MUSIC:

DRUM ROLL

ANNOUNCER:

Now, from Hollywood -- ROMANCE!

MUSIC:

THEME ... FADES OUT BEHIND--

ANNOUNCER:

ROMANCE -- transcribed stories of love and adventure, of comedy and crisis, of conflict and human emotion. Today, a story based on an ancient Gypsy proverb, "An unmarried man is an insult to women. Should he also be possessed of youth, vigor and fortune, his crime is the greater." Starring Terence Kilburn, Gerry Gaylor, and Ben Wright, in Irene Winston's story, "The Gypsy."

MUSIC:

STRINGS AND GYPSY VIOLIN ... FOR A BRIEF INTRODUCTION ... THEN BEHIND GEOFF--

GEOFF:

(NARRATES, DRY) My father, Sir Roderick Halsey, was only eighteen when I was born, so we more or less grew up together. At thirty-eight, he was typical of most sophisticates in that he fancied himself a simple man -- until he met "the girl." Mm, she was the essence of simplicity. He took one look at her and forthwith dispatched a letter to my London quarters.

SOUND:

ENVELOPE SLIT OPEN ... LETTER UNFOLDED

RODERICK:

(FILTERED) Have young girl on my hands and need help. Come home at once. Father.

MUSIC:

BIG ACCENT ... FOR A TRANSITION

SOUND:

TEA POURED ... CLINK OF CUPS AND SAUCERS IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING--

GEOFF:

Have another, father?

RODERICK:

Geoff, you have no idea how nerve-racking it is to step out of bed in the morning and literally trip over a young girl who apparently spent the night asleep on the floor. (ACCEPTS TEA CUP) Ah. (DRINKS)

GEOFF:

(CHUCKLES, SKEPTICAL) Really, father?

RODERICK:

(EXHALES) I swear to you that I never set eyes on her before. Well - well, that is, I - I did see her once, but I didn't really look at her.

GEOFF:

(UNSUCCESSFULLY SUPPRESSES HIS LAUGHTER)

RODERICK:

I - I mean that, uh-- Well, she - she's a Gypsy. She doesn't even speak English.

GEOFF:

(DRY) Uh huh.

RODERICK:

Will you stop being smug and superior, and I'll show you? Come along.

SOUND:

THEIR FOOTSTEPS TO DOOR WHICH OPENS ... FOOTSTEPS INTO ROOM BEHIND--

RODERICK:

There. There, see for yourself. Now, is she or is she not a Gypsy?

GEOFF:

(BEAT, IMPRESSED WITH HER, QUIETLY) Your taste is impeccable as always -- even in gypsies. (DRY AGAIN) Oh, but that costume. Oh, of course, naturally, in my old britches and shirt, you mistook her for me. Your eyes are just as bad as your lies, father.

RODERICK:

(ANNOYED) She was incredibly filthy so I had a bath prepared for her and I had her clothes burned. She had to wear something.

GEOFF:

(CHARMINGLY, TO HER) Hel-lo. (NO RESPONSE, EVEN MORE CHARMING) And hello. And hello.

RODERICK:

I told you, she doesn't speak English. Will you stop that?

GEOFF:

Stop what?

RODERICK:

Stop being so charming.

MUSIC:

IN AND BEHIND GEOFF--

GEOFF:

(NARRATES) It had all started when father discovered a Gypsy caravan camping in the lower meadow and he rode out to see them. It was quite eerie. About a hundred of them, sitting around in a circle, all acting as if he were invisible -- or they were deaf.

RODERICK:

Well, they were all watching a dirty old crone who stood in their midst dipping a stone mug into a pail of water.

GEOFF:

Oh? Was she alone?

RODERICK:

No, there was a rather youngish man; and the girl you just saw was standing right next to her.

GEOFF:

(INSTANTLY UNDERSTANDS) I see. Well, now, first, your Gypsy girl drank from the stone mug and then she gave it to the young man, right?

RODERICK:

Well, she tried to, but I was so angered by this time that I knocked it out of his hands and dashed it to the ground. After that--

GEOFF:

There was a fight. Who won?

RODERICK:

Well, I did. Naturally. Well, wait a minute. I thought you came down from London only after you received my letter. How do you know all this?

