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Just a moment, sir.

That was beautiful!

You feel cleansed!

It rinses the soul. It washes away all your troubles!

I wish I were very small, lost in the forest...

With your heart beating in my chest.

You've made nice progress, but you still need to work at it.

I work like a child...

I'm afraid I'll be scolded.

You're pretty good.

Not good enough.

Be very mean to me one day, just once... just to scare me.

I'm sorry, but I'm out of time.

My train leaves in 30 minutes.

Farewell, beautiful migratory bird.

- And I'll be here, sad and lonely. - It's alright, I'll be back on Thursday.

- Just in time for my lesson. - Alright?

Don't let anyone in Paris lure you away.

I'm going to see my uncle, and he's deaf.

Goodbye, miss cremier.

Monsieur Maurice...

I don't know if you realize...

But I suffer cruelly from this coolness between us.

I know you're rather reserved, and that I am a woman...

But two people like us...

Adrift in this ocean of mediocrity and pettiness...

Two people whose feelings have been exacerbated...

For I've heard you on the viola...

Yes, the viola is a very misunderstood instrument.

Now you must excuse me.

And her... is she going with you? "She"?

- You know who I mean. - That's none of your business.

I'm free in my actions, and she is too.

She looks after my mother.

The pretty nurse! The girl from god knows where.

You've no right to speak of Marie-martine like that.

The whole town is gossiping about it, and asking...

How, against your mother's wishes, you brought in...

My other and I are in total agreement about her.

That would greatly surprise me. A girl without a name...

Without a name? She has two.

You're surely joking!

- I'll be right with you, sir. - Quite alright, ma'am.

Something for you to read on the train.

It should interest you.

Nice title, eh?

- How did it happen? - Just a coincidence.

It's a story of a lost girl... With the sordid details.

It's what they call "racy".

Read it, it may make you think.

What do you mean, "racy"?

Yes, sir, I said "racy".

Does that bother you?

But nothing I write is "racy"!

I can assure you.

- You mean, you're...? - I am.

- Loic limousin? - Himself.

Sir, I should have recognised you!

I have your photograph here I wanted to put it in the window.

You know sir, I was saying "racy"...

A word that the customer understands.

I was thinking in terms of the 1700s.

Restif... the great restif de la bretonne.

For example...

Do me the honour of coming in for a moment, sir.

This is our inner sanctum.

We are still someone in this town...

Willing to survive, no matter what.

"Light, more light" as goethe said.

We get together in this small room...

And I would be so happy, sir...

If I could hang your portrait too, if you could sign it.

With pleasure.

- For... Mrs...? - Miss.

Miss evelyne.

Evelyne cremier.

There we are.

- Here you are. - Thank you, sir.

Do you have varicose veins? I suffer from them?

No. Why?

It's not because your going to the bourbon baths that you're here?

You see, all the writers...

Who have ever paid me a visit, were here for their varicose veins...

And we happen to be on the way to the baths.

It's amazing, you know. 3 sessions healed me.

I'm sorry, I don't have varicose veins.

I just stopped in here by chance.

My car broke down on my way to Paris.

Well, blessings upon that mechanical accident...

Which have brought me he pleasure of...

It's a pretty little town.

- A lot of readers? - Unfortunately...

But my book would be selling a few?

You could say... a few...

But tell me...

Where did the name "Marie-martine" come from. A pretty name.

Don't blame me...

It's a true story.

It's a young woman, unknown...

Who literally fell into my arms one night.

How exciting!

Would you believe that we also have a Marie-martine here...

Who also fell out of the clouds, in a manner of speaking.

But my book is still selling, just the same?

I need to explain...

I only received the books on Monday...

So far I've sold one.

I also gave one to that gentleman...

So for you, that makes two.

Who actually bought the first one?

- A man or a woman? - A woman.

A woman...

I would have bet on it.

I have a female readership.

It's because I know how to talk to them.

It's just a thing I have.

If there was one sale here, there will surly be ten.

There will certainly be a degree of curiosity...

Because of this young girl also called Marie-martine...,

who appeared of nowhere one night.

She lives over there with the young man who left here.

- Pretty? - Some think so.

She looks 100, your beautiful stranger.

No, that's not her.. She's young.

Unfortunately.

Look...

They're coming out together.

Well... well.

Come on... be brave.

It's fun to see Paris again.

What's strange for me, Marie-martine, is having to leave you alone.

I'm used to being alone.

- For a long time. - For too long.

I'm afraid you might get back into that habit.

In what way?

To find you gone, when I get back.

Maurice...

Look at me.

Look me in the eye.

Maurice, I'll be here when you come back.

Thank you, Marie-martine.

You're tops!

I can leave now.

- I know you won't run off. - To go where?

If I knew, I'd be less afraid.

Whereas, if I were to lose you...

Where would I find you? In what street, in what train?

Not on the 7.22pm one.

- Why? - It's leaving in 30 seconds.

- Au revoir, Marie-martine. - Au revoir.

I love you, Marie-martine.

Such public demonstrations!

What is that young man? Is he simple?

Of a sort... a rambling Rose, a fallow deer, a silly-Billy.

- A poor fool, as they say... - And how!

- Has he left? - Yes.

I could hear him running.

He was very late. He was going to miss the train.

But he went out in plenty of time.

We were having a chat downstairs.

Thank you, Marie-martine.

For what?

He went downstairs clicking his heels.

He was running when he left.

And he used to worry about what people thought of him!

He was whistling last week like when he was little.

Poor Maurice...

Although he's a musician, you can hear he whistles off-key.

You can't help noticing.

Listening to those out of tune airs!

They grate on my poor ears!

But that's alright.

He slams the doors, he bumps into things...

I'm deafened and my head rings, but it's alright...

He's happy. Thank you.

"Thank you" for what?

