Haunted 80-06-21 (01) Little Girl Lost

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Haunted 80-06-21 (01) Little Girl Lost"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Haunted 80-06-21 (01) Little Girl Lost
• Release Date: February 7, 2025

Overview: "Little Girl Lost" is a gripping episode from Harold's Old Time Radio series, set in the atmospheric era before television dominated family entertainment. This episode masterfully blends elements of suspense, supernatural intrigue, and familial tension, drawing listeners into the haunting narrative of the Grove-Lake family.

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1. Introduction to the Haunting

The episode opens with a narration setting the eerie tone:

• Narrator [00:21]: "We present haunted stories of the supernatural. LITTLE Girl Lost by Rosemary Timperley Adapted for radio by Derek Hoddinott Starring Jenny Linden as Sally, John Carson as Herbert and Ruth Dunning as Mrs. Grove. Haunted."

This introduction primes listeners for a tale filled with mystery and supernatural elements.

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2. Characters and Their Dynamics

Main Characters:

• Sally Lake (Jenny Linden): Daughter-in-law concerned about her mother-in-law's (Mrs. Grove) mental state.
• Herbert Lake (John Carson): Sally's husband and Mrs. Grove's son.
• Mrs. Grove (Ruth Dunning): The elderly widow who communicates with her deceased husband, John.
• Dr. Raven (Adrian Egan): The family's physician attempting to address Mrs. Grove's behavior.
• Janet Lake (Bernadette Windsor): Sally and Herbert's young daughter.

Character Relationships:

• Sally and Herbert are grappling with the challenges of integrating Mrs. Grove into their household.
• Mrs. Grove is depicted as a strong-willed widow clinging to the memory of her deceased husband, John, causing strain within the family.
• Janet serves as the innocent bystander whose relationships with her mother and grandmother become central to the unfolding drama.

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3. Plot Progression

a. The Doctor's Visit and Initial Tensions

The episode kicks off with Sally bringing Dr. Raven to assess Mrs. Grove's mental health:

• Sally Lake [01:12]: "Mother, I brought Dr. Raven to see you."

Mrs. Grove dismisses her condition, but Dr. Raven insists on an examination:

• Dr. Raven [01:37]: "Maybe, but there's no need to take risks, is there? An examination won't go amiss now, will it, Mrs. Grove?"

Mrs. Grove reveals her habit of conversing with her deceased husband, John:

• Mrs. Grove [02:56]: "He left the world a year ago... I got accustomed to talking to John at the cottage, so it's difficult to remember not to know."

b. Unraveling Family Struggles

Sally discusses the uneasy atmosphere Mrs. Grove creates, especially regarding their daughter Janet:

• Sally Lake [04:45]: "My husband Herbert laughs it off and says it's harmless. But then she doesn't do it so much when he's around."

Herbert expresses frustration over his mother's inability to accept John's death:

• Herbert Lake [07:01]: "We can't have you upsetting Janet, can we?"

Mrs. Grove defends her actions, believing her conversations with John are real:

• Mrs. Grove [08:14]: "He is there. John is not a fantasy."

c. Escalation and Suspicion

Tensions rise when Dr. Raven visits again, and Sally confides her fears about Mrs. Grove's influence over Janet:

• Sally Lake [11:13]: "My mother in law is gaining too much influence over my daughter. She spends nearly every evening in her room. They laugh together."

Mrs. Grove accuses Dr. Raven of conspiring against her:

• Mrs. Grove [12:57]: "You're conspiring with my daughter in law to have me put away. And that's the truth."

Dr. Raven attempts to steer the conversation towards professional help, but Mrs. Grove remains defiant.

d. The Tragic Revelation

A pivotal moment occurs when Herbert confronts Sally about Dr. Raven's suspicions regarding Mrs. Grove's death:

• Sally Lake [16:08]: "He said there's reason to believe that your mother died from an overdose of those tablets the psychiatric clinic gave her."
• Herbert Lake [16:58]: "We should never have sent her to that damn clinic. All she needed to keep her happy was a harmless girl."

The tension culminates in Herbert accusing Janet of indirectly causing Mrs. Grove's death, leading to further familial fractures.

e. Janet's Disappearance

The narrative reaches its climax when Janet vanishes from the household:

• Janet Lake [25:16]: "Listen, damn you."

