Interlopers Part 1 by Thomas Hardy

On a dark night, Farmer Charles Darton and his friend Japheth Johns are riding on their way to The Knap to meet Sally Hall, Charles' bride-to-be. Losing their way is the prelude to a series of unexpected arrivals and events that potentially changes lives forever.

Transcript

CHARACTERS AND CAST IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Announcer |  Jim Newberry
Japheth Johns |  Mike Rivarno
Farmer Charles Darton |  Ed Clark
Helena Hall |  Emma Willatts
Mrs Hall |  S-J Vant
Sally Hall |  Lisa Nightingale
Philip Hall |  Richard Vince

FX: intro music

Announcer
Part 1 of Interlopers by Thomas Hardy

SCENE 1: EXTERIOR - a country path on a winter’s night

FX wind blowing hard in the trees

FX slow clip clop of three ridden horses: continues in background. Muffled sounds of two men talking before audible dialogue begins 

Japheth Johns
Do you feel you can meet your fate like a man, neighbour Darton?

Farmer Darton
(Half laugh then) Ay – call it my fate! Hanging and wiving go by destiny.

Japheth Johns
Where are we headed?

Farmer Darton
We are going to one of the Hintocks, King’s Hintock, to a place called The Knap. It is where the people make the best cider wine in all Wessex, where the dunghills smell of pomace instead of stable refuse as elsewhere.

Japheth Johns
Ahhh.

Pause

Farmer Darton
(As if continuing his thoughts) Why I have decided to marry her is not only that I like her, but that I can do no better, even from a fairly practical point of view. That I might h’a looked higher is possibly true, though it is really all nonsense. I have experience enough of looking above me.

FX winter scene and horse clip clopping fades out

FX voice echo on to denote flashback

Farmer Darton
I would be most pleased if you would consent to be my bride and wife.

Helena Hall
I cannot.

Farmer Darton
(Agitated) But why can you not accept my offer?

Helena Hall
I cannot marry you…I just cannot!

FX voice echo out

FX winter scene and horses clip clopping fade up and resume

Farmer Darton
“No more superior women for me”, said I. You know when. Sally is a comely, independent, simple character, with no make-up about her, who’ll think me as much a superior to her as I used to think that – you know who – was to me.

Japheth Johns
Aye. However, I shouldn’t call Sally Hall simple. Primary, because no Sally is; secondary, because if some could be, this one wouldn’t. ‘Tis a wrong denomination to apply to a woman, Charles, and affects me, as your best man, like cold water. ‘Tis like recommending a stage play by saying there’s neither murder, villainy, nor harm of any sort in it, when that’s what you’ve paid your money to see.

Farmer Darton
Well, may your opinion do you good. Mine’s a different one. I hope that Sally has received what I sent her by courier today.

Japheth Johns
What did you send?

Farmer Darton
It is a dress. Not exactly a wedding dress, though she may use it as one if she likes. It is rather serviceable than showy – suitable for the winter weather.

Japheth Johns
Good. Serviceable is a wise word in a bridegroom. I commend ‘ee Charles.

Farmer Darton
For why should a woman dress up like a rope-dancer because she’s going to do the most solemn deed of her life, except for dying?

Japheth Johns
Faith, why? But she will, because she will, I suppose.

Farmer Darton
Hm.

FX horse clip clopping stops. Snort of a horse

Japheth Johns
This lane now forks into two. Which is our way?

Farmer Darton
I am not sure; I have travelled this way, but not frequently. Ride on a way more Japheth.

FX clip clopping of a single horse which then stops

Japheth Johns
Here’s a handpost. Ezra – come and climm this post and tell us the way.

FX footsteps, then struggling and exertion through undergrowth, loud clink of bottles

Farmer Darton
(Annoyed) No boy! Unstrap the baskets or you’ll smash up that wine!

Japheth Johns
Was there ever less head in a brainless world? Here, simple Ezzy, I’ll do it.

FX Johns’ heavy breathing and scrambling exertions. Then the striking of a match

Japheth Johns
(In frustration) Daaah! I have faced tantalisation these 20 years with a temper as mild as milk, but such things as this don’t come short of devilry!

FX scrambling down and heavy breathing

Farmer Darton
What’s the matter?