It's thanks to you...

It had been so long since I'd heard any sounds of happiness from him.

Let's hope nothing happens to silence them.

What could happen?

I don't know.

Au revoir, madame.

Well?

Don't you recognise your friends?

And I happen to be an old friend!

How lovely to see you again!

It really must be a surprise!

"But come on in..."

"Make yourself at home.".

- Go away! - Oh, martine!

You have to learn how to receive guests, now that you have a drawing room.

You have it nice here.

Genuine antique?!

You have come up in the world!

Very nice.

That's silk!

You've nothing to offer me?

A small cognac?

Excitement makes me thirsty.

May I sit down?

This is not my home.

When you're well brought up, you feel at home anywhere.

Get out of here.

I heard you the first time.

I came to thank you, my dear reader.

My unique reader.

- Fortunately. - "Fortunately"?

I write to be read.

I write for other people.

- You've read my book? - Yes, I've read it.

Amusing isn't it?!

Who allowed you to write that?

Who allowed you to write the story of me?

A bit is also my story.

With my name!

Is my name also yours?

One could think you invented it.

There are plenty to choose from.

To anyone, it's just a name.

I felt my name was good for me.

It was all I had that I could call my own.

It seems that it ended up being bad.

- Three years. - "3 years" is a long time.

- How many days is that? - 1,095.

- You worked it out? - Yes.

Fascinating!

There are things you must have felt in there!

What an environment!

Poor girls, like me.

Quite innocent, of course!

Probably not, but you must realise...

After 1,000 nights in a cell...

What it still means "to be guilty".

But of course...

The owners of this antiques-showcase know nothing of it, do they?

No, nothing.

You wouldn't tell them, would you?

What do you take me for?!

- Well, you wrote the book! - Exactly.

But I don't reveal my sources.

I'd be in trouble!

You're being so despicable...

So mean...

Was it you who gave me up to the police?

The police? Who? Me?

What do you take me for? I'm a writer!

I get appalled too.

Even if I get a big print run, I get appalled.

And I'll always be appalled.

Besides, there's only that which connects. Skip over the revolt. So...

I'd rather believe it wasn't you.

It's a coincidence that those police came to that hotel.

It would be horrible if it was you.

The world is horrible enough as it is.

You're disillusioned?

But that young fellow seems nice.

I forbid you to speak of him.

All I said was that he was nice.

But if you say so.

You were telling me how hard those 3 years were.

Hard in what way?

Come on now, you know you can tell me!

It would be good for you, and I'd like very much to hear about it.

Are you looking for a subject for another book?

Prison books don't sell.

Particularly women's... They've been done to death.

I'm here just as an old pal...

Who would like to know how it ended.

That's all it is.

Do you see this carpet?

What about it?

Is it a fake?

That's about the size.

I could take 4 steps in my cell

in one direction...

And 4 in the other.

And 4 walls around these 4 steps.

That's about all I have to say.

Oh no...

A thousand times, morning and evening,

and tirelessly whispered in my cell, a number was repeated...

"One hundred and forty six".

146 is a nice number.

146.

Item no.146.

The 146.

For 4 years, between these 4 walls.

They had said 4 years, but as I was in a cell...

They felt sorry for me, and one fine day, made it 3 years.

I was waiting... And waiting impatiently.

I waited up all night, watching the door

but she was late.

I was starting to believe I'd been forgotten in my cell.

At last she came in...

Screamed my number at me for the last time.

146, to the office.

And I was freed.

My head was spinning.

It's not freedom that stuns you...

It's the air... the space...

Everything seems too big... Too clear.

You almost feel ill.

I thought I was hungry or thirsty.

Marie-martine...

Do you go into cafes on your own now?

Mother...

Over there I was alone, too.

And I didn't want you to be alone when you came out.

Thank you mother... It's very nice of you.

Hug me.

You want me to hug you?

Like you did as a little girl.

Come, come... Don't get carried away.

There's a time and a place for everything.

That's enough, Marie-martine.

We'll go back to the chapel now...

And there, at the foot of the altar...

You can ask forgiveness for your sins.

You'll do what I tell you.

No mother, I don't think you understand...

You're coming out of prison. You can't flaunt your pride.

It's not about pride...

But I have no need to repent.

Very well, we'll take the bus.

To go where?

To take your place amongst us again.

Not amongst the students.

We've fixed you a room in the infirmary.

But I'm not sick.

That will be your only excuse, though.

I've no need for an excuse, mother.

Really?

We are still in a position to demand it.

I don't like your tone! Do you want to anger me?

You'll never understand.

I'm no longer a little girl...

Come along... here's the bus.

No mother! But thanks for coming..

Marie-martine!

For hours I just wandered aimlessly.

Finally, exhausted from fatigue, I flopped down in a station.

Do you have the time?

Got a light?

7.30

I forgot to wind it.

10 past 4.

Thank you.

Waiting is so boring!

Depends what you're waiting for. I had to wait 3 years once!

- You haven't been inside have you? - Yes.

- How long? - 3 years.

Like me. Poor kid, I pity you.

What were you in for?

Pardon?

Guess it's none of my business we all have our troubles.

- On your own? - Yes.

- You leaving? - I don't know.

This is what we'll do, kiddo...

I can see you don't know where to go.

I live in becon... Only I can't take you home.

I can take you to madame, my boss.

You'll have a chat... Then you'll see it's alright.

It's a good place. Hot water, cold water...

You'll take a good hot bath, first off.

That would be great.

A pretty little thing like you shouldn't let yourself go.

If you've no money, she'll advance you 10 or 20.

We girls support each other.

So, are you coming?

Where?

Where I was talking about. Come on.

Don't worry, things will work out.

Hurry up.

Just a moment, miss.

Don't go with this woman.

What? Nobody asked you!

Do you know her? No!