Sally and Herbert frantically search for Janet, leading to a chilling conclusion:

• Herbert Lake [26:53]: "She's gone."
• Sally Lake [26:54]: "She's gone."

The episode concludes with the haunting uncertainty of Janet's whereabouts, leaving listeners in suspense.

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4. Notable Quotes and Moments

• Mrs. Grove’s Defiance:
  "He is there. John is not a fantasy." [08:21]

• Dr. Raven's Professional Concern:
  "Well, it's not unusual for someone recently bereaved to feel the presence of a dead spouse." [04:32]

• Sally’s Plea:
  "Please, now. Something has got to be done." [07:01]

• Herbert’s Revelation:
  "When Gran asked you to keep the tablets for her, did you know she wanted them saved?" [20:16]

• Janet’s Final Words:
  "Listen, damn you." [25:16]

These quotes encapsulate the escalating tension, the supernatural elements, and the tragic unraveling of familial bonds.

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5. Themes and Insights

a. Supernatural vs. Reality: The episode deftly blurs the lines between supernatural phenomena and psychological distress. Mrs. Grove’s interactions with her deceased husband raise questions about the nature of her experiences—is it genuine haunting or a manifestation of grief-induced insanity?

b. Family Dynamics and Estrangement: The strained relationships highlight how past grievances and unresolved emotions can fracture familial ties. Herbert's resentment towards his mother for her departure with John Groves underscores deep-seated conflicts.

c. Mental Health Stigma: Dr. Raven’s involvement reflects societal attitudes towards mental health, juxtaposing professional concern with familial denial and misunderstanding.

d. Tragedy of Loss: Janet’s disappearance serves as the tragic fallout of the family's inability to reconcile with their loss, emphasizing the devastating impact of unresolved grief.

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6. Conclusion

"Little Girl Lost" is a compelling narrative that intertwines elements of the supernatural with intense family drama. Through its rich character portrayals and suspenseful plot, the episode explores themes of loss, mental health, and the thin veil between reality and the supernatural. With expertly woven dialogues and poignant moments, it leaves listeners reflecting on the intricate dynamics that bind a family and the haunting consequences of unresolved grief.

Listeners who delve into this episode will be captivated by its emotional depth and eerie ambiance, making "Little Girl Lost" a standout story in the Golden Age of Radio collection.

Transcript

[Narrator]

We present haunted stories of the supernatural. LITTLE Girl Lost by Rosemary Timperley Adapted for radio by Derek Hoddinott Starring Jenny Linden as Sally, John Carson as Herbert and Ruth Dunning as Mrs. Grove. Haunted.

[Sally Lake]

Mother, I brought Dr. Raven to see you.

[Dr. Raven]

How do you do, Mrs. Grove?

[Sally Lake]

How do you do, Doctor?

[Mrs. Grove]

I thought it was Janet.

[Sally Lake]

Janet's not home from school yet, Mother.

[Mrs. Grove]

Oh, well, I don't understand, Sally. It's quite unnecessary to have called the doctor. I've only got a bronchial cold.

[Dr. Raven]

Maybe, but there's no need to take risks, is there? An examination won't go amiss now, will it, Mrs. Grove?

[Mrs. Grove]

Such a fuss.

[Sally Lake]

If you'll excuse me one moment, Doctor.

[Dr. Raven]

Yes, of course, Mrs. Lake.

[Sally Lake]

But it's just that I've got something cooking.

[Dr. Raven]

I'll be perfectly all right. I think Mrs. Grove and I will get along splendidly.

[Sally Lake]

And.

[Dr. Raven]

And what, may I ask you? Laughing at something cooking indeed.

[Mrs. Grove]

I couldn't have put it better myself. You can stop this farce, Doctor. I know why she sent for you. You've come to see whether I'm mad or not.

[Dr. Raven]

I can assure you, Mrs. Grove, I haven't. I. Because by the look of things, you've got a touch of bronchitis and a worried daughter in law.

[Mrs. Grove]

You're new, aren't you?

[Dr. Raven]

I took over from Dr. Martin two months ago.

[Mrs. Grove]

Oh, I see. Thought I hadn't seen you before. Well, she thinks I'm mad.

[Dr. Raven]

And why does she think that?

[Mrs. Grove]

Because she hears me talking to John.

[Dr. Raven]

Who's John?

[Mrs. Grove]

My husband.

