Original subtitles

- Where's Dargelos, G�rard? - I don't know

Thief! You'll give it back

I'll make you confess

It wasn't me, I tell you

Sure it was

It snowed that day

For the boys, the building site turned into an engine of war

Dargelos?

Dargelos! It's me!

- He's bleeding - Here's the deputy head!

- Dargelos did it, sir - That's not true, he didn't

You again, naturally. Calm down and follow me

Vast are the privileges of beauty...

...even among those unaware of it. The masters liked Dargelos

The deputy head was much troubled by this inexplicable business

What's wrong, Paul? Say something

What happened?

I hit him in the chest with a snowball

He went "ah!" and fell down

A nose-bleed, I thought

Snowballs don't do that much damage

He'd put a stone in it

Is that true?

Have you no answer?

He's coming round. Ask him

- How do you feel? - I'm sorry

Don't apologize... you fainted

- I remember... - Do you know what made you faint?

A snowball hit my chest

- A snowball wouldn't knock you out - That's all it was

Your friend says it had a stone inside

He's crazy

I'd been running

Maybe that did it

The deputy head was relieved

The car is here

One licorice strip

Come along, boy, you're all right and we're taking you home

A snowball can't be very serious, can it?

I can see that he gets home

He's looking much better

34, Rue du Rocher

Children are quick to imagine the worst

But the worst never seems quite real...

...because they can't envisage death

Paul's dying

He didn't believe this, . It seemed the natural conclusion to a dream...

...travelling through the snow everlastingly embalmed in ice

But for Paul, the car and its frosted windows...

...would have been no more than that...

...the snow and police sirens merely snow and police sirens

Do you need any help?

- Want him to help? - I'm not dead. Help me and shut up

Open up, Elisabeth, it's us

Open up... Paul's unwell

Are you having me on?

No, he's shivering out here

It happened just after school...

Stop yelling, idiot

You'll wake mother up

Some rotter hit him with a snowball

It wasn't just snow

Like an idiot, I fainted

Out having fun, were you?

While I nurse my poor sick mother...

...you're playing at snowballs

You got Paul into it, I bet...

...but I'll have to nurse him, dolt!

Lisbeth, dear...

Don't you dare "dear" me!

Ignore the bag, G�rard; she's a pain

Why should I care about a ninny who can't stand up to a snowball?

You can look after yourself

Look, G�rard, I've been practising

- Sleeping, Mum? - Just dozing

Paul's got a sprain; I'll get the doctor

Is he in pain?

Just when walking; he sends his love

- What about a maid? - Still nothing

- You asleep? - Get lost!

How charming. I'm slaving and you're gone

"Gone", in their private language, was the point of a game they played

"I'm going, they'd say, "I'm gone"

You're a real creep, you stinker

Let me get your shoes off

Freezing

Disturbing a player while "gone" was considered an unpardonable crime

I'll get a hot-water bottle

Stop playing the fool or I'll never get it off

This was their Treasure, impossible to describe

Their purpose replaced by symbolic meanings...

...these treasured objects seemed merely junk to the uninitiated eye

Adjustable spanners, aspirin tubes, aluminium tubs, hair-curlers

Now sleep, idiot

Paul was hit in the chest by a snowball, but... I put him to bed

What's all this, Paul?

Pass the thermometer and leave us, Lise

Wait outside. I don't like people milling around watching me

Don't worry. There's no danger, but it is serious

He already had a weak chest

No school for him. What he needs is rest, rest and more rest

We needn't bother your mother over this

I know I can count on you

Call the maid

We haven't one any more

Tomorrow I'll send along two nurses who can help with the house

You'll be in charge

Elisabeth did not thank him. Accustomed to miracles...

...she expected them to happen... and they did

I'll look in on your mother

My darling...

What's the matter with you? Can't you let other people sleep?

I'd like to sleep, too, but I nurse you, feed you, listen to your noise

- What noise? - A real racket

I wanted to tell you the big news, but now I won't

Keep your news for all I care

Brother and sister felt no embarrassment

Their room was a shell in which they lived, washed, dressed...