You just scram right now, and leave her alone.

What a nerve he's got!

Do two women not have the right to chat together any more?

If my boyfriend was here...

You don't know me at all, miss...

But if you like, I'll explain.

So that's it.

I didn't want to go with those I knew...

And I was going to go with the one I didn't know.

I was walking beside him without knowing where it would lead...

And without giving it a thought in my empty head.

I had waited 3 years to be free...

And the first passer-by took me by the hand and led me away.

- That's it. - Thank you.

Maurice estienne music teacher

there... you have a room.

You'll not be asked to do anything.

You go and get some rest.

Thank you.

I have to leave now.

Au revoir.

Good luck!

Au revoir, mr delay.

- I want a ticket. - Where to?

Normandy.

I don't care... here.

Where is the ticket for?

Wherever you like, so long as it's not over 100 francs.

I'm to tell you where to go?

Here. Lisieux... 87.50.

If all the customers were like you, the job would be difficult.

It's me again.

It's not my fault, I'm going in the same direction.

I would have gone into another compartment...

That would have been more discreet...

But I got up the courage.

I saw you leave the hotel.

I couldn't stay there.

I don't know...

There's nowhere I can stay.

Yes. I didn't understand, just now.

There's a lot of things in life I don't understand.

What do you want to understand?

Nothing. I guess I don't really try to understand.

It's none of my business.

Tickets please.

Thank you, sir, ma'am.

We're alone.

We're quite alone.

There's no need to try to understand.

If there was anything I could help you with...

No thank you.

I can see that you're very tired.

It's true what you just said.

We're alone in the world. Just like orphans.

Some people can become a couple. Those ones are saved.

They don't need to be fished out of the seine...

To get to know each other.

We imagine the great lovers have always known each other.

Of course they had to get to know each other...

Exchanging names like everyone else.

My name's Maurice.

Yours?

146... 146... 146...

Then, when he realised I didn't know where I was going...

He's taken me to his place, his mother's apartment.

I was afraid of this calm home, where I introduced myself by fraud.

And then they've both been so good to me.

I thought we were well suited here, for someone who's alone.

You've done a good thing, Maurice.

You always do things very well.

Your a sensible young man.

She's pretty, Maurice.

Oh, madame...!

You don't need to say "oh, madame".

It's true.

Mum sees better than us.

What's her name?

Perhaps I can see, despite my dim eyes...

But I still can't guess at names.

Marie-martine.

Marie-martine.

But that's all quite exciting.

So right off, you had a chance to get back on your feet?

You regained your taste for existence.

I don't know why I'm telling you all this.

But you really must go now.

I've never left her alone so long, without good reason.

Don't be silly...

One minute, my little angel...

It's like at a movie...

- I want to no what happens next. - I've told you it all..

No, you're keeping things hidden.

It's not nice to keep secrets from me!

Do you love him?

That thing called love?

It arouses me to here about such things.

Yes, I love him. Now go away!

You love him?

I understand women, you know.

I know them better than they do. So you see...?

Get out.

Leave immediately!

So you don't want to tell me if you really love him...

Or is he just very convenient for you?

What a waste, for a beautiful girl like you.

This arm is stunning...

And I like the other as well.

I sometimes regret thinking about that evening when...

So, she can be brutal, this one!

Smart girl.

Alright...

What if I was to tell them everything?

If I went upstairs and saw that blind old lady?

If I told her to whom she's entrusted her baby boy?

That would be a drag for the sweet little girl!

Got the picture?!

That's quietened you down, eh?

So now I'll be allowed to say goodbye nicely, eh?

Get out of here!

You've heard it all, have you?

That's a good one, that is!!

Get out of here immediately!

I must say, you're not very friendly.

Neither of you have any sense of hospitality at all.

None at all!

He has to leave. He must leave!

That's alright. I don't mind playing blind-man's bluff.

There...

He's gone.

You shouldn't have come down.

You know it's unwise of you to get up on your own.

I'm quite sure you've never done anything bad.

But Maurice, who makes himself miserable so easily...

He should never know. Ever!

Right?

No. Never.

What more would you like to know?

- Do you love her? - Yes.

Well, go ahead.

Knowing more needn't stop you making a mistake.

There's no point you thinking about it for too long.

So what's the problem?

I don't really know if she loves me.

That's a mere detail.

In 10 years you won't love each other anyway.

So get married.

There are those who are against marriage...

Because they say it never succeeds.

But I'm for it...

Without thinking... From day one.

Take her to the movies...

Then, bingo! Off to the town hall.

So, two more unhappy people? There's always that possibility.

But what's good for you...

0ls not the same for me.

Everything disgusts me, so I live alone.

Living alone disgusts me too.

So that's me all over... A masterpiece!

Have you never been in love?

No my boy...

Do you think I had you come to Paris, to ask me a question like that?

- I guess not! - That's right!

For heaven's sake, don't laugh. You're annoying when you laugh.

And when you laugh, you're not funny.

So I may laugh, may I? I just don't look at you, that's it.

I got you to come, so I didn't have to write to you.

You don't imagine I'd spend 4 pages on you?

I loathe writing letters.

Moving my hand makes me tired.

There are days when I want to scratch myself...

I say no.

But what was I talking about?

Yes.. I brought you here to save me writing.

That's it! Do you know fourcade?

- The great conductor? - The only one I know.

A man who is so friendly towards me...

That he can't damn well leave me in peace.

Do I feel friendly towards him? No!

His 1st cellist position is vacant.

He's offered it to me, for you. Would you like it?

I was sure you would be stupid enough to accept it.

Well, it's like this, uncle...

What? You don't want it? A job as 1st cellist...

In Europe's top symphony orchestra!

Has this girl scrambled your brain?

You don't understand...

I'm most honoured by the offer...

