[sisters] As we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven...
Sister Clodagh, I'm asking you not to do this.
The women in the village can care for him.
[Clodagh] Excuse me.
[sisters] ...forgive those who trespass against us...
‐[Clodagh] Do you need me to‐‐ ‐Yes.
[Dean] If anything happens‐‐
Would you have the boy bleed to death?
I've told you I can't answer
for the consequences if you treat him.
Well, go then, Mr. Dean.
We don't need your help. We can manage without you.
All right, if that's what you want.
‐You're on your own. ‐We are with God.
[sisters] ...heaven, give us this day...
[chickens clucking]
Bye, Mr. Dean. Namaste, Mr. Dean.
[sisters] Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
‐on earth as it is in heaven. ‐[man groans]
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
‐on earth as it is in heaven. ‐[Clodagh shushes]
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses...
Sisters, can you tend to Sister Ruth, please?
Perhaps the chapel would be more suitable.
[man groaning]
[indistinct chatter]
[Philippa] Sister?
[panting]
[crows cawing]
[Briony] Thank you.
[Clodagh] I thank God for your steady hand,
Sister Briony.
[Briony] I can't say it's my fanciest embroidery,
but it'll do.
[match strikes]
[door opens]
We did the right thing. The danger is passed, Sisters.
Sister Ruth...
we should get you to bed. It's all been too much for you.
Don't touch me. You're not allowed to touch me.
[wind blowing]
[bell ringing]
[wind blowing]
[indistinct chatter]
[bells ringing]
[goat bleats]
[Briony] Oh, the hill post! My harmonium.
[door opens]
[Briony] Morning, Sister Clodagh!
‐They're coming! ‐Morning, Sister Briony.
[Philippa] Keep going.
[indistinct chatter]
‐[Clodagh] Namaste. ‐Namaste.
[Clodagh] Would you put the crates over by the door, please?
Thank you. Ah.
[man speaking Nepali]
[Philippa] We must keep digging.
[men speaking Nepali]
[Dorothea] Dear Sister Clodagh,
may the Lord bless and keep all
at the Convent of St. Faith.
I am glad to hear the coming of winter
has made little impact on your work at Mopu.
While every member fulfills her purpose,
the community of St. Faith will surely succeed,
to the glory of the Lord.
Only time will tell if Sister Ruth is truly suited
to the conditions in Mopu.
I have discussed your suggestion with Father Roberts.
We are agreed.
When the dear father makes his Christmas visit,
he alone will determine if it is best for Sister Ruth
to be brought back to Darjeeling.
Remember, Clodagh,
the Superior of all is the servant of all.
[Blanche] St. Faith, Sister Clodagh!
‐Isn't it good to see her? ‐Indeed it is, Sister.
[Briony] Can I have a hand with our Lord?
Oh, it would be so nice to have a proper place
to put St. Faith, Sister Clodagh.
Not to mention our Lord.
A plinth, is that's what it's called?
Can't you ask the gardeners to make something?
‐They seem handy enough. ‐No, not with carpentry.
[speaking Nepali]
[in Nepali]
[Briony in English] Good day to you.
[indistinct chatter]
‐[Clodagh] Ah, yes, blankets. ‐[Briony] Very good.
[Clodagh] Sister Ruth, what do you think?
They look like they'd help to keep out the drafts.
Yes. They're a decent weight, at least.
Oh, is that Mister Dean?
‐[speaking Nepali] ‐[Briony] Yes, it is!
Mr. Dean! Good day to you!
[Dean] Good day to you, Sister Briony.
‐Sisters. ‐[Clodagh] Mr. Dean.
Oh, look, isn't that Om's mother?
Perhaps you should speak to Mr. Dean
about the statues, Sister Clodagh.
And actually, there are quite a few jobs that need looking at.
[Clodagh] We can't keep running to Mr. Dean, Sister.
He has his own work to do.
Sister Blanche says Om expects the baby
to be there at home every day
‐when he comes home from school. ‐[Briony] Bless his soul.
I wonder how many we actually need.
I think we probably could...
[Dean] How are you, Sister Ruth?
