BIRDSONG WOMAN GROANS Hold her.

WOMAN WAILS I said, hold her.

She's going to be difficult.

They always are, to begin with.

But not for long.

WOMAN GROANS Keep her still, Muldoon!

WOMAN PANTS WOMAN WAILS Well, I'm afraid Mr Blunt is very busy just at present, sir.

It's, er, it's Scotland Yard.

They've made a bloomer again.

I shall wait.

Well, I don't hold out much hope.

If you wouldn't mind giving me your name, sir.

Gabriel Stavansson.

Beg your pardon, sir?

Stavansson.

Gabriel Stavansson.

I'm sorry, sir.

Would you mind repeating that?

GABRIEL: Stavansson!

GABRIEL SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY Stavansson?

Oh, the explorer.

RAISED VOICES GABRIEL: I'm not used to this kind of behaviour.

- Oh, better fetch him in.

- Right.

GABRIEL: I'm an extremely well-known explorer... I would like you to tell Mr... DOOR OPENS Ah.

This gentleman's waiting to see you, Mr Blunt.

Oh.

I'm due at the Duke's at eleven.

However, I think I can spare you a few moments.

What shall I tell His Grace, sir?

- His Grace?

- The Duke, sir.

He'll be getting a bit fidgety.

Tell him the Duchess's tiara will be found in the fish pond.

Her pet monkey was undoubtedly the culprit.

None of the servants is to blame.

The monkey in the fish pond.

Very good, Mr Blunt.

TOMMY: This way.

Thank you, Albert.

My confidential secretary Miss Robinson.

- How do you do?

TOMMY: Miss Robinson... And now, sir, perhaps you will state your business.

I have... Beyond the fact that it is urgent, that you came in a taxi, that you have recently returned from the Arctic or, possibly, the Antarctic... I know nothing.

GABRIEL: Well, this is amazing.

I thought detectives only did such things in books.

Why, your office boy did not even give you my name!

It was nothing.

No, the... the rays of the midnight sun within the Arctic Circle contain, erm... certain properties and they have a peculiar action upon the skin.

I'm writing a little monograph on the subject shortly.

However, this is wide of the point.

Perhaps you will tell me what it is that has brought you to me in such distress of mind, Mr Stavansson.

- To begin with, Mr Plant... TOMMY: Blunt.

..my name is Gabriel Stavansson.

TOMMY: Ah, yes, of course.

The well-known... TUPPENCE: Explorer.

TOMMY: Quite so, Miss Robinson.

You have recently returned from the... The North Pole, I believe.

That is so.

I landed in England only three days ago.

A friend who was cruising in northern waters brought me back in his yacht, otherwise I should not have returned for another fortnight.

- I see.

Now, I must tell you, Mr Plant... TOMMY: Blunt.

..that before I started on this last expedition, two years ago, I had the great good fortune to become engaged.

TOMMY: Congratulations.

To Mrs Maurice Leigh Gordon.

Mrs Leigh Gordon was before her marriage... The Honourable Hermione Crane, second daughter of Lord Lanchester.

GABRIEL: My word.

Her first husband was killed during the War.

GABRIEL: Exactly.

Mr Plant... TOMMY: Blunt.

..I am deeply impressed.

Miss Robinson enjoys my fullest confidence.

I keep nothing from her, as you can see.

Please go on.

When Hermione and I became engaged, I offered, of course, to give up my expedition, but she would not hear a word of it, bless her!

She is the right kind of woman to be the wife of an explorer.

Ah!

This... is Hermione.

She looks charming, Mr Stavansson.

Oh, she has lovely eyes!

If anything has happened to her... My first thought on landing was to see her.

Naturally.

I sent a telegram from Southampton and rushed up to town by the very first train.

She has been living with an aunt of hers, Lady Susan Clonray, in Pont Street.

So of course, I went straight round.

But Hermie was not there.

How disappointing.

Yes.

She said that Hermie was away visiting friends in Northumberland.

She seemed most surprised to see me.

But I imagine that you were not expected back for at least another fortnight, Mr Stavansson.

I know.

But when I asked her for Hermie's address, Lady Susan hemmed and hawed and said that she might be in two or three different places.

