The Violin by The Witch’s Tale

Summary

Summary of "The Violin" by The Witch’s Tale

Podcast Title: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Episode: The Violin by The Witch’s Tale
Release Date: November 23, 2024

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Introduction

“The Violin,” an episode from The Witch’s Tale, masterfully weaves a tale of love, honor, and supernatural vengeance set against the backdrop of an old English castle. This episode, originally aired in the 1930s and presented here through an Australian production from 1939, delves deep into family curses, reincarnation, and the tragic consequences of jealousy and honor-bound vengeance.

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Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in an ancient castle in England, where Lord Gordon and his wife, Anne (initially introduced as Lady Nell), navigate their troubled marriage. Their interactions are monitored by Dr. Matthews and the enigmatic Signor Tasso, an Italian violinist whose presence ignites the unfolding drama.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [01:02]: "Satan: Welcome back to the horror old fashioned fear. Every Saturday@ RelicRadio.com we're gonna hear from the Witch's Tale..."

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Characters and Their Dynamics

• Lady Nell/Anne: A beautiful yet unhappy wife feeling neglected by her husband, Lord Gordon. Her beauty and desire for attention make her vulnerable to manipulation.

• Lord Gordon: Anne’s husband, whose neglect and indulgence in leisure activities drive a wedge between them. His rigid sense of honor leads to tragic decisions.

• Signor Tasso: A charming Italian violinist whose mysterious past and cursed violin become central to the plot’s supernatural elements.

• Dr. Matthews: A concerned figure warning the couple about the impending curse, acting as a voice of reason amidst the chaos.

Notable Quote:

Lady Nell [03:44]: "Miss Dixie. Takes his time. He seemed reluctant to accept your invitation."

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The Unfolding Drama

Invitation and Interaction

Lady Nell invites Signor Tasso to play his violin, hoping to rekindle some spark in her marriage. Despite Lord Gordon's disinterest, Tasso's performance captivates Lady Nell, leading to an intimate and forbidden connection.

Notable Quote:

Lady Nell [06:00]: "On the contrary, my lord. The romantic airs of Senor Tasso's native land are what I wish to hear."

The Curse Revealed

As the night progresses, signs of a family curse come to light. Dr. Matthews reveals the historical curse plaguing the Gordon family, linked to violent and dishonorable deaths over generations. The curse is believed to resurface with Lady Nell and Lord Gordon’s union.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Matthews [14:41]: "Compare your grandmother's portrait with that of Lady Nell, Frederick. And that of her father with this of Lady Nell's husband."

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Supernatural Elements and Tragedy

The supernatural elements reach their peak when Signor Tasso confronts Lady Nell, leading to a fatal altercation. As Lady Nell and Lord Gordon struggle with the manifestations of the curse, the cursed violin plays a pivotal role in sealing their fates.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [09:50]: "I will not."

Narrator [12:19]: "I play a love song for you from the grave. A song that will bring you to your death, to many deaths."

The Fatal Confrontation

Lord Gordon, driven by rage and honor, confronts the apparition of Signor Tasso, leading to a deadly encounter where both he and Lady Nell fall victim to the curse’s wrath. The haunting melody of the violin orchestrates their demise, ensuring the curse’s continuation.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [10:28]: "I go. Signora."

Narrator [25:33]: "Why?"

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The Curse’s Legacy

In the aftermath, Dr. Matthews interprets the tragic events as the curse fulfilling its ominous promise. The cursed violin, now silent, signifies the end of the immediate threat but hints at the curse's perpetual nature.

Notable Quote:

Signor Tasso [26:32]: "And that goes the end of the violin."

Signor Tasso [27:06]: "When these folks come see us next week on my birthday, we'll have another 30 little stories to spin em."

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Conclusion

“The Violin” serves as a chilling reminder of how deep-seated curses and unresolved emotions can lead to irreversible tragedies. Through compelling character interactions and a haunting narrative, the episode encapsulates themes of love, honor, jealousy, and supernatural revenge, leaving listeners both enthralled and uneasy.

Final Quote:

Narrator [27:06]: "That's it for the Horror this week. There's more from the Witch's tale@ RelicRadio.com..."

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Key Themes and Insights

• Honor vs. Love: Lord Gordon’s adherence to honor over love leads to his tragic downfall, highlighting the destructive potential of rigid moral codes.

