Original subtitles

Together with the furniture, hundred thousand francs.

You surprise me, Monsieur Duboc.

Done.

Madame Bleuet,

with some it's worth an hour in the bargaining,

but not with you.

You flatterer, you.

Where are you moving to?

I haven't the faintest idea.

Thank you, Duboc.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

It is all disposed of.

House, furniture, clothes, everything.

So, we are... done, with Number 5 Rue de Roi?

Ah, poor Jeanne...

Yes, we are done with Rue de Roi.

Finished.

It has ceased to exist.

As indeed have I.

Jeanne...

We make a pact.

We never speak of that place again, or the men.

Men.

Of all of them... Ruthless, selfish...

Repelling!

Your magic fingers...

That's so good.

Remember... I am no longer Madame Bleuet.

I understand.

Do you, now?

Haven't I been your friend all these years?

Is it likely that I'd forget?

'Twas simpler, though, our...

...our years in Brittany.

Time to fetch Mistral.

I don't like it. I don't like anything about it.

You don't have to like it, Jeanne. You just have to go along with it.

You'll see, you'll overreach yourself.

I have spent twenty years

laughing when they choose to laugh, sobbing when they choose to sob,

now I get to have a turn.

That's all I've got to say.

You always were a bit of a coward, weren't you, Jeanne?

Yes.

Yes, "Madame".

Yes, Madame.

And who am I?

The Countess... de Secret.

That's right.

Look! How like your sister Alice she is.

Alice?

Alice!

What's the matter?

Here, let me take that.

You're not well!

What's happened?

Please remember...

She knows nothing of the outside world.

I shall break it to her gently.

She's been here since she was six years old.

I know.

You've been to visit her so seldom.

- When her mother, Alice, died... - Please!

It was not possible.

She's had no holidays, no family life.

Well, now you see me here, ready to make all that up to her.

Would you kindly call her for me, thank you?

Mistral?

Walk!

Aunt Emilie!

- Mistral! - So lovely to see you!

Jeanne!

Say goodbye to Mother Superior.

Did you know I was a countess?

No, I didn't!

Yes, only a very little countess.

Mistral, now that you stand all poised, tippy-toe on the world,

and since Paris, for me, has become...

...a trifle tedious...

Why don't we spread our wings together?

Go on a little adventure!

Where to?

That's the trouble, eh?

I can't quite make up my mind.

- Can I, Jeanne? - No, Countess.

- So why don't you choose? - I?

Yes! Provence, Burgundy?

Monte Carlo?

Or Lyon, Champagne? Come on, choose!

Monte Carlo! Oh, I heard so much about it from the girls.

Monte Carlo?

Oh, well, I... I don't know...

It doesn't really matter. Anywhere.

Monte Carlo! Why not?

It'll take me back to my youth, will it not, Jeanne?

Yes, Countess.

What if she'd said Burgundy?

I would have found some excuse.

Now... it is she who has chosen where we are to go.

- Oh... it's so beautiful here! - Mistral?

Come here.

They were your mother's.

Oh, my mother's...

They're the only thing that she bought back.

Have a look in the mirror.

They are now yours.

Mine?

Who else could they possibly belong to?

What was my mother like?

They never told me anything about her.

She was the loveliest lady that ever lived.

And my father?

Come...

We've got a lot of things to do.

Bonjour, mesdames, welcome to the Hôtel de Paris.

I am Alphonse.

- The manager. - Ah! Bonjour, Alphonse.

My niece and I are here for a quiet holiday,

and we wish to remain incognito.

But of course. Whatever Madame wishes.

Would Madame care to sign the register?

Of course.

Mistral...

Madame will have Suite 601.

Chérie, that's my lucky number.

May I be so presumptuous as to be confident

it will meet with Madame's approval?

One of our very best suites.

Alphonse has certainly done us proud.

Hasn't he just.

Go help Mistral to unpack,

and order some tea.

Come, come, what's the matter?

