Original subtitles

- Etienne ! - Yes !

Are you sure about these two seats�?

Sure, they were the only ones close to you.

- Yes it�s true. - I was here, just like now.

I was looking at you.

- It's still a funny idea! - What?

Coming back here for the anniversary of a meeting.

Well, 3 months isn't a real anniversary.

Oh Etienne, yes, it is. We must hurry to be happy.

And that day, it was a Sunday and the stadium was full.

It was as if I had been alone with you.

There are days when coincidence scares me.

There is no coincidence.

That day, I had decided to go to a dance with a girl.

A girl who preferred the cinema.

And as she�s stubborn, she went to see the film and I came here.

- Do you regret it? - Of course not.

I�m happy.

You�re even better like that.

Is there really no way to spend the evening together?

It's impossible, my bosses have a reception.

Can�t you tell them about your birthday?

Maid�s birthdays are nothing to these people.

- They mean nothing. - That�s not fair and that annoys me.

Don�t sulk, darling.

I managed to spend the end of the week with you.

- Is it true? - Hmm.

Do you know what we�ll do? We�ll go to my uncle�s.

We�ll go wherever you want, even to the cinema.

Oh my darling, I�m already late.

Thank you.

I�m sorry, this clock is a family relic.

Which explains our indulgence towards it.

Yes, it�s a rare piece.

Your cocktails are more unexpected than the books you publish.

No, thanks.

Editions Voisin-Larive have their traditions.

Traditions are made to be shaken up.

That�s why I wish for you to join us.

I've thought of it but it�s a serious responsibility.

Is Mrs Voisin-Larive unwell?

Lateness has never been a very serious disease.

A late entrance, dear Ir�ne, but remarkable.

- You are charming. - Quite unintentional.

I know, you are innocence itself.

I seated Moissac on your right.

I'm really counting on you to obtain his agreement.

Understood.

This sweet Ir�ne, you�d think she'd escaped from a book of airs.

For a secretary who married her boss, she's taken to it well.

Dinner is served.

- What will you do tomorrow, Loulou? - I�ll go to the velodrome with friends.

There�s a 100 km race. Won�t you come?

No way, tomorrow the family come for lunch.

We�ll eat a leg of lamb.

The speciality of my late wife was beef miroton.

But she took her secret to the grave.

My mum is the queen of steak with French fries�

No kidding!

- Bye guys, see you on Monday! - Bye, Armand !

Etienne, an aperitif?

No time, I'm going to the country.

- To the country? But if it rains? - We�ll seek shelter, big guy!

What are you waiting for, to lend him an umbrella?

- Bye, Mr R�tori. - Bye.

- Bye, Jeannette ! - Have a good Sunday, Loulou !

- Etienne? - Bye Jeannette, see you on Monday.

- You could still look at me ! - What?

It�s true: when you look at me now, you don't even see me.

- What are you talking about? - Oh nothing.

- I feel bad to have annoyed you. - Did you annoy me?

- Yes, remember: the cinema. - The cinema?

- Oh, I forgot it long ago. - For sure, you forgot it.

- Excuse me. - Of course.

See you on Monday!

- Have fun! - You too.

Bye Jeannette, please, could you post the mail?

Of course, Mr R�tori.

- Bye, Mr R�tori. - Bye, Etienne.

Here you are�! Well, you're not alone�!

She�s really nice�!

- She�s Ir�ne. - Pleased to meet you, Miss.

- Here comes the bride! - Shut up, Coco!

Here comes the bride!

We came to spend Sunday here.

It�s a good idea, you came at the right time.

Tomorrow, you'll have a good time, Pariolo Jr will get married.

Pariolo?

Don�t you remember, Eug�ne? He was so stupid.

The reception is tomorrow. It will be a very nice wedding.

With a jazz band!

You won�t be bored.

And Pariolo Sr will do his imitation show.

He�s so funny!

Tonight, we won�t have time to take care of you.

A grilled steak and time for bed!

For God�s sake, who will do your room?

Henriette won�t have time to do it.

It�s difficult enough to take care of these nasty creatures.

- I can�t be everywhere! - Don�t worry, uncle.

Ir�ne will do it, she�s used to it.

Me?

It's better to make one�s own bed than others�.

It�s true, darling.

Henriette, give them sheets without threads

so that they make beautiful dreams!

Here comes the bride!

This is a very nice bird, quiet rare in our area.

This is a male: look at this plumage which turns red in the breeding season.

I must admit it's the first time I'll have the opportunity

to shoot wild duck.