Very well thank you, Mr. Dean.
Actually, I was quite unwell for a time.
‐I'm sorry to hear it. ‐I'm feeling much stronger now.
Sister Ruth! Can you help me, please?
Can you say for me, twenty‐four annas
is the most we'll pay for eight blankets.
But there are five of us.
Yes, but one for Joseph Anthony,
one for Kanchi, and one for Angu.
What, am I a donkey now, huh?
Here is your milk, Sister Ruth. Drink up, that'’s it.
Now, Angu, the bath house needs cleaning.
Sister Ruth will help you.
When Srimati Dev was ill, sometimes...
Sometimes, we had to lock her in here.
For keeping her safe.
[Ruth] What was wrong with her?
[Angu] She will not harm you, Sister.
Srimati Dev is sad.
I thought you said she was hungry.
Yeah. Hungry for happiness. Or maybe to be reborn.
Or maybe just for some milk.
[gasps]
[distant screaming]
[wind blowing]
‐[Clodagh exhales] ‐[birds chirping]
[wind blowing]
Lemini.
It's all right, Kanchi. I didn'’t mean to make you jump.
Maaf gara.
Have you ever seen a moving picture?
It is from Angu. For read? Can you read English?
This is to try. I try. Gary Cooper.
Thank you, Kanchi.
[in Nepali]
[in English] Dilip Rai, you do us a great honor.
But we are quite unprepared.
Dear Sister Clodagh, there is no need for that
now my uncle isn't here.
I've come to see you on a practical matter.
I wish to attend your school.
5 a. m. to 7 a. m., Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic.
[Clodagh] I see.
[Dilip Rai] The timetable is only a suggestion, Sister.
Of course, the lessons can be decided by you.
[Clodagh] I'm very sorry Highness, but it is impossible.
A convent doesn't teach men pupils, you see. Ah.
Jesus Christ was a man though, wasn't he, Sister Clodagh?
He took the shape of a man.
You must understand, I want so much to learn,
I am only the shape of a man.
My uncle was going to send me to the University of Cambridge,
but after my brother died, Uncle said I couldn't go.
I thought if I show him how quick I am to study
and to learn, he might change his mind.
We can't go against
the General's wishes, Excellency,
‐you must see that. ‐Oh, Toda Rai is happy for me
to come to school here.
He very much wants me to improve my English.
It is just the plans for Cambridge he disapproves of.
Well, then... I shall certainly consider it.
Thank you, Superior Sister. Good Day.
You are quite well, Sister Clodagh? Yes.
[sighs]
It's this business with Dilip Rai.
I know this is an unusual place, Sister Clodagh,
and we should expect unusual things,
but surely it isn't right
for a boy the young general's age‐‐
He's more of a man than a boy. But what are we to do?
I could write to Toda Rai explaining our objections,
but the post is so slow now.
Mightn't it be a help to talk to Mr. Dean?
He's worked for the General for so long,
and if there's really no way round Dilip Rai coming, then...
he might be able to speak to him about how to...
‐conduct himself. ‐Man to man.
Is that what they say?
[scoffs] I'm sorry, Sister Briony.
It's just the thought of Mr. Dean
giving anyone a lesson on how to conduct themselves...
[sighs]
You'd think the young general would find it strange,
the thought of coming here every day.
I suppose he doesn't remember his mother at all.
It's not just the young general, Sister Clodagh.
We really can't do without Mr. Dean
for all the work that's needed.
And since your falling out, he's been steering clear of us‐‐
Yes, you're quite right, Sister Briony.
‐Good sense, as always. ‐[chuckles]
This is an unusual place,
and we should expect unusual things.
[panting]
[gasps]
[panting]
[grunting]
[Dean] Sister Clodagh.
It's been a while.
I'm afraid I'm not fit for receiving visitors.
I should've sent a note, Mr. Dean.
But there's a matter I need to discuss with you.
In person.
[Dean] By all means.
As long as you take me as you find me.
Would you like to have a seat?
Water, I presume? Dilip Rai, the young general.
He wishes to study with us at St. Faith's.
I know I can rely on you to be direct. Is it safe?
