 I'm Andy Fisher, WNAW News. At 8 minutes past 10, time for the Sears Radio Theater. Story of the West with Lauren Green as your host. Here's a preview. When a man's that polite, it usually means he ain't letting on the whole truth about himself, and I intend to do a little investigating. Daddy! I got the feeling that Duke ain't got a scent to his name. I suspicion he's just married you for our money, and that's just what I intend to find out. The Sears Radio Theater will begin after this message from your local station. Our hot number is 1130, and we may have a hot number for you. A lottery ticket number, that is. It's the WNAW $25,000 lottery game. To play all we need is your name, address, and phone number. Then if we announce your name on the air any weekday between 6am and 10pm, you win $100 worth of slot machine lottery tickets from the Empire Steaks game. You don't even have to hear it, but if you do and call our hot number phone line within 30 minutes, we'll double the number of scratchable tickets to $200 worth. You could also be one of our five grand prize winners when the lottery game is over to receive $1,000 worth of the new Olympic lottery tickets. It's easy, and we could announce your name soon. If you send it to the WNAW lottery game, Fox 1130, Grand Central Station, New York. Scratch a hot number, and it could pay off for you from our hot number, 1130. Quiet in the studio, Latherpuss Radio Spot, take one. Here in the Romantics Out Seas, Latherpuss Shaving Cream is preferred by more... Ah, Mr. Director. God, yes, Mr. Latherpuss. I'm not crazy about this island thing. See, rough and rugged is what my shaving cream is really all about. I'll change it, take two. Fine. Here in Romantic Horsefly, Texas, Latherpuss Shaving... I hate to be a barber, but Latherpuss is so continental and stuff, I'll change it, take three. Here in Romantic Horsefly, Texas... You know what? If he could use the sexier voice... Sexier, he'd take four. Here in Romantic Horsefly, Texas, Latherpuss Shaving Cream is preferred to one. Yes, wonderful. I hope I didn't make too many suggestions. Not at all. Could I make a suggestion? What is it? Could he do it in Swedish with an Irish Brogue and add some boggos and a race... Radio, you can do anything you want. Go anywhere you want and reach anybody you want at a price that won't bust your budget. Radio, it's right on the button. A message from the Radio Advertising Bureau. This is Lauren Green. San Francisco has had a strange and colorful history. Under early Spanish rule, it had been a peaceful place of stately Arcadian simplicity where people gave no thought to locking their doors. Then gold was discovered and the barren hills of Chaparral and Scrub oak became the sites for elegant mansions while the valleys filled up with a teeming, low-life society of gamblers and cutthroats who preyed on the innocent and unsuspecting. Socially, the town was a free-for-all. Eventually, an elegant society developed which was based on the amount of money one had emerged with from the scramble. But always there was a threat. One man, it is said, carried his valuables and sealed stamped envelopes so he could drop them at a post box if he were set upon. It was not a society where people questioned each other's origins too closely and as a result, the town always had its share of con men. The year is 1885. We're in the mansion of one Harry Penrod. Harry came west as a miner but soon discovered there was more profit in business. He has amassed a fortune that has permitted him to ape the customs, if not the manners, of the best eastern society. And one of the customs he has followed is that of sending his daughter, Gertie, on a grand tour of Europe. It's a move he'll live to regret. And that's only the beginning of our story. New adventure in radio listening. Five nights of exceptional entertainment every week brought to you in Elliott Lewis' production of The Sears Radio Theatre. Our story, The Duke of Nevers by Percy Granger. Our stars, Len Berman, Anne Given and True Boardman. The Sears Radio Theatre is brought to you by Sears Robuck & Company. Sears, where America shops for value. Hi, I'm Bud Palmer, inviting you to the Sears Spring Home Appliance Sale. Come celebrate spring and save from twenty to a hundred dollars on selected Sears major home appliances. Save big on washers, dryers, ranges and microwave ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers, sewing machines, vacuum cleaners, color TVs and stereos. Celebrate spring, save at Sears now. Sale ends April twenty-eight. Days may vary in Alaska and Hawaii, available in most Sears retail stores. Ken Moore, followed as Sears. Sears National Automotive Sale. Now save thirty-six to sixty-eight dollars on a set of four Sears Road Handler radio tires. That's great savings on Sears Best steel-belted radios. And save on steady riders. Sears Best heavy-duty shocks. The ones even Joey Chippwood stunt team didn't wear out in a whole season. Now only $9.99 each. You save over