Oh, Aunt Emilie, it's...

It's my dresses...

They're all grey! I shall look like a ghost.

But I... I planned the grey so carefully.

They're to go with those beautiful pearls.

Together, you will be unique.

My chic little ghost.

Mistral!

Come away from that window at once!

I do not want you attracting any attention,

until the grand gala tomorrow night.

There, I warrant,

they'll be flapping around you like moths to a flame!

- But we're supposed to be incognito. - Incognito, yes...

...but with a dash of panache.

Why, Aunt Emilie?

Sit down, Mistral, I want to talk to you.

I know it's hard for you to understand,

but your past must remain a secret, that is imperative.

But it is a secret, I know nothing about it!

Please, Aunt Emilie, you must tell me some things.

Don't you see the less you know, the easier it will be?

All I know is that I wish I'd know my mother,

and that if I hadn't been born, she'd still be alive today!

Oh, what utter nonsense.

Your mother wanted you desperately.

Besides, all women know there's bound to be a risk.

Do you realize, Aunt Emilie, I've got no memories from when I was little.

I half-remember things like...

The house in Brittany, and...

Jeanne being there...

I don't even remember you being there.

No.

Now, well, you see,

I left you there alone with Jeanne because...

Well, you see, Mistral, there was no money.

I had no choice but to go to Paris and start my own business.

Now I understand, Aunt Emilie.

I so wanted to get sufficient money,

for you to go to the best convent,

and have all the extras.

Piano, music, deportment, languages, dancing...

I am so grateful to you, Aunt Emilie.

It is I who am grateful to you... apparently.

My my money has not been ill spent?

I don't want gratitude, but I do want obedience.

But you have that, Aunt.

Yes... While we're here...

I want you to talk to nobody without my permission.

No one, but...

No one must know who you really are.

I really don't understand.

Ask no questions. Can't you?

Just trust me.

- Yes. - Good. Good.

You will find that...

Everything will become clear in time.

You are not to go to that woman's villa!

Mother...

I will visit Lady Featherstone as often as I wish.

Can't you realize she's ruining you?

She's left her husband, the Earl of Featherstone!

She has forfeited any position she may have in society.

Oh, I think not.

You forget what a powerful name we bear.

Were I to make Lady Featherstone my wife,

she would be accepted by my friends.

Your wife!

You're surely not thinking of marrying her!

Oh, don't you see?

That would mean a divorce from her husband!

A divorce, Robert! Have you thought of that?

I have.

You have always been wilful.

Lady Featherstone has a bad reputation!

Be sure of this: I will never accept her.

So be it.

Stop!

Oh, monsieur, please! He's stolen my purse! He's got it!

You know, you really should not be out alone at this time in the morning.

Gambling breeds desperate men.

I know, I'm sorry.

I just wanted to see the sunrise from here.

Did you know Saint Dévote landed here?

Her chapel's down there.

It was in... 300 A.D.

There was a painting of it in the convent.

That's why I wanted to see the sunrise.

Oh, look.

It's lovely.

Beyond words.

Lovely beyond words.

Tell me... what is your name?

Mistral.

And your other name?

Oh... you mustn't ask me that.

My aunt would be furious if she knew I was out here.

- I only left the convent a week ago. - The convent?

How long had you been there?

- Since I was six. - Six?

And now, your home? Do you live here now, in Monte Carlo?

Monsieur, you ask too many questions.

You are quite right. My apologies.

Allow me to introduce myself.

Lord Stanford. Robert Stanford.

Oh! I really must be going.

I shall see you again?

Oh, Lord Stanford... I don't expect, sir.

Well, I must say, a grand gala really brings out the family jewels.

I thought my emeralds were rather fine, until I saw the Princess's.

Well, I dare say she would exchange them all for your lovely face.

Oh, Robert!

Now why don't you say things like that to me, Charles?

Shyness, my dear. Pure shyness.

I see the Rajah still has his latest companion.

