Original subtitles

Restoration and digitisation carried out with the help of the CNC

THE LOVE OF A WOMAN

Next.

Next.

Next.

- Next! - Aline!

Come now, Aline.

Don't start crying. The others weren't scared.

- Jeannot, tell her it doesn't hurt. - It's nothing.

- Go on. - My arm's getting tired.

You can do it. Go on.

There, all done.

You drop your arm, and you realise you've grown old.

Time to let the youngsters take over.

Is she arriving today?

Her boat's due any minute.

We shall miss you.

And I'll miss you, but you won't be here much longer either.

This is my last year. Then, finally, I'll get some rest.

Eternal rest for me.

I'm wanted.

Hello, Miss Prieur.

What a journey!

It can be a difficult crossing.

That's my luggage-

Here's the dispensary.

It's not very modern,

but there is one advantage.

There's no possible competition here.

You'll have your work cut out.

George was stretched to the limit, and he's a man.

Was a man.

My battle field.

I fought my 30 Years' War here.

Now it's your turn.

I'm not afraid.

But, Georges, will they take a girl of 20 seriously?

- You flatter me, madam. I'm 28. - 28? That's still young.

If she were 70, she'd be retiring, like me.

Yes, of course. Come.

No, really, I don't get it.

My mother would never have let me do this job.

My mother did all she could to help me.

Women have to work these days, so they may as well do a job they love.

Speaking as a woman, I'd rather be a baker or a florist.

- Each to their own. - Your room.

That's the La Jument lighthouse.

Splendid, don't you think?

I'm short-sighted.

And I've seen it every day for 30 years.

- It's lovely. - Yes.

It's like you, all alone at sea.

Well, so long for now.

Are we letting it go?

We have to. We can't take it to school with us.

Now that she's here with the others she'll forget all about us.

No, she won't. We'll come back and see her often.

Bye-bye, Nenette. Do you love me?

Come on, we're late.

What about school?

It's not my fault. Grandpa's ill.

Their grandpa is the verger.

He's got arthritis. I expect he needs another drink.

We'll go and see him. Then you'll have met nearly all of them.

No serious cases, then.

They're simple people with simple ailments.

Is that the fog signal?

Yes. The men come from all over. Poland, Italy, even France.

They'll be pleased to see a pretty girl.

DOCTOR MARIE PRIEUR

Has Dr Morel gone?

Yes, the boat's left.

Joséphine?

Joséphine?

Nothing to report, Miss.

No telephone calls?

None, I swear.

Good, that means no one's ill.

Perhaps they are, but they don't dare say so.

Am I that frightening?

- Get the door! - Yes, Miss.

- Good day, Miss Leblanc. - Is Miss Prieur in?

Yes, Miss.

I'm not ill, but I still needed to see you.

You've had your hair done.

Yes, I had a perm. It's not too ugly, I hope?

On the contrary.

I wanted to ask you...

It's for a child's dress.

Do you think this will do?

I don't know.

What a pity!

I thought, coming from Paris, you'd have a better idea than me.

You make all your own dresses and they're so pretty.

- Am I bothering you? - No.

- Have a seat. - Thank you.

Are you settling in OK?

I was your age when I came here.

It was during the holidays.

My house was far too big for me.

I spent hours at my window

watching my future students who did not know me yet.

To have someone to talk to

I bought tins of food one by one from the grocer.

And then term began and changed all that.

Suddenly the school was full of children singing, playing and shouting.

It cheered me up no end.

Did you never think of marrying?

I often thought about it.

But all those children made so much noise.

40 children take up a lot of space.

I'm glad you came here today.

Really?

Yes. I haven't got any pupils.

You will have, and their parents,

once you've spent 20 years on this island.

20 years.

It sounds like a prison sentence, but it goes very quickly.

Has someone died?

There they are already. I must join them in church.

What is that?

It's a Proella ceremony. It means the return of the souls.

The wax cross represents the body of a sailor lost at sea.

Nearly all the men here are sailors.

Do you know the widow?

Fernande? Of course. She was a good pupil.

Just you wait, Marcel! Funerals are no laughing matter.

Oh, those two!

They were born mischievous, always playing tricks.

