Bleak House

thunder crashes

horses whinnying

driver

Whoa! Whoa! -

shouts

-

cracks whip

whinnies

man

Silence in court! Now, we come, not for the first time, to Jarndyce and Jarndyce. Yes, Mr. Tangle. As we know, my lord, the problem with which we grapple in the case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce is that there are several wills and fragments of wills, all of them different, all of them conflicting. Is there much more of this, Mr. Tangle? Afraid there is, a variety of points. I feel it my duty to submit. Lordship. Mr. Brownlow, you appear for Lady Dedlock in this matter. Do you have any matters of urgency? Uh, no, my lord. Ah! I see that Mr. Tulkinghorn has graced us with his presence this morning. My lord.

thunder crashes

Sir Leicester

Is it still raining, my love? Yes, my love. Remarkable. And I am bored to death with it.

chuckles

Well. Bored to death with this place, bored to death with my life,

whispers

bored to death with myself. What was that, my love? Nothing of consequence. Mr. Tulkinghorn will be coming soon. Certain legal matters to discuss, he says. Perhaps there's been a development in Jarndyce and Jarndyce. Nothing ever happens with Jarndyce and Jarndyce.

chuckles

Well.

Chancellor

Now, somewhat to my surprise, something stirs in Jarndyce. It appears that the two young people, the wards of Court, who stand at the very center of these proceedings, are with us today. -

door bangs open

-

Gridley

My lord! You want to hear my case today! Gridley, my lord. Gridley! I have a right to be heard, my lord! I have waited long enough!

Chancellor

An application has been made for them to reside with their cousin, a Mr. John Jarndyce.

Mr. Kenge

If your Lordship will allow me, the two young people are here, my lord. And there's a third young person, my lord. A third young person? Not another ward in Court? No, my lord. Engaged as companion to this young lady and seeking your Lordship's approval. Very well, is she here, too? On her way, my lord.

Esther

Miss Barbary? Will you tell me, who am I, exactly?

Miss Barbary

Who are you? You're nobody. You're nothing. You're worse than nothing. It would have been far better if you'd never been born. Why? Is it because of my mother? Did she die because of me?

Miss Barbary

Your mother, Esther, is your disgrace! And you were hers. You're different from other children, Esther. You are set apart.

indistinct shouting

Miss Esther Summerson? My name is Guppy, miss, of Kenge and Carboy's. Allow me, miss. Yeah. There we are. Bring down Miss Summerson's box and follow us, my man! Now, will you take me arm, miss? We don't wanna lose ya, do we, miss?

dog barks

Esther

Oh! Have a care there, sir! I beg your pardon. Are you all right? Quite all right, thank you. Then, no harm done. Good day to you.

Jo

Good day, sir. Hello, Jo. How are you? You know me, sir, I never vary. I've nothing to give you now, Jo, but I'll look out for you on my way back. You're very good, sir.

door opens, bell rings

All in order, Mr. Nemo. Very elegantly done, if I may say so. There'll be another parcel of documents to copy tomorrow, if you want it. Jarndyce and Jarndyce makes work for us all, eh? Careful how you spend it, now. What's it to you, how I spend it, Mr. Snagsby? Nothing at all, I'm sure, Mr. Nemo. Good day to you.