• Supernatural Vengeance: The cursed violin symbolizes the inescapable nature of family curses and the supernatural forces that drive the narrative.

• Reincarnation and Fate: The possibility of reincarnation suggests that past sins and unresolved conflicts can transcend lifetimes, perpetuating cycles of tragedy.

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Final Thoughts

“The Violin” intricately blends human emotions with supernatural horror, creating a narrative that is both emotionally charged and spine-chilling. The episode effectively uses the medium of Old Time Radio to immerse listeners in a world where love and honor are as dangerous as the curses that haunt them.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

O stories. Weird stories that murdered. Do turn out your legs. Turn them out.

[Lady Nell]

Good evening.

[Narrator]

Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous.

[Lady Nell]

Perhaps if you can't.

[Narrator]

We are meant to call from out of the past. Stories strange weird tales of mystery and.

[Lord Gordon]

Terror by radio's masters of the Maab.

[Narrator]

Stories of the supernatural. The supernormal dramatized the mystery of the unknown. We tell you this Frank, frankly. So if you wish to avoid the excitement tension of these magnets play.

[Satan]

Welcome back to the horror old fashioned fear. Every Saturday@ RelicRadio.com we're gonna hear from the Witch's Tale this week. Series that debuted in May of 1931. Aired until June of 1938 over Mutual stations. The story we're gonna hear today was first heard May 3, 1934. It's titled the Violin. This one's probably from an Australian production of the series from 1939.

[Dr. Matthews]

The Witch's Tale.

[Narrator]

The fascination for the eerie, weird, blood chilling tales told by old Nancy the witch of Salem and Satan, a wise black cat. They are waiting. Waiting for you now.

[Signor Tasso]

180 year old I be today. Yes, sir. I mean 108 year old. Satan. Don't you ever raise your voice to me like that again. I know how old I be. Satan. Give word to doubts all lights and I'll spin the yarn.

[Dr. Matthews]

That's it.

[Signor Tasso]

Make it nice and dark. Sittin in the gloom's the way to hear our purty tales. Now draw up to the fire and gaze into the embers. Gaze into em deep and soon you'll see a noble castle in old England as it was 200 years ago. Soon in a room of that castle, you'll see a purty woman with hard and selfish eyes. And you'll hear the story of the violin. The Violin.

[Lady Nell]

Come in. Senor Tasso. Oh. Tis only you, Kate. Yes, milady. I thought your knock was that of Tasso. Did you not deliver him my message? Yes, Milady.

[Signor Tasso]

He will be here presently.

[Lady Nell]

Miss Dixie. Takes his time. He seemed reluctant to accept your invitation. Reluctant? What manner of man is this Italian player of the violin who strives always to avoid me? Kate, Am I growing old and ugly that this man should shun my presence? You are very beautiful, milady. Methinks Signor Tasso does not wish to be alone with you overmuch because he feels that beauty. Perhaps you are right. Perhaps he is one of those gentlemen of strict scruples who does not wish to forget that he is my husband's friend. And guest. You have made other gentlemen forget such scruples, milady. Well, why not? When one is married to a fool who spends his days at the chase. And his nights at the gaming tables, one must seek amusement. You know how often I find it. Milady is very clever. And my lord her husband, very trusting. Stupid would be a better word. But never has he introduced such a man as this Italian to our house before. Is he not handsome, Kate? Signor Tasso is the very picture of good looks, milady. And handsome men are rare. Almost as rare as men's scruples. If it is a sense of honor that makes the signor so aloof. He must be taught that it denies him much.

[Dr. Matthews]

That's good Tassel.

[Narrator]

It's funny. Yes, my love.

[Signor Tasso]

He's coming, milady.

[Lady Nell]

I heard. And the idiot is bringing my husband with him.

[Dr. Matthews]

Here we are, Tassel. May we enter your nest, my little bird?

[Lady Nell]

Bird? Of course, my lord. Come in and welcome.

[Dr. Matthews]

Greeting, Nell, sweet wife. You're serving when said you had a wish to hear the music of friend Tasso. I have brought him to you, violin and all.

[Lady Nell]

It was good of you to accompany him, milord. You are ever so busy with other interests. I did not include you in my invitation.

[Dr. Matthews]

I understand, my dear, but Tasso accused.