GEOFF:

Well, later, sir, if you don't mind. Now, after the fight -- did you drink any of the water?

RODERICK:

Well, there was nothing wrong with it. It was perfectly good well water.

GEOFF:

(BEAT, DRY) My heartiest congratulations.

RODERICK:

Huh?

GEOFF:

On your marriage.

RODERICK:

What?

GEOFF:

First, you beat the other man. Then you publicly drank the water. Mm, it's all terribly symbolic. One more thing. When you returned home, did you think you'd lost any money? How much was it?

RODERICK:

Well, there was-- A few shillings was all I had.

GEOFF:

Well, there's no doubt of it now, sir. You've even paid the price for the bride. (BEAT) A few shillings, eh? (CHUCKLES) Well, at any rate, you got a bargain; she's a beauty.

MUSIC:

IN AND BEHIND GEOFF--

GEOFF:

(NARRATES) To further complicate his life, my father had also sent an urgent message for help to his great and good friend, Lady Angela, a capable woman whom, over the years, I had been forced to call "Aunt" Angela, as a concession to father's respectability -- an appellation I heartily despised because she was not a blood relative.

ANGELA:

What a dreadful experience for you, Roderick, but there's really no cause for concern.

RODERICK:

Well, how can you be so calm?

ANGELA:

This marriage has no legal standing whatsoever. You can simply pack her off back to her people.

RODERICK:

But they've gone; they've completely disappeared!

ANGELA:

Just post a large reward for any knowledge of their whereabouts. (DRY) Money sometimes improves the eyesight of the peasants.

RODERICK:

I've already done that. It's what to do about her in the meantime that worries me. I - I can't just throw her out; she's too ---- young.

ANGELA:

(DRY, BUT NONCHALANT, TO HIDE HER JEALOUSY) I noticed that.

GEOFF:

And besides, she's your wife.

RODERICK:

Yes.

GEOFF:

(IMPISH) And my new mother.

ANGELA:

(DISAPPROVING) Really, Geoff.

RODERICK:

Will you stop that nonsense, Geoff?

ANGELA:

(A PROMISE AND A THREAT) Don't worry, my darling. I'll be with you just as long as she is. (MOVING OFF) I'll see if I can make myself understood by your Gypsy.

SOUND:

ANGELA'S FOOTSTEPS AWAY DURING ABOVE

GEOFF:

(MISCHIEVOUS) Father--?

RODERICK:

Unless you have a practical suggestion, please -- please -- be quiet.

GEOFF:

Well, um, I'll take one of them off your hands.

MUSIC:

BRIEF BRIDGE

ANGELA:

(SCREAMS, CRIES HYSTERICALLY)

RODERICK:

It's all right, Angela. Try to calm yourself.

ANGELA:

Oh, Roderick!

RODERICK:

What happened?

ANGELA:

I was trying to make her change into a dress and she attacked me!

KIERA:

(LAUGHS; TO ANGELA, MOCKINGLY) Bravo! Bravo!

SOUND:

KIERA CLAPS HER HANDS IN MOCK APPLAUSE

KIERA:

(TO RODERICK, MERRILY) She was trying to choke me with corsets -- as if I need these things!

ANGELA:

You shameless girl! Have you no morals?!

KIERA:

(LAUGHS) In front of my own husband?

ANGELA:

Why--

RODERICK:

Why didn't you let me know that you spoke English?

KIERA:

I speak nine other languages as well.

RODERICK:

Please, answer my question.

KIERA:

I was bringing to you, my husband, the two greatest gifts a woman can bring -- submission and silence.

GEOFF:

(UNSUCCESSFULLY SUPPRESSES HIS LAUGHTER)

RODERICK:

Will you stop it, Geoff? (TO KIERA) What is your name?

KIERA:

The same as yours. Isn't that the English custom?

GEOFF:

(HIGHLY AMUSED) Oh, no, he means what was your name?

KIERA:

Kiera Bothwell.

ANGELA:

Bothwell? What right has a Gypsy to such an old English name?

KIERA:

(PLAYFUL) My people roamed the roads of England long before your people left their trees.

