Episode 1248

Aired Wednesday April 7, 1971

The family is gathering for dinner. Liz talks to Carolyn about Anderson, and is intrigued to meet him. Roger is more skeptical, convinced that the study of such phenomena is merely a "racket." Liz reminds him of the seances and other events of the recent past. Roger says he has tried to put them out of his mind, and that the only thing he currently believes is that he will have another brandy. Quentin tells him he disagrees with him on the occult, but agrees with him on the brandy.

Sebastian arrives. Carolyn is surprised to see him, and he tells her that he got a message from Barnabas and wanted to meet him there. Carolyn asks him if he's sure he's not jealous, which Sebastian denies, so Carolyn invites him to stay for dinner anyway. Barnabas and Julia are next to arrive. After a few hellos, Sebastian asks Barnabas why he wants to see him, and Barnabas takes Sebastian aside and tells him it's about Roxanne, and that he should accompany him back to the old house after dinner. Sebastian is interested.

Anderson arrives, but to Carolyn's disappointment (and a smile from Sebastian) he has brought a young woman with him, whom he introduces as Daphne Hopkins (Kate Jackson) his teaching assistant, who "had no other place to go tonight, please forgive me." Liz remarks how there's always more than enough food. Quentin gets one look at Daphne and is fixated. She says hello to him, and he asks her if they have ever met before. She says no, but he is doubtful. Barnabas turns to see her and gasps "Daphne!"

"Yes, Daphne Hopkins, Mr. Collins," she answers. Barnabas recovers and says hello, and then moves to Julia. "It's impossible!" he says to her. "It cannot be the same Daphne, but look at her!" Julia agrees that she is identical to Daphne Harridge, but reminds Barnabas that Daphne Harridge went to New York in 1840 and lived out her life there. Since the alteration of time, no one, not even Quentin, should recognize her. (As a note, a significant change in James Storm's hairstyle sort-of covered his resemblance to Gerard Stiles going unnoticed, in the grand tradition of Dirk Wilkins reminding no one of Peter Bradford or Charles Delaware Tate). Anderson tells Roger and Liz of his interest in the rich history of the Collins family and how many of its people were interested in the occult. "Too interested if you ask me," Roger says. Anderson approaches Quentin and says "You seem to disagree." Quentin answers that he believes there are things in the universe that no one will ever understand. "I agree," says Anderson, "though you must agree that much of what we don't fully understand centers on the notion of immortality." This comment sends a chill through Quentin and Barnabas, but then Liz announces dinner is ready.

At the old house, Barnabas shows Sebastian where Roxanne is chained. Sebastian is pleased she cannot get out. Barnabas says that as long as the silver cross is inside the coffin, she cannot move. Sebastian asks if she is in any pain, and Barnabas looks thoughtful a moment and says "No, she is not in pain. Her mind should be active enough so that she can put herself into a sleep-like trance. Time will stand still for her as it passes for everything else. It will remain so unless that coffin is opened." "You seem to know an awful lot about this," Sebastian comments. Barnabas sighs and simply answers "Yes, I do." Sebastian asks Barnabas what he wants, and Barnabas tells him "I need to know everything about Roxanne. You were once her servant. I need to know why she is the way she is. How it happened. " Sebastian asks why, and Barnabas answers "Because I intend to cure her."