My dear Moissac, this is not a duck

this is a Common Spoonbill.

If you had read my last essay,

you wouldn�t be taken for an fool.

My book speaks of the Common Spoonbill!

If it was necessary to have read your complete works�

You'll see: the shooting of the sedentary duck is quiet amusing.

I was always interested in marsh birds.

So, in the breeding season

it is always the males which are caught.

They�re foolish as men.

- But, you can�t do that! - Why not?

Your knight was there!

Now you are cheating!

I�m not cheating, I�m short-sighted.

- Wear glasses! - No, it spoils one's looks!

Excuse me.

Hello?

Hello, Paris? Thanks, Miss.

Hello? Ah, it�s Ang�le.

Yes. Madam has left?

Was she dressed warmly? The weather is cooler.

With just a little suitcase?

Did she bring woollens? OK thanks Ang�le.

Bye.

You and your wife are the epitome of a united couple.

Yes, Ir�ne is very lovely.

Your idea of marriage would almost reconcile me

with this institution.

Two exceptional beings have to meet.

- So my wife and I� - It�s exactly what I mean�

Excuse me but I think that tomorrow

we have to get up early. - I�ll show you your room.

Please�

The day of his son�s wedding.

It�s not his fault!

The day of the wedding, I just say you can�t do that!

It�s a lack of good manners!

He�s dead. Maybe you�ll be able to choose the day of your death!

Now I'll tell you something.

You're only interested in money!

- In money! - Exactly!

You have no human feelings!

- You're just an old swine! - Uncle, are you angry?

Ah, shut up!

In the evening you show kindness to the staff

and the next morning, people don�t respect you anymore.

- You don�t know what's happened to us? - No.

- No more wedding. - No kidding!

Pariolo Sr: sudden death, stroke.

He was so funny, I can�t believe it.

- No more wedding? - There�s a wedding,

but without the reception. - Rhoo ! Long live the bride!

You were the only one missing!

You come at the right time!

Long live the bride, you bet!

Ir�ne! Ir�ne!

No need to pack, we're staying.

Come on, have a drink.

Boss, here�s the jazz band.

�Finesse and gaiety�, it�s our motto.

The Mickey Boys from Joinville-le-Pont!

You come right on time!

Do you play, gentlemen, funeral marches?

Funeral marches which forecast disaster!

- What happened? - Pariolo Sr.

Do you know the guy who imitated Bourvil?

Well, gentlemen, he�s kicked the bucket.

What can I do now with my ten nice lobsters?

I have fine hors d��uvre, and so on�

And the photographer will arrive to take photos of what?

Three rows of empty chairs.

Come, gentlemen, we�ll reach an agreement!

- Do you hear? - It�s sad.

- We shall be very quiet. - And all these preparations?

We just have to pretend it was made for us.

I wouldn�t have been able to offer you so many flowers.

- And what about the ten lobsters? - We�ll eat them, I�m ravenous.

Do you realize, Ir�ne, all this for us�!

- Do you know what we�ll do? - No.

- We�ll play. - I don�t know how.

You don�t need to know to lose.

- Come on! - What's at stake?

- If I win you kiss me. - And if you lose?

You will kiss me to comfort me.

- You turn your loss into a win. - Come on!

Wait, wait !

Oh I'll lose it!

Goal! I won!

So I pay cash.

It�s as if we were at the end of the world.

In Chennevi�re?

I would never have thought Chennevi�re was so far.

Long live the bride!

Long live the bride!

He recognized you: you are the bride!

I�m not a true bride: I have no veil.

Wait, we�ll fix it!

No Etienne, you�ll damage everything�!

What does it matter, nobody will use it.

- Etienne! - Come and have a look!

Old mirrors are funny, we seem to come from so far.

We are a little cloudy, as if erased.

- Yet I swear to you that you�re here. - You too.

It�s as if we were looking at something through tearful eyes.

Swear to me that neither of us will make the other cry.

There�s no reason for it.

And you know Ir�ne� Listen!

You see that Chennevi�re is not the end of the world.

Days like these should never end.

Maybe...

And when we think it�s over,

that all is over,

for ever,

it�s so wonderful to realize there will be other Sundays.

Yes.

For me, just one thing matters:

I hold you in my arms.

You�re mine and you agree.

Yes I do.

And you see, Ir�ne,

there�s one thing I have to tell you.

Before being with you, love was something very simple for me.

- That�s what everybody says. - Yes. Before...

when I was with a girl, you know that,

you know, after a while

I only thought about smoking a cigarette and being with my friends.

