(05) Escape - Sire De Maletroits Door

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Harold's Old Time Radio – Escape (05): Sire de Maletroit’s Door
Date: August 7, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode features a radio adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale “The Sire de Maletroit’s Door,” originally broadcast as part of the “Escape” radio series. Set in 15th-century Paris during a time of war and political tension, the story follows the night-long ordeal of a young cavalier, Denis de Beaulieu, who is ensnared in the schemes of the mysterious Sire de Maletroit after unwittingly entering his house.

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Overview

“Sire de Maletroit’s Door” unfolds as a suspenseful, gothic tale of fate, honor, and romance. The episode recreates the tense, candlelit atmosphere of medieval Paris, where political intrigue and personal vendettas play out behind locked doors. The tone is darkly witty, dramatic, and ultimately poignant as strangers are forced into a life-altering confrontation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Atmosphere & Setting

• Introduction: The story opens in Paris, 1429, under the occupation of the House of Burgundy and English patrols. The city is described as perilous, especially at night ([02:09] Denis de Beaulieu: “Troublesome times for any man to be lost on foot at night.”).
• Mood Establishment: The streets are described as shadowy and treacherous, ramping up suspense from the start.

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2. The Trap is Set

• Denis de Beaulieu’s Plight: Denis, trying to avoid patrols, stumbles into the home of the enigmatic Sire de Maletroit ([05:11] Denis: “It’s a trap. But why? Why would such a thing be done? I came in here by chance.”).
• Hostile Welcome: Sire de Maletroit is waiting for Denis and reveals the young man is, in fact, expected ([06:44] Sire de Maletroit: “Come in, young man. I’ve been expecting you all evening.”).
• Mistaken Identity: It soon becomes clear Denis has stumbled into a scheme intended for another man.

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3. The Motive & The Marriage Plot

• The Niece’s Fate: Sire de Maletroit insists Denis must marry his niece Blanche, or be hanged ([13:18] Sire de Maletroit: “These impromptu marriages turn out very well in the end... Shall we say in two hours?”).
• Blanche’s Protest: Blanche pleads with both her uncle and Denis, declaring Denis is a stranger and not her secret suitor ([12:46] Blanche: “It’s true. I swear by the Blessed Virgin I do not know this man.”).
• The Deadly Ultimatum: Sire de Maletroit forces Denis to choose between marrying Blanche or death ([21:03] Sire de Maletroit: “At the end of your two hours, you will prepare yourself either to marry my niece. Or to kick out your life while you swing at the end of that rope.”).

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4. Dialogue and Character Dynamics

• Irritation & Wit: The exchanges are sharp and laced with irony.
  • ([09:26] Denis: “If you have your right wits, then you’re insulting me grossly. And if not, I have no desire to spend further time with a lunatic.”)
• Blanche’s Backstory: Blanche explains how she was courted by a young captain, inadvertently ensnaring Denis in her uncle’s trap ([16:23] Blanche: “It’s not an easy thing for a girl to tell... Three months ago, a young captain of the guard began to stand near me in the church...”).
• Honorable Refusal: Denis makes clear he won’t accept Blanche’s hand under compulsion or pity.
  • ([20:10] Denis: “I have the honor of declining your offer of her hand. Let that end the matter.”)

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5. Emerging Affection & Sacrifice

• Mutual Respect Grows: Despite the forced circumstances, Denis and Blanche develop a connection through candid conversation ([23:47] Denis: “That’s the end of it.” / [24:00] Blanche: “That is most kind of you to say so.”).
• Courage and Vulnerability: Both admit to fear and confusion, but also to admiration and sympathy.
• Pride and Love: Blanche offers to marry Denis to save him, and Denis refuses out of respect for her feelings ([27:29] Denis: “But remember, you asked me out of the pity of your heart, not for love.”). The dynamic shifts from strangers to mutual affection.

