Original subtitles

Subtitles: Luís Filipe Bernardes

Call for Mr. Weaver! Call for Mr. Weaver!

That'll be all.

Sir.

Yes?

Is there any kind of work we could get here?

Sorry, there's not a thing.

Not even some cleaning or scrubbing?

We could wash the floors.

Let's try across the street , mama.

You oughtn't to be wasting your time scrubbing floors.

Oh, Jennie never wastes time.

She scrubs and polishes awful well.

Go and ask the head housekeeper. Maybe she'll find something for her.

Thank you, sir.

Say I sent you,.

It must cost an awful lot to live here.

Don't forget to rub in all the little corners.

Look how the polish is stuck there.

- Good morning, Senator Brander. - Good morning. Here's the mail, sir.

- It came in while you were at breakfast. - Oh, thank you.

Don't bother.

You shouldn't have troubled yourself.

Did you see? He had a gold-headed cane.

Now, Jennie! You mustn't stare at people.

Maybe we could get some laundry work from people like that in the hotel.

The housekeeper said you might have some laundry work for us to do.

Oh, yes, she told me. You're Mrs. Gerhardt, aren't you?

Come in.

- Your daughter? - Yes, sir.

Won't you come in?

And sit down.

I'll get it ready for you.

Make your mother sit down. She looks tired.

Go lie down, mama. I'll call you when supper's ready.

I walk and walk all day.

And only wear out shoe leather.

Don't feel so bad about it, papa.

If we can get Senator Brander's washing steady,

we'll be able to get along till you get work.

Is that all the coal you got?

They got three detectives watching the yard.

They almost caught us.

Oh, God, what have I done to deserve this?

I try so hard to do right and...

now my children turn out to be thieves.

We didn't steal much, papa.

They got more on their faces than in the bucket.

Tell your father to come and see me tomorrow.

I may be able to find work of some sort for him.

Oh, that would be wonderful.

I'll never be able to thank you for all your kindness.

Don't try to. I like you, Jennie.

I'm going to do everything I can for you and your family.

Getting your washing every week has helped a whole lot.

You shouldn't have to worry your head about such things.

You're too young.

And too pretty.

You must ask your mother to let me take you out driving sometime.

Me? Oh, I couldn't.

I'll have to ask her myself.

I know how papa feels.

But there's no harm in going out with a fine man like the senator.

Besides, it ain't right for a young girl like you

to work hard all the time and never have any fun.

So you just go and have a good time.

But be sure Senator Brander brings you home...

before papa gets back from work.

- That makes the second time this week. - He gave her a watch.

- A watch? - Sure, a gold watch.

Happy?

Oh, yes. It's wonderful here.

Gerhardt!

As your oldest friend I feel it's my duty to warn you.

It's about Jennie and...

You know, Jennie, when I was much younger than I am now...

the girl I loved wouldn't have me because I was too poor.

Now that I have enough money, the girl I like

thinks I'm too old to be romantic.

Oh, were you trying to be romantic?

Seriously, Jennie,

I'm retiring from office at the end of this term.

I want to get some pleasure out of life before it's too late.

I've always been a lonely sort of a person.

The older I get, the lesser I like being alone.

You do like me a little bit, don't you, Jennie?

How can I help it, when you've been so good to me and my family?

Jennie, I've almost decided that I can't go on without you.

Do you think you could make up your mind to...

to live with me from now on?

Live with you?

I love you, Jennie.

I want you to marry me.

Is it too much to ask?

Will you, Jennie?

- I couldn't say anything else when... - Stop it.

You may be marrying me out of gratitude.

But if you are...

I don't want to hear it.

But, papa, you don't understand.

He wants to marry me.

Marry you!

But...

he asked me tonight.

You... you fool!

Can't you see he was lying to you?

No, papa.

Rich men like that don't marry girls like you.

If his intentions were honorable,

wouldn't he come to me first, like a decent man...

instead of sneaking behind my back?

It's a good thing I catch him in time.

Jennie, I order you to stay away from him!

If I ever catch you seeing him again, I'll put you out of the house.

You understand?

All right, papa.

I won't see him again.

I won't.

I promise I won't.

Dad, we need coal.

Do you mind going with Willie this time? Veronica isn't well enough.

Oh, come on, Bass, please.

Oh, all right. Grab the bucket.

- Quick, Bass! The detectives! - Go on, will you?

Well?

He's in jail.

My son.

They let me see him through the bars.

I did everything I could, but...

the fine was too big.

They'll keep him in prison for weeks.

If we only had Senator Brander to go to now.

Quiet!

I won't have that man's name mentioned in my house.

Can you get him out tonight?

Oh, that's fine.

No, don't mention my name.

Just tell them you've withdrawn the charge.

Yes... yes.

Of course I'll do what I can for you in Washington.

I'm leaving tomorrow morning.

Yes, thanks again. Good night.

Well, Jennie.

The Railway Company will drop the charge against your brother.

He'll be home in an hour.

Now, now...

Jennie, for heaven's sake, don't cry.

Don't.

I'll be all right.

It's so marvelous of you to do this.

Poor child.

You've gotten yourself too tired and unnerved over this business.

That's better.

Now you just rest awhile.

It's alright, Jennie.

I've got to go. I'm alright now, really I am.

It's been horrible this past month.

Wondering what was happening to you.

Wondering if you'd forgotten about me.

I missed you so.

Jennie, I can't go on this way.

I was afraid you weren't coming, Jennie.

I'll be in Washington only six weeks.

When I come back, we'll be married right away.

Will you, dear?

- Do you still want me? - Now more than ever.

I only wish I could feel that you want me as I do you.

But I know you don't.

Maybe if you hadn't felt so deeply in debt to me...

you wouldn't have let it happen, would you, Jennie?

I love you, Jennie.

All aboard!

And someday I'm going to make you love me.

Hey, Jennie! Hey, ma!

Senator Brander got killed. What do you know about that.

Killed?

Yeah, on a train wreck. He was on his way back from Washington.

There's a picture of him. Tells all about it.

Hey, wipe your hands, will you? You'll get the paper all wet.

What a pity.

He was such a fine gentleman.

Well, Jennie, it can't be helped.

We all have to go...

sometime.

Jennie, what is it?

I didn't know you cared for him so much.

He was on his way back to marry me.

But you haven't seen him for months.

Have you?

I saw him the night Bass got out of jail.

Your father must never know.

He'll have to know...

sometime.

Don't cry, mama.

You make me feel bad too.

I'm not a bit worried, honest.

I'll be alright in Cincinnati. Nobody knows me there.

I can't bear to have you go, Jennie. Just when you need me most.

I'll go right straight to cousin Ada's.

Yes. She'll take good care of you.

- Don't lose her address. - No, mama.

I've got it written down.

Goodbye, mama.

- Here, Jennie! Take this. - No, I won't need it.

Really I won't.

Senator Branden sent me some money to buy a coat with.

Goodness, it was enough for three coats.

I still have it. It'll last me a long time.

All aboard!

Don't hold it against your father, Jennie.

He means to do right.

I know, mama.

I know.

Mrs. Gurney!

Mrs. Gurney!

Can't you give her something to keep her quiet?

It does 'em go to yell.

Poor kid. Hasn't she got any friends?

All I know about is her cousin Ada.

She won't be back for another month.

What did you put in this stew, garlic?

Just a touch. I rub it on the plate.

Mrs. Gurney!

Mrs. Gurney!

Hadn't you better go up?

There's plenty of time yet.

- What's for dessert? - Bread pudding with raisins.

- You got time for some? - Never pass up bread pudding.

- I'll feed her, Ada, don't you bother. - Just you take it easy.

Drink your coffee before it gets cold.

This looks as though it might be good, Ada.

Yes?

Maid wanted, general housework, must be fond of children and pets.

Cook, sew, wash, iron, take care of garden...

And also sail a boat in your spare time.

They all want the maid to sleep in the house.

I can't do that.

I'd never see Vesta at all then.

- Here's someone who wants a lady's maid. - Oh, that sounds better.

Somebody out on Jefferson Boulevard by the name of...

How did you think you could get a position like this without any references?

I hoped you'd give me a try, Miss Kane.

I could learn very quick. Really I could.

What do you want, Lester?

I'm not particular, sis.

I'll take anything.

- Talk sense, will you? - Alright.

It'll take longer, though.

Is this your new maid, Louise?

I hardly think so. She's presentable enough, but she has no experience.

Well, that's an advantage. She won't know what to resent.

You could pay me as little as you wanted to, Miss Kane.

Until I prove satisfactory.

She certainly seems willing.

Well, that's a great advantage.

Well, I'll try you.

Get your uniform fitted and be back this afternoon.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you so much, Miss Kane.

What about thanking me?