I trust she lasts longer than the last two.

Prince Nicholas seems to be enjoying himself.

He always does.

I say!

- Alphonse. - Ah, bonsoir, mesdames!

I have reserved a very special table for you.

If you will come...

And now, Madame...

Did you see those grey pearls?

Señorita Rodriguez certainly didn't miss them.

I've never seen anything like them.

They're unique.

- Bon appétit. - Thank you.

I'm going to find out who she is.

Alphonse will know. Alphonse!

- Alphonse knows everything. - Alphonse...

Alphonse...

Yes, my Lord?

Who are they?

I regret, my Lord, I am not at liberty to say.

They travel incognito, and wish to remain so.

Oh, come on, Alphonse, you can tell me.

Oh, please!

I can only say...

...that Madame has signed at the register...

...as Madame Secret.

And Mademoiselle Fantôme.

Excuse me, my Lord.

Oh, do forgive me...

Keep them. For luck.

There's nothing to forgive.

On the contrary...

It is my good fortune...

- Madame... - ...Secret.

Prince Nicholas Alexander.

May I introduce you to my niece, Mademoiselle Fantôme?

Enchanting names.

Madame Secret, Mademoiselle Fantôme.

You dim the lights, Mademoiselle.

Oh... thank you.

Please, don't be deceived by that demure discomfort.

She has broken many a heart, has this one.

Really?

I hardly think that's true.

Perhaps I may have the honour of calling on you.

- We would be delighted. - Until then?

I want you to be nice to Prince Nicholas.

Nice?

Well, surely you know what "nice" means to a young man?

Yes, I think I do.

I want you...

...to encourage him just a little.

Encourage? Aunt...

I don't really like him.

Fiddle-dee-dee!

It's not absolutely necessary to really like him, you know.

I don't understand...

Mistral...

Listen to Aunt Emilie.

Trust me.

Thank you, my dear.

Would you please help me to the door?

- Yes, of course. - I have lost all my money.

- Oh, that's terrible. - Every penny I had!

It's alright, Mademoiselle, I will see to her.

Thank you. Good night.

Surely you're not leaving?

Oh... hello.

No, no, it was just this lady, she...

She lost all her money, and... she was very upset.

Well, I shouldn't worry unduly about her.

She does it every night.

What she meant was,

she'd lost all the money she brought with her,

which is never very much, anyway.

Countess Kissler, she's as rich as Croesus.

You must think me very foolish.

That hardly describes my opinion of you.

Come, I must talk with you.

- Oh, no, my aunt... - Your aunt is absorbed in her play.

Tell me, how are you enjoying yourself?

Oh, it's so exciting here.

You realize you're the... belle of the ball?

No...

I assure you.

For your youth and your beauty...

Why, the women would have killed for your pearls, and the men...

Shall I tell you what the men were saying?

No.

They were saying...

You are the most beautiful creature they'd ever set eyes on.

Please. Please... stay.

I think you're making fun of me.

Don't you realize how lovely you are?

I think I...

Promise me... that I may see you again.

No, I can promise nothing, my aunt...

Don't let her bully you!

The bending violets whisper

Their fragrant secrets there

Waiting for thee, their sister

Still closed are the blossoms rare

With wistful glances are peering

The bright-eyed, slender gazelles

The rushing tide is nearing

Upon the breeze it swells

The rushing tide is nearing

Upon the breeze it swells

Morning, Mademoiselle.

Good morning, Madame.

Your aunt has given me permission, if I may,

to show you the wonderful gardens of my villa.

I will walk back to the hotel, Mademoiselle.

Your Highness is most kind.

Why do you always wear grey?

- I may not answer that. - Ah.

You mean it's a secret.

Now that we're alone...

Tell me about yourself.

I'm a very dull subject.

Tell me about Monte Carlo.

What's that place over there?

That is the ancient village of Èze.

There's a fascinating history.

But all that is of interest to me...

...is here within reach of my arms.