[Dr. Raven]

I thought you were a widow.

[Mrs. Grove]

So I am. But I still talk to my husband. Sally doesn't understand. Nor does my son. They think I imagine it.

[Dr. Raven]

When did your husband die?

[Mrs. Grove]

He left the world a year ago. At first I stayed on at the cottage. Then Herbert. He's my son. But my first husband insisted that I come and live here with him. I got accustomed to talking to John at the cottage, so it's difficult to remember not to know. Sally keeps catching me in the middle of a conversation with him. She looks at me as if she thinks I ought to be behind bars.

[Dr. Raven]

You're an old fraud. Now I'll go and leave a prescription for some linkedus with Mrs. Lake. Good day, Mrs. Grove.

[Mrs. Grove]

Goodbye, doctor. You see, John, I knew she'd tell him, so I thought I'd put my side of it first. I was right to tell him, wasn't I? Oh, John, really.

[Sally Lake]

What did she tell you, Doctor?

[Dr. Raven]

She talks with her dead husband. Her second husband, I gather.

[Sally Lake]

Yes, and it's getting Worse, she talks to him all the time when she's alone.

[Dr. Raven]

Well, it's not unusual for someone recently bereaved to feel the presence of a dead spouse. Many widows, and widowers too, for that matter, have the experience keep it to themselves. Mrs. Grove is open about it, which isn't a bad thing, really.

[Sally Lake]

Oh, you don't have to live with it, Doctor. Letting me down, I can tell you. My husband laughs it off and says it's harmless. But then she doesn't do it so much when he's around. I expect she thinks it's tactless. Oh. You see, my husband Herbert didn't exactly love John Grove. His mother deserted his father and him for John when Herbert was only a little boy. Still, he's very fond of his mother. And when she was left on her own, he asked her to come here to stay with us. Although she's always made me feel uneasy. She's weird.

[Dr. Raven]

Doctor, your mother in law mentioned Janet.

[Sally Lake]

Yes, she's our daughter.

[Dr. Raven]

Oh, yes. Does she find Mrs. Grove, well, weird?

[Sally Lake]

I don't know. I've expected her to say, who is Gran talking to? But she never does. She sort of accepts. Accepts it? You think I'm making a fuss about nothing? Oh, Janet, this is Dr. Raven, my daughter.

[Dr. Raven]

Hello, young lady.

[Janet Lake]

Hello. It's Gran.

[Sally Lake]

Work?

[Dr. Raven]

No, no, no, no, she's coming along nicely.

[Janet Lake]

Oh, good. I brought her some of those wine gums she likes. I'll take them up to her.

[Sally Lake]

Oh, no, she might be asleep, darling.

[Janet Lake]

No, she's not. I can hear her talking.

[Sally Lake]

That's the first time she's actually mentioned it. They always do that.

[Mrs. Grove]

Do what?

[Sally Lake]

I never know what they're laughing at.

[Dr. Raven]

Well, it's probably something quite innocent.

[Sally Lake]

Well, it doesn't sound like it to me. Oh, Doctor, I'm sorry. Perhaps it is getting me down.

[Janet Lake]

She sneezed with the wine gums. I told her she ought to go to sleep for a while.

[Dr. Raven]

Absolutely right. What was the joke about?

[Janet Lake]

Nothing I dare repeat in front of Mummy. It was something John said, that's all.

[Herbert Lake]

Sally, are you sure she said that?

[Sally Lake]

Of course I'm sure, Herbert. Right in front of Dr. Raven. When he asked her what she was laughing at, she replied, it was something John said, that's all. The way she said it. So casual. It was the casual way she said it that frightened me.

[Herbert Lake]

Frightened you?

[Sally Lake]

Yes. You must do something. Go and speak to your mother. No, her. But while Janet's doing her homework.

[Herbert Lake]

Steady, Aunt Sally.

[Sally Lake]

I mean it. Something has got to be done.

[Herbert Lake]

She hasn't got Much left in life, love. What's a bit of talking to herself matter?

[Sally Lake]

Please, now.

[Mrs. Grove]

You look as though you've come to tell me off.

[Herbert Lake]

Not really, Mother. It's just I. It's just this business of talking to John. We can't have you upsetting Janet, can we?

[Mrs. Grove]

I don't upset her.

[Herbert Lake]

Oh, Mother, listen to me now. John Grove is dead. Whatever you hear in your head, it's not him.