But with the state mum's in, I just can't leave her alone.

You're mother...

- She's not getting any better? - No.

I love her... very much.

But if you tell her that, I'll flatten you!

Because on principle, I love no one!

Particularly no one in the family.

And above all... not your mother!

Let's go to bed.

Enough of this talk.

We've talked too much.

We've nothing more to say.

So, fourcade is a no, and the girl is a yes.

All agreed.

So marry her.

You'll be utterly miserable...,

and in 10 years I'll be laughing.

I'll be dead... But laughing all the same.

Shut the door, that's right.

Keep your candle held straight up!

I know you're going to say to me...

That I should put electric light in.

Keep your opinions to yourself. You're all cowards.

As for me, I don't want electricity.

I find it too complicated, with all those switches.

Just give me a nice little box of matches.

I don't believe in electricity on principle.

It may work...

But it mightn't work.

So I'm waiting.

When I've understood it, I'll have electricity put in.

- Understand? - Yes.

Keep your candle straight!

Your young lady is like electricity.

If you want to know where she comes from, you could be waiting forever.

With women there is just one rule... Take the first available.

There's always the chance it'll work out worthwhile.

There's your room.

- Good night, uncle. - Tell me...

- What's her name? - Marie-martine.

Bit of a poser?

She should be called Jeanne...

Or Caroline, like everyone else.

Finally, poor boy, I wish you every happiness.

Tell me...

Where's she from?

I don't know exactly.

You said "exactly". Why? Out with it!

Why "exactly"? I'm waiting!

Keep that candle straight!

I said "exactly", because I didn't know.

I was given this book. That's her name.

So? Does that mean anything?

Nothing it seems, but she's so mysterious.

So you'll set out to unravel the mystery...

And trample on her little secret.

Listen carefully...

I'll tell you something in confidence.

- I'm not your uncle. - I know.

You're only a cousin.

"Only"? Be polite, eh!

When I was your age...

I was in love.

Alright, laugh if you like...

But hold the candle straight!

I was in love with a young girl...

Who I'd met on the top deck of a bus.

We were together a week...

And we'd been happy.

I couldn't have asked for anything more...

Then one day...

I was too curious, I wanted to know who she was...

And I realised...

That she was your mother.

- My mother? - Yes.

She wasn't your mother yet, she was only 17 years old.

Our parents hated each other. They stopped us from seeing each other.

They married her off to that idiot father of yours...

And you know what that led to don't you?

No.

To you, you brainless twit!

If things had happened...

There still would have been you.

But you would've been my son.

That's why I tell you that to live happily...

You need to live alone.

And that's why I am how I am, and I live...

Alone.

That's why I'm not happy.

Hold that candle...!

The journey will end badly.

In the mornings, every day can seem like a desert...

Full of mirages...

The hopes that fill you when you leave home.

What a drag!

This will be a testimony...

The story of a traveler unsure of his discovery...

But who will tell of only what he knows.

I met Marie-martine.

She passed through my life... She disappeared from my life...

She does not leave my memory.

I was wandering around one evening.

I loved to wander along deserted avenues...

Still full of memories of the crowds that had passed, but empty...

Haunted only by dreamers.

This is it.

- Can we get through? - Was there an accident?

Mind your own business!

- Did you see something? - No.

Well, keep moving...

Is that a woman?

She'll do herself an injury!

I knew it!

Just like I thought.

- Can I be of any help? - No.

You obviously can't walk.

More than that... lean on me.

I'm strong, I assure you!

What happened to make you climb over that wall?

Take it easy... just lean on me.

No... not this way.

Not that way?

Wait... stop trying so hard.

Taxi!

Come along...

Get in.

I get the impression you don't want to hang around here.

Hold on there and pull yourself in.

Straight ahead.

So where can I take you?

I don't know. It doesn't matter.

That's not an address I can give the driver.

Do you want to come to my place?

All above board, I assure you.

I'm a married man.

I have a lovely wife who adores me.

I can entrust you to her.

Wait here.

Still uncomfortable, eh?

Sit yourself down.

That's more comfortable!

I'll give you some light.

Yoo, hoo!

Yoo, hoo!

She's not here. She's had to run an errand.

We don't have a maid.

First we have to get you fixed up.

The best would be...

That I pick you up in my arms like a little girl.

- I'm sure I can walk. - You know very well you can't.

Just do as I say.

Quiet! I give the orders here, don't I?

So, hold me by the neck...

- Alright? - Yes.

That's good.

Goodness me...!

Go in here.

Just a moment.

Why are you looking at me like that?!

Don't you worry... I'll explain.

Understood?

There...

You'll feel better in the morning.

The first thing to do in cases like this, is to have a drink

there you are.

Thank you.

Go on, drink... oh dear!

That's better!

- A little more? - No. Thank you.

Another drink? No.. Non.

I need it as much as you do.

So? Are you feeling better?

Lie down.

I'm certainly no doctor...

But I was a medic in the army.

So where does it hurt?

There?

Yes.

A small sprain, probably.

I'm grateful, but...

No, don't you move.

What you need is rest.

I'm leaving you to sleep.

Meanwhile, my wife will come home and will take care of you.

- Why are you home so soon? - It's late, pop.

Couldn't you have stayed out longer?

You've forbidden me, pop.

I hate this habit of yours of calling me pop.

I forbid you to call me pop.

I wasn't expecting you home so early.

- But, pop... - Still pop?!

Not Marcel. Not Marcel any more!

My name is loic limousin.

It's quite a well-known name, anyway.

- But who is she? - You and your questions!

- She's a woman. - But she's in my bedroom.

Mayn't I work any more?

- Is it for your work? - Most likely.

How lucky are those painters?!

The have totally nude models, and it doesn't bother anyone.

While I just bring a fully dressed unfortunate girl into the house...

