Original subtitles

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY FRANÇOISE MALLET-JORIS

I won't be far away.

If I have to go to Paris, I'll go to Paris.

Next week.

Where were you?

Hélène! Your father doesn't want you hanging around here. Go!

Go to your room.

No!

Hélène.

Come now.

It's no use crying over it.

Not at your age.

Is he still in your poor mother's room?

-Try and think about something else. -You're always pushing me away.

I'm not pushing you away.

But you can't spend your life hanging around in the kitchen.

Go and make friends

instead of loitering around.

Come now.

Don't be upset about your father's relationships.

His relationships?

It's been difficult for him.

He works day and night to give you a good future. Don't criticize him.

I know better than to criticize anyone around here.

I feel it is my duty to tell you,

to announce,

that I now have a certain young woman in my life.

I'd rather you hear it from me than from someone else.

Tamara keeps herself to herself,

but people are so spiteful, such gossips.

They may distort the truth.

My affection for you remains the same.

I'm certain Tamara loves me.

Tamara Soulerr? I've seen her. She has quite a reputation.

Hélène, you poor thing. I'd die.

I know you never knew your mother, but a woman like that…

She lives in the beguines' convent behind the cathedral…

-Really? -I'm telling you.

My mother only invited her because your father has money.

She's divorced.

Really?

-Come in, girls. -What does she look like?

I haven't had a proper look.

She's too tall. It makes her look common.

-It's not the fashion. -Miss Noris, please.

Ah, Hélène. Do me a favor.

I have to go into town right away and I promised Tamara,

I promised Ms. Soulerr I'd stop by.

-Could you telephone her? -Of course.

Explain that a very important client in Amsterdam called

and I simply didn't have a spare moment to call her.

-Alright. -Here.

Here's her telephone number and address.

Keep hold of them just in case there's a problem one day and I'm there.

-Yes, Daddy. -Alright.

Goodbye. Don't forget.

A very important client.

BEGUINES' CONVENT

Can I help you?

Come in if you like.

Well?

My father…

He had to go to town.

Are you René's daughter?

I've been longing to meet you.

Your father has told me all about you.

Take a seat.

It was nice of René to send you.

I've been asking him long enough.

It's ridiculous we haven't met yet in such a small town.

Please take a seat.

There's no need to be bashful.

Something came up at the last minute.

A very important client in Amsterdam.

Your father and I were to have tea.

You stay for tea instead.

Don't go anywhere.

Go ahead, say something.

Anything. I just want to hear your voice.

My father didn't ask me to come. He said to call.

You don't say much, just the most important things.

So why did you come?

Out of curiosity?

Or something else, too?

I know.

Nothing ever happens, does it?

Nothing.

I have to go.

Come back to see me soon.

Certainly, when I have a moment.

You're not sure if you can, are you?

Or if you want to.

Never mind. Off you go.

Goodbye, Madame.

You know very well my name is Tamara.

Good day.

Tamara has been invited. She insisted on meeting you. Good evening.

Say something nice to her.

-She's a good person. -Yes, Daddy.

-How are you? -Very well.

Very well, thank you.

Ah.

So, young lady.

I imagine you'll be continuing your studies?

-I don't think so. I don't know. -What do you mean you don't know?

Finally a real young woman

who doesn't want to be a lawyer,

a doctor, an actress, or a social worker.

Who doesn't want to be a social worker?

Young Hélène.

How amusing!

-You don't know each other. -No.

This is our friend Noris's daughter.

Hello.

-Hello. -She's beautiful.

-Isn't she? -Beautiful.

We rarely get to see you.

I'm counting on you for my meeting on the 24th.

Your hairstyle is extraordinary.

I believe you also organize conferences? Military ones.

You have a very interesting program this year.

Yes. It's important to promote culture.

It's an excuse to form nice little groups.

To get together with friends.

-There you are. Have you lost something? -I'm always looking for a moment.

I need to go back to the office.

Can't we stay a while, Daddy?

Of course, let her stay a while.

-Do you want me to bring her back? -Well…

Perfect.

I'll send the car to drop you both off.

-Goodbye, dear friend. -Goodbye.

Come and sit here, young lady.

I have a principle.

I always do a prior investigation. It saves me a lot of trouble.

Ah, it's you.