twenty percent installation available at most Sears Tire and Auto Centers. Prices may vary in Alaska and Hawaii. The word's out and spreadin' fast about the jeans from Sears Men's Store that grow, you've goin' strong a long time. Get them free washed. The jeans that grow... San Francisco in the 1880s. Abundant wealth. And that attracts all sorts. Those who would share it and those who would take it. But the story is better told from the point of view of Joseph Martin, District Attorney for San Francisco from 1883 to 1889. During my tenure as District Attorney, a number of memorable cases came before me. But none was so strange as the one I'm about to relate. It began in the home of Harry Penrod, a successful businessman in our community, with the arrival of a letter. Harry. Oh, Harry, look, here's a letter from Gertie. Well, hi, time. What's the postmark? What's from New York? Do you suppose that means she's back in this country? Well, what else could it mean? Open it. Even so, she still threw across the continent, still a week's train ride. Well, well, what did she say? Did she enjoy Europe? Is she all right? Oh. Oh. What is it? She's gotten married. What? Let me see that. To Charles Jules Francoise. The foreigner? Well, what else would you meet in Europe? Well, she says he's an aristocrat, a duke. What? Good nevers. Harry, that means our Gertie's a duchess. Don't be ridiculous. She's barely an adult. What's the matter? I don't want you rushing out, telling all our friends about this. Not until we've at least met the fellow. Why, Harry, whatever makes you think I'd do a thing like that. She's inherited your independence, Treacle, right? First insisting she'd be allowed to travel without an escort. Now, without so much as a word of warning, she returns with some ne'er-do-well in tow. I think what it will mean to our position in society. I've taken care of our position in society with diligence and sound business principles. Oh, but I do carry. It's the man who makes the title, not the title, who makes the man. There's plenty of impoverished European noblemen who trade on a long string of impressive titles to worm their way into wealthy circles over here. I'll reserve judgment until I've met him. Good day, sir. May I help you? My name is Charles-Jean-François de Nevers. Yes, sir. We've been expecting you. Welcome to the Parker House, San Francisco's finest hotel. We've got the bridal suite all ready for you. The bridal suite? But how did you know? I mentioned nothing about that in my telegram. I told them, Charles. I sent them a telegram, too. I wanted us to have the best suite in the hotel. You're not angry, are you? Not at all. So, American girls really are famous for taking the initiative. I'll have one of the boys show you right up. But... Thank you. You know, word of your arrival has been spreading around town like wildfire. We've had quite a few calling cards and invitations. We have? Oh, Charles, isn't it just too wonderful? Mother must have accidentally let it slip out that we were returning. You're going to meet all the very best people in San Francisco. I'm looking forward to it. Shall I have the calling card sent up to your room? There will be time for all that later. Our first visit must be to my wife's parents. Oh, I should save my little girl since you're married now. Oh, mother. I'm so happy to be back. I had such a wonderful time. Daddy. Young lady, I think you have some explaining to do. Now, daddy, don't be angry with me. Say something nice. Well, uh... Yes. And, uh, you? You must be the Duke of Nevers. Nevers. Charles Jules François de Nevers. Please, we can't keep the Duke standing in the hallway. Let's all go into the parlor. Mrs. Penrod, I insist you've called me Charles. Oh, dear. I'll try. Gertie has told me a great deal about both of you. And you've come anyway. How nice. Whatever she's told you, it's more than she's told us about you, I mean. Oh, daddy. No, my dear, your father is absolutely within his rights to wish to know something about the man who has spirited away his only daughter. Sir, I am the eldest son of the late Oscar Odon, Duke de Nevers. I was born in Paris, and I graduated from the Collège Louis-le-Grand where I took a course of science and letters. I held a commission in the French army, which I've only recently resigned. This is a copy of my military record. As you can see, it was written out by the Minister of War of the French Republic himself. See that? A wounded in a sedan, made a night of the garter and a night of the Legion of Honor. Wounded at the homey, and now is a commander of the Legion of Honor. Show them the medal, Charles, please. Beautiful. Authentic. That's the one thing of which Charles is most proud. Here's a photograph of my family. My sister here is married to Prince Henry of Aramburg in Belgium, and my brother is an officer of artillery stationed in Madagascar. And this is our family's seats, the Chateau de Nevers. It's like a palace from a fairy tale. Assuming it isn't in