Bleak House

Non! Laissez-moi, cochon! Constable, can't you hold this woman still? You stupid man. Why do you do this? Why should you think I killed that man? Just calm yourself a bit, miss, and I'll tell you. You see, I never thought George had the murdering look about him, but I always thought you had. And then there was the murder weapon. -Anything to say about that? -No. No, because after we'd had our little chat, the very next day you took a trip to the country and dropped a pistol into a pond. And my man, who'd been following you since the night before, got very wet fishing it out. So, there we are, Miss. All over, bar the springing of the trap. You! I wish I could send you straight to hell! I'm sure you do, my dear. Unpleasant, distasteful, coarse fellow. -What is it, my dear? -Hm? Don't much care for that fellow, Bucket, questioning you as if, well, as if you were a common criminal. Well, I suppose he has his work to do. I don't care for the way he goes about it. Making free with one's house. Making a show of everything, like a conjurer at a music hall. Don't care for the man. Well, it's over now. No harm done. You take it very well, my dear. What was it that you were going to see Tulkinghorn about that night? Do you know, I cannot remember. I suppose it must have seemed important at the time, but I really cannot recall it now. Poor Tulkinghorn, what an end, to be shot through the heart by a domestic servant. Doesn't bear thinking about. There we are George, me old friend. A free man, I said, and free you are. And here's your friends to greet you. Oh, George. George. Hello, Mother. Steady on. All right, guv'nor? Well, I'm a free man, for what good it'll do me. I've not a penny to me name and nowhere to lay me head. But we'll get by, Phil. We'll stick together like we always do. We'll find something. -You don't have to. -Now, Mother. No, listen to me George. You don't have to, because you're coming home with me to Chesney Wold. I had a little word with Sir Leicester. "No one knows horses like my George," I told him. "Well," he said, "He can come and help look after mine." I'm coming too, guv'nor. His Lordship give the word. There we are then. I expect you'd be wanting to thank me, George. Thank you? For what? If I hadn't wrongfully arrested you, none of this would have happened. You'd never have seen your ma again, and you'd have still been swimming over your head in debt and misery. Oh, George, no! Let him go this minute. Beg your pardon, Mr. Bucket. No hard feelings, George. All in a day's work. Come on then, George, before you get in any more trouble. Rubbish! Rubbish. Rubbish! Rubbish! What you looking so pleased about, you Beelzebub beast? I've half a mind to skin you and roast you! -

cat hisses

-Huh! -

doorbell rings

-What's that?! Judy, shake me up. Shop's shut! Whoever you are, we don't want your custom! Get out of it! Sling your hook! Last warning. It's only me, Mr. Smallweed. Didn't you hear what I said? Get out! Sling your hook before I pepper you. That's not very friendly, Mr. Smallweed. You see, I've been thinking about the advice you gave me. About what's going to happen to me now and all that. Do you think I care what happens to you, Clamb? I'm not the District Provident Society. I'm a man of business! Yes, I understand that, Mr. Smallweed. Business is what I've come about. 50-50? Ah! Sorry to be back so late. -Were you anxious? -No, not anxious. But I missed you, Esther. And where's Ada? Still in London. But where's she staying? Sit down. She's staying with Richard, in his lodgings. They are married. They have been married for weeks and she never told me about it till now. So... they're married? I always thought it would come, but it's come a little sooner than I thought. Is that all you can say about it? Are you not angry with them? No. If they are happy, I'm happy. Of course I shall miss Ada, as I missed Rick these long months. They live in that damp, poky little place! And Richard looking so ill and wasted. Well, they're together. I expect that matters more to them than anything. And we are together, too. Yes. Well, well, our little household's thinning fast. Things haven't turned out quite as I imagined they would when you first came here. No. I don't suppose things ever do turn out quite as we imagine them. But I hope you think they have not turned out... too badly? No. No, of course not. Carstone, are you there? I see you are engaged. What is your business, Mr. Woodcourt? No business at all. I thought we might take a walk together, Carstone. As you can see... As you observed, Mr. Woodcourt, Mr. Carstone is engaged at present. Perhaps another time. Yes, right. Very well. He looked wretched, but quite set on staying where he was. And Mr. Skimpole was there? Oh, yes, large as life. Making himself very much at home. I don't like that man. Nor do I. I never did. But Mr. Jarndyce has always had a soft spot for him. He's coming here this evening. -You remember Jo, the crossing-sweeper boy? -Of course. When I found Jo in the street half-dead, he told me you looked after him at Bleak House when he had the fever. Yes, but he ran away. No, he was taken. And Inspector Bucket told me it was Skimpole who gave him away, for money, of course, and because he was afraid of catching the infection himself. Tulkinghorn wanted the boy moved on, and Skimpole was all too happy to help. Not caring if the boy lived or died. I think I shall speak to Mr. Skimpole about this. -