Japheth Johns
Not a single letter, sacred or heathen, not so much as would tell us the way to the town of Smokeyhole – ever should I sin to say it! Either the moss and mildew have eaten away the words, or we have arrived in a land where the natyves have lost the art o’ writing, and we should ha’ brought our own compass like Christopher Columbus.

Farmer Darton
(Calm) Let us take the straight road. I shan’t be sorry to get there – ‘tis a tiresome ride. I would have driven if I had known.

FX clip clopping of three horses resumes and fades out


SCENE 2: INTERIOR - a house, The Knap, at King’s Hintock

FX fire crackling in the grate

Mrs Hall
The new gown he was going to send you stays about on the way, like himself.

Sally Hall
Yes mother – not finished, I dare say. Lord, I shouldn’t be amazed if it didn’t come at all! Young men make such kind promises when they are near you and forget ‘em when they go away. But he doesn’t intend it as a wedding gown: he gives it to me merely as a gown to wear when I like – a travelling dress. Come rathe or come late, it don’t much matter, as I have a dress of my own to fall back on.

Mrs Hall
But what time is it?

FX slow ticking of a clock

Sally Hall
It is nearly eight.

Mrs Hall
Eight o’clock and neither dress nor man.

Sally Hall
Mother if you think to tantalize me by talking like that, then you are much mistaken! Let him be as late as he will – or stay away altogether – (only half-believingly) I don’t care.

Mrs Hall
I am not so sure about your not caring. But perhaps you don’t care so much as I do after all. For I see what you don’t, that it is a good and flourishing match for you. He has a large farm - they say, worth £30,000 a year - a great many draught horses, milch cows, and of sheep a multitude. And he ain’t like his father what built the business – a one-eyed character with a buttoned-up pocket and a chink-like eye for the money.

It is a very honourable offer in Mr Darton. And I think I see a kind husband in him. So, pray God it will go smooth and wind up well.

Sally Hall
Of course, it will go well. How you are up and down mother! At this moment, whatever hinders him, we are not so anxious to see him as he is to be here, and his thought runs on before him and settles on us like the star in the east.  (Relief) Hark! I heard something. Yes – here they are! It sounds like them at least. Well, it is not so very late after all, considering the distance.

FX slow, deliberate creaking open of the door

(Wheezing and slow, heavy breathing of a man)

Sally Hall
(Shock) O, it’s a tramp – gracious me!

(Heavy, laboured male breathing, chest wheezing, then straining and a “humph!” as he sinks into a chair)

Pause

Sally Hall
(Realisation) Why – mother. It is Phil from Australia!

Mrs Hall
(Equal shocked realisation) Oh!

(Heavy coughing fit from Phil)

Mrs Hall
To come home like this! Oh, Philip – are you ill?

Philip Hall
(Heavy, laboured breathing, then impatiently) No, no mother.

Mrs Hall
But for God’s sake, how do you come here – and just now too? 

Philip Hall
Well, I am here. How it is I hardly know. I’ve come here, mother, because I was driven to it. Things were against me there and went from bad to worse.

Mrs Hall
Then why didn’t you let us know? You’ve not writ a line for the last two or three years.

Philip Hall
(Sadly) No I have not. I had hoped and thought I might fetch up again and be able to send good news. But I had to abandon that hope and have come home from sheer necessity – previously to making a new start. (Noting their stares) Yes, things are very bad for me, very bad.

Mrs Hall
Sit ye down by the fire.

Pause

(Tentatively) Did you choose to come this particular night for a reason?

Philip Hall
For no reason. My arrival tonight is quite at random.

Short pause

Philip Hall
(Having looked around) But this room, the table laid, and you in your finery. What is going on?

Mrs Hall
Sally is to be married in a day or two. Her intended, Mr Darton, is coming here tonight with the groom’s man, Mr Johns. We thought it might be their step when we heard you.

Philip Hall
(Murmuring) I see, I see. Why indeed should I have come tonight? Such folk as I are not wanted here at these times, naturally. And I have no business here – spoiling other people’s happiness.

Mrs Hall
(Tearful but serious/stern) Phil, since you speak like that to me, I’ll speak honestly to you. For these three years, you have taken no thought for us. You left home with a good supply of money, and strength and education, and you ought to have made good use of it all.

But you come back like a beggar; and that you come in a very awkward time for us cannot be denied. Your return tonight may do us much harm. But mind – you are welcome to this home as long as it is mine. I don’t wish to turn you adrift. We will make the most of a bad job.