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6. Climactic Resolution

• Dawn and Realization: As dawn breaks, Denis and Blanche confess genuine love for each other ([29:08] Blanche: “I love you, Denis.”).
• Sire de Maletroit’s Reaction: The uncle reappears, “Well, well, well. It’s most gratifying to see this little matter settled in such a congenial fashion.” ([29:26])
• Parting Wisdom: The Sire claims he’s simply wise, understanding the mysteries of love and life ([29:45] Sire de Maletroit: “At the very worst, I’m no more than a very wise old man. One who’s learned all about such mysteries as the love of life and love.”).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Danger in Paris:

  “Troublesome times for any man to be lost on foot at night.”
  — Denis de Beaulieu ([02:09])

• On the Trap:

  “It’s a trap. But why? Why would such a thing be done? I came in here by chance. One chance against a million.”
  — Denis ([06:00])

• On Control and Fate:

  “You young fool. Thinking to get away so easily.”
  — Sire de Maletroit ([09:32])

• On Forced Marriage:

  “At the end of your two hours, you will prepare yourself either to marry my niece. Or to kick out your life while you swing at the end of that rope.”
  — Sire de Maletroit ([21:03])

• On Death and Resignation:

  “Death’s another incident, that’s all.”
  — Denis ([24:11])

• On Love’s Irony:

  “Tell me, is there a man in France who can say he’s been asked in marriage by a beautiful maiden—asked from her own lips and refused her to her face?”
  — Blanche ([27:03])

• The Confession:

  “I love you, Denis.” — Blanche
  “Oh, my beloved. And I can tell you now that I love you too.” — Denis ([29:08]–[29:12])

• Sire de Maletroit’s Wisdom:

  “At the very worst, I’m no more than a very wise old man. One who’s learned all about such mysteries as the love of life and love.”
  — Sire de Maletroit ([29:45])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:09] – Setting the scene in occupied Paris
• [05:11] – Denis enters the trap
• [06:44] – Denis meets Sire de Maletroit
• [13:18] – The marriage ultimatum is issued
• [16:23] – Blanche tells her story
• [21:03] – Denis given the final choice: marriage or death
• [24:11] – Denis and Blanche discuss the meaning of life and love
• [27:03] – Blanche turns the tables on Denis regarding love and pride
• [29:08–29:20] – Mutual confession of love
• [29:45] – Sire de Maletroit’s final commentary on love and wisdom

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Tone and Style

The adaptation stays faithful to the mood and language of Stevenson’s original: courtly, wry, philosophical, and suspenseful. The characters speak eloquently, revealing inner conflicts between pride, duty, vulnerability, and fate. The threat of violence and a forced marriage is presented with dark humor and gravitas, while the story ultimately resolves on a note of genuine tenderness and romantic triumph.

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Useful For:

• Listeners seeking the flavor of old-time radio drama
• Fans of swashbuckling romantic tales with gothic overtones
• Those interested in classic literary adaptations and themes of fate, honor, and love

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Transcript

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[Denis de Beaulieu]

Escape escape. Tonight to Paris of 500 years ago,

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations presents Escape, a new series of programs of which this the the fifth is the Sire de Maltoir's Door by Robert Louis Stevenson. Produced and directed by William N. Robeson. The pen of Robert Louis Stevenson has been an avenue of escape for three generations. Our grandparents thrilled to the macabre metamorphosis of Dr. Jeckel. Just as we will never forget the nursery menace called Long John Silver. Tonight we escape with Robert Louis Stevenson down another avenue which leads to Paris in 1429 and the amazing adventure of the Sire de Maltoise d'.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Or.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Dark of the Moon.

1429. Paris.

The House of Burgundy holds the throne of France. And English men at arms patrol the narrow streets. Troublesome times for any man to be

lost on foot at night. You there, over here.

Here by the wall.

[Sire de Maltroit]

What's this now? The shadows themselves are speaking.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I'm no shadow.

[Sire de Maltroit]

A real life human being.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I've managed to get myself lost in these confounded alleys. Can you tell me where I am?

[Sire de Maltroit]

Well now, fine young cavalier no less. And he's lost.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I'm trying to find the Beau Saint Inn. Will this street lead me there?

[Sire de Maltroit]

Ah, that one street is as good as another. And none of them will ever lead a man anyway.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Oh, come now, you must know something about this part of Paris.