doorbell rings

-Out! Out! Closed for business. -Hello, Mr. Smallweed. -Urgh! Kenge and Carboys. Mr. Guppy, the ladies' man. Well, I know what you're after. -Do you, Mr. Smallweed? -I do. These. Well, yes, Mr. Smallweed. As a matter of fact, my client is still interested in acquiring the letters. She was good enough to tell me so only yesterday. Well, she can't have 'em! So there!

he laughs

That's very short-sighted of you Mr. Smallweed, if I may say so. My client is a person of considerable means. So's mine! With knobs on! Ha! That's jiggered you. Well, who is it then, eh? Use your noddle, Mr. Ladies' Man. Never mind the wife, I'm selling to the husband, Sir Leicester Dedlock, Bart. How's that for the highest bidder? And nothing for Guppy of Kenge and Carboys. Now, go on, sling your hook. Out! Out! Out!

doorbell rings

Ah, Miss Summerson. Delightful. And looking as lovely as ever. And busy about all your little tasks, I have no doubt. Is Mr. Jarndyce not at home? He will be here in a little while. Then we shall just have to amuse each other until he comes. Ah, perhaps I might help myself? Why not? You always do. What keen observation. Indeed, here is the world and its delights, and here is Harold Skimpole to partake of them. Will you join me? Mr. Skimpole, I want to talk to you about Richard Carstone. -Dear Rick. -Ada is very anxious about him. She thinks your visits do him no good and I agree with her. I want you to promise to leave him alone.