A beastly savage, you mean?
Clearly that's... That's not what I meant at all.
The boy seems charm itself.
It'’s just, I'’m not sure what his... expectations are.
About women, Mr. Dean.
If we are to accede to his uncle's wishes
and accept Dilip as our pupil... Well, you can see my dilemma.
He comes from another world.
Dilip Rai will be a cuckoo in your nest,
no doubt about it. He's been spoiled rotten.
But there's no harm in the lad,
and his manners put mine to shame.
He'll respect your... discipline.
Particularly if he thinks any bad behavior
will get back to his uncle.
I can have a word with him, if you like,
but I doubt he'll pay me much mind.
Would you? That would be a great comfort.
Thank you. I'll leave you to your supper.
I owe you an apology, Mr. Dean.
For the way I've spoken to you in the past. It was uncalled for.
Well... you're only human. So I'm discovering.
[clears throat] I'm not much of a cook.
The factory women keep me from starving.
I...
We hope to see you at the palace soon.
[animals calling]
[wind chimes tinkling]
[laughter]
[sighs]
[panting]
[Clodagh] Dear Mother Dorothea,
it has been strange indeed to go so long
without communion, or making confession.
At the General's request,
Dilip Rai is taking daily lessons at the school,
he is a dedicated pupil and his manners respectful
of our discipline.
Work proceeds at the palace, and you will be pleased to hear
Sister Ruth's health is much restored.
I look forward to showing Father Roberts
everything we have achieved at St. Faith's.
[coughs]
Bonjour, Sister Ruth! Bonjour.
[Dilip Rai] Bonjour, Sister Clodagh!
Comment allez‐vous?
[Clodagh] Good day, Excellency.
Très bien, merci.
[Dilip Rai] Il fait frois, n'est ce pas?
Mais c'est tres bon‐‐ No! Beau. Très, très beau.
Oui. Vraiment beau.
[coughs]
[wind blowing]
[Clodagh] So there won't be any vegetables at all
on the terraces, come spring?
It seems a shame to waste such a glorious aspect on onions...
when I thought... Sister...
‐Lady Hillingdon. ‐[coughs] It's a repeat flowerer.
I was going to under‐plant it with jonquils and daffodils.
You see, we could start them off indoors...
and plant them as soon as the ground thaws‐‐
Sister Philippa, the order has already spent a great deal
on equipping the classroom,
not to mention all the other works.
But the terraces will be so glorious in spring.
The lupins and sweet peas with a border of petunias.
And if we could consider
the Japanese peonies for next year.
I know the red ones are expensive, but...
the color... is...
magnificent.
[floor creaks]
[Clodagh] I'm not inclined to trouble Mother Dorothea
with pure extravagance.
Yes, Sister Clodagh.
It is not extravagance, though...
if it is for the glory of God.
[door closes]
[Joseph Anthony] Four sevens are 28.
[children] Four sevens are 28.
[Joseph Anthony] Four eights are 32.
[children] Four eights are 32.
[Joseph Anthony] Four nines are 36.
[children] Four nines are36.
[Joseph Anthony] Four tens are forty.
[children] Four tens are forty.
[Maili in Nepali]
[Clodagh] Kanchi.
Excuse me, Sisters.
This is the passage in English, and you can read it in Nepali.
‐"Where..." ‐"Where is God?" "God is..."
[both] "Everywhere."
[Clodagh] Very good. [chuckles]
[Briony] Ah, Sister Clodagh. Mr. Dean has finished,
he is in your office. I'm just making his coffee now.
[Clodagh] Thank you, Sister Briony.
[door closes]
"Where is God?"
[Clodagh] Mr. Dean
I'm glad to hear the young general's behaving himself.
[Clodagh] Like a lamb.
Though I can't help thinking he's finding our standard
of scholarship rather disappointing.
Christianity isn't taking, I hope?
I needn't tell you what a disaster it would be
if you tried to convert him.
Dilip Rai is about as spiritual as... you, Mr. Dean.
You're confusing spirituality with religion, Sister.
Not the same thing at all.
In fact, from what I've observed,
the two are often mutually exclusive.
