Original subtitles

Open the door, Lise. Then go home.

I'll do the service myself.

Yes, Madam.

What can I do for you, gentlemen?

Oh, well...

Perhaps you've heard your husband's back.

It's all over Trois-Rivières.

I'm told he's living at Cap-de-la-Madeleine

with his concubine and their three daughters.

What do you expect me to do?

Your husband came to the office last week.

I received him.

You didn't have to.

I've been handling your family's affairs for 40 years.

Your father entrusted me with the task of protecting your interests.

Monsieur Lemay is still your husband...

What does he want?

He'd like to see you again.

Why would he do that?

He's very lonely.

Remorse weighs on him...

I'll never take him back.

Reconciliation is out of the question.

He can't abandon his family

and his natural children.

He'd only like to meet you...

In my presence, of course.

A visit, that's all.

Your husband regrets...

He regrets!

Yes, Rose.

He regrets.

Your husband...

Life hasn't been easy for him.

He lost everything in the crisis.

Does he need money?

No. He hasn't asked for anything.

In fact, he's never asked for anything.

He'd like to see you, that's all. Life's...

Family responsibilities,

he can't change his situation, but he's suffering.

I had him in front of me for over an hour.

He's a man in great pain.

It would be an act of charity...

Charity?

Charity...

to receive him, to comfort him.

Comfort him? Me?

I can't.

You have to know how to forgive, Rose.

A RESPECTABLE WOMAN

Master Raymond, wait for us in the living room.

What do you want, Paul-Emile?

It's all my fault.

I can't stop thinking about it.

Oh, God, no! Please get up.

I'm so sorry!

Stop it, Paul-Emile. I've had enough.

I beg you, forgive me.

Come on, don't make a scene!

Please, sit down. Please forgive me.

Please leave us.

Are we finished?

Tell me what you want.

I just want you to forgive me

for the wrong I've done you.

You're still beautiful, Rose.

You haven't aged.

You're as beautiful as ever.

- Madame Lemay? - Do you know me?

I used to work at Fortin.

I once sold you a set of dishes.

A Wedgewood.

You lost your job?

Rose!

Rose!

Rose, I need to talk to you.

I won't make a scene, I promise.

I swear I won't.

What do you have to tell me, Paul-Emile?

I want you to know everything.

There's not much I don't already know.

Come on.

Her name is Mary.

I know.

I met her in Quebec,

when I was working at the Palais de Justice.

She was a waitress at the Belley Tavern.

She was...

One night, I'd been drinking, and then happened what happened.

She made me crazy about her.

I wasn't the only one.

You can't imagine how she...

Stop it.

We saw each other every time I went to Quebec City.

One day, she told me she was pregnant with my child.

She told me she would make a scandal.

She told me she'd come here.

She'd disgrace you.

I had no choice. We left for Lowell.

I worked as a bookkeeper in a mill.

We pretended we were married.

I know all that, Paul-Emile.

I never forgot you, Rose.

I knew you wouldn't be in need.

We had three daughters.

The last one, I don't even know if she's mine.

But I love that woman, can you understand that?

She does what she wants with me.

Anyway, because of the little ones, it was too late.

I love them, my girls.

All three of them.

I've always wanted children.

I'm sorry.

I'd like to see them.

Yes...

If you'd like.

They haven't had it easy.

We've lived like hobos. Since the crisis,

we haven't stayed in the same place for six months.

I'm broke, Rose.

What little I had left, I spent on the little ones.

Their mother is jealous. She takes everything from me.

I don't even have enough money to buy cigarettes anymore.

I get what I deserve.

Wait a minute.

There you go.

Now go.

Claire!

Claire, come here.

Get me a glass of water.

What are you doing up?

It's Mom. She's coughing.

Give me that.

Go to bed, dear.

Here you go.

Where have you been?

I went to play cards with the boys.

Here, look. I won five bucks. I'll give it to you.

Ha! Damn slime!

What do you smell like?

What do I smell like?

Hey! You smell like perfume!

Stop that.

You're hurting yourself, Mary. Listen to yourself.

Stop it! You went to see the whores at Central?