(Phil has a coughing fit)

Mrs Hall
And I hope you are not seriously ill?

Philip Hall
(Wheezing, then) O no. I have only this infernal cough.

Mrs Hall
I think you had better go to bed at once.

Philip Hall
(Wearily) Well – I shall be out of the way there. Having ruined myself, don’t let me ruin you by being seen in these togs, for Heaven’s sake. Who do you say Sally is to be married to – a Farmer Darton?

Mrs Hall
Yes – a gentleman farmer, quite a wealthy man. Far better in station than she could have expected. It is a good thing altogether. 

Philip Hall
(Brightening a bit) Well done, little Sal. I ought to have written, but perhaps I have thought of you all the more. But let me get out of sight. I would rather and jump in the river than be seen here. But have you anything to drink? I am confoundedly thirsty with my long tramp.

Sally Hall
Yes, yes, we will bring something.

Philip Hall
Ay, that will do nicely. But Sally and mother – mother, I have not told you all. Sad as what you see of me is, there’s worse behind.

Pause

Sally Hall
Let them come, I don’t care! Philip, tell the worst, and take your time.

Philip Hall
Well then. I am not the only one in this mess. Would to Heaven I were but –

Mrs Hall
O, Phil!

Philip Hall
I have a wife as destitute as I.

Mrs Hall
A wife?

Philip Hall
Unhappily!

Mrs Hall
A wife! Yes, that is the way with sons.

Philip Hall
And besides –

Mrs Hall
Besides! O, Philip, surely –

Philip Hall
I have two little children.

Mrs Hall
(Whispering) Wife and children!

Sally Hall
Poor little things!

Mrs Hall
I suppose these helpless beings are left in Australia?

Philip Hall
No. They are in England.

Mrs Hall
Well, I can only hope you have left them in a respectable place?

Philip Hall
I have not left them at all. They are here – within a few yards of us. In short, they are in the stable.

Mrs Hall
Where?

Philip Hall
In the stable. I did not like to bring them indoors till I had seen you, mother, and broken the bad news a bit to you. They were very tired and are resting out there on some straw.

Mrs Hall
(Breaking down) Oh no! Oh, my Lord, married with two children, here!

(Mrs Hall cries)

Mrs Hall
(Snuffling to speak, recovering herself) Well, it must be borne. A starving son, a starving wife, starving children! Let it be. But why is this come to us now, today, tonight? Could no other misfortune happen to helpless women than this, which will quite upset my poor girl’s chances of a happy life? Why have you done us this wrong, Philip? What respectable man will come here and marry, open-eyed, into a family of vagabonds?

Sally Hall
(Vehemently) Nonsense, mother! Charley isn’t the man to desert me. But if he should be, and won’t marry me because Phil’s come, let him go and marry elsewhere. I won’t be ashamed of my own flesh and blood for any man in England – not I!

(Sally bursts into tears)

Mrs Hall
Wait till you are 20 years older and you will tell a different tale.

Philip Hall
(Bitterly) Mother, as I have come, so will I go. All I ask of you is that you allow me and mine to lie in your stable tonight. I give you my word that we’ll be gone by break of day, and trouble you no further!

Mrs Hall
Oh no – never shall it be said that I sent any of my own from my door. Bring ‘em in, Philip, or take me out to them.

Sally Hall
(Brightening) We will put ‘em all into the large bedroom and make up a large fire. Let’s go and help them in.

Mrs Hall
What must we call your wife?

Philip Hall
Helena.

FX sounds of movement and partial opening of the door

Philip Hall
One minute before you go. I – I haven’t confessed all.

Mrs Hall
Then heaven help us!

FX door closes back

Philip Hall
We passed through Evershead as we came, and I just looked in at the “Sow and Acorn” to see if old Mike still kept there as usual. The carrier had come in from Sherton Abbas at that moment and guessing that I was bound for this place – for I think he knew me – he asked me to bring on a dressmaker’s parcel for Sally that was marked “immediate”.

My wife had walked on with the children. ‘Twas a flimsy parcel and the paper was torn, and I found, on looking at it, that it was a thick warm gown. I didn’t wish for you to see poor Helena in a shabby state. I was ashamed that you should – ‘twas not what she was born to. I untied the parcel in the road, took it on to her where she was waiting in the Lower Barn, and told her I managed to get it for her, and that she was to ask no question. She, poor thing, must have supposed I obtained it on trust, through having reached a place where I was known, for she put it on gladly enough. She has it on now. Sally has other gowns, I dare say.

