Masters of Mystery 5x-xx-xx Half an Hour

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Masters of Mystery 5x-XX-XX: Half an Hour"

Episode Information

• Title: Masters of Mystery 5x-XX-XX: Half an Hour
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: May 24, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into a dramatic adaptation of Sir James Barry's short story "Half an Hour," brought to life by the talented Sir Ralph Richardson. Set in the opulent world of high society, the narrative explores the complexities of marital discord, deceit, and unexpected tragedy.

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Introduction

The episode opens with the host, Don Dowd, setting the stage for the evening's dramatic presentation. He introduces Sir James Barry's "Half an Hour," highlighted by Sir Ralph Richardson portraying the character Richard Garson. The setting is an elegant mansion near Park Lane, where the affluent financier Richard Garson and his young wife, Lillian Garson, reside.

Notable Quote:

Don Dowd [00:06]: "Mystery Time brings you a story by a great master of literature transcribed into dramatic form and played by an outstanding cast."

Marital Tensions Unveiled

From the outset, the audience is immersed in the strained relationship between Richard and Lillian Garson. Their interactions are fraught with tension, showcasing a series of bickering exchanges that reveal the underlying issues in their marriage. Richard's insensitivity clashes with Lillian's provocative demeanor, setting a tense atmosphere.

Notable Quotes:

Richard Garson [00:47]: "You useless thing. That's just what. You're not strong, you, aren't you?"

Lillian Garson [01:22]: "Why don't you strike me, Richard? After all, I'm only a woman."

Revelation of Marital Strife

As the dialogue progresses, Lillian confesses her dissatisfaction, hinting at a deeper unhappiness rooted in their marriage. She sarcastically acknowledges that Richard's wealth may have been the primary reason for their union, suggesting that financial motives rather than genuine affection underpin their relationship.

Notable Quote:

Lillian Garson [02:19]: "I couldn't help feel if I could have got you for half, I wouldn't have had you."

The Plan to Leave

Lillian unveils her plan to leave Richard, revealing her intention to start anew with a man named Hugh Payton. Her determination to escape the confines of her marriage becomes evident as she contemplates departing for Egypt, emphasizing her longing for independence and true companionship.

Notable Quotes:

Lillian Garson [03:11]: "I will leave you forever. I've held for a long time the love of a man can."

Richard Garson [05:04]: "Jen, send me a whisky into the billiard room, will you?"

Unexpected Tragedy Strikes

Just as Lillian attempts to execute her escape plan, tragedy strikes. Dr. Brody enters the scene with grave news: Hugh Payton has been killed by a motorbus. This unforeseen event not only derails Lillian's plans but also introduces a layer of mystery and suspense, leaving the characters and listeners to grapple with the sudden loss.

Notable Quotes:

Dr. Brody [09:30]: "My name is Dr. Brody. Your husband was knocked over by a motor bus."

Lillian Garson [09:56]: "This is true."

Confrontation and Confusion

In the aftermath of Hugh's death, confusion ensues. Lillian grapples with the reality of her plans being thwarted, while Richard attempts to maintain control amidst the chaos. The interaction between Richard, Lillian, and Dr. Brody intensifies, revealing hidden emotions and the fragility of their relationships.

Notable Quotes:

Richard Garson [12:12]: "She must have shoved them in the drawer and forgotten them, I suppose."

Dr. Brody [16:18]: "I've come to the conclusion that your husband is right and that I was a sentimental fellow wasting my sympathy on her."

The Missing Emeralds: A Twist Unveiled

A significant plot twist emerges when the Garsons discover that Lillian's emeralds, previously thought to be misplaced, are missing. Richard initially portrays panic and suspicion, only to unveil that it was a ruse designed to test Lillian's reactions and perhaps mend their strained relationship. This revelation adds depth to Richard's character, suggesting layers of manipulation and control within the marriage.

Notable Quotes:

Richard Garson [18:31]: "Oh, no you don't, Susie. Not in the rain."

