Little Dorrit (TV Mini Series)

Episode #1.4 (2008)

Russell Tovey: John Chivery

Quotes 

• Amy Dorrit : [Holding Clennam's discarded shirt button and hears John Chivery approach]  John, is it you?

  [Sees his appearance and turns and hides button] 

  John Chivery : I - I'm afraid... Did I disturb you? I took the liberty of walkin' this way because Mr. Dorrit chanced to mention you might be here.

  Amy Dorrit : Did he?

  [Turns away] 

  John Chivery : Have I done something to upset you?

  Amy Dorrit : [Looks at him and shakes head no] 

  John Chivery : [Takes off top hat]  We've always been good friends, you and I haven't we, Amy?

  Amy Dorrit : Yes, we have. And I hope we will continue so, nothing change.

  John Chivery : Ah, but things do change, Amy. Is the way of things, and the way things should be.

  Amy Dorrit : [Turns to leave]  I think I should go back now, John.

  John Chivery : Amy, please. Let me say what I have to say. I should go mad if I don't.

  [She stops and turns around] 

  John Chivery : I th - I think you know I've always loved you, ever since we were play fellows.

  Amy Dorrit : And I've always been fond of you, John.

  John Chivery : I'd do anything for you. I - I'd fling myself off that parapet if it would give you a moment's joy.

  Amy Dorrit : Please don't do that, John.

  John Chivery : Then put me out of my misery and say you'll be my wife.

  Amy Dorrit : I'm sorry. I can't do that, John. I am fond of you, but I could never feel about you that way, the way you'd like me to.

  John Chivery : Well... You might come to?

  Amy Dorrit : No. Sorry, John. I know I never shall.

  John Chivery : Th-then I must ask, is there someone else?

  Amy Dorrit : No. That is, I don't expect I shall ever marry, and in truth I'm quite contented as I am looking after father.

  [Grabs his hand] 

  Amy Dorrit : But I hope you'll have a good wife one day. Because you deserve one.

  [John leans down and kisses her hand. Pause] 

  Amy Dorrit : Please don't cry.

  John Chivery : I can't help it, Amy. I set my heart on you. G - good-bye.

  [Walks away and tosses top hat in basket] 

• John Chivery : Here lie the mortal remains of John Chivery, never anything worth mentionin', who died of a broken heart, requested with his last breath that the word "Amy" be inscribed over his ashes which was accordingly directed to be done by his afflicted father.