The Witch's Tale 31-07-02 The Bronze Venus

Summary

Detailed Summary of "The Witch's Tale 31-07-02 The Bronze Venus"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: The Witch's Tale 31-07-02 The Bronze Venus
• Release Date: January 31, 2025
• Description: Dive into the Golden Age of Radio with timeless radio shows that captured families' imaginations before the advent of television. This episode, "The Bronze Venus," weaves a tale of love, obsession, and the supernatural.

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1. Introduction to Characters and Setting

The episode opens with Alonzo Dean Cole introducing "The Witch's Tale," setting the stage for a story filled with intrigue and familial tension. The narrative unfolds in a serene home located in the French countryside, a setting that harkens back to ancient times when "heathen roamings" lived.

Notable Quote:

• Nancy: "But douse out them lights, everybody. Nancy's love yarns is best listened to in the darkness." (02:29)

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2. The Discovery of the Bronze Venus

The heart of the story begins with the discovery of a life-sized bronze statue of Venus by Francois, an archaeologist, and his son Henri. This find ignites a chain of events that strain family relationships and introduce supernatural elements.

Key Events:

• Francois uncovers a stunning bronze Venus statue while excavating an old olive tree site.
• The discovery is celebrated as potentially "the greatest find of the century."

Notable Quotes:

• Francois: "This statue may prove the greatest find of the century. She's gorgeous." (08:35)
• Henri: "She's the loveliest thing I've ever seen." (09:14)

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3. Familial Tensions and Relationships

Hannah, Francois's wife and Georgette's mother, expresses her disdain for the obsession her husband and son have with archaeology. She fears that this obsession overshadows familial bonds and personal relationships.

Key Events:

• Hannah criticizes Francois's dedication, likening it to "robbing graves."
• Georgette, Hannah's daughter, is preparing to marry Henri, Francois's son, creating a familial bond fraught with tension.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah: "It's too much like robbing graves. To my mind, the dead in their possessions are best left undisturbed." (05:25)
• Georgette: "You really don't mean that. With all his constant delving among old ruins and buried cities, Papa has remained as close and dear to you as Harry will be to me." (05:16)

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4. Emergence of Supernatural Elements

As preparations for the wedding proceed, the bronze Venus statue begins to exhibit eerie behaviors. Sounds emanate from it, and it appears almost alive, foreshadowing ominous events.

Key Events:

• A mysterious bong sound is heard when the statue is unearthed.
• The statue's arm inexplicably strikes out, causing distress and fear among the characters.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgette: "And as the lightning plays about her, she looks like some fiend of hell." (27:00)
• Henri: "She's more than metal. She looks almost alive." (24:53)

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5. The Wedding Ceremony and Climax

Despite the growing unease, the wedding between Georgette and Henri is set to take place on "Venus Day," aligning with the discovery of the statue. During the ceremony, supernatural forces culminate in a tragic climax.

Key Events:

• The wedding proceeds with Henri expressing deep affection for Georgette, overshadowed by his fascination with the statue.
• As the ceremony concludes, the bronze Venus comes to life, tragically ensnaring Henri and Georgette in its metal embrace.

Notable Quotes:

• Alonzo Dean Cole (Off-Air): "Honorary Michel de St. Clair, wilt thou take Georgette Cecilia Marseille, here present for thy lawful wife according to the right of our Holy Mother the Church?" (28:09)
• Henri: "Venus, I am yours forever." (29:17)
• Georgette: "Stop him." (29:24)

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6. Conclusion and Aftermath

The episode concludes with the aftermath of the supernatural events. Nancy and Satan, the wise black cat, hint at unresolved mysteries and tease future tales, leaving listeners eager for more.

Key Events:

• Henri is trapped by the statue, symbolizing the destructive power of obsession and neglect.
• Nancy promises that the story isn't over, enticing listeners to return for the next installment.