receivership. Daddy! My mother is living there at present. I think daddy's just jealous. Charles' family can trace their ancestry back to Charlemagne. So? We have a little royal of her own right here in San Francisco. Really? Norton I? No, I don't believe I have. Oh, yeah? I'm surprised someone in your line of work has heard of him. Old Norton was the Emperor of the United States and the Protector of Mexico. He published at least three proclamations a week, which he put up in the free lunch counters. And a regular uniform and everything. Sword, cane. Went about town with a couple of muts named Bummer and Lazarus. Kept an eye on things. Charles' daddy's joking with you. Norton I was just a harmless old crazy man. Everyone humored him. But I don't understand, Mr. Penrod. How did he get his titles? Simple. He made them up. Harry, don't be a bore. But he is absolutely right, Mrs. Penrod. That is precisely how titles come into being. It is only time which confers on them any significance. Well, I think it's shameful that we're treating the Duke as if he were on trial. Please, Charles, come with me. I'll show you the rest of the house. I'd be delighted. Mrs. Penrod seemed to be doing no more than her social duty in rescuing Charles from her quarrelous husband. But had anyone cared to notice, as she slipped her arm through the arm of her gallant son-in-law, she gave him a cool and appraising look. I love to eat. But it takes so long to cook. That's why we both love our new Kenmore microwave oven from Sears. I can cook a five pound roast medium rare in just 30 minutes, or three strips of bacon in three and a half minutes on a paper plate. Bake two potatoes in eight minutes and cook vegetables faster than boiling them in water. That means less time in the kitchen. And more with you. Vast clean, cool cooking with Sears Kenmore microwave ovens, all with automatic defrost. Choose the right model for your kitchen from the many styles available at most Sears retail stores. They wear them in Alaska, in Texas, in Maine. Wherever the territory's tough, the kids wear Sears toughskins. The toughest jeans in Sears' tough jeans territory. Fashion from a permapressed, tri-blend fabric so tough, kids can actually jump on trampolines made from it. Sears toughskins in boys and girls sizes. Now in latest spring colors, styles, patterns. Brushed finish, too. You have tough kids, Sears has toughskins. Only in a children's store at most larger Sears retail stores and through the catalog. Let's try some word association. In. Out. Top. Bottom. Paint. House. What? The whole house needs painting. I'm off. That's it. Sears $4 off paint sale on each gallon of interior fashion flat, semi-gloss and ceiling paint, plus exterior flat house paint. I'll uplift my home and my spirits by painting new life inside and out. Hard. Easy. Good. And now, four dollars off. Sale ends April 21st. At most Sears retail stores, dates may vary in Alaska and Hawaii. We continue our story. Mrs. Penrod is leading her aristocratic son-in-law, father and father, out of ear shot of her husband and daughter. Mrs. Penrod appeared to be pointing out the various knick-knacks around the house. But as she made small talk, a plan was hatching in the back of her mind. Your arrival has cost quite a stir, I'm afraid. All San Francisco's waiting to meet you. And I am most anxious to meet them. Actually, Duke, I did have an ulterior motive for wanting to speak to you alone. I have a proposal I want to put to you. Put to me? My father died recently. I'm sorry to hear that. Oh, he was an old coot. But he left me a lot of money that's just been sitting in the bank and I've been looking around for a good investment. Can't your husband advise you? I want to find something on my own. So when Gertie told me she'd married a Frenchman, it gave me the most marvelous idea. Yes? Well, whoever heard of a Frenchman who didn't know about wine... Who indeed, but I don't understand. Duke, I have a confession to make. There is still one or two small but vital ways in which our city is not yet a civilized place. Do you know, for example, that we have no single importer of French wines? But surely you must. I mean no knowledgeable importer. One who knows a good grape when he sees one, if you take my meaning. The riffraff drink gin, cocktails, and brandy smashes. They don't care. But the best people are desperate for the fine vintage wines of Europe. Oh, they would pay anything. Are you asking my opinion of such a venture? No. I'm asking your partnership. Partnership? Oh, I could handle the business side of it every American woman knows about such things. But when it comes to knowing what wines to import... Oh, goodness, I wouldn't know the real goods from snake oil. And you want me... To purchase the wines in Europe. Oh, think of the angle from the private sellers of the Duke of Nevers and Nevers. Thank you. But I must tell you that as a gentleman I never dabble in business. You wouldn't have to put up a stand. I'll give you enough money to go to