I was asleep.

Come in.

Well?

Put your satchel down.

Wherever you want.

Take your coat off.

Come and sit down. Here. Next to me.

You mustn't get cross with me. Ever.

I need you to tell yourself that now, once and for all.

Sometimes I'm little fun.

Sometimes I have my reasons.

You can't do anything about it. You have to ignore me.

Take things as they are. Don't think about it.

You're too young to understand.

-Sometimes I'm a lot of fun, you'll see. -I'm not so young.

And you're not so old.

You don't think so? At 38?

I've been through a lot.

A failed marriage, a lost fortune.

Lost love.

But 38 isn't old.

Depends on the day.

When I was your age, I left a small town like this one.

Smaller, actually.

In Russia.

He was rich.

He bought me from my parents.

Like a slave.

I came from such a poor household.

It was practically a hut.

You can leave this town, too. Do you ever dream of doing that?

Who knows where you'd end up.

Take off your shoes and skirt.

Come and lie with me.

What beautiful hair.

What's wrong? Are you afraid?

Surely not, at your age.

Are you cold?

Not in the mood to talk.

Try.

Say something. It can be anything, just say something.

Listen.

If you don't say anything

in five minutes, then I'll slap you. So make your choice.

You're right, I'm afraid.

There.

That's a start.

Get dressed, darling. It's time to go home.

I'm pleased to see your grades are improving.

You won't have to take the entrance exam.

Miss Balde tells me you are more alert, less dreamy,

and more sociable with your classmates.

The ungrateful phase is over.

I'm pleased to hear you're less apathetic, more alert.

-Yes, Daddy. -Now you have to keep it up.

You're leaving early today.

Tamara?

I'd like to go horseback riding with you.

Well I don't want to ride with a beginner.

-Do you want some? -No.

Aren't you at school today?

-Hi Édouard. -Hi.

-Shall we saddle Balzac? -No today!

-Why? -Frat took him out last night, he's tired.

-Really? -He has a sore mouth.

-Take César, he knows you well. -Yes, I like him.

Come on.

There you go.

Stop.

Help me tidy up, your father is back later.

-Did you tell him? -Tell him what?

That you were coming?

No.

Why do you never do as I say?

-I didn't dare. -I've asked you lots of times now.

You'll never change.

It's complicated.

What's complicated? Telling him you come to see me sometimes?

You never really asked me.

Well now I'm asking you.

You have three days to tell him.

-If he doesn't know within three days… -Why don't you tell him?

Three days.

Well?

Does your father know?

No.

If I give you more time, will you be brave enough?

I don't know.

I don't think so.

You'll do what I say otherwise there will be more.

No! You'll never see me again! I never want to see you again!

Ever!

Tamara.

-There. -Thank you.

That's fine, that'll do.

-Come and get me around three. -Alright. See you then. Goodbye.

Ah, there you are!

I thought you'd all made yourselves scarce for my arrival.

-Where's the boss? -Who?

-Your father of course, the future MP. -They're at the club.

I telephoned him to say I was coming.

If you knew you'd have gone too!

-No I wouldn't, Grandpa… -At the club, indeed!

Has she left?

What? Are you ashamed of her as well?

-What are you thinking about? -Nothing.

Ah.

Grandpa, I like you.

What's the matter with you?

I like you, too.

Firstly because you don't take after your father.

You're from my side of the family.

-Grandpa… -What? What are you doing?

I'm sorry, I have to go to class.

Class! That's what they're calling it these days!

Just don't get knocked up because

you'll have your father to answer to.

Grandpa…

Go on, off you go.

Wait, come back.

Listen.

If you ever get into trouble,

or have any problems,

come and tell your Grandpa. He'll sort it out for you.

Now off you go, you harlot!

-There you are. -Yes.

I thought…

I thought…

Come in for a moment.

Don't sit down.

First, tell me whether this little tantrum of yours is over.

-Were you sorry you left? -Yes.

You want to come back as if nothing happened.

Well.

Beg for forgiveness.

If you want to stay here, get on your knees and beg.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you, Tamara!

Open up! Open up, Tamara!

I'm sorry!

Please!

No!

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry…

Mr. Noris,

You claim you want to be an MP, and you go to church.

You are trying to get into the good graces of good people

but you will not be elected when the whole town finds out

that your daughter

has been keeping the company of your mistress

up at the Beguines' convent. God only knows what she does there.

Your father already lives with a whore.

What a family!

Lock the little harlot up in a convent

and send your old man to die elsewhere.

Get rid of that mistress. Or else…

I know Tamara.

She would never have invited you unless you asked.

Your behavior belies any trust I had in you.

Why didn't you tell me?

Are you aware of the damage you're doing to me?

Once you reach a position of power in a small town, you expect this.

I wanted you to see for yourself the wickedness of these people.

I wanted you to get to know Tamara.

I think she is worth knowing no matter what they say in this hateful town.

I don't see any wrong in having tea with a charming, intelligent person.

But you must be missing school for this.

Yes.

I know.

None of that matters.

The problem is that I had infinite trust in you

and you've just destroyed it.

I shan't mention this letter again.

At the first opportunity, you, Tamara and I will meet together.

Or people think you're seeing her without my knowledge.

Or that I allow you to see her in secret

but not in public.

It's a necessary gesture, but one that could jeopardize my chances of election.

I hope you realize this

and that you will act less rashly in future.

I'm not going to punish you.

It's partly my fault.

-No, Daddy… -You may have…

You may have doubted my affection for you.

I wasn't able to replace your mother and my work doesn't always… allow me…

That's enough.

But what got into you? Why did you go there?

What did you talk about?

Tell me everything.

At first…

I was curious.

I don't know.

Her bohemian side.

And I was lonely.

So she lent me books, helped me with my homework.

-She helped you? -Yes.

You see… we can talk about dresses and things like that.

I don't ever see anyone so I don't know what suits me.

It's no fun reading or studying when nobody is there to encourage you.

Yes.

Do you see?

I didn't want you to think I was going because I'm not fond of you.

It was…

You just didn't have the time.

I've often regretted that, believe me.

But working, making my fortune, establishing my position… is for you, too.

I know, Daddy.

You may leave.

See what you can do when you try? You managed to convince your father.

He even thanked me

for putting a stop to your daydreaming and indifference.

"An alarming case!"

-It's true though. -Kiss me.

Kiss me.

You're a good girl. My little angel.

You know what we'll do?

He left a wad of cash. We'll have a party. Alright?

-Alright. -Let's go.

Not in the stairwell, Tamara.

What are you thinking about?

Nothing.

Nothing, thank God.

You won't get angry again?

I never get angry.

What are you talking about?

-But the other day… -Oh…

I was a little tetchy, that's all.

You mustn't hold one moment of impatience against me.

No, but…

"No but" nothing.

Yes or no.

This is nice.

Let's not spoil it. It'll be over soon enough.

Are you sure about that?

No, silly girl. You can't be sure of anything.

You can never be sure.

Do you love me, right now?

Now?

Forever.

It's the same thing.

That's poisonous!

I don't believe in poison.

Are you scared?

Are you brave enough to kiss me when I've eaten poison?

I'm delighted you're hosting again.

Ms. Soulerr. What a surprise!

What a wonderful surprise.

You look ravishing, young lady. Can I call you that? I'm ten years your senior.

You don't look it.

And here's the little lady of the house.

Catherine will be delighted.

You should wear more black. It's very becoming.

-Max? -Yes.

It's good to see you here.

Who is that gentleman?

-Without a tie? -Yes.

Max Villard.

He's a friend of Tamara. A painter. And a talented one at that!

I got him one or two commissions.

Tamara would be happy to introduce you.

Thank you.

Hélène.

Hélène.

-Where is your father? -I don't know.

He said you'd introduce me to this gentleman.

Don't you know Max? He's a friend of your father.

Max Villard.

Hélène Noris. Be a good girl and take care of him.

That's a nice outfit.

Yes, and?

Hey, pretty girl, what's wrong?

Why so sad? Prince charming isn't coming.

Don't despair, I'll stay with you. That'll reassure you.

When the lucky man arrives I'll make myself scarce.

I'm not waiting for anyone, leave me alone!

My apologies. If you want me to leave you alone I'll go and find Tamara.

No!

No, don't leave. Please.

What's wrong? Don't you like her?

I do, I love her.

-You love her? -Yes.

I don't want pity.

I'm sure you love her, too.

I hate you!

Calm down.

People will talk.

There's a tear on your cheek.

Allow me.

It's absurd to be jealous.

Especially of me.

Tamara sees me as a friend, that's all.

She has no affection for me.

You're trying to understand.

But it's no use with Tamara.

You can't understand her.

Look at her.

She's the star of the show.

She doesn't need much.

No.

At the same time, nothing makes her happy.

Don't be upset.

It'd spoil her night if she knew you were sad.

-There you are. -Hello Max, how are you?

Catherine Périer is looking for you. Go and see her.

You're supposed to be hosting. Off you go.

Excuse me.

Good evening.

-Good evening. -Good evening, my dear.

You had a lot to do with the success of our little party.

-Thank you. -I hope to see you again soon.

Little Hélène.

Don't forget my ball on the 17th.

Catherine is counting on you.

If your father wants to accompany you

he's more than welcome.

Good evening.

Oh, it's you.

Ah, my little friend.

-She's young. -No, no.

Will you join us?

No, I've eaten.

Every time I drink chianti, I think of my father.

A funny man. Very funny.

He loved the rampart because the house was disreputable.

Yes.

He said:

"Living among whores keeps you healthy."

Did he?

Since then, it's moved up on the social scale.

It's now bourgeois adultery.

If you must know, I'm disappointed.

Because my type was more…

The previous tenants.

It's nothing against you, my beautiful Tamara.

Won't they be worried about you?

I told my father you'd take me to the cinema, remember?

-I called, the line was busy. -The whole time?

I didn't want to call back.

No, no, no. You see her every day!

I see her once every three weeks.

Leave her, you can see she's sulking.

-Do you want a drink? -No.

-Won't you play with us? -No, I don't want to.

Are you afraid of going home alone through the rampart?

No.

-Who gets to start? -Go ahead.

Goodbye.

-Goodbye. -Goodnight darling. Call me tomorrow.

Is it good?

I didn't want to leave without having a night to ourselves.

You're leaving?

Yes, your father and I are going to Venice.

He hasn't had a holiday in at least three years.

What with the elections…

Of course.

-Does it bother you? -No.

What now?

Don't sulk.

I have an idea. We're going to have a wild time.

Don't worry, your father will never find us.

-Oh! It's been a while. -How are you?

She said she wanted to see you.

-Is she here? -She's coming. Do you want anything?

Thanks, two dry martinis.

Hi, how are you?

No.

-What's wrong, aren't you having fun? -No.

-Do you want to dance? -I can't with all these people around.

Of course you can. It's easy.

That's enough! Stop! I've had enough, get out!

-Out! -Stop!

Out!

Don't be afraid.

Tam! They said you were here but I didn't believe them.

It must have been two years already?

Looks like you found someone.

I'm happy for you.

It must be true love.

-True love? -I know, I know.

You've had enough. You know it comes at a price, after all.

We find our consolations. And a good time is always a good thing!

Colette! Bring a bottle of whisky.

We're thirsty.

-Are you coming to dance? -Oh, no.

They want a quiet evening. There's no convincing them.

This one's lost it.

The club isn't what it used to be. Do you remember?

The nights when you used to buy everyone champagne?

Boy oh boy.

You were both so chic in black and white.

You and Émilie in your matching dresses.

Émilie… do you remember Émilie?

Take her for a dance, she's bored. Isn't that why you're here?

-I thought you… -Bring her back at closing time.

I'll bring her back in one piece, I promise.

Here.

Is Tamara your first?

Was there anyone before?

Don't you want to tell me?

Never mind.

You're a good dancer.

Like this, see?

I bet she's your first. I'll ask her.

She'll tell me, if only to annoy you.

You don't want to talk.

You're well trained.

The last one was the same, little Émilie.

Did she tell you about Émilie?

She used to sleep in my room.

She didn't dare speak.

But that was different.

She'd had others.

-Tamara isn't easy when she's angry. -I wouldn't know.

Then maybe she's changed.

Or she's pretending. But don't get caught up.

Take her for a ride like the last one did. Take advantage.

-Do you need it though? -Need what?

The money, obviously. Because you found a good one.

The money she spent on Émilie…

-Everything her husband left her. -Her husband?

Yes, her husband. You look shocked.

There must be someone behind Tamara's makeover.

No. You're wrong. I know it.

You think she works?

With her temper…

She calls it independence, I call it a man with a bank account.

I'm not judging.

Each to their own, right?

-Shall we go for a little walk? -Tamara won't be happy.

You don't know Tamara.

Well?

She won't notice a thing.

-What, don't you like that? -I'm sorry.

You're not sorry, you're afraid she'll beat you up.

Let's leave her somewhere and go for a little walk together.

Let go of me!

She's a goody two-shoes. Are you taking her back to her hotel?

What hotel, don't you have any rooms?

-That's some nerve you have. -I'm not going to beg. Come on, Émilie.

It's fine, you can have it.

Take the money from her bag and pay. Colette! She's going to pay.

-A bottle of whisky, two dry martinis… -A bottle?

You think she got like this from a couple of glasses?

First on your right at the top of the stairs. You can't miss it.

Knock before you go in.

-Goodbye, Tam. -Give her something.

It's fine, she already gave me something.

Leave me alone, Émilie. I'm tired.

Come here.

Sit down.

Answer me Émilie.

Why did you go back to her?

Tell me! Why did you go back?

You knew it was forbidden.

Why did you write to her?

I know you replied to her.

Speak!

Go on, speak!

If you'd just tell me the truth, I'd forgive you.

Why do you have to lie?

Why do you lie to me?

You're a liar, too.

Just like the others. Like all the others.

Tell me the truth. Tell me.

Do whatever you want, I don't care.

Just don't lie.

I don't want lies.

I don't want lies.

Are you ashamed of me?

Are you ashamed of us?

No.

You're lying as well.

So that's how it is.

You think I don't see?

I'll make you tell the truth!

Hélène! I'm Hélène!

What difference does it make?

You went and danced with her.

Didn't you?

You went up on the terrace. I know you did.

I didn't.

I know who she was. I know.

-There! -Ow!

-Ow! -Stay there!

Take that!

Now speak!

-Ow! -Speak!

Ow!

Hélène…

Hélène, my darling.

My beautiful little girl.

My beautiful little girl.

My love.

You did what you did.

I've done it too. I have.

But that was different.

It wasn't the same.

I need to be able to trust you.

Do you understand?

I need to be able to trust you.

I want to trust you.

I have to…

Can you believe it? Six weeks away in Venice.

So they say.

But Tamara…

She could end up taking him all over the place.

Who knows when they'll be back.

You know what you should do?

Pack your bags.

We could go away on my old motorbike.

Just you, me and our palettes.

We'd talk about our loves. We'd talk about water lillies.

We could even sleep together. Like the idea?

-Max, you can't be serious? -About sleeping together?

-At your age, my dear… -No.

-Why not? -Because!

When I feel down, I prefer to be alone.

I won't insist. I'm not going to rape you.

Max!

As you're saying this…

Do you think I'm attractive?

Look.

I think you already know. You heard what I just suggested.

Yes, but…

Wasn't that just out of pity?

Tamara finds you attractive, doesn't she?

Tamara? She must be feeling low herself today.

I mean…

Could someone else really

find me attractive?

Well.

If you're only interested in someone else…

I was only joking.

We could always try it.

I can't Max, I can't!

Not yet.

Tamara…

No!

No!

No!

No!

No!

Tamara!

Are you awake?

Are you alright? Do you need anything?

Is that really you?

Of course it is, silly girl.

Rest.

Don't speak. You'll work up a fever.

You've already had one for three days, since we got back.

René, you've seen her now.

A man in a sickroom is as much use as a cat in a fishbowl.

Do you want to see her like this?

Stop scratching, you little lobster.

You'll end up looking like a sieve.

Hi.

You've given us all gray hair! It's no mean feat.

Catching scarlet fever at your age.

Thank you.

Poor Tamara came back from Florence

to spend her vacation surrounded by pills and basins.

Why did she come back, Max?

What choice did she have?

Julia, the idiot

sent your father a string of telegrams asking him to come at your beck and call.

And you were shouting the whole story from the rooftops.

If she hadn't come to your bedside,

you'd be in the reformatory, sweetheart.

And our good friend

would have had a child abduction lawsuit on her hands.

If it weren't for old Max, you'd both be in a right mess.

We know, you were heroic. I won't forget it.