Think, man.

A patrol may pass at any moment.

[Sire de Maltroit]

You are wanted.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Then.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I have a safe conduct passed from the captain of the garrison.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Safe conduct, he says. And a fine lot of good that'll do you here in the dark of the night.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Well, you're certainly not helping my chances any.

[Sire de Maltroit]

No, lad, the only safe conduct you have is that sword is swinging at your side.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Wait.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Wait.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Quiet. A patrol.

They're coming this way.

[Sire de Maltroit]

I am inclined to think you're right.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I've got to run for it. Tell them nothing.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Then I should tell what to whom?

[Soldier/Guard]

Wait. Someone's there. Speak up. Who are you?

[Sire de Maltroit]

Speak up, is it? And you? A blundering pack of two day grenadiers that walk like a herd of cattle, such as me. Speak up. That's served with a mad Prince Charlie himself, may he rest in peace.

An old campaigner, eh? Where you from, soldier?

Fontainebleau from? A smarter outfit in bivouac than the likes of you.

[Soldier/Guard]

And court a bit in the scuffs. Amen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Seen anybody about, old timer?

[Sire de Maltroit]

Naught but shadows and tankards of ale. Fine French cavalier who departed hence without a biolage.

Now where'd he go?

Who knows? Perhaps she in one way, maybe the other. Though I think it was the other.

[Pere Francois]

There.

[Sire de Maltroit]

All right, men, I'm French.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Cavalier, huh? We'll have him like a foul in a spit.

[Soldier/Guard]

Spread out. Cover the street.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Keep an eye out. Don't let it slip away between you.

[Soldier/Guard]

Forward now. Search every corner.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Oh, the fool. The drunken fool. I'm for it now.

[Sire de Maltroit]

All right.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

This cross street, there's a bare chance they'll pass it by. If I can only get through here. Oh, no.

It's a dead end.

Unless this leads. No, it's only the door to a house. Caught like a rat in a trap.

All right.

If it's so written, then so be it. With a bit of luck there'll be two or three go with me, huh? The door. It's unlocked. I can push it open. Blackest amount of hell inside. Well, what have I got to lose?

[Soldier/Guard]

He's alive. Now. He has to be here someplace. Lock that door. You dare. The crest above it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He's not here.

[Soldier/Guard]

He's gone. Come in here after all. All right. Back to the corner. He's a sly one for sure.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

That was close. Too close.

Now to get out of here.

And no one in the house will ever be the wiser. What's this? The door's locked. It's a trap. But why?

Why would such a thing be done? I came in here by chance. One chance against a million. Wait.

It's a light. Somewhere inside the house. Well, by all rights I should be dead at this moment. So.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Come in, young man. I've been expecting you all evening.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I fear you must be mistaken. So my visit is quite unexpected. For both of us.

[Sire de Maltroit]

That's good. That's very good for the both of us, you say? Well, no matter. You're here. That's the main point. Take a seat, my boy. Put yourself at ease. We'll arrange our little affairs presently.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

There seems to be some misunderstanding. You see, your door was standing.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Oh, the door. Ah, that was a little piece of ingenuity, don't you agree?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

So you must know that I had no intention of intruding without an invitation.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Without an invitation, is it? Well, we old people are used to such reluctance. When it touches our honour, we cast about until we find some way of overcoming it. And so, my boy, invitation or not, you are, believe me, most welcome.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I hope you'll pardon my saying it, but I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Oh, so that's it. Dead to rights, but still pretending, eh? Ah, you're a clever robot, sir.

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[Denis de Beaulieu]

My name is Denis de Beaulieu. I am not a guest in your house by my own choice. And I am not accustomed to being

[Sire de Maltroit]

slow is the house of malt. While I accustomed to certain things of which you well know, Maletroit.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I should have expected better treatment at the hands of one of the most honored families of France.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Honored indeed. Until you, Monsieur de Beaulieu, took it upon yourself to dishonor us.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Sire de Maltroit. I have attempted to explain that I took a stand before your door to fight off a patrol which I'd encountered in the street. I assure you I had no slight intention of forcing myself. Since it seems impossible for you to converse with any degree of reason. May I bid you good night,

[Soldier/Guard]

sir?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

If you have your right wits, then you're insulting me grossly. And if not, I have no desire to spend further time with a lunatic.