door slams, bell rings

door opens

Here we are, Miss Summerson. This is Mr. Kenge's room. Take this armchair by the fire, if you will. -Thank you. -Mr. Kenge is in court, now. He left his compliments and would you partake in some refreshment? And look over the paper, if you will. Thank you, Mister-- Guppy. Thank you, Mr. Guppy. Not at all, miss, I'm sure. You're going before the Chancellor, are ya? A claimant in Jarndyce and Jarndyce, I dare say. I don't know. I don't think so. But Mr. John Jarndyce-- There. Mr. John Jarndyce, you see? He's right at the heart of the case, and it is a very great case, Miss Summerson. The most famous case in Chancery, going on for many years. Some say it will never be settled, and a great deal of money depends on it, Miss Summerson. Hundreds of thousands, millions sometime. I have heard of it, Mr. Guppy, but I don't understand it, at all. It's about a will, miss, or a number of 'em. A long time ago, a man named Jarndyce made a great fortune, but he seems to have made more than one will. So, no one knows who should get the money, and it's been in dispute ever since. There are lots of claimants, and the claims get passed down through the generations. There's two young people, appeared in court today, and they are at the heart of it, like your Mr. John Jarndyce. They say that one of them may get the lot. But you never know. You may have a claim yourself, Miss Summerson, if Mr. Jarndyce has sent for ya. And may I say, I wish you the very best of good fortune, Miss Summerson. Thank you, Mr. Guppy. Uh, you see there's a looking glass there, on the wall. Yes. In case you should want to look at yourself after the journey, as you're going before the Chancellor. Not that it's requisite, I'm sure. It's very much to the contrary, if I may say so. Oh, no. Oh! Mortifying!

whispers

Mortifying!

Esther

It's only an ink stain, is it not, Mr. Guppy? That must be a regular hazard, I would have thought, in your line of business. Don't upset yourself, I beg you. You're very kind, Miss Summerson.

sniffs

Kinder than I could've--

footsteps approach

Miss Summerson-- Oh. Mr. Kenge. Miss Summerson. Shall we go before the Chancellor? Mortifying.

door opens

grumbles

Miss Clare, Miss Ada Clare. Well, well. You are a ward of Court, Miss Clare. Do you know what that means? I'm not sure that I do, sir. You and Mr. Carstone, both being orphaned, you have been placed under the jurisdiction of the court. As claimants in the case, as direct descendants of the original John Jarndyce of Bleak House in Hertfordshire, now long deceased, you may inherit a very great deal of money, one or both of you, when this case is settled. In the meantime, your cousin, also called John Jarndyce, also residing at Bleak House, has undertaken to take care of you. Are you willing to go to Bleak House, Miss Clare? Yes, sir. It sounds dreary, to me.

laughs

Not dreary, at present, my lord.

sighs

-Mr. Richard Carstone. -Yes, my lord. Do you think that you will be happy under the roof of Mr. John Jarndyce of Bleak House? I'm sure I shall, my lord. Though you have never met him? Mmm. Mr. John Jarndyce is a man of good character, I suppose. Of excellent character and high standing in the community, my lord. And he has the means to look after these two young people? No matter what the outcome of the case, he is a man of considerable means. Is he married? He is not, my lord. Mmm. If I might remind your Lordship, Mr. Jarndyce provides a suitable companion for Miss Clare. This is the young lady, Miss Summerson. I see. Very well. I should make the order.

overlapping chatter

Richard

What a day this has been! Only yesterday, on the old school bench construing Latin verses. Today, I'm Mr. Richard Carstone, heir to a fortune. So, where do we go next, Miss Summerson? Don't you know? Not in the least. -We're like babes in the wood. -

laughs

Have you known each other very long? -Not very long. -

Richard

We met each other half an hour before we met you, Esther. We're the best of friends, already. I'm sure all three of us should be. Oh, the wards in Jarndyce! Very happy, I'm sure, to have the honor! It's a good omen for you, through hope and beauty to find themselves in this place and not know what's to come of it. I was a ward myself, you know. Of course, my case was nothing like so grand as yours, but I expect a judgment, shortly, on the Day of Judgment! Now, don't be troublesome, Miss Flite, there's a good soul. Here's your cab. You're to lodge with Mrs. Jellyby tonight, good soul and a great philanthropist. Guppy will take you. Yes, indeed. Ah! Miss Clare and Mr. Carstone. Miss Summerson. -Up, we go. We're all in? -

door closes

Off we go, driver! -

driver shouts command

-

cracks whip

Clamb? Fetch the Jarndyce documents. Going down to Chesney Wold, sir.

blows

Hmm.

