Avonlea (1990) s01e02 Episode Script
The Story Girl Earns Her Name
I can't believe there's going to be a real magic lantern show right here in Avonlea! I'm looking forward to it so much.
Mother said that I can wear my best pink muslin.
I can't wait! I've never seen a magic lantern show before! I've seen lots of them in Montreal.
Father used to take me all the time.
Well, la-de-dah! Maybe this fellow will let us see how it works.
- It's really pretty simple.
- Oh good! Then there's half a chance even Felix might understand.
And no chance you will, Felicity! You see, they've got these glass slides a picture painted on them and they put the slides between the lens and a light source.
Then project them onto a screen.
Understand? Ah that door sticks all the time.
- Have to use the window! - You could hurt yourself! Someone should fix that! - Would you like me to get someone? - No, no! Thanks! That's it.
Mr Beatty! Your breakfast is ready! Uh, there is maybe something you could do for me.
Uh, bring my horse and carriage over so that I can jump into it.
Mr Beatty, are you in there? - What do you think you're doing? - Just helping someone out.
- But that's Mr Biggin's buggy! - No it isn't! It is so Mr Biggin's buggy! I saw him go into the store! Thank you, miss! Stop! That's my buggy! That man owes me more than fifty dollars in merchandise! Come back! Come back with my horse! Stop in the name of the law! Stop, thief! Why! That was Mr Beatty! I told you it was Mr Biggins buggy! He's racked up quite a bill at our store! I told my husband not to trust him! Oh my goodness! Well, what about the magic lantern show? Oh, it's a good thing the ticket money is safe with you, Mr Lawson.
Well, Mr Beatty said you had the proceeds, Olivia.
Why would I have the proceeds? He said you had it! Oh, no! I'd like to know how he got a hold of my horse and buggy.
She gave it to him! Oh, Sara! How could you? I didn't know it wasn't his buggy! Mr Beatty seemed like a such a nice, honest man.
He gave me his word! Huh! Men around traveling shows are seldom known for their honor, Olivia.
This is a fine kettle of fish I can't think why I let you talk me into dealing with that ridiculous man and his backstreet sideshow.
But Hetty, the "Magic Lantern" indeed! It was a very popular idea! All the tickets were sold, and And as for you, Sara Stanley when will you learn to look before you leap? You and Olivia are cut from the same cloth you're too trusting! Sometimes I wonder if either of you have the sense that God gave you! Before anyone leaves the room I have one more bit of business.
As, I'm sure, you all know by now, the effort to raise money for the school library, by joining forces with Mr Beatty, has proven unsuccessful.
Bad beginnings can make good endings, and we must now follow through with my original plan.
I want each of you to try and raise money, on your own, for the project Here comes the part about honest toil.
with the rewards of honest toil or by gathering contributions from friends and family.
Now, make sure you explain just what it is they're contributing to and of what value it is.
Class dismissed.
I'll just have to think of a way to make some money.
I feel completely responsible for the failure of the magic lantern show.
You are completely responsible! Better get home Clemmie, before ma gives you a lickin'! I suppose we can't expect too much from you, can we, Clemmie? My mother won't give me a cent.
She thinks books form a pathway to the devil.
My rich uncle is visiting from Charlottetown, and he'll be glad to donate to the cause.
I'm bound to raise the most money.
Wherever did you get that dress, Sara? My father sent it to me.
It's from Paris.
Oh, Jane! Isn't that too exciting! Do you think I could borrow it sometime, Sara? - If you think it would fit you.
- I wasn't going to wear it! It would make a good rag to wash the floor with.
I wouldn't give yourself such airs, Sally Potts! Your kitchen doesn't even have a real floor! Just hard, pressed dirt! - Don't pay any attention to her, Sara.
- I don't intend to.
There are far more important things to think about.
We have to figure out how to make the most money for the library, more than Miss "Frog-Faced" Sally Potts! I'm just going to pray to God to send me some money.
That wouldn't do any good! God gives lots of things, but he doesn't give money! - People can earn that for themselves.
- I can't! I think He should take that into account.
I bet our relatives are good for a dollar each anyway! Father will give us more than that, you'll see! There! One quarter each to get you started.
How's that? - Well? What's wrong? - Nothing's wrong, Uncle Alec.
It's just Oh, you were expecting more, were you? I'm afraid that's going to have to do.
If you want more, you'll have to earn it yourselves.
I could have a bake sale and, - Felix, you could do some weeding.
- I don't like weeding! Lazy boys never do.
They have to bend down too much.
With a bake sale and weeding, we'll never earn enough! Fine then! Come up with something better if you're so smart! All right, we'll canvass to every house in Avonlea.
People are bond to contribute to such a worthy cause.
I will not go begging door to door.
Would you rather Miss Sally Potts contribute more than the Kings, Felicity? The last thing this town needs is another charity.
Get off my porch! Look at that mud you tracked! Never heard of such tomfoolery.
No! I'm sorry! Absolutely not! We are collecting money for the school library project - and we were wondering - Oh! The geese! They're getting out! Oh! If one feather from those geese is missing you will not get a penny from me! Oh, Felicity! Over here! Get that one, Felicity! That one there.
Two dollars and fifteen cents.
- That's all? - Plus the quarters I gave you.
Three dollars and forty cents.
That won't buy many books! "People are bound to contribute to such a worthy cause.
" Will you look at this, Janet.
It says here that Wellington Campbell has returned to his hometown of Avonlea to look for a property.
Remember him? Yes.
Well, I remember what he was like before he got so high and mighty.
Ah, it seems he wants a place on the island to get away from it all.
He's handsome.
- Is he rich? - Oh, sure is! Made a fortune in pulp and paper.
Off the sweat of other men's backs.
But that's it! Someone who's rich! That's who we should ask for a donation! They say since Wellington Campbell made his money he's as hard to talk to as the King of England.
Where is he staying? Uh, the White Sands Hotel.
We can't go in there! Nonsense! I've been in much grander hotels than the White Sands! Maybe we should give up and go home.
This place is for rich people! You can all go home if you like.
But I'm going to see Mr Campbell.
I warn you though, if he gives me anything, I'll keep it all for my own donation.
Off you go now! We don't want any of you children annoying guests! We weren't annoying anyone! Mr Campbell and Mrs Tarbush! How very good to see you! - Will you be joining us for lunch? - We will.
May I? I believe we have one of your favorite dishes on the menu today.