[Sire de Maltroit]

You young fool. Thinking to get away so easily.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

No power on earth can make me stay here any longer. Even if I'm forced to hack that door of yours to pieces.

[Sire de Maltroit]

I, Me. And now will you please sit down, my dear nephew.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Nephew, you lie in your teeth.

[Sire de Maltroit]

I said sit down. You think for a minute that I made a little contrivance for the door and stopped short with that. You want to be bound hand and foot until your bones crack inside of you? Then get up, try to get away. But if you'd rather stay a free young buck, agreeably conversing with an old gentleman, sit where you are in peace.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

You mean. Then I am a prisoner here?

[Sire de Maltroit]

I stated the facts. Draw your own conclusions.

[Pere Francois]

Ah, Pierre Francois.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Come in, come in.

[Pere Francois]

Thank you. Messiah.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Tell me, how is she? A little better frame of mind, I hope.

[Pere Francois]

She is more resigned, at least. Messire.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Well, now, isn't she hard to please? A lightly strip ring such as this. Well born and her own choice. What more would the Jade Warf have?

[Pere Francois]

If you'll pardon, the situation is not usual for a young damsel. It is a such somewhat trying to her blushes.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Trying, is it? She should have thought of that before the dance began. She called the turns and now she'll do the pain.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

At the risk of being presumptuous, may I ask who she is?

[Sire de Maltroit]

Ha.

You hear that, Pere Francois? Monsieur de Beaulieu wishes to know who she is.

[Pere Francois]

I heard.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Miss, I am pleased that you find my most casual remarks or music.

[Sire de Maltroit]

So you'd like to know who she is? Very well. After all, you really should know, young fella. It's only fitting for you to be introduced properly. Come along, come along. I'll take you into. She all right? Why, that's the reason. I planned the whole thing. You stubborn young scoundrelly blackguard. Come along, my boy. Right through this door.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

After you, sir, if you don't mind.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Oh, now, it's not that kind of a trap. Here we are. How are you, my dear?

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Please, uncle, please have some pity on me.

[Soldier/Guard]

Pity?

[Sire de Maltroit]

But I do. A great deal more than you've shown for the name of Malhois. Come now, come now, up off your knees and look at the friend I brought you. It's good to be devout, but it is also necessary to be polite.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I have no understanding how you can be so vicious.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Oh, that's very unkind. And now, Monsieur de Bouille, since we've decided to keep up this farce. Allow me to present my niece, Blanche de Maltroit.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Such an inhuman thing, surely heaven itself. He's not the man, my uncle. This is not the man.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Expected you to say as much, my dear. Is it so unfortunate you couldn't remember his name?

[Blanche de Maltroit]

It's true. I swear by the Blessed Virgin I do not know this man. Never laid eyes on him before. Please, sir, tell him. Tell him we've never seen each other before.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

For myself at any rate, I've never had that pleasure.

Sire, I've not met your lovely niece before this moon.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Oh, now, isn't that too bad? But it's never too late to begin. Quite often these impromptu marriages turn out very well in the end.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Marriage? Sire de Maltroit, would you please be kind enough to explain what you mean?

[Sire de Maltroit]

Aha. Now, surely you've heard of the custom of marriage. It's quite widely practiced, at least, sir.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I've never heard before of such a maniac as I perceive you to be. And I've no intention of marrying anyone.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Then may I ask what were your intentions, my boy? Oh, well, no matter now. Pere Francois is looking forward to performing the nuptial rites. Always quite properly ordained, you know. So, shall we say in two hours? Meanwhile, I suggest you become better acquainted.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Wait, Uncle. You can't be in earnest. I swear to you, I'll kill myself before I'll be forced on this young man.

[Soldier/Guard]

Forced?