Where does the Grand Duke live?

Father?

Château d'Or. I'll take you there now!

- Tonight, hm? - No...

There are so many things I'd like to show you, just you and I together, hm?

Monte Carlo by moonlight, for example...

I hardly think my aunt would allow that.

I think she could be persuaded, don't you?

No. And please don't ask her.

I do believe... you're frightened of me.

I'm at a loss.

But why?

I understand.

You really have just come from the convent, haven't you?

When your aunt told me that...

- I thought it was just a way of saying-- - What?

Never mind.

You don't... know about love?

It frightens you, that's it, isn't it?

I thought that...

...love wouldn't be...

...all these games, I thought that it would be something honest and holy.

And you're right.

Real love...

...is like that.

Aunt Emilie.

Well, come on. Tell, tell.

Did he invite you to dinner?

No.

He said he wanted to see me again, though.

And you accepted, naturally?

No, Aunt.

I didn't know what you expect of me, I...

I've had no experience with men.

Thank God for it.

Animals... most of them.

Aunt Emilie...

Why is it that you push me so hard towards the prince?

Because I believe the prince not to be an animal.

I find him... Well, he's utterly enchanting!

Besides, Mistral,

he can introduce us to royalty.

I have absolutely no interest of being introduced to royalty!

Well, I have a confession to make.

I do.

Aunt Emilie...

Try.

May I go out again, please?

Yes, of course.

- Take Jeanne with you. - Thank you.

- Dalton! - Good morning, Your Ladyship.

Or should I say "Countess"? Or "Madame Secret"?

Or will just plain "Emilie" do?

What are you doing here?

Don't worry, nobody's seen me.

Well, aren't you going to invite me in?

Very nice.

Very nice indeed.

What do you want?

You know, Paris just isn't the same without you.

I paid you off with all the rest, I owe you nothing,

will you kindly get out of here?

That's hardly the way to greet your old confidante, is it?

Confidante!

You were no more than a procurer, and well paid for it!

And you were no more than a madam, and well paid for that.

I don't think there's much margin for name-calling between us.

True.

Well?

Do you know there are people here who would pay good money

to find out who you really are?

And why haven't you sold me to them already?

Because I think you'll pay me more not to tell them.

Or about your niece.

- You know nothing about my niece! - I don't have to.

Any young girl in the company of Madame Bleuet is automatically

a Fifi, a Lulu, or a Désirée, if you take my meaning.

No...

You always were the lowest of the low!

How much?

- Fifty thousand francs. - What?

I haven't got it!

Oh, yes, I know how much you got from your business.

All I'm asking for is half.

I have spent my life working in the naughtiest trade!

Come, now, it had its... moments.

You have no idea how loathsomely naughty...

You...

Suggesting that I should pay you half?

A little filthy parasite like you, half?

You really should learn to curb--

- Get out. - Very well.

I'll take what I can get elsewhere.

Wait.

I cannot believe that...

...all my careful plans have come to a halt with you, Dalton.

Wait here.

Put that out.

Certainly, Your Ladyship.

Whatever you say, Your Ladyship.

What guarantee do I have that you won't be trotting back to the law?

You'll just have to rely on my good nature.

Blackmailers.

They're the scum of the earth.

Pick it up!

Maybe next time you can arrange for Mistral to satisfy my good nature.

- How dare you! - In your company, of course.

Just like old times, eh, Emilie?

You... bastard!

Oh, it's absolutely beautiful.

Such a lovely place for a picnic.

Thank you, thank you.

You realize, you've not once been out of my thoughts since we first met.

Tell me... Have you thought of me?

- Oh, Robert, this is wrong. - Tell me, have you thought of me?

- Tell me. - Oh, Mistral!

Do you still go to the gardens first thing in the morning?

I go to the chapel.

Violet, for heaven's sake!

The man cannot be a little late?

Yes, but today, of all days...

What's so special about today?

I've been feeling...

I thought...