...like two members of the same body

What did the doctor say?

No school for you

In an agony of despair he pictured Dargelos...

...continuing to live elsewhere...

...but playing no part in his own future

Lise... I don't feel well

Now I've got pins and needles

- What do you want? - I want you near me, beside my bed

Now there's a silly

No more school, and he cries. Imagine living shut away in our room

The doctor promised us nurses. I'll only go out for books and lemonade

Are you so fond of school?

What's wrong, then?

Let's play our game. Blow your nose

Watch... I'm hypnotizing you

But sleep undid her efforts with bold, dark strokes...

...sweeping like a car's headlights over snow

Blow your nose and sleep

Monsieur Dargelos...

...I have had various unfavourable reports concerning you

You exercise an influence over your fellows that seems incomprehensible...

...but is nevertheless undesirable

Now it seems that a boy hit by you is in no state to attend school

What have you to say?

Belt up!

You heard!

Don't talk to me like that

I'll talk how I like

Do you realize how serious your position is?

You make me puke!

Some pepper?

Schools cannot impose a death penalty...

...so they sent Dargelos home and took the head to hospital

He walked out, ignoring everyone

- Do you know his address? - That sort never tell you

So it's all that's left of him. Get the photograph

What's this? Delivering hats?

It's for you

How ghastly... I like it, I'd have thought you too stupid for that

She hates violets

But they're fake; we'll put them in water

Forget that freak; get Athalie

On Commemoration Day...

...the school had staged Athalie; Dargelos took the title role

He looks like a tiger

"To tiny birds he offers pasture. His bounty extends to all nature"

His finery suggested a tragedienne of the 1880s

- Ugly looking thing - Each to his taste. Into the Treasure

You might consult me first

We are consulting you. He threw the snowball, the pepper, he got expelled

He's still an ugly thing

Don't wear Paul out, G�rard. I must check on Mum's nurses

They're impossible, always trying to take the initiative

I can't look away for a moment

She's incorrigible

Not a word, stupid

I've amazing news for you... Paul's a sleepwalker

Don't shout it from the rooftops

- He walks on the roof? - Are you deaf, or just stupid?

Is that our strange pal?

Come in, we won't eat you

Suicide is a mortal sin

Curiosity killed the cat

- He has no manners - More than you!

- Just drop the subject - Just drop it, as she says

No "buts"

- But, but nothing - I'll slap him

Slap her back!

Don't you cowards dare!

- Wait till I get my own room - And me, mine

He wants a chandelier

A plaster Sphinx and an enamelled Louis XIV chandelier!

You're too stupid to understand

Well, I'm off to a hotel; I'm packed already

He can stay and look after himself

She slapped me, Mum!

- He spat at me! - That's not true

Tell Mum it's untrue or I will slap you

What's wrong?

Come here, Paul. Look

I think Mum's dead

What they saw left a lasting impression on them...

...casting a fabulous veil over the reality of their mother's death

Prodigies were necessary to the room they shared

The outlandishness of this death...

...masking the pain it evoked...

...served as a barbaric tomb...

...enshrining her memory in the world of dreams

Doctor, does it really make a terrific noise?

All the time

- Is that bad? - You must look after yourself

Is it serious?

No, but he's growing and that complicates things. He needs rest

You see he gets it. Mariette can help

Mariette's leaving

I'll see she stays. Leave us to talk

Well, doctor?

You've lost your grandson, you're alone. Won't you stay?

I'll handle the money

Do they tease you? Is the air unhealthy?

What they breathe is lighter than air

Splendid. You can restore order

lmpossible, doctor

Order their disorder, then. Will you?

Yes. One can't help loving them

See me when you run short of money

- You're very good, doctor - I'm not; but I like you, I love them

If only they could go to the seaside

No, it's G�rard. I'll put my uncle on

No, it's G�rard. I'll put my uncle on

Hello, doctor. Yes, it's not out of the question

I've only a short holiday, so can't give them much time

But G�rard can invite them if he looks after them

No, no... they're very welcome

Excuse me, but I've an engagement

Don't thank me

Elisabeth switched roles from shrew to nurse

Heard G�rard's idea?

