The couples continue past each other.
ANDREW KEHOE
(continued)
See, Nellie. You’ll have to vote just to balance those two out.
EXT. KEHOE FARMHOUSE – DAY – LATER
Ellen Kehoe opens the farmhouse and sweeps dust outside. She coughs, apparently from the dust.
Andrew Kehoe walks up to the farmhouse.
ELLEN
How was town?
ANDREW KEHOE
Well, they passed that damn districting. I don’t understand why, for the life of me, so many people would want to raise taxes.
ELLEN
It boggles the mind.
ANDREW KEHOE
Idiots don’t understand the first thing. That’s the last thing we need: another hand in our pockets.
ELLEN
We’ll get by.
ANDREW KEHOE
You know what it is: it’s the blasted women’s vote. Always worried about the children. They want everything provided for them, like the government’s a father. Or a husband.
ELLEN
We’re not all that way, Andrew.
ANDREW KEHOE
Well, one thing’s certain: the greedy and oppressive hand of government has made its way even to Bath. And the idiots have actually voted for it.
ELLEN
Go get cleaned up. I’ll get dinner on soon.
Andrew Kehoe heads into the house. Ellen Kehoe coughs.
INT. KEHOE FARMHOUSE – NIGHT – LATER
Ellen Kehoe walks through the house, coughing.
She coughs into her hand and, when she pulls it back, it has blood on it.
She wanders into the kitchen, where Andrew Kehoe is sitting.
ANDREW KEHOE
Nellie, I don’t like this cough of yours. It’s been too long. We should call a doctor.
ELLEN
I think that’s wise.
She appears to be fainting, then catches herself. Andrew Kehoe rushes to her aid.
ANDREW KEHOE
Come on, let’s get you to bed.
INT. KEHOE FARMHOUSE BEDROOM – NIGHT – LATER
Local doctor J. A. CRUM is examining Ellen Kehoe, while Andrew Kehoe stands by. Ellen is sweating terribly and continues to cough intermittently.
J. A. CRUM
I’m afraid it’s what you feared.
ANDREW KEHOE
Consumption.
J. A. CRUM
Tuberculosis, yes. Chronic cough… oral discharge, including blood… fever, night sweats. It’s a classic case.
ANDREW KEHOE
What can I expect?
J. A. CRUM
She’ll likely experience weight loss, as it goes on. It’s usually confined to the lungs, as it seems to be here. If it spreads to the blood, bones, or skin, you should call me immediately.
ANDREW KEHOE
Oh, God.
J. A. CRUM
Now, don’t panic. We don’t know which variety she has. It’s not like when we were children and consumption carried off so many. There are better treatments now. People live for years.
ANDREW KEHOE
What should I do?
J. A. CRUM
The first order is to keep her mouth covered. Keep contact with her spit and fluids to a minimum. The last thing we need is you getting infected too. If it were me, I’d get her to a hospital. If money’s not an issue.
ANDREW KEHOE
I’ll do that. Thank you, doctor.
ELLEN
We can go to St. Lawrence, in Lansing. My uncle built that place. Well, he financed most of it.
J. A. CRUM
Oh, and you should probably notify your neighbors. It’s not required by law, as it is in Britain. But it’s the right thing. Trust to their discretion.
INT. ANDREW KEHOE’S CAR – DAY – LATER
Andrew Kehoe pulls his car up to St. Lawrence Hospital. Ellen Kehoe is in the passenger’s seat.
ON-SCREEN TITLES
St. Lawrence Hospital
Lansing, Michigan
INT. ST. LAWRENCE HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY – LATER
Ellen Kehoe lies in a hospital bed. Andrew Kehoe stands over her.
ELLEN
Do you have to go?
ANDREW KEHOE
You’re in good hands here. I’ve seen to that. I have the farm to take care of.
ELLEN
Of course.
ANDREW KEHOE
I’ve telephoned your family. They’ll be here tomorrow to visit.
ELLEN
I’m so sorry, Andrew. To be such a bother.
ANDREW KEHOE
It’s not your fault.