[Mrs. Grove]

You resent him. You always have. He took me away from you. But it was your own fault.

[Herbert Lake]

Don't let's rake up old history again, please.

[Mrs. Grove]

That old history happens to be my life.

[Herbert Lake]

I can't have you discussing him with Janet.

[Mrs. Grove]

When John speaks to me and Janet happens to be here, I can't ignore him. The child wouldn't expect me to. She doesn't think I'm out of my mind the way you and Sally do.

[Herbert Lake]

We don't think you're out of your mind.

[Mrs. Grove]

Yes, you do.

[Herbert Lake]

You know in your heart of hearts that he's not there at all.

[Mrs. Grove]

He is there. John is not a fantasy.

[Herbert Lake]

Yes, Danny?

[Janet Lake]

Oh, sorry. I thought Gran was alone.

[Herbert Lake]

What do you want?

[Janet Lake]

I've come to talk to Gran.

[Mrs. Grove]

Let her stay, Herbert. We enjoy our little chat.

[Herbert Lake]

All right, but remember what I said.

[Mrs. Grove]

Your father objects to me talking to John.

[Janet Lake]

Why shouldn't you talk to your husband?

[Mrs. Grove]

It doesn't strike you as strange, then?

[Janet Lake]

A bit. But then, life is strange, isn't it? You never know what's going to happen next, do you?

[Mrs. Grove]

Do you know, my darling? Yourself? So right and so young to have recognized that. Do you know, Janet, my dear? At his funeral, I was saying to him in my mind, goodbye, my darling. And he gave that little chuckle which I knew so well. And he said in reply, did you really think you got rid of me as easily as this? Not on your life.

[Janet Lake]

How fantastic. Did you laugh?

[Mrs. Grove]

I gave a rather undignified snort, which was taken fortunately for a sob.

[Janet Lake]

You are marvelous, Gran. Oh, I wish I had a dead husband to talk to. Much more fun than washing and getting meals ready all the time, like Mummy does.

[Mrs. Grove]

You clean your room, don't you?

[Janet Lake]

Well, that's Mummy's idea. Although actually, I don't mind. It means she doesn't have to go in there and nose around.

[Mrs. Grove]

Yes, privacy is nice. I miss it. When I was alone at the cottage and John was there, I neglected the housework and he said, you're a natural slut. Look at that dust. And he laughed so sweetly.

[Janet Lake]

People waste too much time dusting. Anyway, we're all Made of dust, aren't we?

[Mrs. Grove]

Yes, John.

[Janet Lake]

What did he say?

[Mrs. Grove]

He said only our bodies are.

[Janet Lake]

I wish I could hear him too one day.

[Mrs. Grove]

Not yet. Herbert and your mother disapprove. As we live on charity in their house, we must respect their wishes.

[Janet Lake]

What's the joke? Granite.

[Mrs. Grove]

John's just uttered a word. A rude word.

[Janet Lake]

What was it? I know nearly all of them.

[Mrs. Grove]

Oh, no, I shouldn't.

[Janet Lake]

Oh, go on, please. Granite.

[Dr. Raven]

Well now, Mrs. Lake. Is it you you've come to see me about or Mrs. Grove?

[Sally Lake]

Mrs. Grove.

[Dr. Raven]

I see. It was a month ago that I came to visit her, wasn't it?

[Sally Lake]

I need your help, doctor. My mother in law is gaining too much influence over my daughter. She spends nearly every evening in her room. They laugh together.

[Dr. Raven]

Well, isn't that a good thing, Mrs. Le?

[Sally Lake]

It's the laughter that frightens me most of all. It's odd. It's not like normal laughter. They talk softly like conspirators. And last night something really awful happened. Well, I'm ashamed to admit this.

[Dr. Raven]

Go on, please.

[Sally Lake]

Well, I listened at the door of Mrs. Grove's room. And I heard her say, well, John, how can Janet help us? And then she said, janet, open the door, quickly. The door was flung open and Janet caught me there listening. She said, mummy, you were listening in a voice of horror. And I denied it and packed her off to bed. Then Mrs. Groves said you were listening, Sally. I know because John told me. Well, I tell you, Dr. Braden, I crept up those stairs without making a sound. How could she have known I was there?