They're lighthouse keepers.

I made them walk in line, too.

Only today it's for a death.

Does Fernande have any children?

Yes, Aline, an adorable child.

The little dress is for her.

Actually, where is Aline?

She should be here.

I bet she is ill again.

- Is she sickly? - You can say that again.

She's a constant source of worry.

Let's go and see her.

Never mind the church. The dead need us less than the living.

- They haven't asked for me. - I'm asking for you.

Come along.

Oh, Nenette! My little Nenette.

I had to run after her. She didn't want to leave the herd.

Is it true what I'm hearing? Are you not pleased to see me?

Lie back. You're bathed in sweat.

Yes, I'm hot like in summer.

Pull the covers up. It's Miss Leblanc.

What's wrong?

Her mother said it was nothing.

We'll see about that.

Do I frighten you, Aline?

Stick out your tongue.

I've seen the pretty dress Miss Leblanc is making for you.

- The checked one? - Mm-hm.

- Have you seen this toy before? - Yes, you stole it from Dr Morel.

- Don't tell anyone. - No.

Let's play together, then. Hold her arms.

There.

Now breathe deeply, through your mouth.

Breathe deeply, sweetheart.

Lie back now.

You were right to bring me.

The poor child has enough on her plate.

- Run along, Jeannot. - Don't fret.

It's curable these days.

Why is the doctor here?

I don't know.

What have you clone to my little Aline?

She needs medical attention.

I didn't call you.

You should have done.

For a chill?

Such expense, just for a common cold.

It's pneumonia.

Pneumonia?

- So you say. - I know better than you do.

She needs intensive treatment.

Dear God.

As if I didn't have enough trouble already.

Here, fetch this medicine. I'll come back tomorrow.

With the bill?

- Will you be paying? - No, I...

You'd rather let a child die?

Here you go.

Good bye.

Well, that told you!

Don't worry, we'll soon put her in her place.

Still more.

What's that thing?

Have a look.

Recognise me?

I should say so.

And there?

Your mother?

She was still young.

Yes.

She ought to be there with me.

No, this one's blurred.

Telephone.

Hello?

Yes.

An accident?

Is it serious?

Right, I'm on my way.

- I'm Dr Prieur. - I know.

- Where's the injured man? - Injured?

I was told he'd lost two fingers.

That sounds bad. You'd better come in.

Good evening.

Hey, lads, which of you has lost two fingers?

One, two, three, four, five, and five makes ten.

I've got all mine.

What about your feet?

What is this about?

A false alarm by telephone.

Well, it's not funny.

You must be frozen.

Come in.

Come near the fire.

- Do you smoke? - No, thanks.

Your tiny hand is frozen

And night is falling fast...

I won't disturb you any longer.

I hate practical jokes.

It's just a bit of fun.

Particularly when they're aimed at me.

I'll come with you.

I'll have a word with this joker.

- Do you know him? - He won't be hard to find.

- Please don't worry. - But this concerns me, too.

I'm in charge of the site.

The film star looks delighted to be leaving with the pretty lady.

He climbs up beside her in a superb jeep.

The engine starts and they're off.

But how will the film star get back to his castle?

On Shanks's pony, gentlemen!

A fog signal four hours from the mainland.

It hasn't always been easy, but it's fascinating work.

I'm sure.

Have you seen the bridge we've built between the rocks?

- No. - You must see that.

Is there much still to do?

We should be finished in three or four months, and then...

Then?

Depends on the contractor.

He might send me to the Pyrenees or Marrakech

to build a power station or a dam.

You have a fine job.

Well, you can't complain.

Medicine's complicated these days.

How do you remember it all?

You can learn anything. Engineering's no different.

The day you arrived I thought,

"The poor girl's going to suffer here."

At first people resented me.

Now they're starting to call.

Yes, with practical jokes.

Not always.

Well, here we are.

Already? You drive too fast.

It's only three miles.

Pity!

Good night.

Don't go to bed. You may be needed.

Let me tell you something.

Doctors are donkeys, she-donkeys.

Because of them I can't touch a drop at home anymore.

What harm can a drop of rum do to an adult?

It would be different if I was a baby.