Oh, Sarah, you know how you must have felt.

I had a kind of sense before Charles...

Before he...

Before he proposed to me?

You mean... Oh, Violet!

Then I really must leave you alone.

Now, don't worry. I'll see myself out.

Oh, I do look forward to hearing your news.

You've been thoughtful.

Is there something on your mind?

No.

I'm sorry, it was just...

Yes?

No.

It's nothing.

You are indeed a most beautiful woman.

Help me, you hypocrite!

How could you have done this?

You hated him just as much as I did.

Perhaps. But to kill?

Lift!

Oh, um... Bonsoir, monsieur.

Bonsoir.

Strange...

Good God!

Hush! Come on, push!

He got off lightly, he deserved a blunt guillotine!

Come on, turn him over!

- Even a blackmailer has a soul! - He was nothing but a sewer rat!

You chuckle?

What's left to do?

Nothing.

So I chuckle.

My jewel.

Talking of jewels...

There's something I'd quite fancy.

But I don't think you could get them.

Tell me, my flower,

what it is I cannot get for you.

Those grey pearls that Mademoiselle Fantôme wears.

Consider them yours.

They do say... that they're beyond price.

Do they?

Do they?

- Ah... Lord Stanford. - Bonsoir.

You look enchanting.

Wait here, Mistral.

He's in the other section. Wander around.

Mademoiselle Fantôme, is it not?

I'm afraid, sir, you have the advantage over me.

I am the Rajah of Jehangar.

At your service.

May I say that you are looking...

...particularly beautiful this evening.

Thank you.

Excuse me if I sound impertinent...

...but I have heard that you are thinking of selling your pearls.

I'm afraid you're mistaken.

You could blackmail me for them.

I would pay any price.

He's smiling at you.

I know. He always does.

My, my.

Have you no feminine instincts?

Aunt, what is it exactly that you wish him to be to me?

I don't know.

To fall in love with you, I suppose.

Excuse me.

Madame.

Mademoiselle... May I have the honour of this waltz?

She's lovely.

Lovely.

...at the foot of the cliffs, we believe suicide.

I would not have bothered Your Highness,

except that there was this note addressed to Your Highness,

in a concealed pocket.

It was scrawled on the back of a business card.

"I have discovered the identity of the party..."

"...in whom you are interested."

"5 Rue de Roi, Paris"...

"Proprietress"...

..."Madame Bleuet".

- If there's further way we can... - No, no, no, no, no, no.

Madame Bleuet, yes...

Yes...

You will permit me?

I think there has been some mistake.

No.

No, no mistake.

Charming.

Charming.

Those pearls look ravishing.

Those pearls are seventy-five thousand francs' worth of ravishing.

You come to the point very readily.

Are we agreed?

They are not worth as much, but, then...

- This evening I have been fortunate. - Indeed.

Yes, indeed...

...Madame Bleuet.

Of course...

I have your word that you will not divulge my former trade

to anybody, anywhere, anytime?

You have my word as an old attorney.

And, of course, the girl.

- Mistral? - Of course.

Never.

Come, my dear, your recent calling has only to be divulged.

Then you would be out within half an hour.

You're just like all of them.

Despicable!

Mistral, for one night only.

One night is all she's got.

Tonight.

No.

Never.

Tonight.

No, no.

No!

We shall see.

His Serene Highness has offered his carriage for your journey

to the reception of Count Lombard.

Funny...

Get in!

- Hey! - How dare you!

- Madame! - Quick!

- Was that your niece? Alone? - Yes! Go after her!

Go!

What's going on?

It appears that mysterious little beauty,

Mademoiselle Fantôme, has been abducted.

By Prince Nicholas, evidently.

Someone said they saw his coach roaring out like a steam engine.

Unhitch the horses.

There has been some kind of mistake.

Is there anyone inside who might understand?

I wish to speak to the mistress of this house.

Welcome to my home.

This is intolerable!