Lobster bits.
It's him! He looks exactly like his picture.
He's with the widow, Tarbush.
Aunt Hetty can't stand her! She's always coming over and borrowing eggs and never ever pays for them.
- Come on, Felix.
I have an idea.
- Sara! Felix! Where are you going? I thought I told you children to get out of here.
Out! Sara! Where are you going? I'm not going to let her get away with keeping all the money to herself.
Come on, Felix! What is she doing? Sara, we're going to get caught! Ssh! There isn't much room! Ssh! - Felix, your feet smell! - You're on my leg.
- Move over! - Sorry.
Is he gone yet? hesitant to contact you.
Mr Campbell.
But when I read that you were looking for property in Avonlea I couldn't help but think that it was Providence that our paths should cross once again.
Well, I don't know about It is one of the most desirable properties on the island, you know.
- It is indeed beautiful.
- If I have to sell it I would like the new owner to be somebody I can know and trust.
I'm flattered you thought of me, but I'm not sure A man of your distinction and stature deserves to have such a house, a heathen where you can rest and enjoy the company.
Excuse me, Mr Wellington Campbell? We've come to ask you for a charitable donation, to a cause that I'm sure that a man of your renown would agree with.
Now look here! I'm not int Wellington, the children are so earnest.
What is it you want, children? We're collecting for the Avonlea Public School Library.
The same books are still there as when you attended, Mr Campbell! - Excuse me, young lady! - You can imagine - Felix! - Felix! - It was an accident! - So sorry, Mr Campbell, I thought you knew these children.
I assure you, you will not be disturbed again.
This way, you little trouble makers! Out! Out! I'll have you know that I've never before been treated in such a fashion in my life! If you ever got through these doors again, you'll have the authorities to answer to.
I thought I told the lot of you to clear off.
Now get out and stay out! Go on! Off with you! Felix, how could you be so clumsy? He was ready to give us a donation.
Well, Miss Sara Stanley, I have never been so humiliated in all of my life but I suppose you have been thrown out of much grander hotels than this.
You and your great ideas! First you ruin the magic lantern show and then you drag me around, begging door to door.
I honestly don't know why we even bother listening to you.
Come on, Felicity! We can do better by ourself.
Hello! What are you doing? Wait! Come back! Where are you going? You left your hat behind! Stop! Please don't go! You dropped your cloth! Wait! Mister! Come back! What are you afraid of? You dropped your cloth and hat.
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Sara Stanley.
What's yours? Jasper Dale.
Now please I would like to be left alone.
All right if you really want me to.
Yes, please do.
Mr Dale, are you all right? Can I help you? No! Just ggo away! Thank you, thank you.
Thank you! Cclose the door.
Then take my advice and leave! If only I could take everyone's advice and not run so headlong into things.
Aunt Hetty says that I'm unstoppable.
I think might.
Just go! I'm very busy! I can't have anyone around when I'm developing the plates.
Please, can't I stay? I've always wanted to see how it's done! I'll stay out of your way.
Oh alright.
.
uh stay.
But close the door! I got to have darkness.
You have some amazing things here, Mr Dale.
It's so beautiful! That's me! Oh! Ssorry, I didn't realize I'd taken your photograph.
It's a very strange experience to see myself so large.
I usually feel - so small.
- It's a magic lantern.
Finest one on the island.
- Do you have any other slides? - Yup.
- There are dozens of them! - Yeah.
- Has anyone ever seen them? - No.
Mr Dale, I have a great favor to ask you.
Would you help me put on a magic lantern show? Show? Oh uh - No, I don't think I could do that.
- Please.
You have no idea how important this is to me! I don't really think that I could help.
But you don't understand! I've let everyone down! You're much to young to have let anyone down.
Oh, but I have! I'm the one who helped Mr Beatty escape with all the money for the library fund.
The whole town is talking about me! Avonlea might talk for a while, but they'll get over it.
But I won't! I want them to like me.
You really think that a magic lantern show will do the trick? It couldn't hurt! But I can't do it without you.
Well if you don't think I'll get in the way.
- Get in the way? Mr Dale it was fate that we met this afternoon.
Magic lantern show! Sara Stanley are you dreaming? - If I hear one more thing about - Jasper Dale has a magic lantern! Jasper Dale?! Oh! That man hasn't said a peep to anyone in this town for years.
But he promised to help me! Please, Aunt Hetty! - I know I can do it.
- It's totally out of the question.
I've already been down that road, and been made an absolute fool of, in the process.
But there won't be enough money to buy books.
- We have to do something! - It was a popular idea, Hetty.
- I feel - You feel? It's about time you started to think, Olivia, not just feel.
What's doomed to failure once is doomed to failure twice.
I still can't believe that Hetty gave in.
Of course only success will justify it in her eyes.
Well, Sara Stanley, promise me you won't go running off with the money this time.
Don't worry, Mr Lawson.
I aim to make this a show to remember.
Ha, ha.
I'm sure it will be.
Anyone who can get Jasper Dale to come out of hiding, is bound to be full of surprises.
Magic lantern show indeed! I don't approve of picture shows, and I don't approve of library funds neither.
Hard work! That's what young people need more than books.
Well, I'm sure you're entitled to your opinion, Mrs Ray.
Trust the little chick from Montreal to come up with an idea like that, huh? Just look at her.
Walking along as if she owned the earth! Even if she has relations here, she's not a real islander.
Jasper Dale?! The awkward man is as crazy as a bed bug.
I was just saying that she won't find me there.
Mind you, seeing Jasper Dale in a crowd would be worth the price of admission.
Either the piano is out of tune or I'm out of practice.
I see how it works.
So, this one disappears, as this one reappears on the screen.
Yeah, as long as your pictures are set up right.
- Okay! Well, can I try it? - Yeah.
- This one turns it on? - Yeah.
Imagine Jasper Dale having anything to do with a magic lantern show! Huh! Imagine Hetty King having anything to do with one either, Olivia! Oh! I feel that you and that child will be the death of me.
I just slide this in here Yeah and do it carefully because they'rethey're fragile.
Okay.
Mr Dale, how do you know if the slide is upside down? Mr Dale? I don't know why you would strike up a friendship with the Awkward Man of all people, Sara.
Don't call him the Awkward Man! He's just a little shy.
If you got to know him, you'll find out he's a very clever man.
He may be clever, but he can't even walk without tripping over his feet.
