this isn’t going to be pleasant.

Oh?

It’s - Andrew.

Yes?

A woman - horrible type - last night….

Go on.

At evening centre - my God this is difficult…..

Well?

She hinted that Andrew was-well, having an affair.

Yes?

It’s not true, of course, but - it’s most unpleasant….

I don’t know. Why?

This headship - that sort of talk….

It’s up to Andrew then. Isn’t it?

But it’s not true! Don’t look like that?

I expect so.

What! You - you - what did you say?

I expect so.

Jane! What are you saying?

I expect it’s true. There’s no call to get worked up about it.

Worked up? Don’t you care?

Not much.

Not - ?

And I can’t see why you should. He’s a big boy now, you know.

But it’s not like him! That’s not Andrew!

Oh come, old girl! You can’t seriously think that!

He’s not like that! He’s not! (PAUSE) Oh, L know at school he always had girls setting their caps at him. They used to make friends with me - just to get to know him. Then they’d drop me. (LAUGHS UNEASILY) I remember I used to be jealous of them.

Of them?

I mean, of him, of course.

(AN AWKWARD PAUSE)

No harm in that, of course. I mean, setting their caps at him.

No, no, of course not.

Trouble is it never stops there.

Jane! You talk as if it happened all the time!

That’s right.

What!

Andrew’s a - tom-cat. Didn’t you know?

Oh, no! No!

Yes.

I don’t believe it! I can’t believe it!

No, you wouldn’t. (PAUSE) I’m sorry for the girl, though.

Sorry for her?

It won’t end well. I mean for her….

(CUT TO OLIVE)

Miss Nielson, Andrew’s wife has no intention of releasing him.

Well, she wouldn’t, would she?

So there’s really no point in continuing the association.

There’s just one thing I just don’t understand.

Yes?

What the devil it’s got to do with you.

He’s my brother.

Your brother? It wouldn’t be any of your business if you were his mother! It’s his affair.

Quite.

Oh, don’t be so damned self-righteous! If he wanted her, would he come to me? What sort of a wife is she anyway? All she’s got time for is those damn dogs! Why didn’t she give him some kids, eh?

(CUT TO OLIVE AND JANE)

Jane! Don’t you think - ? Forgive me….

Go on.

If you’d had - well, children……

Maybe. We tried.

I’m sorry.

Don’t be.

You both wanted them?

I did.

You did?

Andrew wouldn’t.

Wouldn’t?

Wouldn’t go for the test. I think perhaps he was scared it might be him. He’s so - masculine.

I’m sorry.

Nobody’s fault.

It doesn’t make any difference. It’s got to stop!

Oh, quite!

How’s he ever going to get on if he - does this sort of thing?

Oh, I don’t know, old girl. Most selection committees for headships and things have women on them nowadays. He’ll get by, I expect.

It’s got to stop!

There’s nothing I can do about it, Olive. Or you. He’s not your little brother any more.

It’s disgusting. Women like that…..

He’s not - vicious, you know. It’s just that when they fell for him he - well, sort of goes through the motions. Almost as if he thought it was expected of him. And wham! There’s another happily fallen woman.

(REGISTERS DISGUST)

Only as he’s sterile there’s no great harm done. If you can see it that way.

See it that way?

(DISGUST AGAIN)

(RATHER TENSE) It’s easier with practice. (PAUSE) There’s always the dogs. (PAUSE, THEN WITH SUDDEN FEELING) For all I care he can lay ‘em from here to the moon!

Jane!

Weell!

And you wont do anything?

You mean divorce?

Well -

Don’t think I haven’t offered. But for some reason he doesn’t seem to want it. I can’t explain it. I suppose he feels the need for a base for his - excursions. Like any other tom-cat.

It’s - horrible!

Give yourself time, old girl. You’ll get used to it!

Get used to - ! I shan’t! I’m going to talk to that woman! It’s got to stop!

(CUT TO PHYLLIS AND OLIVE)

You see, Miss Nielson, children don’t come into it.

Really?

No.

And why hasn’t she given him any?

I suppose for the same reason she hasn’t given him a divorce.

And why is that?

He doesn’t want it.

She told you that?

Yes.

That Andrew doesn’t want children?

Not exactly.

Ah!

He can’t have children, Miss Nielson.

What!

He can’t have children!

(PHYLLIS BEGINS TO LAUGH)

I really don’t see anything at all humorous in such a situation. It’s - tragic!

(LAUGHING EVEN LOUDER) Tragic?