Pause

(Sally sobs)

Philip Hall
(Impatient) You have others I dare say! I thought to myself “Better Sally cry than Helena freeze”. Well – is the dress of great consequence? ‘Twas nothing very ornamental, as far as I could see.

Sally Hall
(Sadly) No – no; not of consequence. (Gently) You will not mind if I lend her another instead of this one, will you?

(Philip suffers a bad and extended coughing fit)

Sally Hall
Let us get him upstairs at once and then fetch our unhappy new relations.


SCENE 3: INTERIOR - the Knap stable

FX rain falling outside

Farmer Darton
My God Helena, is that you?

Helena Hall
Charles Darton!

Farmer Darton
What are you doing here? How? And why?

Helena Hall
(Getting upset) Oh Charles, we have come from Australia and are in such dire circumstances, it is so awful that…

Mrs Hall
Helena! Mr Darton?

Helena Hall
(Very surprised) Oh!

Sally Hall
Mr Darton!

Pause

Farmer Darton
(Forced composure) Ah! This is a roundabout way of arriving you will say, my dear Mrs Hall. But we lost our way which made us late. I saw a light here and led in my horse at once. My friend Johns and my man have gone onward to the little inn with theirs, not to crowd you too much. No sooner had I entered than I saw that this lady had taken temporary residence – and found I was intruding.

Mrs Hall
(Calmly) She is my daughter-in-law. My son too is in the house, but he has gone to bed unwell.

FX small children talking

Sally Hall
Why who have we here also? Come here my little dears, come.

Farmer Darton
(Only just realising) And two children?

Mrs Hall
My grandchildren.

Pause

Helena Hall
(Nervous, rattled) Mrs Hall, I am pleased to meet you; and you are Sally?

Sally Hall
Yes. Come, come. Let us all go in and make you a bed and some supper.


SCENE 4 - INTERIOR: the Knap house

FX crackling fire

FX footsteps descending stairs

Sally Hall
Well, they are settled now. Mr Darton’s best man Japheth Johns has arrived, and supper is ready.

FX fade up slowly conversations at dinner table, eating and drinking, continuing in background

Mrs Hall
Drink hearty Mr Johns – drink hearty, such as it is there is plenty of. But perhaps cider wine is not to your taste, though there’s body in it?

Japheth Johns
Quite the contrairy, ma’am – quite the contrairy. For though I inherit the malt liquor principle from my father, I am a cider drinker on my mother’s side. She came from these parts, you know. 

And there’s this to be said for ‘t – ‘tis a more peaceful liquor, and don’t lie about a man like your hotter drinks. With care, one may live on it a twelve-month, knocking down a neighbour, or getting a black eye from an old acquaintance!

(Mrs Hall laughs)

FX conversations fade out

Sally Hall
(To herself) What was happening in the stable just now? If the scene meant anything, it meant at least that my intended husband and sister-in-law have met before. It was clear that there had been no time for explanations – they still look quietly amazed at each other’s presence.

Mr Darton stares continually on the gown Helena is wearing, as if this were an added riddle to his confusion – though to me, this is one feature in the case that is no mystery. Whatever Helena might know of Mr Darton, she knows nothing of how the dress perplexes and embarrasses him. For him, he looks at her sometimes as if it is just about the clothes, but at other times…there is more. There is something here which needs explanation.

FX background room conversation fade up to signify a return to dialogue

Japheth Johns
Well, I have spoken enough about the groom and his bride-to-be. I will now away tonight to the inn to rest my head.

Farmer Darton
Aye, I will join ye in a few minutes.

FX room conversation fades out and then after a short pause fades up again to denote the passing of time

Farmer Darton
It is time that I took my leave. Good night.

Sally Hall and Helena Hall
(Simultaneous) Good night.

FX two sets of footsteps on the stairs

FX front door creaks open to the sound of rainfall

Mrs Hall
It is a sharp shower out there, Mr Darton. Come back to the fireside till it ceases.

FX door closing

Farmer Darton
I will ma’am, but it is getting late, and you are tired. Do not sit up on my account for I can let myself out and would quite enjoy smoking a pipe by your hearth.

Mrs Hall
Of course. Good night.

