Act I
PROLOGUE—A RAILWAY CUTTING, LIMMERIDGE,
Wires
singing in the mist, a stormy night.
WALTER HARTRIGHT
Hullo! Below there,
signalman!
Signalman, you there!
Hullo!
SIGNALMAN
Who calls to me in the dead of the night?
WALTER
Hartight, my name is Walter Hartright.
SINGALMAN
What are you doing here on a night like this?
WALTER
I’m lost sir. I am
trying to find my way to Limmeridge House.
The train broke down and I am forced to walk.
SIGNALMAN
Branch train broke down,
What you say is true…
WALTER
Yes. I heard the
wires singing in the mist, the noise of them led me to you.
SIGNALMAN
Why are you going to Limmeridge House?!
WALTER
I have the post of drawing master. I must arrive tonight for I start tomorrow…
Sir you look upon me with such dread!
SIGNALMAN
Last night I had a dream, sir,
That a stranger would appear.
He stood right where you are!
A man such as yourself!
”Alarm on the line,” he said,
“Alarm on the line!”
So I tapped out the message
And the answer came back…
“All well both ways!”
But he said,
“You will mark my words,
When a year to this day
The dead lie on the tracks,
The dead lie on the tracks!”
WALTER
I can assure you sir I know of no imminent danger.
SIGNALMAN
A man such as yourself!
The wires begin
“singing” again. The signalman reacts
with a start
They’re calling me from down the line! There’s danger somewhere along the line!
He runs off to his control booth
WALTER
Wait, don’t go!
As Walter stands there
alone, suddenly, from the mist, a woman in white seemingly appears from the
mist.
Oh my God!
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
You’ve got to help me,
There’s someone after me!
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
How can I help you?!
I’m being followed,
And I’ve done nothing wrong!
WALTER
It’s very late for you to be out here alone!
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
You must believe me
That I am free from blame!
WALTER
Who do you run from?!
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
I dare not say his name!
WALTER
Where do you live?
I’ll try to help you if I can!
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
I have a secret,
My precious secret!
But can I trust you?!
But can I trust you?!
They cannot take away my secret,
Though it’s something I can’t share with you.
It’s locked inside my heart, my secret.
But there’s someone I must tell it to!
Secrets kept inside can hurt you…
Mine is sharper than a knife!
If I find the one I seek,
I may save her life!
She becomes hysterical
and begins to scream. Walter tries to
console her.
WALTER
Please you needn’t fear me.
Truly you can trust me.
I would never harm you.
I’m no threat, I’m Walter.
Walter Hartright.
I’ll help you to get home.
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
I’ve no home at all…
Nothing but my secret, I have just my secret…
They begin to walk
together, a new bond has formed. But
suddenly she hears a carriage in the distance and becomes disturbed again.
There’s someone coming,
And I must get away!
I have to get away!
But can I trust you?!
She makes her way for
the train tunnel.
WALTER
Don’t go in there, there may be
danger on the line!
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
I’ll tell my secret,
For secrets must be told!
She disappears.
A coachman enters.
COACHMAN
You must be Mr. Hartright!
I’m sent to bring ya’ straight to Limmeridge House
WALTER
Did you see her, the woman dressed in white?!
COACHMAN
I saw no one.
WALTER
The woman all in white!
COACHMAN
Sir, I saw no one,
I saw no one…
THE NEXT MORNING—LIMMERIDGE HOUSE
A
sunny summer’s day. Marian Halcombe enters, she is about 35 years
old and still “single.” Thus, in
Victorian society, she is considered an old maid.
WALTER
You must be Miss Halcombe, I am so sorry!
MARIAN HALCOMBE(interrupting him)
Thank God you have arrived
you’re fated to become
my drawing teacher
you poor creature
Our village is as dull
as it may first appear
a city mouse in Limm’ridge house
I hope you’ll like it here
You’re less than half the age
that we thought you might be
you’ll feed our hunger
for someone younger
so please unpack your bags
and please be of good cheer
I’m sure you’ll like where you reside
but with respect I must confide
I can’t abide the countryside
I hope you’ll like it here
You shall be the drawing master
to my sister and me
though she learns a little faster
a disaster I will be
We’re the product of one mother
but we come from diff’rent fathers
I think mine, for design
was completely talent free
Very soon you’ll meet my sister
well, she’s tech’nic’ly my half
but she’s my whole world-my sister
is the wheat and I’m the chaff
She’s kind and generous and fun
much younger, and the pretty one!
My father was quite poor
her father’s wealth was vast
so she’ll inherit and gladly share it
We’re close as two can get
Between us not one tear
perpetually in harmony
I hope you’ll like it here
Pretty soon you’ll meet my uncle
whose prognosis is quite grim
he will tell you that his chances
of recovery are slim
With his bed pan and his hanky he is terminally cranky
though no doctor around
found a thing that’s wrong with him
But how do I go on
I try to keep it short
then lose the battle and simply prattle
but getting to my point
my welcome is sincere
We’re thrilled that’s indisputable
I hope your rooms are suitable
your sentence is commutable
I hope you like it here
SERVANT:
Mr. Walter Hartright
WALTER
Mr. Fairlie!
