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Nightmare (1964)
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Janet. Where are you, Janet? Janet, you've come to help me, my darling, haven't you? Come, darling. You know where I am. Janet, I'm waiting. Janet! Where are you? I'm waiting. That's right, my darling. In here. That's right, my darling, in here. Here I am, Janet. Please help me. Help me, my darling. Help me! Help me! Help me, Janet! Now they've got us both, haven't they? That's how it should be. Isn't it? We're both mad, aren't we? We're both mad! No! We're both mad! No! I'm not mad! No! I'm not mad! No! I'm not mad! Get back to bed, girls. Janet. Janet, what was all that about? I had a dream and... The same one? I... Janet, come along. Come back and lie down. You must try and get to sleep. Come on. Good night. Come on! I've been looking for you everywhere. Why weren't you with the others? I'm not very popular. I disturb their sleep. You disturb mine. You're different. It's part of your job. My job is to teach. Now, will you please put off that radio? What did Mrs. Hatcher want to see you about? She wants you to see a doctor. No. Why? She can't make me, can she? She might send you home if you don't. I'd rather go home. But you like it here. I don't want to see a doctor. Not the sort she'd send me to, anyway. Does Henry know? Who's Henry? My guardian. Henry Baxter. He's a lawyer. I expect Mrs. Hatcher will telephone him. She'll have to if I'm going home. He knows about me. He'll understand. What is there to understand? Everything. Doctors and... Henry will come and fetch me. Time you were asleep, girls. Good night. Comfortable? What am I doing in here? Mrs. Hatcher thought it would be better for the other girls. You'll be going home tomorrow. Did she speak to Henry? Yes, she did. Mr. Baxter won't be able to meet you, I'm afraid. Why not? I don't know. Anyway, it'll be all right. I shall be going home with you. Why? It's a long journey. Mrs. Hatcher thought you might like the company. What about you? I like the idea. It'll make a nice change. All right, now. Good night. I wonder why Henry couldn't meet us. He's probably waiting for you at home. Is Mr. Baxter at home, John? Mr. Baxter? I don't think so, Miss Janet. It is nice to see you again, John. It's nice to see you again, Miss Janet. I hope everything's all right. Why? Home in the middle of the term. I thought perhaps you weren't well. I'm perfectly well, thank you. How long does it take? About half an hour. How is everything at High Towers, John? Fine, Miss Janet, just fine. John's a very old friend, aren't you? I like to think so, miss. John and Mrs. Gibbs. How is Mrs. Gibbs? Just the same, Miss Janet, just the same. The country is beautiful around here. Slow down, John. What is that place? Stop, John. It's better not, Miss Janet. Do as I say. Please, Miss Janet. You know you... I'm sure that John knows best, Janet. It doesn't concern you. Everything concerns me until I deliver you safely home. Mrs. Gibbs! It's lovely to see you again. Lovely. And you're looking fine, just fine. Is Henry here? Mr. Baxter? No, he's not here, dear. Why not? Mr. Baxter, why should he be? Yes, he should. He should have met me from the station. Perhaps he'll come later. I was so looking forward to seeing him. Is my room ready? Yes, I've got a nice fire. Now, come on. What about Mary? This is Miss Lewis. She teaches at my school. How do you do? How do you do? I've put Miss Lewis in the Blue Room. Why? What's wrong with the guest room? I'm afraid that's my fault. Who are you? I put myself in the guest room. But I can always change. Who are you? My name is Grace Maddox. Yes. Mr. Baxter asked her to come down. He thought you might like someone with you. Why? He thought perhaps you might get lonely. It sounds like a good idea. Yes, it does. Do you mind having the Blue Room? It's awfully nice. It's my favorite color. Good, I'll show you the way then. No, you show her, Mrs. Gibbs. Grace, you come with me. I've got a letter for you, miss. A letter? For me? Yes. It arrived this morning. A letter for me? What was in the letter? He said he was sorry not to be here to meet you... but he'll try and get down one day next week. He sent me some flowers. You saw them, didn't you? Yes, they were beautiful. What else did it say? Nothing. Just thanking me for bringing you home. That's just like him. He's very kind. It's such a pity you won't be meeting him. Another