Well, go on.

So I said, "Doctor, come to the fog signal building site.

"There's been an accident."

Very good!

She said, "Is it serious?"

I said, "Very. He's lost two fingers"

Jolly good!

Quick as a flash she drove over in her jeep.

Jolly good!

And what next?

What next?

Gentlemen.

- Good night, Father. - Good night.

A brandy and a packet of Gauloises.

And all for nothing.

That's why we sent her.

Jolly good!

It's late for you.

I was bored,

and this is a good place for laughs.

I like jokes, too.

- Yes? - 3, please.

Hold the line.

Doctor?

Come to the café straight away.

Some jokers here are in a spot of bother.

Yes, it's serious.

Jolly good!

Yes.

Stay out of it. We don't know you.

You know me very well.

I'm the engineer who's lost two fingers.

Stop this nonsense!

For Pete's sake, stop it. What good will it do?

Good timing. They're fighting for you.

For me? I never asked for this. They should mind their own business.

You should be ashamed of yourselves. Especially you.

Let me see that.

Very pretty.

Thug!

It's broken, and all because of a practical joke.

I'm not happy about this.

- Hello, Josephine. - Hello, Miss Leblanc.

She won't be long.

- Just one moment. - Thank you.

- Ah, hello, Germaine. - Hello, Marie.

Is your nose better?

Yes, it's fixed.

If only it would teach you a lesson!

No, nothing doing.

But, Miss...

I said no!

Poor sod.

He goes all round the island looking for a drink.

And no one will give him one?

I told everyone not to.

That is a good joke.

Off you go.

- Goodbye, Yves. - Goodbye, Doctor.

Not him again!

- Who is it? - The engineer.

Does he frighten you?

- He looks harmless enough. - He exasperates me.

- Why? - He's a bore.

He's been asking me out for a fortnight.

I keep turning him down, but I can't get rid of him.

Accept, then.

I have better things to do.

What? In the evenings?

I have to consult my medical journals.

That sounds fun!

You're not in love with him, are you?

You must be joking.

Why not? You're single. Enjoy yourself.

These opportunities don't come along all that often.

Excuse me.

Hello?

You again?

I've told you, I can't.

No.

No.

You'll have to excuse me. I'm expecting a call.

No, please don't hang up.

Yes. It's a party for Lulu's birthday.

He'd love you to come.

The workmen want you to inaugurate the site.

There'll be a dozen of us there. What harm can it do?

The things he says!

A glass of white wine, as usual.

Father!

You heard the medical experts: no alcohol.

But the doctoress has just given me permission.

Got a prescription?

Do you enjoy tormenting your old school friend?

That's just it, I'm fond of you.

I don't want your death on my conscience.

What about you, chaps?

I barely recognised you.

You look so much better since you went teetotal.

Very funny!

Great.

At last. Let's go. She's accepted.

She's accepted? Let's have a drink to celebrate.

- Tomorrow. - Bye.

You can all go to hell. I won't even ring the bells for you.

Thank you.

She's done for.

I just know she is.

Don't be like that.

The doctor will save Aline.

She's been here for more than three hours.

If it were hopeless she'd leave.

- Do you think so? - Yes.

Here, Fernande.

The pulse is better.

Coffee, Miss?

No, thank you. I've not eaten yet.

You must be hungry. It's nearly midnight.

We've been a nuisance.

Look!

She seems better.

No, let her sleep.

Are you going?

Don't worry, she'll be fine. The worst is over.

Miss Prieur, I take my hat off to you.

Dr Morel wouldn't have known how to do what you've done.

He was an excellent doctor.

Yes, but he was very old.

There's nothing like modern methods, right?

Indeed. I'll see you in the morning.

- Good night. - Good night, Miss.

Is that you, Mr Lorenzi?

Surprised?

I'd have warned you, but I couldn't leave Aline.

You have nothing to apologise for.

I'd have waited all night.

You would?

The dinner party was just for fun.

I thought you might enjoy it.

But when you didn't come,

I realised I couldn't be without you.

I am very glad.

Me too.

I mean I am very glad to be with you now.

I want to tell someone about the good I have done.

I thought I'd be all alone.