ANGELA:

(INDIGNANT) I'll have you know my family came from--

RODERICK:

Never mind that now, please. (TO KIERA) Just exactly what are you doing in my house?

KIERA:

Waiting to truly become your wife. You fought for me well. You publicly drank of the water. So here I am.

RODERICK:

Oh, you make it sound very simple.

KIERA:

Oh, it will not be easy. I feel a natural revulsion for giorgio.

GEOFF:

Of what?

KIERA:

Giorgio, the Romany word for foreigner.

GEOFF:

(DISAPPOINTED) Oh.

KIERA:

But - I'm resigned. I will overcome my distaste for you and I will try to make you a good wife. I bow to my fate.

RODERICK:

You don't have to trouble yourself on my account. I mean it. See, it's perfectly all right--

KIERA:

(SIMPLY) It is written in the tarot.

ANGELA:

(DISMISSIVE) Fortune telling cards.

RODERICK:

What superstitious rot. (TO KIERA) My dear girl, Gypsy or not, stop living in the Dark Ages. This is England, Seventeen Forty-Six.

GEOFF:

Well, Kiera, how about telling my fortune?

KIERA:

(EVENLY) I am your fortune.

RODERICK:

Oh. I thought you were mine. I wish you'd make up your mind.

KIERA:

(POINTEDLY) There are two kinds of fortune, good and bad.

MUSIC:

SLIGHTLY OMINOUS BRIDGE

RODERICK:

(SNOOZES, WAKES) Hm? What? What? Who is it? Who's here?

KIERA:

Your wife.

RODERICK:

Oh, no. Now - now, see here.

KIERA:

Put your arms around me, please.

RODERICK:

Look here, I'm trying desperately to maintain a friendly, fatherly interest in you, but you must go back to your own room -- for your own protection.

KIERA:

But there is nothing personal in my holding you close like this.

RODERICK:

Mm.

KIERA:

Or - kissing you like this.

RODERICK:

(INHALES AS THEY KISS)

KIERA:

I don't particularly want you, but I cannot fight against my own destiny.

RODERICK:

Well, it's becoming increasingly difficult for me, too. You're - very beautiful, you know.

KIERA:

Thank you. Did you like to kiss me?

RODERICK:

Er, very much.

KIERA:

(MATTER-OF-FACT) Good. Then claiming me for your wife won't be so bad after all.

RODERICK:

(OFFENDED) Now, really-- You go back to your room immediately. I absolutely refuse to be taken like medicine!

MUSIC:

BRIEF BRIDGE

SOUND:

PASTORAL DAYTIME BACKGROUND ... BIRDS TWITTER, HORSE NEIGHS, ET CETERA

KIERA:

(ANNOYED) Every time I look for your father, he's in the stable with that black stallion. Why doesn't he look at me like that?

GEOFF:

(CHUCKLES) That horse is the last thing you ought to be jealous of. Father's just about ready to have him destroyed; he's quite mad.

KIERA:

He certainly is!

GEOFF:

(CHUCKLES) No, no, I mean the horse.

KIERA:

Oh. I mean your father. He knows nothing about either horses or women. (BEAT) Geoff, look at me. Tell me the truth -- is your father ill?

GEOFF:

I suppose he must seem that way to you.

KIERA:

Can there be any other reason why he runs when I come near him?

GEOFF:

Well, you see, he feels a sort of paternal responsibility to you, because you're so young.

KIERA:

I'm as old as you. And that is already older than he will ever be.

GEOFF:

Mm, I think your beauty frightens him a little, too.

KIERA:

Does he want an old and ugly wife? I will never understand these English.

GEOFF:

(SERIOUS) No, you see, he doesn't want any wife. My mother died when I was born and-- Well, he never quite got over it.

MUSIC:

ACCENT / TRANSITION

KIERA:

Geoff told me you still mourn for his mother.

RODERICK:

(SOMBER) I - I loved her very much.

KIERA:

What do you remember most about her? How do you see her? What did she like to do?

RODERICK:

I always see her arranging flowers. She was rather like a flower. A bud, really. She was so young when she died.

KIERA:

Do you like flowers, too?

RODERICK:

Very much.