Europe and buy out the lot. I'm sorry. I would be happy to advise you on your choices, but I could not act as your agent. Charles, Charles... Oh, there you are. I just looked at the time. If we're going to the opera tonight, we should get back to the hotel. Mrs. Penrod, welcome to the Parker House. Yes, my son-in-law is staying here. Yes, ma'am, the Duke of Nevers. Never. Quite a figure he cuts too. I wish to leave something for him in the safe deposit box. Oh, certainly. We'll put it right in the safe and see that he gets the key. Thank you. Now, I'll fill out this receipt if you'll just tell me the contents of that package. Money. Money? How much? A great deal. This is for the Duke. Yes, he doesn't know it yet, but I want him to realize I'm serious when I say that I've made up my mind he and I are going into business together. See me, Daddy? Yes, Gertie. Have a seat. Where's Mother? She said she was going downtown on some errand. Didn't ask her what. But what I want to talk to you about is Charles and what I want to know is how he makes his living. I don't know. You never asked. I just assumed that- Never assume anything. Just because he's a Duke don't mean a thing. How does he pay for things? Well, he never seems to have to pay for much. Well, why not? People always seem to give him things. He never asks them to. They just offer. We're always being asked to dine out and- That settles it. Settles what? Well, there's your mother now, huh? Good morn- Why, hello, Gertie. We were just discussing the Duke. I was telling Gertie in plain terms, I don't like his stripe. Well, why ever not. I think he's perfectly charming. He's a little too charming, if you ask me. I don't like it. I don't trust it. When a man's that polite, it usually means he ain't letting on the whole truth about himself and I intend to do a little investigating. Daddy! I got the feeling that Duke ain't got a scent to his name. I suspicion he's just married you for our money. And that's just what I intend to find out. After this message from your local station. A quick and easy method for observing potential hazards in your home. Let's start by activating your safety scan. Carefully focus on your appliance cords and plugs. Check to see if they're damaged in any way. And if so, discontinue using the appliance. Next, you should focus on water. Check so that none of your plugged-in electrical appliances can be accidentally immersed in water or any other liquid. And avoid handling an electrical appliance with wet hands or when you are standing on a wet or damp floor. And finally, your safety scan should include checking for the UL label on all electrical appliances. That label indicates that the product design has been evaluated by safety engineers and complies with a nationally recognized safety standard. A public service message on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories and this station. Here's a tip from your Better Business Bureau. Is your car equipped to handle emergencies? Well, here's a list of essential items which will enable you to better handle an emergency situation. A car jack and lug wrench should always be carried in case of a flat tire. Be sure you know how the jack operates and the correct procedure for changing a tire. Flares and reflectors provide warning to other motorists that your car is stopped and both are essential safety items. A tow strap or chain enables a car to be pulled out of the mud with snow. Battery jumper cables help a motorist solve a dead battery problem quickly. A small fire extinguisher can prevent a small problem from turning into a large one. But you'd better keep it in the passenger compartment where you can get to it quickly. A first aid kit can come in handy in all sorts of minor medical emergencies. A tip from your Better Business Bureau. Harry Penrod followed through with his threat to hire private detectives to look into the financial standing of the elegant Duke who had married his daughter. But as things would have turned out, he never had to wait for their report. Events moved far faster than anyone would have imagined. What a splendid list I might... I really think there's no closer approximation of paradise than your beautiful San Francisco Bay. I thought it would be such fun to bring you here. I thought my parents would be so happy. Aren't they? I seem to have won your mother over quite completely. You have, but it's Daddy. Well, no man is ever happy to see his daughter leave him. It's more than jealousy, Charles. Well, awful. When I went to see him this morning, he said he was going to hire a private detective. What on earth for? To look into your financial background. Daddy's obsessed with finances. My financial background? Ah, he suspects I am one of those impoverished European noblemen who attaches himself to rich and gullible American women. I'm sorry, Charles. Oh, please don't even think about it. I would never embarrass you or your father by making a public issue of it. There's more to it than that. Daddy's