She did not know which, she did not know when.

Well!

I do not mind telling you, Mr Bland... - Blunt.

..she made so many difficulties that I became distinctly annoyed!

I take it that you're not on good terms with Lady Susan?

- Good terms?

TOMMY: Yes.

Ha!

Well, no.

She and I have never got on.

She is one of those... ..fat women.

"Fat women"?

Yes.

You know... double chins, fingers like sausages.

Ugh!

I loathe fat women.

I always have.

Fashion agrees with you, Mr Stavansson.

On the other hand... Everyone has their pet aversion.

Mine is bagpipes.

SHE MOUTHS TOMMY: I can't stand the things.

Mind you, I am not saying that Lady Susan cannot be perfectly charming, but I have never taken to her, nor she to me.

Well, I did not leave Pont Street until I had got the names of the friends she said Hermie was staying with.

And then I took the mail train north.

I can see that you're a man of action, Mr Stavansson!

The thing came upon me like a bombshell, Mr Plant!

TOMMY: Blunt.

None of these people had seen a sign of Hermie!

Of the three houses I visited, only one had been expecting her and she put off her visit there by telegram.

- So Lady Susan... - Made a deuced odd mistake... ..or told me a foul pack of lies.

- Have you been back to see her?

- Not yet.

Coming down on the train, I read your advertisement.

I thought I would put it to you first.

What is your opinion, Mr Plant?

What do you advise me to do?

Shall we discuss that on our way to Pont Street?

- You intend to come with me?

- Oh, of course.

I mean, we must see this charming but large lady ourselves.

Hermione not in Northumberland, you say?

How extraordinary!

More to the point, she was not even expected.

Dear, dear!

This really is most perplexing.

Lady Susan, where else do you think Hermione might have gone?

Well, she might... You say you're friends of my niece?

Oh, absolutely.

We've known her for ages.

TUPPENCE CHUCKLES She never mentioned you.

We've been abroad a good deal.

I see.

But do I take it you share Mr Stavansson's proclivities?

Pah!

Good Lord, no.

Nothing like the pluck.

Lady Susan, Hermione might have gone... Well, to any one of a number of places.

She's not a child, you know.

And she has many, many friends.

- For example?

- For example... It's very hard to say.

- Did she leave an address?

- No.

No, no, she didn't.

GABRIEL: But you told me... I really cannot remember what I told you, Mr Stavansson, turning up as you did, throwing my house into an uproar!

Uproar?

And now you burst in again and cross-examine me in my very own drawing room.

- Now, look here... - Lady Susan is quite right.

I am sure there is a perfectly simple and natural explanation.

As you said, Hermione is not a silly little girl, but an independent woman who's always been in the habit of making her own plans.

Why, I expect at this very moment she's carrying out some idea of her own.

Exactly, Miss Robinson.

Just what I was about to say myself.

I don't like it!

I like it less and less.

Well, I suppose the police could always be notified.

The police?

Oh, no, Mr Blunt.

That's a positively dreadful idea!

- Ah-ha!

- I merely thought... But... But the publicity... The scandal.

TUPPENCE: Why should there be any scandal, Lady Susan?

I... I... KNOCKING AT DOOR Oh.

Yes, John, what is it?

A telegram has arrived, milady.

LADY SUSAN: Oh, thank you.

Would you mind, my dear?

PAPER KNIFE RATTLES ON TRAY Thank you.

RATTLING STOPS RATTLING RESUMES RATTLING STOPS RATTLING RESUMES There!

What is it?

You are answered, Mr Stavansson.

"Changed my plans.

"Just off to Monte Carlo for a week.

"Hermie."

Well, I'm damned!

Quite possibly, Mr Stavansson, but Hermione, as you see, is nothing of the kind.

TUPPENCE: Where was it sent from?

May I?

Malden.

- Ooh?

Malden?

Malden, Sussex, first thing this morning.

Lady Susan, it seems that I have made something of a fool of myself.

We are what the Lord has made us, Mr Stavansson.

BELL RINGS Thank you, my dear.

And now John will show you out.

Good morning, Miss Robinson.

Mr Blunt.

Good morning.

So pleasant to have met you.

Good morning, Lady Susan.

Go with them, John.