And it's scandalous!

Is she a model? Explain to me!

Later on. If I have time.

Hello. Malard?

Is that you, malard?

Loic limousin. I'm well. Very well.

Listen, old chap... Thank you. Well, yes.

I'd like some information about an incident at neuilly this evening.

That's too bad.

You know nothing about it?

Alright... thanks.

He's so smug, that malard!

He wouldn't lift a finger to do anything for me!

I knew him when he had nothing.

- You lent him money? - You take me for a fool?

- There's just something I'd like to know.. - What about?

- Where she came from. - But you brought her here...

- To my bedroom. - Hardly a sacrosanct place!

- She's in my bed. - So, she's in your bed!

- Are you still friends with cecile? - Of course.

She always knows what's going on.

Give her a call.

Be nice to her.

Ask her what happened in sainte-foy ave earlier this evening.

- Where? - Sainte-foy Avenue in neuilly!

Come on, do it!

Mrs dubrun, please.

As a matter of fact, I was going to call you.

I'm knitting some gloves. Do I decrease the rows?

For decreases, especially with a wool that's a bit rough...

You fool! Sainte-foy ave at neuilly!

Yes.

I'll tell you.

Cecile, I was going to ask you...

Sainte-foy Avenue, at neuilly... Did anything happen this evening?

Sainte-foy Avenue, at neuilly?

Oh, good...

What?

That, for the thumb, you need to increase from the beginning...

So there was nothing?

Yes. A young man was shot dead.

A young man was shot dead?!

That's what she said.

Good heavens!

That's all I need!

What's it to do with you?

What if she did it?

You're always afraid.

I'd like to see you in my shoes!

Get her out of here, pop.

We'll see.

See what?

You're asleep?

She's asleep.

Her bag is on the dresser.

- Look inside. - I don't want to!

See if there's a gun.

Go on!

- Well? - Yes.

- Yes, what? - There's a revolver.

A revolver?

My god!

She's woken up.

What should we do?

Come along.

Now, you understand... There's only one thing we can do.

Stop shaking like that, Marcel.

Oh you... You and your lack of sensibility!

It's very simple.

I'll lock myself in here.

It's the prudent thing to do.

Because with my sensitivity, I'd be easily influenced.

You go and see her and talk to her.

What am I supposed to say?

You will say... "Miss..."

My husband let himself be carried away by his generosity...

But I don't want you to stay here. I'm jealous.

You know very well...

I know what?

That I'm not jealous.

I'm just sad.

So you're sad... But just say you're jealous.

You'll arrange to take her away yourself in a taxi...

Then you'll go... To the biron hotel.

- You know it? - Yes.

You'll stay in the taxi and send her in on her own.

- Why? - So that she...

You'll understand once you're there.

Do you really want to do this?

Are you defending murderers now?

Here's a girl who's shot some poor wretch...

And you want me to protect her?

- But in your books... - This is not the same thing.

I'm compromised. If I do nothing, I'll be arrested too.

You can do this for me.

Hullo...

Hullo, police headquarters?

Headquarters? Tell me...

Oh, madam, how can I ever thank you?

Please... there's nothing to thank me for,

It's her. She's limping.

Yes, I did that awful thing.

And it really hurt me to do it.

That is how Marie-martine, painfully entered my life...

And left it forever.

I did not see her again...

And never dared hope to see her.

It is only by her mystery...

That she lives on in my memory.

Mr loic limousin, please.

3rd floor right.

If you please, sir...

Damn damn damn!

It's that girl's friend. What friend?

Her boyfriend. He loves her. He's come here to make trouble.

Go and tell him I'm busy working.

What if he insists?

You'll tell him I'm dead.

I'm sorry sir...

Mr limousin can't see you. He's very busy.

- Can I ask what it's about? - It's a rather personal matter.

I'd like to say first, that I once was a journalist...

But I'm not now.

Madam, I feel that you might understand me.

I love a girl...

I really think that you have too much imagination.

Just what are you looking for?

Let me tell you.

This girl, my fiancee, happens to be called Marie-martine.

What's the connection with my husband's book?

She came into my life as mysteriously as she does in the book.

I know nothing about her.

I thought you may be able to help me.

How's she going to get out of this?

But sir...

You've read too much into what writers say.

If they had to first live through what they wrote...

They wouldn't have time to write.

Excuse my anxiety, ma'am...

But mr limousin may not tell you everything.

He may find his stories in a secret life of his own.

Definitely not.

My husband has many talents, but seduction is not one of them.

He's a good man... Very quiet, very dull.

What?!

All those shocking stories?

He can't write them unless he's wearing his slippers.

Him as a seducer? If you only knew him...

He has a pot belly, a red nose, and he drinks too much.

He wears a cardigan with a scarf...

How can she say such things?!

If you could see him right now, the seducer in all those books...

If you could only see him...

Who would have thought...?!

He's just an ordinary man.

Just like other ordinary men.

I'm making you say bad things about him.

They aren't bad things.

I don't think so, anyway.

But then, they aren't things I would say to everyone.

It's the first time this morning that I've said anything.

But you looked so distraught...

That's true... I was.

But there's one treasure that you have... And she does too...

You're youth.

How could my husband compete with that?

Despite his talents.

My advice... Stop thinking about it.

Good as done!

Thanks to you, it's done.

Goodbye, ma'am.

You've done me a great service.

A great service that will bring you good fortune.

I'm not so sure about that.

You filthy goddamn bitch!

How dare you speak of me like that?!

My red nose?! I drink too much?!

Well, doctor?

It's been a serious attack.

Because of her age, anything could happen.

When will Maurice be back? We expect him this evening.

I'll come back to see her this evening.

Thank you, doctor.

Excuse me.

I knew I'd be able to wait for you.

- Mum... - No...

No need for tears... I'm old and sick...

