November 21, 2025 • 22 mins
Suspense was one of the most popular and successful radio series during it's run of over 900 episodes, spanning 1940-1962. Guest stars included Orson Welles, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Agnes Moorehead, Marlene Dietrich and Humphrey Bogart. The plots were mostly engaging crime dramas, science fiction and some horror - usually with a surprise ending.
Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | iHeart
Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | iHeart
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
And now a tale well calculated to keep you in.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Suspense. I shall think it very often with tenderness and gratitude,
because Marcus in Phoebe and I were happy together. Phoebe
is dead, but Lucinda is not.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
In just a Moment epitaph starring Paul McGrath and Barbara Becker,
and written especially for suspense by Walter.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Black, Oh how bitter the wind is. I almost didn't
come today, dear Ceb, but I couldn't disappoint you, and
see a new reas for you. Here at the corner
(00:49):
of her headstone.
Speaker 4 (00:52):
Here life Cebe haw Lethridge, beloved wife of Martian's pierced Ethridge,
September nineteen, eighteen hundred and forty three, passed away February
twenty sixth, eighteen hundred and ninety two. Grieve now before
(01:14):
we shall meet where angel thinks.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Oh, Phoebe, Phoebe, how I miss you.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
I wonder you No good would come of marrying him,
yet you were so sure he loved you.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
I knew it was only your money you wanted, but
he shared profit.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
By your death, I promise you that my sister.
Speaker 5 (01:44):
And father afore I shared publicism pursuanto the laws of
vermunt I hear with a name Aaron Jenkins, turning it
law my executive and so fos you answer, well, will
itself a simple and direct Do you are housekeeper Agatham,
Miss Phoebe has after most generous bequest of one thousand
dollars and to your maid marry the sum of five
(02:05):
hundred dollars. I assume mister Sinda and mister Ethridge you
will retain their services.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
World that is entirely up to miss.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
House with b be gone there all I have left.
Naturally they'll remain.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
That's true. Naturally, Well let me see here now, Oh, yes, sir,
to you, Miss Lucinda, your sister left her gold brokes,
which I understand was your mother. Yes, now she felt
that with your half of your father's estate, who had
no needs to get on with it. Mister Jenkins, Yes, yes,
I sair, I of course, my dear sorry, let me
see to my beloved husband, Martin Pierce Ethridge. I bequeath
(02:41):
the remainder of my estate, including my half of the
house known as the Howard Mansion, in the fond hope
that he and my dear sister will continue to live there.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
I can't tell any more of this half a home,
to this murder.
Speaker 5 (02:53):
Miss Lucinda killed my sisters.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
She did not fall down the step.
Speaker 6 (02:59):
Missus peat.
Speaker 5 (03:04):
This this is most distressing. Believe me, you have my
deepest sympathy, but you must not.
Speaker 6 (03:11):
Make such wild excercitions. You yourself were against their.
Speaker 5 (03:15):
Marriage, true, but you will forgive me, mister Etheridge.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Or quiet, mister Seconds, I approve of this being brought
into the open. I was against you are union, but
only because of the difference in your ages. After all,
Miss Phoebe was thirteen years you are senior. Yes, I'm sure.
Speaker 5 (03:34):
That when Miss Lucinda has time to reflect.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
You will feel differently. As my most fervent hopes.
Speaker 5 (03:39):
Well your attitude does your credits are, Miss Lucinda. If
I may be permitted to make a suggestion, get all
the rest you can. You have been under a great strain.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
I bet you good day, mister goodbye, mister jenks.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Well who said that, I'm glad that this is in
the open. Look, I have long wanted to dispel your suspicions,
but I can't blame you for them. Were I in
your shoes, I would feel no differently.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
All kind of you to reassure me on that work.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
After all, I came here only three months ago, complete stranger.
Phoebe and I had a whirlwind courtship.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
And two months later she was dead.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Yes, sim whether you believe it or not, it was
as great a shock to me as to you.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
I choose not to believe it.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Sid the Phoebe's death was an accident.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
And how convenient that she made a new will in
your favor just two days before her death.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
You're tilting at windmills.
Speaker 5 (04:42):
Look as her husband, I was.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Phoebe's there, we'll go without her will, asked mister Jenkison.