Will you please instruct your carriage

to have me taken back to my hotel immediately?

Oh, I'm afraid there can be very little chance of that, my dear.

Very well, then I shall walk.

You do realize that my aunt would've called the police by this time?

She will have done no such thing.

You see, I have solved your little game.

I don't know what you're talking about!

Oh... you are both very good.

Especially you.

That air of...

...mystery was...

..was a brilliant idea.

You came here to Monte Carlo to land some sort of a...

...large fish.

I'm afraid the large fish...

...has landed you.

It's my pearls you want.

You are the only pearl that I desire.

I'm afraid there is no way out of here.

Why don't you... relax?

Make yourself comfortable.

Oh, and would you mind...

...wearing those?

You would be surprised what they can do for one's form.

Even as beautiful...

...as yours.

If you so much as touch me...

...I'll kill you.

I can see that you are going to be very exciting.

How wonderful.

Gopal!

- Help, please! - Mistral!

Your escape was remarkably brave.

Robert?

I did not think you would...

You disappoint me.

Oh, no, Robert, no...

No! Robert... For God's sake, Robert, no!

Robert, stop it!

No, Robert, please! No!

Robert, you've made a terrible mistake!

I never made a man a more...

...grovelling apology in my life.

I'm just so thankful you're not hurt, that's all.

Ah, the most important thing is that you are safe.

You're so lovely.

There are many things I wish to say to you,

but as yet, I'm not...

...not at liberty to do so.

If things go as I hope,

then I will meet you at the chapel at daybreak, tomorrow.

- Bonsoir, Mademoiselle. - Bonsoir, Michel.

Goodnight.

Mademoiselle.

I managed to get out of the house,

and then Prince Nicholas came by on his horse and just whisked me off--

How wonderful!

Saved by a prince!

You see, Mistral, fairy tales can come true.

I couldn't have planned it better myself.

- Was it very romantic? Did he-- - Aunt Emilie, please listen to me.

Prince Nicholas... Well, he saved my life.

- I'm more than grateful to him, but... - More than grateful to him, "but"?

More than grateful to him, "but"?

Forgive me, Mistral.

We are both so very tired.

You even look like a ghost tonight.

Come, come, to bed!

I think he is bound to be calling upon us in the morning...

- Why? - "Why"?

Because you, my sweet,

are not only the toast, but the talk of the town.

Come, come! To bed, to bed!

But you must get some sleep, it's nearly dawn.

I think I knew.

It's just...

He's my life!

I've never loved like this before, and I never will again.

More than anything in the world, I want to be his wife.

Then tell him that. Show him your torment.

Appeal to his sense of honour, it's very strong.

He wouldn't fail you.

I'll go out through the back.

Courage, Violet.

Violet.

- I can't say how sorry-- - Won't you have a drink, Robert?

Thank you. I will.

I left you standing there.

There's something I want to say to you.

One moment.

Before you tell me about what has happened tonight,

there's something I... I must tell you.

Eric was here today.

Your husband.

Cousin Alwyn has bolted with an actress

and landed him with his two children.

Eric has asked me to come back.

I'm still his wife.

Please don't think too badly of me, Robert,

but I really can't leave poor Eric

in a big house with a huge estate and two children.

I see.

I shall leave today or tomorrow, soon as I can close up the villa,

and pay off the servants.

You must do as you think best.

- If Eric really loves you... - Oh, he does!

He always has.

- Then I suppose... - Oh, don't let's talk about it.

There's nothing worse than mooning about a burnt-out love affair.

Or having a... post-mortem on a passion that's died.

Robert, you must go, my dear.

I have a million things to do,

and I must write to Eric before I go to bed.

Let yourself out if you want.

Jeanne?

You coming to Mass?

- If you will excuse me, my dear... - You alright, Jeanne?

Things are not what they seem.

You...

...must guard yourself.

Madame Bleuet has done exactly as I said,

she has overreached herself.

Madame Bleuet?