Lillian Garson [18:28]: "But what's to be done? My emeralds."

Climactic Resolution and Final Revelations

As the episode nears its conclusion, tensions momentarily subside with the return of the emeralds and the looming dinner guests. However, the undercurrents of mistrust and emotional turmoil persist, leaving listeners anticipating further developments. The interplay between deception and truth highlights the complexities of the characters' relationships and sets the stage for future episodes.

Notable Quote:

Richard Garson [18:41]: "Come on, calm yourself. Let this be a lesson to you."

Conclusion

"Half an Hour" masterfully encapsulates the essence of Golden Age radio dramas, blending sharp dialogue with intricate character dynamics. The episode navigates themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for personal freedom, all while maintaining an air of mystery and suspense. Sir Ralph Richardson's portrayal of Richard Garson adds a compelling dimension to the narrative, ensuring that listeners are both entertained and emotionally invested.

Final Notable Quote:

Lillian Garson [19:23]: "An old letter. Just an old letter, Dr. Brody. Shall we go?"

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Overall Insights: This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" exemplifies the timeless allure of radio dramas, where storytelling relies solely on dialogue and sound to paint vivid scenarios. The adaptation of Sir James Barry's "Half an Hour" captures the intricate dance of human emotions and the fragile facade of high society life. Through its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, the episode offers listeners a captivating journey into mystery and personal turmoil.

Transcript

[Richard Garson]

Foreign.

[Don Dowd]

This is your host for Mystery Time, Don Dowd. Tonight, as on every Thursday night, Mystery Time brings you a story by a great master of literature transcribed into dramatic form and played by an outstanding cast. Tonight, our mystery classic comes from the pen of Sir James Barry. It's one of his outstanding short stories titled Half an Hour. Starring in it is Sir Ralph Richardson, who not only plays the part of Richard Garson, but introduced. This is the drama now, Sir James Barry's Half an Hour, starring Ralph Richardson.

[Richard Garson]

Mr. Garson, we can hardly call him the hero of the story. Mr. Garson is a financier and his young wife live in Lillian live in a mansion near Park Lane. Later this evening they will be entertaining guests there. But now they are alone. They're in the middle of their periodic brawls. He is being insensitive as usual. She is being provocative also as usual.

[Dr. Brody]

In fact, it is not a very pretty scene.

[Lillian Garson]

Why don't you strike me, Richard? After all, I'm only a woman. And there's no one within call a woman.

[Richard Garson]

You useless thing. That's just what. You're not strong, you, aren't you?

[Lillian Garson]

No wonder I love you. Look how you crumpled my frock.

[Richard Garson]

Well, you certainly are for it.

[Lillian Garson]

Did I? You know, I can't make up my mind whether green is really my color. What do you think? What color do you best like to knock me about in?

[Richard Garson]

You mind what you're saying.

[Lillian Garson]

Well, you mind telling me what all this scene has been about?

[Richard Garson]

Ah, I can't even remember. Anyhow, what's it matter what it was that started us off? Something always does. And in the end we end up by seeing exactly what we think of each other.

[Lillian Garson]

Of course we know what we think of each other before we start.

[Richard Garson]

Maybe we do. But how many times have I said to that that father of yours.

[Lillian Garson]

Oh, Pop. By the way, I never heard how much you paid him for me when we got married.

[Richard Garson]

One way or another, a good £20,000.

[Lillian Garson]

I can't help feel if I could.

[Richard Garson]

Have got you for half, I wouldn't have had you.

[Lillian Garson]

How likely to say that, Richard. Still, there are other women for whom you could have paid even more. There must have been some reason why you picked on me.

[Richard Garson]

Oh, you rotten old aristocratic family. All so poor and so well turned out. A come on look in the melting eyes of you and the disdain of you. I suppose they went to my head. You were the worst, so I chose you.

[Lillian Garson]

I won. I won.

[Richard Garson]

You didn't need to come to me unless you liked.