I told you what I did.

I went to play cards with the guys, okay?

You're full of shit, aren't you?

- That's enough. - You're full of shit!

That's enough!

This is enough.

All this misery.

This unhappiness...

Is this my punishment, Father?

Your punishment for what?

Because I couldn't hold him back.

Because I didn't have any children.

Because it's my fault he left with...

that woman.

Come on, it's not your fault.

I never pushed him away.

I never refused him...

I've always done my duty as his wife.

Even when he started seeing his whore.

I knew, Father.

I knew everything.

Madame Lemay...

A lifetime of honor to come to this!

Why did you ask me to see him again?

Nobody forced you, Rose.

You asked me, Father.

You asked me to be charitable,

and all I've managed to do

is send him away like a beggar.

That's not charity, that's contempt!

Now, calm down...

You despise him? Do you?

No.

No. It's not that. I just...

The Lord doesn't ask us to be saints.

He doesn't ask us to go beyond our strength.

But to do good within our means.

No one is ever lost...

your husband any more than anyone else.

Right now, you may be the only person

who can help him.

Him and his daughters.

Your husband wants to make amends.

Something in him wants to set him straight.

Love the good in him.

Because you've already loved your husband.

Am I wrong?

No, Father.

Ouch! That's too tight!

Hold still.

This way, your hair will stay clean longer.

Go and get me the little girl's coat.

Go to Saint-Vincent-de-Paul

and see if they've got used boots in the right size.

Get them a little bigger.

Don't worry.

Oh, Mary, no. The doctor said it's better not.

I'll give you a big kiss.

It's not the same thing...

Come on, dear.

Why did we come here?

Don't you think it's beautiful?

I'm going to take you to a beautiful house.

- What house? - You'll see.

Why are we going there?

I want you to meet a very nice lady.

Who's she?

She's an aunt you don't know.

How old are you, Claire?

Ten.

What grade are you in?

Eighth.

Do you like going to school?

Do you get good grades?

I was first on the last report card.

That's good.

Would you like another one?

- Yes, I would! - You can help yourself.

What do you say?

Thank you, Madam.

She doesn't know who I am?

My aunt?

Yes, sweetheart, your aunt, that's right.

This is my room.

You can come in.

What's the handle made of?

It's mother-of-pearl.

Mother-of-pearl?

Yes. It's what's inside oyster shells.

Do you think it's pretty?

Would you like to sit here?

Yes.

Your braids are tight. Do they hurt?

It hurts a little.

I'll undo them. Then we're going to find a nice ribbon.

Dad! Look!

I'm sorry, I didn't think about her mother.

Give the ribbon to your aunt, sweetie.

- Dad! - Claire.

I'll take it off.

Come and sit down, I'll redo your braids.

No, wait.

I'll do it.

- Would you like to see her sisters? - Yes, I would.

Yes, you'll bring them to me.

JANUARY

If you'll follow me.

Now, what can I do for you?

I was wondering if you'd heard from my husband,

through Raymond the notary or otherwise.

No, I haven't.

It's been a month since I've seen him,

since he came to see me with his oldest.

Are you worried?

He told me he'd bring the other two...

I wonder if his girlfriend got wind of his visits and made a scene...

Or...

Or?

When he left last time,

he tried to kiss my hand...

I wouldn't let him.

I'm afraid he felt humiliated,

that he thought I was disgusted.

- Were you? - No, I wasn't.

No, I took my hand away, that's all.

I didn't mean to demean him.

Don't torment yourself.

I know these visits are difficult for you.

Don't overdo it.

If your husband comes back to see you, be as charitable

as you would be with anyone else in need.

And if he doesn't, well,

maybe that's just as well for you.

But that's not what I want.

What do you want exactly, Madame Lemay?

I want to help the little ones.

The one he brought me was dressed like a poor woman.

According to Maître Raymond, your husband's family

is poor, but not destitute. He works.

But for how long? All the factories are closing.

Monsieur le Curé...

If you hear of their need, please let me know.

I'd like to help them.

What's going on?

Your husband's girlfriend died.

- When did this happen? - The day before yesterday.