I had nothing to do with her fall, unless you
can explain how from here in the drawing room I
could have reached it all the way into the kitchen
and the presence of Agatha and Mary, mind you, and
pushed her down the cellar stair. You're making it very
difficult for them.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Get out, Get out and leave me in peace.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
No, no, out of the question. You see. Oh, I
admit my faults. One of them is a love of luxury.
I like my creature comfort. I couldn't afford them elsewhere.
And what Phoebe has left me but with both of
us contributing to the upkeepers of our home, we can
live quite well.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
You really have it all planned, haven't you.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
I'm not afraid to look facts in the face. Well,
it's full of men better addressed, better looking, far more
talented than I listend it. You've always lived in this
quiet backwater where I came from a man who's judged
by his money in his position. I had neither.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
And then you met Phoebe quite the story book form.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
No, I don't claim that, but we complimented each other well.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
And now you'll send her money without a.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Thought for her or in the country. I shall think
of her often with tenderness and gratitude, because Remarculars and
the Phoebia and I were happy to I've known.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
That's for your glibness, mister Ethridge. Let us end this
painful thing.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
If you wish. I shan't force myself on you. I
can afford to wait. One day you will admit that
you were wrong. You see, I can be very persuasive.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
I shouldn't.
Speaker 5 (06:30):
I mean the dishes tonight, I'll do them fust.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
Thing in the morning.
Speaker 6 (06:32):
What's your hurried when I've got an appointment? With my
new gentlemen friends.
Speaker 3 (06:36):
That's one of the firm things.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Well, we'll keep, but the dishes won't. Now.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Matter of fact, you shouldn't be going.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Out tonight at all.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
This night, I think miss Phoebian are grave less than
a month and already you're thinking of your own pleasures.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Oh how long is the body supposed to stay in?
Speaker 7 (06:50):
Morning?
Speaker 2 (06:51):
That supers will turnished? Get another one? Don't seem like
the same house with her gone? How is this, mister Martin?
What's a question? Of course he does when he took
off this morning, man, But that doesn't mean he stopped
missing her.
Speaker 6 (07:07):
Not.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
Everyone wears their heart and the sleeves. Oh, I think
he's awful handswer, And I think you'd better serve up
the soup and mind you don't.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Spill any of it.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Oh well, table looks charming tonight, Thank you, sir. Oh
good evening, Mom, okay, permit me.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
You may begin serving Agatha, Yes, ma'am, Mary good evening.
Who put those flowers in the centerpiece? I didn't, I mean.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Who sent them? I did? Is that so strange?
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Are those your flowers on Phoebe's grave too?
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Yes? I got she's like them monstrous idea. Isn't a
husband leading flowers on his wife's grave? Your soup is
getting cold, cinder?
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Why do you keep staring at you?
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (08:07):
Was I?
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I beg your pardon? I was noting how well you
look this smer how becoming that gown is at the
risk of arousing your suspicions. May I add that you
are a very attractive woman.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
I have a forty one year old spinster, and I
am unimpressed by flattery, of course.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
Oh, by the way, I've been mulling over an idea
for a memorial to Phoebe. Well was that so astonishing?
I shall never forget how she loved the little summer
house in back. It's in a shocking state of disrepair.
I think it should be cleaned and repainted, and the
lattice work rebuilt. And then you know what's the next
time the agenda? What four willow trees planted, one at
(08:52):
each corner of the summer house? Phoebe always wanted that
note exactly all? That will make a far lovelier memorials
within a cold piece of marble?
Speaker 6 (09:00):
Are you crying?
Speaker 5 (09:04):
You sorry?
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Did I say anything to it?
Speaker 6 (09:06):
That?
Speaker 2 (09:08):
It's general? Course, I understand and listener that that's only
the beginning. The grounds in the garden must be attacked
with vigor and determination. We'll make our home a showplace
for the whole countryside. You you went and see Ogre.
I may be lisender, but I have the normal share
of pride in my surroundings. And shall we have coffee
(09:32):
in the drawing room? Yes, Martin, Well Sinder, for a
moment I could have sworn you almost smiled at me.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
Okay, Oh, well, afternoon, agada is miss Howlin.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Good afternoon, mister Jenkins.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Mister Sinders in the library.