chuckles

My dear Miss Summerson, far be it for me to go anywhere where I am not wanted. Richard is ill and he is poor. He is penniless. There is no more to be got from him. You and Mr. Vholes have had it all. I am bewildered, Miss Summerson. If my friends choose to lend me money, what am I to do? You seem to forget what a child I am. Yes, I do know what sort of a child you are. When that poor boy Jo was lying at Bleak House, ill and near to death, you took a bribe. How much was it, five pounds, to betray his whereabouts? Can you deny it? A bribe, Miss Summerson? I don't even understand the meaning of the word. Oh yes, I think you do. And what would Mr. Jarndyce say if I told him how you betrayed his trust? Betrayed his... Betrayed his trust? No. No, you've lost me there. These are matters that Harold Skimpole cannot possibly understand. But I do sense a certain something in the atmosphere. And do you know, I think I might take my leave now. Do give my apologies to my dear friend, Jarndyce. Perhaps might not be seeing so much of each other in the future. And to my dear friend Richard and his lovely wife. And coming to your excellent self, Miss Summerson... No need to pretend, Mr. Skimpole. Goodbye. Skimpole. Sorry to be late. -Just going, in fact. -Oh! Events. Events. People and so on. Huh. Goodbye. Odd. He's an odd man. Mr. Guppy, my lady. Mr. Guppy, you are all wet. Er, yes, my lady. A thousand apologies. I tried to get a cab at the station, no luck. Walked all the way, ran part of it. Calm yourself, Mr. Guppy. Have you brought the letters? I beg Your Ladyship's pardon, but no, I have not. Were they destroyed? Smallweed's got 'em. Who is Smallweed? He's a man, my lady. I believe he's coming here to make mischief with 'em. -I see. -I thought you ought to know. He don't stop at nothing, Smallweed don't. I came as quick as I could to tell you, my lady. I'm sorry I could not be of more service. Thank you, Mr. Guppy. Wait there one moment. Fortnum! Fortnum! There is a man named Smallweed. He is not to be admitted under any circumstances. Is that understood? I'm very sorry, my lady, I've just shown him into the library. Well, Mr. Smallweed. What can I do for you? That's very civil of you, sir. Very civil. That's a gentleman, that is. Shake me up a bit! That's enough, you poll parrot. -Mr. Smallweed-- -You don't know me, sir, but I was a client and a good friend of Mr. Tulkinghorn, deceased. I was useful to him and he was useful to me. Now, I come into some letters that belonged to a man who went by the name of Nemo, a law-writer. These letters was from his sweetheart, his little lovey-dovey, and very tender they was, too. Mr. Smallweed, I don't understand how this concerns me. What if I was to tell you that his little lovey-dovey signed herself Honoria Barbary? What? Ain't such a common name, now, is it? Ah, concerns you now, don't it? Honoria Barbary as was. Lady Honoria Dedlock as is. And her sweetheart, Nemo, real name Captain Hawdon. And the child she had by him that he never set eyes on. This is the most preposterous nonsense that I have ever heard. I'll hear no more of it. Fortnum! -Fortnum! -Wait a bit! Wait till you see the writing. 'Ere, have a look at this. Take 'em over to him, Judy. Show him 'em. Don't let him touch 'em! How about that then, Sir Leicester Dedlock? You ever seen a hand like that before? -Sir? -No. No, no. Go away. -What do you want? -500 pounds! I had thought of selling 'em on the market to the highest bidder, but I thought you'd like to keep it private. Well, do you want 'em or not?! I've come a long way today, and my bones have been all shook up. 500 pounds, yes or no? For your lady's honor, and your family's honor. Mr. Tulkinghorn, he was very keen on that and I bet you are too, eh? So, what do you say? Very well, Mr. Smallweed. What did I tell you, Judy? A true copper-bottomed gent. Let's shake hands on it. Steady! Mrs. Rouncewell, are you there? Mrs. Rouncewell, would you have the goodness to ask my lady to come down to the library? My lady has gone out, sir. -Gone out? -Yes, sir. If you please, sir, she left this for you. "You know my secret now. And, of course, our life together is over. I will encumber you no more. I hope you will be able to forget the unworthy woman on whom you have wasted a most generous devotion, and who writes this last adieu."

coughs

Oh!

Sir Leicester mumbles deliriously

Please, sir, don't tire yourself. I came as quick as I could. She's gone then? Give him the slate. Maybe he can write a bit. I'll do me best, sir. Miss Summerson, you'll excuse me being direct. This is a matter of life and death and time is short. The fact is, I know that you are Lady Dedlock's daughter. How? Let's just say I've known for some time. How isn't important. I'll need your help, Miss. Lady Dedlock has gone missing, and I fear for her life. Has she tried to see you, Miss? No notes? No messages? No, no. Nothing at all. I wouldn't have expected it. The last time I spoke to her she said we would never be able to meet again. She may do yet. I believe her to be in a desperate state, Miss. And people in desperate states often do go back on things they've said previous. Well, I'll put the word out about her and search in the usual places. What do you mean by "the usual places"? Tom All Alone's, Miss, to start with. And then the river. Desperate folk very often seem to find their way there. -The doctor will tell you that. -I want to come with you. I wouldn't advise it, Miss. She's my mother.

knock on door

Oh, my lady! What's the matter? Oh, look at the state of you. I was hoping to see Esther Summerson. I went to Bleak House, but it was all shut up. I was hoping you could tell me where I might find her. I think they're all in London, my lady. -But I don't know where. -London? Won't you stay a while and rest? Come and sit by the fire. No. No, thank you. You're... You're very kind, but I must go on. At least wait until your clothes are dried out. My lady, stop! -What is this place? -This is where they bring the drowned of the river. Man. Woman, not her. Man. Can't hardly tell what this one is. Too long dead for us, anyways. Man. Man. Woman. Not her. Poor creature. Well I'm stumped, I have to admit it. We've covered all the hotels, the hostels, the sixpenny doss-houses even. -Nothing. -

knock at the door

Please, Miss, a boy brought this for you. He wouldn't wait. He ran off. Thank you. Whose writing is it? My mother's. "I have wandered a long distance and I know that I must soon die. I have done all I could to be lost. I have nothing about me by which I may be recognized. Farewell, my dear one. The place where I shall lie down, if I can get so far, has been often in my mind. Forgive me." Why didn't I think of it? Come on!