Mr Dale? Where are you going? Ah it'sit's all set up so I guess I'll be going.
You're coming back for the show, aren't you? Andrew could run the lantern.
He knows how.
Mr Dale! You promised! Oh i don't I don't I don't Please, Mr Dale!.
We're partners.
Well You must meet my aunts.
This is Aunt Olivia and this is Aunt Hetty.
Hello, Jasper.
Well, I hope you don't run off before the show as that infamous Mr Beatty did.
Mr Dale would never do that! Thank you for helping the cause, Jasper! I know the show will live up to everyone's expectations.
Well, well, Mr Dale, you are a most secretive man! We didn't know that you were so mechanically inclined.
And how wonderful for all of us, that you are! What Sara won't do to earn a little money.
She's such a show off! You're just jealous.
You think you are her hired boy, Peter Craig! The way she's got you like a toad on a string.
Jasper Dale, Jasper Dale! Likes to hide in a garbage pail! Next to Sally Potts, Felicity's a saint! - Why is he hiding from me? - It's not just you, Sara.
Jasper Dale's been like that for a long time.
But why? A lot of reasons, I guess.
I remember when he was young, his parents had such high expectations of him no matter how hard he tried he could just never please them.
- How awful! - Then when his mother took sick, Addie McNeal was sent to nurse her and Jasper fell madly in love with her.
But his mother wouldn't consent to their marriage, even on her death bed! How could she? Well, Jasper rebelled and he arranged to be married anyway.
Even from the grave his mother won out.
The wedding day arrived and the bride didn't.
She ran off with a farmer from the next concession.
She jilted Jasper at the altar in front of the whole town.
Poor Jasper! He's been a recluse ever since.
- Goodbye, Ma! - Goodbye, Ma! Goodbye, Clemmie! Be good, Edward! I told you that ma would never let you go to that stupid show.
It's not fair.
I don't know anyone who has the measles.
Everyone else is going.
Well, I'm going to meet Fred Bell in the woods.
We built a fort and we're going to sleep there all night.
We've planned this the whole summer.
But you're supposed to take care of me while Ma is gone! - I've got better things to do! - I'll tell Ma! You tell and I'll bury you in the backyard with the ants! And they'll bite you and get in your ears and in your nose.
Stop it, Edward! Where is Sara? Hmm! That girl is slower than molasses on a cold day.
Ah! I shouldn't think you'd wear that, Sara.
Those flowers will wilt in the heat.
We're off then! Don't dillydally now.
We'll see you there.
Aren't you nervous about getting up in front of all those people? Yes, a little bit.
Well, my father says that when you're going to speak in public, all you've got to do is get it firmed in your mind that there's just a bunch of cabbage heads in the audience.
Then you won't be nervous.
I don't think there would be much inspiration in talking to cabbage heads.
I want to speak to people and see them looking interested or thrilled.
Or bored to tears! Hey! There's Clemmie Ray.
She's crying! - Whatever is the matter now, Clemmie? - Edward's left me all alone in the house, and Ma's forbidden me to go to the magic lantern show.
She says that Markdale is full of the measles, and there are sure to be some Markdale people at the show.
I don't think there's any danger of catching the measles.
If there were, we wouldn't be allowed to go.
Oh, Clemmie, surely if you tell your ma, that it's all right with all of our grown-ups.
It's too late! Ma's gone to Newbridge and she won't be back until tomorrow! Then why don't you just come with us to the show anyhow? Your mother won't ever know.
Sara! You shouldn't put Clemmie up to disobeying her mother! Felicity, stay out of this.
Now look, Clemmie.
Go into this with all of your heart, if you're going to do it at all.
There's no use in doing something bad if you spoil your fun by wishing all the time you were good.
Whawhat if Ma finds out? If you're so scared you'd better not come.
Lets go, Peter.
Wait! I'm coming! Many have come to see the magic lantern show.
My goodness! What a turnout, Hetty! The library will be a huge success! Don't count your chickens, it isn't over yet.
Don't worry, Mr Dale.
Everything will go all right.
Good, Sara.
You wouldn't find me showing off in front of the whole town.
Oh, is the whole town here? Think of the money we'll make.
I dare it wouldn't take much to upset her little show, Jasper Dale being so jumpy and all.
Sally Potts! You wouldn't.
Oh! Fanny Tarbush looks like a head-on collision between a fashion plate and a nightmare.
We were getting to think you were too good for the island, Mr Campbell.
Oh, Wellington isn't nearly as unapproachable as the papers make him out to be.
Islanders always come home sooner or later.
- Have you found a place yet? - Nothing definite.
But we're working on it.
I'm sure you are, Fanny.
"Her poor little hands were numb with cold.
" "'Oh!' she thought, 'How one little match would warm me!'" "She couldn't resist.
" "She pulled one from it's little box.
Scraaatch!" "How it fluttered and waved in the night wind!" "It burned just like a little candle.
" "But what a strange light!" "Suddenly the little match girl was sitting under the most amazing Christmas tree.
" "Thousands of candles were burning on its green branches.
" "She held out both her hands.
" "Then the candles started to rise higher and higher, up into the night air.
.
" "One of them turned into a shooting star, that streaked across the night sky.
" "Suddenly the match went out.
The light was gone.
" "'Someone must be dying', she thought," "for her dear, kind granny, now long dead, had said that" "when a star falls, a soul goes up to heaven.
" That girl is destined for something, Hetty.
"This time in its glow stood her old granny," "the only person who had ever been kind to her.
" "'Granny!' she cried.
'Please don't leave me! Take me with you!'" "'Please don't leave me!'" "The little match girl pleaded and pleaded with her granny" "in the glow of light that surrounded them like a blanket.
" "Granny took her dear, little granddaughter in her arms and flew with her high, high up towards heaven.
" "Higher and higher they ascended and there was no more cold, or hunger, or fear.
" "But in the light of dawn, her huddled figure was found," "frozen to death on the first morning of the new year.
" "She was holding on to her matches, nearly all burnt down.
" "'She must have been trying to warm herself.
' the people said.
" "But no one knew the radiance, in which she had risen with her dear, old kind granny" "in the joy of the new year.
" - Well done! - Bravo! 3, 2, 1 JASPER DALE! Mr Dale! Get out! Get out of there! Over there! Over there! Mr Dale? Mr Dale? Are you home? Mr Dale, I know you're in there.
Andrew has looked at the magic lantern and has said that it won't take much to fix it.