Notable Quotes:

• Nancy: "That ain't the end of our love story about the bronze Venus, Satan. But if these folks wants to hear the rest about her, they got to come and see us next time." (15:35)
• Nancy: "Come see me and see. Next time I has a birthday. We may have another pretty love story to tell you." (30:25)

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Overall Themes and Insights

"The Bronze Venus" intricately explores themes of obsession, the clash between personal aspirations and familial duties, and the thin veil between the natural and supernatural worlds. Francois's relentless pursuit of archaeological discovery leads to unintended consequences, affecting not only his relationship with Hannah but also the lives of their children.

The supernatural elements serve as a metaphor for the uncontrollable nature of fate and the unforeseen repercussions of one's passions. The tragic end underscores the message that neglecting personal relationships for professional obsessions can lead to devastating outcomes.

Closing Thoughts: This episode masterfully blends familial drama with supernatural suspense, staying true to the nostalgic essence of Golden Age radio dramas. By intertwining relatable human conflicts with eerie, otherworldly phenomena, "The Bronze Venus" captivates listeners, leaving them reflective and yearning for more.

Transcript

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[Alonzo Dean Cole]

We bring you the Witch's Tale, written and produced by Alonzo Dean. And now let us join old Nancy and Satan, her wise black cat.

[Hannah]

Hannah.

[Nancy]

And two year old I be today. Yes, sir. Hannah and two year old. Well, Satan, what kind of a cheerful little yarn will we spin these folks tonight? A love story. Well, if you ain't a sentimental old cat, you say you're not too old to be romantic. I never knowed a male critter that was in his mind. Now set yourself down in the corner, Satan, and I'll spin the kind of tale you ask for. But douse out them lights, everybody. Nancy's love yarns is best listened to in the darkness. Now draw up to the fire and gaze into them both. Soon you'll see inside a happy home across the seas in France. It's down in the country while them old heathen roamings used to live 2000 year ago. And while they left some funny things lying buried in the earth. Funny things that men today sometimes discover Gazing to them buzz deep and here are young of the bronze Venus. The bronze Venus.

[Georgette]

Mama Henry should be here any minute. If you don't hurry, I shan't be dressed in time to meet him.

[Hannah]

Stop squirming if you want me to finish. Oh, I'll be glad when Henri takes you off my hands. Then I won't have to tie ribbons on a creature who can't stand still a moment.

[Georgette]

You won't be glad at all. You'll weep Constantly. After I marry and go to live in Paris.

[Hannah]

I shan't yet. The sooner such a nuisance as you is out of my sight, the better. Oh, my baby. You will be leaving me soon.

[Georgette]

Mama. Stop that, my little Georgian. Stop it or I'll cry too. Mama, please don't.

[Hannah]

No, I mustn't. Anyone who saw me would think a funeral was to take place here in five days instead of a wedding. And I'm really very happy. Your Henri is a good man. He loves you.

[Georgette]

And you love him so much, Mama. So much.

[Hannah]

Stop your sighing and let me finish with these ribbons. Oh, I suppose I sighed the same foolish way before I married your father. And that's the only thing I have against Henri. He's so much like your father.

[Georgette]

Why, Ma.

[Hannah]

In his ridiculous interest, I mean. How the daughter of an antiquary can ever wish to become the wife of one is quite beyond my comprehension.

[Georgette]

You really don't mean that. With all his constant delving among old ruins and buried cities, Papa has remained as close and dear to you as Harry will be to me.

[Hannah]

Yes, of course, physically. But I long ago discovered that to a man with the archaeological bee in his bonnet, no mere woman can compete spiritually with a thousand year old trifle that he's dug up from the earth. And I don't approve of such work. I never have. It's too much like robbing graves. To my mind, the dead in their possessions are best left undisturbed.

[Georgette]

Oh, that's silly superstition.

[Hannah]

All right, have it your own way.

[Georgette]

But I do wish Papa hadn't found something to disturb this morning. He should have got to be hungry instead of merely sending old Jacques to the station with a carriage orner.

[Hannah]

He won't be annoyed by that apparent rudeness. When he learns it was caused by a new discovery. Chances are he'll even forget he's been away from you for an entire month. While he and your father indulge in scientific raptures.