[Narrator]

Me of neglecting thee.

[Dr. Matthews]

So I am here at his insistence.

[Lady Nell]

I see.

[Dr. Matthews]

Oh, come in, friend Tussle. Don't linger in the hall.

[Narrator]

Thank you, my lord. Gordon.

[Lady Nell]

Greetings, senior.

[Narrator]

My respects to you, my lady.

[Lady Nell]

I wish to hear the music of your violin. Will you play?

[Narrator]

It will be privilege and a pleasure, mind you.

[Dr. Matthews]

Make your music lively, Tasso. Give us none of your wishy washy Southern love songs.

[Lady Nell]

On the contrary, my lord. The romantic airs of Senor Tasso's native land are what I wish to hear.

[Dr. Matthews]

Oh, well, I suppose I'll have to listen then.

[Lady Nell]

I will not be offended if you return to your game. I fancy there is a game in progress below stairs.

[Dr. Matthews]

Ay, and for rousing stakes. It nearly broke my heart to leave. If you really do not mind, my.

[Narrator]

Dear lord, you will not leave us?

[Lady Nell]

Of course he will. But politician Toto. You insisted my husband come hither with you because you think that he neglects me. That is not so. I like music. He likes cards. He likes many friends around him. I prefer one. Must one of us mould our nature to the other?

[Dr. Matthews]

Truly said, sweet Nell, we, friend Tasso, are one wedded pair who understand one another. Each serenely trusting in the other's love and virtue. An exceptional couple, isn't that so, my dear?

[Lady Nell]

You are always right, milor.

[Dr. Matthews]

And I am lucky to have such a wife. Well, I leave you two now.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Lady Nell]

Return to the tables with you, senor?

[Narrator]

Why? It must be is not proper that I remain with my lady while her husband is away.

[Dr. Matthews]

Nonsense. Nonsense. That's some of your foreign ideas, my boy. You Italians may have reason to distrust and guard your women, but not we Englishmen. Stay and regale her ears with sentimental music, Tasso. I return to my game.

[Lady Nell]

Won't you be seated, senor?

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Lady Nell]

Not so far away from me. Here is a softer chair.

[Narrator]

I find this one very comfortable.

[Lady Nell]

Then I shall move here. I shall recline upon this couch at your side.

[Narrator]

As my lady wish.

[Lady Nell]

You may go, Kate, and close the door.

[Narrator]

No, signora. It is not right for you and me to be in here behind closed doors.

[Lady Nell]

You have heard my husband's views. He has perfect trust in you and me. Go, Kate. Yes, my lady. There. Are you too filled with scruples, senor, because you do not trust yourself?

[Narrator]

I trust myself completely, senor. You wish me to play for you?

[Lady Nell]

Yes. A love song. Very well, you leave my side.

[Narrator]

You will like the music better if it comes to you from a distance.

[Lady Nell]

Whence it comes doesn't matter if you play your love song.

[Narrator]

I play a love song for you.

[Lady Nell]

You are very different from other men whom I have known, senor.

[Narrator]

I am a simple gentleman, senor. If I lack the graces of other men of your acquaintance, it's my misfortune.

[Lady Nell]

Yes, your misfortune. Oh, what a beautiful milie still. Tis not so beautiful as the emotion that it sings of. You agree, signor?

[Narrator]

I agree. That love is the most wonderful of all the gods gives to man.

[Lady Nell]

A man who brings such music from those strings must love the very name of love.

[Narrator]

I love the beautiful in love.

[Lady Nell]

Can there be aught in love but beauty?

[Narrator]

Yes, there can be baseness and dishonor.

[Lady Nell]

Baseness, dishonor. They are but words to deny the foolish happiness. Are you foolish, Senor Tato, or are you merely cautious?

[Narrator]

I don't understand.

[Lady Nell]

I mean, if you loved a lady, a married lady, let's say. Would you not forget such childish things as scruples. If you could enjoy her love in secret, secure from her husband's wrath?

[Narrator]

No, I'll not.

[Lady Nell]

You'll cease playing.

[Narrator]

With your permission, I will rejoin your husband and his friends. So soon give you permit. Please, Senor Tato.

[Lady Nell]

Am I unpleasing to your eyes?

[Narrator]

You are very beautiful.