I'll be freed, that's all.

Before, I was afraid of leaving you alone...

But I'm not leaving you alone now.

You're so foolish, Maurice my pet.

Just a child...

- Marie-martine... - Yes, ma'am?

- Will you hold my hand? - No, ma'am.

Both of you hold my hand tight.

That's the secret of happiness.

To hold hands tightly...

And once you've chosen another...

Only ever have eyes for them.

Only believe in them.

Never stop believing in them.

You hear me, Maurice? In her..

Yes, mum.

No matter what happens.

Go now, and leave me for a while..

I'm tired.

But first...

There's something I want to say to you, Maurice.

Just you alone.

Maurice...

I talked a lot with Marie-martine, in your absence.

She is sometimes a little strange, a little withdrawn.

But I understand her better than you do...

Better perhaps than you'll ever understand her...

Because you're just a man.

Clumsy and jealous like a man.

So, if one day...

Later... very much later...

When I'm gone, you start having doubts again...

Realise that I know...

And ask me. I shall tell you.

My wee boy...

Think of me as a hunting dog...

When I'm onto a story, I sniff it out.

When I catch wind of it, nothing will stop me.

Can't you leave them alone? You've caused enough harm already.

I don't care!

I've got a novel that's selling well...

And if I get the chance to do a sequel...

It'll sell like hot-cakes!

“The secret of Marie-martine”. Can you imagine?!

That wouldn't be nice at all!

It's easy for you, who does nothing towards earning the money you get.

Over there is where she jumped.

But what's going on? Look.

The shutters are open.

Looks like there's someone there.

That's something...!

Wait a minute... I'll be back.

There must be some mistake.

I'm here on behalf of Marie-martine.

What luck! Come right in sir.!

I'm delighted for any news of that child.

Goodness... I'm confused...

I don't know where to receive you.

This abandoned hotel is so cold!

No. Through here, sir.

You must excuse me, dear sir...

There's nobody living here now, except me...

And I take up so little space.

All my life I've been content to have little.

Sit down... Please sit down, sir.

So you're well-acquainted with Marie-martine?

Very much so.

I love that dear child very much.

But I've had no news of her. Where is she?

In the country.

She might have dropped me a line. That's naughty!

I don't know. Maybe she blamed you for something.

Blamed me? That's impossible.

My conduct towards her was always irreproachable.

I don't doubt it for a moment!

I thought I might help with some sort of reconciliation...

- 50 I took the Liberty... - It's very good of you!

To think that she might have blamed me for something!

I've known her since infancy. I've held her in my arms.

Before she was 6 months old.

Here...

Very pretty. What a delightful baby.

Neither mother nor father.

I was the best of neighbours.

She was the daughter of a close friend...

Who died far too young.

How lucky it was you were there.

I sacrificed everything for her.

I put her in an orphanage till she was 20. It was free.

Run by nuns. I was recommended by the bishop.

What would you expect in my situation...

I was a housekeeper. I brought up children.

I was paid, of course.

- One has to make a living. - Unfortunately.

That's so true... "Unfortunately."

Life is full of disenchantment.

Yes, that's very true.

So...

I keep my little memories here, within easy reach.

This room is not used, like the rest of the building...

But I come here quite often.

I don't move anything. I don't disturb anything.

Indeed, mightn't be at home here... But I retrieve my sweet memories.

Memories are a capital that pays interest.

That's very likely.

- So you're a businessman? - Not at all, madam.

Mademoiselle... Mlle Aimee tapie.

They called me "miss", although I'm from montelimar...

But I've known better days.

- I can see that. - You're too kind.

Correct... kind but correct.

I was highly regarded by the family.

Just come along with me.

You might find it hard to believe...

But right here there used to be splendid receptions.

Balls!

All aspects of a family life that I was a part of.

They were so friendly towards me.

I was invited to coffee every day.

They were rather odd people.

Of course, one shouldn't pass judgment on one's employer.

I've always refrained from it.

I knew my place.

It was me who ran the whole house.

I arranged everything, even the dinner-parties.

Mr and mrs de lachaume hated each other.

They used to read at the table, so as to avoid bickering.

Their daughter, young helene, grew up in this silent atmosphere.

- It's strange, all the same. - What, my dear?

That he hasn't come.

Yes, it's strange.

Doesn't it annoy you?

No.

Helene had already been engaged for some time...

To a rich and handsome young man.

You may very well have heard of young ponthieu...

Of the ponthieu motor co. Well, that was him.

Both families were delighted.

This union fulfilled their wishes and would compliment their interests.

Besides, helene adored her fiance.

Unfortunately, she was a spoiled brat.

A little girl who was too rich, jealous and overbearing.

She created scenes with Philippe, incessantly...

Which he patiently endured.

Ask helene whether or not she made a scene with Philippe.

Have you made a scene with Philippe?

She won't answer you, my dear. You know that's her way.

My dear girl, a mother can be a confidant.

I'm interested in everything regarding you.

So tell me all about it.

Maybe I could sort things out for you.

Yes, I was disgusting again.

He's finally told me I'm disgusting.

He was justified.

This time, he won't be back.

Go and console her, my dear.

And call the ponthieus, so they arrange things with Philippe.

They'll have time to argue once they're married.

By that, are you referring to me?

I wouldn't dare, my dear.

Mrs de lachaume fixed everything with the ponthieus.

But Philippe drifted apart from helene more and more every day.

They were still engaged...

But I saw less and less of them at the house.

Up until the day, I had the idea...

To try and get a place for Marie-martine with the lachaumes.

You'd appreciate that she couldn't spend her life in the orphanage.

This will be my last recommendation.

You'll find a place for yourself with this family.

There'll be plenty to do.

But work doesn't scare you.

You'll be given some heavy tasks.

Oh no, mother!