[Lillian Garson]

You know, I bet that it was your money that brought me. Quite so sorry, Richard. For both of us.

[Richard Garson]

Ah, nonsense.

[Lillian Garson]

You must at least allow. I never pretended it was anything but your wealth that drew me.

[Richard Garson]

I never wanted it to be anything else.

[Lillian Garson]

I like you again. Perhaps that's even some little excuse for me. Not very much, I dare say. Why don't we end it?

[Richard Garson]

Do you know who you're talking to? With my name in the city?

[Lillian Garson]

Oh, of course. But if you won't. Richard, did it ever struck you that someday I may?

[Dr. Brody]

You?

[Richard Garson]

Never.

[Lillian Garson]

You have a mighty face in you.

[Richard Garson]

Mighty.

[Lillian Garson]

May I ask why?

[Richard Garson]

Isn't it obvious? You know why. That expensive little heart of yours. You can't afford to. You're too fond of my money, I see. Tragic your lot, isn't it?

[Lillian Garson]

More tragic than you understand.

[Richard Garson]

Bought you when you were too young to know what you were doing.

[Lillian Garson]

Not so young. But that I should have known.

[Richard Garson]

It's a rare, exquisite creature, too, as you know yourself to be.

[Lillian Garson]

I know I'm not, but as I long to be, as I think I could be.

[Richard Garson]

As you think you could be. You'd married a better man, I suppose.

[Lillian Garson]

All right, Mockney. You have the right. But it may be truer than you think.

[Richard Garson]

That's what they tell you, I've no doubt.

[Lillian Garson]

Who tell me?

[Richard Garson]

Those young cubs who live on your father.

[Lillian Garson]

If I was to let them tell me what they would like to say.

[Richard Garson]

Ah, but they do, I pet. And when they've finished, you tell them they mustn't say things like that. And your lip trembles and one sad tear sits in your sweet eyes. The same little tear that comes when you've overdrawn your allowance.

[Lillian Garson]

How you read me.

[Richard Garson]

I think so. I think I know the stuff you're made of. I wouldn't try any heroics, Lillian. You can't live up to them.

[Lillian Garson]

I haven't the courage, I suppose.

[Richard Garson]

Oh, he's the sort of pluck that let the French Jack O Dandies go tripping to the guillotine. And perhaps my breed hasn't. When it comes to living, you got to live on us, my girl, and make the best of it.

[Lillian Garson]

Oh, only.

[Richard Garson]

If only you were to show me that it. Well, I'm not nervous. In the end, you're always the true to number one. I thought you out that far, at least.

[Lillian Garson]

And supposing. Supposing I did show you?

[Richard Garson]

If you did. If you tried to play any game.

[Dr. Brody]

Or me.

[Lillian Garson]

Well, did a knife, Richard? Or destiny?

[Richard Garson]

You brought any shame on me before I put you to the door, I Break you.

[Lillian Garson]

You're hurting. If I did it, I wouldn't be here to break.

[Richard Garson]

I shouldn't advise you to be, Lillian.

[Lillian Garson]

Unless you wish to do the breaking. Now, please let go of my wrist.

[Richard Garson]

Come in.

[Lillian Garson]

Excuse me, ma' am. May I draw the curtain? Yes. Jim.

[Richard Garson]

Dinner at half past, I suppose.

[Lillian Garson]

I suppose.

[Richard Garson]

Jen, send me a whisky into the billiard room, will you?

[Lillian Garson]

Yes, sir. Jane, leave the curtains now. Attend to the whisky. Very well, madam. Richard, when you read this, you will know that I've left you forever. I've held for a long time the love of a man can. Can really respect. Not rich as you are, but a man who asks nothing more of life than that I should be with him. He's asked me to go away with him, far away, to Egypt. And I've made up my mind to do so. I wish you to know his name. It is Hugh Payton. When he's divorced me, I hope to be his wife. Lilian, I'm leaving the emerald in the draw of your desk with this melt. I didn't wish to have anything with me which might remind me of your unkindness. 12 past 8. Just time to catch him before he goes for his train.