Why, yes.

- Thank you very much, Mr. Kane. - You're welcome.

- How's our stock this morning? - Up ten points.

Say, that's great. Must have leaked out about that deal...

you closed yesterday with the American Engine Company.

Nice piece of work, my boy. Don't you think so, Robert?

Yes. Now we can open that Chicago branch without delay.

- Good morning, Jennie. - Good morning, Mr. Lester.

How are you this morning, Jennie?

Very well, thank you, sir.

Two breakfasts? My sister didn't get herself married last night, did she?

Not as far as I know, sir.

Letty Pace is spending the weekend with us.

- What, again? - Why not?

Nice girl, Letty. Just your style, too.

- Fine family, lots of money, and... - I know, I know.

But I don't want to marry her.

I don't want to marry anyone. I'm not the marrying type.

Nonsense! Dissipates your energy.

You ought to settle down like Robert here.

Robert was born settled down.

We can't all be romantic.

Somebody has to look after the practical things of life.

Alright, Robert, my boy. You do that.

I'm going upstairs.

Oh, is Mr. Lester up yet?

Yes, mam, he's downstairs having his breakfast.

That's an attractive-looking maid you have.

Did Lester pick her?

My dear Letty, whatever Lester's faults may be,

he doesn't run around after the service.

Why are you always running away from me?

I want to talk to you.

Where do you live?

I... I...

- I live out on Laurie Street. - What number?

- 1314. - When can I see you?

- You mustn't! - Oh, I mustn't, mustn't I?

I can't see you, I...

You and I might as well understand each other right now.

I like you. Do you like me?

Say it.

- I don't know. - Do you?

I don't know.

Look at me.

Yes, I do.

- Lester! - Yes?

Why aren't you dressed?

The concert begins at 8:30.

Oh, didn't I tell you? I can't go.

- Can't go? - I just had an important business call.

I'll probably have to work all night.

Business is a wonderful excuse, isn't it, Lester?

For my part, I think it's very, very rude of you.

You understand I can't help it, don't you, Letty?

Yes, I understand perfectly.

It's a pity your family like me so much.

That doesn't make sense to me.

If they hadn't thrown me at your head,

I'd have had much more chance at getting you.

You ought to be thankful. I'd be a bad bet as a husband.

That's something we won't be able to prove.

I think I'm going abroad to live.

Abroad?

Yes, Frank Gerald has accepted a post on the Ambassador's staff in London.

I said that I'd tell him tonight whether I'd go with him or not.

I see.

Well, Gerald's a lucky fellow.

He'll go far in the diplomatic service with you as a wife.

Thank you. I'll tell him that.

Goodbye, Lester.

Jennie.

For days you've been avoiding me.

But you can't do that forever, Jennie.

I've got to talk to you.

I'm driving you home.

- Oh, no, please? - Afraid your family won't like it?

- Yes, I... - Alright, we'll drive somewhere else.

But I don't want to go anywhere else.

Well, if you're not going to get into that carriage,

I'll have to pick you up and put you in it.

Nice place, don't you think, Jennie?

I should never have let you bring me here.

Nonsense, darling.

It's wonderful to be alone with you.

Without having to hide from people.

Let's make ourselves at home.

This is still a peach of a record.

I remember when it first came out two years ago.

They used to play it in every beer hall between here and New York.

Please stop it.

What's the matter?

I can't stand that waltz.

I hate it.

Alright.

Maybe you like this one better.

You mustn't.

It's wrong.

Why is it wrong?

We love each other.

I knew it the first time I looked at you.

There's no use fighting against this. It's stronger than either of us.

You belong to me.

We mustn't see each other anymore.

There's no use saying that. I'm going on seeing you.

Please listen to me.

I can't do what you want. I don't want to.

I couldn't even if I wanted to. You don't know how things are.

You told me not so long ago you cared for me.

Have you changed your mind?

You haven't, have you?

Do you really love me, Lester?

I'm crazy about you.

Am I the first man you've ever loved, Jennie?

Yes, Lester.

You're the first man I ever really loved.

The only man I ever will love.

No. Oh, no.

- No, nothing like it. - She didn't like him did she?

How could she? The lad has no technique.

- No? - No, no technique at all.

What would you have done?

You could get any girl, hm?

Oh, I wouldn't put it that way.

But most any girl.

Well, any girl that sits alone on a bench.

It must be great to feel like that.

It's just a matter of technique, dear.