[Georgette]

Oh, he's not. Hurry.

[Hannah]

We'll see. What is it your father found this morning? You haven't told me much about it yet.

[Georgette]

Oh, it gave me an awful fright.

[Hannah]

Fright?

[Georgette]

For just a moment. This sign was purely accidental. Three of our peasants were digging up that old olive tree that was frozen last winter. And Papa and I were standing beside them talking about hurry when one of the men dug his pick into the earth. And we heard a bong as though we'd struck a bell. Then suddenly a black hand seemed to rise from out the earth. I thought it was a dead Man's at first, but it was only the hand of a bronze statue. And when I left, Papa was delirious with joy and down in the pit with a shovel, helping the men unearth the rest of it.

[Hannah]

Oh, then he'll be covered with dirt when he returns to the house. And he'll trek it all over my carpet. Oh, but what's the use? I discovered long ago that men can't be made over.

[Henri]

Whoa, Sarah Pooh.

[Georgette]

Oh, marble. That's old Jacques outside. The carriage has returned with. Hurry, Georgette.

[Henri]

Hurry.

[Georgette]

Mama.

[Hannah]

I'm right behind you.

[Henri]

Georgette, darling. Oh, my little sweetheart.

[Hannah]

Good afternoon, Henri.

[Henri]

Welcome back, Madame de Marseille. I salute you.

[Hannah]

Don't waste your kisses on an old woman such as I. But tell this girl of mine how much you've missed her.

[Georgette]

Oh, I already know, Mama, for I know how greatly I've missed him.

[Henri]

Have you, dear? To me, every moment that I've been away it seemed an hour. The hour's like days, the days as years.

[Hannah]

It's a very pretty speech for an antiquary. I hope that after you're married, you won't neglect to tell Georgette the same charming lies.

[Georgette]

Lies?

[Henri]

Your mother's only joking, dear. She knows that nothing is important in my life. Excepting you, Helene.

[Francois]

Georgette.

[Hannah]

Here comes your father. Georgette. Covered with dirt from head to foot.

[Francois]

Henri. Henri.

[Henri]

You have arrived just now, Monsieur de Marsay.

[Hannah]

And no thanks to you, Francois. You should be ashamed you didn't meet him at the station.

[Francois]

Oh, I have been doing something more important. Something that will make or his eyes grow wide with envy.

[Georgette]

You've unearthed the statue, Papa.

[Francois]

The men are bringing you. Just wait until you see it.

[Henri]

Statue? What statue?

[Francois]

Didn't Georgia tell you of my fine.

[Georgette]

Henri, Just step from the carriage. Besides, I don't yet know what you found. I left before.

[Francois]

Wait until you see. Hurry. Hurry, you men.

[Hannah]

It looks as though they were bearing a cord.

[Francois]

Now handle it carefully. There. Now face it up.

[Henri]

Right there, Monsieur de Marsay. Why, it's an antique bronze.

[Francois]

Yes, a life size bronze. A Venus. A Venus of the ancients.

[Henri]

Where did you find her? How did you.

[Francois]

Look at her, my boy, and envy me my luck. This statue may prove the greatest find of the century. She's gorgeous.

[Henri]

Superb. A masterpiece. She's of the early Roman period. Her face is not the classic style at all.

[Francois]

Here you have none of the immobility of feature which the Greeks gave to their sculptor.

[Hannah]

Her face seems almost living.

[Henri]

I've never seen such an illusion of life and metal.

[Georgette]

She has such A cruel face, hasn't she?

[Francois]

A heartless beauty, though. If she were a living woman, Ari, how she'd make her lover suffer. She'd send a man to death without the slightest pity.

[Henri]

Yes, she's almost devilish in her charm. She's the loveliest thing I've ever seen.

[Hannah]

That's a fine thing for a prospective husband to say in the presence of its future wife.

[Henri]

Will I?

[Francois]

I. I hardly think Georgette will be jealous of Harry's. Compliments to a statue, Helene. What an excellent omen she is for these children. Five days before their marriage, I bring them Venus, the goddess of love.