MR. FAIRLIE:
You’re younger than I thought
The young are mostly fools
The good time ceases with my nieces
Just go about your task
And try to disappear
(to the servant)
Don’t lurk about you oafish lout
(to Hartright)
I trust you’ll like it here
That’s a portrait of my brother….
Was the picture of good heath…
Now he’s dead and I am dying…
While I’m living…on his wealth
Up until he left for Hades
He was catnip to the ladies…
But at least the deceased had a modicum of stealth
Well enough about my fam’ly
(to servant)
Would you please adjust my chair?
(to Hartright)
I should send you back to ripen
Like a proper common beer.
Though I should find some other chap
I’d much prefer to take a nap
(to servant who reappears)
I told you to get out!
I simply can’t go on
My nerves are fraying…
What was I saying?
Oh, mostly I desire
A quiet atmosphere
As silent as a sepulcher
No utterance above a purr
Just nod you head
If you concur
I trust you’ll like it here.
Walter
hears a piano playing and makes his way toward it. He fins Laura Fairlie, the attractive younger
sister, who is only 20. eerily, and to Walter’s shock, she has an almost identical
resemblance to the Woman in White of the preceding evening!
WALTER
(softly) My God!
You must be Miss Fairlie?
I am Walter Hartright.
Forgive me if I scared you.
LAURA FAIRLIE
Not at all!
Welcome!
You’re a very nice surprise.
MARIAN
Is she not the way that I described her?
We’re as unalike as black and white
LAURA
Still we are insep’rable
MARIAN
Joined as day to night,
Very clearly of a diff’rent feather – We’re an odd but merry pair of birds!
She’d say I’m verbose and garrulous-
LAURA
But in fewer words!
MARIAN Laura!
LAURA
I fear your journey here was tedious?
WALTER
My journey was filled with drama!
First I met the local Signal Man a strange and unearthly man.
He told me he’d had a vision that I would come and that I
would bring tragedy in my wake.
LAURA
Heavens!
WALTER
Indeed!
But he said: “You’ll mark my words!
When a year to this day
The dead lie on the tracks!
The dead lie on the tracks!”
MARIAN:
How strange!
WALTER
What happened next was stranger still
A woman breathless, terrified!
Appeared out of the night!
Completely dressed in white
She had a secret she would tell
Of one who had mistreated her
Her face and frightened gaze
My mind cannot erase
But then she ran from view
(to Laura)
She looked so much like you.
LAURA:
Perhaps you saw a ghost?
WALTER
Ghost or not, her face haunts me still.
She looked so much like you!
MARIAN:
We must clear up this mystery!
WALTER
But first, ladies, we must take advantage of this wonderful light!
MARIAN:
Nothing’s duller than my
watercolouring
I’ve next to no technique at all
LAURA:
My pen and ink are passable
MARIAN:
My pen and ink appall.
All my sketching soon with have you wretching.
I’m a notch below a chimpanzee
LAURA:
But we’re highly trainable
MARIAN:
We shall wait and see.
WALTER
You can capture shade and light
best of all perspective
MARIAN:
All I ever do is trite
WALTER
Beauty is subjective
you’ll develop your own style
MARIAN:
He has such a winning smile
WALTER
You will know when it feels right.
LAURA:
I could trust him at first sight.
WALTER
Be observant, be a humble servant,
Stay dedicated to your art
LAURA:
I can hardly concentrate
MARIAN:
What a shaky start
WALTER
Don’t conceal the things you think and feel
Get you emotion flowing through your brush
MARIAN:
If I follow your advice
You would surely blush
LAURA:
If I’d practise what you preach
I’d be more effective
WALTER
She’s so clearly out of reach
Seen from my perspective
MARIAN:
He’s a breath of summer air
WALTER
See the sunlight in her hair
LAURA:
I must disregard his charms
LAURA/MARIAN:
And his manly rugged arms
MARIAN:
Give me people not a tree or steeple
Not a slice of apple on a knife
Still life’s not as int’resting
A slice of life
WALTER
You’re improving, this is very moving,
That’s a cocker spaniel clear and true.
MARIAN:
Thank you for the compliment
I was sketching you!
ALL THREE:
What’s the reason that I am here?
What is my objective?
What a stirring atmosphere!
But where is my perspective?
Can you get a dizzy thrill?
While the world is standing still?
Yet the summer’s drifting by
While these golden moments fly.
MARIAN:
Sweet tension fills the air
which I know I ought not dwell upon
I look away and still see him there
I’m trying not to notice him
yet I can’t help but stare
WALTER
No gazing!
Know your place
words that I’d be wise to tell myself!
