[INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT]

　　[Matthew removes the top of the decanter.]

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　We can drink to Sybil's safe return.

　　[Matthew pours into the one wine glass on the table.]

　　LADY MARY

　　Why not? I'll ring for a glass.

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　Never mind that. Here.

　　[Matthew hands Mary the wine glass and pours himself a drink in the cylindrical one.]

　　LADY MARY

　　You're not very fastidious about doing things properly, are you?

　　[Matthew chuckles slightly.]

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　Are you?

　　LADY MARY

　　Less than you might think.

　　[They drink.]

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　Are you at all political?

　　[Matthew uncover the sandwiches and Mary takes a strawberry.]

　　LADY MARY

　　Yes, but with a hung Parliament, it's hard to get excited about a by-election. You know nothing will change, whoever gets in.

　　[INT. MR CARSON'S OFFICE - NIGHT]

　　[The servants exit except for Bates, Anna, Carson, and Mrs Hughes. Bates closes the door.]

　　MR BATES

　　If I might keep you for a minute more, Mr Carson?

　　MRS HUGHES

　　I--if you'd like me to leave?

　　MR BATES

　　No, I would like you to stay, please, Mrs Hughes. And you, Anna. You have decided not to take action over the allegations Thomas has made against me because you believe them to be untrue.

　　MR CARSON

　　That is correct.

　　MR BATES

　　And you are right, there is no truth in them. But if you were to proceed with the matter, you would find them to be proven. Thomas has tried to convince you that I am a drunkard and a thief.

　　ANNA

　　Which we never believed.

　　MR BATES

　　Because you know no different. Until a couple of years ago, I was a drunkard...and I was imprisoned as a thief.

　　[Mrs Hughes and Carson are shocked. Anna is dubious.]

　　MR BATES

　　I have repaid your kindness very poorly. I masqueraded as a man of honour and integrity, but by any moral code, I am disgraced.

　　MRS HUGHES

　　That can't be the whole story.

　　MR BATES

　　Perhaps not, but it's enough of it to demand my resignation.

　　[Mr Carson holds up a hand.]

　　MR CARSON

　　Do you want to leave, Mr Bates?

　　MR BATES

　　No, but I feel I have no choice.

　　MR CARSON

　　You owe me a say in the matter, surely?

　　MR BATES

　　If you wish.

　　MR CARSON

　　Then I will consider the case and give you my decision when I have discussed it with His Lordship. Until then, I hope you will remain in your post.

　　[Mr Bates considers Carson's words.]

　　[INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT]

　　LADY MARY

　　Thank you for coming to Sybil's rescue. You were very brave. She told me you knocked a man down.

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　I hope I did my duty.

　　LADY MARY

　　Are you a creature of duty?

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　Not entirely.

　　LADY MARY

　　When you laugh with me or flirt with me, is that a duty? Are you conforming to the fitness of things? Doing what's expected?

　　[Matthew smirks.]

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　Don't play with me. I don't deserve it. Not from you.

　　LADY MARY

　　You must be careful not to break Sybil's heart. I think she has a crush on you.

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　That's something no one could accuse you of.

　　LADY MARY

　　Oh, I don't know.

　　[Mary fingers her necklace.]

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　I assume you speak in a spirit of mockery.

　　LADY MARY

　　You should have more faith.

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　Shall I remind you of some of the choicest remarks you made about me when I arrived here?

　　[Mary looks down.]

　　MATTHEW CRAWLEY

　　Because they live in my memory as fresh as the day they were spoken.

　　LADY MARY

　　Oh, Matthew, what am I always telling you? You must pay no attention to the things I say.

　　[They regard each other for a moment, and then rush in for a passionate kiss.]

　　[EXT. COURTYARD - NIGHT]

　　[Anna approaches Bates.]

　　ANNA

　　Mr Bates.

　　MR BATES

　　Anna.

　　ANNA

　　Will you really leave?

　　MR BATES

　　I doubt His Lordship wants a thief in the house. Now, go to sleep and dream of a better man.

　　ANNA

　　I can't. Because there isn't one.

　　[Bates takes Anna's hand. they lean in for a kiss, but a servant exits just at that moment to bring out the rubbish. Anna leaves.]