Madeleine Page #2

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I wish I could believe that.

- He came to the warehouse today.

- I know.

And in my shirtsleeves

I carried parcels to his carriage.

He gave me a coin.

Dearest, you won't always be

in that position.

Besides... I love you.

I shall tell him that.

(Thunder rumbles)

You're cold.

- I must go.

- When shall I see you again?

I don't know.

Papa has talked about going to the country.

I might come there too.

No, that might be difficult.

I will write... tomorrow.

I will write.

For these and all thy other gifts bestowed,

we render thee humble thanks.

Amen.

- Madeleine?

- Yes, Papa?

Wait.

Come, children. Come get your coats on.

I wish to speak to you.

My boots.

Last night something

of great seriousness occurred.

You can guess to what I refer.

- No, Papa.

- I'm surprised.

Last night after dinner, Mr. Minnoch asked me

formally if he might pay his attentions to you.

What did you say to him, Papa?

I said I would speak to you.

I presume your answer is yes?

Is it?

No, Papa.

And, pray, why not?

I just do not wish it, Papa.

Do you dislike Mr. Minnoch?

I like him well enough,

but it is so soon, Papa.

If it is, it shows the warmth of the

feelings that he entertains towards you.

Madeleine, for some time now, your mother

and I have had a growing anxiety about you.

There seems to be something

about your character

that prevents you from acting naturally.

It is time that you were married.

You have met many young men

and yet nothing has ever come of it.

Now here is Mr. Minnoch, admirable in

every way, and yet you reject him.

What are your reasons?

I cannot give more reasons, Papa.

But I beg you not to say yes to Mr. Minnoch.

I have already done so.

He will be joining us at Rhu.

And you will oblige me by being sensible and

conducting yourself agreeably towards him.

If you do not,

you will incur my gravest displeasure.

Is that understood?

- Yes, Papa.

- Very well.

(Seagulls cry)

Well, this is my last day, Miss Madeleine.

Yes, but I am sure Papa has every intention

of asking you to stay with us again.

Then have you forgotten that today you were

going to give me your answer?

Oh, forgive me for being so persistent.

But the last few days have convinced me

more than ever

that we should be very happy together.

Mr. Minnoch, I'm very grateful.

But it's a big step you're

asking me to take.

Please, give me time to grow to it.

There's no-one else?

Mr. Minnoch, may I take you

into my confidence?

Of course.

What I am going to tell you

concerns my father.

I'm... I'm very worried.

If he should know of this hesitation

on my part... he will be very angry.

Then, surely,

it would be better that he did not know.

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