I close my eyes and I still see her face
I’m trying not to notice her
but I don’t stand a chance
LAURA:
I’m trying not to notice him
yet I return each glance
A thousand contradictions
are stirring in my soul
they seem to grow in me
overflow in me
WALTER
In spite of my convictions
I’m losing my control
MARIAN:
I’m slightly shocked inside
keep it locked inside
ALL THREE:
Unspoken
Unexpressed
Still it’s louder than a symphony
Can no one hear what my heart seems to shout?
Perhaps they do not notice it
Though it’s as plain as day
I’m trying not to notice it
But it won’t go away
The summer days are
coming to close. It is now the last day
of August, two months have gone by.
Walter and Laura are left alone together for the first timer since they
first met…their moment has come…
WALTER
Whenever I look at you
The world disappears…
Only a single glance so revealing!
You smile and I feel as though
I’ve known for years…
How do I know to trust what I’m feeling?
LAURA
I believe my heart,
What else can I do
When every part
Of every thought
Leads me straight to you?
WALTER
I believe my heart,
There’s no other choice
For now whenever my heart speaks
I can only hear your voice!
LAURA
The lifetime before we met
Has faded away!
WALTER
How did I live a moment without you?
LAURA
You don’t have to speak at all,
I know what you’d say!
WALTER
And I know every secret about you!
I believe my heart
It believes in you.
It’s telling me
That what I see
Is completely true!
LAURA
I believe my heart!
How can it be wrong?!
It says that what I feel for you
I will feel my whole life long!
BOTH
I believe my heart!
It believes in you!
It’s telling me
That what I see
Is completely true!
And with all my soul
I believe my heart!
The portrait that it paints of you
Is a perfect work of art!
He gives her the
sketch he drew of her.
WALTER
I am afraid it doesn’t do you justice.
They almost embrace,
but Marian suddenly runs in…she realizes what has happened, and her smile fades
for the first time.
Villagers enter the
area, celebrating the commencement of the Harvest.
ALL:
Ripe golden fields and the
bounty the bring
Reason enough for to dance and to sing
Dance for who knows if we’ll live till its spring
Sing
For it’s Lammastide
(A young girl goes up to Laura and gives
her a corn dolly)
ALL:
Winds of the winter
As sharp as a thorn
Soon will assault us
As sure as we’re born
GIRL:
Who will protect us?
A doll made of corn
ALL:
Dance!
For it’s Lammastide
MEN:
Please spend the season
Pressed in my arms
Rest in my arms
WOMEN:
Merrily, merrily
We’ll end the season
Wrapped in your arms
MEN:
Trapped in your arms
WOMEN:
Verily, verily
ALL:
Ripe golden fields and the v bounty they bring
Reason enough for to dance and to sing
Dance for who knows if we’ll live till it’s spring
Sing
For it’s Lammastide
MEN:
Please end the season
Pressed in my arms
Blessed in my arms
WOMEN:
Verily, verily
Although we may protest in your arms
We’ll nest in your arms
ALL:
Merrily, merrily
After we harvest the fruits of the earth
Time for the home and a moment of mirth
MEN:
Time for a dance
WOMEN:
And the chance of rebirth
ALL:
Sing
For it’s Lammastide
Ripe golden fields and the bounty they bring
Reason enough for to dance and to sing
Dance for who knows if we’ll live till it’s spring
Sing
For it’s Lammastide!
Dance
For it’s Lammastide!
Sing
For it’s Lammastide!
Marian has taken Laura
and run off…now certain of Walter and Laura’s tryst.
The young girl is
being scolded
MOTHER
You’ll wait outside till you see sense, my girl!
WALTER
What’s wrong child?
GIRL
She didn’t believe me!
She said I was tellin’ tales!
WALTER
About what?
GIRL
Do you believe in ghosts, sir?
WALTER
I believe the dead go on, we carry
them inside us—
GIRL
I saw a ghost sir, yesterene’ at the glarmen!
WALTER
The ghost of a woman?!
GIRL
That’s right sir, a woman all in white!
WALTER
Where did you see her?
GIRL
Over there, sir, in the graveyard sir… she scared me half to
death.
WALTER
It’ll be alright.
SUNSET…THE GRAVEYARD
The Woman in White
appears to Walter.
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
Walter Hartight! I
remember you!
WALTER
Are you of this world?
Have I imagines you?
She touches him.
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
You see I am no ghost before you.
I am flesh and blood, believe your eyes!
Kind sir, my name is Anne,
Anne Cath’rick…
And believe my words I tell no lies…
Lim’ridge was my home in childhood,
Though I didn’t live here long,
Locked away while still a girl
Although I did nothing wrong!
Imprisoned in a dark asylum
By a man of guile and treachery!
The truth will see the light, I vow it!
But he thinks that he can silence me!
I told you that I have a secret,
One I can not share with you!
I must find the one I seek
To spare her what I’ve been through!
I’ll tell you of my cruel tormentor!
When I think of him I’m filled with shame!
I’ll tell you who he is this instant…
If you swear you won’t forget his name…
WALTER
I swear!