[Dr. Raven]

Oh, very easily, Mrs. Lake. A person living in a room all day gets to know every riddle sound the house makes. Every creak, every rustle, every whisper.

[Sally Lake]

You. You don't think it is possible that John is there, do you?

[Dr. Raven]

No, I don't. But she thinks he is. And she has a strong personality. It's affecting you as well as Janet. I think it would be a good idea if you tried and persuaded Mrs. Grove to come in and see.

[Mrs. Grove]

You're conspiring with my daughter in law to have me put away. And that's the truth.

[Dr. Raven]

Yes. Nothing of the sort, Mrs. Grove. But you do realise how much you're distressing the household by insisting that John is with you.

[Mrs. Grove]

I won't lie and pretend he's not.

[Dr. Raven]

Well, then, couldn't you keep it more to yourself? Especially where the child's concerned.

[Mrs. Grove]

You're being stupid now, doctor. It's Janet who understands. You see, if it weren't for her, I'd have escaped this life and joined John long before now. He wants me to, you know.

[Dr. Raven]

Now, now, look, Mrs. Grove. Have you considered that the voice you hear isn't John at all?

[Mrs. Grove]

Don't be ridiculous, Doctor.

[Dr. Raven]

What's so funny? Oh, it wasn't you.

[Mrs. Grove]

John just said something. It wasn't very polite, I'm afraid.

[Dr. Raven]

I see. Look, Mrs. Grove, I'd like to fix an appointment for you at the psychiatric clinic.

[Mrs. Grove]

You've got some safety, my darling.

[Janet Lake]

Yes, Grant?

[Mrs. Grove]

John asks me to thank you for all that you're doing.

[Janet Lake]

Thank you, John.

[Mrs. Grove]

Careful, my little darling. Keep your voice down. She might be listening. It's difficult waiting like this. Still, it'll only be a few more hours. And then tonight.

[Janet Lake]

Are you afraid, Gran?

[Mrs. Grove]

No. And you mustn't be either. You'll be safe.

[Janet Lake]

I'm not afraid when I'm with you, Gran.

[Mrs. Grove]

Good. Be brave, little one. Let me have them after they've gone to bed. Creep in like a little ghost, eh?

[Janet Lake]

What exactly will happen after?

[Mrs. Grove]

By tomorrow? Well, you will know.

[Herbert Lake]

Did you say heart failure. When did it happen?

[Sally Lake]

Just after you and Janet left this morning.

[Herbert Lake]

Does Janet know yet?

[Sally Lake]

No. I thought she better stay at school for the day while we sorted things out.

[Herbert Lake]

Oh, God. Poor Mother. I'm sorry I couldn't get home quicker.

[Sally Lake]

The office said you were out. I couldn't reach you.

[Herbert Lake]

Yes, I had to go down the Plimston branch.

[Sally Lake]

Dr. Raven said something else. I didn't know whether to believe him or not. I mean, I find it hard to believe.

[Herbert Lake]

What did he say, sonny?

[Sally Lake]

Well, he said there's reason to believe that your mother died from an overdose of those tablets the psychiatric clinic gave her.

[Herbert Lake]

What?

[Sally Lake]

I said I thought it was impossible.

[Herbert Lake]

Of course it is.

[Sally Lake]

Well, I told him that I took charge of those tablets when she came home from the clinic and that only I gave them to her one three times a day as prescribed.

[Herbert Lake]

What did he say to that?

[Sally Lake]

Well, he said that mental patients.

[Herbert Lake]

Mental patients? She wasn't a mental patient.

[Sally Lake]

Please.

[Herbert Lake]

Mental patients. My God.

[Sally Lake]

Oh. He said that mental patients were skillful at pretending to have taken tablets, yet saving them up to take in one go. That's what he said.

[Herbert Lake]

Oh, my God. Heart failure. A broken heart's more like it. We should never have sent her to that damn clinic. All she needed to keep her happy was a harmless girl.

[Sally Lake]

Harmless as well, you know.

[Herbert Lake]

We took away her only comfort.

[Sally Lake]

You mean I took away her only comfort.

[Herbert Lake]

All right, I do mean that.

[Sally Lake]

Am I being blamed for her death now?

[Herbert Lake]

Oh, Sally, of course you're not. I. You know What?

[Sally Lake]

I mean, what are you saying? Next? It was me who administered the overdose?