Do you want me to show you how it's done?

Make believe I don't know you and you're sitting alone on this bench.

- You want me to show you? - Alright, show me.

Alright.

I'll even spot you something. I'll make it tough on myself.

You're the rich society girl, and I'm just a tramp.

- Oh, I'm a rich girl. - You're awful rich.

You're sitting down because you're tired.

- Nobody has even dared pick you up, see? - I see.

- Are you ready? - Hm-hmm.

When did you eat last?

- Are you speaking to me? - I'm doing more than that, lady!

I'm asking you for a dime, I'm hungry.

I don't believe you.

If I gave you money, you wouldn't get anything to eat.

- You'd just get another drink. - Sure I'd get another drink.

Isn't that alright with you?

Don't you want me to want what I want?

That's only a nickel.

That's all I think you're worth.

How do you know what I'm worth?

For all you know, I could be a poet in distress.

You might sit here forever and never meet anyone like me.

Alright, here's your dime.

Ah, I'm gaining.

Give me back the nickel.

You just throw it away, don't you?

- Well, goodbye. - Wait a minute.

Please, take your hands away.

Oh, sister, don't leave me yet.

I'm so lonesome, I'm sick.

Oh, I see.

All you want to do is sit here and talk.

That's all.

- You're starved for conversation. - I am.

I am!

Nobody talks my language. Nobody.

And in me you see a kindred soul.

I see a beautiful soul.

But I'm sorry. I'm looking for a man. I don't like poets.

Oh, now, listen!

Officer! This man is annoying me. Will you please tell him...

Oh, he's annoying you, is he? Say, what's the idea?

- Now wait a minute, wait a minute... - Oh, yeah?

Come on, get out of here.

Listen, this is just a joke.

Just a joke, is it? Well, jail's just a joke, too.

Let's all start laughing.

- Come on! - Now, wait a minute, officer...

Now, wait a minute.

This is just a joke.

I can identify myself.

I'm Lester Kane, of the Kane Manufacturing Company.

Oh!

I'm sorry.

Well, that's that.

I expect big things of you with this Chicago branch.

Well, Lester, if you need any pointers about anything, don't hesitate to ask me.

Thanks, Robert. That's big of you.

I scarcely say that if you need any legal advice, I'll be at your service.

Alright, if I get put into jail, I'll send you a wire, O'Brien.

When do I start for Chicago, Father?

Didn't you read the contract you just signed?

You start at once.

At once will have to mean tomorrow.

I have a very important engagement tonight.

Ada, what'll I do?

I saw Lester tonight and he said I must go to Chicago with him.

Just you take it easy.

I love him so much, I can't let him go.

I know I'd never see him again. I know I wouldn't.

He loves you too?

I don't know.

Oh, he must.

Have you told him about the baby?

No, I couldn't.

There will be trouble later on. You'd better tell him.

I can't tell him.

He told me that...

if he ever knew there had been another man, he'd...

he'd be through with me.

What if someday he wants to marry you?

Then you will have to tell him.

I can't expect him to marry me, Ada.

No nice man would ever want me for a wife.

He needs me, Ada. And I love him.

I'd be miserable without him.

If you really love a man, the best thing you can do...

is to stick by him.

You never will be happy any other way.

What about poor little Vesta?

I can't leave her any more than I can leave him.

Chicago is a big place.

there will be room enough there for the baby...

and for me, too.

Look, darling.

Thank you.

Oh, Ada. Supper time.

I had no idea it was so late.

- What time is it, Ada? - About 6:00.

Are you really my mama?

Why, of course, Vesta, darling.

What made you ask that?

Cause you won't let me live in the same house with you.

I come to see you every day.

Johnny Appledorf says mothers don't just come to see you.

They stay with you all the time, nights and everything.

You just tell Johnny Appledorf

he doesn't know what he's talking about.

Alright, mama.

- Take good care of her, Ada. - Yes, Jennie.

We get along all right, don't we, darling?

Yes, mam.

Now kiss mother and run along before your supper gets cold.

You were right, Ada.

I should have told Lester in the first place.

It's getting harder to go on this way.

Yes, she begins to ask questions now.

One of these days I won't be able to stand it any longer.

I'll have to go to him and say, look...

- I lied to you... - Now, now, now, just you take it easy.

Maybe it will work out all right.

Any mail?

Mr. Kane. Your key.

Never mind. I shan't be in tonight.

No sense in him having a room at the club.

He hardly ever uses it.