KIERA:

Ring for the servants! Have them remove every flower from this house immediately! And order them never to bring another one into this house!

RODERICK:

Why?

KIERA:

Mourn for your wife like a Gypsy. Live without flowers in her memory. But don't try to live without love.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

ANGELA:

I do hope you won't mind, Roderick. I've been talking with cook and planning some of the menus.

RODERICK:

I thought dinner tasted exceptionally fine this evening. How very kind of you.

GEOFF:

Aunt Angela selected the wine, too, didn't you?

ANGELA:

Yes. Did you like it?

RODERICK:

Perfect. I had no idea you were so accomplished, my dear. I always thought of you as merely - decorative.

ANGELA:

Thank you.

KIERA:

(LAUGHS)

ANGELA:

You find that amusing, Kiera?

KIERA:

No. Clever. Next to me, you are not decorative, so you must be something else as well.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE ... THEN BEHIND GEOFF--

GEOFF:

(NARRATES) Halsey Castle had certainly changed from a bachelor establishment. Lady Angela was there to chaperone Kiera and, at my suggestion, father sent for his cousin Estelle -- to chaperone Lady Angela.

ESTELLE:

(TO RODERICK) When a woman reaches her eightieth birthday, anyone who chooses to create a scandal either finds himself labeled as insane or thanked for the implied compliment. So long as I'm here, your reputation and Angela's will be safe -- of that you can be certain.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

ESTELLE:

Angela, you have the most beautiful manners. You conceal your hatred of my presence in this house admirably.

ANGELA:

Thank you. It is quite an effort, too.

ESTELLE:

I know. If only Roderick, poor dear, would react to your overtures and propose.

ANGELA:

Since you're being so very candid, let me assure you, I've thought of everything to get rid of you -- short of murder.

ESTELLE:

Hmmm. Have you thought of bribing me? I'm dreadfully poor, you know, and I don't exactly enjoy spending my declining years as a paid family chaperone.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

RODERICK:

Ooh, Angela, you do know how to soothe a headache. Your hands are so cool, restful.

ANGELA:

Keep still now; I'll rub your neck.

RODERICK:

Mmmm.

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS OFF, DURING ABOVE ... KIERA'S FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

KIERA:

Geoff wants to see you in the stable.

RODERICK:

Oh. Something about the black stallion, I'll warrant. I'll have to do something about him. (MOVING OFF) I'll be back directly, Angela.

SOUND:

RODERICK'S FOOTSTEPS AWAY ... DOOR CLOSES, OFF

KIERA:

Whether you like it or not, remember -- he is my husband.

ANGELA:

(CHILLY) I'll remember that only after he does. Not before. (BEAT, COOL) Let go of my arm before I forget myself.

KIERA:

That would be impossible. (BEAT) There. Don't try to massage his poor, poor headache away any more today.

ANGELA:

Are you warning me?

KIERA:

No, I don't have to. (SIMPLY) You can't move your arm. Try to move it.

ANGELA:

(PUZZLED, THEN TERRIFIED) I can't--? What--? (WHIMPERS) I - I can't move it! (GASPS) You've put a spell on me! My arm's paralyzed!

KIERA:

(PLEASED) Any time you find it difficult to keep your hands off my husband, I will be glad to help you.

ANGELA:

(WHIMPERS)

MUSIC:

FIRST ACT CURTAIN

ANNOUNCER:

We'll return to ROMANCE in just a moment.

BOB TROUT:

Hello, I'm Bob Trout. Covering big stories is synonymous with CBS Radio and we're bringing you two of the biggest in the days and weeks ahead. From Chicago and San Francisco, direct from both convention halls, CBS Radio will bring you all the highlights with a team of twenty top correspondents. On our staff will be Richard C. Hottelet. Covering big news is an old story for Dick Hottelet, a roving correspondent all through the last war and a veteran at analyzing the political scene in Germany. Jailed by the Nazis for his reporting, Dick emerged as one of the finest newsmen in postwar Europe. He returns to the United States now for CBS News to bring you the political drama in the days ahead. We'll be bringing you the best on CBS Radio with Edward R. Murrow, Eric Severaid, calling all the political plays just as they break. It's CBS Radio for all the color, background, and spot news. Be with us for both conventions. Thank you. This is Bob Trout speaking.