Operator, are you there?

Malden 219.

I want a personal call to Dr Horriston at the Grange.

TUPPENCE: Mm, she's got a divine figure.

A bit too bony for my taste.

What do you make of it all?

Well, the obvious explanation is that Hermie, as he likes to call her, is afraid to see him and has done a bunk.

Which means Lady Susan may be backing her up.

TUPPENCE: Mm.

I must say, she seemed pretty nervous.

TUPPENCE: Oh, the Lady had the wind up, all right.

Yes, I thought so, too.

Could that mean... Hermie has another man?

It might.

Oh, I'd hate to suggest that to a fellow like Stavansson.

He's a powerful chap.

And a pretty passionate one, too.

Capable of all manner of things, I should think.

You're not saying you suspect him?

At this stage... I suspect everyone.

Maybe we'd better cut down to Malden.

Why should she say she's gone to Northumberland, then that she's going to Monte Carlo but in fact want to bury herself in some tiny place in Sussex?

- What if she didn't want to?

- What do you mean?

What if she was being kept there against her will?

WOMAN: Please... WOMAN GROANS Remember, you must show no pity.

- What's the plan?

- Split up, I think.

I'll try that shop.

Right.

Ah!

And I'll visit the Old Cock And Sparrow.

- Good luck, Tommy.

- Good luck, old bean.

DOOR OPENS - Good morning.

WOMAN: Morning.

Er... do you sell picture postcards?

There.

Oh, yes.

Are there any big houses round here?

No.

Apart from the Grange, that is.

Oh, the Grange?

What's that?

A sort of hospital... for nerve cases, they say.

- Nerve cases?

- Spooky sort of place.

It's full of raving loonies with foreign names.

Foreign names?

This telegram's got to go up there this morning.

I could hardly make it out.

- Mm.

Can I help?

"Reservation cancelled.

"Unforeseen delay."

Seems quite clear.

WOMAN: Look at that name!

TUPPENCE: Mosgovskensky.

See what I mean?

What sort of name is that?

Who does the Grange belong to?

Dr Horriston, he calls hisself.

Horriston... Erm... can you tell me what he looks like?

Tommy, I believe I've got it!

The Grange!

Yes, I've just been hearing about it.

Do you think Mrs Leigh Gordon's there?

I don't know, but did you see that man driving off in the blue car?

Unpleasant-looking brute.

Yes.

Well, that's Horriston.

He OWNS the Grange.

So we'll have to check up on HIM.

We don't need to.

I KNOW Horriston.

- You know him?

TUPPENCE: Yes.

Well, I met him briefly several years ago.

My chum Poppy St Albans had the most frightful experience at his hands.

He used to be a bona fide doctor and then he came a cropper of some kind.

Something to do with armadillo glands.

Armadillo glands?

Yes.

Tried injecting people with them, or something equally ghastly.

Anyway, he's an unscrupulous quack.

The Grange?

CAR ENGINE STARTS Yes.

The Grange.

HORRISTON: I shall have to increase the concentration.

That could be quite dangerous.

- What other choice do we have?

- According to my analysis... There's someone to see you, Doctor.

A Mr Beresford.

Beresford?

I don't know any Beresford.

He says it's urgent.

Do you want me to... No, no.

Very well, show him in.

DOOR CLOSES Come this way, please.

Mr Beresford.

- Tommy Beresford.

Dr Horriston, I presume?

- My partner, Dr Kleber.

- How do you do?

- Irma Kleber, formerly of the Stadtsangruber Institute of Geneva.

Jolly good.

Well, it's awfully decent of you to give me your time, Dr Horriston.

Now, what my readers really want to know... HORRISTON: Your readers?

Oh, didn't your man tell you?

I'm with the Daily Reporter.

We're doing an article on the cure of nervous diseases.

I'm sorry.

I never give interviews.

- But... - This is a private institution.

You will leave at once.

- I've come all this way.

Muldoon!

Show Mr Beresford out, Muldoon.

TOMMY: Can't you give me five minutes?

I mean, it's not often we get the chance to... You.

Out.

Oh, my editor is gonna be very shirty... PENCIL CRACKS PENCIL CLATTERS ON FLOOR Oh, yes.

