Tess Page #4

He's a devil.

Not Mr. Alec. Spends half

his time on horseback...

...and the rest of it chasing

the likes of us.

His mother's a queer old soul,

but no real trouble.

It is a mercy for us she's blind.

- Mrs. D'Urberville's blind?

- Stone-blind.

Their real name is Stoke.

How's that?

It were Mr. Alec's father

had the notion.

He bought the name

of an old extinguished family...

...to make himself important.

Whatever are you doing?

Missus is waiting for her birds.

Quick, it slipped my mind entirely.

Now, you catch hold

of Phena there...

...and that one.

That one there and the white one.

So you are the new young woman.

Well, how are my birds?

This is Strut.

He doesn't seem so lively today,

does he?

He's alarmed at being handled

by a stranger, I suppose.

And Phena?

Yes, yes.

They are a little frightened.

Aren't you, my poor dears?

Never mind.

They'll soon get used to you.

Can you whistle?

Whistle, ma'am?

Yes, whistle tunes.

A little.

Then you will have to practice

every day.

I think a lot of my fowls, but there are

also my bullfinches to consider.

I had a young lad who whistled

to them very well, but he left.

They've been neglected for days.

Master Alec whistled to them

this morning, ma'am.

Him.

Nor art nor nature ever created

a lovelier thing than you, Cousin Tess.

To see that pretty mouth

pouting and puffing away...

...without producing a single note.

- It is all a part of my work, sir.

- Never mind. I'll teach you.

I won't lay a finger on you.

See? I'll stay exactly where I am.

Now you watch me.

Don't screw up your lips too tight.

Do it like this.

Blow gently.

Gently.

Try.

No, no. Try again.

Again.

There. You'll manage splendidly

now I've started you off.

Tell me, Tess, don't you find

my mother a little odd?

I hardly know her, sir.

Well, I'm not in her good books

at the moment.

But you should find favor

if you treat her livestock well.

If you meet with any difficulties...

...don't go to Dollop...

...come to me.

What? Don't you fancy

a dance, then?

I'm mortal tired.

- When are you all going home?

- Soon enough, soon enough.

Well, my beauty.

What are you doing here

this time of night?

I'm waiting for the others, sir...

...not being acquainted

with the road home.

I only have a saddle horse.

Come to the inn with me.

I'll hire a trap for us both.

No, no. Thank you,

but I promised to wait for them.

Very well. Silly girl.

Please yourself.

What's that creeping

down your back?

Well, I declare!

It is treacle!

- You dare laugh at me, you hussy.

- I can't help it.

No more than the others.

You think you're the queen

of Trantridge...

...just because you're first favorite

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes