Original subtitles

Did you hear that noise? Relax, it's just some turkeys.

No, turkeys don't make that noise.

Oh, my God, look at that, a car.

He's finally awakened.

I'll tell the doctor to bring him in.

I'm sorry, the doctor's a big mother.

A father can't be forbidden.

Oh, my boy.

The doctor won't like this.

Oh, my poor little angel. My poor little girl.

Safety belt probably wasn't buckled as usual. It's a very inopportune moment

for you to start preaching. With children, any moment is opportune.

Oh, silly.

When you're in the room with a sick person, you don't smoke.

She probably liked it herself. She's not dying, you know. And coming back to the

safety belt.

All the latest statistics prove how terribly important belts are. And you

know the importance I place on statistics. I'm very sorry, but I must

ask you to leave. She's received a very severe shock.

It's her fault because she wasn't wearing her safety belt. I just know

that. Leave her be. She must get some rest. Yes.

She was doing 90 miles an hour.

If not more than that.

I'll show you to the elevator.

You're very lucky. Very lucky indeed.

Your car was toned, but you haven't got a scratch.

Someone up there was looking out for you.

No, today's the big day. Your friend Dorothy has come to drive you home.

She's with the doctor right now.

I'm going to miss you. We rarely have a patient as calm as you.

I'll get your things together while you have breakfast.

Here we are. Thank you. Everyone here is just charming.

Carol, my precious!

I'm so sorry I didn't get to visit you, but I've been slaving like a dog at this

OPEC meeting.

We don't have any oil, but we have Norma to keep us warm, and I've had amirs up

to here.

What horrible weather.

It's not surprising we skidded off the road. You're lucky those people were

there to get you out.

Imagine, anywhere else you could have been burned alive.

Speaking of burning, was Norma in a stew that I took the day off?

I can still hear her.

What about business?

Our clients?

Dorothy, you're not being at all reasonable.

By the way, Norma's waiting for us at the apartment.

She's delighted that you're staying in the fold.

But you've got to tell me why you changed your mind.

Did something happen between you and Chris?

You know, you still look a bit out of it to me.

No, I mean it.

You're as pale as a Bronte sister.

Oh, I understand.

You've had one hell of a shot.

All the same, you'd think Chris would have taught you how to drive in the

rain.

I know you don't want to talk about him, but I'd still like to know what

happened.

Me too, I'd like to know.

Know who I am.

Who is this friend who doesn't stop talking?

Who's Chris?

Who's Norma?

Who are all these people?

She just came in. I'll phone you back.

What's the matter? Come on in.

My poor little darling. You can't possibly know how much I've prayed you'd

be all right.

My precious little darling.

My lovely Carol, I hate to ask you so soon, but... but...

but your Brazilian is passing through Paris on business for the day.

I told him you aren't well, but he says it's you or no one.

He wants only you.

The dream of my life, to please Brazilians.

Brazil, we're not for entertaining June. Oh, please, Dorothy, the situation is a

bit delicate for me.

But why don't I just tell them both the truth?

Why do I have the impression that it's best to say nothing?

To not tell them I don't know who they are or who I am?

No, I have to wait and find out little by little who I am.

If he knows me, perhaps this Brazilian could help me.

I'll go see the Brazilian.

A small gift that you promised me.

A small gift? You remember.

Of course.

It's me again.

That bitch Norma tried to stick me with another.

As if some other woman could replace you.

Now you are irreplaceable.

Darling, get undressed.

Mikara-san, don't keep me waiting.

I am booked on a Concorde flight today.

And you know how far the airport is.

Please hurry, my angel. We have just a few minutes to get.

Hurry! I long to take you within my arms to make love.

My taxi, Bruno.

It's waiting for you, Mr. Gomez.

Thank you.

Bon voyage, Mr. Gomez.

And come back soon, Mr. Gomez.

You stupid cunt.

Now, let's see about the other one.

It's nice to the touch.

It has no odor.

But why did he give me all this?

What does it all mean?

Images, yes.

Images.

Slowly.

Don't rush them.

I came to pick up my gift.

I have to be a quickie, though, because I've only got a ten-minute break.

That asshole manager's holding down the desk.

So put the pressure cooker on.

Look at that.

You must be something else in bed to get paid all that for an afternoon's work.

And where have you been?

It's been a while since you came around.

I thought maybe you quit the business.

I was afraid that...

I'd never get my little gift.

Images.

Slowly.

What did you do? Forget your key?

My key?

No.

We don't have any luck. The day you come home, I leave for London.

Going to me. Do you know who?

I think sometimes Norma exaggerates.

Sending you out to work, I mean, so soon. I didn't think it was very fair.

I told him you weren't well, but he said you were no one. He wants only you.

We ought to have a union to protect us.

I've got to get a move on or I'll miss my plane.

I can't time sense.

Huh?

Nothing. Today everything moved very fast.

Yeah, well, I hope that cab of mine can go as fast as your day.

Look, try and get some rest. If Norma gets a chance.

Oh, God, I'm going to be late.

Carol? Hello? Hello? Carol?

Is that you, Carol?

Yes, it's me.

This is Burnett.

So now, how's the book going?

Is it coming along?

The book?

Well, it's progressing.

You know, Precious, I gave you the tape some time ago.

And I'm in a hurry to publish.

When you finish them, send them to me. I'll get them typed up.

Yes, the tapes. The tapes you're recording for Palace Lady. Hey, what's

wrong with you? You don't sound all there.

I was in an accident. A car.

An accident?

Hey, that's perfect. Yeah, yeah.

Put it all in the book. The readers love accidents.

Shut up, though. Put in a bit more tragedy.

You follow?

All right.

Bye.

A book?

Tapes. A book called Palace Lady.

Maybe in it, I can learn who I am.

A novel by a palace lady.

That's what he said.

I mustn't think. I mustn't think that my hands work.

My hands will do it for me.

I mustn't think.

Listen.

Maybe learn.

I was trapped.

But the hardest part was yet to come.

Where should I begin?

Quite simply at the beginning, I suppose.

I led a very quiet life, in a very quiet family.

Well, most of the time. My father is a maniac for promptness, and it often

caused minor problems at mealtimes.

Every time my mother raised her eyes to heaven in exasperation over his mania, I

was afraid they'd stick there.

Oh, great God.

Charles, stop it.

Don't use profanity before the children.

Martin, for God's sake, how often do I have to ask her to respect the hours for

meals?

From the day we accepted she make her room in the maid's room upstairs, she

hasn't been on time for one damn meal. Being prompt isn't difficult, my God.

Charles, she's doing her homework. When she does, she forgets.

Calm down.

I'll go upstairs and get her. Thank you. One. I'd like to have just one supper

served hot.

My younger sister, Sylvie, is very different from me.

She's much more moderate, much more aware.

Her dream is to become an actress, which isn't exactly to my father's taste.

This can't be possible.

Soup. Soup's cold.

So eat it cold.

Hey, super awful. You got a flop on your hands with that.

Hey, you mind knocking someday?

And you, you mind dressing decently?

This is Norbert.

He works in film, so I showed him what I can do.

Sure. Well, meantime, downstairs the food's cold.

Look, come on, will you?

Stevie, you shouldn't drink so much.

Charles.

Then find me something better to do.

Since I can't eat, by God, I might just as well drink.

Your sis makes Frankenstein seem friendly. Yeah, so look, you'll write

the scene. You want me to audition, okay?

Count on me, I'm the best.

You mean you've learned to read and write?

Yeah, what alphabet?

Big head.

Your friends get chubbier every day.

You're just jealous because I've got more than you do. That's right. That's

right. I'm jealous Come on roll

Her

anatomy

course had all of her attention That's fine. But anatomy is no reason to be

late when it's time to eat.