How did she die?

Pneumonia.

She was gone in a few weeks.

She was tubercular.

When you came to see me,

did you know she had tuberculosis?

- No. - No, we didn't.

He knew, of course.

He had to know, well, I suppose, he must have suspected...

Do you think he foresaw his wife's death and acted accordingly?

I don't think so.

Monsieur le Curé, I don't need to be lied to to be charitable.

I know where my duty lies.

Even if he got close to me in anticipation of his wife's death,

I won't try to escape my obligations.

Paul-Emile is my husband.

I will do everything I can for his daughters...

And for him.

And what's that?

I'll take the little ones.

No one's asking you for that much.

It won't be charity.

I've always wanted children.

I'll look after them.

I'll educate them as best I can.

I'll try to replace their mother.

But...

But we can't separate them from their father.

So my husband will have to live under my roof.

We're going to live in the same house,

but you understand me, Monsieur le Curé,

there are some things I won't be able to...

I'll never be able to resume married life.

He must know.

I'll talk to him, I'll explain, and so will Monsieur le Curé.

He can't demand that...

No, he can't demand anything.

But you don't know him!

You can talk to him all you want, you can't change him.

He'll promise you everything, he'll accept anything,

then the day will come when he won't keep his promises.

Then I know what will happen,

and I want you to know it too.

Because I know which man I'm taking home.

He's going to leave me the little ones,

then he'll leave, saying it's my fault...

that I opened my door to him to throw him back to his old life.

Come on, Rose, we can't know.

You'll see that's what's going to happen.

So, too bad for him.

You're already doing more than enough

by taking care of his children...

If he wants to continue acting as he has in the past,

he'll be the one to blame...

and not you.

All right, then.

May I come in?

You poor thing.

Are you glad your aunt came?

Where are they?

Ah! Your little sisters!

You're Germaine.

How beautiful you are!

How old are you, darling?

She's six.

You must be Thérèse.

- Hello, Thérèse. - Hello.

- Is your dad home? - He's in bed.

Did he make you mourning dresses?

No.

I haven't had time.

I'll ask the woman next door.

No, leave it. I'll do it myself.

Is this her?

Yes, that's her.

Right, then. What do you think you'll do with the furniture?

Nothing.

It's worthless.

Maybe give it to the neighbors.

You'll take care of picking up little one’s toys?

For what it's worth...

Take your laundry, donate the rest.

I'll buy what I need.

The girls' room is ready.

Claire, would you like

- to come to my place tonight? - Yes!

I want to go too!

Are you sure?

Fine. We'll bring your little sister with us.

Your dad will stay here for a few days to take care of things.

Do you want to come with us, darling?

Do you want to come with your big sisters?

She's been like this for a week.

She won't leave me alone...

It's okay, sweetie.

You can take her with you when you're ready.

Claire, Thérèse,

go and get your things ready.

This is a place for grown-ups.

Some things are fragile.

You must never run.

You can play in your room or in the garden.

This is Lise.

Hello.

You can give her your things.

This is your room.

Do you like it?

The one at the back, Claire, is going to be your bed.

This one is for Germaine.

Then you, Thérèse, will sleep there.

Come on.

These are for you, you can have them.

Take a look!

Now, come here.

Listen carefully.

You're going to change schools. Yours is too far away.

You're going to the convent next door.

You'll get some nice uniforms,

and then you'll have dinner in the refectory.

The nuns are nice, but you'll have to listen

to them properly, be polite and work hard.

Are you going to be good girls?

Claire, Thérèse, look at me.

You can't hold your cutlery like that.

You'll get a slap on the wrist in the refectory

and then the other little girls will laugh at you.

Take a look.

You take your fork like this,

then you cut your meat like this.

Try to do like your big sister, Thérèse.

You show her.

Thérèse.

Take your knife with your other hand.

Don't cry, darling, don't cry.

I want to see Mom...

My poor little girl.

Don't cry, my little darling.

Dad...

Your dad will be back soon.

Don't cry, sweetheart.

This is a lot of new stuff, I know.

It'll be all right.

Fine. Go into the bedroom and get dressed.