- Stupid, I bet - No, a seaside holday with his uncle

- Yes, we'll see the sea - But do you know about travelling?

No, but the thing is to pretend we do

We'll need a heap of luggage

All aboard, children

They don't seem very wild

My brother's a little shy

Bitch!

Look at the ladder

It's fun, one of you on top

Here's your wash-basin

This isn't our first sleeper!

- You've never left home before - lf you'd travelled as much as we...

Just ignore him

Know-it-all!

- Where are the beds? - One above the other

What does G�rard know about it? They'll probably sling a hammock

- Someone's knocking - Open the door, then

That's the wash-basin

First service. Shall I make up your beds?

Naturally

Ready for the dining-car?

Come along, Paul; don't stand there like a dummy

It took considerable effort for them to mask their excitement

But, though knowing nothing of the world, a certain innate elegance...

...enabled them to appear entirely at ease within it

- You grabbed the top one, naturally - You're ill, it's best for you below

I want you to come down

From now on, it's separate rooms for us

I want you to come down

- Do you feel unwell? - I don't want you above me

What a pest!

What's that you've got?

A clothes-peg, to give me a Grecian profile

- You're mad - At least I haven't a weak chin

It's time you tried an elastic bandage on yours

- Let me go to sleep - Is that why you got me down?

Does the doctor think I'm going to die? Am I done for?

Completely. So die and let me get on with my life. That chin!

- Are you joking, or is that true? - I never tell the truth

- I'd like to have the light off - I don't know how to do it. You try

You make me sick!

Likewise. And watch your tone of voice

It's like Dad's, and he drank and beat Mum

All fire and ice, shying clear of the lukewarm...

...she was a thoroughbred, and wanted Paul the same

Travelling by train for the first time, deaf to the clickety-clack...

...this child intently devoured the face of her brother...

...her manic intensity impinging briefly on other passengers'dreams

You've not looked at the sea

You mind your own business

- I'm not sleeping in a bathroom - I'm not sharing my room

You sleep here, I'll take the bathroom. The hotels are full

Share my room?

You sort it out. Right now I'm having a bath. So keep out

I ran that bath!

So, first no bed, then no bath

- Leave her alone, Paul! - Oh you, Mister Big Heart!

- I'm getting in! - Me first, then you can steal my bath

All settled in? Sorry, but they may have another room soon

Your friends didn't sound pleased

Oh, but they are

Got it? I stick my tongue out, then when I give you the nudge, you do it

Sit down, children

No special diets?

To think I was warned you might be difficult

I never said that!

- Fond of children, I see? - I adore them

She stuck her tongue out

Forgive me for attending to my mail

He did, too

Really! Striking a child, at the seaside...

I need protection from the sun at my age

- How much is this one? - 495 francs

It's outrageous

I'm afraid I've no change

I can manage that

They stole for the sake of stealing, . No profit motive was involved

Nothing useful could be taken, . All they wanted was to be scared

Come on, children, don't hang about

- It's raining! - You should have brought an umbrella

It never rains long here. Something to drink?

We aren't thirsty, thanks

You take my cape. I'll see you at the hotel later

Be good

I'll see the boys behave

Show us

Don't make me do it again; I couldn't

Brushes don't count; they're useful

- I'm no idiot - I didn't think so... till now

Something very difficult

- The watering-can - Never!

Do it, or I won't speak to you again

But it's enormous

Show me your mettle

No buts, just obey. You can have the cape to help hide the watering-can

We'll be watching

Hello, Mariette

You do look well. Have you enjoyed yourselves?

- Have you been good? - Very

We remembered you, too

Now you'll have somewhere to keep hot water

The curtain went up every night at 11 o'clock

No matin�es, except on Sundays

In this room, with G�rard camped on the floor...

...the drama unfolded unnoticed... Paul with his milk and his towels...

...Elisabeth with her magazines...

...and strange forces at work hostile to daily living

Your "Turkey-red" shade... I can't read

I can; it stays

Her and her creams!