ANNE
Sir Percival Glyde!
Sir Percival Glyde!
WALTER
Sir Percival Glyde!
An owl screeches and
Anne runs off before anymore is said.
THE NEXT MORNING AT LIMMERIDGE
Marian and Walter
meet.
MARIAN
Mr. Hartight, there’s a very private matter
We must speak of right away…
WALTER
Pray it isn’t serious!
MARIAN
This is hard for me to say…
In the days before you came here
You were out of money
Out of spirits then.
WALTER
I was down but rarely out of spirits,
You’d have found me in a haven drinking den!
MARIAN
Then it’s safe to say you value your position.
WALTER
More than anything at all!
MARIAN
Since we both were children
Laura sometimes sleepwalks.
I would wake and find her
On the stair,
Unaware,
Of how she got there.
More than her half sister,
I am her whole family
And I must protect her!
WALTER
What reason do you tell me this?
MARIAN
I know sir what your secret is!
WALTER
I have no secrets here!
MARIAN
My sister is engaged
To a man of stirring character,
A titles man of property!
A man her father chose!
WLATER
What?!
MARIAN
It was my duty to tell you this!
WALTER
Then…Laura will marry another?
MARIAN
You must crush all feeling for her, there can be no hope of
an attachment, no hope of any future!…I am sorry if
this hurts you!
WALTER
Are you sorry Miss Halcombe?
MARIAN
What do you mean?!
WALTER
Perhaps I’m not the only one with secrets…feelings that I’d
rather hide?!
MARIAN
You are most unkind!
You should go…you’ve said enough…
I’m doing this to help you, to save you from yourself!
WALTER
I’d like to know his name.
MARIAN
His name is not your business!
WALTER
Please, let me know his name!
MARIAN
His name is Glyde…
Sir Percival Glyde!
WALTER
Marian!…
She ignores him.
SOMETIME LATER IN THE WEEK
Mr. Fairlie, Laura,
and Marian are all awaiting the arrival of Sir Percival Glyde.
SERVANT
Sir Percival Glyde!
GLYDE
A
man of about 40. Attractive.
With all my heart
I’m glad to be here!
FAIRLIE
Sir Percival Glyde here in this house!
You’re always welcome!
GLYDE
The picture of health!
I’ve never seen you look so well, sir.
FAIRLIE
Is he talking to me?
GLYDE
You’re such a hail and a hearty fellow!
MARIAN
You, sir, it’s true, are a tonic!
It does us good to see you.
GLYDE
Thank you, my friend,
And me you!
But Laura, my dear,
Second to none
You’re the one
I miss most.
It’s perfectly clear
With all my heart
I need you…
Which brings me to my purpose,
Why must we wait till spring?
LAURA
What?
GLYDE
Let’s have a Christmas wedding
And the joy that it will bring us!
My home and heart are ready,
So now it’s up to you…
LAURA
Almost reluctantly
It was my father’s dying wish,
And I will do as I have promised to…
GLYDE
In all of this world
There’s not a man as thrilled as I am,
Nor lucky as I.
Not on this earth is a man more joyful!
MARIAN & FAIRLIE
Sir Percival Glyde,
Good luck to you…
And your bride!
GLYDE
My dearest friend, Count Fosco,
Shall act as our best man.
You’ll see he has no better
when you meet tonight
and there’s no better plan!
MARIAN
Sir Percival Glyde!
GLYDE
You from this day shall be my sister!
MARIAN
With pleasure and pride!
GLYDE
And we shall see that our home is your home!
FAIRLIE
Aside
There’s nothing to decide,
My niece will marry Glyde!
A Christmas wedding
Is where we’re heading!
And Marian will go
To live with them, no fear!
The instant she becomes his spouse,
The both will exit Limmeridge House,
Which will be quiet as a mouse!…
At last I’ll like it here!
LATER ON THAT NIGHT—FOSCO’S ARRIVAL
Fosco enters, petting
his beloved mouse amidst his mini zoo of rodents and birds. He is of about 50, grotesquely obese, but a
man who thinks he is a charmer. He is
very macho-Italian.
FOSCO
Well, my friend, at last we have arrived!
It seems that I was born to be a house guest!
You might choose this moment to get out of sight,
For now they need not know they have a mouse guest!
Marian enters in
evening gown to welcome him…he is instantly smitten with her.
I am pleased to meet the blushing bride!
MARIAN
Act’ally, I’m just the blushing bride’s maid.
FOSCO
Pardon me, it’s just that you’re so
beautiful,
Which is why I thought you might be Glyde’s maid!
MARIAN
There is no mistaking you’re Count Fosco!
FOSCO
I’ve a reputation that precedes me!
MARIAN
I am Laura’s sister sent to welcome you!
FOSCO
May I nibble on the hand that feeds me?
MARIAN
You may dine on any single thing you wish,
Though I’d wait for dinner, we are serving fish!
FOSCO
There’s no time to state my many appetites!