Put on the nightgown I put on your bed.

Now it's your turn.

Can I have the soap? Thank you. Turn around a little.

You're going to have beautiful, clean hair.

You'll be beautiful like the day.

- Like the day? - Yes, like the day.

Close your eyes.

"The poor child who didn't know it was dangerous

to stop and listen to the wolf

said: "I'm going to see my grandmother,

and I bring her a wafer with a pot of butter

that my mother sends her."

Good. Eight o'clock.

We'll finish our story tomorrow.

- No, we won't! - We'll do it tomorrow.

Now we'll say our prayers.

Didn't you say your evening prayers at home?

Here, we'll do it.

Kneel down by the bed.

Now repeat after me.

My God who has given me this day.

My God who has given me this day...

I give you my heart.

I give you my heart.

Bless my family.

Bless my family.

Bless those I love.

Bless those I love.

Bless my sleep...

Bless my sleep.

And watch over my night.

And watch over my night.

- So be it. - So be it.

- Can't sleep? - No.

Close your eyes, sweetheart. I'm right next door.

Shall I leave the door open?

Yes.

Dad!

- Dad! Dad! - Good morning, girls.

Look!

This is nice.

It's really good.

Take care of your little sister,

and I'll take your father to his room.

Go ahead, Germaine.

It's okay. Stay here, my little cat. OK?

Go play in your room.

We'll join you in five minutes.

Lise?

Come.

She won't let go of me. I can't do this anymore.

This is going to be your room.

It's small, but I couldn't offer you anything better.

No, no, it's perfect,

already that you welcome the four of us.

What about her?

She'll sleep upstairs with her sisters.

No...

Since her mother died,

she won't go to sleep anywhere but in my bed.

We'll see about that later.

Come on, I'll show you their room.

But I wish you wouldn't make a habit of going upstairs.

My room's next to theirs.

If they need anything at night,

I'll take care of it.

As you wish.

Paul-Emile, one last thing.

I don't want drinks in the house.

It's too...

Your aunt spoiled you.

You didn't have to do so much.

I want them to feel at home.

Thank you.

Do you want to go and play with your sisters, kitten?

I don't recognize them.

Real little ladies.

We're going to a new school.

Do you?

- Where to? - At the nuns'.

I've enrolled them at the Ursulines.

To the boarders, always?

Half-boarders. They have dinner at the convent.

Then, the little one will stay with me.

Go and play in your room, girls.

You too, Germaine.

How much will the Ursulines cost?

Can't they go to the parish school?

I want them to have a good education.

Then don't worry about the money.

The superior is a childhood friend.

Is it true about the rumors of closure at Wayagamack?

Yes, but it won't happen right away.

Anyway, it's not with twelve pennies a week to pay for the convent.

I'll take care of everything.

Pay for their mother's funeral,

it's the only thing I ask of you.

With what you earn,

you'll take care of yourself, then give me what you can for the girls' board.

I've always been embarrassed to come here.

When we first started dating, I didn't know where to put myself.

I'd never seen anything like it, a house like this.

Your father was always reading his newspaper in that armchair.

He never said hello to me.

He didn't like me much.

It bothered him that I was going out with a jobber's son.

Even if you were doing your classical course.

It's only fair he came to the wedding.

He was awkward.

No.

Why'd you come back, Rose?

You were suffocating in here.

When mom died, I needed someone to take care of my dad.

Then I stopped waiting for you to come back.

Let's put her to bed.

Excuse me.

She sleeps like a log.

We'll try to put her to bed with her sisters.

If you'd like.

Thanks for everything, Rose.

No, Paul-Emile.

Please, don't.

No.

As you wish.

Good night.

FEBRUARY

Hello.

Hello. Had nice day?

Same as ever.

Lise isn't here?

No. She went to Saint-Boniface for her sister's funeral.

They're here.

Yes.

I'm glad they are.

They don't talk to me much.

They miss their mother.

And you?

Yes, me too.

I'm going to make their snack.

You're pretty in the morning.

No... The children.

No!

You haven't changed a bit.

- Hello, girls! - Hello.