Don't act coy, you harlot.

I hope you won't forget it.

You really wouldn't forget it had I not been there.

See you around.

When you've recovered, I'll be expecting drawings of your fever dreams.

I'll sell them under the table.

We'll be rolling in it.

What's wrong with Max? He wasn't like this before.

He's jealous because I'm with you so I can't be with him.

Max? Jealous?

What do I know.

He does what he wants, always coming to the rampart. You can't get rid of him.

He's a bore.

He'll end up getting on your father's nerves.

What a day! I spent hours choosing dresses with your father.

He wanted to tighten his belt.

But I told him that frugality was for old fools.

I have to say, at times I feel like all is right with the world.

I brought you a little present.

Isn't it curious?

I found it this morning. Your father thought it was very nice.

You spent all day with Daddy?

Yes. He wanted to let off some steam.

What with you being ill, we haven't really had a vacation.

You went to all the stores?

Then we had lunch at his club and he took me to buy dresses.

Then I took him to the station.

He has meetings this evening.

You went out together in town in broad daylight?

Yes, and?

What does it matter?

Don't you see I'm in a good mood?

Wait here, darling.

Hello?

Ah.

No, it's me.

One moment.

It's your father.

Yes, René?

What decision?

What? Oh.

But darling…

Is that a good idea, a few days before your elections?

It's very kind

but I'm not sure.

I wasn't expecting that.

Whenever you want.

I'm speechless, it's so wonderful.

See you tomorrow, darling.

Do you have to be quite so nice?

He'll end up proposing to you.

He just did, sweetheart.

Really?

-Answer! -Yes.

I thought you'd be happy.

Darling, it's not the end of the world. You know I don't love him.

He's a great man, but…

It'll be like when you were ill. We'll always be together.

I have everything to gain, then!

-You're doing this for me! -For both of us.

You show your devotion like this?

Becoming Mrs. Noris, the respectable wife of a man of industry?

-And why not a patroness? -Oh, you wouldn't understand.

Tamara, don't do this. You'll be just like the others. But worse!

There are worse things than being like the others.

That's not true. You don't believe that.

Even if it's what you want, I don't! I'll put a stop to it!

You'll do nothing of the sort.

I'm not going back to the rampart.

Tamara!

-Why not? -Because I don't want to!

I don't have to justify my actions to you.

I don't want to go back to a house and a life of disrepute.

I'm 38 years old, I've had enough.

What will become of me in a few years if I have no money, no ties and…

I'm not pretty enough to make money.

You'll lose your independence.

You'll have to see all those people.

To act like them.

You'll be stuck in this little town.

Don't you see I'm already stuck?

I'm sick of it all.

Sick of Max, all the others.

This life… Having no money.

If you only knew how sick of it I am. You wouldn't try to convince me.

I don't even want to try.

Hélène!

Hélène…

I swear I never meant to hurt you.

I've never loved anyone more.

You refuse to see the truth.

-But what are you going to do? -What can I do? She's made her decision.

Have you spoken to her?

Of course.

I bet you haven't. You wouldn't dare.

Why don't you marry her?

If you only knew.

You wouldn't understand.

Why?

She can't marry me.

I can't offer stability.

I live from day to day.

I represent everything she's sick of.

And without your father's orders, his friends…

-How would I live? -But…

If you must know,

I asked her to marry me.

Really?

I begged her.

But she said no?

So you let her go?

No matter what I say, it doesn't change a thing.

So you let her leave you.

She said we could continue to see each other as much as we do now.

But it's not true. It's not possible.

Tell my father the truth. He'll believe you, he'll break it off!

Maybe he would believe me.

But then what?

Then?

You can't cause a scandal.

I'd have to leave this town and so would she.

You're too young to understand.

You can't stop Tamara from turning her life around.

One day you'll leave. Don't leave too much damage in your wake.

It's locked.

Why did you lock the door? What's up?

-I was getting dressed to go to class. -I wanted to tell you…

-Tamara and I… -I know.

Under normal circumstances,

I wouldn't have decided to marry without consulting you.

This is about your happiness as much as mine.

But since Tamara moved in to care for you…

You've always been fond of her.

There's no reason to deprive both you and I

of a mutually beneficial situation.

Both of us.

Let's go.

You're up to no good again!