Yes. Andrew loves children. He always has. That’s why he chose teaching.

I’m very glad to hear it. That he loves children, I mean.

Why?

(QUIETLY) I’m going to have his child.

You’re - ? It’s impossible!

I assure you it’s not. Andrew really is mine - now!

(HER GUARD QUITE DOWN) You bitch! You cunning bitch! (PAUSE, THEN WITH MORE CONTROL) I don’t believe a word of it!

You must believe what you like, of course.

(BEGINNING TO LOSE CONTROL AGAIN) You - you conniving little -

Miss Morley! This talk was your idea, not mine. But you’re in my flat. If that’s all you have to offer - abuse, I think you’d better go.

(BREAKING DOWN) Go? Yes! Yes! (GOING) Andrew! Andrew! Why did you do it? Why? Why?

(THE DOOR SLAMS AND BEGINS THE HEART-BEATS AGAIN. VOICES OVER)

Keep that ambu bag going, sister. (PAUSE) I’m going to take some blood. We need to know what those tablets were. Nurse!

Yes!

A twenty-nil syringe, a needle and a swab!

Right!

Oh, and Nurse - !

Yes?

Better get me the special for the blood gases. Got that?

Yes.

And some heparin! (BEGIN FADE OF VOICE HOLDING HEART-BEATS) I’ll get the carbon monoxide level at the same time….

(FADE OUT HEART-BEATS. VOICE OVER)

You’ll have to let him go, Jane.

Give him up? Why?

Think of it! She’s having his child!

So?

Don’t you see? The talk! It will ruin his chances!

His chances?

The headship.

Oh, that!

A divorce is bad enough -

Nothing doing, old girl!

Nothing - ? What do you mean?

I won’t divorce him.

But, Jane, you must! Don’t you see? You must!

Last time you brought up this subject, you were all for her giving him up. Remember?

Yes.

I agree. She must.

But it’s different now!

Yes.

You mean you will?

No. I mean I won’t.

But - why?

Because it’s different now.

I - I don’t understand.

She’s going to have his child, is she?

If she’s telling the truth.

She convinced you.

I - I’m not sure…

Oh, you’re sure, all right, or you wouldn’t have come to see me. (PAUSE) She’s not having him!

But you said - !

There are ways and means nowadays…..

Ways and means?

If he can give her one, he can give me one!

Jane! Oh - that’s horrible!

Horrible? No. Might even be like old times. (PAUSE) Look here, old girl, don’t you think you’ve done enough meddling? If I want Andrew’s child, what’s it to you? You ought to be pleased, Aunt Olive!

But what about - ?

Her? Phooey!

But, Jane, you can’t - !

Did she care about me? Well, did she?

But, Jane -

I was ready to stick to him before. No matter what he did. So I’ll stick to him now! (WITH EXPLOSIVE FEELING) I can’t stop her having his brat! But she’s not having him! He’s mine! Mine!

But it’s Andrew’s - !

I’ll even adopt it, if he wants me to.

But suppose he’d rather - go tk her?

Go to her? Andrew? Ask him!

What!

D’you think I don’t know him? After all this time? She’ll make demands…..

Demands?

She won’t be able to help herself. They never can.

I don’t understand.

How do you suppose I’ve kept him all this time?

Oh, no, no.

You’ll see. The moment he knows she’s preggers.

Oh, no. I don’t - I can’t understand you.

You don’t understand him. Mark my words. The moment he knows.

(PAUSE. TAP ON DOOR. PAUSE. DOOR OPENS)

Yes?

Miss Nielson - please! May I come in?

Must you?

I’ve come to apologise -

Yes?

I really am sorry! Can’t we - talk?

Talk? I’m not at all sure I want to.

Not out here, please.

Very well. You’d better come in.

(DOOR CLOSES)

Now what is it?

Miss Nielson, I owe you an apology. I’m deeply sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken as I did.

No.

I’m not trying to excuse myself, but do - please - try to understand! I was terribly upset….

I can’t think why.

Miss Nielson, he’s my brother. He - he’s all I have in the world.

I didn’t know that.

I really am most sorry. Please forgive me. For his sake. Andrew means - a lot to me.

And me.

I know. I know. I’ve been telling myself all night. That’s why I wanted to talk to you.

I’m sorry, I don’t - understand.

We’re both - fond of him….

Fond?

…. So we wouldn’t do anything that might - hurt him. Would we?

Noo. But I don’t see where - this is getting us.

