Personality (Downon Abbey Wiki)

Tom Branson's main interests are history and politics, something which amuses Robert at first but leads to regret when Tom influences his youngest daughter, Sybil to rebel. By the time of the war, Tom believes Sybil is in love with him, but that she is too scared to admit it. He is very persistent and blunt in the early seasons; Sybil tells Mary that he is frightfully full of himself.

Tom takes great pride in his Irish heritage and his Catholic faith. He has a good heart and is deeply saddened when he hears that the Tsar’s family have all been shot, but he believes in progress and thinks that sometimes the future needs terrible sacrifices in order to get better. Tom appears to be well-read and loves reading. He knows what he wants and will wait for however long it takes to get it. He also has a strong will and is not easily swayed when tempted, such as when Travis and Robert oppose him over his daughter's christening or when Edna tried to blackmail him. He has been proven at times to be easily manipulated, as he is very conscientious. For example, when Edna seduced him and tried to make him feel he was responsible, he later remarked to Mrs Hughes it was all his fault; she corrected him by saying that it was only partly his fault.

When he was the chauffeur, he did not appear to have made any close friends at Downton other than Sybil, although he seemed to have a cordial relationship with most of the staff, many of whom later seemed unsure about how to treat him after his change in status; most continued to treat him with respect. Over time, he grew extremely close to people upstairs, especially Mary, Cora, and Isobel and found a good friend in downstairs' Mrs Hughes. Tom was initially against the English and aristocrats, but by 1922, as he tells Sarah Bunting, he does not believe in types, but in people. He notes that he no longer sees things only in black and white. Nevertheless, he does not consider himself one of the aristocracy.

Sybil: "It seems rather unlikely: a revolutionary chauffeur." Branson: "I'm a socialist, not a revolutionary and I won't always be a chauffeur." — Sybil and Branson discuss political ideologies

Sozialismus
Weltbild, das sich im 19. Jahrhundert aus der Kritik am Kapitalismus entwickelt hat und eine Beseitigung dieses Wirtschaftssystems anstrebt. Wirtschaftspolitische Grundlage ist die Aufhebung des Privateigentums an den Produktionsmitteln und dessen Verstaatlichung sowie die zentrale Planung und Lenkung des Wirtschaftsprozesses, um negative soziale Auswirkungen des Wirtschaftens zu verhindern. Ziel ist die Überwindung sozialer Gegensätze in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft sowie die Verbesserung der Situation der arbeitenden Bevölkerung.

Sybil & Tom in Staffel 1 ♥

Season 1, Episode 4

Carson: You wanted to see the new chauffeur, my lord?
Robert: Yes indeed. Please send him in. (...) Come in, come in. Good to see you again. Branson, isn't it?
Tom: That's right, your lordship.
Robert: I hope they've shown you where everything is and we've delivered whatever we promised at the interview.
Tom: Certainly, my lord.
Robert: Won't you miss Ireland?
Tom: Ireland, yes. But not the job. The mistress was a nice Lady, but she had only one car and she wouldn't let me drive it over 20 miles an hour. So it was a bit... Well, boring, so to speak. (...) You've got a wonderful library.
Robert: You're very welcome to borrow books, if you wish.
Tom: Really, my lord?
Robert: Well, there's a ledger over there that I make everyone use, even my daughters. Carson and Mrs. Hughes sometimes take a novel or two. What are your interests?
Tom: History and politics, mainly.
Robert: Heavens.

Robert (to Carson): He seems a brigth spark after poor old Taylor. And to think Taylor's gone off to run a tea shop.

(Tom & Sybil see each other for the first time)
Edith: Why is Sybil having a new dress and not me?
Cora: Because it is Sybil's turn.
Sybil: Can it be my choice this time?
Cora: Of course, darling. As long as you choose what I choose. Branson, you'll be taking Lady Sybil into Ripon tomorrow. She'll be leaving after luncheon.
Tom: Certainly, your ladyship.
Sybil: Poor old Madame Swan. I don't know why we bother with fittings. She always makes the same frock.
Edith: What do you want her to make?
Sybil: Something new and exciting.
Cora: Heavens! Look at the time. Not a Minute to change and Granny's invited herself to dinner.
Sybil: Then she can jolly well wait.
Cora: So women's rights begin at home? I see. Well, I'm all for that.