ANNOUNCER:

And now for the second act of ROMANCE.

MUSIC:

STRINGS AND GYPSY VIOLIN ... SECOND ACT INTRODUCTION ... THEN BEHIND GEOFF--

GEOFF:

(NARRATES) News of Kiera spread around the countryside and, naturally, we had many visitors, including Bertie. Or, if I must be formal, the Earl of Hampshire. Bertie's the sort most foreigners call typically British. But, as a matter of fact, most Englishman can't understand him, either.

BERTIE:

(THICK FOGGY ACCENT) I thought to meself, I must see the Gypsy wench with me own eyes.

RODERICK:

Bertie, try speaking a little slower.

BERTIE:

Hm? Oh. Of course.

SOUND:

GEOFF'S HURRIED FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

GEOFF:

(URGENTLY) Father--?! Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt.

BERTIE:

Geoffrey!

GEOFF:

Hello, sir. Father, did you shoot that black stallion?

RODERICK:

No. I asked one of the stable boys to do it.

GEOFF:

Well, he's not in his stall and Angela thought she saw Kiera ride out on him.

RODERICK:

(UPSET) Good Lord, Geoff; he's a killer!

MUSIC:

TENSE ... IN AND BEHIND GEOFF--

GEOFF:

(NARRATES) Every man who could joined the search. We rode for hours and didn't see a trace of either the horse or Kiera until--

RODERICK:

There he is! In the lower meadow!

SOUND:

MEN'S FOOTSTEPS THROUGH GRASS ... IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING--

BERTIE:

(OFF) Couldn't get close enough to shoot! The beast took off again!

RODERICK:

Never mind him! Keep looking for Kiera!

BERTIE:

(OFF) Right!

RODERICK:

(CALLS) Kiera?! Kiera?! Do you see anything, Geoff?

GEOFF:

No. (CALLS) Kiera?!

RODERICK:

Keep looking. (CALLS) Kiera?!

BERTIE:

(OFF, CALLS) Kiera?!

GEOFF:

(CALLS) Kiera?! (BEAT, TO RODERICK) I - I found her!

SOUND:

GEOFF'S HURRIED FOOTSTEPS TO KIERA

GEOFF:

Kiera? Kiera, are you all right? Now, lie still. Don't try to move till I see if any bones are broken.

KIERA:

(NOT AT ALL HURT) Take your hands off me!

GEOFF:

Hm?

KIERA:

I'm your father's wife! Show respect!

SOUND:

RODERICK'S FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

RODERICK:

(APPROACHES, TO GEOFF) Ah! How badly is she hurt? (TO KIERA, MORE SORROW THAN ANGER) Kiera! Oh, you don't know what I've been through. I thought you'd been killed, trampled to death. I almost lost my mind.

KIERA:

Good.

RODERICK:

(TAKEN ABACK) What?

KIERA:

You're getting used to me, and that's good.

RODERICK:

Ohhh, I could shake you.

KIERA:

(LAUGHS, MERRILY) You're my husband. You could beat me. Why don't you?

SOUND:

GALLOPING HORSE, OFF ... IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING--

BERTIE:

(OFF) Look out there! The beast is coming back!

RODERICK:

(CALLS) Shoot as fast as you can, Bertie!

KIERA:

No! Leave him alone!

RODERICK:

He's insane, Kiera. You're lucky you weren't killed when he threw you.

KIERA:

Oh, the horse doesn't live that can throw me. We had lovely ride until I got sleepy and lay down here to take a nap.

SOUND:

RIFLE SHOT, SLIGHTLY OFF ... KIERA'S RUNNING FOOTSTEPS BEHIND--

KIERA:

(ANGRY) Leave that horse alone! Don't you dare to shoot!

SOUND:

KIERA KNOCKS RIFLE OUT OF BERTIE'S HANDS

BERTIE:

(IN PAIN) Oh!

KIERA:

I'm sorry. I had to stop you. (PLEADING) Roderick, give me the horse. Please.

RODERICK:

But he's dangerous.