[Dr. Raven]

Oh, Sally, for God's sake.

[Sally Lake]

Well, why not? That's what you really think of. True, Yeah. I could get rid of her fast enough. Is that it?

[Herbert Lake]

Look, Sally, all I said.

[Sally Lake]

I know what you said. I know what's at the back of your mind. Well, if you must know, it wasn't me. It was Janet.

[Herbert Lake]

What?

[Sally Lake]

Oh, my God. I didn't want to believe it.

[Herbert Lake]

Sally, look at me. What? What do you mean? It was Janet?

[Sally Lake]

Oh, but listen. I didn't want to think it, but. Well, while I was waiting for the doctor to come, after I found your mother, I started to tidy up Janet's room. Well, you know, something to do. I mean, I just couldn't sit around the silence. Janet's room was in a mess again and her nightdress was on the floor. It's unusual for her. She used to be so tidy. When I put the nightdress back in her drawer, I. I found this.

[Mrs. Grove]

Look.

[Sally Lake]

A bottle with the tablets inside. Yes. And you think I know, Herbert, I know they're your mother's tablets.

[Herbert Lake]

But if Mother had been hoarding three a day since she came home, there'd be twice as many of us. We'll have to talk to Janet when she comes in and she gets over the shock. Oh, no. What are you doing?

[Janet Lake]

Hello.

[Herbert Lake]

I thought you might be asleep. Just looked in to see how you were.

[Janet Lake]

I can't sleep.

[Herbert Lake]

No? Looking for something, were you?

[Janet Lake]

What?

[Herbert Lake]

In the drawer, Looking for something?

[Janet Lake]

No. Just tidying things up.

[Herbert Lake]

Your mother did that for you this morning?

[Janet Lake]

No. Is that why I can't find anything?

[Herbert Lake]

Unless, of course, you were looking for this.

[Janet Lake]

What is it?

[Herbert Lake]

What does it look like? It's a bottle. A bottle of tablets. Gran's tablets. You steal them, Janet?

[Janet Lake]

No. Though someone seems to have taken them from me.

[Herbert Lake]

That's enough. Your mother found them. I knew they couldn't possibly belong to you.

[Janet Lake]

They are mine. She had no right to take them.

[Herbert Lake]

She had every right. Now, tell me, how did you get them?

[Janet Lake]

Gran gave them to me.

[Herbert Lake]

Why?

[Mrs. Grove]

To keep.

[Janet Lake]

For her, that's all.

[Herbert Lake]

But you knew she was supposed to be taking them to cure her illness.

[Janet Lake]

She wasn't ill and she didn't need to be drugged out of her mind. So she blew John. She needed John. At least they're together now, so they'll be happy.

[Herbert Lake]

When Gran asked you to keep the tablets for her, did you know she wanted them saved?

[Janet Lake]

No. I just did as I was asked. Each day she saved three and Parsons to me to keep safely until she asked for them back.

[Herbert Lake]

And did she ask for them back?

[Janet Lake]

Yes, last night. So I gave them to her.

[Herbert Lake]

But not all of them. You kept these?

[Janet Lake]

So it too many. We take too many.

[Herbert Lake]

I see. Oh, Janet. Janet, darling. She died of an overdose. It would have been more of an overdose if you had given her all the tablets. Is that why you only gave her half? You loved her so much that you couldn't refuse to do what she wished. But at the same time, you hope that if she didn't take enough, her plan might fail. Is that how you'd worked it out in your mind?

[Janet Lake]

Yes. Yes, it's true. And now she's gone away and left me and it's all my fault.

[Dr. Raven]

No.

[Herbert Lake]

No, darling, it's not your fault. She could always make people do what she wanted. Gran was a very persuasive lady. We'll never mention it again. Never. It's our secret. Yours, Mummy's and mine. Okay. I don't want to talk about it anymore. Sally, it wasn't Janet's fault to Aiden.

[Sally Lake]

About someone she loved so much to commit suicide.

[Herbert Lake]

Look, there's something I've never told you before. When I was a child, I used to carry messages between Mother and John Grove. I even helped her run away.

[Sally Lake]

You did? Even when you knew it meant leaving you behind?

[Herbert Lake]

The plan was that I should go with them. I funked it at the last minute, though. I let her down. I was tormented with guilt afterwards.

[Sally Lake]

You let her down? You let her down.