What? What do you know about it?

My godmother said that if I was a good girl, I'd be doing the linen.

But will you be a good girl?

The world is full of pitfalls.

May I sister...? For the poor.

I thank you in their name, sir.

What a nice young man.

From that day on, Philip came much more often.

As if he'd now accepted helene's behaviour...

He was enduring it with a smile.

Always smiling, always being nice...

You didn't used to find me nice enough.

Now you're overdoing it.

Good grief!

I know very well that something has come between us.

You come here more often, but you seem to be somewhere else.

You smile at me, but our eyes never meet.

You say nice things as if you don't really mean it.

You do so exaggerate!

Those two kids seem to be getting along better.

It doesn't prove a thing.

When we were engaged, there were days like that.

Yes, I guess so.

Would you please stop smiling like that!

Get angry like before... I liked that better.

I saw ponthieu yesterday. He's taking over mornac.

Philippe will be managing the factory.

We have to realise how lucky helene is.

Despite his character, it will be a perfect union.

Goodbye, helene.

My coffee finished, I got up. I was the soul of discretion.

As I usually did at this hour, I went to my modest room.

Goodbye, Philippe. See you again soon.

I'd stopped to powder my nose. Which goes red after eating.

Suddenly, Philippe walked past, behind Mei.

I thought he was going out, but he went upstairs.

I didn't really think about it, and went on my way upstairs too.

Marie-martine?

Marie-martine...

What are you doing there?

Hello, godmother.

It had to happen... Best that it's right now.

Godmother, what are you going to think of this?!

You've gone the wrong way!

That's exactly right, godmother.

I've gone the wrong way.

In this house, I could have stopped at helene's room...

And I went further upstairs...

To Marie-martine's room.

This is my fiancee.

My real fiancee.

If this is some sort of joke, sir...

I think it's outrageous.

My father's going to find it outrageous. Mr lachaume as well.

But it's not a joke.

You mean mr ponthieu... You would want to...?

As soon as my affairs with my father are settled.

But it's crazy! They'll never give their consent.

Never? So what would you have me do?

I'll no longer be the heir to the ponthieu motor co.

I shall work.

I know what it is to work.

I'll slip out by the back stairs.

I don't want to spring this on them, until I've spoken with helene.

Is this why you've been coming here so often?

I can't hide anything from you?!

Goodbye my darling.

What a mess this will bel.

So he was lying to everyone, including me!

He had to lie to be able to see me again.

To see you again!

I wonder what's behind his interest in you.

I do too.

It's crazy, but I really feel he loves me.

You'd know I'd never have done anything to start it.

He just came...

And then he spoke to me so sweetly...

So gently...

It was the first time anyone had spoken to me like that.

And then one day, he took me in his arms.

The one who scared me most, was helene.

She wasn't going to resign herself to losing Philippe.

I don't know if she loved him as Marie-martine loved him.

With her, it was all a mix of her pride...

And the egotism of a little rich girl.

Darling, it's been so long!

I've been looking at your photo.

A photo's not the same!

I've come to meet you, like a little girlfriend.

It's silly, helene, in this part of town.

- Where's your car? - I didn't come in it.

I came to meet you in the way they do.

A boy came out, who kissed them.

Why don't we?

What are you saying, helene?!

What's happened to come between us, these last 2 months?

You're quite right... And I owe you an explanation.

- I've been keeping it from you... - So you have to tell me.

- Not in the street. - Why not?

It's the perfect environment in which to dump someone.

Because you no longer wish to marry me, isn't that it, Philippe?

Yes, that's it.

And all for a servant!

Goodbye.

Mummy...

What's the matter?

Nothing.

It's an exciting book.

I didn't know that Philippe had a key to the house.

That same evening, he came back

I was back in my room...

But I felt that I would have trouble falling asleep.

I may be a little selfish.

I suddenly understood what it was to have children...

To fear for them.

Too late...

I had no influence on Marie-martine or on helene.

What could I do, but lie awake in the shadows?

She came and she said "a servant!"

The dirty little snob!

I'm like her... I can't understand why you love me.

All the better! Never try to understand, my darling.

- She's more beautiful than I am. - Yes.

- She's more intelligent. - No.

Yes she is!

No, she's cleverer than you, that's all.

- Should I learn to be clever? - Absolutely not.

You need to stay, Marie-martine...

With these tufts unpinned...

With these fingers full of pin-pricks.

- Even if I don't sew anymore? - Even if you don't sew anymore.

- You're a hypocrite. - I know.

A liar. You're cheating on her.

I know.

You've no excuse.

I know.

- I dare you to say which. - I love you.

Philippe, look out!

Drop it!

That's it! I knew it!

Philippe! What have I done?

Say something, Philippe. I beg youl.

It was in Marie-martine's room.

Don't panic!

Philippe...

Give me that!

Put this girl in another room.

Go get the police and a doctor.

Yes, sir.

I killed him. It was me!

You don't know what you're saying.

It was that girl who was holding the gun.

She was trying to disarm me. I fired.

It was me who fired it.

You don't know what you're talking about.

It was me. It was me!

I'm telling you it wasn't!

It's not just about you, helene.

There's your mother, there's me, there's my career, our name.

What on earth are you saying? I killed him!

Come along... The shock has confused you.

Wait for me in the next room.

As I said, I was the soul of discretion.

Besides, what could I do in this drama?

But curiosity prevailed.

It was shocking...

He was laid out in that bedroom, looking so handsome...

I couldn't help thinking of a picture in a book...

“The murder of Duke de guise."

He was lying like that, the body wrapped in a curtain.

What do you think you're doing here?

How big he is!

Like the Duke de guise.

You don't know what you're talking about, either!

Give her this, and have her slip away.

The police are coming. It's best that she's far from here.

- What has she said? - That she did it.

She has to stop saying that.