And here you are.

Yes.

It was awful for an hour.

I watched her breathing. I was so worried.

I held her hand in mine...

like this.

I listened to her heartbeat.

When she stretched out her fingers...

I knew I'd won.

I admire you.

It's late.

Yes, let's not stay here. We might be seen.

What does that matter?

No one wishes us any harm.

André...

I'm happy.

Please forgive me, darling. I couldn't wait until this evening.

Very sneaky. I went to the site to see you, too.

Really?

I was passing and I couldn't resist.

Close your eyes.

Why?

They make me want to kiss you.

You're tormenting me.

You've cut yourself.

Distracted by thoughts of you while I was shaving.

- Be careful. - You too. Everyone is watching.

So what?

It might be bad for you.

Perhaps.

- See you tonight. - Yes, as usual.

Will you be late again?

Don't be angry.

How could I be? It's your job.

Do as I say.

- Shake my hand politely. - Yes.

Tighter.

Squeeze tighter.

NOUNS: YOUTH IS THE SPRINGTIME OF LIFE

To what do I owe the pleasure? I thought you were too busy.

No.

I've finished my rounds. I came to say hello.

How kind of you.

And to tell you I saw Jeannot on the moor.

I have other worries.

- What's wrong? - You, Marie.

You're making a fool of yourself.

I'm doing no harm.

You're ruining your situation

for a passing affair, that's all.

Can't I live a little?

Yes, Marie, but there'll be a price to pay.

You've done years of study. You're a valuable asset.

You have established yourself

and you'd throw that all away for a wastrel.

You're being unfair.

Even if he married you,

would you be sure of keeping him?

We've never spoken of marriage.

Your career is yours... forever.

I came to tell you not to worry about Jeannot.

Getting ready to go?

Yes, change the subject. I'm tidying up.

You have plenty of time before the holidays.

I won't be needing these woollens again.

Anyway, I want it over and done with.

It feels like dying, having to keep on saying,

"I won't wear that woollen again.

"I won't be teaching that lesson again."

Today, I taught them about the Revolution.

I nearly wept to think I'd never do that again.

Why not stay?

Stay here all alone?

I'd only haunt the school like a ghost.

Wearing different dresses?

Marie...

I wish you as much happiness as these dresses have given me.

Don't laugh.

Come and see.

Look at those children.

They call me old mother Leblanc, but they'll never forget me,

any more than any of the others who used to play here.

Do you think a man could have given me such a big family?

- But you're going. - So?

Do you think I'm going to vegetate when I retire?

No, I'll raise other children and then still more.

I owe this life to my profession, Marie,

and to my profession alone.

I'll get them in.

- What's wrong? - Aren't you well, Miss Leblanc?

Stand aside. The poor woman needs air.

Fetch the doctor.

I'll go.

Aged 12 I wanted to be 16, so I could be a sailor.

Aged 15 I wanted to be 18, so I could kiss a girl.

Aged 22 I wanted to be 30, so I could be the engineer I am today.

Now it's the opposite. I want to be right where I am.

You're better at it than I am.

- I learned at school. - Me too, in Naples.

We played for bars of chocolate.

I'm not having that. You're cheating!

Why are you laughing?

I was the same when I was ten. I always had to win.

I've got it.

I was missing something about you.

I know what it is now.

This pebble is your childhood.

It's just let me hear your girlish laughter.

Now I know the little girl you once were.

Your hair fell over your eyes.

You fought the boys.

You hugged the cats so tight, your toys were covered in scratches.

And your eyes...

They were always light.

They didn't change colour as they do now.

I don't want to lose you.

My darling.

We can never separate.

The work's nearly finished.

Who says I have to leave on my own?

What do you mean?

Can't you guess?

André, is it true?

Have you really been thinking that?

For our honeymoon we'll go to Italy, just like everyone else does.

Only we won't need a hotel.

There's mamma in Rome, a sister in Florence, an uncle in Palermo

and cousins everywhere. You must kiss them all.

Anything you say-

Where shall we live?

No more travelling. That's for bachelors.

We'll stay at home and you won't need to work.

My work is not so hard.

Still, you'd be better off at home.