Well, fair enough.

Uh, by the way, how is my friend Mrs Leigh Gordon?

What?

She's a patient here, I believe.

There is no-one here of that name.

TOMMY: But she... - No-one.

That's funny, because I could've swo... TOMMY WHIMPERS Cheerio.

DOOR CLOSES CAR ENGINE RUNNING Thank you!

TOMMY: Hello, darling!

He's lying.

She's there.

I know it.

That woman's in some awful danger.

I feel it in my bones.

I wish I'd gone with you.

I'm sorry, old girl.

Couldn't have risked it.

or else they might have remembered you.

So what do we do now?

Go back to London and tell Stavansson that we failed?

That goes decidedly against the grain.

TUPPENCE: Right.

So somehow we've got to get back inside that house.

TOMMY: They've just seen me.

Which leaves only one alternative.

Tuppence, you can't.

I forbid it.

Tommy, I shall be perfectly safe.

But supposing Horriston recognises you.

Not a chance.

He met ME, remember?

Well, next time, he's gonna meet somebody else.

Madame Vera Mosgovskensky.

Madame Mosgovskensky, this is truly an honour!

MOCK-RUSSIAN ACCENT: Naturally.

You are Dr Horriston?

- I am.

Er, Dr Kleber.

Irma Kleber, formerly of the Stads... - She being your mistress?

- Er, no, Madame Mosgovskensky.

Dr Kleber is my partner.

Oh!

I am wondering.

SHE CHUCKLES - Please.

- Thanking you.

Why you looking astonish, Doctor?

Er, well, the truth is, Madame Mosgovskensky, that having received your telegram yesterday I understood that you had cancelled your reservation.

Well, I am changing my mind.

It is artist's privilege, no?

Er, yes, but... Ah!

My suite is not prepared?

Er, no, Madame Mosgovskensky.

That is, yes, er... So, why you not understanding?

I'm sorry.

I will repeat.

After the Imperial Ballet, I am joining troupe of Diaghilev.

This is seven years now.

But I am leaving him.

He is no good.

He is charlatan.

You are totally in agreeable?

- Er, yes... So now I am forming my own company, the Ballet Mosgovskensky!

But this is requiring much work.

Many head pains.

- Er, headaches.

Oh, it is the same thing.

So before starting my new glittering career, I am in need of much rest... of peacefulness... of calm.

IRMA SPEAKING IN RUSSIAN TUPPENCE COUGHS IRMA CONTINUES SPEAKING IN RUSSIAN I am swearing this off!

Never am I speaking in the tongue of my beloved country until the Bolsheviki... the accursed Bolsheviki are expelled from the holy soil of Mother Russia.

Quite so, Madame Mosgovskensky.

You must please to be remembering this.

Of course.

Excuse me, but have we not met before at some time?

Impossible.

If so, you would never forget me.

Your face is somehow familiar.

Familiar?

I am familiar with thousands, tens of thousands, Doctor.

Er, forgive me.

Of course.

So now I will visit my suite.

There is a bar?

- A bar?

I am afraid that alcohol is not permitted.

SHE CHUCKLES Oh, no, no, no.

I am meaning a bar for the practice.

For the suppleness of my limbs.

Ah, yes.

We will have one installed.

I should jolly well be thinking so.

Now, Dr Kleber, would you be so kind as to conduct Madame Mosgovskensky to her... suite?

This way, madame.

I am completely delightful.

Madame.

TUPPENCE CHUCKLES Delightful!

Your room is this way, Madame Mosgovskensky.

I am wondering... what is here?

The room of another patient.

- Oh, there are many?

- As you see.

In Russia, only peasants sleep so close.

I hope they are not to be disturbing me.

No-one will disturb you.

WOMAN GROANS - Ah!

What is that?

- What?

I'm thinking I am hearing some noisiness.

Be assured, Madame Mosgovskensky, here you will sleep as sound as in the grave.

Now, please... I trust you will be comfortable.

Mm... Is adequate.

IRMA: Supper will be brought here to you later.

Oh, good.

A little champagne, a little caviar, and we'll be bearable.

Und before going to bed, you will be sure to take this.

What is it, please?

IRMA: Merely a light draught to ensure you sleep well.