[Hannah]

Excellent omen indeed. A heathen idol buried by the dead. I don't like her looks at all.

[Francois]

Oh, Heather, you have no appreciation. Honey. Georgette, we must take full advantage of this excellent quartet. Your marriage was to be on Saturday. Friday is Venus day.

[Hannah]

You are not suggesting their wedding to be advanced to Friday?

[Henri]

Certainly, Georgette. That's a whole day sooner.

[Hannah]

Never. A marriage on Friday would bring all sorts of bad forces.

[Francois]

On the contrary, it will bring only good. For my goddess on the earth will smile upon their union.

[Georgette]

Mama, I'd like to be married that much sooner.

[Henri]

Madame de Marsay.

[Hannah]

Well, I suppose one superstition is as foolish as the other. All right.

[Francois]

There, it's all settled. Jean, Gaultier, you and the men fetch scraping tools.

[Hannah]

Yes, monsieur.

[Francois]

Now, Arnie, you and I will remove the encrusted earth from my Venus. We may find inscription?

[Hannah]

No, you may scrape in the dirt all you wish, but not all.

[Henri]

But it would be a privilege, madame. This find is stupendous. Every archaeologist in France will go mad with envy when they hear of it. And since monsieur has offered to let.

[Hannah]

Me ship what you must expect from an antiquary. Your affianced husband, whom you've not seen for a month, would desert you the hour he returns for a dead thing out of the earth.

[Henri]

Oh, madame, you know I.

[Georgette]

You may help Papa if you wish. Henry, I'm going in the house.

[Henri]

Oh, darling, wait. Forgive my thoughtlessness. I won't touch the statue or even think about it. Instead, you and I'll take a stroll in the garden and talk.

[Hannah]

What was that song?

[Francois]

Oh, it came from inside my Venus. Some loose, fragmented, a hollow form must have fallen and struck against the metal sides. Coming as it did, Ori, it seemed a protest against your desertion of her.

[Henri]

Well, protest or not, I am deserting.

[Francois]

Run along, then.

[Hannah]

Ari. When you and Georgette reach the garden, try to act like a lover instead of an archaeologist. I'M going in the house.

[Henri]

I shall take your advice, madame. Come, Georgette. Oh, later, if your daughter permits, monsieur, I shall be delighted to return and help you.

[Francois]

I shall be delighted to have you.

[Georgette]

My, you'd rather stay with that old statue now than be with me.

[Henri]

You know I wouldn't, darling. And you shouldn't feel bitterness to her or anything that's been so kind to us. I just think she's advanced our marriage a day.

[Georgette]

You don't believe, as Mama does, that Friday is unlucky?

[Henri]

If your love for me is as strong as mine for you, nothing can be unlucky, dear. See what I brought you from Paris?

[Georgette]

That ring upon your little finger?

[Henri]

Uh huh.

[Georgette]

Oh, gorgeous. Let me put it on.

[Henri]

No, no, not yet. It will only leave my finger for that of my wife's. It won't be yours for four whole days.

[Georgette]

It's to be my waiting ring.

[Henri]

Yes, there's a Latin inscription inside that means yours forever, you shall be mine.

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[Georgette]

And I will be yours forever after. Forever.

[Henri]

Just four short days. But they'd seem terribly long if your father hadn't found that statue. Fortunately, I can occupy my time assisting him with her.

[Georgette]

Hungry? You're thinking more about that statue than you do of me, George.

[Henri]

Yeah.

[Georgette]

Mama was right. To such men as you and Papa, nothing matters but dead things from the earth. I hate your ugly Venus. I hate her.

[Francois]

Hate her.

[Henri]

What?

[Georgette]

What was that?

[Henri]

What?

[Georgette]

That's Owen. Holy. It came from that statue back there.

[Henri]

Your father as Jean Call must have struck it with a tool.

[Georgette]

I suppose so. But as she seemed to protest against you leaving her a while ago now, she seemed to answer what I said in anger.