Speaker 5 (10:06):
Thank you?
Speaker 2 (10:08):
You are answering the door. He's off on an answer.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Oh well, I thought you might have taken her inheritance
and gone for trip around the world.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Baba to announce me very well, sir.
Speaker 3 (10:30):
Good afternoon, mister Jenkins.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Oh, good afternoon, mister Sinda.
Speaker 6 (10:35):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (10:37):
Mister Ethridge came to see me yesterday. Oh, yes, yes,
he feels that you resented sharing ownership of the mansion
with him.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Did he say that, No.
Speaker 6 (10:47):
No, no, no no.
Speaker 5 (10:48):
He said only that he felt you would be happier
if the place were entirely you are. But I have
never saw acting upon his instructions. I have drawn up
this saim, which he has already signed, telling you full
title to the house and grounds for the sum of
one dollar, if you will allow me to say so,
my dear miss Lucinda, I consider this gesture unbelievably noble,
(11:13):
especially in view of.
Speaker 7 (11:14):
Your your will, your attitude toward mister Ethie.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
I beg your pardon.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
I could not allow it.
Speaker 5 (11:22):
Police, he says he wants to do.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
I could not possibly accept.
Speaker 5 (11:26):
Mister Sinda, have you changed and your feelings for him?
Speaker 2 (11:30):
I was overwrought.
Speaker 5 (11:34):
Oh well, of course, of course, and I'm delighted to
hear you say so. Am I to take it then
that you refuse his offer?
Speaker 3 (11:42):
Give me that paper?
Speaker 2 (11:48):
That is my answer?
Speaker 7 (11:51):
Well, miss, I am very glad to take an old
man's advice. Tell mister Ethridge what you've done. It will
clear the air.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
Martin, Mister Jenkins was here earlier. You brought me this lead.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Oh it looks tawn it is, I thought it. Well,
I'm I'm much surprised.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
Did you truly think guy still resented your presence here?
Speaker 2 (12:30):
Listen? I told you once that I could be very persuasive,
But as the months have gone by, I came to
realize what iron I was doing. No one should force
himself on another.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
But you haven't gotten I mean, I was in the wrong,
not you Can you accept my apower?
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Oh? Not one more word, my dear. We started as
of this moment with a fresh slave. Is it a christ?
Speaker 4 (12:54):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (12:54):
You've made me humbly grateful? Dear sister. May I hope
that you'll join me for a stroll in the rough garden.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Phoebe would have loved that you've accomplished martl it's a miracle.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
Well, I did it as much for you. Listen as
for Phoebe, won't you put it down? My dear? I
have something I wish to say. You look so serious,
markin truth? Is I'm terrified, good Heavens of what you need? Yes, listen,
I must say this fast enough. At all I have,
(13:35):
despite all my firm resolve, fallen in love with you. No, no, no, no,
Please please allow me to finish. I don't care to hope.
I have no right to expect that you share my emotions,
but I think you have come to like Oh. Yes,
And I have the presumption to feel that in time
you can learn to care for me as I do.
For you, my dear, For my part, I have no
(13:59):
greater ambition spend the rest of my life making you happy.
Oh the cinder, Dare I be completely honest? It has
always been you.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
I had the tenderest of feelings for dear Phoebe, but
it was you I was drawn too. You would have
nothing to do with me, So I turned to Phoebe.
I'm asking you to marry them, My dear, May I
have your answer? Oh, if I've said anything, no button.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
And cry for joy too. I will marry you whenever.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
You will, my dear. May I my niece? Oh, I
love the sound of In the days to come, my dear,
we must make sure that you laugh off. I will.
I will one favor, my dear. Indeed you're tore, But
(14:59):
I would like to have Jenkins make up another. The
house should be yours, free and class. I suppose, my god, suppose,
just suppose something should happen to me before What do
you mean, like have some distant relatives and under the
law they might attempt to claim half the property. We
couldn't have that much morbid talk, Martiness, Thank you Martin.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
What if something were to happen to me, I'd want
to know that you inherited my half.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
Why don't we hike out duplicate these Well, actually, of
course we should make wills duplicate statements, leaving whatever we
might decide to leave to each other, and then having
the witness by two disinterested persons.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
And Mary, what about our witnesses? You're serious, my dear,
aren't you?