O'Brien: You shouldn't have eaten with us. The chauffeur always eats in his own cottage.
Bates: Steady on. You can cut him a bit of slack on his second day.
Tom: I'm waiting to take old Lady Grantham home.
O'Brien: Even then, Taylor never ate with us. You're taking advantage of Mrs. Hughes' absence.
Tom (to Bates): What are you doing?
Bates: I'm sorting the collars. (...)
Tom: What happens to his lordships's old clothes?
O'Brien: What's it to you? Clothes are a valet's perk, not a chauffeur's.
Bates: I get some. But most of it goes into the missionary barrel.
Tom: I know it's meant to be kind, but I can think of better ways to helping the needy than sending stiff collars to the equator.

Tom: Will you have your own way, do you think? With the frock? Only I couldn't help overhearing yesterday, and from what her ladyship said, it sounded as if you support women's rights.
Sybil: I suppose I do.
Tom: Because I'm quite political. In fact, I've brought you some pamphlets that I thought might interest you, about the vote.
Sybil: Thank you. But please don't mention any of this to my father, or my grandmother. One whiff of reform and she hears the rattle of the Guillotine. It seems rather unlikely, a revolutionary chauffeur.
Tom: Maybe. But I'm a socialist, not a revolutionary. And I won't always be a chauffeur.

Season 1, Episode 6

Tom: You're allright, my lady?
Sybil: Isn't it exciting?
Isobel: Sybil, I think it's time for Branson to take you home.
Sybil: Not yet.
Isobel: I think so. I applaud your spirit in comping and I will applaud your discretion when you leave.
Sybil: But you agree with everything he says?
Isobel: I do, my dear. But I also know if anything happens to you, Branson will lose his place.
Branson: Better safe than sorry, my lady. The car is just here.
Sybil: Women must get the vote, mustn't they, Branson? Why does the Prime Minister resist the inevitable.
Branson: Politians can't often recognise the change that is inevitable.
(...)
Sybil: I hope you do got into politics. It's a fine ambition.
Branson: Ambition or dream? If I do, it's not all about women and the vote for me, nor even freedom for Ireland. It's the gap between the aristocracy and the poor, and...
Sybil: And what?
Branson: I'm sorry. I don't mean to speak against his lordship.
Sybil: Why not? You obviously don't approve of him.
Branson: Not as a represantative of an oppressive class. But he's a good man and a decent employer.
Sybil: Spoken like a true politician. (...) What do I look like? Could you sneak me round the back? I should hate for Papa to see me like this.

Robert (after hearing that Sybil was at the political meeting): I assume this was all Branson's scheme?
Sybil: No.
Robert: I confess I was amused by the idea of an Irish radical for a chauffeur, but I see now I've been naive.

Tom (about Robert): Anyway. He ought to be glad to have a daughter who cares.

Tom (driving Sybil to Ripon): Where to from here?
Sybil: What do you mean? We've arrived.
Branson: The meeting's in one of these buildings here?
Sybil: This is the meeting. We're here for the counting of the votes.
Branson: I don't understand. I thought that...
Sybil: Don't be silly Branson. You didn't think I would miss my very first by-election?
Branson: I don't think his lordship would approve.
Sybil: Let me worry about him.
Branson: I have to park the car! Don't move. Stay where you are!
Sybil: Really, Branson. I thought I gave the orders.

Branson (at the meeting): Can we call it a day, my lady?
Sybil: Don't be silly. This is the moment we've come for.
Branson: This lot aren't interested in politics. They're spoiling for a fight.
Matthew: Sybil! What on earth are you doing here?
Sybil: I couldn't miss this.
Matthew: Couldn't you? I could.
Branson: I don't like the look of this, my lady.

Branson: I've come to fetch you, my lady. We've taken Lady Sybil to Crawley House in the village.
Mary: What's happened?
Branson: I took her to Ripon for the count. She got injured in a fight.
Mary: Take me there at once.

Mary: Oh, I could wring Branson's neck.
Matthew: What was he thinking? I'm afraid it will cost him his job.
Sybil: No. I told him he was taking me to committee meeting. When he realised what it was, he wanted to come straight back.
Mary: Youl'll have to stick up for him, because Papa will skin him alive.

Branson (after taking Sybil home): She's not badly hurt, is she?
Mary: I don't think so, no.
Branson: Thank God.
Mary: Better be prepared. I'm afraid Lord Grantham will hit the roof.
Branson: I never would have taken her there. I may be a Socialist but I'm not a lunatic.
Mary: I'm not sure Papa knows the difference.
Branson: You'll let me know how she get's on? Please.
Mary: If you wish.