FX steps ascending the stairs

FX puffing on a pipe

FX crackle of fire in the hearth

FX ticking of the clock

(Farmer Darton begins to snore in sleep)

FX sound of door opening

Farmer Darton
(Waking suddenly) Uh! (Coming to) Helena!

Helena Hall
(Dismay) I did not know you were here, Mr Darton. I thought everyone had retired. I was coming to make a little water boil; my husband seems to be worse. But perhaps the kitchen fire can be lighted up again.

Farmer Darton
Don’t go on my account. By all means put it on here as you intended. Allow me to help you.

Helena Hall
No thank you, sir, I can manage.

FX hissing of steam on fire

Pause

Farmer Darton
Shall I call Sally?

Helena Hall
Oh no, we have given enough trouble already. We have no right here. But we are the sport of fate and were obliged to come.

Farmer Darton
(Surprised) No right here!?

Helena Hall
None. I can’t explain it now. This kettle is very slow.

Pause

Farmer Darton
So, I am not to know anything of the mystery that has distracted me all the evening? How is it that a woman, who refused me because (as I supposed) my position was not good enough for her taste, is found to be the wife of a man who seems to be worse off than I?

Helena Hall
He had the prior claim.

Farmer Darton
What! You knew him at that time?

Helena Hall
Yes! Yes! And he went to Australia and sent for me, and I joined him out there!

Farmer Darton
Ah - that was the mystery!

Helena Hall
(Imploring) Please say no more. Whatever my errors, I have paid for them during the last five years!

Short pause

Farmer Darton
(In kindness) I am sorry from my soul.

Helena Hall
No, please keep away.

Pause

FX kettle begins to boil on the fire in background

Farmer Darton
Well, you might have been my wife if you had chosen. But that’s all past and gone. However, if you are in any trouble or poverty, I shall be glad to be of service, and as your relation, I shall have a right to be. Does your uncle know of your distress?

Helena Hall
My uncle is dead. He left me without a farthing. And now we have two children to maintain.

Farmer Darton
What, left you nothing? How could he be so cruel as that?

Helena Hall
I disgraced myself in his eyes.

Farmer Darton
(Earnestly) Now, let me take care of the children, at least while you are so unsettled. You belong to another, so I cannot take care of you.

Sally Hall
Yes, you can. You can since you seem to wish to. (Sob) She no longer belongs to another – my poor brother is dead!

(Helena gasps)

Farmer Darton
What?

Sally Hall
(Passionate) I have heard it! You can protect her now as well as the children! (Murmuring to Helena) I heard something, and I went into his room. It must have been the moment you left. He went off so quickly and weakly, and it was so unexpected, that I couldn’t leave even to call you.

Helena Hall
Let us go upstairs.

FX two sets of footsteps on the stairs

Short pause

Farmer Darton
(To himself) I am in a strange position. To meet Helena here again after all this time; and then Sally discovering us, so angry; now she is a widow. What am I to do? Should I leave or stay to offer assistance? But for Sally’s anger, I would certainly do the latter.

FX door opens

Farmer Darton
What can I do in this trouble Mrs Hall?

Mrs Hall
(Tearful) O – nothing, thank you, nothing. We have called Rebekah and her husband. They will do everything necessary. I have spoken to Sally, and she believes the wedding should be postponed.

Farmer Darton
Yes, of course. I think now to go straight to the inn and tell Johns. Will you tell the mother of his children that, as they are now left fatherless, I shall be glad to take the eldest of them, if it would be any convenience to her and to you?

Mrs Hall
I promise I shall do so.

Farmer Darton
Thank you. Farewell.

FX main door opens and closes

FX footsteps on the stairs

Mrs Hall
I just spoke to Mr Darton; he has readily assented to the postponement.

Sally Hall
No doubt he has. It is not put off for a week, or a month, or a year. I shall never marry him, and she will!

FX music, fading out

Announcer
In Part 1 of Interlopers by Thomas Hardy, Farmer Charles Darton was played by Ed Clark, Sally Hall by Lisa Nightingale and Mrs Hall by S-J Vant. Mike Rivarno was Japheth Johns,  Emma Willatts inhabited Helen Hall, and Richard Vince was a massively expectorant Philip Hall. All other parts were played by members of this cast. 

The piece was adapted and directed by Jim Newberry, with all sound and effects produced by the masterful Robbie Burgess. Interlopers is a joint production from Uptick Productions and The 80s Rewind Show Podcast.