Well, you've got to have at least one respectable address.

Say, I'll bet she's a peach, you know?

Must be. He's been seeing her long enough.

Wish I were rich.

- Lester? - May I come in?

Just a minute.

Come in.

What's the idea of keeping me waiting?

- Lester, be careful. You'll spoil it. - Spoil what?

Don't you notice anything different about me tonight?

Different?

Let's see. Same hair...

Same eyes, same nose...

Same mouth.

The dress. Is it new?

Is it new? I just got it.

Lots of good it does dressing up for you.

I'll say, I could wear a couple of old bags...

And you'd still be the prettiest girl in the world.

- Had a busy day? - Terrible.

Did you come right home from the office?

I stopped off at the club.

Are they still gossiping about us?

Oh, it doesn't matter. They've got to have something to talk about.

Don't I know it.

Mrs. Howard next door found out.

So she sent back everything she borrowed.

I didn't know they were snuffing you too.

Why didn't you tell me before this?

What difference does it make?

You're a good sport, Jennie.

No, I'm not.

I'm just so much in love, nothing else matters.

Well, come on.

We'll go out and cut everybody dead.

We're having dinner at the Blackstone.

Won't we run into some more of your friends there?

What of it?

Do you really want to go out?

Do you?

Good.

We'll stay home.

Where is Mr. Kane?

How do you do, Miss Kane?

Speak when you're spoken to.

You may go now, Mary.

Yes, mam.

Jennie!

Hello, Louise. What are you doing here?

I want to speak to you.

Alone.

Stay here, Jennie.

If you don't mind, I'd rather not.

So this is where you've been hiding yourself.

I'm not hiding. And it wouldn't be any of your business if I were.

When you do things that disgrace your friends and family,

- ...somebody has to make it their business. - What's so disgraceful about it?

Other people have a sense of decency if you haven't.

- Everybody's talking. - Let them talk!

I might understand it if it were anyone else,

but a cheap woman like that.

- A servant! - Would you mind getting out of here?

I didn't ask you to come here and if you don't like the way I'm living,

you know what you can do about it.

All right, Lester.

I tell you you've got to give her up. You're a fool.

Losing your friends,

ruining your whole future and for what?

A common servant girl

who's probably been thrown out by a dozen men

before you ever laid eyes on her.

That's a lie. I'm the only man she's ever known!

If you knew her, you'd realize that she's worthy

of the love and respect of any man.

If you had any respect for her you would have married her long ago.

I'm telling you she's after your money.

But let me tell you, young man, she won't get it.

You can leave her, or take the consequences.

And I give you six months to make up your mind.

I give you six months to change your mind.

I never change my mind.

Father seemed upset because we only made about 6 million last year.

Is that all he wanted to see you about?

Yes.

Oh...

I thought it was about something else.

Jennie...

we can't go on like this.

Do you mean...

you're going to leave me?

Oh, no, darling.

We're going to be married.

Married?

- Lester... - We'd have done it long ago...

if I hadn't been so brutally selfish.

Thinking only of myself.

I won't give you up.

I'll call for you right after lunch tomorrow

and we'll go down to the City Hall for the license.

And we'll show them, Jennie...

that Mrs. Kane is as good as the rest of them.

Where did this come from?

She must have left it here.

Who?

A little girl. She comes and plays with me sometimes.

When you're out.

You're an awfully poor liar, Jennie.

Jennie, what's the matter?

Lester...

There's something you've got to know.

What is it?

I have a little girl.

What are you talking about?

That doll belongs to her.

She comes to see me when you're away.

You mean...

a child of your own?

Yes.

Where is she?

She stays out on the West Side with my cousin.

I go to see her almost every day.

How long have you had her here?

Ever since we came to Chicago.

And all this time you've kept this hidden from me.

I know I should have told you about Vesta.

- I meant to from the start. - Do you expect me to believe that?

You must believe me. You must.

From the beginning you said that...

if you thought there was ever another man you'd be through with me.

I couldn't tell you after that.

You see...

I love you, Lester.

I couldn't bear to lose you.

How many other men have you told that to?

I never said that to any other man.

What about the father of that child?

Never even to him.

What difference does it make?

It all happened before I ever met you.

I want to know who he is.

It was Senator Brander.

Senator Brander?

He was on his way back to marry me.

And he was killed.

I see.

He was a fine man.

So, before you met me, you were...

Lester!

I know it's all over.

But I can't stand to have you hate me.