Please come out.
I'm sorry! It wasn't your fault.
Everybody knows that.
Don't fret so, Hetty! When all is said and done, the evening was a great success.
A great success? Mrs McGee goes up in smoke, you call that aa great success? I shall never be able to hold my head up in public again.
Mrs McGee was quite unharmed.
Only her pride was hurt.
I knew anything involving Jasper Dale, was destined for failure.
O, Good Lord! Look who's coming over.
Hide the eggs! - Uh, good morning, Fanny.
- There's not a good thing about it, Hetty King.
I'm so upset.
I hope the profit your show has made is worth the pain it has caused me.
Profit? We'll be lucky to buy a dozen books after we pay for the damage.
What about the damage to the sale of my farm? My deal was to close this morning.
Well, I hardly think that's any of my affair, Fanny.
Hello, Mrs Tarbush.
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr Campbell.
He's gone! Do you have any hard peas, Aunt Olivia? He practically asked me if my period of mourning was over.
Why? I wanted to put them in my shoes as penance.
I don't think Presbyterians do penance, Sara.
It's either that or kill Sally Potts.
You'll do nothing of the kind! Wellington! I led poor Jasper Dale into untold humiliation.
Maybe the little pebbles on the front walk will do just as well.
Not a word and now this.
What would you say if I went barefoot for the next week? I wouldn't say anything, Sara Stanley.
I'll simply put you over my knee and give you a good, solid spanking.
You'd find that penance enough.
Good heavens, Olivia! Give her some eggs and send her home.
Didn't I tell you, she was no good? The Bible says man is born to trouble, as sparks fly upward and we have no better proof.
Upward and across the room! We could all have perished.
- She certainly can tell a story though.
- Pff! She's got her stories all right! All she knows is how to spin tales and deceit.
You see what happened to my Clemmie? All because that Story Girl enticed her to go against my wishes.
That's exactly what she is, a Story Girl.
Oh, hello, Miss Story Girl! I have a tale for you.
Clemmie's real sick and it might be the measles.
And the measles go awful hard with the Rays.
If they don't die completely, it might leave them half blind.
Has the doctor said it's measles, Mrs Ray? Well, no, but she's feverish, real feverish.
And all because you played the devil with her.
You've played the devil with all of us! That's enough, Mrs Ray! What kind of mother leaves her child alone overnight? Clemmie was far safer with us.
I'm very sorry she's sick, but I suggest you consult a doctor before making your own diagnosis.
And whether she's told you or not, Mrs Potts, it was your girl, Sally, who caused the fire in the first place, with her mean-spirited taunting of Jasper Dale! So before I spread that story all over Avonlea, I'd suggest you take your wagging tongues elsewhere! Oh! That felt good, Sara! By the way, Clemmie doesn't have the measles at all, she just has a bad cold.
I'm so relieved, Cecily! I would never have forgiven myself if she would have died from the measles! She'd probably be a whole lot happier dead, than with that horrible mother of hers.
Oh, look, it's Sara Stanley, the Story Girl! Light any fires lately, Match Girl? You're just jealous because Sara raised more money than you did for the library fund, Sally Potts.
Even after she paid for the damages that you caused.
Why don't you go home and scrub your kitchen floor, and then take a mud bath in it?! I don't know what you're talking about! I had nothing to do with that fire.
Oh yes you did, Sally Potts! And I'm gonna prove it, if it's the last thing I do.
Everybody knows that it was old Jasper Dale's fault.
You're the one that's stupid, if you think you can get away with it.
Confess, Sally, you're the one that started the fire.
I did not! And take your ugly face away from me.
Sara the Story Girl, what a joke! Tells a tale and goes up in smoke! Say it! Confess! Sara the Story Girl, what a joke! Tells a tale and goes up in smoke! - Come on, say it! - Say it! - Say it! - Say it! Confess or we'll drop you in the deep part! Yeah and there are giant blood suckers in there.
I've seen them! Don't! If I confess will these idiots let go of me? Say, I started the fire at the Town Hall, not Jasper Dale! I caused the fire at the Town Hall, not Jasper Dale! Louder! I caused the fire at the Town Hall, not Jasper Dale! - Now let go of me! - Let her go! There's a blood sucker on your hand.
Sara! Sara Stanley! Come here this minute! The last time we met, Sara Stanley, you were at the point of asking me for a fairly sizable donation for the library fund.
- Yes, Mr Campbell.
- But you see, young lady, I hate to part with my money unless I receive some benefit from the expenditure.
But as for your performance, the other I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the show last night, Mr Campbell.
I'll give you your money back, if you like.
What makes you think I didn't enjoy it? You left before the applause.
Sara I may call Sara, may I? Please do! I prefer it to Story Girl, which is what everybody is calling me now.
A most appropriate name it is, for that is what you are, Sara Stanley, and never be ashamed of it.
Your performance, the other night, seemed to move the audience in a way I've rarely seen.
My mother used to read me that story.
Your mother must have been very proud, watching you.
She passed away when I was little.
My mother passed away when I was little too.
The way you told the story, reminded me of her.
So that's why you left early.
Sometimes it's a pity that your face can't show what your heart is feeling.
But I suppose that's the way it is, for a man of your stature.
It would be like seeing the King of England in tears.
Well, - hardly the King of England.
.
- Maybe not, but word would spread.
My Aunt Janet says that Fanny Tarbush would talk the ear off a pig if she had half the chance.
Sara, I want you to have this, as my donation to the library fund.
A thousand dollars! Mr Campbell, this would build a whole new library, let alone fill one with books! That's right.
But you never get something from nothing in this life.
I only ask that the library be named in honor of my mother.
And so it shall be, Mr Campbell.
And we are most grateful, all of us.
Mr Dale! Mr Dale! I have to talk to you about what happened.
Sally Potts confessed in front of the whole school.
Now the whole town will know that she caused the fire.
And that's not all.
Mr Campbell made a huge donation towards the school library fund, just because he loved the show.
I want you to know that we couldn't have done it without you, Mr Dale.
Thank you, for not letting me down.
It's funny how things go, isn't it? I was beginning to think that what Aunt Hetty said was right.
You know, about what was doomed to failure once is doomed to failure twice.
But I think things can sometimes turn out better the second time.
Don't you agree? You are unst un unstoppable, Sara Stanley.
Now you know why they call me the Awkward Man.
Oh, we've both got a name then, because they're starting to call me the Story Girl.