[Richard Garson]

Lillian.

[Dr. Brody]

Oh, dear.

[Lillian Garson]

You please listen to me first. You see, I changed my mind and come after all. My darling, I'm here to go with you. You'll have me still. But, oh, Hugh, let there be no more mistakes. Don't have me, dear. If you'd rather not.

[Dr. Brody]

Lynn.

[Lillian Garson]

It hasn't really shocked you, is it, Hugh? You don't despise me in your heart for coming?

[Dr. Brody]

Yeah.

[Lillian Garson]

My dear, you're so fond of Egypt. Perhaps it'd be lovelier for me to go back to it alone.

[Dr. Brody]

But tell me, dear, what made you.

[Richard Garson]

Change your mind so suddenly?

[Lillian Garson]

Not suddenly. I long to come to you. But I was his wife. Did you hear me say I was his wife? What a lovely way of putting my wife.

[Richard Garson]

Now and always.

[Lillian Garson]

Things he said to me tonight.

[Richard Garson]

Yeah. There, that's all over.

[Dr. Brody]

Did you. Did you tell him you were going to.

[Lillian Garson]

Yes. I left a letter for him on the drawer of his desk with all the jewelry I was wearing. Just like he told me to do.

[Dr. Brody]

You said in it that you were coming to me.

[Richard Garson]

Yes, I wanted you to do that. I wanted it to be. To be all above board. I was afraid of him.

[Lillian Garson]

I said I was going away with you. And I put my wedding ring inside the letter. I burned all my boats through.

[Richard Garson]

Darling.

[Dr. Brody]

Not unless the train.

[Richard Garson]

Not another word. If you love me, can you snap These catches while I sit on the trunk. That's it.

[Lillian Garson]

What use, Mynheer, I just remembered you. There were people coming to dinner tonight.

[Richard Garson]

I've just remembered something far more important. Women. Where is your trousseau, Susie?

[Lillian Garson]

I've only want you see me in there. Here's all the riches I bring you. Four and sixpence. Please take care of my diary for me.

[Richard Garson]

Of course, yes. But what son? To buy you a trousseau at Brindisi if not before. Susie.

[Lillian Garson]

Are you going to send Susie to get a trousseau for me?

[Richard Garson]

Of course. Ah, Susie. Skip across to the nearest drapers and buy me a trousseau. Size five and a half by one and a quarter. Hurry up now. Fly.

[Lillian Garson]

He only means he wants a taxi. Oh, that mother's out. And you know what? Bother his son. But I'll get it myself.

[Richard Garson]

Oh, no you don't, Susie. Not in the rain. I'll be back in a drippy, Lillian.

[Lillian Garson]

He's just bubbling over, miss. And all because he's going off to make guns. And he just. Has he been bubbling over for long, Susie? For days and days. I used to think of him out in Egypt in a very dirty state. Till I saw a picture of him all in laundry, white and riding on a cab. The camel goes on its knees to him, Susie. I don't wonder at it. There was a thing about him in the paper and it said the ball is at his feet and it is a great career for him. But I've just got to make ready for another lodger. That's all. A great career there is for the likes of me. I'm thinking there's a great career for you after him. He's still got his key. It's not him. I think there's something wrong. Wrong? Quickly, Susie. What is it? What happened? Tell me. There's been an accident. They're bringing him in. But Mr. Paper. Susie. It can't be him. He would have run over.

[Dr. Brody]

My name is Dr. Brody. My poor lady. Have they told you? Do I? Your husband. He was knocked over by a motor bus.

[Lillian Garson]

You. You.

[Dr. Brody]

Mrs. Peyton. I'm afraid it's very serious. Very serious.

[Lillian Garson]

Tell me.

[Dr. Brody]

I won't scare you. Mr. Peyton is dead.

[Lillian Garson]

No.