‐Coffee, Mr. Dean? ‐[Dean] You spoil me, Sister.
[laughs]
Thank you.
You're forgoing Sister Briony's special coffee?
[chuckles]
Friday is our fast day, till three.
‐[Dean] Thank you, Sister. ‐Always a pleasure, Mr. Dean.
You look ill. I'm just tired, that's all.
The wind seems to keep me awake.
I've been using the time for this. It's for Kanchi.
My Nepali is so poor, it'll probably take me years.
Well, I could try my hand at it, if you like.
At this point, I know more Nepali
than I've forgotten of the King's English.
Or the catechism, for that matter.
That's kind, thank you. Kanchi so wants to learn.
She's a special soul, I think.
But surely you are obliged to think every soul is special?
Oh, we do. We do.
But some are more special than others?
[chuckles]
What you said about spirituality...
Do you think that's true of what you've seen here at St. Faith's?
What do you care what I think?
You've changed, these last few weeks. Have I?
You're nicer.
[door closes]
[laughs]
‐[whipping] ‐[Clodagh groans]
In my thoughts and in my words, and what I've failed to do.
What I have done and what I've failed to do.
[moans]
Through my most grievous fault...
[ankle bracelet tinkling]
[horns blowing]
[indistinct chatter]
[Ruth] Stop it. Stop it.
Stop it. Put it down.
[laughter]
[Briony] God be with you, Sister.
[Blanche] And with you, Sister Briony.
[Briony] God be with you, Sister.
[nun] And with you.
‐[bell ringing] ‐God be with you, Sister.
[Clodagh] And with you.
[Briony] God be with you, Sister.
[nun] And with you, Sister Briony.
[wind blowing]
[Clodagh] Sister Philippa.
I wished to speak with you, about your plans for the garden.
I suppose it could wait until recreation,
but I've been thinking about the flowers.
You're right. Mopu demands its tribute.
Beauty, for the glory of God.
Now, I would suggest half a dozen of the peonies
rather than the dozen, and Pin says he can get
hill crocuses for free rather than daffodils, but...
I thought you'd be pleased.
Sister?
Sister, what is it?
I have written a letter to Mother Dorothea.
I wish to return to the community at Darjeeling.
But... you love it here, the garden‐‐
That's the trouble. You made me see.
If I stay, I will forget my purpose.
Since we came here,
all I can think about is the beauty of everything.
It is too much. The air is too clear.
You can see too far.
It's as though the mountains are watching us. Not God.
Take great care.
I think this place is too much for all of us, Sister Clodagh.
[Kanchi humming]
"Had God any body?" "God has no body."
"He is a spirit‐‐" [gasps] You careless creature.
Angu will give you a whipping for this.
No, Lemini, please! Stop. Stop! Kanchi!
Kanchi, don'’t touch me! Kanchi! Stop it!
Sister, this is not the girl's fault at all.
In fact, I think it is the plaster freezing,
then thawing. This is science. Get up.
[Kanchi speaks Nepali]
[Dilip Rai] Oh, no, you mustn't.
We must speak in English. We are modern people.
Thank you, Dilip Rai. That's enough!
Off you go. Angu will be wondering where you are.
Where on earth did that girl get hold of scent?
[chuckles] That's me, Sister Ruth, not Kanchi.
I sent for it from the Army and Navy stores in London.
Do you like it? It's called Black Narcissus.
I certainly do not. Good day.
[indistinct whispers]
[Clodagh] Sister Ruth! Whatever are you doing?
Careful!
It's not my fault! It was Kanchi!
It's broken. Goodness.
Still, Sister Briony's been boiling bones for glue
ever since we arrived.
I'm sure she'll be delighted that she can use some of it.
Shall we go and ask her? Sister...
You're not yourself.
When Father Roberts arrives, I'm going to ask him
to take you back with him to Darjeeling to see the doctor.
I so wish...
I wish you could see how much I want to help you, Sister Ruth.
We all do.
[Blanche] A true witness delivereth souls,
but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence,
and his children shall have a place of refuge.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life
to depart from the snares of death.