That girl is jealous.

Philippe was going to dump her to marry helene.

We saw she had the revolver in her hand.

She's the one who shot him.

But she'll defend herself.

I've told tapie to get her to flee.

And if she doesn't manage to get away, I have these letters.

Marie-martine...

You have to get away from here.

Where to?

Don't ask questions. I'll explain.

Come on, put something on.

Quick!

Come along!

Come on!

I managed to find a ladder.

We were out of time. The police had arrived.

It was such a sudden separation. And so unfortunate

What more could I do? I'd done all I could.

They arrested her anyway, a little later.

After a long investigation...

She was sentenced to 3 years.

She defended herself without accusing helene.

Everything was against her.

Surely you must have said something?

As a witness, I said what I'd seen...

But unfortunately, I hadn't really seen anything.

Considering my situation in the family, the people being so good to me...

It made it very difficult.

Since she was innocent, I assumed she be acquitted.

That's it!

Today is the first time I've spoken of it.

I guess it had to come out?!

Of course!

That's quite a story.

It's a bit of alright!

What do you mean?

What I meant to say was, it's a tragic story.

What about the other girl?

- Helene? - Yes.

She was one very guilty child...

A difficult personality.

She's suffered so much!

I've never seen anyone suffer like that.

Forever beautiful...

But harder...,

colder.

Where are you going, helene?

You shouldn't be going out today.

I changed my mind... I'm going for a drive.

Let me kiss you goodbye.

I let her leave.

I should have realised something was up.

The next day they pulled her car out of the river into which she'd driven it.

Death had put an end to her torment.

You're sure there's no connection between this accident and ponthieu's death?

None at all, your honour.

You're quite sure?

You've had no suspicion that she might commit suicide?

None at all.

Of course she was quite upset by the death of her fiancee...

But quite frankly...

Despite having a deep affection for him...

It was very much going to be a marriage arranged between two families.

What's known as a marriage of convenience.

Besides, your honour...

To preserve the good name of a perfectly respectable family...

Ll'd reject any such suspicion.

My daughter didn't kill herself. She died accidentally.

Nothing would persuade that child to take her own life.

Since you're so affirmative, I'll believe you.

I wanted to try this chance before closing on the trial of that unfortunate young girl.

I allowed myself to be persuaded by the defense...

That this accident of miss lachaume's...

Could put the murder in a new light.

- There's nothing in it, your honour. - Very well then.

Thank you.

Thank you for your visit.

If you see Marie-martine...

Give her my best wishes and a kiss from me.

You can count on that.

- Well? - It's fantastic!

I ran into this old dame who told me everything!

Manna from heaven!

- It'll be good for your book? - The book's as good as done!

"The secret of Marie-martine", by god the father!

It's me who'll get the copyright.

I'll burn a candle for god!

Let's have a drink to celebrate.

- Ernest! - Coming mr limousin.

Get me a pencil and paper

you'll write your novel here?

There's no end yet, for my novel.

What'll happen to them...?

Poor Marie-martine and her lover.

- Do you know? - No.

No? Well, I'll have to tell you.

Give me that.

Is there an envelope?

You'll start your novel with the ending?

On that scrap of paper?

Yes, poor wretch. What an idiot!

But that's not your handwriting, pop!

- Why are you writing like that? - If someone asks you...

"Sir, this is someone who wishes you well...

Writing this letter..."

It concerns Marie-martine and her lover.

You can't do that!

I'll make things hard for myself.

- Why? - It amuses me.

I want to see what comes out of this.

Crazy!

Ernest...

Another drink.

Are you taking this, Maurice?

God, it's ugly!

But she loved this picture so much...

You'll let me take it to Paris?

Os course, Maurice.

- We'll stick it in a closet. - No no. We'll hang itl.

We can take a look at it from time to time.

No need to fuss about it.

Maybe we won't look at it again.

You're smart, Marie-martine.

I don't know what I would have done without you.

There's no need to talk about it. Just get on with our lives.

Living can be difficult.

I used to believe that.

But you have to hang on, very tightly...

And you get there.

- I'll show you how. - Yes, I know..

You've been unhappy.

Sometimes that pain of yours scares me.

That mysterious pain that I can go nothing to relieve.

It is gently dying away, all on its own.

Forgive me, Maurice...

But when we're an old married couple...

Much later, I'll tell you about it.

Not now.

When I read this book, I was very troubled.

- Did you know that I'd read it? - Yes.

And then I knew that nothing in it was true... just made up...

And if Marie-martine had once had a secret...

0it was not that one.

And if you learned that it was that one?

If you discovered that your Marie-martine had a past?

Say that's not possible.

Shall I never know?

I'm starting to feel I'll never be happy again.

Will I never have nothing to worry about, Marie-martine?

I know that you've never done anything...

But as Maurice becomes unhappy so easily...

He should never ever know.

No, Maurice. Never anything.

I swear to you.

No, Marcel, you're not going to send that letter!

90 and 10 makes 100.

- Keep it. - Thanks very much.

Is there a mail-box around here?

Just across the road.

Really? I hadn't noticed it.

- Let's go... - No, pop!

Will you shut up!

Nothing can stop me!

I am destiny!

I am a living legend!

But he is a good novelist!

It was because he's not a drinker.

He's been run over by a bus!

It's not surprising.

With this rain, the bus skidded.

Come on, move along now!

Novelist dies at neuilly

- Do you remember it? - Yes.

The sound of the train, like the first time.

You seem to feel cold.

Just when he was about to write the sequel to his last success...

You've made me warm again.

You feel so nice, so relaxed...

You seemed a bit churned up tonight.

I was in the middle of realising that I loved you.

Life is going to be so good for the two of us, far from everything.

- Never asking any more questions. - Never!

Never,

Subtitles by fatplank for kg