- Who's she? - God grant me pardon!

Your aunt is not a countess.

Her name is Madame Bleuet.

- And I am party to more... - Jeanne?

Will you pray for us both in Mass today?

Go, go.

Your aunt ensures that we cannot be alone together.

Is it wrong for me to talk to you here?

No.

I think you know... what I want to say to you.

I love you, my darling.

I love you more than I believed it possible to love any woman.

I will protect you,

and care for you for the rest of your life.

I always knew love could be like this.

Good morning, My Lord!

I had not expected to see Your Highness so early.

I shall be calling on you at noon.

Best have your favourite rapier ready.

The English gentleman.

Renowned the whole world over.

Always ready to protect a lady.

Well, I wonder, sir,

whether you will be so keen to uphold the honour of your companion

once you know who she is.

I don't know what the devil you're talking about.

Even you, sir, must be aware of

5 Rue de Roi, Paris,

run by the notorious Madame Bleuet.

Well, Madame Bleuet is none other than our incognito countess,

Madame Secret.

And...

...this... little thing...

...is her supposed "niece".

Sir, you insult my integrity and the lady's honour.

Good day, sir.

Why would he say that? About your aunt being Madame Bleuet.

I don't... I don't understand what...

Madame Bleuet...

...was well known as a Parisian whorehouse keeper.

The woman...

The countess who claims to be your aunt...

Is she or is she not Madame Bleuet?

- Yes, but... but... - I see.

What a fool you must have taken me for.

I... I believed you.

I believed in you.

Well...

Whatever you and your so-called "aunt" had planned, it didn't work.

So, you can just go back and tell her...

It's finished!

Oh, Jeanne!

Oh. Your Highness.

I had to come.

I'm sorry, I should have thanked you...

Forget that.

The point is, the events of last night would have ruined you.

And I had my part in it, taking you to my villa unchaperoned.

But you rescued me.

By now...

There'll be wild stories about you all over Monte Carlo.

Does it really matter?

Well, I cannot allow you to suffer that.

I have the honour...

...to ask you to be my wife.

I really...

...will not allow you to sacrifice yourself--

It is not a sacrifice.

From our very first moment together, there was something.

A feeling.

I cannot describe it.

I've never known

a true feeling of love before.

But I've come to realize...

...that I love you.

Oh, forgive me, Your Highness,

but I could not help but overhear.

In which case I'll not repeat myself, Madame.

May I be the first to congratulate you both?

Now, there is no time to waste.

We must proceed to le Château d'Or immediately.

To my father?

The very same.

Nicky!

- Father! - Nicky!

- What a surprise! - For me, too, Father.

May I present...

Madame Secret,

and her niece, Mademoiselle Fantôme.

Secret... and Fantôme.

What charming names.

I believe I have heard about you!

- I have spoken of her, Father. - He has spoken of nothing else.

Would you kindly repeat to your father the proposal

you made to my niece?

I was just about to, Madame.

Father...

I have asked Mademoiselle Fantôme...

...to do me the honour...

...of becoming my wife.

Have you?

Mademoiselle...

Will you tell me your name?

Mistral, Your Imperial Highness.

And... your other name?

Tell him the real one.

Tell him the real one.

I really would like him to hear it.

Rigaud.

And... your age?

Eighteen.

- Why was I not told before? - Told what?

That you had a bastard daughter?

- Madame, I beg you to have more... - "Beg"!

What do you know about begging?

My Alice begged. Oh, how she begged me not to tell.

What did you do to her?

That she was so frightened in case you might find out about Mistral?

So I had no choice but to plan my revenge,

from the gutter!

And now I have brought you to that same gutter.

For Mistral...

...was raised on the earnings of harlots.

What are you saying?

I am saying, sir...

...that you have fallen in love with your own sister!

And that you, sir...

...brought Alice here nineteen years ago,

ensnaring her into this luxurious trap with your false promises,

ruining her life!