[Henri]

You silly little goose. Well, if you think she has understanding, I'll anger her still more. Do you think I could give that ancient lump of metal a single thought when you are near? If she were the living Venus, goddess of beauty, to me you'd be more beautiful and I'd love you more than Venus, the living goddess of love.

[Georgette]

That sound again.

[Hannah]

Someone called Papa.

[Francois]

He's hidden by those trees. Run.

[Georgette]

Papa.

[Francois]

Papa.

[Georgette]

He's not hurt. Thank heaven.

[Francois]

The Venus is falling and a man.

[Georgette]

Lies on the ground beside him. Sir.

[Henri]

Demarc, what has happened?

[Francois]

The statue of.

[Henri]

He's not.

[Francois]

Oh, he's only stunned. I think he's breathing. Georgette, send Jacques for Dr. Barbouche at once.

[Georgette]

But how did it happen?

[Francois]

I don't know. For no reason at all my Venus toppled over and oh, my old eyes are playing tricks.

[Henri]

What do you mean?

[Francois]

Why, before she fell, it seemed her bronze arm struck out in rage blindly as a person of temper strikes when something is said to anger them.

[Georgette]

It happened when you said you loved me more.

[Nancy]

That ain't the end of our love story about the bronze Venus, Satan. But if these folks wants to hear the rest about her, they got to come and see us next time. And has her birthday humming. Four year old I be real soon. Hummer and four year old.

[Alonzo Dean Cole]

We bring you the Witch's Tale written and produced by by Alonzo Dean Cole. And now let us join old Nancy and Satan, our wise black cat.

[Hannah]

Hannah.

[Nancy]

And 11 year old I be today. Yes, a Hunna and 11 year old. But stead of celebrating my birthday with a good rest, Satan, we got to go to work and tell the finish of that purty love story we begun last time these folks was here. Let's see you keep track of our romantic yarn, Satan of where'd we leave off? That's right. We told about that nice young girl who was fixing to marry a young archaeologist fella. And how the girl's father, who was also in the archaeology business, discovered the statue of a heathen goddess that was buried in the earth. It was an awful life like looking statue. And right while we left off our yarn it seemed as if it had got mad and struck a man with its metal fist. Douse out them lights so's we'll have it nice and dark for the finish of our tale. Now draw up to the fire and gaze into Them buzz gaze into em deep and soon you'll be back with us in France Whar once them heathen roamings lived soon you'll see once more the bronze Venus. The bronze Venus?

[Francois]

It's an ill wind that blows no one good on it. If it hadn't been for Jean Cole's bruises, Madame de Marseille would never have permitted you to help me complete this delightful task of scraping the encrusted earth from my Venus. She's used to me getting dirty, but she doesn't want our future son in law to follow in my sinful footsteps.

[Henri]

If I didn't help you, no one else would. Your goddess has certainly struck terror into the peasants around here.

[Francois]

They won't come within 100 meters of her now. Even though John Col is far from dead, as he claimed to be when he came to. Oh, dear. Very strange the way that accident occurred. I must consult an oculist about my eyes. I could have sworn the statue's arm lashed out in blind rage and struck him.

[Henri]

Georgette still maintains the reason for that rage was something I said about your beautiful bronze lady. Oh, it's all too ridiculous.

[Francois]

Of course it is. We're progressing splendidly. The upper part of my Venus is quite clean now.

[Henri]

She's a gorgeous thing, your Venus.

[Francois]

You admire, as I do, this divinity dug from the earth.

[Henri]

Yes. It's easy to understand why men of long ago adored her.

[Francois]

You and I are pagans at heart. We could adore her now.

[Henri]

Yes, we could adore her now. Look at her. The bronze seems to glow as we pay tribute to her beauty.

[Francois]

One could almost fancy that she smiled. Georgette and her mother are right. There is an illusion of life about this figure that's often startling.

[Henri]

Yes. Oh, it's caused by shadows in the sun, I suppose.

[Francois]

It couldn't be anything else.

[Henri]

Oh, confound it.