Robert: Of course, I blame Branson.
Mary: Papa, I don't think that's fair.
Robert: We had none of this, none of it, until he set foot in our house! I suppose I should give thanks he hasn't burnt the place down over our heads!
Sybil: Branson didn't know anything about it until we arrived there!
Robert: He leaves tonight.
Sybil: If you punish Branson I'll never speak to you again. Never!
Mary: I don't believe this is Branson's fault. Truly, Papa.
Sybil: Blame me.
Robert: I do blame you!
Sybil: If I find out in the morning that Branson is missing, I'll run away. I warn you.

Season 1, Episode 7

After William and Thomas had a fight; about Thomas)
Branson: He had that coming.

Telephone ringing.
Mrs. Patmore: Oh, my lord, listen to that. It's like the cry of a banshee.
Branson: Mr. Carson's telephone is ringing. Isn't someone going to answer it?
Mrs. Patmore: I wouldn't touch that thing with a ten-foot pole.
Branson: Well, I will, then.

Branson: I've got news, my lady.
(...)
Sybil: Mr. Bromidge has rung! You've done it, Gwen! You've got the job!
Mrs. Hughes: Something to celebrate?
Gwen: I've got the job, Mrs. Hughes! I'm a secretary. I've begun.
Mrs. Hughes: I'm very happ for you, Gwen. And we'll celebrate after we've finished today's work.
Gwen: Of course, Mrs. Hughes.
Branson (after holding hands with Sybil): I don't suppose...
Mrs. Hughes: Lady Sybil! Her ladyship was asking after you. (...) Be careful, my lad. Or you'll end up with no job and a broken heart.
Branson: What do you mean?

Season 2, Episode 1

Tom teaching Edith how to drive the car
Edith: I do think I'm getting better, don't you?
Tom: Up to a point, milady. If you could just get the clutch right down to the floor.
Edith: But I am.
Tom: Not quite, milady.
Edith: It doesn't seem to want to go.
Tom: I think it wants to, if you ask it properly. That's better. You'll be putting me out of a job.
Edith: Won't the call-up put you all out of your jobs?
Tom: I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Tom (get a white feather): But I'm in a uniform.
Woman: Wrong kind.

Sybil: It'll be hard to let you go. My last link with home.
Tom: Not as hard as it is for me.
Sybil: Branson...
Tom: I know I shouldn't say it, but I can't keep it any longer.
Sybil: I wish you would.
Tom: I've told myself and told myself, you're too far above me, but things are changing. When the war is over the world won't be the same place as it was when it started. And I'll make something of myself, I promise.
Sybil: I know you will.
Tom: Then bet on me. And if your family casts you of, it won't be forever. They'll come around. And until they do, I promise to devote every waking minute to your happiness.
Sybil: I'm terribly flattered.
Tom: Don't say that.
Sybil: Why not?
Tom: Because "flattered" is a word posh people use when they're getting ready to say no.
Sybil: That sounds more like you.
Tom: Please don't make fun of me.
Sybil: No.
Tom: It's cost me all I've got to say these things. Right. I'll go. I'll hand in my notice and I won't be there when you get back.
Sybil: No, don't do that.
Tom: I must. They won't let me stay when they've heard what I've said.
Sybil: They won't hear. Not from me.

Season 2, Episode 2

Cora: Branson, when you've finished unloading, run down to the hospital and remind Lady Sybil that we expect her here for dinner. And tell her I mean it. Really, they're working her like a packhorse in a mine.
Tom: I think she enjoys it, though.
Cora: Please tell her to come in time to change.

Sybil: I can't possibly come! Really, Mama is incorrigible!
Isobel: It's not poor Branson's fault.
Sybil: But what is the oint in Mama's soirees? What are they for?
Isobel: Well, I'm going up for dinner tonight and I'm glad. Is that wrong? Thomas, you can cover for Nurse Crawley, can't you?
Thomas: I can.
Tom (to Thomas): So you're back then, safe and sound.
Thomas: That's not how I'd put it, with my hand the way it is. But yes, Major Clarkson's found me a place. And I'm grateful.
Sybil: Can you give Lieutenant Courtenay his pills?
Thomas: Of course I can, I'd be glad to.

Tom: Her Ladyship had Mrs. Patmore pack this up for you. So you could eat something during the day.
Sybil: Oh, another time.
Tom: Is it what you thought it would be?
Sybil: No. No, it's more savage and more cruel than I could have imagined. But, I feel useful for the first time in my life. And that must be a good thing.
Tom: So you wouldn't go back to the life before the war?
Sybil: No. No, I could never go back to that again.