[Lady Nell]

And what manner of man are you. Who forever Shunned my company.

[Narrator]

Signora, I beg your permission to leave.

[Lady Nell]

And I will not give it to you.

[Narrator]

Then I must go without it.

[Lady Nell]

You do not dare.

[Narrator]

You force me to dare. Yes, you force me now to say that which will mean we never meet again. Your husband, my friend, may be blind to your real nature, but to me it has been the plain since first we met.

[Lady Nell]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

That you are a bad woman.

[Lady Nell]

No doubt.

[Narrator]

You think I have not a sense to your purpose in always striving to be alone with me. I am not conceited fool who think it is because you love me. You don't know the meaning of love. If I were not here, you would seek some other man. But I want not such a cheap thing as you. I want not such a vile dishonor. That is all I have to say. I go. Signora.

[Dr. Matthews]

Oh, no.

[Lady Nell]

You don't go until I show you how I repaid such insults.

[Narrator]

Why do you tear your dress?

[Lady Nell]

To teach you the worth of that honor you just flung in my teeth. Help.

[Lord Gordon]

Help.

[Lady Nell]

Gordon.

[Narrator]

Will you cry out for your husband.

[Lady Nell]

So you can tell him your story while I shall tell him mine?

[Lord Gordon]

Gordon.

[Lady Nell]

Gentlemen.

[Dr. Matthews]

Help.

[Lord Gordon]

What is it?

[Narrator]

Where is my lady?

[Dr. Matthews]

Scream.

[Lady Nell]

Nell.

[Dr. Matthews]

What is it?

[Lady Nell]

What do you mean to do? Help. Help.

[Dr. Matthews]

Nell. What have we here?

[Narrator]

Her gown.

[Dr. Matthews]

Tussle.

[Lady Nell]

Your friend attempted to dishonor me.

[Lord Gordon]

No, no Tussle.

[Narrator]

I swear.

[Lady Nell]

See how he caught my dress.

[Narrator]

Shall I?

[Dr. Matthews]

So thus you repay my friendship. Tussle.

[Lord Gordon]

Senor, I beg you.

[Narrator]

Hear me.

[Dr. Matthews]

I'll hear naught from you but a gasp of death.

[Lady Nell]

No. No.

[Narrator]

Shield your soul.

[Dr. Matthews]

I shield it in your body.

[Lady Nell]

Your blade struck two. Our honor is avenged.

[Narrator]

My lord, you have killed me. You, my king, my friend.

[Dr. Matthews]

I killed you for the dark gear.

[Lady Nell]

You are insult to an honest woman.

[Narrator]

But breath enough remains for me to curse you both. O Dio. God, as you are just, hear and grant the prayer I send to you now. Though my body soon return to dust, let my soul, my spirit, still live on to punish those who kill me.

[Lady Nell]

Silence him. Withdraw your sword and punch it in his breast.

[Signor Tasso]

Again.

[Dr. Matthews]

Say. One cannot strike a dying man who prays to God.

[Narrator]

It would be a useless gesture, for his second thrust is not needed. Senior. You fear my prayer? Listen what it is you wished. I play for you a love song. Well, I pray that I will play a love song to you from the grave. A song that will bring you to your death, to many deaths. For you will live again in the women of your wicked blood. And to them also will I Play a song of love and death to them also.

[Lady Nell]

Stop him.

[Narrator]

Gordon.

[Dr. Matthews]

Be still. No.

[Narrator]

And for you, Lord Gordon, my friend, only in name. I pray my music will bring your proud name to a dishonorable end.

[Dr. Matthews]

A dishonorable end.

[Narrator]

Such as you have brought to mine. That is my curse. My dying prayer. Dio. God of justice, answer. What was that?

[Lady Nell]

That violin.

[Dr. Matthews]

No one of us stood near it. It seemed a finger plucked its strings.

[Lady Nell]

Tato, forgive. Withdraw your prayer.

[Lord Gordon]

Your curse.

[Dr. Matthews]

Tassel.

[Lady Nell]

He is dead.

[Signor Tasso]

And now Satan. Two centuries later, our tale, the violin, goes on.

[Lord Gordon]

Good heavens. In this supposedly enlightened year of 1939. You can't possibly believe in that old Gordon curse.