ELLEN
But the expense…
ANDREW KEHOE
INT. ST. LAWRENCE HOSPITAL – DAY – LATER
Andrew Kehoe approaches a desk, where a FEMALE CLERK sits.
ANDREW KEHOE
I’d like to make an advance payment on our account. It’s for Ellen Kehoe.
FEMALE CLERK
We need a deposit of $50 to continue treatment.
ANDREW KEHOE
I’ll be gone for a while, so I’d like to pay in advance.
Andrew opens his wallet. It’s stuffed with cash. He hands her only a very small amount, compared to what he’s got.
EXT. KEHOE FARM, OUTSIDE BATH – DAY – LATER
Andrew Kehoe pulls his car up to his farmhouse, gets out, and heads inside.
INT. KEHOE FARMHOUSE – DAY
Andrew Kehoe walks through the house, alone.
INT. KEHOE FARMHOUSE BEDROOM – DAY – LATER
Andrew Kehoe steps into the doorway, then glimpses the bed. There are red stains by the pillow. He stands, staring.
INT. ST. LAWRENCE HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY – LATER
Ellen Kehoe lies in her hospital bed, but is awake and alert. She is talking to her aunt. Andrew Kehoe enters.
ANDREW KEHOE
Nellie, I came as soon as they called.
ELLEN
Oh, Andrew, I’m so glad to see you.
ANDREW KEHOE
(to Nellie’s aunt)
Thank you for taking care of her.
NELLIE’S AUNT
Of course. We’re family.
ANDREW KEHOE
So it’s a full remission, then?
NELLIE’S AUNT
She’s fine.
ELLEN
Perfectly fine. And ready to go home. More than ready.
ANDREW KEHOE
Wonderful news, Nellie. Wonderful.
ELLEN
Auntie, thank you so much for coming. You’ll understand if I’m eager to get back.
NELLIE’S AUNT
Of course.
INT. ANDREW KEHOE’S CAR – DAY – LATER
Andrew Kehoe drives, with Ellen Kehoe in the passenger’s seat. They pass by what seems like an endless expanse of farms, stretching out in all directions. Instead of feeling idyllic, it feels isolated – and terribly, terribly lonely.
INT. KEHOE FARMHOUSE BEDROOM – NIGHT – LATER
Ellen Kehoe lies in bed with a fever, sweating terribly and coughing intermittently. Andrew Kehoe attends her.
ANDREW KEHOE
This is enough. You’ll have to go back to Lansing.
ELLEN
No, let’s wait. I’ve coughed before…
(coughs)
I’ve coughed before and gotten better.
ANDREW KEHOE
No, it’s been too long, this time. I’ve decided.
INT. ST. LAWRENCE HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY – LATER
Ellen Kehoe lies in her hospital bed, coughing intermittently. Andrew Kehoe and a YOUNG DOCTOR are also in attendance.
YOUNG DOCTOR
You have to expect this. There is no cure, you understand.
ANDREW KEHOE
Doctor, I’m willing to pay. If it’s a question of money…
YOUNG DOCTOR
I’m sorry, Mr. Kehoe. You have to expect this.
ANDREW KEHOE
I just want her to be well again.
YOUNG DOCTOR
We’ll do the best we can for her.
EXT. KEHOE FARMHOUSE – DAY – LATER
Andrew Kehoe washes clothes on a washboard, putting them up on a clothes line.
EXT. KEHOE FARM, OUTSIDE BATH – DAY – LATER
Andrew Kehoe stands, staring off at nothing, leaning on a pitchfork. Nearby, a horse eats hay.
In the distance, Monty Ellsworth works in his field, looking up occasionally at Andrew Kehoe.
Andrew Kehoe, carrying his pitchfork, walks up to his horse.
ANDREW KEHOE
(to horse)
Time to go back.
Andrew Kehoe pulls the horse’s reigns. The horse bucks.
ANDREW KEHOE
(continued)
None of that!
The horse bucks again.
ANDREW KEHOE
(continued)
Infernal bastard!
Andrew Kehoe hits the horse hard with the wooden end of the pitchfork. It resists, and he hits it again.