time perhaps. It's time you were getting up to bed. I'm not at school any longer. Sorry, force of habit. I'm going anyway. It's been a busy day. Good night, Grace. Good night. I'm so glad Henry sent you to keep me company. I'm glad, too. Good night, Mary. Grace. Do you ride? Yes, a little. Good. We'll go out tomorrow then. Good night. Good night. Would you like some more coffee? No, thank you. There was something else in the letter. Mr. Baxter asked me to tell you all I know of Janet. What do you want to know? She's not well, is she? You're not just a companion, are you? No, I'm a nurse. Does Janet know? No. I shouldn't tell her if I were you. I'm not going to. She seems to have a fear of doctors. It may extend to nurses. Yes, it probably does. Mr. Baxter felt that so long as she was going to have a companion... it may as well be somebody who could be of some help in an emergency. It sounds like a good idea. Do you know Mr. Baxter well? No. I've never met him. His wife engaged me. I think I'll just look in on Janet. Then I'll go to bed. Mrs. Gibbs will get you anything you need. Thank you. Good night. Good night. You want something, miss? No, thank you. I'm going to bed now. Good night then, miss. Good night. Can I clear away this? Yes, of course. Nice of you to bring Janet home. I enjoyed the trip. She's all right, isn't she? She's not any worse? Worse? Poor darling thing. I don't know how she puts up with it, I really don't. What do you mean? This terrible thing that's torturing her. Never a moment's rest from it, day or night. What thing, Mrs. Gibbs? You don't know? No, I don't. I'm sorry, miss, I... Please, Mrs. Gibbs. I'm very fond of Janet. She's fond of you, too. She told me last time she was home. I'm sorry, miss. I thought you knew about her mother and father. Only that they were dead. They're not. Leastways, her mother isn't. Her mother's still alive? If you can call it that. She's locked up in an asylum. You must have seen the place this afternoon. How terrible. Not so terrible as what her mother did that put her there. What was that? It was six years ago. Six years ago this month. Janet was 11 then, such a happy child. She was always laughing and joking. We had such fun in those days. This was a happy house. Janet, her mother, and father. What happened? It was Janet's birthday. She and I had been out for a walk after lunch. Her mother hadn't been well and was staying in bed. So we'd arranged a little tea party which we were going to have up in her mother's room. We got back, I think it was about 3:00. Janet had found some wild flowers that she had picked for her mother. I'm going to take these up to Mummy. Take your coat off first. No, afterwards. She was 11, miss, 11 years old. Can you imagine what a thing like that could do to the mind of a child? No. They found her mother insane. Perhaps it would have been better if she hadn't been. Perhaps it'd have been better if it had been a cold-blooded killing... by a sane and normal person. Why do you say that? Janet had a nervous breakdown after that. She was in hospital for weeks. And when she came out, she started to worry. That's what's been troubling her this last couple of years. The terrible worry that she might have inherited something from her mother. That she might be insane, too. That's not very likely, is it? I don't know, miss. These things can happen, I've heard. Not very often. Perhaps not, but... has it occurred to you that the terrible worry that it might happen... could be sufficient to drive a person out of their mind? Who's there? It's you, miss. I came down to get a book. I thought everyone was in bed. Sorry if I startled you. That's all right, miss. I'll just finish putting out the lights. Janet? You frightened me. What do you want? I thought I heard something. I went into your room to see if you were all right. I'm all right. What are you doing out here? I had a dream. At least, I think it was a dream. Did you see anyone? No. If it was a dream, what am I doing here? Come back into your room. You can tell me all about it. Come on. What is it? She was standing there. Who was? The woman. I dreamed I woke up and she was standing there. She was staring at me... and she turned and walked towards the door. No, she didn't walk, she seemed to drift. When she got to the door, she turned around and beckoned me. She wanted me to follow her. When I got to the corridor, she'd gone. I was looking for her when you... You found