Miss Nielson, I’m asking for your help. For Andrew.

My help?

To see this thing through. Without anyone getting hurt. We can do it. Together. I’m sure we can.

I’m sorry, I - don’t uderstand.

I’ve seen his wife.

Yes?

She won’t divorce him.

He asked her?

No. I did.

You did?

I thought - divorce….

You thought it would be the lesser of two evils?

No. Yes. Well - But she won’t let him go.

Does she know about - ?

It’s because of that… The - the baby.

Oh.

Miss Nielson, I’ve - I’ve had an idea. No, don’t stop me, please! Let me - hear me out first!

Go on….

I’m not without means. Let me help you. Through - through this business. I mean, if you want to go away for a while, until -

Miss Morley!

No, listen, please! Just until this headship is over! You’ll be so proud of him then. And then he can get his divorce perhaps.

Perhaps?

And even if the worst came to the worst, I’d still help you gladly. With the baby, I mean. Financially. So that you could keep him if you wanted to…….

It’s out of the question. (PAUSE) Andrew and I are going to be married.

Yes, yes, I know. But, please, wait till this other business is over -

This other business?

The headship.

I can’t think why your so concerned about it.

I promise I’ll do everything I can to persuade Jane. But please don’t spoil his chances now!

And suppose Andrew doesn’t agree.

You mean to wait?

Yes.

He won’t, I know. He’ll want to do the - the right thing. I know he will. But, if we let him - just now - he’ll lose this chance. And it will never come again. Please! You must persuade him!

Me?

For his sake.

His sake?

The baby. (QUICKLY) I mean Andrew, of course.

He’ll never agree. Not for a moment.

We must persuade him then. Both of us. Please! Think of him!

Weell -

And another thing…..

Yes?

The baby. You know, he’ll be my nephew, won’t he?

(AMUSED) Or niece.

Yes, of course. So, in a way, I’ve got a stake in him, haven’t I?

Mmmmmm.

So you will let me help, won’t you? Please?

Miss Morley……I’m sorry - perhaps I was wrong about you -

We were both wrong. But that’s over. Don’t you think, now, you might begin to call me Olive? Please? After all, we are going to be related aren’t we?

(‘AREN’T WE?’ BECOMES THE HEART-BEATS. VOICES OVER)

Oh. You the anaesthetist?

Yes. Moffatt.

Good

How is she?

Not very clever. Would you intubate her? And then we can aspirate her stomach aswell?

I’ll have a looksee. (PAUSE) She certainly looks flat enough to tolerate a tube. She’s pretty far gone. Nurse, get me the things, will you? I want to put a tube down. (PAUSE) What’s her B.P.?

Eighty over fifty.

Hmmm. Thank you, Staff!

(SOUND OF TEARING PAPER BAG)

Laryngoscope, please! And pass me the sucker.

(CLICK AS HE TURNS ON THE MACHINE. REPEATED SUCKING SOUND BEGINS. TAKE IT DOWN, BRING IT UP HEART-BEATS, DOWN AND CUT IN SOUND OF DISHES, VOICES OVER.)

Phyllis!

Yes?

Let me do those!

Goodness, it’s only a few tea things!

But you must rest more! You must!

Olive, it’s months yet! There’s plenty of time for that sort of thing.

It’s what Andrew would want, you know. (PAUSE) Phyllis!

Yes?

What does it feel like?

Feel like?

Yes. To be - having his child….

(LAUGHS) Pretty ghastly. First thing in the morning, anyway.

Oh. (PAUSE) Does he know yet?

Know?

About the baby.

Not unless Jane’s told him.

Oh no. Jane wouldn’t, oh no.

Then he doesn’t.

When are you going to tell him?

(STRAINED) I don’t know.

Have you seen him?

(BREAKING DOWN) No. No. (REGAINS CONTROL) What are you doing?

It’s a - well, it’s a matinee coat.

Let me see. Oh, it’s for -

Yes, it is. Isn’t that what aunts are for?

Olive - !

Yes?

Thanks. Perhaps I’ve been - well, thanks.

I don’t understand.

You’ve been - well, I know how you felt.. the baby….. Andrew….

Oh, rubbish. It was just - well, it took a little time. (PAUSE) Now - well. (LAUGHS UNEASILY) I’m getting quite impatient.

I know.

Silly of me.

I wouldn’t say that. (PAUSE) Olive, what should I do?

Do?

About telling him.

Oh goodness, Phyllis, I’m sure I should have told him by now….. I mean….