[Francois]

What's the matter?

[Henri]

This ring. So thick and heavy. I can't hold a scraper properly.

[Francois]

That's the wedding ring you're to give Georgette. On track Venus day.

[Henri]

Yes.

[Francois]

You owe me a debt of gratitude for advancing your marriage to that afternoon. Finding this lovely goddess was too good an omen to be disregarded.

[Henri]

I can't work any longer with this ring on. It's cutting into my flesh.

[Francois]

Shake it off.

[Henri]

Where shall I put it?

[Francois]

What's the matter with your pocket?

[Henri]

Well, there's a hole in each of them. I'm still a bachelor, you know. I see the perfect place. The statue's outstretched finger.

[Francois]

Perfect. And another good omenari. Your wedding ring will Be blessed by the goddess of love herself.

[Henri]

With that, they're out of the way. I can certainly use my hand more freely.

[Francois]

But beware, Henri. With that ring on her finger, Venus may think you've married her.

[Henri]

Fortunately, the thoughts of a bronze lady are very unimportant.

[Francois]

But for that face. If she were more than bronze, what a jealous fiction she'd be. And inside that ring is inscribed in Latin. Yours forever. Latin was her language, and I refuse.

[Henri]

To worry about that. Say, we must be getting to work in earnest if we hope to find an inscription.

[Francois]

If there is one, it'll be here. From the base where I'm working.

[Henri]

We should have begun there.

[Francois]

It was your idea to clean the upper body first.

[Henri]

I know. I wanted to see how she really looked. She was so beautiful, even underneath the dirt. So beautiful.

[Georgette]

So beautiful.

[Francois]

Well, Georgette is coming to join us.

[Henri]

Darling, I thought you said you wouldn't come near our goddess again.

[Georgette]

I don't want to. But I'm not going to let her take you and Papa away from me altogether.

[Henri]

Sweetheart, as though anything could take me away from you for long.

[Georgette]

Don't. Please. Don't say anything nice to me when she's so close. George, I know I'm foolish. It must have been coincidence that Jean Call was hurt by her when you said you cared more for me. But I'm afraid of her somehow.

[Henri]

But that's so utterly ridiculous.

[Francois]

Boris, look. What? An inscription. No. My scraper. Just uncovered. Oh, let's see. Where. Here. Here. Now we shall learn something of my Venus's history.

[Henri]

It's badly worn, very faint.

[Francois]

You can make it out with your young hands.

[Henri]

I think I can, yes. It reads, cave Amantem.

[Francois]

Cave. That can be translated. Beware of him who loves you.

[Henri]

No, no, no, no, no, wait. The more likely translation is, look out for herself. Yourself. If she loves you.

[Francois]

You're right. That's it. That's it.

[Henri]

No more.

[Francois]

Not another word.

[Georgette]

Look out for yourself. If she loves you.

[Henri]

That doesn't tell us very much.

[Georgette]

Oh, yes, it does. Hurry. Come away. Don't stay near her any longer. Georgette, please. Please, keep away from her. She's more than metal. She looks almost alive. And she's bad, Cruel.

[Henri]

Oh, darling.

[Francois]

My child.

[Georgette]

My ring. My wedding ring is on her finger.

[Henri]

Oh, well, it impeded my work.

[Georgette]

You said it would only leave your feet finger for that of your wife's. And she has.

[Henri]

She's only a statue.

[Georgette]

She's more than that. She's the symbol of a goddess. People built temples to her. She was worshiped honored, feared. The worshipers are dead. But maybe thoughts don't die. Perhaps the shadow of their faith still lives. Perhaps the power it gave her lives.

[Francois]

Child, such talk is madness.

[Georgette]

I don't care if it is. Hurry. Don't let her have my wedding ring.

[Henri]

Well, I'll. I'll get it at once, dear, since you wish it.

[Georgette]

How Quick. Harry, what's the matter?

[Henri]

It's. It's stuck. It won't come off.

[Georgette]

Oh, poor heart.

[Henri]

I am. Something has changed here.

[Francois]

Changed?