me out there, didn't you? That part of it wasn't a dream. Where does the dream finish and reality begin? Perhaps it wasn't a dream... Of course it was a dream. You must have walked in your sleep. Perhaps I was awake all the time. How could you have been, if you dreamed it? You know what's said of people who see things when they're awake? I don't think... They're mad! Don't say that. It's true. Try and get this into its right perspective. You're a highly strung girl. Nothing wrong with that. Hundreds of people are highly strung. What it means is, your imagination is liable to play tricks. You can't keep it in control the same as other people. You are highly imaginative, nothing more than that. You've got to learn to control that imagination. Do you understand me? If you say so. Come on now. Into bed. I need my sleep even if you don't. I've a long journey tomorrow, remember? Do you have to go? You know I do. Anyway, you don't need me now. You've got Grace. Yes. I still wish you didn't have to go. Good night, Janet. I'm sorry you're leaving, miss. So am I, in a way. And Janet? She needs looking after, John. I know. I'll keep my eye on her best I can. I know you will. You and Mrs. Gibbs. But she needs something more than that, doesn't she? She has to learn to believe in herself again. That's the most important thing. Perhaps Grace... Miss Maddox will be able to help. I hope so, miss. I hope so. You know, this house is a much brighter place now we've got you back home. Mrs. Gibbs, did Mary say anything to you before she left? Say what? Anything about me? No, darling. Why should she? You don't think... You think I'm all right, don't you? What do you mean, all right? You don't think I'm like Mummy? No, darling, of course not. Mummy used to have dreams. She told me about... Now look, dear, your mother was very ill. Now you know that. But I have these dreams... That's nothing, so do I. We all have dreams. Not like mine. Never mind, darling. You're home now and everything will be all right. Janet, what on earth are you doing? What's happening? Janet, stop it! Stop it, Janet! Yes, the doctor's with her now. Yes, all right. I'll tell him. How is she, Doctor? She's much quieter now, Mrs. Gibbs. Did you get him? Yes, he'll be here tomorrow afternoon at 3:00. I've given her a sedative. It should last through the night. Look in about 7:00 in the morning. If she wants, she can have two of these. Yes, Doctor. Good night, Mrs. Gibbs. Good night, Doctor. Thank you so much for coming, Doctor. See you tomorrow. Good night. Why does the doctor want to see Mr. Baxter? I don't know. But we have to find that out tomorrow when he comes. You better go to bed, Mrs. Gibbs. What about you? I'll stay up. I'll look in on Janet from time to time. It's such a relief having you here, miss. I'm sure I'd never have managed on my own. Nonsense, Mrs. Gibbs. Go to bed. Good night, miss. Good night. I agree with most of what you say, Doctor. She is nervous, she is highly strung. But what I don't agree with is that it goes any further than that. I'm only giving you my professional opinion, Mr. Baxter. You've known Janet a long time. You know her whole background. This abnormal fear she has that she may inherit her mother's insanity. Surely, you must see that to send her away... would only make the situation worse, not better. But she must have properly supervised psychiatric treatment. I'm not implicating an asylum, just a private sanatorium. But, Doctor, you and I know the difference between such places. Would Janet? I don't think she would. All right, Mr. Baxter. Naturally, I can do no more than make recommendations. Whether or not you act on them is entirely your concern. But at least grant me one thing. What is that? If there are any repeats of last night, then please get another opinion. Just don't leave things to sort themselves out. They won't, you know. That's a promise. That's a sensible young lady you sent down to keep Janet company. She came well-recommended. One of the most important things is... for Janet to have people around her that she likes and trusts. And yet you advocate sending her away. As a first choice, yes I do. But you've ruled that out. Now, who knows, you may be right. Let's hope so, anyway. How is she? Much better. Still a little dopey, though. You gave her the sedative? Yes, at 7:00 this morning like you said. Good. I'll look in tomorrow. Thank you, Doctor. Think over what I said, Baxter. Yes, of