Who wants to answer a riddle?

Me!

Fart and Repeat are in a boat.

Fart falls overboard.

Who's left in the boat?

Repeat.

Fart and Repeat are in a boat.

Fart falls into the water. Who's left in the boat?

- Repeat? - But I keep repeating!

But Repeat is still in the boat!

- Are you getting out? - Yes.

Where are you going?

For a walk.

Are you coming back for supper?

I don't know.

Dad.

Dad?

Dad!

Dad!

- It's all right. - I want Dad.

Dad!

It's okay, I'm here.

Come with me. Come into my arms.

Dad!

Hush, hush, hush...

Dad...

Dad.

I want Dad.

Dad!

I know.

I know...

Dad.

- What's wrong with her? - I don't know.

- Come on, sweetheart. - Dad.

OK. Shh, dad's here.

You go to bed, I'll take care of this.

Is she asleep?

Yes.

Good night, Rose.

Claire, hurry up, you'll be late.

I'm ready!

Claire!

Be good.

Hello, Sister.

I'm taking some books to Mother Saint-François.

Can you give them to her? Thank you.

Germaine!

What are you doing here?

I forgot my lunch box.

The little one made a mess. Go clean it up.

Come on!

Yes, madam.

How are you, Madame Lemay?

I'm doing fine.

And the little ones?

They're fine. The sisters are happy with them.

Thérèse is more reticent, but...

Claire's doing well.

Then they start helping me around the house.

You know I had to get rid of my maid?

So I've been told.

The poor girl is looking for work.

There isn't much.

May I ask why you sent her away?

My husband was all over her.

He hasn't changed.

No.

He started going out at night.

He comes home late.

- Does he drink? - Yes.

And the next morning, he's... okay?

Yes. Everything's as usual.

He leaves for work at seven.

He didn't miss work?

Not as far as I know.

And he's good with his girls?

Yes.

He's got his faults, but he's a good father.

Did he ever... bother you?

No.

No. He's very decent.

I'd like to get to the bottom of what you're thinking, Rose.

What is it that really brings you here?

Frankly, I don't know, Father.

I'm worried.

I know he's bored at home.

He's nervous, impatient.

I'm afraid this isn't going to end well.

This is what you expected.

I know.

You know, it's funny meeting you today

because last week,

I came across a little papier-mâché heart

that Claire had made for me. I thought it was so cute

because it hadn't taken on the usual colors.

Rose.

This is Madame Turpin.

Madame Turpin was Claire's mistress at Cap-de-la-Madeleine.

Madame Turpin, Madame Lemay.

Hello.

Poor Claire, it's so hard to lose your mom.

- Yes, it is. - Are her sisters well?

Yes, as well as can be expected.

Monsieur Lemay told me that Claire and Thérèse are going to the Ursulines.

It's closer to home.

Are they getting along well with the nuns?

Yes, very well.

It must have been a big change.

They've got used to it, especially Claire.

She didn't have too much catching up to do.

Claire was my best student.

I'm very sad not to have her in my class anymore.

She'd love to see you again.

I'd like that too.

You could visit her at home.

Would you mind, Rose?

No, no, not at all.

My husband will give you our telephone number.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go check on dinner.

Would you like to help me with the packages?

I'll drive Mrs. Turpin to the bus.

- I'll join you later. - As you wish.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye, madam.

Goodbye.

Where's Dad?

He'll be back later.

Do you have grandparents, do you?

Everyone has grandparents.

You know the pictures above the fireplace in the living room?

Well, that's my grandfather and grandmother on my father's side.

Have you ever seen them?

What do you mean?

Have you seen them for real?

Of course.

You've never seen your grandparents?

No.

Hello, dear.

Do you bake nice cookies?

MARCH

There's a harp in the big room!

A harp!

It's bigger than me!

That's not very difficult.

Are there girls playing it?

Yes, but they're called young ladies!

Ah! Young ladies!

- Are you a young lady? - Yes.

Of course, there's only young ladies who go to Ursulines.

Excuse me. I'm busy.

I've started to learn embroidery.

Ah, that's good.

What are you embroidering?

