Dialogues of the Dead

SERGIUS: Well, it was always your ambition to make your mark as a wordman, wasn’t it? And you did contribute to your own downfall. She wouldn’t have come to the cottage if you hadn’t asked her. And she wouldn’t have seen your birthmark if you hadn’t set out to seduce her. And the police wouldn’t have had you so firmly in the frame if you’d come forward to admit you’d been in bed with Miss Ripley the day she died. That was an amusing irony, really. Rye had actually covered up your presence there by removing your watch which you’d left under the pillow! She did it out of affection for you. But if the police had found it and therefore questioned you earlier about your relationship with Miss Ripley, who knows? Perhaps the whole course of events may have been changed. Well, that’s fate. Now, unless there are any more questions, let’s start getting you aboard. You first, Messrs. Bird and Follows, as you are potentially the most awkward …

PERCY: We will get separated on the other side, won’t we?

SERGIUS: Oh yes. Nothing Dante-esque about the place where you’re going. Now, Miss Ripley …excellent …Mr. Ainstable, perhaps you could give Mr. Pitman a hand …he’s a bit broken up …you’ll love it over there, Mr. Pitman. Very Greek. Mr. Steel …

STUFFER: What’s the nosh like, mate?

SERGIUS: Ambrosia. With chips. Dr. Johnson …

SAM: I don’t know about this …

SERGIUS: Just think of it as sailing to the rock in the ancient waves, Doctor. And there’s a young friend of yours waiting to see you. That’s right. He may have a couple of things to tell you which you’ll find surprising. There we go. Now, Mr. Dee …

DICK: Do I gather that we’ll get the chance to meet people we once knew …?

SERGIUS: Don’t worry. Young Johnny knows you’re coming. He’s very excited. Last but not least, you, my lord.

GEOFF: Oh gosh, not so much of that lord stuff, eh? Not the place to be putting on the style from the sound of it.

SERGIUS: You may be surprised how hierarchical we are. And of course when you’re connected …