course. Now, thank you, Doctor, and good-bye. Good-bye. May I see her now? Yes, please do. She's so looking forward to seeing you. Henry. Hello, darling. Where have you been? You should have met me from school. I couldn't. I'm sorry. Was it your wife? She hates to be left alone. Am I forgiven? Yes, if you promise to stay here for a while. I'm afraid I can't this time. Please, Henry. I need you, honestly, I do, Henry. You're the only one who understands. Can I go to London with you? Perhaps, but later. When you're better. Did the doctor say I was ill? He said you needed rest. Nothing else? No, why? You know why. What he said only confirms what I've known all along. There's nothing wrong with you. You won't let them take me away, will you? Take you away? What on earth for? You won't? No. Of course, I won't. This is where you belong and as far as I'm concerned... this is where you're going to stay. Now, I must be going. Good-bye, my dear. I'll see you soon. Who is it? Who's there? I'm going to take these up to Mummy. Take your coat off first. No, afterwards. I'm going to take these up to Mummy. Take your coat off first. I'm going to take these up to Mummy. To Mummy. To Mummy. To Mummy. No. No, please, not here. Not here. Please. It's all right, dear. Everything's all right now. Please don't make me stay here. Would you like to sleep somewhere else, miss? Yes, please, John, please. My room. All right, John, you may go now. Good night, Miss Janet. Take these. What happened, Janet? Janet, what happened? All right, now. Don't leave me alone. Of course not, if you don't want me to go. I don't even know who she is. I don't even know who she is. Who? How can you dream about someone you don't know? I've never met her before ever. Grace, what does she want from me? What does she want? Dreams and imaginations can be very strange at times. Often, things happen that we just can't explain. Now go to sleep. It's your birthday tomorrow. You want to be fit for that. Go to sleep. Grace. Grace, are you there? Grace, I thought everybody was out. No. Please, who are you? Please leave me alone. What do you want? No, don't come near me, please! Go away, do go away. Please. Why don't you leave me alone? Please, please leave me alone. Go away. Please go away. Luckily I heard the mirror breaking, so I managed to reach her in time. I put a tourniquet on her and then I called the doctor. He's with her now. How is she? She's still suffering from shock, mostly. She's lost a lot of blood, not enough to do her any real harm. Thank God for that, anyway. Doctor, how is she? She's quiet now, but I'm very worried about her. I've taken your advice. I've brought someone down from London to see her. Sir James Dudley. Come in and meet him. Would you ask Janet to come down? Yes, Doctor. Come on in. Who is it? What do you want? I've got a surprise for you. Mr. Baxter's here. Henry? He's come for my birthday. I knew he wouldn't forget. Grace, does he know about my... Yes, I'm afraid he does. Is he angry? No, of course not. You saved my life. Nonsense. Yes, you did. You did. How are you feeling, dear? She's all right, Mrs. Gibbs. Henry's here. I know. Happy birthday, darling. I'm sorry. You haven't met my wife, have you? Helen. No! Leave me alone! No. Can I take you back? Thank you. Well? Happy? Three long months of nothing but waiting. And it's all over now. All over. Everything. And the beauty of it is that nothing or no one can touch us. In law, we're guilty of nothing. My husband should know. He's a lawyer. Come here, lawyer. What's the matter? We've been here two hours and you haven't unpacked yet. Who cares? Come here. I want a drink. You can ring downstairs. I'm going downstairs. I'll see you in the bar. And hurry up. Ten minutes. Hello. No, I'm sorry. He's on his way downstairs. You'll find him in the bar, I think. That's all right. Good-bye. What's this? What you ordered, sir. Whiskey. I ordered a large whiskey. That's what you got. I don't agree. I do the teas, sir. The barman doesn't come on till 5:30. You're too late for tea. I don't want any tea, thank you. I can't promise you anything, but would you like a drink? Scotch, please. Who was it? Who was what? Who wanted you on the phone? Nobody, why? There was a call for you upstairs. That's strange. Mr. Baxter, I'm sorry about the drink, sir. That old fool thinks it's a social evil to drink before 6:00. I'll get you another one. Thank you. I'd have come earlier if I'd known it was