In the multitude of people is the king's honor,
but in the want of people
is the destruction of the prince.
He that is slow to...
[wind blowing]
[organ playing]
Oh, no, that's wrong.
[continues playing]
[Clodagh] Joseph Anthony, would you fetch
the cooked mince pies, please?
Where is the meat in this mincemeat? There is none.
It's traditional, you see.
It'’s part of the celebrations tomorrow.
[Angu] When Srimati Dev was alive,
we had so many parties.
What was it that happened to the princess?
You're always hinting‐‐
[Angu] Can't you guess, Sister?
[chuckles] Same story always.
Another man who told Srimati Dev
he loved only her,
until a baby was made, and then‐‐
[Dilip Rai] Happy Christmas, Sisters!
[sisters] Happy Christmas!
I so want to shake Father Roberts' hand.
And the new sister, are they here?
[Clodagh] Sister Adela?
Unfortunately not, Highness.
This weather's bound to have held them up at Goontu.
[Dilip Rai] Well, look what I have for you, Sisters.
Dean caught me on the way up.
[in English accent] Dilip Rai, you can save me a job.
[all laughing]
I do love Dean, don't you? He is a democrat!
‐[Briony] Oh! ‐[Clodagh] Thank you.
[Dilip Rai] Joseph Anthony. Sister Briony.
‐Oh, my word! ‐[Clodagh] Oh, dear.
He can't have known that we're not allowed
to accept personal presents.
[Angu] Open it, Sister! Huh?
At least you should see what it is you can't have.
[gasps]
[Blanche] Shall we really not be allowed
‐to keep them, Sister Clodagh? ‐Well... [sighs]
[Joseph Anthony] Sister Ruth...
[Clodagh] They are exceedingly practical.
I suppose we can consider them a donation to the order.
Oh, I could dance a jig!
Night after night, I've been up with my chilblains,
and now my poor old trotters will be warm and dry!
I know the mans a rogue, and they say he drinks
and worse, but I won't hear a word against him!
Aren't you going to try yours on, Sister Ruth? Look.
Look, there are knots in the string...
Leave her, Sister Clodagh.
There's no point in spoiling Christmas Eve.
[Joseph Anthony] Angu, this is for you.
[Angu laughs]
‐Your favorite! [laughs] ‐[laughs]
‐[Angu] Oh! ‐[Blanche gasps] A knife!
[Clodagh] It's definitely for a big boy.
[laughter]
[sisters] ♪ O come, All ye faithful ♪
♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪
♪ O come ye ♪ ♪ O come ye ♪
♪ To Bethlehem ♪
♪ Come and behold Him ♪
♪ Born the King of Angels ♪
♪ O come, let us adore Him ♪
‐♪ O come, let us adore Him ♪ ‐[crashing]
♪ O come, let us adore Him ♪
‐♪ Christ the Lord ♪ ‐[whispering]
♪ God of God ♪
♪ Light of Light ♪
♪ Low he abhors ♪
♪ Not the Virgin's womb ♪
♪ Very God be ♪
♪ Forgotten not created ♪
♪ O come, let us adore Him ♪
They are very festive, aren'’t they, Sister Blanche?
‐They're beautiful. ‐[Dean] They are better
than those little things you had your toes in.
‐[Briony] Certainly warmer. [Blanche laughs]
‐Thank you so much, Mr. Dean. ‐[Blanche] Thank you.
‐[Briony] They're lovely. ‐[Blanche] So kind.
[Dean] The least I could do.
Sister Clodagh, allow me to congratulate you
on the birth of Jesus Christ.
[chuckles] Thank you, Excellency.
‐[Dean belches] ‐[Briony] Oh! [laughs]
Forgive me my trespasses. [belches]
[Briony] You couldn't carry Joseph Anthony to his bed
for me, could you, Mr. Dean?
We can't leave him in the chapel all night,
he'll catch his death.
Your wish, Sister Briony, is my command.
[laughs]
[Briony] He's in fine form this evening.
[laughter]
[horse snorts]
‐[exhales] ‐[wind blowing]
Happy Christmas, Mr. Dean.
And Seasons Greetings to you, Sister.