She read that American actresses use it

Thinks they're good for the scalp

- Are you listening? - Yes

You're too good-natured; just ignore him

For Paul, going to bed meant an embalming

Comforters, food, treasures, all attended his nocturnal ventures

A crayfish, G�rard?

Come on, make your mouth tingle

Bitch! She hates crayfish

She hates pepper because I love it

She'd take the roof off her mouth to spite me

- What do you think of them? - Excellent

Pass me one, G�rard

What could be lower than a 16-year-old begging for a crayfish?

He'd crawl on all fours!

No, let him come and get one

Dying of greed, but too lazy to make an effort

I'm ashamed of him

I quote, G�rard;

"I love her lack of taste, her motley dress, shapeless shawl, addled speech"

"The crime was exceptionally sordid

"The Michaut woman's farm..."

The wretch! Help me, G�rard

Dry me with this; put the paper in the fireplace

Careful, you're so clumsy

I was going to give him one, too

Want one? They're a bit milky

I'm not mean, you can have your crayfish. Here, eat

I'm off if you don't want it

This you have to see

Here's your crayfish, Paul

Look, G�rard, he's eating in his sleep. How very curious

Greed like that is pretty low

From this scene...

...G�rard took in only one thing... she used the familiar "tu"to him

Where's Mariette?

I sent her out for drinks and sandwiches

How awful

Everything's awful

- Leave, then - I intend to

I'll get a job; I'm sick of being a maid. You do as you like

Ajob doing what?

Paul can do as he likes, G�rard; he's hopeless, anyway

Isn't she sweet?

I have to think of myself. I'll find myself a job... I have to

As an Aunt Sally, maybe

The poor boy's still sick

It's not his fault that a snowball was enough to lay him low

- I'm saddled with an invalid, though - You stinker!

He's the picture of health; look at those shoulders

So what, when he's weak, greedy and spineless?

And clumsy

Well you, in my opinion, are a big mouth...

...of no use to anyone or anything

G�rard knows how lazy you are, expecting me to do everything for you

Go on, then, I know just the job for you

The oldest profession

- You went too far - Stay

You see how things are?

Perhaps I could work for that couturier your uncle knows

Work is good for you

As a salesgirl, no chance; model, maybe...

I forbid it! If my sister's going to be a tart...

...let her walk the streets

I might run into you

Anyway, just look at yourself

You've more chance of being hired as a scarecrow than a model

This is the young lady. Be patient with her

My name's Elisabeth

The girls will tease, but they're nice. You'll get used to it

Let's see what's under those clothes

I've everything to learn

I'll see she learns fast

The two orphans!

Don't look so grim. If they make fun of you, make fun of them

You're a customer I'm showing a dress to

Sit down

Smile

No, don't. I was forgetting you're the customer; customers never smile

You walk straight up to the customers...

...hands on hips, thumbs forward...

...staring her in the eye

You halt, you slowly turn your back on her...

...face her again, inspect her from head to toe...

...as if you didn't see her

Then, with a scornful look, you walk away...

...and start again with another customer

Now you try; I'm the customer

That's perfect

You look like an old hand

I was scared stiff

Agathe

A marble

We have an agate marble in our Treasure

- How come you have my picture? - That's not you

The costume's different, but I have a picture of me looking just like this

Who is it?

A boy, the one who hit Paul with a snowball

Doesn't he look like Agathe, Paul?

The obvious resemblance suddenly exploded

Paul saw Dargelos, felt the snowball again

No, it's just the picture; you're not really alike

Put the picture back, Elisabeth

Is there a resemblance, G�rard?

Leave G�rard out of this

Suddenly, Elisabeth realized that the boxers, detectives and stars...

...pinned up by Paul on the walls...

...all resembled Agathe and Dargelos/Athalie

You worked pretty fast

Agathe deserves better than some poxy hotel

Maybe... but Mum's room?

It's just an empty room. Mum's in our room now

Agathe being here bothers me

What bothers you is the resemblance, isn't it?

Mind your own business

Am I disturbing you?