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Well?
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Of course, but.
Speaker 2 (15:53):
Oh, it doesn't have to be done today. You wish
to discuss it with Jenkins.
Speaker 3 (15:57):
You are to be my husband, Martin. What would I
discuss with Jenkins whether it.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Is proper to make out a will.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
In my husband's favor?
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Oh? Of course not. Well, we could do it now,
and I'll take them to Jenkins tomorrow the next day,
and tonight we'll have a little betrouffle party.
Speaker 6 (16:18):
That's the two of us.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Well, what have we here? Our celebrations?
Speaker 1 (16:28):
I brought the sherf Oh were you poor Martin?
Speaker 5 (16:30):
Dear?
Speaker 2 (16:30):
Certainly?
Speaker 3 (16:32):
Why did you give Agatha and Marry the evening off?
Speaker 2 (16:35):
Dear? Oh, it's all right. I was just curious. I
didn't want to share you with anyone. Tonight, My dolly,
this is our party? How very like your Oh? What
the decatur isn't he Yes, I'm sorry, darling, I checked
no matter.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
I'll run down cellar and get another bottle.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
Would you, My dear, you might bring up two bottles
while you're at it. That's a good idea.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
I'll be but a.
Speaker 8 (16:57):
Moment, much, listener, where's the candle?
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Hover there? Oh?
Speaker 6 (17:33):
Hm?
Speaker 2 (17:50):
Listenders? See whire? Because about here I I haven't well,
we mustn't say that here for Nosy Jenkins, one of
those females to discover me.
Speaker 8 (18:08):
Hm, lisend there is your neck broken?
Speaker 2 (18:19):
Listen there? At least of us over quickly? Wasn't that
I do dislike crazy? I'm pleased that you didn't? Oh
(18:40):
h you know really I have been most forbearing, poor listener,
you never had any conception of how infuriating me you were.
If tedium could kill, I would be lying where you
are now? Well, I mustn't harry. I shall dash all
(19:06):
the way to Lia Jenkins and arrive horrified.
Speaker 6 (19:11):
And breathless.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
I shall be crushed. Why I shouldn't wonder if I
became a recluse, or at least the time it takes
me to sell this mausoleum. Return to civilization. Farewell, dear
(19:36):
dull Lucinda. Oh, I have just the epitaph for your
tombs done. It will look so well alongside Phoebe's. Here
lies with Cinda Alice Howell, age forty one. Her gullibility
was her undoing.
Speaker 6 (19:57):
Apps.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
Don't you think very.
Speaker 3 (20:02):
Well?
Speaker 7 (20:02):
Sheriff Perry?
Speaker 2 (20:03):
Did you hear enough warn enough Miss Lucinda to turn
your turn my stomach? Come along?
Speaker 6 (20:07):
Now?
Speaker 2 (20:07):
You are no tricks. I got your covered that it
was all a joke.
Speaker 7 (20:12):
I knew you were only testing me.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Grim one, and I played my part to perfection. Don't
you agree?
Speaker 6 (20:21):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (20:21):
I do apologize for having four you these past months, Martin,
but you're free of me now. Foolish Martin, you couldn't
be content with Phoebe's murder. You had to have everything,
and so you and with nothing.
Speaker 6 (20:38):
You know.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
For a long time I seriously considered favoring the exquisite
pleasure of killing you myself. But then I decided to
allow the law to do it for me.
Speaker 2 (20:48):
So much meet her?
Speaker 3 (20:49):
Don't you agree? I must return your compliment, Martin?
Speaker 5 (20:59):
I have enough what tough for.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
You your life? Martin Pierce Effridge, age thirty six. He
went to the well once too often. His greediness was
his undoing.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
Their suspence.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
You have been listening to Epitaph, starring Paul McGrath and
Barbara Becker, and written especially for suspense by Walter Black.