MARIAN
You might consider taking smaller bites!
FOSCO
It’s so very kind of you to have me here!
MARIAN
You, sir, add some int’rest to the atmosphere!
FOSCO
I detect a fire beneath your prim veneer!
MARIAN
I regret there’s not more time to tarry…
FOSCO
But I presume that we’ll resume this thrust and parry!
AFTER DINNER—THE PIANO ROOM
Laura is playing the
piano for the guests.
FOSCO
Mmmm…bravisima, my dear!
You play like an angel!
LAURA
I play only moderately well…
FOSCO
My dear, you mustn’t hide your talent! If you have talents, you must flaunt them!
MARIAN
Pray, sir, what are your talents? Perhaps I can persuade you to come out from
under your bushel!
FOSCO:
No, no, no!
I am a man
of medicine
no opera star,
my voice is thin
Though I play cards
and violin
at none of these do I excel
The talent that
I have in spades
Is one for fun
and escapades
A gift for living well
Attracted to the lively arts
Breaking bread, breaking hearts
Making love, when love has me spellbound
Italian food
the wines of
I never walk when I can dance
A gift for living well
A one man band
I sing the lead
Always self-accompanied
I concede I’m probably hell bound
A bon vivant
As you can see
A lust for life as big as… me!
A gift for living well
But enough about me! Raise your glasses
(Fosco raises his glass to the bride and
groom)
Sir Percival Glyde!
ALL: (Raising their glasses)
Oh what a joyous occasion this is
Sir Percival Glyde!
FOSCO:
Dolce vita to you and your Mrs.!
GLYDE:
This is the moment I’ve longed for
MARIAN:
Everything’s for the best now
MR FAIRLIE:
I’ll have an empty nest now
ALL:
And here’s to the bride!
Cheers for the life they will lead now…
(Hartright suddenly interrupts the
toast-addresses Sir Percival Glyde)
HARTRIGHT:
Please let me speak
and forgive my interruption
Please hear me out
On a very pressing matter
One that concerns a girl
Her name is Anne, Anne Catherick
She says you’ve done her wrong
Have you an explanation?
FAIRLIE
What impertinence! Mr.
Hartright, know your place…
GLYDE
No, no, please, I am happy to clear up the matter of Anne Catherick.
Her tail is truly sorrowful,
And some would say a tragedy.
Her story breaks my heart.
I don’t know where to start.
Her mother was in my employ.
Your brother recommended her.
Recall she worked here, too…
FAIRLIE
Catherick?
I’m not sure that I do.
GLYDE
Anne was so sweet, as an infant.
She used to laugh all the time!
She sparkled like the sun,
Such a pretty one.
And yet she grew up so unhappy,
Sullen and angry and sad
She was a troubled child
Acting strange and wild.
She once attacked her mother
When she was but 16!
A fury with no cause,
No one knew the cause!
To help her grieving mother
And rescue Anne, herself,
I undertook her care,
I tried to see her through.
It was the Christian thing to do.
When no physician could treat her
I found a haven that would,
A trusted private place
To embrace her case.
Anne thinks of me as her captor,
When I am truly her friend.
For all her care I pay,
And still she runs away!
FOSCO
I’m touched by your compassion,
Your kindness knows no bounds.
GLYDE
I’ve done the best I can,
I’ve done my best for Anne!
WALTER
She spoke, sir, of a secret,
A secret she would tell!
GLYDE
Her world has come to be
Utter fantasy.
But her safe return
Is my great concern.
And I am grateful for
Your help!
LAURA
Poor Anne, her story saddens me.
MARIAN
Yet it explains the mystery
FOSCO
Had it not been for Glyde,
I’m sure she would have died.
FAIRLIE
No more please!
Neither Anne Catherick no her silly mother are any of your business, sir.
What’s more, my nerved are quite shot!
FOSCO
Then a shot of brandy is what I prescribe, signor!
FAILRIE
Yes, we shall retire to my study, gentlemen.
GLYDE
To Walter Thank
you, sir.
Glyde,
Fosco, and Fairlie exit, leaving Walter, Marian, and Laura alone.
WALTER
I don’t believe him,
Can’t you see he’s clearly lying?
As for your uncle, it’s the truth that he’s denying!
MARIAN
In a rage
Sir, you must leave at once!
You must go right away!
LAURA
Marian!
MARIAN
What reason has he to lie?
How can you hope to stay here?
LAURA
Please, Marian!
MARIAN
Sharply
Laura, our future is settled!
Soon you will be Lady Glyde!
You’ll have the perfect life
As that fine man’s wife!
He is a man of compassion,
Look how he helped that poor girl
He has integrity,
He’s all a man should be!
WALTER
Sadly,
loudly, to Laura. Sung almost hopelessly
I clearly don’t belong here,
Your sister is quite right,
I leave for
now!
Laura breaks down from
this. Marian realizes how cruel she has
just been, and tries to comfort Laura, but she breaks away, sobbing, and runs
off. Marian looks at Walter hopelessly,
but he looks back at her angrily and in a rage of his
own…a real one, and not out of jealousy.