I was bad-mouthing you

Elisabeth was wrong to make you live here

I knew I'd be in the way

In his, maybe, not mine. I insist on your staying

Oh, stay if the fashion business depends on it

Now you've made her cry. He's just an ill-mannered bear, Agathe

I should go

Go or stay, I don't care

You're no match for me, so you play strong man with poor Agathe

Don't you start, it's complicated enough

Listen to the psychologist

I've figured you out, anyway. I won't let Agathe become your victim

Suppose she wants to be?

You see? The monster has found his victim

Well, he's got me to reckon with

Will you let me sleep

Go to bed and stop crying, Agathe. I want to have a word with Paul

This is the way we are; you'll have to get used to it

Paul darling...

Is it her looking like that boy that bothers you?

If you must know...

...it's because she's new here, stops us playing our game

- We haven't played in ages - That's your fault

- I had to go out to find work - Precisely

Paul darling...

...let's play now

I play alone now

Listen... yes, listen

lmagine a vast temple, the Temple of Destruction

Of fifty high priests, four enter the inner sanctum...

...where thousands of slaves toil, all sworn to silence

I don't know what you're on about or what's happening to us. Let me sleep

Go to sleep then, darling

Introspection requires a discipline of which they were incapable

They found only darkness and the ghosts of feelings

- So you're spying on us? - Doing my duty... yes, my duty

You're rotten tarts and G�rard's your pimp. Don't interrupt!

I'll move out, leave them to their men. I always knew models were tarts

You and G�rard led Agathe astray

- Ignore him, G�rard - No, I insist on explaining

We wanted you to meet Michael, a rich young American Jew; he knows my uncle

I'll slap your rotten Jew if I meet him

You should be ashamed, leading Agathe astray; to sell her, I suppose?

Anti-Semitic, are you?

Anyway, it's me Michael wants to marry. I like him

Marry you? You must be mad

Look at yourself in the mirror. You're unmarriageable...

...ugly, the queen of all idiots. He's pulling your leg

Your chin looks firmer when you're angry; rage away

She can marry who she likes

Who cares?

- You, maybe? - What do you mean?

- Do meet Michael; you'll like him - I doubt that very much

There's no use reasoning with a lunatic

- You're wrong; I will meet him - Just to be awkward

Not at all

I'd like to commiserate with anyone who can stomach you

Come, Agathe

G�rard turned away to the window

To marry the virgin of the temple was beyond his hopes

Behind him receded the inner inner sanctum...

...profaned by a young motorist completely unaware of its taboos

Another room no one uses. This will be mine, with Louis XVI furnishings

Very fitting

Salon, music and games rooms I leave to Michael...

...plus a strange gallery that leads nowhere

G�rard could take Agathe's room

Mum's room

If Michael's away, you girls can come back

Why don't you live here, Paul?

I need to be alone

We've still eighteen rooms to see

And my famous gallery

Tell Mariette we'll see to Paul's expenses

You're very kind, Michael

Where's the honeymoon to be?

You explain our plans, Michael

After the wedding, I leave Elisabeth

Good idea!

I move in here, he goes to the Riviera

Now that's a marriage. When do you get back?

Four days later. It's business I couldn't put off

Now see and wonder

This vast glory-hole that led nowhere...

...was Michael's weakness...

...his smile, his very soul...

...betraying a touch of fantasy that made him one of them

How did you dream this up?

Playing the reconstruction architect, he miscalculated. I love his mistakes

One could camp out in tents

Go ahead

- Is there a ghost? - I've never seen one

With us you will

But their domestic genie still watched

On the road between Cannes and Nice, Michael was killed

Only one wheel moved in the silent wreck...

...ever more slowly, like a lottery wheel

Thanks for your help; figures baffle me

Especially with sums like these

- Can I do anything in return? - Well, I'm off to Morocco for a week

G�rard will be alone; could he perhaps stay with you?

He's very depressed

Of course. Paul's coming, too; we've no shortage of rooms

That's wonderful

Chin up; this has been a terrible tragedy

- She's as rich as Croesus now - That won't change anything

It will; I'll be here

Elisabeth's only keeping Mariette and the chauffeur

Only Mariette for eighteen rooms?