ANDREW KEHOE
(continued)
Damn horse!
Monty Ellsworth looks up and sees Andrew Kehoe hitting the horse again and again. The horse neighs and collapses.
ANDREW KEHOE
(continued)
Get up!
Andrew Kehoe continues to beat the horse as Monty Ellsworth watches.
ANDREW KEHOE
(continued)
Get up, I say!
Andrew Kehoe beats the horse again and again. It neighs, weakly.
ANDREW KEHOE
(continued)
You want to be put down?
Andrew Kehoe continues to beat the horse, clearly bringing out all of his wrath and frustration. It collapses. Monty Ellsworth watches, disapproving but feeling unable to intervene. The horse does not neigh.
ANDREW KEHOE
(continued)
Fields needed some blood, anyway.
Andrew Kehoe goes to the horse’s head and brings down blow after blow. Blood spatters his shirt.
Andrew Kehoe stands, breathing hard. He notices the blood on his shirt and heads back to the farmhouse with his pitchfork, leaving the dead horse where it lies.
Monty Ellsworth watches.
INT. ELLSWORTH HOME – DAY (CONTINUOUS)
Mrs. Ellsworth is washing the kitchen table. Monty Ellsworth enters the house and walks into the kitchen.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
I just saw Andrew beat a horse to death.
MRS. ELLSWORTH
Pardon?
MONTY ELLSWORTH
I just watched Andrew Kehoe beat a horse to death.
MRS. ELLSWORTH
Goodness. What did it do?
MONTY ELLSWORTH
Nothing. It was bucking. It wouldn’t go back to the shed, I guess.
MRS. ELLSWORTH
And so he beat it to death?
MONTY ELLSWORTH
He just started hitting it.
Monty Ellsworth takes a seat and tries to shake off the experience.
MRS. ELLSWORTH
What did you do?
MONTY ELLSWORTH
Nothing. I just watched. I wanted to say something, but it’s his horse.
MRS. ELLSWORTH
Well, it’s none of our business, really.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
Yes, that’s right. It was horrible but… amazing too. He was so angry. Just burning with it.
MRS. ELLSWORTH
He’s always had a temper, that one. Come on, we have to get supper on.
INT. ST. LAWRENCE HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY – LATER
Ellen Kehoe lies in her hospital bed, but is awake and alert. Andrew Kehoe and the young doctor stand.
YOUNG DOCTOR
Yes, she’s in full remission.
ANDREW KEHOE
So she’ll be fine? There’ll be no need to return again?
YOUNG DOCTOR
She’s ready to go home. She’s well, Mr. Kehoe. But you have to understand: we cannot cure her. She could be fine for years, or the symptoms could return in a month.
ANDREW KEHOE
There’s no way of knowing?
YOUNG DOCTOR
I’m afraid not. But she’s very lucky to have a husband like you.
Ellen Kehoe smiles at her husband.
EXT. ELLSWORTH FARM – DAY – LATER
Andrew Kehoe walks up to the Ellsworth farmhouse and knocks on the door.
ON-SCREEN TITLES
1924
Mrs. Ellsworth answers, and we briefly glimpse the Ellsworth children, but as she’s handling them, Monty Ellsworth arrives at the door and takes over.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
Sorry for the confusion. You know how children can be.
ANDREW KEHOE
I certainly do. In fact, that’s kind of what I’m here to talk about.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
Why don’t you come inside?
ANDREW KEHOE
Thank you.
The two enter the house.
INT. ELLSWORTH HOME – DAY (CONTINUOUS)
Monty Ellsworth and Andrew Kehoe take seats at the kitchen table, while Mrs. Ellsworth scurries the children out of the way.
ANDREW KEHOE
Well, you know I opposed the school construction, purely on the grounds that the ensuing property taxes would be detrimental to farmers like you and me.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
I remember.
ANDREW KEHOE
Please understand. It was out of no animosity for you or your family.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
I believe that, Andrew. You feel passionately about what you believe in. I don’t like taxes any more than you do.
ANDREW KEHOE
Actually, Monty, I’m sort of counting on the opposite.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
How so?