I was so young then. I didn't know.

Have my things packed. You can stay on here if you like.

I'm going to the club.

My key, please.

Good evening, Mr. Kane.

Oh, good evening.

I guess it's all over between him and the lady friend.

Hm, it looks like it. He's been staying here for over a week.

Is there anything wrong with the dinner?

I'm not hungry.

Come, Vesta.

Let her stay just a little longer, Ada.

The house seems so big and empty every night after she goes to bed.

But, Jennie, it's terribly late.

Alright, Ada.

Lester!

Who's that, mama?

Say good night to mama.

- Good night, darling. - Good night, mama.

I didn't think you'd ever come back.

Neither did I.

But there's something between us that's too strong to break.

At least...

I haven't the strength to break it.

Have you?

Not as long as you need me.

Have you...

forgiven me, Lester?

It isn't a question of forgiveness, Jennie.

All I know is I can't live without you.

Things will be different for us, of course, with...

with a child around.

Let's not talk about that now.

Lester...

once you told me I belonged to you.

Remember?

I know now that you were right.

There he is.

Now don't bother him by asking lots of questions.

Don't make noises when you eat.

And don't reach, ever!

I'll go where I'm out of bother.

Sit down, dear.

Breakfast will be ready in a minute.

Well, hello. This must be a special occasion.

Vesta picked it for you.

Oh.

Why this sudden demonstration of affection?

She usually looks as though she resented my existence.

Oh, that isn't so, Lester.

It's just because she's so bashful.

The child really adores you.

She manages to keep her adoration under control.

I'll get you your coffee, dear.

Where's Vesta?

I promised her she could sit at the table with us.

- You don't mind, do you? - Of course not.

Hello, Vesta.

Hello, Lester.

Uncle Lester, darling.

Oh? What makes him an uncle?

Remember what I told you about asking questions.

If you're an uncle, why don't you have an aunt with you?

Drink your milk, Vesta.

I want three lumps of sugar, too, mama.

That wouldn't be good for you.

Then it isn't good for Uncle Lester either.

Well, I like things that aren't good for me.

Then you're naughty.

I like to be naughty, don't you?

Of course I do. It's a lot of fun.

I can be awful naughty.

Yesterday I ate the cheese out of a mouse trap.

Did you ever do anything that bad?

Well, once when I was a little boy...

I got a box of tacks and put them under...

Lester, don't! She thinks up enough things now.

What is it, Marie? - Mr. Robert Kane is on the telephone, sir.

- Robert? - Yes, sir.

Hello, Robert.

When did you get in?

Oh, I see.

Anything important?

Alright, I'll see you at the office in about an hour.

Goodbye, darling. I'll see you tonight.

Goodbye, Vesta.

Where did you put those tacks?

I'll tell you later.

Don't forget, Lester!

Uncle Lester.

I think Father's been very patient with you, Lester.

He warned you six months ago

and he's been waiting for you ever since to change your mind.

And I've been waiting for him to change his.

You ought to know Father better than that.

What exactly does he want me to do?

Give up this...

this woman.

- Or else you... - What is this? An ultimatum?

- Yes. - I see.

Father still thinks I'm a child

who can be ordered about with threats or punishments, does he?

Well, he's wrong.

My private life is my own.

And I'm going to live it exactly as I please.

And if he thinks I'm going to throw Jennie out just because he orders, he's crazy.

Tell him I'm resigning at once!

You know what I'd like to do?

- I'd like to clear out of here. - Clear out?

Yes.

- Let's go abroad. - Abroad?

- What about Vesta? - She can stay here with Ada.

If we decide to stay there, they can both come later.

Stay there?

Lester, what about the business? Your father would never let you go.

He'd probably pay me to get me out of the country.

What do you mean?

You haven't quarreled with him have you?

Quarreled?

We practically tore each other limb from limb.

Oh, Lester.

It wasn't on account of me, was it?

You do get funny ideas in that little head of yours.

It wasn't anything so romantic.

Father thought that my business ideas were too radical.

And I thought that his were too old-fashioned.

So I resigned.

But how could he let you resign?

When you've done so much for the company.

Well, it's alright with me.

I'm fed up with the whole thing.

I'm sick of all this gossip and scandal.

I'll do anything you want.

You know that, dear.

Good girl.

# Ma n'atu sole cchiu` bello, oje ne' #

# 'o sole mio, sta 'nfronte a te! #

Oh, this everlasting singing of 'O Sole Mio'!

