The Golden Age of the Piano Page #2

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The Reverend will use real blood.

It'll be very dramatic.

- Very dramatic.

- Tea!

Morag...

what would you think if someone

were to play a kitchen table?

Like it were a piano.

Like it were a piano?

Strange, isn't it?

I mean, it's not a piano.

It doesn't make any sound.

Biscuits!

No, no sound.

I knew she was mute

but now I'm thinking...

perhaps it's more. I wonder

if she's not brain-affected.

Shush!

- No sound at all?

- No. It was a table.

She was very violent with the gown.

She tore off a chunk of lace.

I saw it. I swear she'd have used

her teeth and wiped her feet on it.

It hasn't come to anything yet.

It's simply a concern, that's all.

Yes.

Yes, of course. A concern.

There's something

to be said for silence.

Indeed. Cotton?

With time, I'm sure

she'll become affectionate.

There's nothing so easy to like

as a pet. They're quite silent.

## The grand old Duke of York

He had ten thousand men #

# He marched them up and up

and marched them down again ##

Those 80 acres across the stream,

what do you think of them?

I have no money.

What are you on about?

I'd like to make a swap.

- What for?

- The piano.

What, the piano on the beach?

- It's not marshy, is it?

- No.

The music lover. I never would have

thought. Hidden talents, George!

I'd have to get lessons. It

wouldn't be much use without them.

Yes, I suppose you would.

Ada can play. I have it in a letter

that she plays very well.

She's been playing

since she was five or six.

What on?

Well, on... on your piano.

That's the swap.

What's she saying?

It's her piano

and she won't have him touch it!

He can't read! He's ignorant!

He wants to improve himself,

and you'll be able to play it.

Teach him how to look after it!

You can't go on like this!

We're a family now. We all

make sacrifices, and so will you!

You will teach him,

and I will see to it!

A Broadwood!

A fine instrument!

I've not seen one here,

nor in New South Wales

where I've tuned 200.

They like their pianos there.

Scent?

And salt, of course.

Mother says she can't stand

to teach piano

with it out of tune.

So, I'm to do scales.

I hope you've scrubbed your hands.

It's in tune.

It's in tune.

I was teaching!

Mother would like to see

what you can play.

I'd rather not play.

I want to listen,

and learn that way.

Everyone has to practise.

I just want to listen.

Ow!

Lovely.

Oh, but tell me again.

Was he your teacher?

How did you speak to him?

What happened?

Why didn't you get married?

Shall I kiss you good night?

Get out! You need a bath!

Out! Bad dog!

Move! Go on!

Bad bloody dog!

Ada, wait. Wait.

Do you know how to bargain?

There's a way

you could have your piano back.

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