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THREE DAYS LATER
Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Mrs. Hardcastle, a delight to see you again. Have you come today to examine your options and reach a decision? Thantasy: [Gwen] My dear Professor Higgins, my dear Colonel Pickering! Yes. Cardaniel80: (Pickering bows to her.) Thantasy: [Gwen] I have been comtemplating the matter. Thantasy: [Gwen] I do want to see the options, but I believe that I have my mind fairly well set. Show me what you have to offer. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe you will be pleased with the choices. I have exceeded my expectations and actually have four for you to choose from. Thantasy: [Gwen] Oh, my! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Still, as we agreed, you may choose two from that list. At that point your fate, as we may say, is sealed. Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes, once I have chosen, I am in your hands. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Pickering and I will then attempt to agree on a single choice from your chosen two. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Higgins has shown me his preparations, and I believe you will not be disappointed. Thantasy: [Gwen] My last chance to change my mind will be if, when once confronted with the realities, I turn coward. But once I have chosen, I shall be willing to sign any release. Or make any other necessary sign of commitment. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Indeed. And there is the matter of the fee. Thantasy: [Gwen] <Drawing paper from her handbag and handing it to Higgins.> My solicitor has provided me an instrument which I may sign and you may take to him to receive satisfaction. It includes payment of quite a handsome sum. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Looking it over.) Yes, this appears standard and quite satisfactory. Thantasy: [Gwen] I will sign once I have made my decision. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Would you like a glass of sherry, or shall we get right to the presentation? Thantasy: [Gwen] Hmmmm, is this the fourth option you mentioned? <Laughs.> Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Laughing.) Not at all, Miss... Gwen. You have not chosen yet, nor signed. You are perfectly safe. Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes, please then. Cardaniel80: (Higgins pours for Gwen, himself, Pickering.) Thantasy: [Gwen] Ah. Thantasy: [Gwen] I feel a very pleasant contentment. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] You look rather more... excited than on your earlier visit, if I may say so. Thantasy: [Gwen] I am near my objective. Thantasy: [Gwen] The peak of the mountain is within my reach. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, indeed. It sounds quite likely that you will not leave this estate alive. Thantasy: [Gwen] Unless I have a radical change of heart, you are quite right. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Nearly done with sherry.) What shall we drink to, Gwen? Thantasy: [Gwen] I am afraid that I am just a bit eager to see what you have prepared for me. Let us drink to.... Thantasy: [Gwen] the road that lies ahead. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Excellent. (Lifts glass.) Pickering? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, an exciting prospect. (Clinks glass with Higgins and Gwen.) Cardaniel80: (Both drain glasses.) Thantasy: [Gwen] <Downs wine.> Thantasy: [Gwen] Again, my eagerness overwhelms me. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Well, Gwen, if you would like to accompany us to the beach below the house, I shall show you the possible scene of two of your prospective demises at once. Thantasy: [Gwen] Oh, my. Thantasy: [Gwen] The beach... Thantasy: [Gwen] the open air... Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes, lead forth, Professor. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Opens the door and they exit, followed by Pickering.) Thantasy: [Gwen] Such a lovely day. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] This way, my dear... that pier, there. Thantasy: [Gwen] <Follows.> Cardaniel80: [Higgins] A lovely day indeed, isn't it, Pickering? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Gorgeous, yes. Had you hoped to die on such a day, Gwen? Thantasy: [Gwen] I have always hoped to expire in good weather. That hope is being fulfilled. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Well, you are indeed in luck, then. There now, at the far end of the pier... the wooden pilings supporting it. See the one on the very front, farthest right? Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I've made some preparations, in case this is your choice. This is the drowning death. You would be chained to that piling, your head below the high tide mark. Thantasy: [Gwen] In a natural setting... Thantasy: [Gwen] My demise at the hands of the forces of nature themselves. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] As the tide comes in, waves would gradually rise until the swells rose above your head, coming back down to let you have a breath... a more brief respite each time... until at last you were covered for good. Thantasy: [Gwen] A sort of union with the cosmos. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, well said! Thantasy: [Gwen] And the temperature of the water at this time of year is enough to be bracing, but not discomforting. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Quite so. Now, don't make a decision yet, of course. Thantasy: [Gwen] And there would be an element of suspense, as tides are regular but subject to influences of wind and such. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, and the heights of incoming waves would be quite unpredictable, at the mercies of the winds. Thantasy: [Gwen] I do like the uncertainty of this proposal. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Smiling.) I thought you would. Thantasy: [Gwen] Uncertain timing, but an inevitable conclusion. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Your death, of course, would be certain in the end. Nothing can finally stop the tide. Thantasy: [Gwen] Not even a King's decree. Thantasy: [Gwen] I like that. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Pickering and I would observe you from a small boat anchored a small distance away. We would never consider interfering, of course. Thantasy: [Gwen] Nor would I want you to. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Quite right. Now, this same pier is also the scene of your second option.... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] At the very front of the pier there is a noose hanging, secured to a metal ring. This would be the hanging death, of course.... Thantasy: [Gwen] Ah. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] In this case the process would begin with high tide. You would hang suspended in the noose, nearly up to your neck in the water.... Thantasy: [Gwen] Ah! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Your body's natural bouyancy in water would provide ample support for your weight... Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes, I am quite bouyant. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] As the tide goes out, however, and more of your body emerges from the water, gradually more of your weight would be supported at the neck. Thantasy: [Gwen] Lovely!!!!! Thantasy: [Gwen] Again, the element of uncertainty. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Since the tide here is seven feet, you would eventually hang completely free. You would no doubt be dead before that, but it would take some hours, most likely. Thantasy: [Gwen] And again at the mercy of nature. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes (smiling) as are we all. Thantasy: [Gwen] The inevitability of the tide... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] But the uncertainty of its workings.... Thantasy: [Gwen] As the tide slowly went out, so would my life... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Just so. Thantasy: [Gwen] Marvelous ingenuity. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Bows slightly.) Thank you. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Now, the other sites are elsewhere on the estate. If you would follow me..... Thantasy: [Gwen] Now, again, your observation of me during this hanging option? Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Ah, yes. Again, Pickering and I would observe from the small boat. No doubt drinking sherry and dining on fruits and other sweets. Thantasy: [Gwen] Could you perhaps be closer at hand? Cardaniel80: [Higgins] The boat could be as close as you like... or did you have something else in mind? Thantasy: [Gwen] Well, yes, but let us see the other options. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] This way, then... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Into a dense grove of trees.) Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I had not expected to be able to prepare this option, but luck was with me. Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes? Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Ah, here we are. This is a bog, in a natural depression. I was able to fill it with a boatload of African quicksand, just arrived yesterday. Thantasy: [Gwen] Ohhhhh! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] It is nine feet deep, and quite treacherous. Thantasy: [Gwen] <Rushes forward to touch it...> Thantasy: [Gwen] <Dips her hand into it...> Cardaniel80: [Higgins] You would be lowered into it by a rope, from that overhanging tree. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] For your own temporary safety, you would keep the end of a rope in your mouth, secured to that same branch. Should you let the rope slip out of your mouth, your doom would be sealed. There would be no possible escape, as your hands and feet would be bound. Thantasy: [Gwen] MMMMMM! Thantasy: [Gwen] And then I would sink into the sand... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Pickering and I would watch from the nearest secure ground at the edge of the bog. Under the circumstances, I doubt we could save you even if we were inclined. Thantasy: [Gwen] In this case, the timing of my demise would depend on my own tenacity. I could, if I chose, see how long my jaws could sustain me. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Exactly, and the degree of your struggles after losing the rope. You could never hold it indefinitely. Thantasy: [Gwen] I could hasten my end with struggling or prolong it with calm acceptance. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] But as long as you held the rope, you would cling to a faint hope of life. At the moment you lose it, you would know your life was over. Thantasy: [Gwen] Again, inevitability and uncertainly mixed... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes (smiling), one of my trademarks. Thantasy: [Gwen] and I would be swallowed, in effect, by the earth itself. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes... I doubt your body could be recovered. Thantasy: [Gwen] Hmmmmmm. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Would you like to see one final possibility? Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes, please. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] This way, it's nearby... there, under the shade of that tree, that large pot. Thantasy: [Gwen] YESSSS!!!!! Thantasy: [Gwen] Oh, marvelous!!!! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] This would be the boiling death. Again, with an element of uncertainty, yet inevitable finality. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] For the first hour, the pot would be in the shade, as it is now... Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes, I would not know at exactly what point I would lose consciousness... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] But as it emerges into sunlight, the sun would shine through that magnifying glass, and in time ignite the dry brush that would kindle the fire. Thantasy: [Gwen] Hmmmmmmm. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] There is quite enough wood under the pot to bring the water to a boil -- once the fire starts. You would not be sure when that would happen. But when you see or smell the smoke, you would know it has begun, and your end is near. Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes, I would not know how fast the wood would burn... Thantasy: [Gwen] how quickly the water would heat... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Again, your escape would be impossible. You would be bound hand and foot, the bindings secured to a heavy weight in the bottom of the pot. Thantasy: [Gwen] Oh, I like that!!! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Smiling.) I was certain you would. Thantasy: [Gwen] Mmmmmmm! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Again, Pickering and I would observe from nearby... perhaps even toasting some meat by the fire. Thantasy: [Gwen] Once the boiling water had done its work, there would be several stone of freshly cooked meat ready to hand. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] You would be the main course on our menu. Yes. Thantasy: [Gwen] Well, my darlings.... Thantasy: [Gwen] You have presented four options, each with a distinct appeal. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes. Would you care to retire to the house now to consider the possibilities? Thantasy: [Gwen] <As they begin walking back.> My decision is much less complex than I thought it might be. You see, as I have tossed the matter over... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I had hoped to make it quite difficult. (Smiling.) Each death has its attractions. Thantasy: [Gwen] I have decided that I would prefer some option that allowed you two fine gentlemen to have intimate contact with my person, right up to the moment of my demise... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Undoubtedly a pleasure. Thantasy: [Gwen] if you should so desire to caress and fondle a voluptuous specimin such as myself, right up to her last conscious moment. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] We could hardly object to that. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Hear hear! Thantasy: [Gwen] The quicksand, I'm afraid would afford no such option, unless we hung me very near the edge -- and perhaps the very best parts of me would slip out of reach quite a while before I expired. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I don't think that would satisfy you. You could escape too easily. Thantasy: [Gwen] The drowning death would afford some opportunity for contact, if you kept the boat close enough, but incoming tides can be rather violent. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Well, we are somewhat protected from the worst of them here. Thantasy: [Gwen] And management of a small craft near a pier could be difficult. Also, the best parts of me would slip beneath the surface out of reach. Thantasy: [Gwen] But with the hanging death, exiting tides are much more gentle... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] The best parts are gradually revealed. Thantasy: [Gwen] Precisely!!! Thantasy: [Gwen] Beginning with my lovely and sensitive neck... Thantasy: [Gwen] powerful but soft shoulders... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I do in fact appreciate exactly those charms. Thantasy: [Gwen] then my ample bosom... Thantasy: [Gwen] my taut tummy... Thantasy: [Gwen] my curvaceous backside... Thantasy: [Gwen] and then the seat of my womanhood itself... Thantasy: [Gwen] would become available for your admiration... Thantasy: [Gwen] your probing... Thantasy: [Gwen] your caresses. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I shall behave myself exactly as you would wish. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Your are certainly a treat for the eyes, and, I am certain, for the hands as well. Thantasy: [Gwen] Finally, when the tide was well out, you could stand on the beach, and observe and fondle,until I expired -- and well beyond if you chose. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] And perhaps kiss that seat of your womanhood on your lifeless body. Thantasy: [Gwen] Oh, I should hope you AT LEAST kiss it. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Smiling as he opens the door to the house for Gwen.) That would be a beginning. Thantasy: [Gwen] <Pats his cheek playfully as they enter.> I definitely choose hanging for one of my options. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Very well. It sounds as if boiling would be the other. Thantasy: [Gwen] And then that lovely pot... Thantasy: [Gwen] where my naked charms would remain available to you throughout my ordeal... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] It is an authentic pot from the very tribe of which we were speaking earlier. Thantasy: [Gwen] As I would be in the water with the temperature constantly but slowly rising, I imagine I would pass out before the water became unbearably hot for a person to have a hand in for a moment or two. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe you are correct. I'm sure we could bear it a long while. Thantasy: [Gwen] And then that option would afford the prospect of a tasty treat for you, my benefactors. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] A fitting end for a lovely lady. Thantasy: [Gwen] We could even sip sherry and exchange pleasantries for quite a while before I began to succumb. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, that would be quite civilized. Thantasy: [Gwen] So, yes, the pot is definitely my other option. Thantasy: [Gwen] The hanging would afford you the pleasure of seeing my exquisite body twist and writhe. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Very well, then. Now, if you like, I could give you a glass of... sherry. It would put you to sleep. When you awake, you would be in the water.... either off the pier or in the pot. Thantasy: [Gwen] Yes, I do think that is most appropriate. Thantasy: [Gwen] I have made my selection. Let me sign the instruments forthwith. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Capital! That bottle there, Pickering... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] This one? Shouldn't want to get the wrong one. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Yes, that. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Pours a glass as Gwen executes the legal instruments.) Thantasy: [Gwen] <Quickly signs fund transfer and release.> Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe we should have a glass too. That other bottle, of course, Colonel. Thantasy: [Gwen] Oh, this is divine! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] One last toast? Thantasy: [Gwen] Perhaps we will have others if you choose to boil me. But, yes, a toast now. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Indeed, but this is a very solemn occasion. Thantasy: [Gwen] I do not feel solemn. I feel excited! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Well, fraught with purpose then. (Smiling.) Thantasy: [Gwen] <Raises glass.> To the excellent company of good fellows in a time of joy and trials. Thantasy: [Gwen] <Clinks glass with Higgins and Pickering.> Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (All clinking glasses.) And to our excellent friend, Mrs. Hardcastle. We shall all enjoy our time together. Thantasy: [Gwen] Hear, hear! Cardaniel80: [Pickering] A capital occasion! Wonderful! (Beaming.) Thantasy: [Gwen] <Clinks again.> Thantasy: [Gwen] <Downs glass.> Cardaniel80: [Higgins] It works quite quickly... how do you feel, Gwen? Thantasy: [Gwen] Ahhhh... Thantasy: [Gwen] I feel very pleasant... Thantasy: [Gwen] Would you like me to disrobe to save you.... Thantasy: [Gwen] the trouble.... Thantasy: [Gwen] oh, my... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] No trouble at all, Gwen.... how are you... ah, yes.... it's working. Thantasy: [Gwen] that does work... Thantasy: [Gwen] very quickly... Thantasy: [Gwen] Catch me, dear Colonel.. Thantasy: [Gwen] <Swoons.> Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Rushes forward to catch her just in time. With Higgins taking her feet, they carry her into the studio.) Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Well, Pickering, what do you think? I can't wait to see her dangling from the end of the pier. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Higgins, actually I was rather in the mood for a bit of boiled woman. Tried it once in India. Haunting taste. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Surprised.) But... we could play with her a bit more during and after a hanging. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, but we can enjoy her in a more permanent way as food. Have you tried woman stew? Cardaniel80: [Higgins] We must agree on this, Pickering. Time is running... the ideal time to start either demise is hardly over an hour away. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I see your point, but... wait, I have an idea. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] That Miss Doolittle is coming here, shortly, to interview for the maid's position... in fact (looking at watch) where has the time gone! She'll be here in minutes. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] She won't be coming into the studio, don't worry. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] No, I was thinking we could ask her to break the tie. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Ask her?? Are you daft? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I don't mean let her in on the true situation. Wait, she's just now coming up the walk. Allow me, Higgins, I believe this can be done satisfactorily.... Cardaniel80: (Doorbell rings.) Thantasy: [Liza] <Somewhat anxious to make a good impression.> Thantasy: [Liza] <Really impressed with the estate.> Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Do come in, Miss Doolittle. I am Colonel Hugh Pickering, and I'd like to present Professor Henry Higgins. Thantasy: [Liza] Professor Higgins, I'm delighted to meet you. I hope that I will qualify for the position you have available. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I'm quite charmed, Miss Doolittle. (Smiles.) You have been quite highly recommended by Colonel Pickering's friend. Thantasy: [Liza] <Smiles at the colonel.> I hope he did not overstate my qualifications. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Smiling.) I'm sure there is no need for that, Miss Doolittle. I have already told Higgins I think you would do very nicely for the position. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] You have seen the estate from outside, and now the inside. Does it meet with your approval? Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, yes. This would be a wonderful place of employment! Thantasy: [Liza] So beautiful. And the bracing sea air! Thantasy: [Liza] The constant churning of the waves. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, it's marvelous! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Now, Eliza.... may I call you that? Thantasy: [Liza] Certainly. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Eliza, we can talk of the details of your duties later. For now why don't we all sit and get to know a bit more about each other? Thantasy: [Liza] Professor Higgins, are there any particular points concerning my background, on which I could satisfy you? Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Have you worked at an estate of this size, Eliza? Thantasy: [Liza] No, I am sorry to say that I have not. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] That's quite all right, I won't be asking you to trim every tree. My needs are really quite simple, and I understand your experience qualifies you. Thantasy: [Liza] My previous employment was with a widow who had a very small home. She passed away recently. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Ah, I'm sorry to hear that. How did she die? Thantasy: [Liza] The doctor said her heart finally went out on her. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] What a pity. There are more... entertaining ways to go. Thantasy: [Liza] Apparently she was discovered by the gardener in her bedroom -- though just why he was there was never made clear. He must have come in to ask her about trimming something. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Frowning) Yes, I suppose. Thantasy: [Liza] She had the sweetest smile on her face, though. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Well, that's not so bad, then. We must all go, and it's nice to think one might go happily. Thantasy: [Liza] In any event, what are to be the precise nature of my duties here? Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Dusting and cleaning would be a top priority. The salt seems to settle on everything. That and that dam... er, the chalk. Thantasy: [Liza] Well, I'm certain that I can handle that. Thantasy: [Liza] In expectation that I would be found satisfactory, I did bring my personal effects. I left them at the nearby village, perhaps you could send someone for them. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] We can arrange for the transport of yourself and your belongings in the morning. Oh, I believe that does sound as if we have found your application satisfactory, doesn't it? Thantasy: [Liza] Thank you, Professor Higgins. <Beaming.> Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Now, while I'm here at the estate, I wouldn't mind having a thoughtful mind to react to my stories. I write, did I tell you that? Novels. Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, how interesting! Thantasy: [Liza] I must admit though, that I have never seen your name, but I assume you write under a nom de plume. Thantasy: [Liza] May I ask, what type of novels you write, Colonel? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Just so. At this moment I'm writing a story of some tension... one of those distressed-female stories my readers find enjoyable. Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, my! <Blushes.> Thantasy: [Liza] <But actually, she is familiar with the genre.> Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Well, I'm a bit stuck at the moment. I'd like to put my heroine in danger... to be rescued, of course... but I can't find just the right situation. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] As a woman, I daresay you might be able to help! (Looking hopeful.) Thantasy: [Liza] What effect are you hoping to achieve in the reader? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I should like the reader to be thoroughly engaged by her plight, finding it exciting and horrifying, all in one. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I do have it narrowed to two possibilities... Thantasy: [Liza] <Believes she understands what is meant by "exciting."> Thantasy: [Liza] What are the possibilities? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] In one, she is neck deep in water, a rope around her neck which would tighten as the tide went out and more of her person emerged from the water... Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, dear! Very distressful indeed! Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Threatened by the evil intentions of her captors, of course. Thantasy: [Liza] To be sure. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] In the other, she is inescapably confined to a pot of water over a fire, which will heat to a boil gradually. Thantasy: [Liza] Oh, my! Another desperate situation! Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Again, helpless to fend off her captors' attentions. Thantasy: [Liza] Now, may I ask, if I am not being too bold... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes? Thantasy: [Liza] The excitement that you hope to create within the reader is... of the sort that Dr. Freud might describe as libidinous? I think I am using the term correctly. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Smiling.) I should think you are... yes, that would be the intention. (Uncomfortable under the smile, not expecting quite that reaction.) Thantasy: [Liza] So, in addition to being concerned with the heroine's peril, you also want the reader to be somewhat....engaged by it? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Indeed, I do always hope to... entrance the reader in such a way. (Now a little worried. Her reaction is quite helpful to Higgins in the bet.) Thantasy: [Liza] Do you wish the reader to place herself in the heroine's situation and perhaps not be entirely terrified by it? Perhaps, even to find it an intriguing situation? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Sees Higgins trying to hide a smile.) Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, quite.... readers do seem to enjoy that. Thantasy: [Liza] Well, I must admit that my reading in that genre is somewhat limited. Thantasy: [Liza] <Limited to every single book in the widow's vast library!> Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Then you're an ideal person to suggest ideas. (Smiling again, a little relieved.) You bring a fresh viewpoint. Thantasy: [Liza] Let me see if I understand the situation correctly. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] All right.... Thantasy: [Liza] On the one hand, the heroine is faced with strangulation, as the relentless sea withdraws its support from her person. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] That's it precisely, yes. Thantasy: [Liza] With each passing moment, she feels the noose tighten about her neck, causing the blood to pound in her head... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, the rope's tension and the reader's tension mount together. Thantasy: [Liza] in rhythm, perhaps, with the crashing of the waves against the rocks... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] You have a touch of the poet in you, Eliza. Thantasy: [Liza] and as the supply of air is cut off, she becomes woozy, less thoughtful... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Indeed she would. Thantasy: [Liza] and therefore more given to occupation with sensation... Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (About to burst out laughing, his hand over his mouth to stifle it.) Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, rational thought becomes difficult. Thantasy: [Liza] and her captors might toment her in ways that, um, capitalize upon this emphasis on sensation. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Thinking: is it the death that's fascinating her now, or the sex? I'm in trouble if it's death.) Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, the poor woman. Thantasy: [Liza] And perhaps the reader's imagination, I suppose, having not read much in this area, would be drawn to focus on the sensation, to imagine what it would be like to confront certain doom and possible physical fulfillment in the same stroke? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] That would be my goal... the reader must feel the sensations. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Oh, Lord... and Higgins has all but hired the girl now.... I can't drop her and pick another, it's too late.) Thantasy: [Liza] And as her consciousness fades, perhaps her arousal becomes ever greater... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Smiling in spite of himself.) Your imagination is quite as vivid as I would hope my readers' were. Thantasy: [Liza] and she is carried out on a wave of pleasure as the waves withdraw their support. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Indeed. Thantasy: [Liza] Ummmmm! Thantasy: [Liza] Now, the other situation, a woman in a tub of water... Thantasy: [Liza] probably quite comfortable to begin with... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] With a fire blazing under it... Thantasy: [Liza] the temperature being gradually elevated -- which would be quite different from being plunged into boiling water... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Precisely... as one adjusts to one's bath, in water that at first feels much too hot. Thantasy: [Liza] so that perhaps her own body temperature would rise with the water... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, you have the idea exactly! Thantasy: [Liza] until gradually she lost consciousness, perhaps without even being aware of it. And she would lose consciousness before she began to cook in earnest. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] She may indeed go peacefully, yet with that same excitement of which you spoke. (Can't help being caught up in the speculation.) Thantasy: [Liza] Her flesh might assume only a rosy pinkishness -- possibly making her an appealing sight... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] As it would with prolonged exposure to the sun. Thantasy: [Liza] as, I am told, for I have no personal experience with such things, the flesh of a woman in a state of procreative arousal often seems to glow. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Just so! Thantasy: [Liza] Her discomfort would be minimal... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Indeed, a warm bath is often relaxing. Thantasy: [Liza] and, depending upon the sort of distractions she received from her tormentors, she might experience them in a calm, relaxed state, perhaps even allowing the consequences of the continuously heating water to slip from her mind, and she could focus entirely upon the distractions... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Again, lending excitement that might otherwise be absent. Thantasy: [Liza] and, once again, there would be that element of a gradual loss of thought and more focus on sensation. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, the same result from a different process. Thantasy: [Liza] Although, in this case, there would not be the pain of the rope digging into her neck to remind her... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Well, if I do lose the bet, she may at least prove quite entertaining.) Thantasy: [Liza] and the constant sound of the ocean is certainly an ever- present stimulation... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] She might well enter an elevated state of physical consciousness. Thantasy: [Liza] that can be provocative under the right circumstances, but in this case might serve mostly to ground her in reality. Now, you are hoping that your reader will perhaps be more carried away with the sensuous aspects of the heroine's situation than the perilous ones? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Indeed, there are perils galore in many books. I try to lead the reader's focus in a different direction. Thantasy: [Liza] Have you, dear Colonel, taken into account that aspect of the feminine character for which we women are so often chastized from the pulpit? Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Smiling.) Not such women as yourself, of course. Thantasy: [Liza] I speak of the aspect of vanity, the preoccupation with one's personal appearance. The desire of a woman to look appealing under any circumstance. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] I would think that this would assist the female reader in her quest to identify with the subject here. As you have pointed out, certainly the boiling can add to her attractiveness. Thantasy: [Liza] I am told that hanging can distort the facial features in a rather unpleasant way. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Now pushing his own favorite of the two choices.) Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Indeed, so I've been told. Thantasy: [Liza] Whereas being turned a nice healthy, robust hue by rising body temperature, would indeed make a woman rather appealing... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Your point is quite well taken. Yes, the female reader may have a preference between the two choices on that basis. Thantasy: [Liza] and, adding to that, a more admirable aspect of the feminine character, namely, as nourisher, a source of... Thantasy: [Liza] sustenance... Thantasy: [Liza] which surely she would imagine herself to be if she were being boiled.... Cardaniel80: [Pickering] You have hit upon another distinction between the two possibilities. Thantasy: [Liza] I would think that the woman in the tub would be much less distressed with her situation, more likely to give over to the pleasurable aspects, and therefore somewhat more of a source of delight to her captors -- as well as to the reader. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Yes, if that is to be emphasized, then the pot would be the way to go. Thantasy: [Liza] Of course, this is only the opinion of one who has very little familiarity with the genre in which you write. But yes, that is my conclusion. The pot, definitely the pot. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] As I said, your unfamilarity is exactly the reason I sought your help, as you bring a fresh viewpoint. Thantasy: [Liza] Thank you, my dear Colonel. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Looking at Higgins) I believe it's decided then. Thantasy: [Liza] Perhaps I may look at your manuscript sometime -- if my duties are not too full under Professor Higgins. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Indeed, I'd consider it an honor for such an astute reader to see the manuscript. Thantasy: [Liza] I might even try to develop some proficiency with the new machines for writing -- and transcribe it for you. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Why, that would be extremely helpful! Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Eliza, I believe I could have a room ready for you by morning. For tonight, if you'd like I can have a cab take you to a hotel in town. They will send me the bill. Thantasy: [Liza] If you wish, Professor Higgins, or I could attempt to settle in here. Thantasy: [Liza] Whatever suits your convenience. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I believe I should not like you to see the state of the room that is to be yours... at this time, at any rate. Thantasy: [Liza] As you wish, sir. Thantasy: [Liza] I shall report in the morning. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I shall make a brief telephone call then. A cab will be here within twenty minutes. Thantasy: <Just as Higgins reaches for the phone, the doorbell rings.> Cardaniel80: [Pickering] (Opens the door.) Yes? Thantasy: [Delivery Man] A package for Professor Henry Higgins. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] Ah, yes. (Turning.) Something for you, Professor. Thantasy: [Delivery Man] I do need to have someone sign for it. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Putting phone down) I'll do that. Thantasy: [Delivery Man] Must be frightfully important! Had me come out here with no other deliveries to make. Nothing to do but head back to town. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Smiling, knowing the signs of a search for a tip.) Wait... I wonder if you'd be so kind.... Thantasy: [Delivery Man] Yes, what might I do, sir? Cardaniel80: [Higgins] This young lady is headed back to town right now. I was about to call a cab... perhaps you wouldn't mind pocketing the fare. Thantasy: [Delivery Man] Well, it is a bit irregular, but Mr. Fenwick says, "always keep the customer happy," and by doing so, I'd be keeping you happy. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] I've always appreciated Mr. Fenwick's devotion to service. Thantasy: [Delivery Man] <Sees Liza, smiles.> And it will be very pleasant to have company. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] (Turning) Would that be satisfactory, Eliza? Thantasy: [Liza] Certainly. I shall be glad of a relaxing night at the hotel. And, for some reason, I feel the urge to take a hot bath. Thantasy: [Delivery Man] Come, right this way, Miss. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Shall I arrange to have you picked up at eight in the morning? Thantasy: [Liza] Yes, I shall have no difficulty being ready by then. The day started quite early at the widow's home. Thantasy: [Liza] Good bye, Professor. I look forward to my employment here. Thantasy: [Liza] And, Colonel, I do hope I was helpful. Cardaniel80: [Pickering] It's been so nice meeting you, Eliza, and you've been most helpful. Cardaniel80: [Higgins] Good day, Eliza. See you bright and early tomorrow. Thantasy: [Liza] <Exits with delivery man.> |