And you know, the way things have turned out, I don't think, I mind one bit.
Mother said that I can wear my best pink muslin.
I can't wait! I've never seen a magic lantern show before! I've seen lots of them in Montreal.
Father used to take me all the time.
Well, la-de-dah! Maybe this fellow will let us see how it works.
- It's really pretty simple.
- Oh good! Then there's half a chance even Felix might understand.
And no chance you will, Felicity! You see, they've got these glass slides a picture painted on them and they put the slides between the lens and a light source.
Then project them onto a screen.
Understand? Ah that door sticks all the time.
- Have to use the window! - You could hurt yourself! Someone should fix that! - Would you like me to get someone? - No, no! Thanks! That's it.
Mr Beatty! Your breakfast is ready! Uh, there is maybe something you could do for me.
Uh, bring my horse and carriage over so that I can jump into it.
Mr Beatty, are you in there? - What do you think you're doing? - Just helping someone out.
- But that's Mr Biggin's buggy! - No it isn't! It is so Mr Biggin's buggy! I saw him go into the store! Thank you, miss! Stop! That's my buggy! That man owes me more than fifty dollars in merchandise! Come back! Come back with my horse! Stop in the name of the law! Stop, thief! Why! That was Mr Beatty! I told you it was Mr Biggins buggy! He's racked up quite a bill at our store! I told my husband not to trust him! Oh my goodness! Well, what about the magic lantern show? Oh, it's a good thing the ticket money is safe with you, Mr Lawson.
Well, Mr Beatty said you had the proceeds, Olivia.
Why would I have the proceeds? He said you had it! Oh, no! I'd like to know how he got a hold of my horse and buggy.
She gave it to him! Oh, Sara! How could you? I didn't know it wasn't his buggy! Mr Beatty seemed like a such a nice, honest man.
He gave me his word! Huh! Men around traveling shows are seldom known for their honor, Olivia.
This is a fine kettle of fish I can't think why I let you talk me into dealing with that ridiculous man and his backstreet sideshow.
But Hetty, the "Magic Lantern" indeed! It was a very popular idea! All the tickets were sold, and And as for you, Sara Stanley when will you learn to look before you leap? You and Olivia are cut from the same cloth you're too trusting! Sometimes I wonder if either of you have the sense that God gave you! Before anyone leaves the room I have one more bit of business.
As, I'm sure, you all know by now, the effort to raise money for the school library, by joining forces with Mr Beatty, has proven unsuccessful.
Bad beginnings can make good endings, and we must now follow through with my original plan.
I want each of you to try and raise money, on your own, for the project Here comes the part about honest toil.
with the rewards of honest toil or by gathering contributions from friends and family.
Now, make sure you explain just what it is they're contributing to and of what value it is.
Class dismissed.
I'll just have to think of a way to make some money.
I feel completely responsible for the failure of the magic lantern show.
You are completely responsible! Better get home Clemmie, before ma gives you a lickin'! I suppose we can't expect too much from you, can we, Clemmie? My mother won't give me a cent.
She thinks books form a pathway to the devil.
My rich uncle is visiting from Charlottetown, and he'll be glad to donate to the cause.
I'm bound to raise the most money.
Wherever did you get that dress, Sara? My father sent it to me.
It's from Paris.
Oh, Jane! Isn't that too exciting! Do you think I could borrow it sometime, Sara? - If you think it would fit you.
- I wasn't going to wear it! It would make a good rag to wash the floor with.
I wouldn't give yourself such airs, Sally Potts! Your kitchen doesn't even have a real floor! Just hard, pressed dirt! - Don't pay any attention to her, Sara.
- I don't intend to.
There are far more important things to think about.
We have to figure out how to make the most money for the library, more than Miss "Frog-Faced" Sally Potts! I'm just going to pray to God to send me some money.
That wouldn't do any good! God gives lots of things, but he doesn't give money! - People can earn that for themselves.
- I can't! I think He should take that into account.
I bet our relatives are good for a dollar each anyway! Father will give us more than that, you'll see! There! One quarter each to get you started.
How's that? - Well? What's wrong? - Nothing's wrong, Uncle Alec.
It's just Oh, you were expecting more, were you? I'm afraid that's going to have to do.
If you want more, you'll have to earn it yourselves.
I could have a bake sale and, - Felix, you could do some weeding.
- I don't like weeding! Lazy boys never do.
They have to bend down too much.
With a bake sale and weeding, we'll never earn enough! Fine then! Come up with something better if you're so smart! All right, we'll canvass to every house in Avonlea.
People are bond to contribute to such a worthy cause.
I will not go begging door to door.
Would you rather Miss Sally Potts contribute more than the Kings, Felicity? The last thing this town needs is another charity.
Get off my porch! Look at that mud you tracked! Never heard of such tomfoolery.
No! I'm sorry! Absolutely not! We are collecting money for the school library project - and we were wondering - Oh! The geese! They're getting out! Oh! If one feather from those geese is missing you will not get a penny from me! Oh, Felicity! Over here! Get that one, Felicity! That one there.
Two dollars and fifteen cents.
- That's all? - Plus the quarters I gave you.
Three dollars and forty cents.
That won't buy many books! "People are bound to contribute to such a worthy cause.
" Will you look at this, Janet.
It says here that Wellington Campbell has returned to his hometown of Avonlea to look for a property.
Remember him? Yes.
Well, I remember what he was like before he got so high and mighty.
Ah, it seems he wants a place on the island to get away from it all.
He's handsome.
- Is he rich? - Oh, sure is! Made a fortune in pulp and paper.
Off the sweat of other men's backs.
But that's it! Someone who's rich! That's who we should ask for a donation! They say since Wellington Campbell made his money he's as hard to talk to as the King of England.
Where is he staying? Uh, the White Sands Hotel.
We can't go in there! Nonsense! I've been in much grander hotels than the White Sands! Maybe we should give up and go home.
This place is for rich people! You can all go home if you like.
But I'm going to see Mr Campbell.
I warn you though, if he gives me anything, I'll keep it all for my own donation.
Off you go now! We don't want any of you children annoying guests! We weren't annoying anyone! Mr Campbell and Mrs Tarbush! How very good to see you! - Will you be joining us for lunch? - We will.
May I? I believe we have one of your favorite dishes on the menu today.
Lobster bits.
It's him! He looks exactly like his picture.
He's with the widow, Tarbush.