(LOSING CONTROL AGAIN) You - you haven’t said anything to him?

I haven’t seen him.

(QUIETLY) No. Neither have I.

(PAUSE)

I’ll just finish this now. Then I must - why, Phyllis, whatever’s wrong? You’re crying!

Nothing. It’s nothing. I’m being silly now.

It’s your condition, dear.

It’s not! It’s not! (PAUSE) It’s him! Why the hell doesn’t he come?

Look, you mustn’t upset yourself like this. Remember the baby.

The baby? The baby? What about me? It’s him I want Andrew! Why doesn’t he come?

All right, all right, dear. Leave it to me. I’ll ask him to come over.

But - won’t he think it’s strange? You asking?

I’ll think of something. Besides, when he comes, you can tell him. I mean, that I know about it. The baby. I’d love to see his face. (QUICKLY) Anyway, he’s got to know sooner or later…..

(CUT TO RECEIVER LIFTED, SOUND OF DIALLING. BELL RINGS DISTANT, GOES ON RINGING. OLIVE’S VOICE OVER)

Oh, damn!

(RINGIN GOES ON. DISTANT RECEIVER LIFTED)

Ferris Hill 2364!

Jane? Olive! Is Andrew there?

Oh, it’s you, old girl! Sorry I was so long! I was seeing to the dogs. Andrew? No, he’s not!

Oh. Will he be long?

Can’t say. He’s gone to a rugger meeting or some such thing. I didn’t pay much attention. Why?

Oh, I see.

You know what those meetings are, old girl. Or perhaps you don’t. Long sessions of beer and bawdy.

You’ve no idea, then?

No. Well, yes, if it runs true to form, it’ll be hours. I can promise you that. Is it important. Anything I can do?

Ask him to give me a ring, will you?

Oh. Oh, very well. That all?

Well, yes. It’s rather urgent though.

Oh. I’ll leave a note for him, then. I shall probably be sound asleep when he gets back. I usually am.

Thank you, Jane.

Cheerio, old girl. I won’t forget….

(‘FORGET’ REPEATS AND BECOMES THE HEART-BEATS, MIXED WITH SOUND OF RESPIRATOR AND SUCKER. VOICES OVER)

Oh, you’re back, John! Any joy?

I’ve got things moving. They’ll let us know.

Right. We’d better put a drip up. John?

Yes?

Time we were hearing from the lab. Would you mind? We must have the salicylate and barbiturate levels - sharp!

Right. I’ll give them a ring.

How is she, Mr. Moffatt?

She’s not breathing herself. B.P. ninety over sixty.

Oh. Better get her to the intensive care unit, don’t you think?

Yes. Sister, would you ask them to make sure they’ve got a spare respirator?

Come on, then!

(SOUND OF DOORS)

(GOING) No time to hang around for porters. We’ll push the trolley there ourselves!

(HEART-BEATS NOW MUCH QUICKER AND WEAKER. SOUND OF KEY IN DOOR. DOOR OPENS)

Phyllis! Here’s your key! I’ll leave it on the window-sill.

(DOOR CLOSES)

Phyllis! I’ve brought the shopping!

(PAUSE. DISTANT SOUND OF WEEPING MAKES ITSELF HEARD)

Phyllis!

(SOUND OF INTERIOR DOOR OPENING)

Why, whatever’s the matter?

(WE GO WITH HER)

What’s wrong, Phyllis?

(MUFFLED) Nothing.

What is it? Didn’t he come?

Oh, yes. He came.

Well, then -

I wish I were dead.

What was that?

I said - oh, never mind!

Look, do try to be - come along, tell me about it. Tell me all about it.

All? There isn’t much to tell.

I’m sorry, I - I don’t understand.

It’s all over. Finished.

Oh, no!

It’s all right. I’ve done all my crying.

Finished?

He won’t divorce her.

Won’t?

He won’t marry me, anyway.

But the baby - !

Ha! That’s good! The baby! He’s not even sure it’s his!

He said that.

Yes.

Andrew said that?

Yes.

It’s not true! It’s not true!

(‘NOT TRUE’ BECOMES THE HEART-BEATS. VOICES OVER)

This the overdose?

Yes. Where do you want her?

Over here, please. On the bed.

(SOUNDS OF EFFORT)

Put the monitoring electrodes on, Nurse.

(TELEPHONE RINGS)

Where’s the spare respirator? Oh, thanks.

That was the lab, Sister.