[Dr. Brody]

He died as they picked him up.

[Lillian Garson]

This is true.

[Dr. Brody]

I'm a doctor. I happened in passing. I didn't know him, of course, but one of the people told me his name. He only spoke one word before he died.

[Lillian Garson]

My name.

[Dr. Brody]

The word was Egypt. I. I want to help you in any way possible. Now, if you could give me the address of any male relative.

[Lillian Garson]

I couldn't bring anyone here. You mustn't on any account.

[Dr. Brody]

Just to help you with. I, I, I, I don't quite. Excuse me. You are Mrs. Pearson? I'm sorry, I have no wish to intrude, but someone must communicate with the relatives. And of course, an inquiry.

[Lillian Garson]

You mean I've no right to be here?

[Dr. Brody]

That's none of my business. But you must know what? Pardon me. I won't disturb you any longer.

[Lillian Garson]

No, please don't go. What about it? Do we. We were going away together. You'll think that wrong. I know.

[Dr. Brody]

How should I know?

[Lillian Garson]

Well, there were reasons. I was, I was leaving my husband. We were going away together. And we're going to be married after the divorce.

[Dr. Brody]

I see. Well, you understand that. Well, there'll have to be an inquest. And if you're found here, you may be called on to give edit.

[Lillian Garson]

I, I couldn't possibly.

[Dr. Brody]

Then my advice is leave here immediately before I call the police. If there's nothing common already. Yes, I, I think that might be best for both of you.

[Lillian Garson]

But I'm nowhere to go. Nowhere. I loved him. I risked everything for him. I'm lost.

[Richard Garson]

What time are they coming with us? Have I time to write a note?

[Lillian Garson]

It's two minutes short of the half hour, sir.

[Richard Garson]

The leadership not done yet? I believe not. Well, she isn't usually late. I didn't hear her in her room, come to think of it.

[Lillian Garson]

Shall I send up to inquire, sir?

[Richard Garson]

Oh, no, she'll be down directly, no doubt. I just got to write a note before the guests arrive. They, they know there'll be three tonight. Will it?

[Lillian Garson]

Yes, sir.

[Richard Garson]

Oh, they're. They're here. Apparently, sir.

[Dr. Brody]

Oh.

[Richard Garson]

Well, I'll write this later, I suppose. Yeah. Give me those papers with us. We'll put them in here for now. What? What the devil? Good heavens. Lillian Ravels. What on earth are they doing in this place? She must have shut them in the drawer and forgotten them, I suppose. Her all over. They're. They're here, sir.

[Dr. Brody]

Is that all?

[Richard Garson]

Yes, that's, that's all.

[Lillian Garson]

Ms. Jimmy's is reading, sir.

[Richard Garson]

Ah, glad to see you both. Come in and get warm. Lily will be here in a minute. You seem to be having a little telco by yourself. Carson. Look what I found. My eyes. Where did they come from? I put my hand in a drawer for some papers and I found these instead. Well, all I can say is let's go. House.

[Lillian Garson]

Silly man. They're Lady Lillian. I'd know them anywhere. Beautiful emeralds.

[Richard Garson]

The joke is, I see now why my wife's late for dinner.

[Dr. Brody]

No, no, no.

[Richard Garson]

It's we that are early. She must have shoved them in the drawer there. Her set are more careless than ours, you know. And then forgotten where she put them. I bet she's searching iron low for them at this moment.

[Lillian Garson]

Oh, but poor dear. I suppose some servant has found them. Or that awful man who winds the clock.

[Richard Garson]

Well, they're safe enough now. I'll take care of them.

[Lillian Garson]

Dr. Brody.

[Richard Garson]

Ah, here you are. Very pleased to see you in my little place, Brody.

[Dr. Brody]

Thank you, Gaston. Lady Lillian. I'm honored.

[Richard Garson]

No, no, no, this isn't Lady Lillian.

[Lillian Garson]

What did it were Dr. Brody.