WALTER
Are you happy NOW?!
He leaves her. Marian breaks down, cries, and calls out into
the distance:
MARIAN
I close my eyes, and I still see his face!
OUTSIDE LIMMERIDGE HOUSE-THE FOLLOWING MORNING
Autumn has now
arrived. Walter stands in the middle of the courtyard and looks at the house
sadly. He has his luggage and he gives
it to the Coachman. Laura comes running
on in her white nightgown.
LAURA
Tell me this isn’t real!
Tell me I am walk in my sleep!
WALTER
I’m sorry…
LAURA
I believe my heart,
It believes in you!
BOTH
Ev’ry part
Of ev’ry thought
Leads me straight to you!
Laura runs up to him, and they passionately kiss. When she breaks away, she hands him the
sketch he made of her.
LAURA
Take this, something to remember by!
Walter leaves.
THE WEDIDNG DAY-THREE MONTHS LATER, 25 DECEMBER
The scene plays out as
if it is a nightmare that Laura is walking through. She has no control over what she is doing, as
she dressed in her wedding gown, is walked down the aisle, and is married to
Glyde. All this plays out through the
following song:
VILLAGERS
The Holly and the Ivy
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly wears the crown.
O the holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.
VILLAGE GIRL
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
Anne suddenly bursts
into the church, screaming:
ANNE
No! No! You must stop this! NO!!!
She exits, and no one
catches her. Laura is disturbed.
VILLAGERS
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly wears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer!
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir!
The rings are placed
on the bride and groom. Suddenly, church
bells ring hauntingly, and the wedding guests seem to be, in Laura’s eyes,
cruel omens. In more discordant singing,
they commence the wedding celebration:
VILLAGERS
All ever after
As man and wife
Dancing through life,
Merrily, merrily!
She is a source of pride in his arms,
Pride in his arms,
Merrily, merrily
Off to a life of a contentment and bliss
No other day is as happy as this!
Time for rejoicing
And time for a kiss!
Here’s to the bride and groom!
Cheers to the bride and groom!
Here’s to the bride and groom!
They all dance off
into the Christmas mist. Anne suddenly
appears, alone. She has failed in
preventing the marriage and is completely heartbroken. She calls out to Laura…
ANNE
Lady Laura Glyde!
Lady Laura Glyde!
The church bells are ringing
They call out to warn you,
But even my warning were too late
to save you!
Now your fate is sealed!
How can it be stopped?!
You’ll be the lady of Blackwater House,
All the rooms filled with sorrow,
The lake filled with tear drops,
Where you’re at his mercy,
And he knows no mercy!
I can’t let this come to pass!
I can’t let you suffer as I did!
I must journey to your side!
So unlike me, you won’t be friendless!
So unlike me, you won’t be friendless!
Time passes, and Anne
arrives at the large, cold and foreboding Blackwater House in Hampshire, where
she secretly awaits on its grounds for the arrival Laura from her honeymoon.
BLACKWATER HOUSE—LADY GLYDE ARRIVES
It is the ides of
March, 1860, three months since the wedding.
Marian has already been at Blackwater House for a time, along with Count
Fosco, awaiting the newly married couple.
Laura arrives. She is dressed in
black and seems to distant and moody.
MARIAN
Welcome to your new home, Lady Glyde!
Laura brushes her
aside, saying nothing. Marian’s
happiness is instantly crushed.
Laura? Laura what is
it? Laura?
Laura enters the
mansion, saying nothing.
GLYDE
Fosco.
FOSCO
My friend.
GLYDE
We must see to business.
Meet me in my study.
Glyde enters the
mansion, followed by his servants, leaving Fosco and Marian alone.
MARIAN
Something is wrong…
FOSCO
She is just tired…
MARIAN
No, I must go to her…
FOSCO
Oh! She will come
‘round…you live in her shadow!
MARIAN
If I do then it is because I am comfortable there.
FOSCO
She is lovely. But
you, Miss Halcombe, you are beyond all compare.
A
moment of silence. Marian is shocked. She enters the mansion.
LAURA’S BEDROOM
Laura is being
attended to by her maids. She is
completely silent. A maid tries to
unbutton her dress to change her into her nightgown.
LAURA
Shoving
the made away.
Leave me alone! I
don’t need your help!
She stares into the
mirror.
Marian enters the
room, Laura does not turn to see her.
The maids have left them alone.
MARIAN
Laura, you know you can trust me.
Please, let me know what is wrong!
We seem so far apart,
And it breaks my heart!
LAURA
Angrily
Trust you, know why would I trust
YOU?!
When your advice led me here,
Straight from the wedding prayer
To complete despair!
He only wants my money,
That’s all he wants from me!
Though he’s a baronet,
He is steep in dept!
I’ll show you how he loves me
She rolls up her sleeves,
revealing bruises all over them.