It�s not difficult.

But to love someone�

All is spoilt so fast, Etienne.

We are so soon alone.

I thought it was impossible.

Then you gave me back everything.

With you, close to you, in your arms

I�m nothing else than a part of you.

Your heat� All your life.

It suddenly happened.

While we were dancing �Au Chant des Oiseaux [birdsong]�.

This must have existed for a long time

like a secret.

It�s funny.

You always know how to say what I feel.

Living one without the other what would it be from now on?

Everything's possible, Etienne.

Even happiness.

- Did you find your linen? - Yes I did. Thanks.

You were in such a hurry last Saturday.

Not every day is a holiday, Miss Jos�phine? Bye.

So Father Gilet, you�re attached to your bric-a-brac.

- Your museum of horrors. - What ��horrors��?

With your imitations of �old furniture� payable in 15 monthly instalments

- you've corrupted the whole neighborhood. - Do you know what you need?

A true art lover, just like me.

At the first opportunity, I'll dispose of everything.

Given to the youngsters and the highest bidder.

- Bye Father Gilet. - Bye.

- Hello, guys ! - Hi, Etienne.

A quick calvados.

So Etienne, had a nice Sunday?

- Not too bad. - The countryside was attractive?

- Nice weather? - It rained, can you believe it?

You must have strolled a lot. Look, Jeannette.

The fresh air tired you, didn�t it?

- We can't see his eyes anymore. - Marcel, forget it.

And he�s not even affable�

I know a guy who became crazy because of an excessive use of the ��thing��.

You'd better leave and open your poison store, apothecary!

Don�t worry, business is currently good owing to a flu epidemic.

- Roland, take it. - Thanks Marcel, bye.

- Are you really fine, Etienne? - I�m fine, why?

- I don�t know, you seem strange. - What do you mean?

It was a fine hunt!

Even this almost blind guy managed to kill a duck.

This animal must have had intimate sorrows:

It was just strolling in front of his rifle. But only the result matters.

Moissac was delighted.

He deeply regretted your absence.

It was one way to get noticed.

Our friends know you don�t like hunting.

They know your sense of charity

which makes you take care of the poor.

This time, you left Paris to take care of them?

I went to the suburbs.

It�s true there are too many things to do around a big city.

What I admire the most in you is your delicacy.

For these visits, you always wear straight and simple dresses.

By the way, they fit you well.

To each his pleasures, my dear Jacques.

You taught me how to behave.

Would you blame me for this?

You see, Ir�ne, happiness consists

in knowing the people we meet.

You have to trust them.

Moissac himself admired our harmony.

- This didn�t worry you? - Not at all, I trust you.

Here is proof:

he gave me the manuscript of his last novel.

He wants to usher in our new collection. Difficult to say no.

Would you mind reading it, please?

- Just like before? - Yes.

At a time when you were less absent-minded.

I always praised your judgment.

You are the wonderful wife I needed.

Yes, of course.

Right!

You see, Etienne, I asked you to come with me

to talk to you. Because

today you didn�t seem your normal self.

Normal?

You all make me laugh.

But you're not laughing.

Listen to me, if you�re not happy, I�m here!

- What do you mean by��I�m here�? - I�m your friend.

Maybe not a �fair weather� friend,

but days are not always fair.

When you don�t feel well, you can come see me.

You�re nice.

Before being in Paris, I used to comfort my little brothers.

But I don�t need to be comforted.

Nobody stole my marbles.

Listen to me Jeannette: it�s true, there�s something!

It�s wonderful what's happened to me: I�m in love.

- It�s not true! - How about that then?

I was the first one to be surprised.

It�s true. Until I met Ir�ne�

Because her name is Ir�ne!

Who did you think it was?

It happened to you just like that, all of a sudden?

We are so soon alone.

I also didn�t think it was possible.

And then, one Sunday

in an empty room where we were dancing

we felt like a married couple.

You see, today,

I only thought of that.

I only thought of her.

I was happy and unhappy.

Happy because she�s mine and unhappy because she wasn�t there.

This must have been existed for a long time, like a secret.

A secret I'll know from now on.

This must be love.

Yes, it's all true.

Of course, I can�t explain it in simple terms.

- You can�t understand. - No, I can.

Jeannette, what's wrong with you?

If I tell you this, it�s because you asked me to.

I didn�t want to hurt you.

Come.

I was so surprised to see you here in a long time.

Of course the setting is perfect to hear someone telling you

��you snooze, you lose��

Please.