you, sir. Why? I like to look after my regular customers. Look after them and they'll look after you. Scotch for you, sir, and Pernod for madam. I hate Pernod. But madam always drinks... I'm sorry... You're mistaking me for someone else. Yes, of course. Madam is drinking... Scotch, please. Scotch. Yes, that's two Scotches. Fool. You said you'd never been here before. I haven't. Old customer he called you. Yes, I know. I heard him. What does it mean? I've no idea. He's obviously mistaking me for someone else. Cheers. - Cigarettes? - In my pocket. Where did you buy these? What? These cigarettes. They're mentholated. You don't usually smoke these. No, I don't. Neither do I, so whose are they? I've no idea. They're not mine. They were in your pocket. I don't know how they got there. Henry. Where did you go last night after dinner? For a walk, I told you. Yes. So you told me. Mrs. Baxter. Is Mr. Baxter not with you? No. He's at the post office. Why? It's just that I have a message for him. I'll take it. A lady called. Who? A lady. She wouldn't give her name. She said Mr. Baxter would know who it was. I see. Thank you very much. I tell you, I haven't got the vaguest idea who it was. Yesterday might have been a coincidence, but not today. You've seen her, haven't you? Seen who? This woman. The one who's called you twice. The one who smokes mentholated cigarettes. The one you stayed with here once before. I've never been here before. So you say. But the barman didn't think so. He made a mistake. Yes, you said that, too. Look, there doesn't seem to be much point in discussing the matter. You're obviously not going to believe anything I say. No, I'd like to. But I can't. Where are you going? Look, what do you want me to tell you, madam? You can tell me the truth for a start. The truth? What about? You didn't make any mistake last night, did you? Last night? You know what I'm talking about. Look, madam, how long have you been married? I don't see what that's got to do with it. No, please, madam, how long? Four days. Well, that's all right then. I mean, what happened... took place before you were married. What happened? Mr. Baxter has been here before, about three weeks ago. Alone? A last fling. A farewell to bachelorhood. Then he was not alone? When he arrived, yes, he was. But there was a young lady staying here. They were the only two guests. You know how it is. Yes. I know exactly how it is. You can deny it until you're blue in the face, but listen to me. You might have been all kinds of a gay boy before, but you're married to me now... till death do us part, and I intend to keep it that way, understand? So if you've got any ideas about getting rid of me, you can forget them... because we are tied together legally and because of what happened... back there at High Towers. But I don't want to get rid of you. Good. At least we agree on one thing. What are you doing? I'm sick of this place. I want to go home. All right. I'll phone Mrs. Gibbs. Mrs. Gibbs? Of course. You didn't expect me to give her the sack, did you? We're not going back there. Yes, we are. But what about the flat? I've sold it. Why? Because we're going to live at High Towers. That's what I've always intended to do. But it's not your house. It's as good as mine. I'm the sole executor. Besides, who else is going to live in it now? I don't want to go back there. I'm afraid you'll just have to put up with it. You might at least have had the courtesy to wait until Mrs. Gibbs was out of the room. Why? So she could find out what sort of a man you really are, is that it? If you'd listened to me, you wouldn't have to worry about her. I told you, I didn't want us to come here. And I told you this is where we're going to live, whether you like it or not. The fact that I can't stand this place doesn't worry you at all? Not particularly, although I think you're being stupid. You're the one who's being stupid. No good can come of us being here. I can feel it. Now I know you're being stupid. I'm going to bed. Are you coming? We've got things to talk about first. Not this honeymoon business again. Honeymoon. That's a laugh. Look, I did not meet another woman before we were married. I did not make any clandestine dates. In fact, I didn't do any of the things you seem to think I did. Now I'm not going to argue about it anymore. No, you don't. You're not going to get out of things as easily as that. Get out of my way, Grace. You can scowl at me all you like. You