Shall we go somewhere else?

Where?

We've practically covered the whole map of Europe.

Are you really enjoying this vacation, Lester?

Oh, I like it alright.

The trouble is I'm not used to...

to doing nothing.

Not having people to talk to.

I mean...

You know what I mean, don't you?

After all, why not let him live his own life the way he wants to?

Bilge! Dragging that woman all over the map with him.

That's not living his own life.

That's wasting it.

If he only weren't so stubborn.

Gets it from me, drat him.

Perhaps it's just as well.

I never thought Lester had much of a head for business anyway.

You're crazy as a loon.

The best executive we ever had in the family.

That includes you.

- When are you leaving to Europe? - Friday.

If by any strange coincidence...

I should happen to run into Lester...

shall I give him any little message from you?

I have no objection to so attractive a young widow carrying a message for me.

So, please tell him with my compliments,

that he's a fool.

You are a fool, Lester.

You know that, don't you?

Your calling me that makes it practically unanimous.

And what's more, you're acting like a sulky little boy.

Having the time of my life doing it, too.

Yes, you look it.

You're drinking too much.

And you're letting that fine brain of yours go to seed.

Who wants brains anyway?

They only make you uncomfortable.

You're hopeless.

I don't know why I ever liked you in the first place.

And I don't know why I go on liking you.

Do you?

Letty, may I introduce...

Mrs. Kane?

This is Mrs. Gerald.

Don't you remember me, Mrs. Kane?

Yes, I do.

Did...

Did you know that...

we were here?

Oh, not at all. I just arrived yesterday.

You see, I spend my winters in Algiers.

I was just going in to dinner when I saw Lester sitting here alone.

You can imagine my surprise.

Why, I haven't seen Lester in...

How long is it?

Ages.

To be exact...

it's six years...

since that evening you were too busy to go with us to the concert.

Well, since then I've changed the color of my hair twice...

and I've had a lot of fun being bride and widow.

Lester Kane, at your age you've no right to be so good-looking.

You're not so bad yourself, Letty.

If we were alone, I could embrace you for that.

It's nice to see you so gay, Lester.

It's good to see old friends.

You've improved marvelously in the past six years...

Mrs. Kane.

Thank you.

Seeing Mrs. Kane again, Lester...

I can understand now why you behaved so romantically.

What do you mean?

quarreling with his father and being kicked out of business?

Letting himself be cut off without a penny?

I... I don't understand.

Was it on account of me?

Why, didn't you know?

Champagne, Jennie?

- May I? - Yes, please.

Will you please excuse me?

I feel a little tired.

Guess I'd better go to her, Letty.

I'll see you later.

Why didn't you ever tell me?

It would only have made you unhappy.

But, Lester...

if I'd known you were losing everything on account of me...

It wouldn't have made any difference to us.

Lester...

was it because you loved me that you didn't tell me?

Yes.

Do you still love me?

Why...

Yes.

Of course I do.

As much as before?

Well, yes, of course.

Let me hear you say it.

I love you.

Satisfied?

Don't you believe me?

- You're not happy with me anymore. - Of course I am.

Not the way you used to be.

You haven't been really happy ever since we came to Europe.

Not until you met her.

Good Lord, you're not jealous, are you?

You should have married her in the first place.

- Don't talk rot, Jennie. - You belong with them, Lester.

Your family, your old friends, your work.

You'll never be happy without them.

And you can never go back...

as long as you're with me.

I'll never give you up, Jennie. You know that.

Well...

then...

I guess it's up to me to be sensible.

What do you mean?

I'm going to leave you, Lester.

Leave me?

Oh, come, Jennie. Aren't you getting a bit hysterical?

No. I've never seen things so clearly before.

Don't you love me anymore?

I'll always love you, dear.

Long ago I said I'd always stay with you...

as long as you needed me.

Well...

You don't need me anymore, Lester.

You don't.

A marconigram for you, madam.

Thank you.

Look, Jennie, what's in today's paper.

Maybe you want to paste that into your book too.

I bet this is going to be just about the smartest dress at the graduation.

- This ruffle needs to be fixed. - Oh, mother, it's perfect.

I wish you'd stop. You've worked so long and hard on it.

Well, if all the dresses I've made for other people

gave me as much pleasure as this one, I wouldn't complain.

As if you ever complained about anything.

I suppose someday soon I'll be making you a wedding dress, too.