Clamb

A fine house, I understand, sir. Very fine house, very great family. Great privilege to serve Sir Leicester Dedlock, Clamb. And Lady Dedlock, sir. A great beauty, in her day, sir. Mmm, a beauty. Not from a great family, but a beauty, as you say. That's the world. Fetch the papers, Clamb. Right, you are, Mr. Tulkinghorn.

Mrs. Jellyby

This way, my dears. You find me, as usual, very busy! My Africa project consumes my whole time.

thudding

crying

We hope, by this time next year, to have two hundred families cultivating coffee and educating the natives of Borrioboola-Gha. Great work! Great work! My husband, Mr. Jellyby-- -does not appear to be here. -

objects crashing

But here is my eldest daughter, Caddy. My amanuensis.

children yelling

Mrs. Jellyby

Do please, sit, while I-- Where were we, Caddy? I'm sure your thoughts have often turned to Africa, Miss Summerson, finest climate in the world. Caddy? Mrs. Jellyby presents her compliments to Mrs. Swallow. Ma? Now, what is it? No, Peepy, not on any account! Mama is busy! You, Mrs. Swallow, I know, share my deeply-held conviction about Africa, the essential brotherhood of humanity. And it is with this understanding-- I can't keep up, Ma. Go slower. And... it is with this understanding,

fire crackling

knock on door, door opens

whispers

May I come in for a minute? You've been working late. No need to tell me that. I wish Africa was dead! Look at my fingers! It won't come off. She's very pretty. Yes, she is. She's an orphan, ain't she? Yes.

Caddy

I wish I was an orphan. Ma's a disgrace! I wish I was dead. I wish we were all dead! It would be a great deal better for us-- Don't tell me it wouldn't, because it would! -Caddy, I'm sure-- -I'm so angry with Ma! She makes such an ass of herself over Africa and Pa does nothing at all! Really, Caddy, I don't think you should speak of your parents like that. I know I'm a disgrace, Miss Summerson, I wish I'd had you to teach me better manners. but I've got to make the best of myself, as I am. You're shocked, I dare say. Well, so am I. I wish-- Well, never mind.

kisses

whispers

Good night.

door closes

Miss Flite

Hello, my beauties!

kissing

Oh! Joy... Youth... Ah!

whistles

Peace... Rest... Life! Oh-ho!

whistles

Dust... Ashes... Waste! Want... Ruin, Despair-- Madness. Death... Cunning and Folly. We shall all have a judgment on the Day of Judgment. Plunder, Precedent, Jargon, Gammon and Spinach. And then you shall sing to your heart's content, my little ones!

kisses

whistling

Ooh! Morning! Off to court, then, Miss Flite?

Miss Flite

As you see, Mr. Krook. And your rent? Very soon, Mr. Krook, very soon. On the Day of Judgment, yeah?

laughs

Oh, long before then, I'm sure.

cat hisses

Mr. Krook chuckles

All right, Lady Jane. She can turn a person to tatters if I set her on.

cat growls

Do you know, she was sold to me for her skin. It's a very fine one, as you see. Didn't have it in me heart to skin her. Not like the Court of Chancery, eh? Not as long as I get what I'm owed. Mr. Krook, I have met the wards in Jarndyce. Wards in Jarndyce, is it? Beautiful creatures! So full of youth and hope and beauty. And they won't have it long. That Jarndyce and Jarndyce eats 'em all up! It's like being ground to bits in a slow mill. It's being drowned by drips and going mad by grains. Look how poor Tom Jarndyce ended up. Mr. Krook, don't speak of it. Come in my shop, right where you stand, a pistol in his hand! -Please, Mr. Krook-- -

shop door bell jingles

Oh! Mr. Nemo. Good morning, Miss Flite. Mr. Krook.

breathing heavily

Uh, forgive me, but I'm rather pressed for time. Rent, Mr. Nemo. Six weeks. As long as that? Well, you shall have it. Yeah, that's all very well, but when? You will be paid, Mr. Krook. You have my word. Now-- If you'll excuse me. Oh, he's such a gentleman. A gentleman? That's no use to me. Some people say that he sold his soul to the devil. But if he has, I don't know what he done with the money!

snickering

We have a visitor. Can you see who it is, my love? -Tulkinghorn. -Ah.