And now, thank God I have ruined yours.

And mine, Aunt Emilie.

Why?

Why?

Your mother...

...was the kindest, sweetest...

...gentlest creature that ever lived.

And this man...

...seduced her, despoiled her, discarded her...

...and killed her.

Alice...

...is dead?

Yes... she died.

Giving birth to Mistral.

And how cruelly she suffered.

I sat there, helpless.

What could I do, but... plan this little revenge?

Who could blame me?

And only at the end,

after two whole days and nights,

of relentless, crippling, agony,

did she finally confess who the father was.

How does it feel, Your Imperial Highness,

to be a murderer?

Tell me, how does it feel?

I never betrayed... your sister...

...Madame...

Nor did I discard her.

Nor... is your niece...

...a bastard.

Alice, your sister...

...was my wife.

You lie!

It was a whirlwind romance.

We were married here, in... in.. in.. in the chapel of this house.

The marriage was...

...secret.

But it didn't last. No.

Not even one day.

The night of our wedding, which...

...should have been so joyful...

...became a time of fear and loathing...

Because...

...of the poison...

...you had planted in her.

That night...

...she ran away.

Because you had instilled,

deep in her mind,

a fear.

A fear...

...of the union of man and woman.

It is not tr... It is not true!

So she ran.

But...

She left me a letter.

She left me a letter.

- What? - And in her letter...

...she made an oath...

An oath...

...never to tell anyone of our marriage.

It's her handwriting!

She never told me.

We were so close!

And she never said a word.

Yes, she was true to her oath.

You see, she felt...

I should be free to make another marriage.

She was a good woman,

your sister.

Madame...

I spent years looking for her.

But not all of my love could redeem her from...

...your poison.

It was the power you held over her!

You killed your sister, Madame.

Not I.

Forgive me, sir...

But it seems you are ignorant of the power of sibling love.

Alice and I...

We clung through childhood...

...like a paper boat in a storm.

With dragons lashing their tails at every turn,

for there was no family to cherish us!

Alice came home to me,

because her frailty needed my strength around it.

You see...

We were twin souls, Alice...

Alice...

You never told me!

God forgive me...

You're a damn fool, Robert.

Fancy believing that scoundrel.

You didn't even give the girl a chance to defend herself.

Well, it's not too late.

Go to her.

Lord Stanford...

You insulted my master.

Good morning, Your Serene Highness!

Jeanne...

"Serene Highness"...

This was brought in for you on approval from Nice,

by your father.

My father.

And... Robert...

Have you heard anything from Lord Stanford?

He's...

He is thought to have... gone home.

And Aunt Emilie?

Your Aunt Emilie...

...is dead.

Good morning... daughter!

Good morning, sister.

Good morning.

I can't believe it.

How you look like... Alice.

I loved her very much, you know.

All these years I missed!

Seeing you grow up...

If only I'd known.

- Father? - Yes!

There is something that I...

...I really want you to do for me.

Someone I want you to find, who means my whole life to me.

His name is Robert. Lord Robert Stanford.

I see.

You love him?

Well, we will just have to look for him...

Won't we, Nicky?

Yes.

Yes. Yes, we will.

Tomorrow...

...your lady love leaves by train.

For St. Petersburg.

She is, of course, absolutely innocent of everything I said about her.

Apparently she's heartbroken.

I shall let you live,

so that you can think about that.

Ponder upon it.

And then I shall kill you.

Do you understand that?

I am so sorry, my darling Mistral,

but we have searched everywhere for Lord Stanford,

and there seems to be no trace of him.

Anywhere!

I know.

I know, I know, I know, I know.

I just wish I knew the truth, that's all.

Yes, yes.

My dear Lord Stanford.

You know, for an overbred Englishman,

you surprise me.

At this very moment...

...your precious Mistral is on her way to Russia.

She will not reach St. Petersburg.

Gopal will see to it.

Gopal...

Please carry out my instructions.

Mistral! Mistral!