But What Will I do?

Like any happy woman,

you'll be happy.

But I like my job.

Yes, of course, but...

women only work until a man comes along.

Now you've found your man you don't need your job.

You don't understand.

It's much more important than that.

More important than me?

Well? Answer me.

Do you remember that first night in the jeep?

We spoke about our jobs

and we understood one another perfectly.

You even told me that I was lucky to be a doctor.

What's changed?

I'm thinking of us now.

Think of me, too.

That's what I'm doing.

Didn't you hear what I just said?

The two of us.

Yes, I heard.

But the two of us means you.

It's better than you on your own.

André!

The passing bell.

Someone's died.

Then they won't be needing you.

I must go back to Lampaul.

Marie!

You're leaving, just like that?

There.

She has everything she needs.

It happened so suddenly.

You couldn't have done much.

She didn't suffer.

I must give Aline her tea.

You go, Fernande.

I'd like to eat something before vespers.

Goodbye, Miss.

There's a storm brewing.

Yes, it's not weather to be out and about in.

Aline.

It's very important for you to be there today.

You know how fond Miss Leblanc was of you.

She mustn't feel as if you've forgotten her.

Don't make her unhappy.

And don't get your dress dirty.

She's dead.

What happened?

It was the wind. She was blown off the cliff.

Poor Nenette.

She may not be quite dead.

Jeannot, please do something.

All the joy of living,

of being a wife and mother,

you renounced it, Germaine Leblanc,

to devote yourself to children who were not your own.

These children that you loved were all different.

You made room for them in your heart, but you couldn't keep them there.

How you must have suffered from this indifference,

but you chose the narrow door

and the endless road where the saints walk alone.

You were pricked by the thorns on the wayside.

Your tortured soul now appears before God.

You have arrived at last.

But this thorny path is not the only road to heaven.

There are others lined with flowers and fruit

which Christians can gather in passing.

You can pick the flowers and fruit on this earth

for God put them there for you.

If you are only a grain of corn in the field

do not envy the poplar which reaches up to heaven.

Remain a grain of corn among millions of others.

Be the seed of life.

Where can they be?

Jeannot's a bad influence on Aline.

- They're as bad as one another. - On today of all days!

There you are. How could you?

Miss Leblanc was wrong to love you so much.

You didn't even shed a tear for her.

You didn't even watch her depart.

We couldn't.

Stand up.

Your dress is in tatters.

It was meant to be a reminder of her.

Miss...

What do you want?

It's about our lamb.

I'm talking about Miss Leblanc who sacrificed her life for you

and all you can think about is your sheep.

You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Well, Jeannot, aren't you ashamed?

I don't know.

It's enough to drive you to despair.

Run along now.

What about Nenette?

Nenette.

At least now you can cry.

Off you go.

Hurry up and cover the equipment.

Then we can get away from here.

- What's the hurry? - I can see you're in no hurry!

A couple more days won't make any difference.

Look, there's your shadow.

What's up?

André, take me away from here.

- What have they done to you? - I was mad not to listen to you.

You were right all along.

- You've thought it over? - Yes, I see now.

My job would have kept us apart.

We'd have lived different lives under the same roof.

We'd have been together but alone.

So what do you want?

To be your wife.

I want you to love me. I want to need you.

I can't live alone.

You should have seen that funeral service.

Nobody was crying.

"Do you think a man could have given me such a big family?"

I'm scared. Don't leave me.

- You won't change your mind? - Don't leave me.

I won't.

We'll leave as soon as you can.

It won't be long. You'll see.

- I'll call François. - François?

A friend from medical school. He's looking for a job.

He can replace me.

Do you see how easy that was?

Yes, my love.

What's wrong?

I knew I'd find you here.

There's a message from the lighthouse.

A man with a stomach pains. They're asking for the doctor.

- Is he vomiting? - I don't know.

But it sounds serious.

OK, I'll go.

You can go in the lifeboat.

I must go home first.

- To change? - Yes, and to get my instruments.

I'm afraid that...

Come with me. I need you.

- I won't be much use to you. - Please come.

- Is the relief keeper on his way? - He's been alerted.

- And the doctor? - Putting on her lipstick.