Sir Leicester

Mr. Tulkinghorn.

Mr. Tulkinghorn

Sir Leicester. Very good of you to come all this way. My lady's case has been again before the Chancellor, has it? Yes, it was on again, yesterday, my lord. My lady. it would be useless to ask, no doubt, whether anything has been done? Nothing that you would call anything has been done. Nor ever will be. Well, a long Chancery suit is very much in the way of things, my dear. Hardly be proper if it weren't. Indeed, my lord. Now, as a few fresh affidavits have been put upon the file, and as I proceed upon the principle that my client should be fully possessed of all the new developments in the case. All right, Mr. Tulkinghorn.

clears throat

I have the papers, here. If I might-- Thank you. In Chancery between John Jarndyce--

Lady Dedlock

Mr. Tulkinghorn, please. Omit as many of the formal horrors as you can. As Your Ladyship pleases.

papers rustling

Lady Dedlock

Who copies that?

Mr. Tulkinghorn

Hmm? Whose handwriting is it? I regret to say I have no idea, my lady. Is this what you call law-hand? Why do you ask? Anything to vary this detestable monotony. Oh, go on, do. Very well. Um-- In the matter of the will, or wills, the aforesaid John Jarndyce...

thuds

My lady? What's the matter?

rings bell for servants

My dear, what is it? What's the matter? Lady Dedlock is ill, sir.

Lady Dedlock

I'm just... faint.

Sir Leicester

Help Lady Dedlock to her room. Careful. Careful, gently, now. Heat of the fire, perhaps. Far too much for her. I mean it! Nemo! No more excuses! The money by tomorrow or you're on the street!

breathing rapidly

coins clinking

quill scratching

Mr. Tulkinghorn clears throat

Clamb

Thank you, sir. Those papers I took down to Lady Dedlock at Chesney Wold, where were they copied?

Clamb

That depends, Mr. Tulkinghorn, They came from several of our regulars. Well, that one, for instance. I'll check, sir. It may take awhile, I have to compare the hand. Thank you, Clamb.

whip cracks

horses whinny

Ada, my love, Esther, my dear! You are welcome! I rejoice to see you! Come inside and get warm. Rick, if I had a hand to spare at present, I'd give it to you. Come in, come in! There. Now, make yourselves comfortable, warm yourselves.

chuckles

Now, Rick, I have that hand at liberty. A word in earnest is as good as a speech. I am heartily glad to see you! You are at home. You're very kind, sir. We're very much obliged to you.

chuckles

Now.

clears throat

Come and see your rooms.

Sir Leicester

I wish you'd come away from the window, my love. You must take care for your health. We don't want you fainting again. I am perfectly well. You're still pale, I'm afraid. Is it any wonder? We have not seen the sun for months. Mm. I think I should take you away for awhile. Paris, now. A change of scene that would lighten both our spirits. What do you say?

Lady Dedlock

You are too good to me.

Sir Leicester

No, no. No, no, no. Not at all.

Ada

Do you think we should be happy here, Esther?

Esther

I think we've been very fortunate. Bleak House is not so bleak, after all. -

books clunk

-And do you like Mr. Jarndyce? I think he is a very singular man, indeed.

Ada

Is that good? I hope so, we are here now, for good or ill.

books clunking

Esther, why do you think he's taken us into his care? Well, perhaps it is nothing but kindness. He has made it very difficult for us to ask since he behaves as if we are all old friends. It is strange.

Ada

But perhaps, we shall be good friends. Do you think we shall, Esther? I am sure we shall, Ada. -

knock on door

-Yes?

door opens

Miss Summerson? For you, miss, if you please. The housekeeping keys. The master said to bring them to you. Then, tomorrow morning, I'm to show you the presses and the things they belong to. -For me? -

keys jingle

Really? Thank you, and you are? Harriet, miss.