I think you want to see!
His love is on display!
She undoes her buttons
to reveal severe bruises all over her chest.
A mark for every day!
You said he’s all a man should be!
Marian is horrified
and she immediately tries to comfort her sister, but Laura shoves her away,
screaming and yelling at her. Marian
leaves in despair.
SAME NIGHT
Marian walks aimlessly
through the incoming mist, totally in despair.
MARIAN
Inner voices
Keeping me awake
Will I ever sleep again?
Reassessing-
Everything I’ve done
Choices that I can’t explain
All for Laura
This is what I prayed
All for Laura
Have I betrayed you?
With our old life
Ever out of reach
Look at what I’ve led you to
God forgive me
Look at what I’ve done
Look how I protected you.
All for Laura
Shouldn’t I have known?
I know one thing
We are alone now
I sent away the man
The man that we could trust
The only man that we both love
All for Laura
Was it really you,
Who I was thinking of?
All for Laura
But at the start
Were you foremost in my heart?
All for Laura
That’s how I’ll live
Till I save you
Till you forgive me
I’ll dedicate my life
I swear upon my soul
I’ll find a way to set you free
All for Laura,
Till my dying breath
Long as you’re in need of me
I will somehow learn to be strong
I will live to right this wrong !
She walks into a
clearing beneath a large weeping willow.
Men with dogs are searching for Anne Catherick. Marian hides.
As the men leave, she walks near the tree when Anne suddenly appears
from behind the tree.
ANNE
I can trust you!
I can help you both!
He must never win again!
MARIAN
It’s you!
ANNE
I can trust you,
And I have a way
We can stop this evil man!
MARIAN
To herself
It’s amazing! I see
her face!
ANNE
I have come here
To save your sister!
MARIAN
Oh, thank you!
ANNE
Tomorrow at this time
Bring her here to me,
But promise that you’ll be alone!
I’ve a secret,
And it when it is told
It will surely bring him down!
MARIAN
Tell me now please!
ANNE
Only for Laura!
She leaves into the
mist.
Fosco suddenly appears. Marian is startled and screams.
FOSCO
Miss Halcombe!
Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you! I saw your room, it was empty, and I thought:
you must be out here counting your English sheep! Dico bene?
MARIAN
I couldn’t sleep.
FOSCO
Wandering about in the dark, and without the aid of a
coat! Tut, tut! You English ladies, you are so reckless with
your flitting! You must allow me to accompany you home.
MARIAN
There’s no need.
FOSCO
You’re shivering, Miss Halcombe. Per piacere, take my arm.
MARIAN
Thank you.
FOSCO
Would you like a bon bon?
They leave together.
BLACKWATER HOUSE—THE STUDY THE NEXT NIGHT
Glyde is waiting for
Laura to arrive in his study. He is
organizing documents on his desk. Marian
enters with Laura.
LAURA
You wanted me?
GLYDE
I have a document for you sign.
LAURA
A document?
GLYDE
Sit here, use this pen.
LAURA
A document, what kind of document?
GLYDE
Just sign it here, and here, and we’ll be done.
LAURA
Now?
GLYDE
It’s a formality.
Sign your name, Lady Glyde,
Here, on the line.
LAURA
What are you asking me to sign?
Fosco enters, all
civility
FOSCO
Percival, you said you needed me.
I am at your service.
Ah, buongiorno, ladies,
I trust you slept well?
GLYDE
I need a witness for Laura’s signature.
LAURA
Again, what is this document?
GLYDE
Sign your name, Lady Glyde.
MARIAN
Sir, she has a right to know.
GLYDE
It pertains, Miss Halcombe, to a man and his wife.
LAURA
Then let me read it first, that isn’t asking much.
GLYDE
Sign, I have a carriage waiting.
MARIAN to Fosco
Do you know what’s in these papers?
FOSCO
I’m as ignorant as you and Lady Glyde.
GLYDE
Sign!
LAURA
But I cannot sign
What I haven’t read!
GLYDE
It is too involved
For your pretty head!
As a sign of trust,
Please, pick up the pen!
LAURA
I will read it first,
I will trust you then!
MARIAN
Let our lawyers bless
What you want from her
And she’ll acquiesce
With her signature.
GLYDE
You’ve a pointed tone
That I will not bear!
MARIAN
That’s a point of view
I completely share!
GLYDE
Sign your name, Lady Glyde!
Infernal women, you know nothing about business!!!
FOSCO
Calmly my dear friend,
Lady Glyde’s upset,
So is her sister.
Can‘t the papers wait another day?
GLYDE
This is a timely matter
and it will not wait!
LAURA
I will gladly sign when I know what it is.
FOSCO
Forget about the signature,
I’m urging you, please,
As a man of honour.
Be patient.
MARIAN
Send the carriage away.
FOSCO
In all good conscience I could not be of witness now.
GLYDE
For God’s sake woman sign!
I will not stand for it! I will
not!!!