Season 2, Episode 3

Sybil: Carson told Papa that you've been called up.
Tom: There's no need to be so serious.
Sybil: You'd think me rather heartless if I didn't.
Tom: I'm not going to fight.
Sybil: You'll have to.
Tom: I will not. I'm going to be a 'conscientious objector'.
Sybil: They'll put you in prison.
Tom: I'd rather prison than the Dardanelles.
Sybil: When will you tell them?
Tom: In my own good time.
Sybil: I don't understand.
Tom: I'll go to the medical, I'll report for duty and when on Parade, I'll march out front and I'll shout it loud and clear. And if that doesn't make the newspapers, then I'm a monkey's uncle.
Sybil: But you'll have a record for the rest of your life.
Tom: At least I'll have a life.

Ethel: Mr. Branson's been telling us the news from Russia.
Carson: What news is that?
Tom: Kerensky's been made Prime Minister, but he won't go far enough for me. Lenin denounces the bourgeoisie along with the Tsar. He wants a people's revolution and that's what I'm waiting for. It won't be long now.
Carson: And what's happened to the Tsar?
Tom: Imprisoned in the Alexander Palace with all his family.
Mrs. Patmore: What a dreadful thing.
Tom: They won't hurt them. Why would they?
Anna: To make an example?
Tom: Give them some credit. This is a new dawn, a new age of government. No one wants to start it with the murder of a bunch of young girls.

Doctor: Breathe in. And out. I'm surprised they didn't get to you before now.
Tom: Some people have all the luck, sir.
Doctor: You can get dressed.
Tom: Shall I report for duty in Richmond?
Doctor: You'll be told what to do.

Sybil: Are you waiting for Papa? Do you want me to go and find him?
Tom. They turned me down. The army.
Sybil: Why?
Tom: Apparently, I have a heart murmur. Or to be more precise, "A mitral valve prolapse is causing a pansystolic murmur"
Sybil: I don't know what to say. Is it dangerous?
Tom: Only if you're planning to humilitate the British Army. I suppose you're glad.
Sybil: You're not going to be killed and you're not going to go to prison. Of course I'm glad.
Tom: Don't count your chickens. If I'll don't get them one way I'll get them another.
Sybil: Why do you have to be so angry all the time? I know we weren't exactly at our best in Ireland...
Tom: Not at your best? Not at your best? I lost a cousin in the Easter Rising last year.
Sybil: You never said.
Tom: Well, I'm saying it now. He was walking down North King Street one day and an English soldier saw him and shot him dead. When they asked why he was killed, the officer said, because he was probably a rebel. So don't say you were not at your best.
Robert: Sorry to keep you waiting, but we're going to have to step on it.

O'Brien: So, you're not going to war then?
Tom: Apparently not. Is it true about Mr. Crawley bringing a famous general here?
O'Brien: Captain Crawley, but yes. Why?
Tom: No reason.

Tom: Mr. Carson, might I have a word?
Carson: I'm busy with this dinner for tomorrow night.
Tom: Well, that's just it. I don't expect you'll be using Mr. Lang. Not after last time.
Carson: I will not.
Tom: So I wondered if I might be any help. I've waited a table before.
Carson: Do you mean it? I know I've no right to ask it of a chauffeur.
Tom: We have to keep up the honour of Downton, don't we?
Carson: I'm very grateful, Mr. Branson. I'll not hide it. Very grateful indeed. You know where to find a livery?
Tom: I do.
Carson: And I gather you won't be leaving u, after all?
Tom: Who knows what the future will bring?

Mrs. Hughes: Everything allright, Mr. Branson?
Tom: I think so, Mrs. Hughes.
(...)
Anna: Where's Mr. Branson?
Mrs. Hughes?: He's just taken up the soup. Why?
Anna: Read that!
Mrs. Hughes (reading): "They'll have arrested me by now, but I'm not sorry. The bastard had it coming to him." Oh!
Carson: What in god's name?
Mrs. Hughes: Read this! Where is he now?
Carson: Oh my god!
(...)
Carson: Get downstairs! Now!
Tom: Allright, allright! There's no need to be so rough!
Carson: There's every need! To stop a murder!
Tom: Murder? What do you mean murder?
Anna: You were going to assassinate the general!
Tom: Kill the general? I was not! I was going to throw all that lot over him.
Anna: What is it?
Tom: Oil and ink, and a bit of a cowpat, all mixed with sour milk. He'd have needed a bath right enough, but not a coffin.