Esther

Thank you, Harriet.

door closes

Miss Barbary

You're nobody. You're nothing. You're worse than nothing. It would have been far better if you'd never been born! Esther, what is it? Nothing. I'm surprised anyone should trust me so much, knowing me so little. Shall we go down?

Skimpole

As far as worldly matters are concerned, I am but a child. A perfect child. Ah, our little party is complete. Ada, Esther-- Allow me to introduce myself. Harold Skimpole. A dear friend and house guest, for the present, of Mr. Jarndyce. Now, you ask my profession. No profession, whatsoever. I have no aptitude for worldly affairs, none at all. There. That's Harold Skimpole, for you. -How do you do, Mr. Skimpole? -Very well, indeed. Thanks to my excellent friends, of whom John Jarndyce is one of the very best, and kindest! Well...

clears throat

Shall we go in? Miss Clare, would you do me the honor, hm?

thunder rumbles

thunder crashes

Rosa

Will you wait there, please, sir? I'll just go and ask the housekeeper. Mr. Guppy? I've never heard of him. M'Lord and Lady Dedlock are away in Paris, sir. They left this afternoon. The house is all shut up. Ah. My principal, Mr. Kenge, has letters of affidavit for Lady Dedlock's attention. You can leave 'em with me, sir, I'll see she gets 'em. Ah. All right. Uh-- Begging your pardon, most profoundly, for the unsociable lateness of the hour, owing to my having gotten lost in very unfamiliar country, I wonder, ma'am, if I might throw myself upon your mercy? You want to be allowed to stay the night? In a word, ma'am. All right, Mr. Guppy, as long as you don't mind sleeping with the boots. Show him the way, Rosa. I covet nothing. Possessions are nothing to me. I live as innocently as a child. Forgive me, sir, did you never... wish you had a house of your own and a wife and children of your own? Why, bless you, my dear fellow, I have a wife, and children. Well, half a dozen, I should say, or more.

chuckles

And love them very dearly. But how do you look after them? Look after them? Well, how could I? You see, I have no aptitude for work of any kind. None, whatsoever. My friend, Skimpole, needs somebody to look after him. Then, how do your children live, sir? Do you know, I have no idea. But live, they do, somehow, or other. As I say, it's no use asking me how these things are done. I am a child, a perfect child, in these matters. I think you life must be a very pleasant one, Mr. Skimpole. Well, yes, you might think that.

playing Adagio from "Pathetique" by Beethoven

A lovely young creature like that. We will not call her an orphan. She is a child of the universe. The universe makes rather an indifferent parent, I'm afraid. Oh, I don't know. I think I do know. Well, this is something, I should say! The portrait is of Lady Dedlock as a young woman. It's considered a perfect likeness. And the best work of the master. Dear me! That's Lady Dedlock, is it? Blessed if I can ever have seen her. Yet, I know her! I'm dashed if I don't think-- I must have had a dream of that picture, you know? Huh. -

footsteps approach

-Huh.

knock at door

If you please, miss, Mr. Carstone said would you come to the dining room. Mr. Skimpole's been took, miss. -Took? -Took, miss. Sudden. Oh. I understood you were-- You are not ill, then, Mr. Skimpole? Not in the least, Miss Summerson.

Richard

We thought you might be able to advise us, Esther. This gentleman is Mr. Neckett.

coughs

Mr. Skimpole has been arrested for debt. Are you arrested for much, sir? My dear, Miss Summerson, I don't know. Some pounds, odd shillings and a ha-penny were mentioned, I think. Twenty-four pound, sixteen and sevenpence ha'penny, that's what it is. What will happen if the money's not produced, sir? Jail. Or coavinses. May I ask, what is-- Coavinses, miss? Halfway house for debtors, miss. I thought, you see, that Mr. Carstone might, or his beautiful young cousin, might sign some sort of a bond or pledge-- Not a bit of it. It's cash or coavinses. Make your mind up. One moment, please, Mr. Neckett. Why are we drawn into this? He feels a delicacy about applying to Mr. Jarndyce. Done it too many times before, no doubt. He has no right. I know, but what are we going to do? I think we must pay the man, if we can. I have ten pounds Mr. Kenge gave me. I must try what that will do. I have fifteen pounds and a few shillings. My life savings.