[Sire de Maltroit]

How? Come now, my dear Blanche.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Is it possible that you think I'm lying? That you still believe this is the man?

[Sire de Maltroit]

Frankly, I do. Then you're wrong.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I refuse utterly even to consider you

[Sire de Maltroit]

took it upon yourself to dishonor the name of our family. You forfeited all right whatsoever to question my designs. I consider it a duty to see that you're married. With as little delay as possible. Out of the goodness of my heart, I've attempted to find the man of your choice. And I believe I've done so. But if not, then I care not one jackstraw. Is that perfectly clear?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

It's clear, sir, that you're a madman.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Perhaps, my dear nephew.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I'm not your nephew, nor will I be.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

We'd sooner die. A thousand times.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Such a fury against the inevitable. But at any rate, you'll have two hours to compose your differences.

[Pere Francois]

Pere Francois, bring the clock Very well, Messire.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Thank you. Place it there. This, Monsieur de Beaulieu, is another of my little contrivances. And one that is hardly less ingenious than my door, Messire.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Your accomplishments are of no interest to me whatsoever.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Oh, I think you'll find this one most interesting. You will notice that the upper container is filled with water. In exactly two hours, all of the water will have dripped into the lower vessel.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

And.

[Sire de Maltroit]

And at that time, I shall return. Remove the plug, Pere Francois. Clever, isn't it? Well, genius is so rarely appreciated. And now I'm quite sure you'd sooner carry on your interview without an audience.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

You. You'd never met my uncle before.

He didn't arrange this with you?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I'd never laid eyes on him. And certainly nothing was arranged with me, else I wouldn't be here.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Oh, and you're as much an unfortunate victim as myself.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

But you, at least, must be more

aware of the circumstances. I can understand none of this.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

It's not an easy thing for a girl to tell. Whatever you may think of me now, I fear you shall think the worse when I've finished.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Words are but words. But your manner encourages respect.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Thank you, monsieur. I've lived all my life with my uncle, and I've not been happy. Three months ago, a young captain of the guard began to stand near me in the church. Oh, you must understand, I gave him no encouragement to do so.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Quite so. I understand. He was handsome, of course.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

As a matter of fact, very. After a while, he began to pass me notes. He found me pleasing, wanted to meet me, and seemed most interested in me for some reason. I can believe that this morning he passed me a note urging me to leave the outer door open tonight. So that he could speak a few words with me on the stairs. This is most difficult for me to tell, monsieur. I'm sure he meant no harm. I have no idea how my uncle came to suspect. Sometimes his shrewdness becomes almost diabolic. After church, he took that note from my hand, read it, gave it back to me. I've been kept in my room all day, knowing nothing of what he might be planning.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

So that's it. By pure accident, I've blundered into a trap set for someone else.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Had my uncle brought the captain himself, the thing still would have been confusing.

How should I know that? He may not have been trifling with me all along, but to be forced into a situation with you, a perfect stranger.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Your regard for me is quite clear, mademoiselle. I regret appearing as a disappointment to you. I believe you said he was very handsome.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

If that were all.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

There's more.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I mean, monsieur, that you yourself are quite handsome. But it's so. No, it's really no use.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Please understand me. I'm not urging you in any way.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Urging, monsieur?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I'm accustomed to meeting young ladies upon occasion who are quite ready to accept me as something besides a convenient substitute for some handsome captain of the guard.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I've no doubt of it, monsieur. And to correct a mistaken impression you seem to have, I'm well aware that you're doing no urging, and were you to do so, I should neither listen to nor give it any consideration whatsoever. It's well that we both understand one another.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Quite so. And that being the case, Mademoiselle de Maletroit, I wonder if you'll be good enough to conduct me to your uncle.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

With the greatest of pleasure, monsieur, I've no doubt.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

But what? This little matter can be settled very quickly and with as much honor as possible to everybody concerned.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Aha. The full two hours weren't necessary. Already harmonious accord rises triumphant.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

On the contrary, Sire de Meltroy. Your assumption is entirely false.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Oh, what a pity. Well, pere Francois, there's nothing to it. We'll simply have to wait a while longer.