a very powerful man. He's got connections. Connections? What does that mean? He has influence. He knows powerful people. When he doesn't like someone, he has ways of hurting them. You think I am in danger? I think for your own safety we should, well, maybe go back to Europe earlier than we planned. No, Gertie. I will not even consider such a thing. Why not? It would be an insult to your father. I would as much as be saying that I did not trust him. But you don't. Of course I do. Well, you shouldn't. Gertie, gentlemen live by certain rules of behavior, and one of those rules is that we must assume other gentlemen will abide by those rules. You don't understand, Charles. That's the way things are done in Europe, but it doesn't work that way here. I must assume your father is a gentleman, and until he should demonstrate to the contrary, I must trust that he will not conduct himself in anything less than an honorable fashion. I guess Europeans must like to walk, because the Duke did a lot of it while he was in San Francisco. That same afternoon, he went out again. Only this time, alone. Good afternoon, Duke. Are you going out again? Yes, I thought I'd have a brief stroll alone before dressing for the opera. Oh, have we received any mail? No, but there's a lot more calling cards. It seems like everyone who is anyone wants to wine and dine, you and Madam De Nevers. Madame De Nevers. Thank you. Duke, there is something I couldn't tell you before with your wife around, you know. But Mrs. Penrod came by this morning, and she deposited quite a large sum of money in a safe deposit box for you. Money? Are you sure? Yes, yes. She said it was for some business arrangement that two of you were planning. I see. She's a very persistent woman. Anyway, here's the key. Anytime you want to withdraw it, you just come see me, or the manager. I don't understand where he could be, Mother. He's not in the habit of keeping you waiting, is he? That doesn't seem very much like him. It's not. He said he was just going out for a walk, but that he'd be back in time to dress for the opera. Well, obviously the two of you can't continue to live here at the Parker House. Charles refuses to consider imposing on you and Daddy. Gracious, that's not what I was leading up to at all. It's time the two of you thought about finding a home of your own. Mother, Charles and I aren't going to be staying. You're not? This is just a visit. I wanted him to meet you and Daddy, but after that we're going to return to Europe. Oh, you mean live there permanently? I thought you realized. Well, of course he has that splendid chateau. It's far better than anything we have to offer. You live with his mother then. Mother, I'm sorry. I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but we have our own lives to lead. No, no, no. No, I understand. If he's a commander of the Legion of Honor and all those other things, he must be terribly much in demand. So then, how long can you stay here? I don't know. Charles has been rather vague about that. Oh, I do wish he'd get back. I hope he hasn't wandered into one of the rough areas of town down by the docks. What if something's happened to him? But nothing has happened to me. As you can see, I'm perfectly all right. Charles, I was so worried about you. Forgive me. I was unavoidably detained by a most unfortunate incident. Good day, Mrs. Penrose. Good day, Charles. What happened? Well, as I was on my way back to the hotel, I saw a policeman in the act of arresting a young couple on some trivial charge. I took the liberty of inquiring with old usability what the trouble was. The policeman was quite rude. He told me to mind my own business. What trouble did you? Not at all. I was able to get the whole affair settled without the slightest difficulty. Oh, really? What did you do? The only thing a man of honor could do. I posted their bail. Oh, noble. There. You see, Harry was completely wrong about you. I had no choice. The policeman with his rudeness had challenged me. And you put up the money to set them free. I had no money with me. What did you do? Our family owns some property here in San Francisco. Oh, really? I put it up as collateral. But these people, do you know anything about them? If they don't show up in court to answer the charges against them, you'll lose your house. I think you behaved splendidly. I don't understand. Why didn't you tell me you own property here? Oh, gracious. Who could that be? Are you Charles Jules Francois the Duke of Nevers? Heaven's a policeman. Yes, officer, I am the Duke of Nevers at your service. Officer, what's happened? Excuse me, miss, but I got orders to bring this gentleman down to the station house. Whatever for? Well, he's under arrest. Arrest? What for? We're making a false statement to the police in a matter of ownership of a certain piece of property which he offered as collateral for a bond. I'm sure there's been some mistake. If there is, we'll straighten it out in the district attorney's office. Daddy. Daddy