[Richard Garson]

Come. Dr. Brody, this is Reading.

[Dr. Brody]

Oh, how you doing?

[Richard Garson]

You and Reading have met at the club, of course.

[Dr. Brody]

Yes.

[Richard Garson]

I forgot you didn't know my wife, Rudy. She'll be down in a moment. Must apologize for being late.

[Lillian Garson]

Don't pass, Mr. D. Dr. Brody knows what women are.

[Dr. Brody]

No, no, not I, Mrs. Redding.

[Richard Garson]

But I was afraid I would be late myself.

[Dr. Brody]

A very strange thing happened just now.

[Richard Garson]

Why, what was that?

[Dr. Brody]

An accident in the street. Man knocked over by a motorbus. Not welcome here, King.

[Richard Garson]

Oh, rough luck. Was you? Do you have to do anything?

[Dr. Brody]

Yes. Yes, I did. He was living just around here. Seems to be an engineer or something. Done some good work out in India, they told me. Peyton was the name. Did you ever know him, by any chance? Peyton?

[Richard Garson]

Peyton. It was a Hugh Paton who had met once at dinner.

[Dr. Brody]

Who?

[Richard Garson]

Oh, no, no. Egypt was his place. Oh, I'm sorry.

[Dr. Brody]

I'm sorry. Not India. It was Egypt, she said. Yes, probably the same peril.

[Lillian Garson]

Was he married?

[Dr. Brody]

No, not married exactly, whatever.

[Richard Garson]

Surely better the circumstances that he wasn't married. Oh.

[Lillian Garson]

Oh, much better, you said, poor devil.

[Dr. Brody]

Did I? I was thinking of something else.

[Lillian Garson]

Of the lady, you mean.

[Dr. Brody]

Did I say there was a lady?

[Lillian Garson]

Ah, you're saying it now.

[Dr. Brody]

Yes, yes, there was a lady, all right. She was married. She told me she'd just left her husband. Run away from him that very hour, in fact. She and Peyton were on the point of going away together. The bags were packed. Everything, in fact. He was looking for a taxi when he was nuked over.

[Richard Garson]

So she was living her husband, was she?

[Dr. Brody]

That's what she told me. And the most extraordinary thing is that the husband didn't know she'd gone.

[Lillian Garson]

I'm terribly sorry, everyone. Do forgive me.

[Richard Garson]

Ah, you're very late, Lily.

[Lillian Garson]

I know. Dear Mrs. Reading, I'm so ashamed. Forgive Me kindness to all I can.

[Richard Garson]

Say, Lady Lillian, is that you are worth waiting for.

[Lillian Garson]

Oh, and this.

[Richard Garson]

Yes, how do you do, my wife at last, Brody. I forgot, Lillian, but I mentioned that Dr. Brody very kindly promised to take pot luck with us.

[Lillian Garson]

No, but I'm so pleased, Dr. Brodie. Any friend of my husband.

[Dr. Brody]

Thank you, Lady Lillian.

[Lillian Garson]

He's been telling us such a shocking story.

[Richard Garson]

Lady Lillian, if you spoil my dinner. Ah, not quite our hope reading. No, not quite.

[Lillian Garson]

A man killed in the street. Tell her, Dr. Brody.

[Dr. Brody]

I. I'm afraid it wouldn't interest Lady Liam.

[Richard Garson]

Oh yes, by the way, it would. You remember him though.

[Lillian Garson]

Was it someone I know?

[Richard Garson]

Peyton was the Lady Hill Payton, I think, wasn't it? From Rotters. We met him, wasn't it?

[Lillian Garson]

Was he a banster?

[Richard Garson]

Some sort of an engineer? He worked abroad somewhere. Egypt? Only in a small way, I believe.

[Lillian Garson]

A dark man, wasn't he?

[Dr. Brody]

No fair, evidently. If you ever knew him, Lady Lillian, you have forgotten him.