[Pere Francois]

As you say, Messiah.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I fear it may be much longer than you think. In fact, forever.

[Sire de Maltroit]

That's a very long time indeed. And you, my dear niece, what are your sentiments in the matter?

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I will not marry this man.

Do what you may, Uncle. I will not marry him.

[Sire de Maltroit]

I mean, right back where we started. Can it be that our young friend is lacking in perception, Pierre Francois?

[Pere Francois]

It is possible. Messiah.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I'm not, at any rate, lacking in a sense of honorable conduct, dragged in here against my will. I've addressed your niece in the manner of a gentleman.

I found her charming, lovely, delightful, Monsieur.

But now I have the honor of declining your offer of her hand. Let that end the matter.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Ah, it's not as simple as that. Take a look from my window there. And tell me what you see on the wall beneath it.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

What do you mean?

[Sire de Maltroit]

See for yourself.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Whatever it is can have no bearing on the matter. There's an iron ring set in the wall.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Quite so. And fastened to the ring, a rope. Right. So we have two elements. And to complete our little diagram, we need a third one. That element is, at the moment, firmly attached to your body. I'm referring, sir, to your neck, Uncle.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

No.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And may I inquire the purpose of

[Denis de Beaulieu]

the dogs there in the courtyard below? Are they also a part of your devilish Plans?

[Sire de Maltroit]

My dear young man, a body doesn't hang in ropes forever, you know.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

You maniac, even murder doesn't stop you.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Oh, that's such a nasty word. Let us confine ourselves to the bald facts. At the end of your two hours, you will prepare yourself either to marry my niece. Or to kick out your life while you swing at the end of that rope. There's no other alternative.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I think there's one between gentlemen, at any rate.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Arm yourself, sir.

You fool.

You think for a moment that if I'd regarded your sword as a threat, you'd still be wearing it. Pere Francois, will you open that door to the passage, please?

[Pere Francois]

Of course, Messire. I'll be most happy to.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Gentlemen, show this rash young buck the color of your steel, whether he likes to admit it or not. Monsieur de Beaulieu, one day a man grows too old to fight his own battles. And must hire others to do it for him. Close the door, Pierre Francois.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Then you'll not fight?

[Sire de Maltroit]

Do I seem a fool? There'll be no fighting and no haughty refusal to marry my niece. You found her charming, well and good. But I'll tell you this. Were she as common as the Paris road, more hideous than the gargoyle over my door, you'd not spurn the hand of a Maltoire and ever live to tell of it. Alive and married you'll be, or dead, and hanging from that window, and soon after, food for the dogs. It's one or the other. So make up your mind.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Please, monsieur, why do you not sit down?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Your concern is most gratifying, mademoiselle. Since I have such a short time

to live, I doubt that I'll grow

[Blanche de Maltroit]

very tired if the time be short. Then why do we waste it in formal speeches?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

As you will listen to him drip, drip, drip of that devilish clock.

Like an artery opened and life's blood itself dripping away.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Well, I've sat here and thought and thought until my whole mind's in a great world.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Please, you. You really shouldn't trouble yourself so much.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I can't bear to have you slain for my sake. Monsieur de Beaulieu. I will marry you gladly.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

You must think, then, that I stand very much in fear of death.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Oh, no, no. I had reason to see that you're no coward.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I've asked for no pity.

If a thing has to be, then

that's the end of it.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Oh, sir, you misunderstood me. Why, the great nobility with which you face my uncle should have removed all question about your bravery, had such doubts existed.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

That is Most kind of you to say so.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Not, of course. Anyone could raise such questions once they'd seen you.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Death's another incident, that's all.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

But life's a better one, you'll agree, then?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I'm afraid you underrate the difficulty. What your generosity offers me, my pride prevents accepting. In this moment of noble feeling toward me. Aren't you forgetting what you already owe to someone else?

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Monsieur?

He never really mattered, Mademoiselle.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

My very life's the forfeit here.