Season 2, Episode 4

Sybil: Why did you promise Carson not to stage any more protests when you wouldn't promise me?
Tom: I had my reasons.
Sybil: You won't be content to stay at Downton forever, will you? Tinkering away at an engine instead of fighting for freedom. I thought you'd join the rising in Dublin last Easter.
Tom: I might have, if it hadn't been put down in six, bloody weeks. But don't fret. The real fight for Ireland will come after the war, and I'll be ready for it. The truth is, I'll stay in Downton until you want to run away with me.
Sybil: Don't be ridiculous.
Tom: You're too scared to admit it, but you're in love with me.
Mary: Branson? Can you get me into Ripon at three? I'm getting some things for Mama. Is there anything you want?
Sybil: Nothing you can find in Ripon.

Mary: Ah, Anna said you were honouring us with your presence at dinner.
Sybil: It's easier here than the hospital. I can always get changed back into my uniform if I need to.
Mary: What were you talking to Branson about, when I came into the yard?
Sybil: Nothing.
Mary: Then why were you there?
Sybil: Why were you there?
Mary: Because I was ordering the motor. That is why one talks to chauffeurs, isn't it? To plan journeys by road?
Sybil: He is a person. He can discuss other things.
Mary: I'm sure he can. But not with you.
Sybil: What do you want from me? Am I to see if Sir Richard Carlisle has a younger brother? One, who's even richer than he is?
Mary: Darling, what's the matter with you? I'm on your side.
Sybil: Then be on my side!

Mary: Sybil, I never said anything to Granny. Honestly.
Sybil: Then why did she suddenly start talking about "inappropiate friendships" out of nowhere?
Mary: She thinks you must have a beau and if we don't know about him, then you have to be keeping him secret. It's just Granny being Granny. Don't make such a thing of it.
Sybil: I don't deserve to be told off, not by her or by you. Nothing's happened.
Mary: Why? What might have happened?
Sybil: I mean it. We haven't kissed or anything. I don't think we've even shaken hands. I'm not even sure I like him like that. He says I do but I'm still not sure.
Mary: We are talking about....
Sybil: Branson. Yes.
Mary: The chauffeur, Branson.
Sybil: Oh! How disappointing of you.
Mary: I'm just trying to get it straight into my head. You and the chauffeur.
Sybil: Mary, you know I don't care about all of that.
Mary: Oh, darling, darling, don't be such a baby. This isn't Fairyland. What did you think? You'd marry the chauffeur and we'd all come to tea?
Sybil: Don't be silly. I told you, I don't even think I like him.
Mary: What has he said to you?
Sybil: That he loves me and he wants me to run away with him.
Mary: Good God in heaven!
Sybil: He's frightfully full of himself.
Mary: You don't say.
Sybil: But I haven't encouraged him. I haven't said anything, really.
Mary: You haven't given him away, though.
Sybil: Will you?
Mary: Well, I won't betray him on one condition. You must promise not to do anything stupid. You must promise now or I'll tell Papa tonight.
Sybil: I promise.

Sybil: So, Bates is back for good. Papa must be pleased.
Tom: And Mr. Carson won't be sorry.
Sybil: Branson, there's something you ought to know. I've told Mary.
Tom: I see. Well, that's me finished, then, without a reference.
Sybil: No, she's not like that. You don't know her. She wouldn't give us away.
Tom: But she won't encourage us.
Sybil: No. Why are you smiling? I thought you'd be angry.
Tom: Becaue that's the first time you've ever spoken about us. If you didn't care, you'd have told them months ago.
Sybil: Oh, I see. Becaue I don't want you to lose your Job, it must mean I'm madly in love with you.
Tom: Well, doesn't it?
Sybil: You say I'm a free spirit, and I hope I am, but you're aksing me to give up my whole world and everyone in it.
Tom: And that's too high a price to pay?
Sybil: It is a high price! I love my parents. You don't known them. And I love my sisters and my friends...
Tom: I'm not asking you to give them up forever. And when they come around I will welcome them with open arms.
Sybil: And what about your people? Would they accept me? And what about my work?
Tom: What work? You're bringing hot tea to a lot of randy officers. Look, it comes down to wether or not you love me. That's all. That's it. The rest is detail.

Season 2, Episode 5

Sybil: Can you drive me to the hospital?
Tom: Aren't you needed here? I've already taken Lady Mary down.
Sybil: I know. I want to be with her when Captain Crawley arrives. They can manage without me here for a while.
Tom: Is she still in love with him?
Sybil: I don't want to talk about it.
Tom: Why? Because I'm the chauffeur?
Sybil: No. Because she's my sister.
Tom: You're good at hiding your feelings, aren't you? All of you. Much better than we are.
Sybil: Perhaps. But we do have feelings, and don't make the mistake of thinking we don't.