sobbing

continues sobbing

If she had only known, George Rouncewell, how much I loved her. And how little I cared about what the world would think of her.

gasps

Oh, my dear, so delighted! So glad to see you. Are you going to visit our Jarndyce wards? -Yes, I am. -Ooh, I must tell you. I have made Mr. Carstone my executor, to administrate my will. I... I have reflected that if I should wear out, he could take over my judgment, being so very regular in his attendance. I am sure he will be very honored. It was to have been Mr. Gridley had that honor, but he wore out, poor man, and predeceased me. But all of this is in confidence. Not a word to anyone. Another secret. I've added to my collection of birds. -Really? -Yes. Two more. Keep them caged up with the others. D'you know what they're called? The wards in Jarndyce. Oh. Oh, oh, but they will be set free, you know, on the Day of Judgment. They will fly free. I must leave you now, my dear. Goodbye. Ada? Ada, are you upset? Is it Richard? He's so ill... and weak. He hardly eats anything. But he forces himself out every day, all day, to court. He's there still and nothing comes of it. And he has his heart set on it, Esther, on winning this wretched case. He has his heart set on you, too, Ada. I suppose so. But I hoped that when we were married, it would be different, that it might change him. That he would think more about us, our life together... and the child he'll be father to. You're going to have a baby? Oh, Ada. Ada! This will bring him to his senses, if nothing else will. -Do you think so? -I'm sure of it! To see his own child, to care for it and watch it grow. Now I'm afraid. Afraid of what? I can't say it. It's too terrible. I'm afraid he won't live to see his child. Here we are. Miss Summerson. Mrs. Carstone. I met Richard outside the court and walked back with him. Gave Vholes the slip for once. He's a good fellow but... weary work when you've had a day of him.

sighs

What a lot of old rubbish, eh? Good to see you, Esther. Sorry I'm not quite the thing. Get so dreadfully tired these days. Well, I won't tire you anymore. Don't go on my account. I'll come again soon. I'll walk with you, if I may. It's consumption, and he hasn't the constitution to fight it any more. He needs rest, a strengthening diet. I've told him all this but it's hopeless. He won't listen. Poor Richard. I have some news, news about myself that I wanted you to know. Good news, I hope. Yes, yes, I think so. I hope so. Shall we sit down for a moment? I don't know whether Mr. Jarndyce has mentioned anything about it, but he has helped me to obtain a position, a salaried post in the north country. It'll mean an end to all my money worries. So, will you take it? I think I must. Opportunities like this don't come twice. I'm very happy for you. Of course, you will be very much missed. By you? Yes, of course by me. And by others. But I'm sure you know this. Never mind about the others. You say you will miss me? Yes, I shall, very much. Then come with me. As my wife! You must know that I've been in love with you almost since we first met. Several times I've come so close to telling you, and I am sure you feel something for me, too. No, Mr. Woodcourt. -Please stop. -Allan. Call me Allan, Esther. I can't marry you, Allan. I can't love you. Except as a friend, a very good and dear friend. Then I am completely mistaken about your feelings? Just stop, please. It won't do. Is this because of Mr. Jarndyce? Yes. It's taking gratitude too far, Esther. He wouldn't want to keep you from marrying someone you love, however good a housekeeper you are. Mr. Jarndyce and I are engaged to be married. Good God, you... You can't mean it. I am very honored by your proposal, but I never expected it. I never thought you felt anything for me but pity. I don't want you to feel honored by my proposal. I want you to marry me. I want you to love me, as I love you. I have told you, I am not free to love you. I can't listen to any more of this. I'm going now. Please don't follow me.