KIERA:

Not to me. (WHISTLES TO THE HORSE) Come here, Magic.

SOUND:

HORSE TROTS TO KIERA

KIERA:

Come here, boy.

RODERICK:

Oh, you would name him Magic.

KIERA:

Come here, Magic. Come to Kiera and be loved.

SOUND:

HORSE WHINNIES, CLOSE

KIERA:

See, Roderick? The horse is saner than you are.

MUSIC:

IN AND BEHIND GEOFF--

GEOFF:

(NARRATES) I gained a strange respect for father as I watched him struggle, even though I couldn't for the life of me understand why he tried so hard. He attempted to explain.

RODERICK:

I have to maintain my own integrity as a logical man. I don't believe in foretelling the future or the madness of the moon or spells and curses or any of that superstitious rot. And furthermore, I don't believe I feel very well.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

GEOFF:

Kiera, I always thought that gypsies could make love potions.

KIERA:

They can.

GEOFF:

Well, why don't you fix one for father? I'll manage to put it in his morning tea.

KIERA:

I don't want to force him to love me. Not unless I have to.

GEOFF:

Mm, not the sporting thing to do, is that it?

KIERA:

(AMUSED) Yes.

GEOFF:

(CHUCKLES) How very English you've become.

SOUND:

RODERICK'S FOOTSTEPS APPROACH--

RODERICK:

(APPROACHES) Oh, there you are, Geoff. Good evening, Kiera. We're ready for dinner, I believe. Geoff, do see what's keeping Angela and cousin Estelle. Uh-- Oh, never mind; here they are. Oh, you look lovely, Angela.

SOUND:

ANGELA AND ESTELLE'S FOOTSTEPS APPROACH DURING ABOVE--

ANGELA:

Thank you.

RODERICK:

Cousin Estelle, how was your nap?

ESTELLE:

I'd much prefer it if you said I was lovely and asked Angela how she slept. But I slept well and now I'm hungry.

RODERICK:

Well, shall we go in? (BEAT) Kiera, aren't you joining us?

KIERA:

I will not eat this week.

ANGELA:

Did you say "this week"?

KIERA:

The full moon is almost here, and if I am to stop disaster from joining our lives, I must do something.

RODERICK:

Oh, this has been a most pleasant day. Let's not spoil it with talk of the supernatural or foretelling the future.

KIERA:

For seven days and seven nights, I will not eat.

RODERICK:

But you'll only make yourself ill.

KIERA:

I will gather herbs and roots and leaves and dry them.

RODERICK:

There's a lovely joint of mutton this evening.

KIERA:

Then I will press them into a thin little cake to keep next to my heart -- until what is in my heart goes into the cake. This makes the magic.

ANGELA:

Is that all?

KIERA:

No, Angela. In the dark of the night, I will walk backwards towards water, with my eyes closed tightly--

RODERICK:

You could break your neck that way.

ANGELA:

Do be quiet, Roderick.

RODERICK:

Hm.

ANGELA:

Go on, Kiera.

KIERA:

I will eat the cake, and then I will turn and face the water. And when I open my eyes, I shall gaze upon the face of my own true love, reflected in the water.

ANGELA:

How very romantic.

RODERICK:

Well, what happens if you don't see any face at all?

KIERA:

(SADLY) Then -- I will die.

ANGELA:

(BEAT) What?

KIERA:

I won't want to live without love.

MUSIC:

ACCENT / TRANSITION

SOUND:

GURGLING STREAM WATER, IN BACKGROUND

KIERA:

And now -- now, O Ancient Ones! Let me gaze upon the face of my own true love.

SOUND:

GEOFF'S FOOTSTEPS APPROACH THROUGH GRASS

KIERA:

(BEAT, STARTLED) Oh! (DISAPPOINTED) Ohhhh.

GEOFF:

Are you all right, Kiera?

KIERA:

(BITTER) It is your face I see in the water.

GEOFF:

Well, naturally; I looked over your shoulder to see what you were doing. Didn't you hear me following you?

KIERA:

(BREAKS DOWN AND CRIES) No.

GEOFF:

What're you crying about? (AMUSED) Because you're supposed to love me?