You must admit I�m quite fair play to laugh about it.

But to tell the truth, this situation is quite annoying.

A little bit ridiculous and quite annoying.

If I say I�m sorry for you, it won�t fix anything.

Indeed but we must take a decision.

As it�s an accident

we can �repair� it with another accident.

No, Jacques, don�t think about it.

What? Do you want to keep this child?

- Yes. - It�s unexpected.

I�m sorry for your disappointment.

Let�s stick to the subject. I�m surprised.

How can you imagine such a situation?

I close my eyes and when I open them, you�re pregnant with a child of a pauper.

Shall I have to adopt him?

No, he�s mine.

I don�t want him, I don�t like brats.

So, we�ll do what will be necessary.

Of course, our receptions, our lives themselves will suffer from that.

The next season will be ruined.

But what else can we do? We�ll tell the truth to our friends.

What?

- A temporary sickness - That�s the case, isn�t it?

requires you to take a rest abroad.

Trust me, you�ll have all the care you�ll need.

I hope this incident will fade as fast as it came.

You have your call with Switzerland.

Hello, Lausanne?

Doctor Dubl�?

Yes, dear friend, it�s me.

I send you Ir�ne.

No, nothing changed, she leaves tonight.

I wanted to tell you,

of course, it�s up to you to manage it,

she�s very fragile and nervous.

I wonder how she will stand it.

If you must take a decision, take it.

I don�t care to have an heir.

Well, I told you this�

Of course, dear friend�

But you had to know it.

OK.

Bye, dear friend, thanks.

You know, basically,

I shouldn�t have let you go to Switzerland.

But Madam had to go there and invited me to go with her.

Well, it's funny this.

It seems people always try to separate lovers.

When you return, we�ll be inseparable.

You are dreaming, my love.

- It�s too difficult. - But why?

You never thought we could get married?

- Stop it. - But why, we get along well.

Here and elsewhere.

And when we�ll be married, life will be beautiful.

I'll keep a surprise for you, you�ll see.

You�ll be proud of your husband.

What do you think of it?

Please Etienne, we must give it some thought.

For once I only try to do that.

You find that I start thinking too recently?

You�ll register the kid as a child of unknown father?

I also want this kid.

He might have your eyes.

- Or your crazy ideas. - Come on, say yes.

Say yes, Ir�ne.

Yes.

Maybe.

When someone asks you to marry, he must be quite motivated!

- You don't want me at the station? - I already explained it to you.

- It would be annoying to my bosses. - It wouldn�t annoy me.

Never mind.

I know how I'll say goodbye. Come here.

- Do you see the big signal? - Yes.

This evening, when your train leaves at 9

I'll be at my window and think of you.

I will also think of you.

Like now.

Come in.

- What is it? - There�s a gentleman who's already come.

Please, Sir.

What can I do for you?

I came to thank you.

To thank me for what?

I don�t think I have the honor of knowing you.

I�m Ir�ne�s friend.

- Ir�ne�s friend? - Yes, Ir�ne.

The maid of your wife.

Ir�ne! I see!

This is interesting.

Please, Sir.

- How is this dear Ir�ne? - Fine.

- You�re the father of the unborn child? - Naturally.

Naturally.

Actually, I received a letter from Ir�ne this morning.

Because she writes me almost every day.

And every day I say to myself I have to thank you.

It�s especially Mrs Voisin-Larive that you should thank.

We know that women do nothing if the man doesn't agree.

Maybe...

- My coming isn�t Ir�ne's idea. - Hey why?

As we�re not married, she feared that�

My wife should have told her I don�t have that kind of prejudice.

To behave so kindly with us, that�s what I thought.

So I mustered the courage and here I am.

The first two times I came, you were not around but...

Today, I can tell you ��thanks�� man to man.

I�m really moved.

In her last letter, there was a picture.

With a Leica, your wife must have taken it.

She seems in great shape.

Here.

What do you think of her?

She seems in excellent health.

Your wife too, seems to be doing well.

I was waiting for news from her, I�m delighted to have some by you.

I insist, you are very nice.

You see, Ir�ne was wrong.

She can�t be always right, can she?

I have business in Italy.

On my return, I�ll go through Switzerland

And I�ll tell Ir�ne all the delight of your visit.

Ang�le, shall I put out one cup or two?

He didn�t ask for anything. Are you sure it�s the same guy?

I saw him once with Madam from afar.

- There'll be an awful fight! - With our boss, I doubt it.

It must be a real outpouring�

Maybe it�s better if I wait a while before serving tea?

Oh look!

I can�t believe it!

It�s incredible!

In my opinion, it proves one thing:

The monkey understands life. Our boss is the real gentleman.

- I'll wait for you in the caf�. - OK.

- Bye. - Bye, Jeannette.

- What are you doing now? - I�m going to my uncle.

- Even when you're alone? - Why not? I have to speak to him.

- Etienne, if you wanted� - No.

- I've not said anything. - But I can guess.

I regret but it�s too late, I�m not free anymore.

- Are you happy? - Is it not obvious?

- No, it�s not. - Why ��no��?

Maybe I�m not perfectly happy because she�s not here,

- but I will be. - I'd be surprised

You�d be surprised that I�m happy with her, while with you...

it would be a perfect happiness.

When someone is happy, he�s not mean.

"Mean", that�s easy to say.

Bye Jeannette, see you on Monday.

This alcohol is one hundred years old. You should appreciate it.

- So, you took the decision? - Long live the bride!

It seems it understands everything.

Long live the bride!

It�s a shame to bawl like that in a widower�s house.

Shut up, Coco!

With a kid, it�s better like that.

It�s not only because of the kid. I feel like it.

And you know Ir�ne isn�t like the others.

I would be pleased to have her as a niece. You could move in upstairs

before sorting things out.

Gilet agrees: he�ll sell me his business.

- Did you speak to him? - Yesterday.

It will be cheaper than expected: 100.000 francs.

Did he agree to wait for the money?

I�ll have it in a couple of months. - He�ll wait, he trusts you.

I manage the store and get rid of the bric-a-brac.

I�ll sell nice furniture.

Modern and antiques as a decorator would do.

- It should work. - It will work.

And then...

Ir�ne will be happy.

He�s lovely.

- She looks like her father a lot. - She�s a copy of Etienne.

- Marthe is Marcel�s sister. - I know.

She�ll take care of the baby, she�s used to it.

You still don�t know everything. Follow me.

Look, here is our home.

- What do you mean �our home��? - This is the surprise.

Gilet�s shop is mine.

To begin you must rest �Au Chant des Oiseaux�.

If everything goes well, our home will be here.

Not immediately, of course. First we must get married.

It�s the first thing to do.

I hope you are more motivated than before going abroad.

- You�ve had time to think. - I thought about it.

I�m determined, but you must give me time to fix few things.

To fix what?

I said yes, what remains is personal.

It�s over now:

We won�t separate anymore.

Never again.

Of course, Etienne.

Never again.

But now I must go.

I have to speak to Marthe about the baby.

I'll tell you what we'll give her.

- How do you find her? - Great. No kidding.

A little bit wizened but great.

Excuse me, Miss.

- I'm leaving her for the first time. - Don�t worry.

- I�m leaving, darling. - I'll call a taxi.

I'll go with you.

- Bye, see you tomorrow. - See you tomorrow, Miss Ir�ne.

You like children, it�s obvious.

- It�s my work. - I�m also crazy about kids.

I raised my nephew, little Cricri.

I must tell you that if you need me at night

you never know, my lodge is there.

I blocked up the door because of Gilet.

He was a real beast!

At my age, honor is more important than anything else�

- Evening, Jos�phine. - Mr. Barbazan !

- Etienne isn't here. - You knew it already.

- What? - Look, the family is back.

Make a nice smile!

He recognized me.

She has a loud voice, she�s already strong!

We can hear her from the street. Uncle, you�re here!

It�s wonderful. Did you see?

I saw.

- It�s damned annoying, just at this time. - Why?

But... I have to speak to you.

We'll go to the other room.

We'll let her shout alone. Come on.

Do you have a problem?

Sure! I have a problem and you too.

I had an understanding with the tax-collector.

- I�d to give him a certain amount of money per month. - And?

He changed positions.

And his successor is a vampire.

A vampire with the face of a dove.

He told me he understood the problems of the middle class.

But first he should think of those of the State.

And the State needs money.

Finally, he just blew everything.

If I don�t pay now, he will �act�.

- Seizure of property and so on� - Can�t you pay?

I can.

- So why all the worry? - Because I�ll pay with the cash-flow.

And it�s the money I wanted to lend you.

As you say. There�s nothing to do.

It�s the end of everything.

I must give it all up before starting.

The situation can improve, but later�

��Later�� will be too late.

And I can�t go back to work, my colleagues are in a huff with me.

- People are touchy. - I don�t care about people.

I just care about the tax-collector!

I would never have the courage to tell that to Ir�ne.

- Ir�ne! - Jacques, I must tell you something.

- I�ve always been honest with you. - I�m sure of it.

Today I took� We took an important decision.

I must tell you about it.

First, dear Ir�ne, sit down.

- You must be tired. - Oh Jacques !

You must take care of your health after what you�ve been through.

I�m fine.

Some precautions are still needed in your case.

Let�s not talk about anything tonight.

You�ve just arrived, we have time to talk of the future.

Maybe it would be more urgent to consider our past.

- Do you believe it's any use? - �Use�? It�s essential.

Before your departure, we used to live apart.

However your last absence was very painful.

How can you claim�

I don�t claim anything: this house without you was sad, impersonal, dead.

Just like a family vault. I had some strange ideas.

I even started to believe you wouldn�t come back.

Are you very clever or very unhappy?

Let�s not dramatize. In my opinion, misfortune exists only for the weak.

We speak about one simple thing: an absence.

I�m happy you�re back

And inform you about my solitary concerns.

I don�t think we need speak about anything else tonight.

So you were the one who wanted to speak, to tell me that you care about me.

Maybe.

But you know how shy I am.

I had to make an effort to open my heart to you.

But why?

On Christmas Eve we must invite all our friends to celebrate your return.

- Please, don�t. - It�s important for me.

Moissac promised us to come with Le Claudet.

The ��show�� of our union should encourage him to leave his editor

whose divorce has offended Catholics.

- Jacques, it�s not about that� - You are very tired.

We spoke about what was essential.

You must rest after your journey.

If we were rich you wouldn�t be a maid.

- And we would have a Christmas Eve party together - You know I can�t.

On the 31st, we�ll go to Chennevi�re.

I'll tell my boss I'll quit.

That�s nice.

- That�s all? - It�s wonderful!

I hope everything will sort itself out.

In the meantime, look at this! It�s my Christmas gift!

- You give it to me already? - Christmas is tonight.

As we can�t be together�

I also have something for you.

It�s convenient: if I lose my way, someone can bring me back home.

Thanks, darling.

Thank you my love.

- You photographed her secretly? - Yes.

Poor little Agn�s, she won�t have had much.

You know,

Father Christmas is for grown-ups.

The other night, you successfully prevented me from speaking.

You are very clever.

I�m not at your level. I can�t hide anything.

Excuse me for having been rough but you provoked it.

Our guests will arrive, I can�t defend myself�

There�s no justification when a woman says I�m leaving with the man I love.

We were not a couple, hardly a ��meeting��.

- How will you live? - Happily.

It�s useless, you know how stubborn I can be.

Tonight�s party is the very last.

- My farewell party to a world� - Where you were the queen.

This world will forget me.

I�ll disappear from your life.

- I�m ready to take all the blame. - But not mine.

To every man his due.

Today my debt is important.

The whole building collapses.

It was just a house of cards.

What is it?

- The first car's arriving. - Thanks.

Merry Christmas, Etienne.

Thanks Jeannette, you too.

- I came from the cinema. - Again ! It�s an obsession.

When you are alone, you have to find something to do.

Yes, anything.

- I warned you. - But you don�t understand anything.

- Your loneliness proves it. - Because I�m stupid.

Me too, probably.

Then we could have a Christmas Eve party together�?

- Would that make you happy? - Of course.

- Wait 5 minutes I�ll get dressed. - We don�t go to Maxim�s.

We can stay here, it�s quite cheap. I have a dress I made for the purpose.

I'll wear it for you.

Etienne, Mrs Jos�phine called you, you have to go there right now.

- The baby is sick. - Is it serious?

Come right now !

What is it? Is it serious?

My pal, when they are newborns�

We have to do something!

- Call for a doctor! - It�s done, he�ll be here in half an hour.

- Why half an hour? - On Christmas Eve, it�s difficult.

- What is it? - She�s hot and feverish.

- She�s not well. - You should inform Ir�ne.

Right. I'll call her and be right back.

What do you think?

I don�t know, I�m not a doctor.

Sometimes, it is better�

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello, Jocelin 97-43?

Is it Mr Voisin-Larive�s home?

I�ve got urgent message for Ir�ne.

Sorry, I didn�t get it. A message for whom?

Ir�ne, but which Ir�ne?

No, not at all.

Madam�s maid is called Ang�le.

No Sir, it�s a mistake.

Something�s wrong, Mr Etienne?

If you see Jeannette, tell her I can�t have dinner with her.