[Henri]

Yes. When I slipped the ring on, this finger was straight.

[Francois]

Venus has closed her hand.

[Georgette]

She won't give back your wedding ring.

[Hannah]

Francois, come in here and shut the door.

[Francois]

We shouldn't leave our guests just before the wedding.

[Hannah]

Wedding? It's more as though a funeral were to take place here today.

[Francois]

It's this storm that has depressed everybody's spirit.

[Hannah]

No. You know what's caused it?

[Francois]

Because the hand of my statue was accidentally bent, so the drink can't be taken off. There's no reason for everyone to be in a state of superstitious terror.

[Hannah]

I've been your wife for nearly 30 years, Francois. You can't hide your fears from me. I. Elaine, you know, the metal finger that no file can touch was not accidentally bent.

[Francois]

I don't know how it all.

[Hannah]

Oh, what are we going to do? Henri has acted like a man entranced today. It's as though some awful spell was on him. Georgette is pale and trembling. She looks ghastly in her bridal dress. Fear is eating all our hearts.

[Francois]

There's nothing to be afraid of. Nothing. We simply imagine things, that's all. We imagine things now, and our imaginations play us tricks.

[Hannah]

That pagan goddess in our garden is not imagination. I can see her from this window. And as the lightning plays about her, she looks like some fiend of hell.

[Francois]

She's only a metal statue. Just a metal statue that can't do any harm.

[Hannah]

Listen, Francois. That sound is coming from your Venus.

[Francois]

Oh, it's caused by the rain beating at her copper side.

[Hannah]

It's been raining for hours. We haven't heard that sound before.

[Francois]

Oh, it's raining harder now. That must be the reason for that sound. There's nothing else to cause it.

[Hannah]

It's growing louder as though she wanted someone to hear. As though she was calling someone.

[Francois]

Elaine, you're talking madness.

[Hannah]

Francois. I'm so afraid for Georgette and the man she loves.

[Francois]

My dear. Come in.

[Georgette]

Monsieur, your presence is required. The cure is ready to begin the ceremony.

[Francois]

We shall come at once. Mary, try your tears. Helene, everything will be all right. Come my dear, the cure is waiting for us.

[Hannah]

Yes. Waiting to perform a marriage On Friday, Venus Day.

[Alonzo Dean Cole]

Honorary Michel de St. Clair, wilt thou take Georgette Cecilia Marseille, here present for thy lawful wife according to the right of our Holy Mother the Church?

[Henri]

I. I will.

[Alonzo Dean Cole]

George Cecil de Marseille, will thou take Henry Michel de St. Clair, here present, for thy lawful husband, according to the right of our Holy Mother of the Church?

[Georgette]

I will.

[Alonzo Dean Cole]

Join your right hands and repeat after me. I, Henri Michel de St Clair, take thee, Georgette Cecile de Marseille, for my lawful wife.

[Henri]

Ay. Henri Michel de St Clair, take thee, Georgette Cecile de Marseilles, for my lawful wife.

[Alonzo Dean Cole]

To have and to hold from this day forward.

[Henri]

To have and to hold from this day forward.

[Alonzo Dean Cole]

For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer.

[Henri]

For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer.

[Alonzo Dean Cole]

In sickness and in health, until death do us par.

[Henri]

In sickness and in health until. Until death.

[Francois]

Death. No.

[Henri]

Venus, I am yours forever.

[Georgette]

Ori.

[Henri]

Venus, your bridegroom is coming to you.

[Georgette]

Stop him.

[Hannah]

Ori, come back.

[Francois]

We ran out in that storm. He's going to that statue.

[Nancy]

That statue is moving.

[Georgette]

Sloans, reach out to cloth. Come for him.

[Henri]

Embrace.

[Francois]

He's in her metal arms. She's crushing him to death.

[Hannah]

Ari. Ari.

[Georgette]

My dog.

[Hannah]

Venus day. Venus day. Venus day.

[Nancy]

Come see me and see. Next time I has a birthday. We may have another pretty love story to tell you.