What’s the report?

No salicylates. Serum barbiturates present. The level of barbiturates will follow.

(SOUND OF RESPIRATOR BEGINS, AND MIXES WITH THE HEART-BEATS. OLIVE’S VOICE OVER)

I don’t believe it! Not Andrew!

Neither did I. But that’s what he said. I’m not likely to forget it.

Oh, no, no!

I was wrong about him. That’s all. I - I thought he - ! It serves me right - for being so bloody stupid!

He - he’s not like that!

I don’t think you know him all that well. I don’t blame you. Neither did i.

I’m sorry. I can’t believe it! He’ll change his mind. I know he will.

He’ll be too late, then!

What do you mean?

(SAVAGELY) Do you think I’m going to have his bastard? After that?

But- but there’s no way out!

Isn’t there? Isn’t there?

What do you mean? Oh no, no!

I’m going to get rid of it!

Oh, no, no!

(‘NO, NO’ BECOMES THE HEART-BEATS MIXED WITH RESPIRATOR AND SUCKER)

That’s all for the moment, Sister. We should have the barbiturate level any time now. How does she look, Mr. Moffatt?

So, so. She’s still rather flat.

No worse?

Nooo. She’s no better, either…..

(SOUNDS UP AND FADE. OLIVE’S VOICE OVER)

No, no, you can’t! You can’t!

I’m not going through with it now. The brat might take after it’s father!

But you can’t - you mustn’t do such a wicked thing!

Can’t I? My God, if I could I’d tear it out now! With my bare hands! I would!

Oh, no, no. Oh, poor little thing! Poor little thing!

There’s nothing you can do about it!

No! No!

There’s nothing anybody can do!

Oh, no, please! Please! Please don’t do it! Dear God, help me! Please! My baby! My baby!

(HER SOBS BECOMES THE HEART-BEATS. SOUNDS AS BEFORE. VOICES OVER AND SOUND OF TELEPHONE)

That’ll be the lab. I hope.

Nurse!

Let’s hope she wasn’t greedy.

(SOUND OF RECEIVER LIFTED, AND VOICE OF NURSE DISTANT, MUFFLED)

How is she, Mr. Moffatt?

She’s fighting the respirator. Good sign.

The lab, Sister. They say the barbiturate level is low.

Well, thank the Lord for that! Ah, she moved her arm. That’s encouraging.

(HEARTBEATS AND OTHER SOUNDS UP AND FADE. OLIVE’S VOICE OVER)

Ferris Hill 2364….. 2364….. 2364.

(SHE IS WEEPING THROUGHOUT THIS SCENE. SOUND OF RECEIVER. DIALLING. BELL RINGS CONTINUOUSLY, GROWING LOUDER. OLIVE’S VOICE OVER)

Andrew! Please! Please answer! Please! Andrew! Andrew!

(‘ANDREW’ BECOMES THE HEART-BEATS. OLIVE’S VOICE OVER IN AN UNBALANCED GABBLE)

She must be stopped I’ve got to stop her stop her it’s cruel it’s wicked those little things like shrimps it’s murder murder murder nothing else nothing else nothing else oh God what am I to do it’s Andrew’s Andrew’s as well as - and mine mine mine mine they shan’t have him he’s mine Andrew Andrew Andrew…………

(CROSS FADE, RETAINING HEART-BEATS TO WARD SOUNDS)

That’s it! She’ll make it now. I guess.

Yes. (YAWNS) Coffee, eh?

I’d say we’ve earned it.

Sister!

Yes?

Looks as if you briught another back, Miss Nightingale.

(LAUGHS)

We can all start uncrossing our fingers.

(THE OTHERS LAUGH.)

Right, then. She’s all yours. (YAWNS) I’ll look in and see her later on. (YAWNS) When I’ve had some shut-eye. (BEGIN FADE) Coming, Moffatt?

(FADE OUT. PAUSE)

Now - Miss Morley, isn’t it?

(MUMBLES)

How are you feeling?

(BEGINS TO WEEP)

Miss Morley! Come along now!

(MUFFLED) I’m sorry.

That’s all right. (PAUSE) You were - lucky, you know.

Lucky. Yes.

Do you want to talk about it?

No, no. Well - later. Perhaps.

Good. You’ve got a visitor, Sister tells me.

Andrew? I mean - my brother?

No. A lady.

Lady?

Your sister-in-law, I believe.

Oh.

You don’t have to, you know.

No.

Your choice. Shall we ask her to come back? Later?