[Lady Nell]

Oh, it's perfectly ridiculous, Dr. Matthews.

[Dr. Matthews]

One cannot term a thing that has worked out consistently for 200 years ridiculous.

[Lord Gordon]

Oh, I'll admit there are some queer chapters in my family's history. But I don't believe anything supernatural was their cause.

[Lady Nell]

If that old curse really plagues the Gordons. Why is it only stuck isolated members of the family? And why should Frederick and I be afraid of it?

[Dr. Matthews]

Those portraits before you should answer.

[Lord Gordon]

You think Tasso's curse only strikes those who bear a strong physical resemblance. To Lady Nell and her husband?

[Dr. Matthews]

That point has been well proven. Compare your grandmother's portrait with that of Lady Nell, Frederick. And that of her father with this of Lady Nell's husband. All four met violent and disgraceful deaths. As though in answer to the Italian's prayer. You and Anne are third cousins. She is the last of Lady Nell's line. And you are the last of Lord Gordon's. I'm suddenly afraid for you both. Because you've returned to this castle tonight as man and wife.

[Lord Gordon]

I see. Hated blood reunited and all that sort of thing.

[Lady Nell]

What a splendid reception committee you proved to be for people on their honeymoon. We didn't expect you to approve of our elopement. But we never dreamed you'd try to frighten us with this wild bogey tale after we told you about it.

[Dr. Matthews]

My dear children, I've been a second father to you. If you don't respect my fears, please humor them. Perhaps the thing I fear only exists in this castle. Leave it now, tonight. Don't try to live within these walls where Tarso met his death.

[Lord Gordon]

Oh, rot.

[Lady Nell]

Naturally, we're going to live here.

[Lord Gordon]

It's our home and always has been. If any ghosts stalk around here, I've never seen them and neither has anybody else. Oh, forget it, Doctor. Let's go back to the drawing room and find ourselves a drink.

[Lady Nell]

Yes. Come on.

[Dr. Matthews]

No, thank you. Since you won't listen to me, I'm going home.

[Narrator]

Good night.

[Lord Gordon]

Well, he certainly made this a cheerful homecoming.

[Lady Nell]

We expected such stodgy old people as Dr. Matthews to hold up their hands in fear and horror when they learned about our marriage traditions very dear to them. Especially when it concerned them. The supernatural Gordon curse.

[Lord Gordon]

Bah. Silly rot.

[Lady Nell]

You are very like that old painting of old Gordon. Fred.

[Lord Gordon]

And you might have posed for that portrait of Lady Nell. Only difference is in the costume.

[Lady Nell]

I wonder if there is such a thing as reincarnation.

[Lord Gordon]

If it's true, in our case, we have a lot to make amends for. He was a stupid blighter, and she was. Well, one doesn't mention her sort in mixed company.

[Lady Nell]

And we are the last of their blood, reunited. Frederick, Is that one of the servants at the end of the hall there?

[Lord Gordon]

I. I don't see.

[Lady Nell]

It's gone now. It must have been a shadow I saw moving there.

[Lord Gordon]

Darling, you're not beginning to imagine things because of Dr. Matthews warning?

[Lady Nell]

No, of course not. Let's get out of here.

[Signor Tasso]

Wait.

[Lady Nell]

Frederick, dear, what is it? Listen. To what?

[Lord Gordon]

I don't hear anything. It.

[Lady Nell]

It seems I hear the music of a violin. I know I heard it, Frederick. Oh, you.

[Lord Gordon]

You imagined it.

[Lady Nell]

That's what I thought.

[Lord Gordon]

But there was no one here who could be playing the instrument.

[Dr. Matthews]

You.

[Lady Nell]

You don't think I heard the violin of Tasso?

[Lord Gordon]

Tasso's been dead for 200 years.

[Lady Nell]

Oh, I know. I'm a fool. This is the 20th century. I promise not to worry anymore about his ghostly violin.

[Lord Gordon]

Good girl. Suppose we go back to the house now, eh?

[Lady Nell]

Oh, no. It's pleasant out here in the garden. But will you fetch me a rag?

[Lord Gordon]

Of course. And don't listen to any spooky music while I'm gone.

[Lady Nell]

I won't hide it back, dear.

[Dr. Matthews]

I will.

[Lady Nell]

What? Frederick. Frederick, come back. I hear it. I hear the violin. Frederick.