Aunt Hetty can't stand her! She's always coming over and borrowing eggs and never ever pays for them.
- Come on, Felix.
I have an idea.
- Sara! Felix! Where are you going? I thought I told you children to get out of here.
Out! Sara! Where are you going? I'm not going to let her get away with keeping all the money to herself.
Come on, Felix! What is she doing? Sara, we're going to get caught! Ssh! There isn't much room! Ssh! - Felix, your feet smell! - You're on my leg.
- Move over! - Sorry.
Is he gone yet? hesitant to contact you.
Mr Campbell.
But when I read that you were looking for property in Avonlea I couldn't help but think that it was Providence that our paths should cross once again.
Well, I don't know about It is one of the most desirable properties on the island, you know.
- It is indeed beautiful.
- If I have to sell it I would like the new owner to be somebody I can know and trust.
I'm flattered you thought of me, but I'm not sure A man of your distinction and stature deserves to have such a house, a heathen where you can rest and enjoy the company.
Excuse me, Mr Wellington Campbell? We've come to ask you for a charitable donation, to a cause that I'm sure that a man of your renown would agree with.
Now look here! I'm not int Wellington, the children are so earnest.
What is it you want, children? We're collecting for the Avonlea Public School Library.
The same books are still there as when you attended, Mr Campbell! - Excuse me, young lady! - You can imagine - Felix! - Felix! - It was an accident! - So sorry, Mr Campbell, I thought you knew these children.
I assure you, you will not be disturbed again.
This way, you little trouble makers! Out! Out! I'll have you know that I've never before been treated in such a fashion in my life! If you ever got through these doors again, you'll have the authorities to answer to.
I thought I told the lot of you to clear off.
Now get out and stay out! Go on! Off with you! Felix, how could you be so clumsy? He was ready to give us a donation.
Well, Miss Sara Stanley, I have never been so humiliated in all of my life but I suppose you have been thrown out of much grander hotels than this.
You and your great ideas! First you ruin the magic lantern show and then you drag me around, begging door to door.
I honestly don't know why we even bother listening to you.
Come on, Felicity! We can do better by ourself.
Hello! What are you doing? Wait! Come back! Where are you going? You left your hat behind! Stop! Please don't go! You dropped your cloth! Wait! Mister! Come back! What are you afraid of? You dropped your cloth and hat.
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Sara Stanley.
What's yours? Jasper Dale.
Now please I would like to be left alone.
All right if you really want me to.
Yes, please do.
Mr Dale, are you all right? Can I help you? No! Just ggo away! Thank you, thank you.
Thank you! Cclose the door.
Then take my advice and leave! If only I could take everyone's advice and not run so headlong into things.
Aunt Hetty says that I'm unstoppable.
I think might.
Just go! I'm very busy! I can't have anyone around when I'm developing the plates.
Please, can't I stay? I've always wanted to see how it's done! I'll stay out of your way.
Oh alright.
.
uh stay.
But close the door! I got to have darkness.
You have some amazing things here, Mr Dale.
It's so beautiful! That's me! Oh! Ssorry, I didn't realize I'd taken your photograph.
It's a very strange experience to see myself so large.
I usually feel - so small.
- It's a magic lantern.
Finest one on the island.
- Do you have any other slides? - Yup.
- There are dozens of them! - Yeah.
- Has anyone ever seen them? - No.
Mr Dale, I have a great favor to ask you.
Would you help me put on a magic lantern show? Show? Oh uh - No, I don't think I could do that.
- Please.
You have no idea how important this is to me! I don't really think that I could help.
But you don't understand! I've let everyone down! You're much to young to have let anyone down.
Oh, but I have! I'm the one who helped Mr Beatty escape with all the money for the library fund.
The whole town is talking about me! Avonlea might talk for a while, but they'll get over it.
But I won't! I want them to like me.
You really think that a magic lantern show will do the trick? It couldn't hurt! But I can't do it without you.
Well if you don't think I'll get in the way.
- Get in the way? Mr Dale it was fate that we met this afternoon.
Magic lantern show! Sara Stanley are you dreaming? - If I hear one more thing about - Jasper Dale has a magic lantern! Jasper Dale?! Oh! That man hasn't said a peep to anyone in this town for years.
But he promised to help me! Please, Aunt Hetty! - I know I can do it.
- It's totally out of the question.
I've already been down that road, and been made an absolute fool of, in the process.
But there won't be enough money to buy books.
- We have to do something! - It was a popular idea, Hetty.
- I feel - You feel? It's about time you started to think, Olivia, not just feel.
What's doomed to failure once is doomed to failure twice.
I still can't believe that Hetty gave in.
Of course only success will justify it in her eyes.
Well, Sara Stanley, promise me you won't go running off with the money this time.
Don't worry, Mr Lawson.
I aim to make this a show to remember.
Ha, ha.
I'm sure it will be.
Anyone who can get Jasper Dale to come out of hiding, is bound to be full of surprises.
Magic lantern show indeed! I don't approve of picture shows, and I don't approve of library funds neither.
Hard work! That's what young people need more than books.
Well, I'm sure you're entitled to your opinion, Mrs Ray.
Trust the little chick from Montreal to come up with an idea like that, huh? Just look at her.
Walking along as if she owned the earth! Even if she has relations here, she's not a real islander.
Jasper Dale?! The awkward man is as crazy as a bed bug.
I was just saying that she won't find me there.
Mind you, seeing Jasper Dale in a crowd would be worth the price of admission.
Either the piano is out of tune or I'm out of practice.
I see how it works.
So, this one disappears, as this one reappears on the screen.
Yeah, as long as your pictures are set up right.
- Okay! Well, can I try it? - Yeah.
- This one turns it on? - Yeah.
Imagine Jasper Dale having anything to do with a magic lantern show! Huh! Imagine Hetty King having anything to do with one either, Olivia! Oh! I feel that you and that child will be the death of me.
I just slide this in here Yeah and do it carefully because they'rethey're fragile.
Okay.
Mr Dale, how do you know if the slide is upside down? Mr Dale? I don't know why you would strike up a friendship with the Awkward Man of all people, Sara.
Don't call him the Awkward Man! He's just a little shy.
If you got to know him, you'll find out he's a very clever man.
He may be clever, but he can't even walk without tripping over his feet.
Mr Dale? Where are you going? Ah it'sit's all set up so I guess I'll be going.