Sleep well?

Always I sleep well.

TUPPENCE CHUCKLES I remembers the Grand Duke Dimitri.

He said to me, "Veruchka, Veruchka, "how can you be sleeping at a time like this?"

Ah, poor Dimitri!

I remember when the Bolsheviki they are storming his palace.

They are finding him... floating.

- Floating?

- In his bath.

What they are doing to him is... unrepeatable.

Nevertheless, you will be sure to take this.

Will you require anything else?

- Nothing.

There is nothing.

You are dismissed.

Good night, madame.

SHE SIGHS It's the journalist fellow I mind most about.

How did he find out we were here?

Some rumours in the village, perhaps.

HORRISTON: Claims to be a friend of the Leigh Gordon woman.

IRMA: That is most serious.

HORRISTON: I shall increase the dosage.

IRMA: But Doctor, the risk.

HORRISTON: I don't care.

IRMA: Your mind is made up?

Yes.

TOMMY GROANS What are you doing here?

TOMMY GRUMBLES What did you say?

SLURRING: Evening, sir!

What do you want with those things?

'Tis this rose, sir.

And the jasmine.

What jasmine?

Growing wild in a fearsome tangle it be, sir.

Threatening to choke the house with unbridled profusion.

It's a bit late for gardening, isn't it?

HE CHUCKLES Oh, the forces of nature wait for neither man nor beast!

You get off.

Do that in the morning.

- Be that an order, mister?

- Yes.

Yes, it is.

Now, get out of here.

Go home!

TOMMY GRUMBLES May you rest as soft and as peaceable as a stoat in his burrow.

Or a toad in his hole, sir.

WOMAN GROANS TUPPENCE GASPS You are out of your room, Madame Mosgovskensky.

I am knowing.

This is not your room.

I am knowing this also.

What is the reason for this expedition in the night?

I am troubled.

I am restless.

Troubled?

I am not used to mattress made of wood.

I see.

My magnificent body make protest, and so I... walk.

Is that all?

Oh, is not enough?

TUPPENCE CHUCKLES In the morning, your mattress will be changed, madame.

For tonight, you will have to endure.

God, always I endure.

'Tis the fate of the artist, no?

- I could not say.

You have taken your sleeping draught?

Not yet.

Then do so, und all your troubles will disappear.

SHRILLY: Please!

Tell me, Dr Kleber, you are possessing a knout?

- A knout?

- 'Tis a whip, like this.

No, Madame Mosgovskensky, I do not possess a knout.

Oh, strange.

You remind me of Cossack I once knew.

Good night, madame.

Good night.

WOMAN GROANS GROANING STOPS WINDOW OPENS STIFLED CRY Take it easy, old girl.

Tommy!

But what are you... Oh, you didn't think I was going to leave you all alone in the lion's den, did you?

TUPPENCE: Darling!

HE CHUCKLES - Oh, you look frightful.

- Oh, I say!

I thought I'd done rather well.

And I've got a spiffing accent.

Listen.

IN RURAL ACCENT: Be that an order... Shh!

I had an encounter with that Dr Kleber.

She tried to get me to drink some horrid-looking medicine.

So, I poured it into that plant pot.

Oh, Tommy, this place is much worse than we thought.

Have you managed to find out anything about Mrs Leigh Gordon?

I have a feeling they've got her locked up.

Good Lord!

Poor creature!

I managed to sneak out into the corridor and I heard a noise coming from one of the rooms.

A sort of woman moaning, or something.

So I tried the door but it was locked.

Tommy, what are we going to do?

Well, there's always the police.

TUPPENCE: No... We don't really have enough to go on.

TUPPENCE: Chucking our hand in, that would be awful!

- Yes.

- Tommy... Oh, sorry, old girl.

SHE GASPS - Oh... - Thanks.

If only we could get into that room.

It's locked, you say?

- Yes.

No sign of a key.

Hold on.

Is it on this side of the corridor?

No, on the other.

Oh, pity.

I could always try using my ladder.

Never mind.

I'm afraid it means forcing that door.

Tuppence?

- Oh, sorry.

- Or breaking it down.

- Oh, you couldn't.

I mean, there's always someone on look-out.