This came all the way from England,
from the order in Canstead.
It's for your... You don't have a buttonhole.
Oh, no. Not in these glad rags. May I?
It's awfully prickly.
[chuckles]
[grunts]
[exhales]
[Briony] Ooh!
[Dean whispering] Where should I take him?
[Briony] Just take him to the kitchen, please,
Mr. Dean. Thank you.
‐[Dean shushing] ‐[Briony] Ooh, careful!
Good night, Sister Clodagh.
Merry Christmas.
‐[Blanche] Merry Christmas. ‐Merry Christmas, Sisters.
‐[wind blowing] ‐[wind chimes tinkling]
Mr. Dean, what just happened with Sister Ruth?
[slurring] I think you'd better ask Sister Ruth.
How much have you had to drink?
Just a dram or two to wet the Christ child's head.
How dare you come to our place of worship drunk,
tonight of all nights!
Oh, spare me the sermon. Why not take the night off?
‐You really are objectionable. ‐Well, so are you.
But in the morning, Sister, I'll be sober.
Good night, Sister Clodagh.
I did so enjoy the singing, didn't you?
Good night, Dilip Rai.
I didn't know you could sing, Dean!
Your voice is so strong and loud.
‐[laughs] ‐Good night.
Sister, it's my turn to apologize.
‐The whisky‐‐ ‐The whisky?
You're right, it's no excuse.
[Clodagh] What can I do? I've tried.
We rely on you so much. We have to.
There's simply no other choice.
[sighs]
[whispering] I'm sorry.
Clodagh, that'’s not your real name.
They make you change it. Clodagh is my real name.
It's my name in Christ.
[bells ringing]
[bell tolling]
[exhales]
[Ruth] You wished to see me, Sister Clodagh.
Sister Ruth. Won't you sit?
Last night... after the service...
did something happen between you and Mr. Dean?
In the chapel?
If he took advantage of you, I will have words with him.
"Took advantage"?
[Clodagh] If Mr. Dean attempted to touch you...
Please don't make fun of me. I would never make fun of you.
You must know that. You've never wanted me here.
None of you have.
‐Everyone's against me. ‐[Clodagh] No.
If everyone's against you... don't you think
that some of that feeling might be your fault as well?
Is that why you gave the lace school
to Sister Blanche and landed me with teaching the brats?
[Clodagh] I already explained my reasons for that.
I really think your unhappiness‐‐
‐I'm not unhappy! ‐Very well. Let me be plain.
I think you have let yourself fall into thinking
too much about Mr. Dean.
[chuckles]
Well, you'd know all about that, wouldn't you?
He is not a good man, Sister.
In ways, perhaps, you don't understand.
That's why you tried to bully me to force me back to Darjeeling.
Because you want him for yourself.
Sniffing after Mr. Dean like a bitch in heat.
You'd better watch out.
You've already driven away one Sister.
And Mother Dorothea won't think you're such a marvelous success
if you push me out as well.
[Clodagh] If all that was in your mind...
it's better said.
It‐‐ It's not! It's not what I think!
Forgive me, Sister Clodagh, I...
I don't know what I'm saying sometimes, and I...
I don't know what's happening to me.
[knocks]
[Blanche] Sister Clodagh!
Sister Clodagh. It'’s Sister Adela.
[Clodagh] Sister Adela, where is Father Roberts?
Father Roberts' pony is lame.
I've left him in the woods. Can you send a horse, please?
I'll saddle Love, Sister Clodagh.
Thank you, Sister.
It won't take me long to fetch Father Roberts.
It's blowing a storm out there.
[Clodagh] Please sit.
Sister Blanche, can you get my cape and gloves, please?
[wind blowing]
Try to keep warm, Sister Adela. I won't be long.
‐[Angu] Please take. ‐Oh! Thank you very much.
Sister Ruth?
[Blanche] Sister Clodagh, your gloves.
She's taken Love.
But she's not used to horses, what does she think she's doing?
Fetch me a lantern, Sister. She won't get far in this.
Sister Ruth!
[panting]
Father Roberts! Sister Ruth!
Sister Ruth! Father Roberts!