ANDREW KEHOE
Well, I understand that there’s a school board forming soon, on account of the construction underway.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
There is.
ANDREW KEHOE
I was thinking, Monty, that I might run for treasurer.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
Is this a joke?
ANDREW KEHOE
No, I assure you, I’m quite serious. I opposed the school, yes. And I’m not happy about my property taxes going up. But they are, and I’m not one to ignore reality.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
So what is it you intend to accomplish?
ANDREW KEHOE
Since this new school is now a fact, I’d like to ensure that the money being raised isn’t being misspent. And the best way of doing that is from the position of treasurer.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
Well, you certainly are passionate. But I don’t know…
ANDREW KEHOE
Monty, you know me. I’m careful about money, it’s true. And I sure don’t like this new tax. But I lost. Now, the best thing I can do is make sure that there won’t be any additional taxes. There won’t be any corruption or going over budget. That they’re stretching my pennies just as much as I would. Certainly, that’s something we can all agree on.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
It does make a certain sense.
ANDREW KEHOE
I’m telling you, Monty, I’m the man for the job. No one is going to be able to watch my taxes better than me.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
That I believe.
ANDREW KEHOE
So what do you say? Can I count on your support?
Mrs. Ellsworth walks into the room with a couple classes of water.
MRS. ELLSWORTH
Would you like something to drink, Mr. Kehoe?
ANDREW KEHOE
No, thank you.
Mrs. Ellsworth sets a glass down for her husband and holds the other.
MRS. ELLSWORTH
How is Mrs. Kehoe? She’s always in our prayers.
ANDREW KEHOE
She’s was better for a while, but then… it comes and goes. Fortunately, she’s getting the best treatment money can afford.
MRS. ELLSWORTH
Well, I’ll leave you two men to talk business.
Mrs. Ellsworth exits.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
It’s a terrible disease.
ANDREW KEHOE
It’s fine, most of the time. I can almost deal with it when she’s bad. The worst is when she has symptoms but it’s not bad enough to take her to see the doctor. Just frittering around the house, coughing.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
That sounds just awful. Of course, you’re doing all you can.
ANDREW KEHOE
Oh, she’s always careful to cover her mouth. You needn’t worry about infection, the doctors assure us. We’re very clean, careful people.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
I wasn’t worried.
ANDREW KEHOE
Well, then.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
Yes, well…
ANDREW KEHOE
Two years ago, you asked for my vote. I couldn’t give it to you. I won’t apologize for that. But I do think I may have treated you harshly.
MONTY ELLSWORTH
It’s quite all right, Andrew. I know your passion.
ANDREW KEHOE
Well, then… can I count on your support?
MONTY ELLSWORTH
I confess, the idea of it greatly surprised me. But the more I sit with it, the more it grows on me. I don’t like property taxes any more than you do.
ANDREW KEHOE
All the more reason to see the money’s well spent. And that we don’t require any more.
Andrew Kehoe holds out his hand, and Monty Ellsworth shakes it.
EXT. BATH CONSIDATED SCHOOL – DAY
Workmen are busy constructing the building, which is partially completed. Meanwhile, people file in to the polls.
Andrew and Ellen Kehoe walk up to the building. Blanche Harte and Mr. Harte also approach and stop Andrew Kehoe.
BLANCHE HARTE
Mr. Kehoe?
ANDREW KEHOE
I’m sorry. I haven’t had the pleasure of your acquaintance.
BLANCHE HARTE
I’m Blanche Harte, Mr. Kehoe, Mrs. Kehoe. I’m sorry to disturb you, but I just wanted you to know that you have my vote.
ANDREW KEHOE
Why thank you, ma’am. May I ask what persuaded you?
BLANCHE HARTE
You have quite the reputation, Mr. Kehoe. Why, everyone says you’re smart and just the most frugal man alive.
ANDREW KEHOE
I do have a mind to see money’s well-spent.
BLANCHE HARTE
And that’s exactly what we need at this new school. You see, I have three young ones who will be going to this school, and I have every intention of being a teacher. So I’ve quite the mind to make sure that it’s run properly.