No, no. I mean - I would rather like to see her, I think.

You’re sure?

Yes. Yes, I’m sure.

Very well. I’ll see you again this evening. Sister! I’m through here. Miss Morley can see her visitor now.

(PAUSE)

Hallo, Olive, old girl.

Hallo.

How are you?

Oh, I’m all right.

When I heard -

Yes.

I thought - someone ought to.

Yes.

I do hope you’re feeling better.

Look, Jane, it’s all right, really.

(BOTH LAUGH NERVOUSLY)

When they told me - about a visitor - I thought it might be Andrew.

No.

Oh.

He’s not coming.

Oh. Oh, I see.

No, no, you don’t. You don’t see. I asked him to.

Yes?

He wouldn’t come.

Oh. (PAUSE) Poor Andrew, he doesn’t like scenes.

Look, old girl, let’s not talk about it.

No.

That’s right.

I mean let’s talk about it. Does he know?

Know?

About - this.

Yes.

You’re sure?

You think he’s not here because I haven’t told him?

Well -

Wake up, old girl. He’s not coming.

What have you told him?

What’s the difference? As much as I know. That it was his fault.

What do you mean?

It’s no good. You can’t cover up for him this time. I’ve seen her.

Seen her?

Yes. Phyllis Nielson.

Oh.

It’s true! You know it is! He’s to blame!

He’s not! He’s not!

Olive, you don’t have to do this. You can go away. Leave.

So can you.

I can’t. (QUIETLY) Sometimes I wish I could.

But you can!

No. He’s no good. He’s beautiful, but he’s no good. He’s unfaithful. He’s an unprincipled bastard. Bu I - I can’t leave him.

I can’t either.

You can! You can! I choose to stay.

I tried to leave.

You tried to - ? Oh, yes.

It didn’t work.

What are you going to do?

Yes, I’ve been thinking about that.

Yes?

I don’t know. Just - carry on. Do what I was doing.

You ought to break away. Do something else.

No. I’m stuck with myself. If I could have done it, I’d have done it before. So I shall jut - go on. (BEGINS TO BREAK DOWN) I can’t think of anything else. (WEEPING) It’s the evenings - and the nights. They’re so long.

I think you’d perhaps better go, Mrs. Morley.

Yes, yes. I will/ I’ll come again, old girl, I promise.

(SOUND OF JANE’S FOOTSTEPS GOING AWAY, WEEPING OVER. FADE OUT. CUT IN SOUNDS OF EVENING CENTRE)

There’s one thing about the Spring term, Harriet. None of that tiresome enrolment.

No. Not so crowded as September, either. They tell me quite a few classes have been closed.

I haven’t seen the Nielson woman. I wonder if they’ve closed her class?

I don’t think so.

Well, she won’t be able to go on very long, will she?

Oh, rubbish.

Or perhaps she hasn’t got the nerve.

Nerve?

To turn up. Now the great romance is over.

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Oh yes, you do.

Caroline, you really must control your imagination. Last term. According to you, Miss Nielson was - well…. but, you se, it was all imagination. Just because you saw her coming out of the doctor’s!

Oh, stuff!

Sheer imagination.

Oh, is it? And I suppose it’s sheer imagination that Olive Morley put her head in the gas oven?

I don’t want to talk about it!

That’s just like you, Harriet. You’re nothing but an ostrich.

Do keep your voice down, Caroline! There’s Miss Morley now.

What! Do you mean to say she’s actually had the gall to - Ho! Ho! Do you see what I see?

What?

There’s the gorgeous Andrew! Over there! Look, she’s seen him. Would you believe it? I do believe he’s trying to avoid her.

What nonsense!

See for yourself. (PAUSE) She’s not letting him get away with it, though.

What do you mean?

Turn round, and you’ll see. She’ll catch him before he gets to the door. There! She did it! (BEGIN FADE) What did I tell you?

(FADE OUT CAROLINE. FADE IN OLIVE’S VOICE)

Andrew! Andrew! I - I’m so glad I caught you. I haven’t - I mean, there hasn’t been any opportunity before, you know. I just wanted to say…. (SHE BEGINS TO LOSE CONTROL OF HER VOICE, BUT STEADIES IT WITH AN EFFORT) Congratulations! Congratulations on the headship! You’ve earned it, Andrew! You really have!

(FADE IN THE SOUND OF A HEART-BEAT, WHICH RISES TO A THUNDEROUS PEAK, AND FADES AGAIN