Sit over there, Miss.

Sorry, no tourists, Mr Lorenzi.

- Can't I go with her? - No.

I won't be long, darling.

Let's go!

Well, what's up, Marcel?

Have you had this hernia for long?

I usually manage it myself.

But today you couldn't push it back in.

You men are all the same. You wait till the last minute.

Suppose I hadn't been able to come?

Stick out your tongue.

Right, let's fix you up.

Pass me my case and bring me some hot water.

And I must have more light.

You, clear that table.

Yves, bring the small table over here.

Here's hot water.

Over there.

Move my case and wash your hands.

Lift him onto the table, gently.

- Do as I do. - Yes, Doctor.

Pull up his shirt. And bring the lamps over.

It hurts.

Of course it does.

Do you really need to operate?

I can't leave you like this.

Hold the lamp straight.

It won't take long.

Does that still hurt?

No.

Not so much.

My stomach feels like wood.

It's funny.

Do you think so?

Hold that.

Hold the retractors.

Málaga,

the Mediterranean...

There are so many barrels in the port, you can't even see the city.

Now, that's a city!

Australia... Now, that's an island.

You can't walk round it like this one.

People who say it's wild haven't been there.

I've been there, like I said.

You can get any whisky: American, Canadian, Scotch.

You don't even know what whisky is. You know what you're missing?

You've never travelled or got an education.

Rah, vodka, schnapps.

Tafia, ratafia.

Do you know what tafia is? You're an engineer.

It's just a sort of rum.

They drink it in the West Indies.

The West Indies! On the other side of the world.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

- I was told you sold magazines. - Yes, which one do you want?

Arts et Décors.

It's a magazine about decoration.

Decoration?

Not the military cross, of course.

The lady is talking about painting and curtains.

- Isn't that right, Miss? - Yes.

Oh, right. I'll have it sent over from Brest.

Thank you.

- Good night. - Goodbye.

She is the new teacher.

As I was saying, tafia...

But it's just a distant memory like brandy, gin and the five continents.

Today, I'm a verger.

I sing Christian hymns and I drink water.

They're back.

Marie!

We'll all have a drink to warm ourselves up.

Drinks all round on me.

How did it go?

Terrific! She was terrific.

She rode the storm like a sea dog.

She patched Marcel up before he realised what was happening.

- I did my best. - I can vouch for that.

- You helped me. - You should have seen her.

- We obeyed her like kids. - Yes!

- Good health. - Cheers.

Not drinking, André?

Don't worry about me.

Say, Albert,

you with your belly aches,

you should get her to open you up.

You'd better hurry. I'll be leaving soon.

- You're leaving us? - As soon as I find a replacement.

You must be tired.

No, I feel fine.

Give me another.

You can't leave us. We won't let you.

- You are one of us now. - That's nice of you, but...

Midnight, Christians

Is the solemn hour

When God as man descended unto us

To erase the stain of original sin

And to end the wrath of His Father

The entire world thrills with hope

On this night...

André!

Where are you going?

To bed. I'm not in a party mood.

- Don't be angry. - Angry?

Why should I be angry? You stay and have fun with them.

What have I done?

Nothing.

Then stay with me.

Marie, you should have seen how your eyes shone.

No wonder you didn't feel tired.

I've seen you happy, but never like that.

It's only natural.

Of course.

Let's not argue in the street.

I'm not arguing, but...

- No, good night. - André!

Don't be stupid. Nothing's changed.

We'll go off together.

Listen, I'll call François now.

And wake the poor boy up in the middle of the night?

Yes. I don't want to see you like this.

Is that you, Miss Marie?

Come inside. There's some nice hot soup.

Come on.

Shall I fetch another plate?

No, there's no need.

- Go and change. You're soaked. - No, afterwards.

Hello?

Get me number 22-57 in Rennes, for Lampaul 3.

Thank you.

A few minutes.

Go and change.

Very good, sir.

She must be brainy to understand all that.

Is what she says true? Are you taking her away?

So it would seem.

You can go to bed now, Joséphine.

Don't let the soup get cold.

- And rest. - I will.

Goodbye. Good night, Miss.