exhales

Esther.

sighs

echoing whispers

bangs open chest

metal clinks

And this is the laundry room, miss.

sighs

Thank you, Harriet. Everything's just as it should be. -Thank you, miss. -Esther? Would you step in here a moment? Sit down, my dear. This, you know, is the Growlery. When I'm out of humor, I come here and growl. Then you must be here very seldom.

laughs

You don't know me. When I'm deceived or disappointed, when the wind is in the east... Now, what is this I hear about Rick and yourself and Mr. Skimpole, last night? Are you angry with us? No! You? No, bless you, no! To get hold of the pair of you and squeeze you like a couple of tender young oranges, that was very bad of him! But there must be no more of it, Esther. If I choose to support him, that's another thing, altogether. Fifteen, was it? Here you are. And keep it safe. Safe from our friend, Skimpole's, inexperience. Hm? Thank you. What is it, Esther? I don't understand why you're so good to us.

laughs

Well... that's easy. In your case, I hear of a young woman without a protector, and I take it into my head to be that protector. And Richard and Ada? They've gone into this dreadful thing through no fault of their own, they need help to guide them through it. Through Chancery? I wish I could guide them far away from it. Jarndyce and Jarndyce as ruined better men than me. The years go by, the claims are passed down through generations, and we can't get out of it, none of us, on any terms! My great uncle, Tom Jarndyce, was brought to despair by it and... blew his own brains out! I was his heir. This was his home. When I came here, it was bleak indeed. When I brought-- What remained of him, home, here... I thought the brains of the house had been... blown out, too. It was so shattered and ruined. Then you must have made great changes, sir. Yes, yes, and in myself, too, as far as I've been able to. And I determined never to be drawn into this case, with its false hopes and ruined expectations. I am fortunate that I have enough to live upon, and to help others, too, without tormenting myself with-- dreams of--

knocks on desk

Well, I told you this was the Growlery and I think we may have done with it for one day.

both laugh

I am very glad to have you here with me, Esther. You and Rick and Ada. Do you think that you will be happy here? Yes, sir, I think so. And is there anything I could do to make you more sure of that? I have been told that I was my mother's disgrace, and she is mine. Do you know what was meant? I assume what was meant was I was born out of wedlock. But I should like to know who my mother was. And whether she still lives.

Jarndyce

Ah. That, I cannot tell you, Esther. Your aunt chose not to tell you and her secret died with her. It may be for the best. Mmm! Gallant conduct? Bravery. You don't see this one, very often. Your own, sir, are they? How much? To pawn or sell outright? Sell outright. Eight pound.

Clamb clears throat

Those papers, Mr. Tulkinghorn, that you took to Lady Dedlock, the one you were interested in. It was copied at Snagsby's. You're quite sure of that? Was there some complaint about them, sir? None at all. Quite the contrary. That's all, Clamb. Mrs. Pardiggle has threatened to call. I'm afraid she may insist on taking you all on her rounds.

Richard

What rounds would those be, sir? Charitable rounds, Rick. Will you be embarking on this charitable expedition, Mr. Skimpole? I? Oh, no.

chuckles

Well, I have nothing to give, but myself. And Mrs. Pardiggle, I find, a woman best admired from a distance.

bricks clinking

dogs barking

Richard

What's the cause we're engaged in today, Mrs. Pardiggle?

Mrs. Pardiggle

We are visiting a poor family of brick makers. The father is a very bad character. But I believe I have made great strides with them already. They love to see me, you know.

wheels squeaking

Come in, come in. Well, my friends, I am here again. There ain't anymore of you, is there?