In a moment, the names of our players, and a
word about next week's story of suspense. The Suspence is
(21:55):
produced and directed by Brunos Arato Junior Musical Supervision by
Heard in tonight's story were Frank Barons as Aaron Jenkins,
Mary Michael as Agatha, Joan Loring as Mary. Listen again
next week when we return with the Man Who Knew
How to Hate, written by Walter Black, another tale well
(22:17):
calculated to keep you in spence to a helping of
Bing Crosby at Rosemary Clooney every weekday on the CBS
Radio Network
And now a tale well calculated to keep you in.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Suspense. I shall think it very often with tenderness and gratitude,
because Marcus in Phoebe and I were happy together. Phoebe
is dead, but Lucinda is not.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
In just a Moment epitaph starring Paul McGrath and Barbara Becker,
and written especially for suspense by Walter.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Black, Oh how bitter the wind is. I almost didn't
come today, dear Ceb, but I couldn't disappoint you, and
see a new reas for you. Here at the corner
(00:49):
of her headstone.
Speaker 4 (00:52):
Here life Cebe haw Lethridge, beloved wife of Martian's pierced Ethridge,
September nineteen, eighteen hundred and forty three, passed away February
twenty sixth, eighteen hundred and ninety two. Grieve now before
(01:14):
we shall meet where angel thinks.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Oh, Phoebe, Phoebe, how I miss you.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
I wonder you No good would come of marrying him,
yet you were so sure he loved you.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
I knew it was only your money you wanted, but
he shared profit.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
By your death, I promise you that my sister.
Speaker 5 (01:44):
And father afore I shared publicism pursuanto the laws of
vermunt I hear with a name Aaron Jenkins, turning it
law my executive and so fos you answer, well, will
itself a simple and direct Do you are housekeeper Agatham,
Miss Phoebe has after most generous bequest of one thousand
dollars and to your maid marry the sum of five
(02:05):
hundred dollars. I assume mister Sinda and mister Ethridge you
will retain their services.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
World that is entirely up to miss.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
House with b be gone there all I have left.
Naturally they'll remain.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
That's true. Naturally, Well let me see here now, Oh, yes, sir,
to you, Miss Lucinda, your sister left her gold brokes,
which I understand was your mother. Yes, now she felt
that with your half of your father's estate, who had
no needs to get on with it. Mister Jenkins, Yes, yes,
I sair, I of course, my dear sorry, let me
see to my beloved husband, Martin Pierce Ethridge. I bequeath
(02:41):
the remainder of my estate, including my half of the
house known as the Howard Mansion, in the fond hope
that he and my dear sister will continue to live there.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
I can't tell any more of this half a home,
to this murder.
Speaker 5 (02:53):
Miss Lucinda killed my sisters.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
She did not fall down the step.
Speaker 6 (02:59):
Missus peat.
Speaker 5 (03:04):
This this is most distressing. Believe me, you have my
deepest sympathy, but you must not.
Speaker 6 (03:11):
Make such wild excercitions. You yourself were against their.
Speaker 5 (03:15):
Marriage, true, but you will forgive me, mister Etheridge.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Or quiet, mister Seconds, I approve of this being brought
into the open. I was against you are union, but
only because of the difference in your ages. After all,
Miss Phoebe was thirteen years you are senior. Yes, I'm sure.
Speaker 5 (03:34):
That when Miss Lucinda has time to reflect.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
You will feel differently. As my most fervent hopes.
Speaker 5 (03:39):
Well your attitude does your credits are, Miss Lucinda. If
I may be permitted to make a suggestion, get all
the rest you can. You have been under a great strain.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
I bet you good day, mister goodbye, mister jenks.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Well who said that, I'm glad that this is in
the open. Look, I have long wanted to dispel your suspicions,
but I can't blame you for them. Were I in
your shoes, I would feel no differently.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
All kind of you to reassure me on that work.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
After all, I came here only three months ago, complete stranger.
Phoebe and I had a whirlwind courtship.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
And two months later she was dead.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Yes, sim whether you believe it or not, it was
as great a shock to me as to you.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
I choose not to believe it.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Sid the Phoebe's death was an accident.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
And how convenient that she made a new will in
your favor just two days before her death.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
You're tilting at windmills.
Speaker 5 (04:42):
Look as her husband, I was.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Phoebe's there, we'll go without her will, asked mister Jenkison.
I had nothing to do with her fall, unless you
can explain how from here in the drawing room I
could have reached it all the way into the kitchen
and the presence of Agatha and Mary, mind you, and
pushed her down the cellar stair. You're making it very
difficult for them.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Get out, Get out and leave me in peace.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
No, no, out of the question. You see. Oh, I
admit my faults. One of them is a love of luxury.