You did agree to stay here?

Well, I was lonely

- I'll be here, so nothing's changed - Full house, except for G�rard

- Am I in the way? - You're joking

Well, I'm a widow

Wearing mourning, anyway

It's awful to say, but mourning suits you

- You think so? - So does callousness

The veil's striking...

...but the sun's so hard on it - That's it, I give up!

- You like your room? - I'm scared, all alone on that floor

I want Agathe's room

Then you can move in with me

Room for one more!

I forgot to say; G�rard's staying while his uncle's away

House full!

In that abstract room that could be reborn anywhere...

...Michael lived on after his death

And a mystery resolved itself

Elisabeth married Michael not for his charm, wealth or looks

She married him for his death

Agathe, dear, be good enough not to count out loud

He's so sensitive that anything upsets him

- Shut up! - This is my room

Please don't interfere, G�rard

I'll leave you to it, then

Would you pick up that coverlet, G�rard?

Pick up that coverlet, G�rard

I hate untidyness

Once in the mysterious gallery...

...Paul became as wary as a prowling cat

Stopping, turning, sniffing at the furnishings...

...he found there no building site or snowball fight...

...but did sense profound echoes of a former life

Dominated by Agathe, his pride suffered

Not realizing he loved her and her sweetness should conquer him...

...he fought against what he thought must be his dream

The gallery housed screens for a never-built winter garden...

...as absurd, clumsy and inelegant as everything else in here

Paul unfolded them and made ramparts of them...

...a sort of Chinoiserie city

An old carpet completed his masterpiece

Wrapped in blankets, he went to sleep

Their old room gradually came to life again in this gallery

The lamp, the "Turkey Red", the bed...

...the chair, the bottles, the Treasure chest...

...the moustachioed bust

After a visit or two, Elisabeth, Agathe and G�rard...

...moved in, unable to resist Paul's exciting new artificial roomscape

It's really the only possible room

It is nice

- It's awful being rich - I'd imagine so

- Do I look rich? - No, you always look like a beggar

Good. I was afraid of wealth

- Come in, then - May I?

There speaks the wealth

Paul, I feel lost

Lost, alone... I'll never get my room right

You have Agathe and G�rard with you

No, they keep to their rooms, go out together a lot

Go out together?

I let them use the car

What can they talk about?

We intimidate them

Alone, they feel free to talk

- What about? - About us

And those cranks make you feel lost?

I longed for my own room, but I hate it

Sharing with you again would be hell

Good

But I hate my room

You were lucky to find this

You must love your desert island, your Chinoiserie

It's all right

One could "go" here

Go where?

You know... our game

I'm too old for that

Sorry to hear it

Where are you going?

Nowhere

What Paul's letter said was this...

"Agathe, I'm mailing this because I dare not leave it in your room

"Don't be cross... I love you

"Stupidly, I thought you meant me harm

"If you don't love me, too, I'll die

"Answer this, I beg you. I'll be waiting in my gallery"

Unfortunately, instead of putting Agathe's name on the envelope...

...Paul wrote his own

She felt unwell

I'll see if she wants anything

No, she asked to be left alone

What did she say?

She thinks Paul hates her

- Eat up - I'm not hungry

Go and question Paul, then; find out what he's got against us all

- I'll see Agathe - She said not to

Leave her to me; go and see Paul

He'll say nothing

Could you oblige me, for once, by not being so stupid?

He'll be furious

He never is now; that's the odd thing

- What's going on here? - Nothing

Something did this to you

Nothing, I tell you. Leave me alone, I'm sick of myself

It's G�rard, isn't it? He said something to hurt you

No, let me alone

- Not till I cheer you up - You can't

Serious as all that? Are you in love?

Just let me alone

Calm down; blow your nose

Now tell me

I love him. I adore him. He despises me

What right has he to despise you? Did he tell you he does?

Lucky for him, then. If you love him, the two of you must marry

You're so kind, Lise

- But he doesn't love me - Are you sure?