You're coming back for the show, aren't you? Andrew could run the lantern.
He knows how.
Mr Dale! You promised! Oh i don't I don't I don't Please, Mr Dale!.
We're partners.
Well You must meet my aunts.
This is Aunt Olivia and this is Aunt Hetty.
Hello, Jasper.
Well, I hope you don't run off before the show as that infamous Mr Beatty did.
Mr Dale would never do that! Thank you for helping the cause, Jasper! I know the show will live up to everyone's expectations.
Well, well, Mr Dale, you are a most secretive man! We didn't know that you were so mechanically inclined.
And how wonderful for all of us, that you are! What Sara won't do to earn a little money.
She's such a show off! You're just jealous.
You think you are her hired boy, Peter Craig! The way she's got you like a toad on a string.
Jasper Dale, Jasper Dale! Likes to hide in a garbage pail! Next to Sally Potts, Felicity's a saint! - Why is he hiding from me? - It's not just you, Sara.
Jasper Dale's been like that for a long time.
But why? A lot of reasons, I guess.
I remember when he was young, his parents had such high expectations of him no matter how hard he tried he could just never please them.
- How awful! - Then when his mother took sick, Addie McNeal was sent to nurse her and Jasper fell madly in love with her.
But his mother wouldn't consent to their marriage, even on her death bed! How could she? Well, Jasper rebelled and he arranged to be married anyway.
Even from the grave his mother won out.
The wedding day arrived and the bride didn't.
She ran off with a farmer from the next concession.
She jilted Jasper at the altar in front of the whole town.
Poor Jasper! He's been a recluse ever since.
- Goodbye, Ma! - Goodbye, Ma! Goodbye, Clemmie! Be good, Edward! I told you that ma would never let you go to that stupid show.
It's not fair.
I don't know anyone who has the measles.
Everyone else is going.
Well, I'm going to meet Fred Bell in the woods.
We built a fort and we're going to sleep there all night.
We've planned this the whole summer.
But you're supposed to take care of me while Ma is gone! - I've got better things to do! - I'll tell Ma! You tell and I'll bury you in the backyard with the ants! And they'll bite you and get in your ears and in your nose.
Stop it, Edward! Where is Sara? Hmm! That girl is slower than molasses on a cold day.
Ah! I shouldn't think you'd wear that, Sara.
Those flowers will wilt in the heat.
We're off then! Don't dillydally now.
We'll see you there.
Aren't you nervous about getting up in front of all those people? Yes, a little bit.
Well, my father says that when you're going to speak in public, all you've got to do is get it firmed in your mind that there's just a bunch of cabbage heads in the audience.
Then you won't be nervous.
I don't think there would be much inspiration in talking to cabbage heads.
I want to speak to people and see them looking interested or thrilled.
Or bored to tears! Hey! There's Clemmie Ray.
She's crying! - Whatever is the matter now, Clemmie? - Edward's left me all alone in the house, and Ma's forbidden me to go to the magic lantern show.
She says that Markdale is full of the measles, and there are sure to be some Markdale people at the show.
I don't think there's any danger of catching the measles.
If there were, we wouldn't be allowed to go.
Oh, Clemmie, surely if you tell your ma, that it's all right with all of our grown-ups.
It's too late! Ma's gone to Newbridge and she won't be back until tomorrow! Then why don't you just come with us to the show anyhow? Your mother won't ever know.
Sara! You shouldn't put Clemmie up to disobeying her mother! Felicity, stay out of this.
Now look, Clemmie.
Go into this with all of your heart, if you're going to do it at all.
There's no use in doing something bad if you spoil your fun by wishing all the time you were good.
Whawhat if Ma finds out? If you're so scared you'd better not come.
Lets go, Peter.
Wait! I'm coming! Many have come to see the magic lantern show.
My goodness! What a turnout, Hetty! The library will be a huge success! Don't count your chickens, it isn't over yet.
Don't worry, Mr Dale.
Everything will go all right.
Good, Sara.
You wouldn't find me showing off in front of the whole town.
Oh, is the whole town here? Think of the money we'll make.
I dare it wouldn't take much to upset her little show, Jasper Dale being so jumpy and all.
Sally Potts! You wouldn't.
Oh! Fanny Tarbush looks like a head-on collision between a fashion plate and a nightmare.
We were getting to think you were too good for the island, Mr Campbell.
Oh, Wellington isn't nearly as unapproachable as the papers make him out to be.
Islanders always come home sooner or later.
- Have you found a place yet? - Nothing definite.
But we're working on it.
I'm sure you are, Fanny.
"Her poor little hands were numb with cold.
" "'Oh!' she thought, 'How one little match would warm me!'" "She couldn't resist.
" "She pulled one from it's little box.
Scraaatch!" "How it fluttered and waved in the night wind!" "It burned just like a little candle.
" "But what a strange light!" "Suddenly the little match girl was sitting under the most amazing Christmas tree.
" "Thousands of candles were burning on its green branches.
" "She held out both her hands.
" "Then the candles started to rise higher and higher, up into the night air.
.
" "One of them turned into a shooting star, that streaked across the night sky.
" "Suddenly the match went out.
The light was gone.
" "'Someone must be dying', she thought," "for her dear, kind granny, now long dead, had said that" "when a star falls, a soul goes up to heaven.
" That girl is destined for something, Hetty.
"This time in its glow stood her old granny," "the only person who had ever been kind to her.
" "'Granny!' she cried.
'Please don't leave me! Take me with you!'" "'Please don't leave me!'" "The little match girl pleaded and pleaded with her granny" "in the glow of light that surrounded them like a blanket.
" "Granny took her dear, little granddaughter in her arms and flew with her high, high up towards heaven.
" "Higher and higher they ascended and there was no more cold, or hunger, or fear.
" "But in the light of dawn, her huddled figure was found," "frozen to death on the first morning of the new year.
" "She was holding on to her matches, nearly all burnt down.
" "'She must have been trying to warm herself.
' the people said.
" "But no one knew the radiance, in which she had risen with her dear, old kind granny" "in the joy of the new year.
" - Well done! - Bravo! 3, 2, 1 JASPER DALE! Mr Dale! Get out! Get out of there! Over there! Over there! Mr Dale? Mr Dale? Are you home? Mr Dale, I know you're in there.
Andrew has looked at the magic lantern and has said that it won't take much to fix it.
Please come out.
I'm sorry! It wasn't your fault.
Everybody knows that.