sobs

Rubbish. Rubbish. Rubbish... Why don't you give it a rest, Granddad! You done all right out of them old letters. I did an' all. Sold 'em twice over! Rich pickings, Judy. Well, call it a day, then. Let the rag and bone man have the rest. That is not the spirit that made this country great, Judy! There's more here, I know it. Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish. Bodge up, you brimstone beast. Let's see what you're sitting on. -Ding-dong! -

cat yowls

Hello! What's this? "Last Will and Testament." Jarndyce.

chuckles

Guardian. What is it, my dear? I have a confession to make. -A confession? -Yes. You proposed and I agreed that we should keep our engagement a secret. -Yes. -I have not been able to keep my promise. I have told two people, Ada... and Mr. Woodcourt. I see. There's no need for you to explain why, Esther, and... I forgive you. Then... I think we should agree to get married very soon, if you still want to marry me, and then it shall be a secret from no one. -Are you sure, Esther? -Quite sure. Then... shall we say in a month? In a month.

Smallweed chuckles

"I do declare this only to be my last will and testament." Signed John Jarndyce. Evening, Mr. Smallweed. What you got there? Nothing. Hand it over. Oi! My property, Mr. Bucket. Hand it over, Mr. Smallweed. Shan't. Shan't? You don't happen to know why they killed the pig? No. On account of his having too much cheek. Don't you get into the same position, because it ain't worthy of you. Hand it over. Now. Well, well, well! You're looking very well, if I might say so, Miss Summerson. Quite exquisite, if I might be so bold. -Kenge. -Oi, Guppy, what about me? I wasn't aware you had any interest in Jarndyce and Jarndyce, Mr. Smallweed. Well, I have, then.

clears throat

That's better. Judy, shake me up. All right, Mr. Kenge, we're all ready. Mr. Jarndyce, it would appear that this will is a good and true will of later date than any other so far produced in Jarndyce and Jarndyce. It reduces your bequest considerably, while greatly advancing the prospects of Mr. Richard Carstone and Miss Ada Clare. Mrs. Carstone. Just so. It is our opinion that this will resolves all the difficulties in Jarndyce and Jarndyce. Then Richard and Ada will get their inheritance after all? As soon as next term begins. What do you think? Will I do? The cuffs are a little frayed but no matter. We won, Ada! We won! I was right after all, and they were all wrong, all the rest of them. We shall be rich! But more than that, we shall have justice at last. And then we shall be able to get on with our lives again. Yes. Yes! No more lawyers, no more courts. We can move to the country, Ada. We can watch our children grow up in green fields, breathing pure air instead of this... pestilential stench! If you please, sir, it's a gentleman and a lady. Mr. Guppy and Mrs. Guppy. Mr. Guppy. Mrs. Guppy. I... We were just on our way out. My business will not take very long, sir, and it concerns Miss Summerson. Then please say what you have to say, Mr. Guppy. -Will you sit down, Mrs. Guppy? -Ooh. I'm much obliged, I'm sure. Now, Mother. I had an idea that I should see Miss Summerson by herself. I wasn't quite prepared for your esteemed presence, Mr. Jarndyce. But no matter. All the better, perhaps, for you are, as I believe and understand, Miss Summerson's guardian. I am. Then, sir, I'm pleased to inform you that I am out of my articles at Kenge and Carboys and admitted to the role of attorneys in my own right. And I have taken a house in the locality of Walcot Square, in Lambeth. In short, I am setting up on my own in the legal profession, and I intend to do very well in it. I'm sure you will, Mr. Guppy. Well, Miss Summerson, here we are again. May I say that, ever since I first encountered you, your image has been imprinted on my heart. There was a time, I think you remember that time, when I thought that I'd got over it, but in truth I never did. I find I love you more than ever. Therefore, what I said when we last spoke on these matters, I now repudiate with all my heart. And, with Mr. Jarndyce's approval, I beg to lay the house in Walcot Square, the business and meself before you, Miss Summerson, for your acceptance. Mr. Guppy... I am touched and honored by your renewed proposal. And I am very sorry to have to disappoint you, but my answer is the same as it was before. You're turning me down? I am. I'm sorry, Mr. Guppy. Sorry? I should think so! You should be ashamed of yourself! Ain't my son good enough for you? He's too good for you, that's what! Get out! Get out, the pair of you! -No, mother... -Get out! Mrs. Guppy, I hardly think it's reasonable to ask us to get out of our own rooms. Go on, get out, the pair of you or I'll throw you out! -Mother! -What? Hold your tongue! Mr. Jarndyce, my apologies. I am mortified. Miss Summerson, I take my leave. If ever I can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you, Mr. Guppy. Farewell. Come, Mother. Our friend Guppy's made us very late. The court may have already risen. But surely, with the new will... Excuse me, do you know what court is on? Jarndyce and Jarndyce. -But it's all over. -For the day? Order! Order! Silence in court! Silence! Silence! Silence! This has been a protracted case. It has been a complex case. Jarndyce and Jarndyce has been termed, not inaptly, a monument of chancery practice. However, nothing lasts forever. The discovery of a new and valid will removes all doubt from the case. It is quite clear that the chief beneficiaries of the Jarndyce estate should be Mr. Richard Carstone and Miss Ada Clare... now Mrs. Carstone. Unfortunately... this revelation has coincided with another - that the whole estate has been absorbed in costs. And thus the whole suit lapses and melts away. Jarndyce and Jarndyce... is no more. All rise! My Lord!

