"The Turn of the Screw," by Henry James.
I have indeed read your letters of reference
and they do indeed seem impeccable,
but this would be your first position?
Yes, sir.
'Tis the first time I have left home.
But you have some experience?
When I responded to your advertisement
I believe I gave details of my work in the village schoolroom.
I would venture to say that I have a better-than-average grounding
in all the major subjects.
I don't doubt it.
You seem eminently qualified for the post.
Thank you, sir.
The children in question are my nephew and niece
to whom I am guardian.
My brother died on active service in India
and his wife a year before from yellow fever.
I am very sorry to hear it.
I am, as I say, a bachelor.
I've not a pennyworth of paternal understanding
and I travel a good deal.
Do you?
I am abroad much of the year
and therefore installed these youngsters in my country place.
It is at Bly that I require a governess.
I have no preference as to location.
You do not?
Splendid.
I must say, I pity the poor chicks
left with no mama or papa to protect them.
I assure you I've done all I can.
There was at first a young lady in charge there
who did for them most beautifully.
A very proper person, Miss Jessel,
but we had the misfortune to lose her.
- She left? - I'm sorry to say she died.
Of what did she die?
It's not a matter that I feel inclined to discuss.
Nonetheless we miss her.
The children especially miss her.
I have tried to get down to Bly as often as I practically might,
but the awkward thing is my own affairs take up all my time.
And besides, I have not the patience for children.
I will be frank with you.
I have seen several candidates for the post of governess
but none as yet engaged.
For each, the main condition has proven prohibitive.
The main condition of the job
is that you will never trouble me.
But never, never.
Neither appeal nor complain nor write about anything,
but meet all questions yourself
receive all monies from my solicitor,
take the whole thing over...
but leave me alone.
The minute you arrive
you will naturally have full responsibility.
It really is imperative that I am not disturbed.
As for the boy, he's away at school.
After the... unpleasantness, I put him there.
He's only ten, but what else could be done?
He will be in your custody during the holiday.
I have not yet said that I will engage.
You would be doing me the greatest favor.
You would lighten the burden.
I should be forever in your debt.
I am asking you to assume the management of my family affairs.
I would not ask you of your abilities.
May I place my confidence in you?
I don't know. I...
May I?