- Oh, mother. - Yes?

If you loved anybody...

oh, just an awful lot,

would you wait five years for him?

Who is it this time? Jimmy Sten?

Why, no, it's not Jimmy or anybody else.

I'm just asking in general.

Well, I tell you, Vesta,

When the man you want to marry comes along,

you won't ask advice from me or anyone else.

You'll just wait for him.

Five years if you have to.

Or even the rest of your life.

I guess the paper's right, Vesta.

About you being the prettiest girl at the graduation.

And you're the prettiest mother in the world, and the sweetest...

and the best.

Mary Brakett.

Vesta Gerhardt.

Vesta!

Vesta!

Darling!

I can't bear to have Vesta suffer so.

Now, now, Jennie.

Why does the doctor take so long?

He said it was such a simple operation.

Oh, Ada...

If anything should happen to her.

If Lester would only come.

I wonder if he got my telegram.

I'm sure he'd be here if he had.

Maybe I shouldn't have sent it.

But he knows I have no one else to turn to.

He said if I ever needed him for anything...

I did all I could.

But...

She isn't going to die.

She can't die!

She's all I have.

Darling!

Darling, don't leave me.

Don't leave me.

Vesta.

It's no use, Mrs. Gerhardt.

She's gone.

Oh, no!

No, not you, Vesta!

Not you!

Vesta!

I'm so sorry this happened while I was away.

I wish I could have been here.

It was nice of you to come.

I shouldn't have wired you.

But I was so panic-stricken.

I didn't know who else to turn to.

I'm glad you still feel that way about me.

Jennie...

why haven't you ever let me help you?

You know I've always wanted to.

I know, Lester.

But I never needed help.

Besides,

I really enjoyed working for myself.

And Vesta.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

I haven't thought.

You know I'll always be on hand...

if you need anyone.

Nobody can really do anything for me now, Lester, but myself.

We were getting to be such close friends.

Vesta and me.

Now I've got to get used to being without her.

Don't worry about me, Lester.

I'll be all right again.

Soon.

Still the same Jennie.

Always ready to make the best of things.

I do hope you're happy, Lester.

I haven't much time these days to think of being happy.

Won't you kiss me for old times' sake, Jennie?

No, Lester.

You'd better go now.

- What time does the newsreel go on? - In about five minutes.

That's the fourth time she's been here this week just to see the newsreel.

I hope to be able to make a speedy survey

of foreign markets and products.

I shall probably be abroad for several months.

Thank you.

- Good luck, Mr. Kane. - Thank you.

Don't tell me I can't telephone her,

or I'll run up a temperature of 108 on you.

Let him have the phone.

Hello.

Yes, this is Jennie.

Why, Lester.

If you need me, of course I'll come.

Yes.

Right away.

As soon as that woman arrives, I go.

Do as you please.

Come in.

Mrs. Gerhardt is here.

Ask her to come right in.

Mrs. Kane is arriving from New York this evening.

I hope you'll have tact enough to leave before she gets here.

Louise, please.

Come here, Jennie.

Aren't you going to kiss me, Jennie?

You're going to stay awhile, aren't you?

Of course I am, Lester.

Just put it on the table, Miss Hamilton.

Mrs. Gerhardt will give it to me.

Won't you, Jennie?

I'm so sorry, darling.

I'd better call the doctor.

I don't want him.

The pain's gone now.

Sit down, Jennie.

I hate to see you like this, Lester.

You must get well soon.

I will.

I can't understand...

why I don't get well quicker.

Nothing ever laid me up like this before.

It's because you don't take care of yourself.

You'll have to go easy for a while.

That's right.

You're a little starker, Jennie.

It's very becoming.

I'm getting old, Lester.

What of it?

Age doesn't count.

Still wearing it.

The first one I ever gave you.

You know, Jennie...

I should never have let you go.

I don't know, Lester.

It's been hard this way.

But everything is hard at times.

Anyway,

you've made a success.

I'm proud of that.

It's been a pretty empty success, dear.

Without you.

I haven't been any happier.

- I'm sorry. - I've been a fool, Jennie.

I had the rarest thing on earth with you and I let it go.

But whatever my mistakes have been,

I loved you.

Oh, Lester.

If only I had been sure of that.

Sometimes men find out those things too late.

But I loved you. I always will.

You're the only woman I ever did love truly.

I should have married you, Jennie.

Now...

I can never be really unhappy again.

Subtitles: Luís Filipe Bernardes