Mrs. Pardiggle

You won't put me off, good people. -I enjoy hard work. -

baby cries

The harder you make mine, the better I like it. Now, did you read the little book I left with you? No, I've been drunk for three days. If had the money, I'd have been drunk four. Have I been to church? No, I ain't. How did my wife get that black eye? Why, I gives it to her. If there's anyone else who wants one, you say the word. Well, if that's the way, perhaps we should move on. There are others more deserving of our attention.

baby coughs, cries

Is there anything we can do? Would you like a doctor called for the baby? I think it's gone too late for that, miss.

baby squeaks last breath

gasps

crying

sobbing

Richard

We can do no more for now, Esther.

continues sobbing

sweeps

-Damn you, boy! -Sorry, sir! Damn your sorry, you little blackguard--

Nemo

Leave it! Or you will deal with me! Well, Jo, how are you? Not so bad, thanks, sir. Here. Take care of yourself, Jo. Well, here you are. How did you like Mrs. Pardiggle's charity? Not at all, sir. Oh, Lord, I shouldn't have let you go, you're distressed. Our distress is nothing, but theirs is-- Can nothing be done to help them? I think something must be done. But now, Esther, if you feel up to it, -you have a visitor. -A visitor? For me? -A Mr. Guppy. -Mr. Guppy? -Of Kenge and Carboys. -Mm. But doesn't it concern us all? Miss Esther Summerson, on a personal and confidential matter, he said.

footsteps approach

Miss Summerson.

sighs

Will you take some refreshment? No, thank you. I'll take a glass of wine.

clears throat

Miss Summerson-- Uh--

clears throat, gulps

-

clears throat

-What is it, Mr. Guppy?

clears throat, deep breath

My present salary is two pound a week and I expect a further rise of four shillings. My mother has a little property which takes the form of a small life annuity. Mr. Guppy, I don't understand-- Miss Summerson-- in the mildest language, I adore you! Now, would you be so kind as to allow me to make a declaration. To make an offer. Get up, please, Mr. Guppy. I won't hear anymore unless you do. I will, miss. As I love and honor, so likewise, I obey. I'm sorry, Mr. Guppy, but I can't marry you. It's out of the question. I'm aware that in a worldly point of view, -my offer may seem a poor one, -No, it isn't that-- but I have been brought up in a sharp school. I've ferreted out evidence and got up cases. What means might I not find of advancing your fortunes if I had your confidence and you were to set me on. Please, stop, Mr. Guppy. I have walked up and down, of an evening, opposite Jellyby's only to look upon the bricks that once contained thee. Miss Summerson, have pity on me. Mr. Guppy, I don't want to disappoint you or to cause you pain, but you must understand that I don't-- And couldn't-- love you. I thank you for your good opinion of me. And that is your final answer? Yes. Half a minute, miss? In case you should think better, at any time, for my feelings can never alter.

exhales

Mr. William Guppy 87 Penton Place will suffice. My card. Without prejudice. My angel.

small laugh

door bells jingle

Bless my soul, sir, Mr. Tulkinghorn. I want half a word with you, Snagsby. Jarndyce and Jarndyce. Everything's satisfactory, I hope, Mr. Tulkinghorn? You copied some affidavits in that cause for me lately. Yes, sir. There was one of them, the handwriting of which is peculiar. Who copied this?

Snagsby

Ah. We gave this out, sir. I'll be in the book.

pages flipping

Jarndyce... Here we are, sir. This was given out to a writer who lodges just opposite. Name of Nemo. Nemo? Nemo is Latin for "no one."

chuckles

He lodges just opposite? Above Krook's bottle shop. Will I take you there? No trouble. No trouble at all, sir. No, Snagsby, that will not be necessary. I was simply curious, that's all. Good evening, Snagsby. Good evening, Mr. Tulkinghorn. Much obliged to you. -

hisses

-

bells on door jingle

All right, Lady Jane.

cat growls

Mr. Krook?

Krook

That's me. Is your lodger within? Male or female? Male. He's in. Did you wanna see him? Yes. Then you best go up. Second landing and on the left. Thank you.

footsteps ascending stairs

taps loudly

Mr. Nemo? Are you there?

door creaks

Opium.

door closes

Mr. Nemo?

taps

Hello, my friend.