I like my creature comfort. I couldn't afford them elsewhere.
And what Phoebe has left me but with both of
us contributing to the upkeepers of our home, we can
live quite well.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
You really have it all planned, haven't you.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
I'm not afraid to look facts in the face. Well,
it's full of men better addressed, better looking, far more
talented than I listend it. You've always lived in this
quiet backwater where I came from a man who's judged
by his money in his position. I had neither.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
And then you met Phoebe quite the story book form.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
No, I don't claim that, but we complimented each other well.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
And now you'll send her money without a.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Thought for her or in the country. I shall think
of her often with tenderness and gratitude, because Remarculars and
the Phoebia and I were happy to I've known.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
That's for your glibness, mister Ethridge. Let us end this
painful thing.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
If you wish. I shan't force myself on you. I
can afford to wait. One day you will admit that
you were wrong. You see, I can be very persuasive.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
I shouldn't.
Speaker 5 (06:30):
I mean the dishes tonight, I'll do them fust.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
Thing in the morning.
Speaker 6 (06:32):
What's your hurried when I've got an appointment? With my
new gentlemen friends.
Speaker 3 (06:36):
That's one of the firm things.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Well, we'll keep, but the dishes won't. Now.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Matter of fact, you shouldn't be going.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Out tonight at all.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
This night, I think miss Phoebian are grave less than
a month and already you're thinking of your own pleasures.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Oh how long is the body supposed to stay in?
Speaker 7 (06:50):
Morning?
Speaker 2 (06:51):
That supers will turnished? Get another one? Don't seem like
the same house with her gone? How is this, mister Martin?
What's a question? Of course he does when he took
off this morning, man, But that doesn't mean he stopped
missing her.
Speaker 6 (07:07):
Not.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
Everyone wears their heart and the sleeves. Oh, I think
he's awful handswer, And I think you'd better serve up
the soup and mind you don't.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Spill any of it.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Oh well, table looks charming tonight, Thank you, sir. Oh
good evening, Mom, okay, permit me.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
You may begin serving Agatha, Yes, ma'am, Mary good evening.
Who put those flowers in the centerpiece? I didn't, I mean.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Who sent them? I did? Is that so strange?
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Are those your flowers on Phoebe's grave too?
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Yes? I got she's like them monstrous idea. Isn't a
husband leading flowers on his wife's grave? Your soup is
getting cold, cinder?
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Why do you keep staring at you?
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (08:07):
Was I?
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I beg your pardon? I was noting how well you
look this smer how becoming that gown is at the
risk of arousing your suspicions. May I add that you
are a very attractive woman.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
I have a forty one year old spinster, and I
am unimpressed by flattery, of course.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
Oh, by the way, I've been mulling over an idea
for a memorial to Phoebe. Well was that so astonishing?
I shall never forget how she loved the little summer
house in back. It's in a shocking state of disrepair.
I think it should be cleaned and repainted, and the
lattice work rebuilt. And then you know what's the next
time the agenda? What four willow trees planted, one at
(08:52):
each corner of the summer house? Phoebe always wanted that
note exactly all? That will make a far lovelier memorials
within a cold piece of marble?
Speaker 6 (09:00):
Are you crying?
Speaker 5 (09:04):
You sorry?
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Did I say anything to it?
Speaker 6 (09:06):
That?
Speaker 2 (09:08):
It's general? Course, I understand and listener that that's only
the beginning. The grounds in the garden must be attacked
with vigor and determination. We'll make our home a showplace
for the whole countryside. You you went and see Ogre.
I may be lisender, but I have the normal share
of pride in my surroundings. And shall we have coffee
(09:32):
in the drawing room? Yes, Martin, Well Sinder, for a
moment I could have sworn you almost smiled at me.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
Okay, Oh, well, afternoon, agada is miss Howlin.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Good afternoon, mister Jenkins.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Mister Sinders in the library.
Speaker 5 (10:06):
Thank you?
Speaker 2 (10:08):
You are answering the door. He's off on an answer.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Oh well, I thought you might have taken her inheritance
and gone for trip around the world.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Baba to announce me very well, sir.