[Herbert Lake]

You've never understood Mother. And that's why you've never liked her. You see, she expected everything from those who professed to love her. She wouldn't even let poor old John die, would she?

[Sally Lake]

Well, at least your mother's death has rid this house with an abominable ghost or whatever. It was. All right, Herbert. We'll try and forget the whole thing.

[Herbert Lake]

We will, in time. But it will take time. Perhaps a holiday would help. I've got some time. I mean. Yes.

[Sally Lake]

Oh. Where's Janet now?

[Herbert Lake]

Crying in her room.

[Janet Lake]

Gran. That is. I couldn't. I was too afraid. Now they found the bottle and taken it away. What? I don't know what they've done with it, honest. Gran.

[Sally Lake]

Janet?

[Janet Lake]

Yes, Mummy?

[Sally Lake]

Who were you talking to?

[Janet Lake]

No one. I was just learning some poetry, saying it aloud to myself.

[Sally Lake]

Oh, it was a lovely fortnight. It was a marvelous holiday, wasn't it, Janet? Well, you enjoyed Spain, didn't you?

[Janet Lake]

It was all right.

[Sally Lake]

You don't sound too sure.

[Janet Lake]

All right, then. I enjoyed myself.

[Dr. Raven]

Oh, it was nasty.

[Janet Lake]

I missed the house. What? I said I missed the house.

[Herbert Lake]

I didn't.

[Janet Lake]

I miss Gran.

[Sally Lake]

Please. You know what I said.

[Janet Lake]

I know what you said, but it doesn't make me feel any different.

[Herbert Lake]

Janet, Gran's dead. Let's forget about her, John, and all the others.

[Sally Lake]

I think we'll take the suitcases in when it stopped raining, okay?

[Herbert Lake]

Nice cup of tea first, eh?

[Sally Lake]

Oh, good.

[Janet Lake]

There's the house. Look.

[Sally Lake]

Look.

[Mrs. Grove]

Right.

[Sally Lake]

Right. It's the same one we've lived in for the past 10 years.

[Janet Lake]

I'm so pleased to be back again.

[Sally Lake]

Listen.

[Herbert Lake]

What's the matter, Janet?

[Janet Lake]

Can't you hear them?

[Herbert Lake]

We better make a dash for you.

[Janet Lake]

We must be able to hear them.

[Sally Lake]

In heaven's name, are you talking about.

[Janet Lake]

Listen, damn you.

[Sally Lake]

Listen, dare you? Janet.

[Herbert Lake]

Sonny.

[Sally Lake]

Oh, my God.

[Herbert Lake]

Did you hear?

[Janet Lake]

You heard them, didn't you?

[Sally Lake]

No.

[Janet Lake]

They're inside waiting for me. They've missed me as much as I'd missed them.

[Sally Lake]

Now, listen to Janet. I don't want to hear any more of this nonsense.

[Janet Lake]

Gran. John.

[Sally Lake]

Here I am.

[Janet Lake]

I'm back. I'm back.

[Sally Lake]

Janet.

[Herbert Lake]

My God, what's she doing? Janet. You haven't got a front door key.

[Sally Lake]

Janet, come back.

[Herbert Lake]

She's gone in. We must have left the door unlocked.

[Sally Lake]

The door was locked. I made sure before we left. Janet.

[Janet Lake]

Janet. Janet.

[Sally Lake]

Janice. Where are you?

[Herbert Lake]

Janice. Oh, come on now. Don't be silly.

[Sally Lake]

Janice. Oh. Oh, my God. What are we going to do? What in God's name are we going to do?

[Herbert Lake]

Sally. She's nowhere in this house. She's gone.

[Sally Lake]

Frighten. Oh, Brighton.

[Herbert Lake]

She kind of disappeared. Not like that.

[Sally Lake]

But listen.

[Herbert Lake]

She's gone, Janice.

[Sally Lake]

She's gone.

[Herbert Lake]

She can't vanish.

[Sally Lake]

No, no, not vanished.

[Narrator]

She's lost. That was Little Girl Lost by Rosemary Timperley. Starring Jenny Linden as Sally, John Carson as Herbert, and Ruth Dunning as Mrs. Grove. Janet was played by Bernadette Windsor and the Doctor and John Grove by Adrian Egan. Haunted was adapted and directed by Derek Hoddinott.

[Sally Lake]

SA.