Glyde goes to strike
Laura, but Marian and Fosco prevent him.
GLYDE
She is still my wife!
She’ll do as I say!
FOSCO
Keep your temper, sir!
GLYDE
Stay out of my way!
He strikes Marian for
blocking his way.
You must be confined
Till you see the light!
MARIAN
This is not a jail!
FOSCO
Sir, this is not right!
GLYDE
She should gladly do
Anything I say!
She’s a willful child
Who must have her way!
FOSCO
Glyde! You must hold
your tongue,
You must not react,
You must leave at once,
Your good name in tact!
Glyde leaves, angrily.
You’ll be fine, Lady Glyde.
LAURA
Don’t touch me!
FOSCO
You’re safe, my dear,
You’ll be alright.
His bark is far worse than his bite.
His temper flairs don’t be alarmed.
He will calm down, you won’t be harmed.
MARIAN
Without your aid
Where would we be?
FOSCO
How could I not?
LAURA to Fosco
Don’t come near me!
MARIAN
He is our friend!
Look what he’s done!
LAURA
I don’t trust him…or anyone.
FOSCO trying to befriend
her
You’ll be fine, Lady Glyde.
Laura shoves him
off. Marian gives Fosco an apologetic
look.
Give it the hour.
Fosco leaves them
alone. The mood has changed. It is time now for Laura to finally meet Anne
Catherick, the Woman in White. Marian hushes
Laura and wraps shawls around the both of them. They secretly leave Blackwater
House.
THE GROUNDS OF BLACKWATER ESTATE
It is now dark. Marian has brought Laura to the clearing where the willow tree
hovers above, as Anne told her to do.
Laura is deathly afraid, while Marian is comforting, but alert at the
same time, as the risk they are taking is high.
LAURA
She’s not here.
MARIAN
Have faith, she will come.
An animal screeches in
the night
LAURA
What was that?!
MARIAN
Hush, be calm!
Marian positions Laura
to stand still and be calm. Marian walks
over by the tree to see if Anne is there, as she was the night before. While Marian’s back is turned, Anne suddenly
appears from the opposite side of the clearing.
Ina ghostly manner, she stares at Laura, shocked at what she sees. Laura is startled, causing Marian to turn and
have the same shock. Laura calls out to
her.
LAURA
I look at you and see myself!
ANNE
I look at you and see myself!
BOTH
So strange and yet so true,
I see my soul in you!
They meet in the
middle, and kneel before one another.
LAURA
Almost my living replica!
MARIAN
It’s true!
ANNE
Our ev’ry move so similar!
MARIAN
So much like you!
LAURA
My face but with years of strain!
ANNE & LAURA
Your eyes reveal such pain!
Marian kneels between
the two of them, and the three women hold hands, forming a circle.
ANNE, LAURA, & MARIAN
It’s like I’ve known you all my life!
At last it’s safe to hope again!
Somehow you complete me,
I know I can trust you!
Here with you I am safe at last,
You were there, you were always there!
Like your heart beats within my heart,
And the truth it can set us free!
Now that we’re together
We must help each other!
Suddenly, in the
distance, the sound of men and dogs barking and yelling is heard. Anne jumps from fear.
ANNE
I hear them coming,
They’ve come to lock me up!
Don’t let them catch me,
Don’t let them take me back!
Anne screams, and runs
into the woods. Marian and Laura run
after her. The wind howls. They call after.
Glyde’s men enter.
MAN
The one in white, she can not get away again!
GLYDE to Marian and
Laura, throwing blame on them.
I thank you both for having led me straight to her!
ANNE to them, while
they have only a brief moment to speak before the men take
Anne.
You have betrayed me!
You have set a trap here!
LAURA
No, no! Believe me!
ANNE
Curse you, Lady Glyde!
GLYDE
Take her back to the asylum!
Anne fights off the
men, but they grab her and throw her down to Glyde.
ANNE
You may lock me up forever,
But I will set my secret free!
You can’t stop me now,
I’ll tell the world what you did to me!
GLYDE
Shut up her mouth and her horrible lies!
ANNE
I’ll haunt you till you die!
The men gag her.
LAURA
Let her go!
Fosco enters
MARIAN
Count Fosco, you’ve got to help us!
Fosco brushes by her
amidst the screaming and yelling. He
takes out a needle. Anne’s gag falls off
and she pleads he stop. He injects her
with a sedative, and she faints.
FOSCO to Marian and
Laura, who are shocked
I am sorry, but the woman, she was a danger to herself. I had no choice. It is the best way! I am a doctor.
He leaves with Glyde,
the men, and Anne. Marian and Laura are
left alone in the dark woods, shivering from fear.
LAURA
We are powerless at the hands of these men!
MARIAN
We will not be victims Laura, we will right this wrong!
A lighting crack is
heard in the distance. Marian takes her
sister and hold her in her arms. They look out woefully into the remaining
woods as the lights fade. They know they
are prisoners of Blackwater House, which looms menacingly above them in the
night.