KIERA:

(THROUGH HER WEEPING) There is no way out now. What will be, will be! I made the big fast in hope-- But now there is no doubt! The tarot cards made the right prediction after all.

GEOFF:

You keep feinting about this dreadful curse of the future. But I mean, what - what is supposed to happen?

KIERA:

It is clearly written -- "from the father to the son, and blood will be shed." Your blood, Geoff. You will have to fight your father for me. And win.

GEOFF:

(UNDERSTANDS) Ohhh. In other words, whoever wins the fight, wins you.

KIERA:

(RESIGNED) It is written.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

GEOFF:

(GOOD-NATURED) Father, I have a rather odd request to make of you. Would you mind terribly striking me hard enough to draw some blood? I shan't have to hit you back because it's only my blood that counts, you see. You can merely pretend to knock me unconscious.

RODERICK:

Oh, Kiera's gloomy little prediction -- "from the father to the son, and blood will be shed."

GEOFF:

Exactly. But if you cooperate with me, we can stage a fight-- Well, like actors do. And neither of us will be really hurt. It's all in the interest of love.

RODERICK:

I am sick to death of that word "love"! Ach! There isn't one person around this entire house that even knows the meaning of the word. You mean that you want to marry Kiera?

GEOFF:

Well, yes, of course. Well, I mean, I don't intend anything so binding as an English wedding, but I won't mind a marriage Gypsy-style.

RODERICK:

(UNHAPPY) Well, I suppose I shouldn't be shocked. It's probably my fault for not having set you a better example.

GEOFF:

(SNIDE) Oh, come. Aren't you being rather proper all of a sudden? Go along with the times, father. Remember, this is England in Seventeen Forty-Six.

RODERICK:

(UPSET) Well, I wasn't aware that decency and morality were so out of mode!

GEOFF:

Oh, come now. She's only a Gypsy!

RODERICK:

As long as Kiera remains under my roof, she's entitled to my protection! I really think, under the circumstances, that you'd be more comfortable in your London quarters!

GEOFF:

(ANGRY) Do you think seriously that you can stop me from doing anything I want to do?!

RODERICK:

I intend to -- one way or the other!

GEOFF:

Oh, really, father!

SOUND:

THE TWO MEN SCUFFLE ... RODERICK KNOCKS GEOFF TO THE FLOOR

RODERICK:

(INSTANTLY CONTRITE) Oh, I say, Geoff-- Geoff, Geoff -- I - I'm sorry, I - I don't know what got into me.

GEOFF:

(EXHALES IN PAIN, AS HE STRUGGLES TO HIS FEET)

RODERICK:

Are you all right?

GEOFF:

(EXHALES, STILL ANGRY) Father, how can you be so stupid? How many times will you have to knock me down before you realize that you are in love with Kiera?

RODERICK:

I refuse to be in love with her!

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS, OFF

RODERICK:

I refuse to believe in magic or in love potions or any of that rot! I am first and foremost a logical man!

GEOFF:

You're also a miserable man!

RODERICK:

Well, naturally! But I have every reason to be!

SOUND:

KIERA'S FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

KIERA:

(LAUGHS GENTLY, PLAYFUL) Roderick? Suppose I prove to you you have just as much reason to be happy. Can there be anything in the world more logical than for a man to fight for the woman he loves? Even an Englishman?

RODERICK:

(SURPRISED) Kiera--? (SIGHS, THEN LOVINGLY) Kiera.

MUSIC:

CURTAIN

ANNOUNCER:

ROMANCE is produced and directed by Antony Ellis. Today's story was written by Irene Winston. Starred in "The Gypsy" were Terence Kilburn, Gerry Gaylor, and Ben Wright. Others in the cast were Norma Varden, Peggy Webber, and Stan Jones. Musical supervision by Carl Fortina. This is Dan Cubberly inviting you to hear ROMANCE transcribed next week at this same time.

MUSIC:

THEME ... TILL END

ANNOUNCER:

With Eddie Collins conducting the band, Jim Lowe as your host, and an exciting array of guest stars, don't miss UPBEAT SATURDAY NIGHT when it's on the air again over most of these same stations tonight. Stay tuned for GUNSMOKE, which follows immediately over most of these same stations.