[Narrator]

A lady does not care for music.

[Lady Nell]

Who are you? Why do you play that violin?

[Narrator]

I play a love song to you.

[Lady Nell]

A love song to me?

[Narrator]

It is my answer to all of your questions, to all of your tears and all of your doubts. Do you not find my love song beautiful?

[Lady Nell]

Very beautiful.

[Narrator]

Still, it is not so beautiful as the emotion that it seems.

[Lady Nell]

Love is the most wonderful of God's gifts.

[Narrator]

And the music will make you love the very name of love.

[Lady Nell]

I only love the beautiful in love.

[Narrator]

Can there be anything in love but beauty?

[Lady Nell]

There can be baseness and dishonor.

[Narrator]

They are but words to deny the.

[Lady Nell]

Foolish happiness I do not understand you.

[Narrator]

You were taught to love a man other than. Taught to love a man other than your husband.

[Dr. Matthews]

Would you not forget such.

[Narrator]

Such childish things as scruples and enjoy that love in secret?

[Lady Nell]

What are you doing to me? You weave some spell about brain.

[Narrator]

I'm playing to you a love song. Lady Nell.

[Lady Nell]

Lady Nell. Anne.

[Signor Tasso]

Ayl.

[Lady Nell]

Anne. That's my name, not Nell. But is it?

[Narrator]

Lord Gordon, your husband comes. Since you and I must love in secret, I will leave you now.

[Lady Nell]

Lord Gordon. Anne.

[Narrator]

Remember, we must enjoy our love in secret. For that was your way ever.

[Lady Nell]

Anne.

[Lord Gordon]

Why don't you answer me? Anne.

[Lady Nell]

Here I am.

[Lord Gordon]

Who were you talking to here?

[Lady Nell]

No one.

[Lord Gordon]

I thought I heard your voice. And that of a man.

[Lady Nell]

There was no man here. Anne.

[Lord Gordon]

What's the matter with you? You seem dazed.

[Lady Nell]

I'm all right.

[Lord Gordon]

You don't look it.

[Lady Nell]

Frederick.

[Narrator]

What?

[Lady Nell]

Can't you hear it this time?

[Lord Gordon]

Hear what?

[Lady Nell]

The music of a love song. Played on a violin.

[Dr. Matthews]

Your wife has a lover in the Lord's name. What has happened to you in the last few months?

[Lord Gordon]

Enough to convince even a blinder fool than I. It began the night after we returned from our honeymoon. The night after you tried to frighten me with that old wives tale of a curse. The only curse I'm afraid of is the one I married. Anne and I were sitting in the garden when suddenly she made a flimsy excuse to get rid of me. When I came back I heard voices. Hers and that of a man. But when I reached her, the man was gone. And she denied that anyone had been there. That was my first intimation. A dozen times since I had similar experiences. And now she sneaks away from the castle. For several hours at a time, she sneaks away to meet her lover.

[Dr. Matthews]

I won't believe that boy. Anne's not the sort of woman she is. You want to believe that boy? Anne's not the sort of woman she is.

[Lord Gordon]

You once implied a belief that she's the reincarnation of Lady Nell. Lady? You're right. For Anne has the same vi.

[Dr. Matthews]

No matter what you suspect, you cannot be sure.

[Lord Gordon]

I mean to be sure. Tonight, when she leaves the house. I mean to follow. These past three months I've lived in hell. But I'll follow her tonight. And if I find what I expect, I mean to kill.

[Dr. Matthews]

Don't be a fool. Would you destroy yourself as well as her by wanton murder?

[Lord Gordon]

The law won't hang a man who is upholding the honor of his name. I'll kill them both. And Go scot free.

[Dr. Matthews]

Remember the history of Lord Gordon, who killed for the honor of his name. Remember the mistake he made and the punishment that followed.

[Lord Gordon]

I'll make no mistake.

[Narrator]

Frederick.

[Lord Gordon]

Let me go. Let me go, I say. And go, my boy. I have a pistol in my pocket. Tonight I kill them both and go scot free.

[Dr. Matthews]

Frederick Palmer. Palmer. Yes, Dr. Matthews?

[Narrator]

What?

[Dr. Matthews]

What is wrong, Sir? I want you to follow him at once. Don't let him out of your sight. And have the first constable you meet place him under arrest.