I'm sure you invited him to spite the lady of the house.

-Lady of the house? Not yet. -You little fiend!

I'll call her that, whether you like it or not.

-How could you invite her? -Why not?

After everything she's done for you.

-Hello, young lady. How are you? -Very well.

-Hello. -Ah, René.

René, how do you do? I'm happy for you.

It's very kind of you to invite the lovely Nina.

I'm sure you had something to do with it!

-May I kiss you? -Mr. Noris, it's an honor.

-I feel as though I'm part of the family. -René, I…

Ah? It was you? Well that's a first!

You've found yourself a good wife, René.

Yes, a lovely lady.

-May I kiss you, too? -Of course.

-Dinner is served. -Thank you.

The lady of the house had the same.

I was once a maid. Because I was quite a looker.

You wouldn't think it, but I once was the loveliest woman in the land.

I was tired of it quickly. It's not as fun as you would think.

You think it's all fun and games.

Handsome young men taking you to the pictures, to the carousel…

After ten the carousel music stopped so as not to disturb anyone.

It sounded like waves at sea.

We used to drink champagne.

It felt like love.

Those were the days.

Then I had to marry.

Of course, we get along fine.

Of course. Nina was a dedicated young woman.

Had she not been so kind, she could have found someone other than

an old man like me.

But you take what you can get. Isn't that right?

Certainly, yes.

-Now, now! -What?

Everyone knows about Nina's conquests.

I could have had anyone I wanted.

But all I got were louts who took all my money

instead of giving me theirs.

That's youth for you, what can I say.

I only have one principle. Once you marry,

you have to stay faithful. No more running around!

That's a woman's honor.

-Wouldn't you agree? -Enough!

Leave, all of you.

Without me you'd all starve, and you thank me by insulting me in my own home

and insulting my wife? Get out!

As for you, stop sulking or I'll put you in a boarding school.

I've had enough of not being the master in my own home.

That's no reason to deprive a poor old man of an omelet.

Pass me the plate, Hélène.

Looks delicious.

Please excuse my outburst.

René is an angry man, like me.

He loses his temper but he regrets it immediately afterwards.

It's been ages since you last came.

I had no desire to.

Just say it. You were mad at me.

Have you stopped sulking?

Listen, darling.

I thought perhaps… if you didn't want to watch the ceremony…

Why wouldn't I?

On the contrary. I'd like to.

You don't have to.

-Your father will understand. -Really?

No, I think I'll go.

Why not?

It's better you don't.

Are you afraid I'll make a scene?

Afraid?

Why should I be afraid?

Hélène.

Yes?

Don't you want to sit with me?

You're not being fair. I'm saying this because I'm worried about you.

We can't always be at loggerheads.

-Why should we be? -Are you afraid of what people think?

That's all I'm afraid of.

I can see you haven't changed.

You're the one who has changed.

In what way?

Before, if I resisted,

you would have thrown me out.

Now you can't.

You could do it at home, in front of your servants.

But now you can't.

Kiss me.

Please stand.

We're here to witness the marriage of René Jean Noris and Tamara Natacha Soulerr.

Article 75 of the Civil Code on rights and duties of spouses.

Article 212, the spouses shall remain faithful, and provide help and assistance…

Article 213, shall provide moral and material support to the family,

provide for children and prepare them for the future.

Article 214,

each spouse shall fulfill their obligation to contribute

to the expenses and education of the children as far as possible.

René Jean Noris,

do you take René Tamara Natacha Soulerr to be your wife?

I do.

Tamara Natacha Soulerr, do you take René Jean Noris to be your husband?

-I do. -I now pronounce you man and wife.

Well, thank you.

What a pleasure.

Good evening.

-Good evening. -Good evening, Julia. It was perfect.

-We couldn't have done without you. -Thank you.

-Excellent organization, wouldn't you say? -Yes.

The Périers were so nice,

I wasn't expecting things to go quite so well.

We were worried, but in fact everyone was delightful.

They'll only get nicer, just you wait.

People have always loved you.

I've had an idea regarding the textile industry. I'll explain.

But not tonight. I'm tired.

These receptions are exhausting.

Tomorrow they can do without me at the office.

Yes, you're right.

Aren't you tired?

Yes. Dead on my feet.

THE END

Subtitle translation by: Holly James