Dr Kleber or that horrid Muldoon.

Then I shall just have to think of something absolutely foolproof that will guaranty there's no-one about, or it may be too late.

- Tommy... TOMMY: What is it?

Darling, have you thought of something?

I believe... I believe I have.

It might... It just might work!

Oh, Tommy, I shall have to be frightfully brave.

BIRDSONG WOMAN GROANS KEY TURNS IN LOCK KEYS JANGLE GROANING CONTINUES Follow me.

- I was supposed to stay here.

- Not this morning.

- Dr Horriston said... - The orders have been changed.

You are needed elsewhere.

She will give us no trouble.

Come!

I know you will be surprised that I have summoned you here.

There is no cause for alarm.

I am authorised to announce to you that among our guests is the distinguished Russian ballerina Madame Vera Mosgovskensky.

APPLAUSE Madame Mosgovskensky has informed me that she is graciously pleased to entertain and delight us with a display of her art.

Yes, she will dance for us!

CHUCKLING Madame Mosgovskensky!

APPLAUSE FROM PIANO: 'Swan Lake' MUSIC STOPS My friends, beloved friends, this morning I am dancing for you some beautiful experts... Oh, so sorry, I mean excerpts... From the immortal ballet Lac Des Cygnes.

The Lake Of The Swans!

PIANO MUSIC CONTINUES SHE RATTLES CANE MUSIC STOPS It is been written, as you know, by my great countryman, the towering genius Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

He was a great, great composer, but also very tragic man.

I remember once in Yakutsk... Oh!

But I am sworn not to be speaking of this.

It is his music that is mattering, no?

TUPPENCE CHUCKLES So now I will begin with my first sensational solo where as Odette, the white swans' queen, I am bringing joy to the hearts of all in the theatre and from the theatre, the world.

Thanking you.

APPLAUSE, PIANO MUSIC RESUMES MUSIC STOPS But first, I must be putting you completely in the picture.

Unless you are knowing story of the ballet, you are not appreciating my unbelievable art.

Is true?

Yes.

So, you must be imagining yourself... MUSIC RESUMES ..in little village in the country.

After beautiful overture, the curtain is rising to reveal girls and boys of the village happily frolicking with themselves.

Yes, they are gaily disporting.

And why?

Because the handsome prince... he is come.

And the handsome prince is named... is... Prince... Charming.

And he is arriving for country sport.

And everyone in the village is over the moons to see him and his pretty companions!

He approaches the house... PIANO TINKLES IN DISTANCE But what is this?

He is shooting her.

MUSIC STOPS Yes, my friends.

The beautiful white swans' queen, she is fallen to the ground.

A cruel arrow from the Prince Charming's crossbow penetrating her magnificent chest.

In terrible throes of dying agony, she does delicate dance.

PIANO MUSIC RESUMES However... MUSIC STOPS ..you must be knowing that Odette is not the only beautiful swans' queen.

Oh, gosh, no!

There is another, and her name is Odile.

But she is black swans, and her mission is evil.

And why is this, my friends?

Well, I am telling you.

It is because she is under the foul influence of the wicked magician.

And his heart is black.

The wicked magician, his name is... Abanazrov.

And he is trying to make slave of handsome Prince.

DOOR LOCK CLICKS HE KNOCKS WHISPERS: Mrs Leigh Gordon... HE KNOCKS Hermie... TUPPENCE: But what shall the handsome Prince do?

He believe most sincerely that he is dancing with Odette, the beautiful white swans' queen.

And oh, she is flying so graceful.

But in reality, it is quite different.

It is not Odette, but Odile!

The black swan's in disguise.

Ooh.

Oh, dear!

What a mix-up!

SHE EXCLAIMS IN RUSSIAN THUD Oh, please, please!

Listen most careful, please!

Your attention!

I am now coming to most important part of the story, when the secret of the wicked magician is about to be revealed.

DISTANT RUMBLING, SHE TAPS CANE SUCCESSIVE RUMBLINGS, SHE CONTINUES TAPPING Mrs Leigh Gordon... SHE GROANS TOMMY: My God... And so they are united in heartbreaking happy endings.

Whole theatre is weeping joyful tears.