Charles, it's important that she study.

Oh, I know, I know.

Your plate, Carol.

Sylvie.

Here, dear. But once their studies are over, then what's important is to have a

job and establish a home.

And have children.

Like your mother and me. We're a perfectly matched couple.

Right, Mama.

I must compliment you on the soup.

I'd had a few discreet affairs, but without interest.

I worked from time to time as a replacement secretary.

Also without interest.

Compared to me, sleeping beauty tucked away in her forest castle led a very

exciting animated life.

Then one day, like all the others, a chance meeting, not like the others,

Dorothy.

Dorothy, whom I hadn't seen since boarding school.

Carol! She had nothing of a schoolgirl about her now.

Oh, it's been a century.

Don't age us that much.

But what are you doing here?

Just looking.

And you?

I'm buying.

You pinched clothes from your mother?

Oh, no, I'm just joking, sweetie.

Outspoken Dorothy.

But that said, do you have any spare time?

Oh, sure, lots of it.

Every day until dinner time.

Oh, your father's saying we'll bugger all, huh?

Then you mean you're still with Mama and Papa? I'm still home, yes. Why? What a

question. Yeah, you're lucky to have brought it to me again.

Because, sweetie, now's the time to really profit from life.

Profit from life? But I feel that's what I'm doing.

Oh, sure.

Only I'm telling you that that's better.

And I plan to change your life right now.

Bye-bye.

it's a bit too yeah but marvelously so when i think of my father look

let's leave your parents out of this okay but in fact what are the future

hopes for you that i succeed obviously they want me to succeed like you seem to

have done i might arrange it

Nobody's ever been kinder to me. But I don't think your boss will be

enthusiastic. I don't have much real education.

Hello, Dorothy.

Hello.

Your education won't make the slightest difference.

Norma, this is my girlfriend, Carol, that I told you about on the phone.

How do you do?

Perfect.

Absolutely blue perfect.

My congratulations, Dorothy.

I suppose you told her what her future activities are.

My future activities were simple. I really had to be naive not to have

understood that Dorothy was, in sort, still boarding out.

She had only changed schools and deans.

Carol! Carol, come back!

Carol, wait for me!

You acted ridiculous. And you, presenting that madam or mistress of the

manor, if you prefer.

My body's not up for sale.

I can't imagine that you'd offer to screw to make a buck. Sure.

You want to be like your parents?

You'll still have to work, you know, and because you're married.

You'll have a hubby to look after, and before long, kids, plus keeping a house,

and you'll wind up with the same result. You're fucked, sweetie.

Between spending a quarter of my life in Iraq and the rest in the kitchen, I

chose three quarters shacked up and the rest in nice restaurants where somebody

else will cook and clean.

But in marriage, there's love. Oh, bull.

Making love is our business. We do just that.

Typing for eight hours a day is more fatiguing than being flat on your back

and you're paid less.

I had to have been even more than naive to have accepted.

I should have stuck with my first spontaneous refusal, but the offer was

tempting and Dorothy was very convincing.

Everything's all arranged.

Arranged? I'm willing to try.

She wasn't very easy to convince.

You know, the parental influence hang-up bit.

The first thing I learned is that a woman always has an interest in being

desirable.

Norma had a very modern way of working, to which she gave the name of new

business.

The most sophisticated methods had to be used to appease the ever-growing

clientele who were always hungry for novelties.

I was ready very soon to become just that, one of the novelties.

At Norma's, it was first class.

While others in the profession were on filing cards, we, we were on

videocassette. That was Norma's way of doing business.

New business.

Hello, Mr. Lanza.

This is Madam Norma.

Yes, I've received an orchid whose quality is exceptional.

Yes, before the orchid fades.

She's all yours. Deliveries for five o'clock.

But gently with the petals.

Hello,

Kara.

My first client.

If I were to analyze my feelings, I would say I was primarily frightened.

with that same sort of sweaty hand fright before a final exam.

The only difference was that I didn't have to tell my father if I passed or

not. Oh, poor Papa.

I preferred not to think about his reaction if he knew where I was going.

And that I was 15 minutes late.

So then, you're the new filly.

124, he's waiting.

You know, the others, they slipped me a small gift.

It's naturally paid in hardware.

Well, I'm not the others.

646, please. Yes, monsieur.

Have a pleasant evening.

Oh, I'm not being very polite. Your glass is empty.

Give it to me.

I'll let you take the rest off yourself.

A Madonna.

A veritable Madonna.

I would prefer you to turn around.

Don't watch me, please.

It's very embarrassing.

And modest as well.

Norma wasn't wrong. An orchid. A veritable orchid.

I can't say that my first experience was unforgettable.

Obviously, what excited him most was being the first client.

I later learned that Norma often sent him much wilted flowers under the

pretext of being a first-timer.

New business, new business.

With my new profession, a new life started, and I moved in with Dorothy.

I just know you'll be happy here.

Yes.

A pretty vase for an orchid. Ah, it was Lanzac who gave you your send-off.

Orchid, how lovely.

I was a water lily.

This is your room, Carol. But one where the bed's used for sleeping all by

yourself.

Hey,

orchid,

you can't sleep now. We've got to go. The florist is waiting for us.

Such a premiere, my darling.

You gave a really triumphant performance.

How many encores did he call you back for?

Dorothy, really, sometimes your pleasantries are in dubious taste.

Oh, excuse me for a second. I thought I was home again.

But it's time to eat.

I must have had an unknown talent, as I quickly became one of the most sought

after of the palace ladies.

Me, who'd never been more than a few miles from home. It wasn't long before

my knowledge of geography was filled in.

Many Christmas.

Christmas.

To explain my frequent voyages, I had to invent a stylish profession for myself,

something very respectable.

Very pretty.

oh man

Woo!

Before coming into the business, I confused call girl with cover girl.

I'm still not sure I know the difference.

You sell your face, you sell your body.

I think everyone has something to sell.

You simply have to find the right buyer.

These few lines are dedicated to my publisher who asked me to slip in a few

bits of philosophy.

Seems that it's chic.

Norma gave me some time off to spend Christmas with my family.

She said it broke her heart as if she had one because an Ayatollah wanted me

for a Christmas gift.

You've done far too much, Carol. Nonsense, Mother.

But for all that, I preferred my own personal liatola. That is to say, my

father. It just fits you perfectly.

Perfectly. It's really very nice. And warm, which is important with requests

to economize on fuel.

Oh, dear old Papa.

You're still the same. Oh, one can't possibly say that about you, my dear.

You're extraordinarily elegant.

You know, an attaché de presse. I've got a role to play. I know.

Couture.

And she still remembers her poor old parents. Well, she damn well better.

Touching. Really, most, most touching.

Oh, but what an honor.

The great voyager deigns to be among her.

Here's a little something for you.

With all my very best wishes.

I wasn't aware being attached to the press was a profession that pays so

well, gal.

It depends on the employer.

And on the employee, perhaps.

Look, I'd feel much better discussing that with food, simply because it's a

holiday, doesn't affect mealtimes, and it's time now, I think.

Okay, let's eat on time. It's a special Christmas gift to Papa.

Shall we sit down?

A toast to you all.

Merry Christmas.

Cheers. Merry Christmas.

It was the night before Christmas and all through the house, glasses were

clinking.

Now then, coming back to Carol.

Having ready cash, success, traveling, all that's, well, a nice combination.

Only an important element is still missing.

A man to look after her, but not just anyone.

Now, a man who's worthy to be called a real man.

Well, like you, Charles.

Well, uh, no.

What I meant to say was a man who possesses my qualities, the finer ones.

My poor father. A man to look after me as if I didn't already have enough.

And the one I was going to meet in Le Mans would only add to the list. For the

first time, I wasn't given any name. It was like a state secret.

Have you noticed I killed the fit cruiser this year?

Don't get them like you every day.

Norma had faithfully clued me in on his tastes.

It was to be my first macho.

This type of man is uncommon among our clientele, so I was curious to see what

would happen.

My curiosity wasn't to be disappointed.

Without a doubt, this business is full of surprises.

And I who thought I'd seen everything, experienced everything.

My naivete was like an illness, maybe incurable.

Slightly strained in the beginning, my bourgeois morality forces me to admit

that what followed wasn't that disagreeable.

Less disagreeable than with certain clients who could be my grandfather.

Hi.

Your roommate's not home today.

No, she had to leave for London.

That's right. She travels a lot because she's also with the press.

Are you all alone?

Yes, I'm alone. Why?

Before I rang, I could have sworn I overheard voices inside.

I... I was listening to some music.

Boy, then disco's not your gig.

It came by because I was worried.

The other day at the clinic, you seemed to be a little bit absent, like maybe

you might not have grasped who we were.

Nervous today, aren't you?

You know,

I came up with an explanation.

Or a guess, at least.

It's quite possible my sister suffers from loss of memory. Happens all the

time in accidents.

Huh?

I'm delighted to see that my Christmas present pleased you.

And Chris?

Chris? Does he know all about your activities of attaché de presse?

Chris knows all there is to know about it, that's right. Man, oh man, then he's

either super modern or badly bitten by the love bug, this guy. When do I meet

Mr. Wonderful?

Pretty soon.

It'll be soon.

I've got a date with a musician.

Ciao.

Dorothy mentioned a racing driver.

The atmosphere of the racetrack, all the excitement, people gesturing and

shouting. Maybe you want to stay a while to wrap myself up in this warmth.

I'd like a tomato juice, please. Yes, ma'am. Right away.

He was sitting at the bar, obviously in a very bad mood.

That is, until the moment our eyes met and held on to each other.

Not to let down Chris, why would I be let down because you're leading before

your motor exploded?

Only at loose event at this moment. I'd be here Any projects for the time being

no comment L. Well, why is it a secret?

Huh? You write the gossip column for some goddamn scandal sheet or what? Oh,

I'm sorry

Any news about Chris? Nothing too bad. His motor exploded. Hey, was he hurt?

No, came out of it without a scratch. Yeah, rotten pizza like this is pretty

depressed.

Poor Chris, to think he could still be leading. Yeah, Lady Luck hasn't smiled

on him lately. I guess he's still in his pit. No, I looked. He's not there.

the Argentinian is still in the lead, but it's certain that if Chris Andrews

was still in the race... It's difficult to explain the feelings that came over

me. A mixture of happiness and anxiety.

Anxiety already.

I was afraid I'd have to start lying already.

You here for the big race today?

No, I didn't even know about it. I, um... I drove down to visit my

grandmother who's home. Ah,

but before leaving, you said...

I've got to go console the poor pilot who blew his chance.

Pilot?

I saw one once in a film.

Don't tell me you were a script girl in a film they made about racing.

No, I'm not a script girl.

I didn't think you'd be one.

And how do you spend your time when you're not happily playing Red Riding

Hood to Grandma?

You know what?

Your profession?

To be so hesitant means only one is possible.

That is?

The one occupation no woman admits to.

Yeah, you're a lady carver.

No.

No.

You're all wrong.

High fashion's my line.

I attach you to the press.

What about... Quitting the press.

And attaching yourself to me.

Your motor's revving a bit fast.

My car is out of today's race.

And strangely, I have no regrets.

Exchange one blown engine for a new chassis.

You'll get in trouble with that ad.

I was so anxious to tell the good news to Dorothy, and a lot less anxious to

tell the bad news to Norma.

But after all, what could she do? My decision was made.

Dorothy?

I've got some marvelous news.

Josephine Cartier, Dorothy's mother, is my dearest friend.

Years ago, we were both at 1-2-2.

Nice to know you. And Dorothy?

Where is she?

She's with my son.

She's helping me out with the poor little thing.

Don't worry, Pat.

You know I'm a specialist, so relax. You're in good hands.

Now then, let yourself go.

Just relax, sweetie.

Relax.

There, now.

As a child, he's really adorable.

Yet he has a problem.

He's somewhat retarded, I fear, in his knowledge of things.

You wait and see. It'll be fine.

You're calming down, son.

That's right.

That's better.

First move your hands over my body. Like that.

Gently.

Imagine that you're petting your dog.

What's your dog's name?

Kulak. What a precious name.

You make it up for him?

Yes, but my dog's a girl.

It's a name that fits her.

You know, my dear, it's terrible being a woman alone trying to raise a young boy.

Yes, I'm quite sure. It's certain to be.

Are you in the same profession as Dorothy?

Yes, I was up until today.

But I've just met someone I like very much.

I've decided to get out.

But I still can't. I'd never have a better reason.

And besides, business has changed.

It's no longer like the times of the one-two-two.

Yes, my mother.

I'll name you the same as my mother.

Mama.

Mama.

Mama.

Mama.

Mama.

That's it. The whole story.

It's marvelous news, huh?

It reads like a very romantic book.

And Norma?

Norma?

I'm going to tell her I quit.

My stupid naivety.

Once again.

Playing a dirty trick on me.

Nobody quits.

Dorothy. My dearest Dorothy.

Whom I thought was so happy for me.

Hello?

Norma?

Got any time to spare, Carol?

How do you know me?

My way of, let's say, modus operandi. I'm a publisher. Write me a book. Don't

worry about Norma.

She won't mind waiting.

Your time won't be wasted.

I'm not the least interested.

No.

In case you change your mind.

Nothing could change my mind.

You can't tell about that.

Life's full of surprises, you know.

Not mine. Take the car.

No harm in trying, I say.

I hope my dear publisher won't be put out when he hears this tape.

But the meeting with him and his proposition left a bitter taste in my

mouth.

In any event, I had no intention of accepting his offer.

I wanted to forget this business, erase it from my memory, not publish it.

I went to confront Norma to tell her of my decision.

Her reaction surprised me.

I'm very happy, dear, and believe me, I understand.

What is more marvelous than love when it comes along?

I guess if love ever knocked at my door, it was unfortunately when I was out.

I'm growing old and I live alone.

I'll be even more lonely with you gone.

But that's life.

Wait, dear. I have one last request to make of you.

You wouldn't wound me by refusing one last favour to poor old Norma, to whom

you've already caused so much grief.

After all I've done for you.

You wouldn't be ungrateful to me, would you, Carol?

So I agreed to render one last service to poor old Norma, to whom I'd already

caused so much grief.

And I was going to use it to bury my past.

I think that ought to cover it.

Excuse me, the prices differ.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I was forgetting about the arrears.

That damn bitch.

Those damn... Bitches!

She wanted war. She was going to get war.

And I was going to attack with her weapons.

Villainy and evilness.

She had Dorothy.

I had better.

That is to say, worse.

That's fine.

Really, that's fine.

Only tell me why suddenly you've had a change of heart.

You'll know as soon as you've read my story.

See, I was pushed.

Perfect. Perfect.

Don't hesitate to put some anecdotes in. You know, a bit on the spicy side. Full

of the little things that happen with your clients.

You'd make an ideal couple, you and Norma.

Norma.

Never came up to my standards.

I'm pretty fussy.

You're much more my time.

I'm sure our collaboration will be one of the most special that I've ever had.

Sorry, business and pleasure don't mix, Mr. Brunette.

It's my voice that you're going to get.

It's my voice that you're paying.

You'll get nothing else.

Nothing else, understand?

Okay.

Little by little, I became almost an expert at telling my story.

Sometimes slipping in little phrases I'd heard from Papa when he preached to us

at the... It was you who... Me.