[Lillian Garson]

One meets so many. Just so there was a woman in it. Lady Lillian. Do get him to tell us about her. I'm sure there's a scandal in it somewhere. Ask him to tell us why not.

[Dr. Brody]

Very well, I assure you. I pitied her when I thought she was his wife. And still more when I found out that she wasn't. She kept crying. What could she do?

[Richard Garson]

Runs away from her husband. Gets a lover run over. She'll always run out and get her some new ones, can't she? Oh, look here, Garfield. What a sentimental fellow you are, Brody. That kind to look after themselves all right. After all, she told you she was married, didn't you? Well, by Jove. Supposing she just bolts back to unsuspecting number one. Her husband, I mean. Oh Lord.

[Dr. Brody]

When she left the house at my request. I couldn't have thought so despicably of her as that.

[Lillian Garson]

Is it more abject than my husband's other end for her? You'll have to be one of the two.

[Dr. Brody]

Yes, it would have to be one of the two. But to go creeping back to her husband as though nothing had happened, that would be too much.

[Richard Garson]

Oh, it's quite possible, you know. Garson.

[Don Dowd]

Ditching, sir.

[Richard Garson]

I say, that'll be making a pretty jump out of the husband, wouldn't it? Yeah, that does. All the same. It has a funny side to it, you know. Don't you think so? Bloody. It had his humorous side, you know.

[Dr. Brody]

Oh yes, yes, I can see that, Captain. But I wasn't thinking about the husband as I walked here. I was thinking about the woman picturing her in dire desolation.

[Lillian Garson]

Don't you think she may be in dire desolation?

[Dr. Brody]

Still thinking it over, Lady Lillian?

[Richard Garson]

No.

[Dr. Brody]

I've come to the conclusion that your husband is right and that I was a sentimental fellow wasting my sympathy on her.

[Richard Garson]

Exactly. We don't need to worry about her.

[Lillian Garson]

I think dinner is, sir.

[Richard Garson]

Ah, Dr. Brody, will you take maybe.

[Dr. Brody]

I shall be honored.

[Lillian Garson]

Oh, by the way, Mr. Garson, you were telling us about Lady Lillian's emeralds. Remember?

[Richard Garson]

Oh, but of course. Why? A little. Little. You haven't got them on tonight. I thought you got them out of me especially to go with that dress.

[Lillian Garson]

Well, no, I.

[Richard Garson]

Well, where are they? I was talking about them to Mrs. Redding before you came in.

[Lillian Garson]

I. I took them off down here earlier on and left them for safety in one of your desk drawers.

[Richard Garson]

Oh, which one?

[Lillian Garson]

That one.

[Richard Garson]

Ah. Better open up and put them on again, haven't you? I like giving them, you know.

[Lillian Garson]

I remember them when I was upstairs dressing and then I forgot them again. Yes, there it is. Hang on. The animals are gone. They're not here, but they should be. I left them here only a little while ago. I know I did what you say. They're gone. But what's to be done? My emeralds. I know they're in the drawer.

[Richard Garson]

Gone. Send for the police at once. Destroyed is very serious.

[Lillian Garson]

I know they were there. I know what can have happened to them. Mr. Garson, how can you keep it up? Don't you see the poor girl nearly fainting? I'm not surprised. I know I should. Emerald.

[Richard Garson]

Come on, calm yourself. Let this be a lesson to you. That's all. Everything's all right. It's just a trick I was playing on you. I found them in the drawer just before reading came in. There never was a chap like Garten for playing tricks on you. A masterpiece. A real master. There they are. For the moment. Then let's go to dinner, Mrs. Reddick.

[Lillian Garson]

Oh, poor Lady Lillian. She looks quite pale.

[Richard Garson]

Oh, she'll get over it. May be even more careful with them next time, eh? Will. Will. Come out. What are you doing over there? Burning something?

[Lillian Garson]

An old letter. Just an old letter, Dr. Brody. Shall we go?

[Richard Garson]

Ra.