Well, I'll pay gladly if it be of service to a lady. But to tell me it's for something that never really matters.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Please don't. Don't be so cruel.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Cruel?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

You forget, I'm the one who's going

to die, not you.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I've not forgotten, Monsieur.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Yes. You'll enjoy tomorrow's sun like any other days. And tomorrow night, perhaps you'll see him again. Of course, I'll be forgotten.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Oh, no.

Never.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

But it's all a man can expect when he's born into the world.

Death at last. Some piece of ironic misfortune.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Oh, don't say Lucy, I can't bear it.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

If I've said anything to wound you, I'm sorry. It was. It was for your own sake, not mine.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Thank you.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Please. It's a bitter thing, my dear, to see you in such distress that. Giving my life itself for you. I can't help it.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I'm sorry. I'll try to be braver. Is there no way at all in which I can serve you, either now or afterwards?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Only by letting me think of you as a friend for the brief time that's left to us. By forgetting for the moment that I'm an awkward intruder thrown here by circumstance. That's all.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

And afterward?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

What does it matter? The closer you come to it, the clearer you see that death's no more than a dark and dusty corner where a man climbs into his tomb and shuts the door after himself.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Monsieur.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I've only a few friends now, and once I'm dead, I've no doubt that I'll have none.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

You forget Blanche de Maltroit.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

You're very sweet. Any young man in France would be glad to trade places with me and die for you. You value the small service? I do you far beyond its worth.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I'll not have you thinking so meanly of yourself. Look at me. Would you say that I am beautiful?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I think the. I think the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I'm glad of that. Tell me, is there a man in France who Can say he's been asked in marriage by a beautiful maiden. Asked from her own lips and refused her to her face. I know you're a man and half despise such a triumph, but any woman knows more of what's precious in love.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

But remember, you asked me out of the pity of your heart, not for love.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Are you so sure of that? Must I bear my very soul like a merchant showcase?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

You're very good. As good as you're beautiful. I'll not forget it for the time that's left me.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Very well. I, too, have a pride of my own.

If you'd turn back now from your word, I'd no more marry you than I would any stranger off the street.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

It's. It's a small love that shies at a little pride. The dawn's starting to break.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Yes. My uncle and his men will come here any moment. What shall we say to him?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Anything.

[Sire de Maltroit]

You will.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

All of my life I'll weep for you. And weep the more because it was you.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

If I'm wrong, it's a great price I'm paying for it. One I'd not pay if I didn't care for you so dearly.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Careful.

Why not? You are being kind.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

It was in the moment your uncle

brought me in to you. And you raised your face to look at me.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

That's when I knew how strange for it was. Then I felt it too.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

You've seen already that I'm not afraid to die.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Oh, you're not. I know it.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Marcia, is it really true? Not something born of pity.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

I swear by all, it's holy.

I love you, Denis.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

Oh, my beloved. And I can tell you now that I love you too.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Even after all you've heard?

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I can remember none of it.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

The captain's name?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No matter. I love you.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Oh, my darling.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I love you more than my life and my soul.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Blanche.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

My darling, I love you.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I love you, Blanche.

[Pere Francois]

Well.

[Blanche de Maltroit]

Oh, God.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Well, well, well. It's most gratifying to see this little matter settled in such a congenial fashion. Good morning, my dear nephew.

[Denis de Beaulieu]

I have nothing to say to you, sir. You're a vicious and unprincipled old man.

[Sire de Maltroit]

That's most ungracious of you. No, no. At the very worst, I'm no more than a very wise old man. One who's lived a long time and. And seen a great many remarkable things. An old man who's learned all about such mysteries as the love of life and love.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Sire de Maltoir's Door by Robert Louis Stevenson. Was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and produced and directed by William N. Robeson, with Elliot Lewis as Denis, Peggy Weber as Blanche, and Ramsay Hill as the Sire de Maltroit. The special musical score was conceived and conducted by Cy Fuhr. Escape is presented by the Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations. Each week at this time next week we invite you to escape to Egypt of 3500 years ago with Arthur Conan Doyle's fascinating tale tale of the Ring of Toss and so good night. Until next week at this time when again it will be time to Escape. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Sire de Maltroit]

Sa.