must be behind this. I thought you were going to the opera tonight. Is something wrong? Charles has been arrested. Well, what for? They said he signed over some property that didn't belong to him. I want to know what all this means. I don't know. I'd have to hear the details. I mean, is this your doing? Gertie, I haven't the faintest idea what the Sam Hill you're talking about. You didn't arrange to have Charles arrested on false charges? No. You know I don't trust the fellow, but I never thought he was a criminal. The scandal? Charles is innocent. I'm sure there's some awful mix-up. Even so, the very taint of arrest. It puts such a bad face on things. Here's the district attorney's office. And here's where I come in. The first I personally ever heard of Charles Jules Francois, the duke de la verre, was from the lips of a breathless and very beautiful young girl, all a tremble with indignation. And I thought fear. So you see, sir, my husband couldn't have possibly done such a thing. It doesn't even make sense. I agree. But I've spoken to the arresting officer, and I have the arrest report here before me. It all seems to be in perfect order. Then send for Charles. I'm sure he can explain everything. Guys, on the Duke of Nevers, as most Americans called him, I was confused. He was tall, distinguished, with an excellent cut to his clothes, obviously a man of breeding and refinement. I had to keep reminding myself that he was a prisoner. Please have a seat, Mr. de Nevers. Thank you. Cigarette? Thank you. I don't smoke. Now, maybe you can get us to the bottom of what we hope is a regrettable error. May I speak confidentially? Sir, I have suffered great humiliation at my arrest. I am an officer and a gentleman of France where my family, to be aware of my present situation, they would never recover from the disgrace. Well, I... I don't think we can keep it out of the press, but if you can clear the matter up now, it will minimize the damage. Of course, it has all been a most awful mistake. No. You're charged with making a false statement to the police. Yes. Is that true? Of course not. Is this your signature? It is. You knowingly swore to this document, stating you owned this piece of property. I did. But the property isn't owned by you. I have the deed right here. It belongs to Mr. Garrett Thompson. Oh, heavens. We know the Thompson's. Yes. Well, that's both perjury and fraud. You will have to answer the charges unless there's something you haven't told me. As you wish. Your passport says you're French. That is correct. Though recently I resigned my commission in the French Army. Well, all your papers seem to be in order. But if you can offer no further explanation, we'll have to hold you for trial. Heavens. Mother, what is it? My money. What money? I send a large sum of money over to the Parker House. It is perfectly safe, Mrs. Penrod. What if Harry was right after all? What if he's made off with it? Mother, he's right here. The money is where you left it. I have not touched it, nor did I ever intend to do so. How can I believe you? Mother. If you wish to see for yourself, Mrs. Penrod here is the key. Mrs. Penrod flew out of my office in a cloud of petticoats and feathers. The Duke spoke at great length about his several careers and his travels. He'd discourse knowledgeably on literature. He spoke of a number of inventions he'd made. And the more he talked, the more I wondered how such an extraordinary person could permit himself to be charged with perjury. But since he'd say no more about it, I had no choice but to have him escorted back to his cell. That left me the task of consoling the destructness as to navere and waiting for the next developments in a case that echoes in my mind even today. Fashion t-shirts look all out of shape. Not so with Sanfranit fabric t-shirt tops from Sears. They're 100% cotton, cool and comfortable, and treated with a process that helps these garments keep their shape, even when machine dried. So your fashion dollar keeps its shape, too. Sanfranit tops and Mrs. Sizes are Sears best. And this spring, when color is headlining fashion news, you'll be thrilled at the choice of rainbow colors. A good night's sleep, that's important to you. How your mattress is constructed should be important, too. Sears best Imperial Elite mattress has mattress within a mattress construction. The inner spring model has individually pocketed coils covered with polyester and urethane. The polymeric foam model has individually molded comfort islands for even support. 