don't frighten me. You don't frighten me one little bit. I'm not trying to frighten you. But listen, I've put up with quite a bit from you these last couple of days. At first I tried to reason with you, but that doesn't seem to work. Now I'm telling you. Stop acting like an ill-tempered little child... and start behaving yourself. If you don't, I'll... You'll what, lawyer? What will you do? I'll throw you out. And don't try to tell me I can't, because I can and I will. I've worked hard for what we've got now. My wife's money and all this as well. And I don't intend to have the satisfaction spoiled for me... by a hysterical female who doesn't know when she's well-off. So you'd throw me out, would you? If I have to. So you can bring in that other woman? I'm beginning to wish there was another woman I could bring in. I think we understand each other. May I clear away, Miss... Madam? Do what you like. Mrs. Gibbs, you've known Mr. Baxter a long time, haven't you? Yes, I have, Madam. Did you ever meet his wife? His late wife. No, I only met her the once that day. Has he ever brought anybody else down here? No, Madam. Not to my knowledge. What time did Mr. Baxter leave this morning? John took him to the station at 8:30. What time will he be back? He said he'd be catching the 5:30. It gets in at 6:40. Barlow 261. No, Mr. Baxter isn't home. Would you like to leave a message? I'm sorry, Mr. Baxter is at his office. Can I help? Who is that? Hello! Who is that? I tell you, I don't know who it was. She asked for you. "Is Henry there," she said. It must have been a client. Why did she hang up? And why didn't she ring you at your office? I don't know. And what's more, I don't care. It's no use ringing that. Mrs. Gibbs isn't here. Where is she? I gave her the evening off. What for? I thought it better if we were going to have a scene. That's very considerate of you. But I for one have no intention of having a scene. I have. Well, you'll just have it on... Those damn fuses. What was that? You can't frighten me. I know what you're trying to do. It won't work. What's all the yelling about? It won't work. What do you mean? Don't talk to me like that. You're not talking to an idiotic teenager. Who is she? Who? Up there? I don't know what you're talking about. I think you'd better go to bed, Grace. Right. I'll see for myself. Barlow 624, please. Barlow 624. Is that the sanatorium? Speaking. This is Mrs. Henry Baxter. Have you any news? I rang to inquire about Janet Freeman. Hello. Are you still there? Yes, Mrs. Baxter. Well? I'm sorry, I thought Mr. Baxter told you. Told me what? I don't think I should... Look, whatever you told my husband, please tell me now. Very well, madam. Janet Freeman escaped from here three days ago. We're very worried about her. I'm afraid, she's not at all well. Dangerous? She could be, madam. Is she dangerous? Yes or no? Yes, I'm afraid she is. Grace, are you there? Go away. Open the door. Go away. Where's Mr. Baxter? He's gone, madam. He left at 8:00 this morning. Mrs. Gibbs, have you ever seen this knife before? No, madam, I haven't. Or you? No, ma'am. Good morning, ma'am. John. Have you ever seen this knife before? It could be my pruning knife. What is your pruning knife doing in the house? I've no idea, ma'am. But you could ask Mr. Baxter. How would he know? He borrowed it from me yesterday. Stop! Did you see anyone? Who, ma'am? Anyone. A woman. No. There's someone in this house, hiding. I want her found. Do you understand? What are you waiting for? Go and look for her. Get John to help. I want the whole house searched from top to bottom. Now! She made us go over the whole house from top to bottom... and then she made us search the whole place again. I didn't even know what I was supposed to be looking for. What did she say? She said something about someone else being in the house. I don't know, but pardon me for saying so, but I don't think she's well. Where is she now? In her room. She hasn't been out all day. Thank you, Mrs. Gibbs. And please convey my apologies to John and to Anne. All right, sir. Grace. Grace, it's me. Go away. I want to talk to you. I don't want to talk to you. Grace, open this door. What are you going to do, break it down? If I have to. You managed to get in all right last night without breaking it down. What do you mean by locking yourself in all day? I'll tell you. Here, I'm safe. I don't have to worry about anybody sneaking up behind me with this. And what