G�rard is very shy

It's not G�rard... I'm talking about Paul

Now that's astonishing; I'd never have guessed

That really is a surprise

Tell me

There's nothing to tell. I loved Paul from the very first

I didn't dare say anything. I liked his teasing...

...could have put up with his insults in order to be near him

But he's avoiding me now; I can't stand that

It's very simple. I'll talk to Paul

No, please; don't let him even suspect

Leave it to me; if Paul loves you, it's all for the best

I'll find out how he feels without giving you away

Trust me; don't budge from this room

Her heart thudding, nothing could stop her now

She was not even thinking

The genie of the room had taken her over...

...as other spirits do a financier in crisis...

...a sailor facing shipwreck, a criminal in need of an alibi

Paul's in a strange mood, he wants to see you

- How's the invalid? - She asked to be left alone

- I was going up - She said not to

Wait in my room while I see Paul

I've come to see how you are. Agathe is ill

Not ill, unwell. She needs rest

Did she say anything... about a letter?

What letter?

I can't take any more, Lise

So I'll tell you; a letter from me

Writing to someone living here?

Ridiculous, I know, but I hoped the unexpected might lend fate a hand...

...if you were all there together

What does the letter say?

That I love her

Yes, Lise, I'm crazy about her

For days I've refused to admit it

I'm mad about Agathe

Well, now...

She said nothing? You noticed nothing?

I'm the last person she'd tell

The little fool!

Wait here a minute for me. I must talk seriously with you

Agathe says she had no letter...

...but it can't have flown away

Didn't she seem upset, angry, agitated in some way?

No, she was perfectly calm

I'll be back right away

There it was, the yellow envelope like a crumpled leaf on the tray

It was Paul's writing...

...a clumsy schoolboy scrawl...

...but, as you know, the envelope bore Paul's own name

He had written to himself

It was typical of him, . He'll never change

Agathe's asleep, but there's an envelope on her dresser

A yellow one

Like those

She didn't mention it?

No. I don't want her ever to know I saw it, so don't mention it to her

She'd have to lie

Don't cry, darling; you're a man now

There's something I kept from you, because...

What?

Agathe is in love...

...with someone else

You've got all your signals crossed. Agathe is no Queen Athalie

She's just small-time, after all

- Who is it? - Brace yourself... G�rard

It's odd he didn't tell you. I intimidate him

He probably thought you'd jeer at them

It's perfectly natural

Little goose, nice boy... they're made for each other

G�rard will have his uncle's money and head a nice bourgeois family

Nothing stands in their way

It would be criminal to interfere

You can't, just because of a passing fancy

It's grotesque

True, but you have to accept it

I can't do that, Lise

Don't be silly

Agathe wants to forget the letter

Let her think it was a whim. Keep away from her

I'd better go away

That would be silly; just pretend nothing happened

The wedding will keep them busy, and that'll be an end to it

The task had to be completed

Instinct told her that assassins strike blow upon blow...

...without drawing back

Prowling like a spider in the darkness...

...she spun her glittering web through the night...

...working slowly, effortlessly, unceasingly

Must you always shout?

Sorry, I'm upset

Paul's sick. The doctor will know if it's 'flu or a relapse

I've told him to stay in bed and see no one

I'm off home, anyway

I want to talk to you

What are you doing about Agathe?

Doing? Why?

Are you pulling my leg?

She loves you and can't understand your silence

She imagines you love me

An absurd and revolting idea, given my great wealth

You've no place to hide, so stop mooning around me

Marry Agathe, and keep my role in all this from her

I couldn't bear for her to think she owes her happiness to me

- I don't believe this - So that's settled; off you go

I'll tell Agathe you love her and have shed your delusions of grandeur

Kiss me, and admit how happy you are

If it's what you want

Paul doesn't love you; he's incapable of loving anyone

His monstrous egotism would destroy any woman

I'll die

No, you won't. G�rard is fine, honest, loving, and can offer you a future

You love him without realizing it

But Paul...

He's delighted to know you and G�rard are in love

Just make a happy announcement of your marriage...