Speaker 3 (10:30):
Good afternoon, mister Jenkins.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Oh, good afternoon, mister Sinda.
Speaker 6 (10:35):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (10:37):
Mister Ethridge came to see me yesterday. Oh, yes, yes,
he feels that you resented sharing ownership of the mansion
with him.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Did he say that, No.
Speaker 6 (10:47):
No, no, no no.
Speaker 5 (10:48):
He said only that he felt you would be happier
if the place were entirely you are. But I have
never saw acting upon his instructions. I have drawn up
this saim, which he has already signed, telling you full
title to the house and grounds for the sum of
one dollar, if you will allow me to say so,
my dear miss Lucinda, I consider this gesture unbelievably noble,
(11:13):
especially in view of.
Speaker 7 (11:14):
Your your will, your attitude toward mister Ethie.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
I beg your pardon.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
I could not allow it.
Speaker 5 (11:22):
Police, he says he wants to do.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
I could not possibly accept.
Speaker 5 (11:26):
Mister Sinda, have you changed and your feelings for him?
Speaker 2 (11:30):
I was overwrought.
Speaker 5 (11:34):
Oh well, of course, of course, and I'm delighted to
hear you say so. Am I to take it then
that you refuse his offer?
Speaker 3 (11:42):
Give me that paper?
Speaker 2 (11:48):
That is my answer?
Speaker 7 (11:51):
Well, miss, I am very glad to take an old
man's advice. Tell mister Ethridge what you've done. It will
clear the air.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
Martin, Mister Jenkins was here earlier. You brought me this lead.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Oh it looks tawn it is, I thought it. Well,
I'm I'm much surprised.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
Did you truly think guy still resented your presence here?
Speaker 2 (12:30):
Listen? I told you once that I could be very persuasive,
But as the months have gone by, I came to
realize what iron I was doing. No one should force
himself on another.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
But you haven't gotten I mean, I was in the wrong,
not you Can you accept my apower?
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Oh? Not one more word, my dear. We started as
of this moment with a fresh slave. Is it a christ?
Speaker 4 (12:54):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (12:54):
You've made me humbly grateful? Dear sister. May I hope
that you'll join me for a stroll in the rough garden.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Phoebe would have loved that you've accomplished martl it's a miracle.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
Well, I did it as much for you. Listen as
for Phoebe, won't you put it down? My dear? I
have something I wish to say. You look so serious,
markin truth? Is I'm terrified, good Heavens of what you need? Yes, listen,
I must say this fast enough. At all I have,
(13:35):
despite all my firm resolve, fallen in love with you. No, no, no, no,
Please please allow me to finish. I don't care to hope.
I have no right to expect that you share my emotions,
but I think you have come to like Oh. Yes,
And I have the presumption to feel that in time
you can learn to care for me as I do.
For you, my dear, For my part, I have no
(13:59):
greater ambition spend the rest of my life making you happy.
Oh the cinder, Dare I be completely honest? It has
always been you.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
I had the tenderest of feelings for dear Phoebe, but
it was you I was drawn too. You would have
nothing to do with me, So I turned to Phoebe.
I'm asking you to marry them, My dear, May I
have your answer? Oh, if I've said anything, no button.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
And cry for joy too. I will marry you whenever.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
You will, my dear. May I my niece? Oh, I
love the sound of In the days to come, my dear,
we must make sure that you laugh off. I will.
I will one favor, my dear. Indeed you're tore, But
(14:59):
I would like to have Jenkins make up another. The
house should be yours, free and class. I suppose, my god, suppose,
just suppose something should happen to me before What do
you mean, like have some distant relatives and under the
law they might attempt to claim half the property. We
couldn't have that much morbid talk, Martiness, Thank you Martin.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
What if something were to happen to me, I'd want
to know that you inherited my half.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
Why don't we hike out duplicate these Well, actually, of
course we should make wills duplicate statements, leaving whatever we
might decide to leave to each other, and then having
the witness by two disinterested persons.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
And Mary, what about our witnesses? You're serious, my dear,
aren't you?
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Well?
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Of course, but.
Speaker 2 (15:53):
Oh, it doesn't have to be done today. You wish
to discuss it with Jenkins.