- He just left. - What?

- He said to forgive him. - What happened?

He tried to contact someone called Ir�ne.

Well, it�s true Father Christmas doesn�t exist.

At your age, you still believe in him?

So, you must be someone pure, someone unique.

- Isn't the doctor here yet? - It's not half an hour.

- How is she? - Still the same.

- Did you reach Madame Ir�ne. - No, the guy I got was stupid.

- She should be here. - I know.

- Do you want me to find her? - You can be useful, me no.

I know her boss. I�ll get a taxi and bring her back.

- Wait for me. - It�s not what we agreed.

I�ll be right back.

Excuse me, I would like to speak to Ir�ne.

- Ir�ne? - Madam�s maid.

Here she is, her name is Ang�le.

I don�t want to see you. I want to see Ir�ne.

Ir�ne, Madam�s maid. Do you know her well?

- Yes. - I have to speak to her.

It�s not possible. In the middle of the party�

I don�t care about the party. Her baby is sick.

Her baby?

Yes. We're waiting for the doctor. She must come quickly, it�s serious.

Write her a message, I�ll try to give it to her.

Quick, I'll wait outside, I�ve a taxi. I wouldn't want to make a scene.

That takes the biscuit!

Be careful, this is a delicate matter.

You could get fired.

Are you coming or not. On Christmas Eve, I'm losing money.

Wait please, she coming. It�s for a child who's sick.

Customers always have good excuses�

- I wait two minutes, no more. - Right now.

The Voisin-Larive are such a lovely couple.

Switzerland agreed with Ir�ne.

- She�s radiantly beautiful. - Yep.

So it�s OK or not? I�m leaving.

I can�t believe we�re dancing together for the last time.

- The parents aren't here? - They won't be long.

It�s impossible to wait, we must rush her to hospital.

- I�ve my car, hurry. - Is it so serious?

I can be mistaken but it�s very serious.

- Here�s Etienne. - Quick, get in!

- What's going on? - We going to the hospital. Where�s Ir�ne?

Agn�s, where is she?

- Who are you, Madam? - But...

Are you Miss Ir�ne?

I wouldn�t have recognized you.

My child... is she sick?

They took her to the hospital, it�s serious.

- Which hospital? - The one for sick children.

Oh my God.

It�s not possible.

Come on pal, there�s no use staying here.

- They didn�t allow me to see her. - It's the rule. And what does it change?

Come on.

It�s not possible...

My little girl just arrived.

- What�s her name? - Agn�s Royer.

Take the stairs opposite, Poussin ward.

- So, my child? - Madam, I have to speak to you.

- But I want to see her. - Later. Come.

It will sound harsh but it�s true�

She was only three months�

A three month old child, you can of course be fond of her�

But it�s not like a grown-up.

- If you had lost Ir�ne� - Shut up.

- You know it would be worse. - Shut up, you can't understand�

I'll keep quiet, but I can�t leave you like this.

Come to my place.

- If you want. - I�ll take care of the formalities.

- But I don�t want to see anybody? - Not even Ir�ne?

- Nobody. - You know how she'll feel?

I want to be alone at your place and that nobody knows where I am.

OK, tomorrow we�ll see.

- How will we get back home? - We'll have to take the bus.

What will you do, Etienne?

Etienne!

What's going on? I just invited them to "Au chant des Oiseaux"

- Maybe it�s not the right time. - I told them to come together.

- Jeannette, you heard? - Yes, I heard.

But what's happening now is nobody's business.

Etienne, don�t be so mean.

I�m also devastated.

I looked for you for two whole days.

Why are you so selfish. I�m here�

You�re not the only one suffering. Why did you leave me all alone?

Please, Ir�ne !

You were not so alone.

What?

Or to be more precise, you were alone, alone in your mansion

with your servants, your husband, your lies, your abominable lies.

- Etienne! - I saw you, I saw you both!

The Voisin-Larive are such a lovely couple!

You really made fun of me with your maid story.

- Etienne, you don�t understand. - No, I understand.

We don�t have these kinds of prejudice as your husband said.

But in which world do you live?

- And I was taking all this so seriously. - I�ll explain everything to you.

But nothing needs to be explained.

I�ve lost everything with your joke.

I�ve lost it all, my friends, my job, and even what I expected.

I swear, I love you, darling.

Of course you love me: we were supposed to get married.

You loved me so much that you just forgot you were already married.

I wanted a divorce, I told him on Christmas Eve.

- No, Ir�ne. - Please, listen to me!