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Thus I found the young Mrs. DeNaver's had brought herself under control. In fact, she arose with such dignity that I fancied some of the Duke's manners had rubbed off on her. And she for the first time had become aware of the title she held by marriage. But before she could leave, her mother unexpectedly re-entered my office. Mr. Martin. Oh, Gertie, you're still here. Yes, Mother, but I was just leaving. No, no, not just a minute. I have the most extraordinary news. I've just been to the Parker House. The money I left for the Duke is still there every cent of it. Well, I'm glad to hear it. How could I have jumped as such horrid conclusions about him? Surely now you can let him go. I'm afraid he isn't charged with theft of your money, Mrs. Penrod, but with perjury. But doesn't this prove he's innocent? He doesn't answer the charge against him. I must say, though, it leaves me very puzzled as to the motive for his actions. He's an educated man. Certainly must have known what the consequences would be. You don't suppose. Oh, gracious! What, Mother? Well, what if he's not quite right in the head? Mother! Well, we all admit it was a crazy thing for him to do. I know he seems perfectly nice, and I'm sure it isn't his fault. But I have heard that European nobility is fond of, uh, well, marrying amongst themselves if you take my meaning. And we know what excessive in-reading can do to one's character. Mother, that's outrageous! Perhaps the Duke will see fit to enlighten us at his hearing. This could be a hearing. There'll have to be in a week's time. Dupes' cops went the headlines. Then one day my assistant burst into my office. Afternoon, counselor. Hello, Jay. What have you got there? It's from the London police. Concerning the Duke of November? Of all the pious frauds cast your eye on this. It's an arrest record. That's right. False pretence, fraudulently obtaining a carriage for which he had not sufficient funds. No, he's not only a perjurer, but an ex-con. What in the world is the man up to? I don't know about that London incident, but the one here seems pretty clear. He figured to get in good with that couple he bailed out and take money from them later. If extortion was his racket, why didn't he just skip town with Mrs. Penrod's money when he had the chance? Well, then what is his game? I haven't the faintest idea. Faint to be sure, but an idea nonetheless. That evening I had dinner at my club. My thoughts kept returning to the Duke de Nervaire. I'd never met anyone more fitted to be a Duke than he. I'd felt myself in the presence of a truly superior being as we talked, a cultivated citizen of the world. His arrest record didn't make sense. I retired to the club library and fetched down a copy of the LaRuce Encyclopedia, Volume N. There it was. Nervaire, capital of the department of Nervaire. Nucle Palace, built in 1475, sold to the Cardinal Mazarin, 1659, who left it to his nephew, who in turn left it to, and so on, until what I had expected to find I found. But still the shock was so great I left the club quickly and returned to my house, being to hear the case of the state versus Charles-Jules Francois, Duke de Nervaire, on the charge of perjury. The public scene Mrs. Penrod had hoped to avoid must have been a nightmare to her. The court was packed. The facts of the case were quickly put into record. And then, as Mr. Penrod rose to take the stand as a character witness for his son-in-law, I felt I could withhold my information no longer. To save the poor man, undue embarrassment, I rose to speak. If it pleased the court, I feel obliged at this time to acquaint it with certain facts that came to my attention last night. Does it have bearing on the case? I think it does, Your Honor. You only think? You don't know, Counselor? I'm sure it must, but in what exact way I can't be certain. The line from which the Duke claims to be descended is a distinguished line that includes cardinals, generals, and statesmen. But unfortunately, it is also a line which has been extinct for over 100 years. That he's not only a perjurer and an ex-con, he's an imposter. My announcement had an effect I hadn't anticipated. The court was immediately adjourned in the utmost confusion until the following day, when sentence would be passed. How could anyone have made up a lie in such detail? The Duke had letters of introduction, official documents, seemingly bearing all the correct seals, medals, photographs. Why? What drove him? That evening, he had a single visitor to his cell. Save me! I don't understand what has happened. Oh, Charles, you deceived everyone. All my friends, my parents. The whole town opened its arms to you. I can only offer my apologies for the embarrassment I have caused you. Why? What is the reason? It was bad enough you fooled us. But then why did you go and tell the police you owned that house? It was my duty as a gentleman. I had no other choice. But you must have known it would lead to your ruin. It was my duty as a gentleman. But what was the reason? Are you wanted for some other crime? Have you done something worse that I don't know about? No. I don't understand, Charles. Who are you? Having like a gentleman mean so much to you, then why have you deceived me? I love you, Charles, and you've made me miserable. I'm sorry. You talk about acting honorably, and you've been honorable to everyone but me. For all I know, you aren't even French. I am French. How can I