Speaker 3 (15:57):
You are to be my husband, Martin. What would I
discuss with Jenkins whether it.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
Is proper to make out a will.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
In my husband's favor?
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Oh? Of course not. Well, we could do it now,
and I'll take them to Jenkins tomorrow the next day,
and tonight we'll have a little betrouffle party.
Speaker 6 (16:18):
That's the two of us.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Well, what have we here? Our celebrations?
Speaker 1 (16:28):
I brought the sherf Oh were you poor Martin?
Speaker 5 (16:30):
Dear?
Speaker 2 (16:30):
Certainly?
Speaker 3 (16:32):
Why did you give Agatha and Marry the evening off?
Speaker 2 (16:35):
Dear? Oh, it's all right. I was just curious. I
didn't want to share you with anyone. Tonight, My dolly,
this is our party? How very like your Oh? What
the decatur isn't he Yes, I'm sorry, darling, I checked
no matter.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
I'll run down cellar and get another bottle.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
Would you, My dear, you might bring up two bottles
while you're at it. That's a good idea.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
I'll be but a.
Speaker 8 (16:57):
Moment, much, listener, where's the candle?
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Hover there? Oh?
Speaker 6 (17:33):
Hm?
Speaker 2 (17:50):
Listenders? See whire? Because about here I I haven't well,
we mustn't say that here for Nosy Jenkins, one of
those females to discover me.
Speaker 8 (18:08):
Hm, lisend there is your neck broken?
Speaker 2 (18:19):
Listen there? At least of us over quickly? Wasn't that
I do dislike crazy? I'm pleased that you didn't? Oh
(18:40):
h you know really I have been most forbearing, poor listener,
you never had any conception of how infuriating me you were.
If tedium could kill, I would be lying where you
are now? Well, I mustn't harry. I shall dash all
(19:06):
the way to Lia Jenkins and arrive horrified.
Speaker 6 (19:11):
And breathless.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
I shall be crushed. Why I shouldn't wonder if I
became a recluse, or at least the time it takes
me to sell this mausoleum. Return to civilization. Farewell, dear
(19:36):
dull Lucinda. Oh, I have just the epitaph for your
tombs done. It will look so well alongside Phoebe's. Here
lies with Cinda Alice Howell, age forty one. Her gullibility
was her undoing.
Speaker 6 (19:57):
Apps.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
Don't you think very.
Speaker 3 (20:02):
Well?
Speaker 7 (20:02):
Sheriff Perry?
Speaker 2 (20:03):
Did you hear enough warn enough Miss Lucinda to turn
your turn my stomach? Come along?
Speaker 6 (20:07):
Now?
Speaker 2 (20:07):
You are no tricks. I got your covered that it
was all a joke.
Speaker 7 (20:12):
I knew you were only testing me.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Grim one, and I played my part to perfection. Don't
you agree?
Speaker 6 (20:21):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (20:21):
I do apologize for having four you these past months, Martin,
but you're free of me now. Foolish Martin, you couldn't
be content with Phoebe's murder. You had to have everything,
and so you and with nothing.
Speaker 6 (20:38):
You know.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
For a long time I seriously considered favoring the exquisite
pleasure of killing you myself. But then I decided to
allow the law to do it for me.
Speaker 2 (20:48):
So much meet her?
Speaker 3 (20:49):
Don't you agree? I must return your compliment, Martin?
Speaker 5 (20:59):
I have enough what tough for.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
You your life? Martin Pierce Effridge, age thirty six. He
went to the well once too often. His greediness was
his undoing.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
Their suspence.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
You have been listening to Epitaph, starring Paul McGrath and
Barbara Becker, and written especially for suspense by Walter Black.
In a moment, the names of our players, and a
word about next week's story of suspense. The Suspence is
(21:55):
produced and directed by Brunos Arato Junior Musical Supervision by
Heard in tonight's story were Frank Barons as Aaron Jenkins,
Mary Michael as Agatha, Joan Loring as Mary. Listen again
next week when we return with the Man Who Knew
How to Hate, written by Walter Black, another tale well
(22:17):
calculated to keep you in spence to a helping of
Bing Crosby at Rosemary Clooney every weekday on the CBS
Radio Network
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