Sybil: Mary's telephoned. She'll be on a late train. It get's in at 11.
Tom: All right. How's William?
Sybil: It's so sad. Edith's taken care of him, but there's nothing to be done. We're waiting, really. What is it?
Tom: They shot the Tsar. And all of his family.
Sybil: How terrible.
Tom: I'm sorry. I'll not deny it. I never thought they would do it. But sometimes the future needs terrible sacrifices. You thought that, once.
Sybil: If you mean my politics, you know we've agreed to put that to one side until the war is won.
Tom: Your lot did, but Sylvia Pankhurst was all for fighting on.
Sybil: Oh, don't badger me, please.
Tom: Sometimes a hard sacrifice must be made for a future that's worth having. That's all I'm saying. That's up to you.

Season 2, Episode 6

Sybil: I wish I knew how an engine worked.
Tom: I can teach you if you like.
Sybil: That's Edith's territory.
Tom: I thought you were avoiding me.
Sybil: Of course not.
Tom: But you haven't come up with an answer yet, have you?
Sybil: Not yet, I'm afraid. I know you want to play your part in Ireland's troubles and I respect that, but I just can't think about it all until the war is over. It won't be long now, so will you wait?
Tom: I'd wait forever.
Sybil: I'm not asking for forever. Just a few more weeks.

Carson: A German republic? Nah, I don't think so, Mr. Branson. The Kaiser will go, I'll grant you, and maybe the Crown Prince, too, but there'll be a regency, mark my words. Monarchy is the lifeblood of Europe.
Tom: Sorry, Mr. Carson, but I think you'll find the kings and emperors have had their day, if President Wilson has anything to say about it.

Season 2, Episode 7

Tom: You look very fine.
Sybil: Everything I own is from my season before the war. I'm trying to wear them out. Where have you been all day?
Tom: Nowhere. I've just been busy.
Sybil: I envy you. I feel so flat after all the rush and bustle of the last two years. They where sighing for the old days at dinner, but all I could do was thinking about how much more I want from life now than I did then.
Tom: Does this mean you've made up your mind, at last?
Sybil: Not quite. But almost.

Tom: You're very late. Won't they worry?
Sybil: They're all so excited, they won't care where I am.
Tom: I'm pleased. I like Mr. Matthew.
Sybil: He announced at dinner that he wants to get married at Downton. Somehow, it made me feel more than ever that the war is really over, and it's time to move forward.
Tom: Do you mean you've made you decision?
Sybil: Yes. And my answer is that I'm ready to travel. And you are my ticket to get away from this house, away from this life.
Tom: Me?
Sybil: No, Uncle Tom Cobley.
Tom: I'm sorry. But I've waited so long for those words, I can't believe I'm hearing them. You won't mind burning your bridges?
Sybil: Mind? Fetch me the matches! Yes, you can kiss me. But that is all until everything is settled.
Tom: For now, God knows it's enough that I can kiss you.

Tom (after running away with Sybil): How did you find us? How did you know?
Mary: Never mind that. At least nothing has happened, thank God.
Sybil: What do you mean nothing has happened? I've decided to marry Tom, and your coming after me won't change that.
Edith: This isn't the way.
Mary: She's right. Of course Mama and Papa will hate it...
Tom: Why should they?
Mary: Oh, pipe down. Sybil, can't you let them get used to the idea? Take your stand and refuse to budge, but allow them time. That way, you won't have to break up the family.
Sybil: They would never give permission.
Mary: You don't need permission. You're 21. But you do need their forgiveness, if you're not to start your new life under a black shadow.
Tom: Don't listen. She's pretending to be reasonable to get you back home again.
Mary: Even if I am, even I think this is mad, I know it would be better to do it in broad daylight than to sneak off like a thief in the night.
Tom: Go back with them, then, if you think they can make you happier than I will.
Sybil: Am I so weak you believe I can be talked out of giving my heart in five minutes flat? But Mary's right. I don't like deceit, and our parents don't deserve it. So I'll go back with them. Believe it or not, I will stay true to you.
Tom: I'll return the car in the morning. You're confident you can bring her round, aren't you?
Mary: Fairly. I'll certainly try. Do you want some money for the room?
Tom: No thank you, milady. I can pay my own way.