Yes. Get out.

Just leave me alone.

I'll leave, but you won't be alone.

I did some checking on the current tariff, and I was much, much too

generous.

So I've come to collect my change.

Too late. I've already deposited it in my savings account.

Thank you, Dorothy.

You've made up for everything.

She had a lot of trouble finding me.

Oh, my God. Others' happiness doesn't do a lot to make mine.

This time, everything was in order.

I made up with my friend.

And as to Chris, he was ready to forget my past.

He didn't even give a damn.

I had nothing more to fear from Norma.

Triumphantly, I announced her defeat to her.

The dice are tossed and I'm the loser.

Too bad.

Oh, but you're not completely irreplaceable.

Apropos being a shoe that I have to replace, what would you think about this

one as a candidate?

You deserve to be crowned queen of the bitches.

I was many years ago and retained the crown.

If she was the queen of the bitches, I was the queen of idiots.

Are you satisfied?

In my fairy tale, I had forgotten a very important person.

The wicked witch.

The witch who frightens.

Who's sly and deceitful, who makes you cry?

The image of Prince Charming faded.

The only one left was that of Norma.

Norma, the new witch.

And so... And so I stay.

Leave my sister to her studies.

Agreed. But you go back to yours.

Even though we haven't much to teach you anymore.

But you'll have to announce the news to your champion.

Out of politeness, if nothing else.

Trapped. I was trapped.

I couldn't leave Sylvie and Norma's clutches.

For her sake. And for my parents' sake.

But the hardest part was yet to come.

Breaking off with Chris.

Breaking off with Chris.

Yes.

Yes, I remember.

A road.

A garage.

It was awful.

Carol? Carol, what's happened?

I came to tell you that it's over.

I'll stay in Norma's table.

I want to stay what I am.

One of the palace ladies.

A call girl, a deluxe prostitute.

But that's crazy. We talked about it and agreed.

You wanted to change your life. Not anymore.

My God, at least tell me why.

I'm no obligation to tell you anything.

If you want to see me, you know the tarot.

Shit!

I wanted to find out who I am.

And I have.

But I was happier when I had no memories.

No memories.

No more memories.

Never again.

Hello, Norma.

Excuse me just a moment.

Take your time, please.

You gave me quite a surprise with the extent of my sister.

In return, I have one for you. Listen.

New business.

Norma, who had lived in the United States, understood perfectly what that

meant. Norma didn't treat her girls like her more famous or less discreet

colleagues. But I'm not writing this book to attack her on any specific

point. To each his method.

Chapter 5.

Our illustrious clients.

A delicate chapter, if there ever was one.

I haven't personally known them all intimately, but I knew of their

existence.

When I saw them on television or on the front pages of the papers, I couldn't

help smiling or frowning. I'll pass over a certain diplomat who disguised himself

as an African in order to be whipped.

Or the director of a large automobile firm who wants his meetings in the

toilets of the world's greatest restaurants.

No, others have already told all that, and obviously our clients are often the

same. No, I'll tell spicier stories, as my publisher would say, like the banker

who... and so on.

It's through me that the scandal arrives.

As you know, I'm against publicity. I find it very vulgar.

All right, you win. You hold the aces.

Of course, if you should reconsider.

I'm staying free.

Happy landing, Corkett.

Same to you, Florist.

Pretty, very pretty, but someone mentioned a certain Carol.

I'd like to see her.

There is no more Carol.

No more memories.

No more memories ever again.

Hiya, Chris.

How's it going, Chris?

Badly.

You're back, Carol.

Change of mind?

Carol?

What's wrong with you?

You don't seem to know me.

I was in a car wreck recently, a little way from here.

And it left me... Amnesia?

Yes, that's the term.

later on I found something some matches that apparently came from this hotel so

I Carol you called me that didn't you

that means you know me so you it could help me regain my memory

no no I was mistaken you look like someone but you're

not her

I've never seen you before.

But I'd like very much to know you.