The wicked magician, he marries the Prince Charming's grandmother.

The swans, they fly away.

And the Prince and his beloved Odette... Or is it Odile?

Or is it Odette by this time?

I don't know.

It is not important.

The Prince and his beloved Odette, they sink beneath moonlit waters on Magic Lake... as the curtain sheet falls.

SNORING It's beautiful.

No?

SNORING SOFTLY: Madame Mosgovskensky... You are not understanding.

You are wishing I tell story once again.

No!

No!

I'm sure we all found it most illuminating.

You have some questions to ask about my childhood in St Petersburg, perhaps?

Madame Mosgovskensky, we are waiting for you to dance!

This is natural.

Always, always they are imploring me to dance.

Then, for heaven's sake, begin!

Please to be sitting.

I am ready for grand entrance!

PIANO MUSIC PLAYING - Nyet!

- What is it now?

MUSIC STOPS My wings!

Where are my wings?

Your wings?

How can beautiful white swan queen be flying without her wings?

Oh, I am remembering.

They are in my room.

SHE CHUCKLES HORRISTON: Muldoon.

Oh, no.

No, no, not to trouble.

I am going in double-quick time.

Everyone... Everyone is to be waiting in fever of anticipation.

- Madame Mosgovskensky... - No-one, and I mean no-one, is to leave this room.

SHE SIGHS TOMMY: Tuppence!

- Oh, Tommy!

- Did you find her?

- Yes, come on!

- Where is she?

- Upstairs!

Oh!

Well, you can't just leave her.

No, no, no.

I'll tell you later.

SHE SIGHS Come on!

MULDOON: Hey, you!

TUPPENCE GASPS TOMMY: Run!

MULDOON: Stop!

Tommy, no!

HE GASPS ALL GASP INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS ALL SCREAMING GLASS SHATTERS WOMEN SCREAM WOMEN SCREAM Oh, no.

Quickly.

Ooh!

GLASS SHATTERS TOMMY: Quick!

TOMMY: Careful.

TUPPENCE: Ooh!

Come on.

This way.

Muldoon!

SHE YELPS Come on, darling.

- Are you all right?

- Yes.

Quickly!

BOTH PANTING Tommy, I can't!

Oh, come on, darling.

Pull yourself together.

Here, the car!

Good wheeze , eh?

Quickly!

CAR ENGINE CRANKING CAR ENGINE STARTS SHE YELPS SHE PANTS We have failed.

- Are you all right?

- Just about.

My ankle hurts like blazes, but Tommy, you were marvellous!

You were pretty handy yourself.

- Where to?

The police?

TOMMY: No.

Back to Stavansson to warn him?

No.

Oh, but Mrs Leigh Gordon... She doesn't need us, I'm afraid.

Oh, Tommy, you don't mean she's... No such luck.

No, she's getting... thin.

What?

Thin.

She's getting thin.

You know, reduction of weight.

Reduction of weight?

TOMMY: Remember how Stavansson said that he hated fat women?

Well, in the two years he's been away, his Hermie has been putting on weight.

HE SCOFFS She got into a panic when she heard he was coming back and rushed off to do this new treatment of Horriston's.

It's injections of some sort.

He makes a deadly secret of it and charges through the nose.

Stavansson came back a fortnight too soon.

She was only just beginning the treatment.

I know, don't tell me.

Lady Susan tried to protect her, Stavansson got suspicious... - We came down here to make blithering idiots of ourselves.

Not to mention assault and battery on members of the staff.

And I'm... I am guilty of the most appalling false pretences!

What's worse, I ruined a perfectly good nightdress!

HE CHUCKLES Well, at least Stavansson will be happy.

Tommy... Ugh!

..if you ever so much as mention a word of this to anyone... TOMMY: Fair enough.

HE CHUCKLES After all, we haven't exactly come well out of this case.

Making myself up to look like the Ancient Mariner!

Tommy... TOMMY: Yes?

You do look... odd.

SHE LAUGHS Now, listen... I'm sorry.

I promise I'll never, ever mention it again.

Good.

SHE LAUGHS BOTH LAUGHING Ooh!

LAUGHTER CONTINUES EXHAUST FIRES Subtitles by accessibility@itv.com