coughs

Ada. Yes, my dear love? It's all right, isn't it? Yes, everything's all right now. Everything's come clear. Such a long dark time. But we can begin again now. Yes... Yes. Start the world all over again. You and I... and our child. Yes. My love, yes, we will. Are you there, sir? Here I am, Rick. You're a good man. You saw more clearly than I. I wronged you. Dear Rick, we were all bewildered, more or less. What does it matter now? I was thinking, I should like to come back to Bleak House, when I'm a little stronger. If you will take me back, sir. And Ada, too. Gladly, Rick. Gladly. Ada? I'm always here, my darling. I've done you so many wrongs. I have married you to poverty... and trouble. I've scattered your means to the winds. Can you forgive me? Before I begin the world again?

sobs

Now, my dears. Hope, Joy, Youth, Peace, Rest, Life.

gasps

Your time has come. Fly free, my little ones. Dust, Ashes, Waste, Want, Ruin! Be spared. Come, Madness, Death. Good fellow. Words, Wigs, Rags. Plunder, Precedent, Jargon. Sheepskin. Ooh. And last, but not least, the Wards in Jarndyce. Goodbye, my little ones. Esther. Ada. -What would you say to a little holiday? -A holiday? Where did you think of going? Into Yorkshire. It's a county I've seen very little of, but the Dales are beautiful. Would you like to see the Dales, Ada? I should, one day. But I'd be just as happy to stay here at Bleak House. A holiday would do us good. And there's a place in Yorkshire I'd particularly like to show you, Esther. -What place is that? -I won't spoil the surprise by telling you now. I think you'll like it when you see it. Well, if no one has any objections, I propose we leave tomorrow morning.

Jarndyce

Here we go. This is what I wanted you to see. -

Esther

This house? -This house. -Do you like it? -Yes. In a way, it reminds me of Bleak House. Good. Ada, would you mind waiting here? I want Esther to see this closer to. Thank you. Bleak House? Yes, my dear. Your Bleak House. I don't understand. Are we to come and live here? You will live here, Esther. I will not. What do you mean? I don't understand you. I made a mistake, Esther. I took advantage of your gratitude and your affection. When you were very young, I dreamed of making you my wife one day, and I tried to make myself believe it was right. But it was wrong. I think I knew it even before Woodcourt went away. And when he returned, I was sure of it. I would never be able to make you happy, Esther. Not as a young woman should be made happy by her husband. -I was a fool ever to think that I could. -But-- I know... you love Allan Woodcourt. I do love you. In another way, yes.

sobs

We shall always love each other. Now, come. No. No tears. This is to be a day of joy.

laughs

children playing