Mrs. Miniver Page #5

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I know it seems an awful thing to ask...

...but I thought you might,

perhaps, as a favor...

...persuade Mr. Ballard to withdraw

his rose from the competition.

You see, to be frank, it's such a beautiful

rose it might easily win, and, well--

Miss Beldon...

...may I ask whether

this is an open competition?

Yes, technically--

- Technically, yes, but actually, no.

Yes, I suppose that's it. You see--

- I see only too well, Miss Beldon.

Because Mr. Ballard

is not of the ruling class...

...is a mere vassal, as it were--

- Now, Vin, please. Let Miss Beldon explain.

But, Mother, Miss Beldon

doesn't have to explain, not to me.

I'm aware of the influence

of the feudal system in this village.

These are orders from the manor.

Her ladyship must have no competition.

You must excuse my son.

He's just down from Oxford.

Don't apologize for me.

I mean everything I say.

Well, I'm glad to hear it,

but do you do anything about it?

Do? Why, what do you mean?

If you feel something is wrong,

what are you doing about it?

I've spent holidays the last few years doing

settlement work in the slums of London.

You wallow in luxury all the year...

- I don't wallow.

...and think a few weeks playing

Lady BountifuI--...

Come, Vin.

- It's not much, perhaps...

...but it's the only thing I know.

What have you been doing?

- I?

Well....

- I see. Just talk.

That's all right. It's easier.

- Listen, I didn't say--

Oh, don't apologize.

I know how comfortable it is to curl up

with a book full of big words...

...and think you're going to solve

the problems of the universe.

But you're not.

A bit of action is required now and then.

Action? If that's what you

and your class are asking for...

...maybe you'll get it one of these days.

- Maybe. But not from the talkers.

Vin. Remember, Miss Beldon is a guest.

If you have any manners at alI--

Manners? A humble working man

is denied the reward of his artistry...

...to gratify the vanity of an aristocrat--

- Quiet. This isn't your concern.

I beg to differ. I'm concerned

for a fellow man's dignity.

And the indignity that's heaped upon him.

You'll excuse me, I'm sure, Miss Beldon.

- Certainly.

I must apologize for Vin.

- Oh, no, please, it's all right.

And besides, he's rather nice, isn't he?

What?

- Well....

Really, you know, he's perfectly right.

I have not a leg to stand on

in this business.

I shouldn't have asked you.

I realized that before the words

were out of my mouth.

It's just that my grandmother's over 80

and takes such pride...

...in winning year after year.

- Of course.

But please forget I said anything about it.

Anyhow, I'm glad we met at last.

So am l. I hope we see more of each other.

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