Kind Hearts And Coronets Page #2

At least their father, Dr. Hallward,

was a professional man.

Louis, we must think very carefully

about your future.

Well, it should be quite easy

to get a job.

Not a job, dear. A career.

I had hoped for Cambridge for you.

The D'Ascoynes always go to Trinity.

And then, perhaps, the diplomatic.

But I'm afraid it's no use

looking as high as that.

However, when you've

passed your examination...

that should equip you for a start

in one of the professions.

People of quite good family go into

the professions nowadays, I understand.

Now, who do we know

who could help us?

We don't really know anyone,

except the family, and they don't know us.

The least we can do

is try once more.

I shall write

to Lord Ascoyne D'Ascoyne.

He can surely do something

in that bank of his.

Bank, Mama? Is that a profession?

This is a private bank, Louis, dear.

They don't pass money over the counter.

The letter was duly dispatched...

and this time we did get an answer.

"Madam, I am instructed

by Lord Ascoyne D'Ascoyne...

"to inform you that he is not aware

of your son's existence...

as a member

of the D'Ascoyne family. "

Signed by his secretary.

It's very stupid of him - of them all -

not to admit your existence...

when one day you might be

It's a very big "might," Mama.

There must be at least 12 people

before me...

to say nothing of the ones

who haven't been born yet.

Stranger things have happened.

I don't wish to be unchristian,

but in view of their attitude...

I could almost wish those 12 people

should all die tomorrow.

All except one, Mama.

Because you must be duchess

It will have to be a job, not a career,

after all, Mama.

I'm afraid so, Louis.

A D'Ascoyne in trade.

Did poor Mama's silly dreaming...

plant in my brain some seed

which was afterwards to grow...

into the most sensational

criminal endeavor of the century?

If so, I was not conscious of it

at the time...

for there were things

of more immediate concern.

Even potential dukes have to eat.

Mr. Perkins,

our lodger for nearly 15 years...

did his best to be helpful.

He was employed as shopwalker

in a local drapery store...

and found employment for me there.

became what was known

as a general assistant at the drapery.

This humiliation continued

for two dispiriting years.

And then one day, Mama,

who had broken her glasses...

and could not afford

to have them mended...

was knocked down by a tram

near Clapham Junction...

and fatally injured.

- Louis.

- Yes, Mama.

I should like to be buried

in the family vault.

Yes, Mama.

I wrote to the duke

informing him of Mama's dying wish.

His reply

was the curtest possible refusal.

Standing by Mama's poor little grave

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