[Lady Nell]

Under arrest? Yes.

[Dr. Matthews]

Yes.

[Lord Gordon]

Oh, no.

[Dr. Matthews]

For having a pistol in his possession illegally. I'll take the full responsibility. Hurry. I must find Lady Anne and warn her.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Matthews]

Very well, sir. God help them both. Nothing may save them now. One cannot fight the dead man's curse.

[Narrator]

You like the love song that I play for you, My lady?

[Lady Nell]

Your music has become the only thing I live for. Yet how unhappy it has made me. Unhappy because I cannot hear it except during the few moments I steal each night to be with you in this garden. Oh, you have made me shameless. I love you with all my heart and soul. Yet you've never even kissed me.

[Narrator]

Soon I shall kiss you.

[Lady Nell]

Why should I beg you for love? Three short months ago, I adored the man I married.

[Narrator]

You had not met me three months ago.

[Lady Nell]

Yet it seems I knew you a long, long time ago.

[Narrator]

It seems so.

[Lady Nell]

Oh, yes. Who. What are you? Do you cast this spell upon me? There's something terrible, something unnatural about the way you rule my mind. Why don't you tell me who you.

[Narrator]

Are, once we agree? I am a masquerader.

[Lady Nell]

You always wear that costume. Always masquerading.

[Narrator]

Soon the masquerade will end, Seymour. Soon my violin will rest.

[Lady Nell]

And soon you'll hold me in your arms. Hold me now. Give me just one single kiss to ease the ache that is in my heart.

[Narrator]

But you want that kiss in secret.

[Lady Nell]

It's our only way.

[Dr. Matthews]

Now my.

[Narrator]

My arm is open for you. I will give you the kiss. You beg.

[Lady Nell]

But if someone is spying.

[Narrator]

You love me. And you must follow love as I once followed honor.

[Lady Nell]

Yes, I love you. Take me in your arms. Kiss me on the lip.

[Narrator]

The first kiss and the last.

[Lady Nell]

Oh, your lips are as cold as death.

[Narrator]

And my arm strong as the grave.

[Lady Nell]

Frederick.

[Lord Gordon]

I knew I'd find you as a man.

[Lady Nell]

But you're not going.

[Lord Gordon]

Don't try to leave his arms. You haven't time.

[Signor Tasso]

He's going to shoot.

[Lady Nell]

Let me go.

[Narrator]

Spirit has lived on to punish.

[Lady Nell]

I know you know your Scott.

[Narrator]

Frederick.

[Lady Nell]

Frederick. Come on.

[Lord Gordon]

Doctor, you found me too late. I killed them both.

[Dr. Matthews]

Oh, God forgive you. Baby's pistol, Bill.

[Lord Gordon]

You can have it now. I knew you were after me with those policemen, doctor, but you're too late. Arrest me if you will. The court will free me again. The law doesn't punish men who kill for honor. Look at my wife.

[Dr. Matthews]

Her guilt is proven.

[Lord Gordon]

There she lies with her lover as they fell.

[Dr. Matthews]

Frederick, you're mad. Only Anne is lying there. Where's this Ann you speak of?

[Narrator]

Why?

[Lord Gordon]

Why he isn't there? Why shot them both? They fell together.

[Dr. Matthews]

Only a woman lies dead upon the ground.

[Lord Gordon]

You've nought to show a jury that.

[Narrator]

You found her with a lover.

[Lord Gordon]

But I saw him. I shot him. My pistol almost touched his body. It was impossible to miss. I saw him fall. I killed for my honor.

[Dr. Matthews]

If you can convince a court that that's your belief, they may send you to a madhouse instead of the gallows. Come along. The curse. The curse has reached its end.

[Narrator]

Dr. Matthews?

[Dr. Matthews]

Yes, Frederick?

[Narrator]

I. I think I hear the music of a violin.

[Signor Tasso]

And that goes the end of the violin.

[Lady Nell]

Satan.

[Signor Tasso]

Under the violinist's curse. When these folks come see us next week on me birthday, we'll have another 30 little story to spin em.

[Satan]

That's it for the Horror this week. There's more from the Witch's tale@ Relic Radio.com alongside past episodes of this podcast and all the others. And our shoutcast stream with even more old time radio lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.