Don't fret so, Hetty! When all is said and done, the evening was a great success.
A great success? Mrs McGee goes up in smoke, you call that aa great success? I shall never be able to hold my head up in public again.
Mrs McGee was quite unharmed.
Only her pride was hurt.
I knew anything involving Jasper Dale, was destined for failure.
O, Good Lord! Look who's coming over.
Hide the eggs! - Uh, good morning, Fanny.
- There's not a good thing about it, Hetty King.
I'm so upset.
I hope the profit your show has made is worth the pain it has caused me.
Profit? We'll be lucky to buy a dozen books after we pay for the damage.
What about the damage to the sale of my farm? My deal was to close this morning.
Well, I hardly think that's any of my affair, Fanny.
Hello, Mrs Tarbush.
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr Campbell.
He's gone! Do you have any hard peas, Aunt Olivia? He practically asked me if my period of mourning was over.
Why? I wanted to put them in my shoes as penance.
I don't think Presbyterians do penance, Sara.
It's either that or kill Sally Potts.
You'll do nothing of the kind! Wellington! I led poor Jasper Dale into untold humiliation.
Maybe the little pebbles on the front walk will do just as well.
Not a word and now this.
What would you say if I went barefoot for the next week? I wouldn't say anything, Sara Stanley.
I'll simply put you over my knee and give you a good, solid spanking.
You'd find that penance enough.
Good heavens, Olivia! Give her some eggs and send her home.
Didn't I tell you, she was no good? The Bible says man is born to trouble, as sparks fly upward and we have no better proof.
Upward and across the room! We could all have perished.
- She certainly can tell a story though.
- Pff! She's got her stories all right! All she knows is how to spin tales and deceit.
You see what happened to my Clemmie? All because that Story Girl enticed her to go against my wishes.
That's exactly what she is, a Story Girl.
Oh, hello, Miss Story Girl! I have a tale for you.
Clemmie's real sick and it might be the measles.
And the measles go awful hard with the Rays.
If they don't die completely, it might leave them half blind.
Has the doctor said it's measles, Mrs Ray? Well, no, but she's feverish, real feverish.
And all because you played the devil with her.
You've played the devil with all of us! That's enough, Mrs Ray! What kind of mother leaves her child alone overnight? Clemmie was far safer with us.
I'm very sorry she's sick, but I suggest you consult a doctor before making your own diagnosis.
And whether she's told you or not, Mrs Potts, it was your girl, Sally, who caused the fire in the first place, with her mean-spirited taunting of Jasper Dale! So before I spread that story all over Avonlea, I'd suggest you take your wagging tongues elsewhere! Oh! That felt good, Sara! By the way, Clemmie doesn't have the measles at all, she just has a bad cold.
I'm so relieved, Cecily! I would never have forgiven myself if she would have died from the measles! She'd probably be a whole lot happier dead, than with that horrible mother of hers.
Oh, look, it's Sara Stanley, the Story Girl! Light any fires lately, Match Girl? You're just jealous because Sara raised more money than you did for the library fund, Sally Potts.
Even after she paid for the damages that you caused.
Why don't you go home and scrub your kitchen floor, and then take a mud bath in it?! I don't know what you're talking about! I had nothing to do with that fire.
Oh yes you did, Sally Potts! And I'm gonna prove it, if it's the last thing I do.
Everybody knows that it was old Jasper Dale's fault.
You're the one that's stupid, if you think you can get away with it.
Confess, Sally, you're the one that started the fire.
I did not! And take your ugly face away from me.
Sara the Story Girl, what a joke! Tells a tale and goes up in smoke! Say it! Confess! Sara the Story Girl, what a joke! Tells a tale and goes up in smoke! - Come on, say it! - Say it! - Say it! - Say it! Confess or we'll drop you in the deep part! Yeah and there are giant blood suckers in there.
I've seen them! Don't! If I confess will these idiots let go of me? Say, I started the fire at the Town Hall, not Jasper Dale! I caused the fire at the Town Hall, not Jasper Dale! Louder! I caused the fire at the Town Hall, not Jasper Dale! - Now let go of me! - Let her go! There's a blood sucker on your hand.
Sara! Sara Stanley! Come here this minute! The last time we met, Sara Stanley, you were at the point of asking me for a fairly sizable donation for the library fund.
- Yes, Mr Campbell.
- But you see, young lady, I hate to part with my money unless I receive some benefit from the expenditure.
But as for your performance, the other I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the show last night, Mr Campbell.
I'll give you your money back, if you like.
What makes you think I didn't enjoy it? You left before the applause.
Sara I may call Sara, may I? Please do! I prefer it to Story Girl, which is what everybody is calling me now.
A most appropriate name it is, for that is what you are, Sara Stanley, and never be ashamed of it.
Your performance, the other night, seemed to move the audience in a way I've rarely seen.
My mother used to read me that story.
Your mother must have been very proud, watching you.
She passed away when I was little.
My mother passed away when I was little too.
The way you told the story, reminded me of her.
So that's why you left early.
Sometimes it's a pity that your face can't show what your heart is feeling.
But I suppose that's the way it is, for a man of your stature.
It would be like seeing the King of England in tears.
Well, - hardly the King of England.
.
- Maybe not, but word would spread.
My Aunt Janet says that Fanny Tarbush would talk the ear off a pig if she had half the chance.
Sara, I want you to have this, as my donation to the library fund.
A thousand dollars! Mr Campbell, this would build a whole new library, let alone fill one with books! That's right.
But you never get something from nothing in this life.
I only ask that the library be named in honor of my mother.
And so it shall be, Mr Campbell.
And we are most grateful, all of us.
Mr Dale! Mr Dale! I have to talk to you about what happened.
Sally Potts confessed in front of the whole school.
Now the whole town will know that she caused the fire.
And that's not all.
Mr Campbell made a huge donation towards the school library fund, just because he loved the show.
I want you to know that we couldn't have done it without you, Mr Dale.
Thank you, for not letting me down.
It's funny how things go, isn't it? I was beginning to think that what Aunt Hetty said was right.
You know, about what was doomed to failure once is doomed to failure twice.
But I think things can sometimes turn out better the second time.
Don't you agree? You are unst un unstoppable, Sara Stanley.
Now you know why they call me the Awkward Man.
Oh, we've both got a name then, because they're starting to call me the Story Girl.
And you know, the way things have turned out, I don't think, I mind one bit.