believe you? Please don't ask me to say anymore. I'm your wife. I love you. I was born in Paris. I knew my parents in name only. Never by any affection they showed me. I was allowed... I was driven to make my way as best I could in the streets. I slept under bridges, ate scraps. I was no better than a neglected animal. Charles... Enough. That is all passed now. Charles, listen. My father's begun to take steps to have our marriage annulled. He says he can do it because you married me under false pretenses, but I can stop him. No, he is right. That is exactly what I did. But we can go away someplace together. Better to let your father know the marriage. The only crime you've committed is perjury, and they can't give you a very heavy sentence for that. I can wait. No. Why not? Because... She didn't say a word. Nor did she ever speak of what passed between them that evening. The following morning, the court was packed with all the city society folks, all buzzing with curiosity about the mysterious Charles-Jules Francois. And not just little vindictive in their desire to watch the final humiliation of the man who was so completely deceived. So much did poor Mrs. Penrott's distress grow with the entrance of each of her social rivals. But finally she could bear it no longer. It had to be escorted to a small chamber to be revived with smelling salts. It's too bad that she did. For she missed the final chapter of this extraordinary tale. The judge's sentence was extremely harsh. Five years of hard labor. I watched the defendant closely. He did not flinch. He stood with his shoulders thrown back and head erect, as befitted a scion of a noble house. And then, before adjourning the court, the judge turned to him and asked the question that was on everyone's lips. You stand before us, a convicted felon, by your acts, if not by your confession. You have chosen not to tell the court why you laid yourself open to certain arrest and conviction, or why you did not make off with the money that was offered you. You are a convicted criminal and a proven imposter. Will you at least be so good as to tell us who you really are? The prisoner bowed slightly and spoke with great dignity. Certainly. I am Charles-Jules François Duc de Nevers. 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So visit your Sears store today to apply for your credit card or just phone toll-free 800-526-0444. Find out why Sears is where America shops for value. Remember, phone 800-526-0444. In New Jersey residents call 800-652-2777. Sears Radio Theater has been brought to you by Sears Robuck & Company, where our policy is satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Sears where America shops for value. The Duke of Nevers was written by Percy Granger, produced and directed by Fletcher Markle. Your host was Lorne Green. Our stars were Len Berman, Anne Given, and True Boardman. Also heard were Virginia Gregg, Howard Culver, and Vic Perrin. The music for Sears Radio Theater was composed and conducted by Nelson Riddle. Art Gilmore speaking. The Elliott Lewis production of Sears Radio Theater is a presentation of CVI. Yeah, that was about two weeks after Dad had his stroke. Did he have high blood pressure? Don't know. He's doing a little better now, but he can't speak too well. Has trouble walking too, doesn't it? Yeah, it's truly a shame. You have high blood pressure? I don't know. I feel okay. I'm not high strung like Dad. Whether you're high strung or low strung, whether you feel just fine or not, has nothing to do with high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor in stroke and heart attack, but it has no obvious symptoms. It can only be detected by a simple, quick, and painless test. The American Heart Association also wants you to know that black Americans as a group are more likely to have high blood pressure than whites. We don't know why. But high blood pressure can usually be controlled if it's detected. For more information, contact your American Heart Association. We're fighting for your life. What in the world happened in April brought to you by your local Navy recruiter? April is admissions day for Maryland, admitted in 1788 as our seventh state. And Louisiana, admitted in 1812 as our 18th state. George Washington was sworn in as our first president in April of 1789. And the first U.S. Congress began regular sessions at Federal Hall in New York City. In April of 1860, the First Pony Express run was made from Missouri to California in ten days. The motto in God We Trust was first stamped on all U.S. coins in April of 1864. The Navy's first submarine, the USS Holland, was commissioned in April of 1900. Navy Commander Robert E. Peary and Matthew Henson reached the North Pole in April of 1909. What in the world happened in April is brought to you by your local Navy recruiter who will answer your questions about Navy opportunity or in the continental United States, call 800-841-8000, toll free. In Georgia, 800-342-5855. Navy, it's not just a job, it's an adventure.