I�ve been listening to you for too long. It�s dead and buried.

Our love is like Agn�s: at the bottom of a hole.

- It�s over, Ir�ne, do you understand? Over! - Etienne !

Etienne!

- Are you leaving? - It�s as if I had already left.

- Where are you going? - Anywhere.

But Etienne, why?

Why am I leaving? For nothing, less than nothing.

I lost everything: Agn�s, Ir�ne, friends�

Even this shop I wanted to have.

It�s nothing. What do you want me to do? Make a bonfire? No.

- I'll close up and leave. It�s better. - Not for me.

- I can't help that. - But where are you going?

I don�t know.

I�ll say goodbye to uncle and after I�ll see�

Will you write me? Will you give me your address?

- I�m not very good at writing. - Just a postcard!

Just to say �hello�.

Poor Jeannette, you�ve always been so kind.

But I love you.

It must have been since the very first day,

As if it was fate.

You see, ��we've missed the train��.

- Tell me you�ll write me. - I promise you.

Jeannette, don�t cry.

I know, he's lost his head.

I have to explain it to him, he�ll understand.

- It�s so easy to understand. - Not for him.

- But where is he? - Well�

It�s as if he were afraid to meet me.

Men don�t really like trouble.

I looked everywhere.

We didn�t see him, we don�t know, he left�

This is so unfair, I can�t lose him just like that.

- It�s not my fault. - It�s not his either.

Please, tell me where he is.

We can still find a way out.

He�ll come, I know he�ll come.

No, he already came.

And?

He came to settle a couple of things, nothing serious.

And then, he left.

It wasn't that long ago. You just missed him.

- Where can I find him now? - He didn�t say a word.

Just vague things. He doesn�t seem to really know.

You didn�t try the workshop?

You should. You never know.

Maybe you'll hear something, because of his work.

Go there. What's there to lose?

He�s quite skilful, the guy who replaced Etienne.

- I don�t like newcomers. - You�re an old duffer.

- Maybe but during the 1910 flood� - He�s speaking again of the good old days!

- Oh, you kids, please� - Bye

- Has everyone left? - Yes Madam, it�s too late.

I wanted to ask something.

Maybe some news from Etienne?

He didn�t leave anything for you.

- Didn�t he say anything before leaving�? - No.

He probably had nothing more to tell you.

I have to see him, I will make him understand.

Maybe he has already understood.

But no, not at all.

There are some meetings you just can't afford to miss.

One of you got tired of waiting.

We aren't alone in life.

It takes time to find a solution, to be free.

We are always alone.

He was alone too.

What can I do?

I don�t know.

And even if I knew, I don�t think I would tell you.

Can't you say you were never late?

Me... I was rather early.

It�s not so good either.

You've nothing to complain of.

There was no room for me.

Some people don�t believe in unhappiness.

And if I go on like this, I�ll stop believing in happiness.

Listen.

He won�t come back now, I�m sure of it.

But he�ll write me, he promised.

I was in the right place at the right time.

I'm so rarely lucky.

I�ll have his address.

And you won�t give it to me, I know.

It's over now, for good.

Where are you going?

Are you afraid?

There are so many ways to be dead.

And that won�t prevent you from waiting for your letter.

What does it matter to you?

Your friends are waiting for you. What are you doing in the dark?

Ir�ne?

No, Jacques, please.

- But Ir�ne? - Yes, I�m crying.

But I'll take care to behave,

so that my dress won�t be creased,

so that my hair won�t be a mess.

As you kindly told me before, I�m the perfect housewife.

If the house is in ruins, this is just between you and me.

- Please Ir�ne, spare me. - Why?

Was I spared?

- You are talking nonsense, Ir�ne. - Yes, I�m talking nonsense.

I'm not complaining.

People say: love is fragile, that it doesn�t last long.

It�s not true, on the contrary.

Love never stops dying.

We cannot kill it.

Please, Ir�ne, take control of yourself.

Yes, I will.

It will soon be midnight�

Our guests await us.

What a shame to forget them!

What thoughtlessness!

Look!

A dash of lipstick, to seem more alive.

A touch of powder...

to erase unhappiness.

Of course, there were tears.

It�s not so bad, tears make eyes shine.

What do you think?

You are astonishing.

��Astonishing��, I don�t think so.

Women are inured to suffering.

They can be hard and pitiless when they fight for their love.

Yet I...

I have nothing left to fight for.

Come, Jacques!

Let�s pretend we are alive.

Subtitles: shang, (corvus edit)