is that? That, my dear husband... is the knife you borrowed from John yesterday. I've never seen it before in my life. What are you trying to do? Are you trying to drive me out of my mind? Are you going to get Janet to kill me? Janet? Yes, Janet. I know about Janet. You're drunk. No, I'm not. I was drunk this afternoon, but I'm not anymore. I'm sober. I doubt that. Whatever it is you're trying to do, you're not getting away with it. Do you hear me? Who were you talking to? I'm glad you've decided to... Who was that in there? It was John. I don't believe you. I was apologizing to him for your behavior this morning. It wasn't John, was it? What were you telling him? That I was sick, a little mad? Is that what you were telling him? You liar. It was her, wasn't it? I don't know what you're talking about. It was her. You've got her hidden somewhere here. But I'll find her. I'll find her! I'll find her! I'll find her! Is there something more that you want? No. More coffee? I said no. Now please leave me alone. I'm going down to the village, if that's all right... Do what you want. You've emerged, I see. Does that worry you? Why should it? What have you got there? Don't you know? It's Janet's, isn't it? Yes, Janet's. Where did you find it? Where she dropped it. Janet? What are you talking about? Don't pretend you don't know. I don't and I'm busy. You're not too busy to listen to what I've got to say to you. That depends on whether you talk sense or not. Janet dropped this the other day. And don't play the innocent with me... because I know. Then tell me. You helped Janet to escape, didn't you? I did what? And then you brought her here. You've got her hidden here somewhere in this house, haven't you? At first I thought it was your girlfriend flitting around. Now I know. What do you know? You brought Janet down to kill me. But you're not going to get rid of me as easily as you did your first wife. No! If Janet's here to kill, what's to stop her from killing you? Now look... Stay where you are. I haven't finished yet. For God's sake, Grace, put down that knife and start talking some sense. I said... what's to stop Janet from killing you? I can think of a number of reasons. For one thing, she isn't here. She's locked up, miles away. And second, even if she was free she'd never try to kill me. No. But I would. You had it all worked out, didn't you? All you had to do was to get Janet down here and she would... Stay where you are. Get Janet here and she'll do the rest. It's not going to be that way at all because I'm going to kill you. Grace, please... You shouldn't be too surprised. After all, attack is the best form of defense, isn't it? And I'm only defending myself. Because if I don't kill you, you'll kill me. You've been working up to it since we got back here. But you're squeamish. So you'd get some half-mad girl to do it for you. I can't be sure Janet would do the same thing for me, Henry. So I must do it for myself. It'll make no difference. She'll get the blame. Thank God you're here. My husband, he's been killed. Please, we must phone the police. Yes, we must. And Janet... Janet's here somewhere in this house. I saw her. Janet is in the asylum. You should know, you put her there. No! No. She ran away. She escaped. She must be here somewhere in this house. She must have come straight here. She's killed him. Please ring the police. Number, please. Barlow 624, please. Hold the line, please. That's the asylum. Hello. Barlow 624? Yes. I'm speaking for Mr. Baxter, Doctor. I'd like to know how Janet Freeman is. Hold on a moment. Miss Freeman is getting on very well. We expect a complete recovery within a couple of months. Is that all you wanted to know? Yes, thank you. I'm delighted to hear it. Thank you, Doctor. Good-bye. She's made remarkable progress. She'll be perfectly all right in a couple of months. That's wonderful news. But they told me she'd escaped. They told me themselves. No, I told you. I tapped your phone. I saw her. I saw her twice! You saw me. Then there wasn't anyone else. He didn't have another woman? Nobody else. Only me. He didn't meet you on our honeymoon. He never met me. But the hotel man told me. For 50 pounds, he'd say anything. Why? Because of what you both did to Janet. Now I think we'd better ring the police. Why? Would you connect me with the police, please? - Is that the police? - Yes, sir. I'm speaking from High Towers. |
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