...and he'll never guess your foolishness

Thank you, Lise... you're so good

Don't thank me; I'd hate to see you suffer

Now go to sleep

She felt calm, unburdened...

...but her heart began to beat faster...

...as she saw Paul on the stairs...

...once more prey to one of his sleepwalking attacks

All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand

Her eyes cast down, Elisabeth washed her appalling hands

I don't understand this relapse; he should be moved to a comfortable room

Paul won't have it

Try to persuade him

He doesn't look too bad

Not in that red light; in daylight it's a different story

He shouldn't be left alone

Leave it!

Just looking at you

What did the doctor say?

That you looked awful

Are Agathe and G�rard back?

They're lunching tomorrow

I'll join you

Mustn't miss the performance

- So you're happy? - Very

- Does G�rard beat you? - Poor G�rard... I'm the difficult one

Guess who I met in Marseilles; Dargelos

- Has he changed? - He's paler, like you

You'd swear he's Agathe's brother

He's friendlier; his arrogance is gone

He shuttles to and from Indo-China for a car firm

He asked if I still saw Snowball...

...meaning you

Then he asked if you still liked poisons

Poisons?

Just to have, to look at, to know it's there. It's wonderful

How horrible!

Why horrible? I used to cook up "poisons", with labels on the bottles

They're insane, G�rard

Dargelos had Indian, Chinese, Mexican poisons

"Snowball wanted to collect them", he said, "but I'm the one doing it"

A present from Dargelos

The ball of poison imposed silence...

...fascinating and repellent...

...as a single serpent's coil revealing several heads

It stank...

...of pestilence and geraniums

He wouldn't send poison

I'll tell you what it is; it's what natives use to poison their arrows

Don't give it to Paul; he's so careless

Paul? Just watch... Eat it!

So brave, so careless!

- Eat it yourself, idiot! - And delight you by dying? No thanks

It goes in the Treasure

In a tin, it smells so

Reverently she put it away...

...tongue slightly protruding, like a witch sticking pins in a figurine

Throw it away, Paul

We've a gun already

The gem of our Treasure

Give it to G�rard to throw in the Seine

Paul and I don't care for petty minds

Take that as read

It was a Sunday and snowing

Elisabeth stayed in bed all day

She slept. She dreamed...

Paul was dead, walking in a strange way

She took the blue path...

...leading to the blue carpet in the gallery

She wore an unfamiliar dressing- gown, not her usual towelling one

She climbed a hillock

Passing one of the screens, she found the Chinese room gone...

...and Paul lying on the billiard-table

The table's name was Melancholy

She leaned over Paul, her left hand touching the automatic marker...

...her right hand on his

Paul said..."It's the departure bell"

Doubtless the marker clicking

Lucky someone let you in

I've a key. How's Paul?

Asleep, probably. Why?

He wrote that he was taking poison. Mariette must have brought the letter

Probably a leg-pull

Don't stand there, call the doctor

He's gone to the country. It's Sunday... there isn't anyone

Get some hot coffee

Put your fur over him

Look at me, Paul; say something

Drink...

Don't frighten me so, Paul

What did that letter mean?

It's your fault, Agathe

Then Paul explained

Haltingly, in whispers, he revealed the truth

Agathe listened, stunned

Like the poison spreading its noxious fumes...

...the plot laid bare its hideous mechanisms

Elisabeth lied to you, Paul. I told her I loved you

- You must live - Too late, Agathe

Don't drink that!

Me, poison him?

You're capable of it

You're out of your mind

Monster!

Maybe, but I'm no coward

I couldn't let Agathe take you from me

She's going to shoot, Paul!

Make life unliveable, that's the answer

Revolt life so much that it cannot stand me any longer

Be so hideous that it spits in my very face

She's mad, she'll kill me

You're wrong. I'm not the one who's mad, you are

I have to hold on to the end, but the end is slow in coming

It isn't easy

Listen, Paul... look at me

I know you hear me, Paul. Make an effort

Don't let go. Calculate, add, multiply with me

I'll lead you, come on, calculate, don't let go

Come on, you're under my spell

I'm hypnotizing you

Help!