Good night, Joséphine.

Now let's have a smile.

François will be here in three clays, I'll show him the ropes

and then we can go and kiss those Italian cousins.

Then we'll go home

and I'll be your wife, your happy wife.

Look at me, André. What more do you want?

I'm doing what you want.

Willingly or begrudgingly?

That's unkind.

I can see it all so clearly.

You're giving up your job for me. That's very kind of you.

But I saw just now that I was asking too much.

But you're not.

I am. You'll regret it one clay and you'll blame me.

You're heartless, André.

Don't you realise what I've just done?

Yes, I heard. You were "terrific".

It's not that.

I can't take any more of this. You keep talking and talking.

Listen to me.

I love you enough to give up everything I've loved for ten years,

everything which gave me my security, my independence,

even my pride.

And you're not satisfied?

No, I'm not satisfied.

Because I don't want a wife who has regrets.

And I want a home, not a prison.

My darling, it's quite simple.

I have better things to do.

Then you'll end up alone forever.

There are other men in the world.

Marie.

Marie.

What are we saying? We must be mad.

I'm sorry, my love.

Me too.

I forget everything when I'm in your arms.

I want you to be happy.

I will be.

If in order to be happy you need to stay in your job

then I'll try to get used to it, as long as you love me.

Oh, darling!

My darling!

I'll put you first, I promise.

I won't take on too much.

I'll just have a few patients.

And if we have children?

I'll take even better care of them than my patients.

When?

During consulting hours?

- You're overcomplicating things. - Me?

I don't know anyone less complicated than me.

All I ask for is a wife who is there for me,

one who will be a mother to my children.

Isn't that the best job there is?

I don't know anymore.

You just said that if I wanted to keep my job

you'd try to get used to it.

And now you talk about "my wife", "my children", "my home".

You sound like your grandfather.

My grandmother wasn't a doctor, she was a mother.

She raised four kids. They were her pride and joy.

Well, that's not enough for me.

That's your misfortune.

Hello?

Yes.

Is that you, François?

Marie Prieur here.

It's not that late.

How are things?

What are you up to?

A tracheotomy, all on your own?

You're making great strides. The boss will be pleased.

No.

No, I haven't forgotten him.

It's not that long ago.

Yes, he liked me.

Oh, I'm just a country doctor.

Even so, this afternoon I operated in a lighthouse,

in a storm.

You're too kind.

Just as I thought.

What's got into you?

You'd said all you had to say.

I didn't even have time to tell him to come.

You should have started with that.

If you'd really wanted to you would have.

Why is this so difficult?

You're going?

I think that's enough for tonight.

Tomorrow's another day.

Yes?

Yes, it's over.

What is it?

- Is everything loaded? - Not yet.

We should have left an hour ago.

- You said there was no hurry. - Well, there is now.

We'll put your cases on top.

- Why? - In case you change your mind.

- Mind your own business. - Right, boss.

- You can go. - What's eating him this morning?

Just a lovers' tiff. They'll soon kiss and make up.

Are they leaving today?

Hello, Miss.

I'm sorry to disturb you.

I was at the café this morning and you'd left this there

so I've brought it over for you.

Thank you very much.

Actually, I wanted to make your acquaintance.

I'm the new teacher

and I feel a bit lost, being here all alone.

Come in.

Thank you.

- Well? - Give me a light.

Why not go and get your lighter?

No.

I may never meet another girl like Marie,

but that's precisely why...

I have no right to turn her into something she's not.

You're complicated.

Yes.

So I've been told.

Did you pass by the harbour?

Yes, I saw the workmen leaving.

They seemed so happy to be going.

Didn't you hear them singing?

Have they all gone?

I think so.

Now, what was I saying? Oh, yes, interior decoration.

I want the house to be ready for when Maurice arrives.

There.

They're leaving the harbour.

Maurice is my fiancé.

We made sure we were both posted here together.

I'll teach the girls and he'll have the boys.

Those little rascals will keep us both busy.

Am I boring you?

No, not at all.

Life is strange.

Before I met Maurice, I had an unhappy love affair

with a boy I was very fond of.

It didn't work out.

In the end it was just as well.

THE END