A handkerchief with linen flowers.

It's the little blue flowers.

Then in the States, what was it like?

It was good as long as there was work,

the wages were good.

Did you go to a French school?

Yes, all my friends were French.

In the little Canadas, it's like back home.

The books were in English, but I didn't mind.

I didn't say I wouldn't go back one day.

A big mill is being built in northern Ontario.

- Where? - In Kapuskasing.

It's a three-day train ride from La Tuque.

It's new country, just wild lakes and standing timber.

That's where I was raised.

Traveling doesn't scare me.

I didn't get out of Trois-Rivières since my husband died.

With all the Canadians going up there,

they need schoolmistresses, that's for sure.

Excuse me, I have to go out.

Isn't your father here?

He left with Madame Turpin.

He left you all alone.

I often babysat at my mother's.

- Where are your sisters? - Upstairs.

Fine.

I'll help you finish this.

You're a good girl.

- What are you doing up? - Were you with her?

With who?

You know very well who I mean.

Have you been drinking?

None of your business. Good night.

Mrs Lemay?

Mrs Turpin. I won't beat around the bush.

I want you to stop hanging around my husband,

then his daughters.

- We haven't done anything wrong. - It doesn't matter.

It's been six years since I lost my husband,

- it's only natural that I should meet. - I know your headmistress.

If you like, I can go and see her right now

and ask her if she thinks it's normal

for one of her teachers to be seeing a married man.

Married is an understatement.

Would you like me to go and see your headmistress?

Would you like me to go and see her?

- All right, then. - Now, wait a minute.

I'll do as you say.

You go to bed.

I'll pick it up.

Why did you go to see her?

None of your business what I do out here.

You don't like it that I'm going somewhere else?

Is that it?

Do you?

Would you like it if I stayed here with you? Is that it?

Never, you hear me. Never!

You'll be late.

Hurry up!

Germaine, your father's off to work.

Go and play upstairs, dear.

I don't want something like last night to happen again.

No one's coming into my house in the state you were in.

Understand?

- Your house? - Yes, my house.

You're not at home here.

Don't worry, I know I don't belong here.

You won't have us around much longer.

Last night, my husband tried to force himself on me.

He was drunk.

I pushed him away.

It's not a sin, my girl.

But it's not a sin to reject him?

To push him away?

To send him back to his old life?

Do you really think that would change anything?

He threatened to leave with the girls.

Do you think he could do it?

Did you hear the Wayagamack is closing?

No.

Raymond the notary told me.

Under these conditions, your husband won't have

the resources to take care of the little ones on his own.

He's talked about moving to Ontario.

He'll never be able to take care of his three daughters,

in Ontario even less than here.

But if he leaves and threatens to take them away from you,

I'll consult Maître Raymond and we'll see what we can do.

A man like your husband

will have little chance of being heard before a judge

against a woman like you,

especially when the welfare of the children is at stake.

Have no fear.

Good night.

Are we going to stay here?

Of course you're going to stay here.

Why do you say that, sweetheart?

When you argued with my father in the morning, he said we'd leave.

He said that because he was angry. But you're going to stay.

Will the three of us stay?

Don't worry.

We'll never separate you.

Is Dad going to stay?

Yes, sweetheart.

Yes. He is.

What do you want from me?

You're way ahead of me.

What are you going to do now?

I'm going to leave.

Go where?

Ontario. Out west. Anywhere.

What are you gonna do with your girls?

You can't take them with you and you know it.

You can't drag them to rooming houses and lumber camps.

You know that very well.

Come back, Paul-Emile.

No.

Come back for your girls.

So you can make me live? Let it be.

I'm a man.

Do you have enough money for the train ticket?

Get out.

Get out of here.

Get out.

JUNE

I received a letter yesterday from Kapuskasing.

Your husband accepts your terms,

according to the agreement we proposed.

Good.

He gives you custody of his daughters,

and you become their guardian.

Mind you, he didn't have to, he recognized them,

their mother is dead and you are his lawful wife.

Rose...

You're taking on a big task.

If it ever becomes too difficult for you...

There's no way they're leaving my house.

They're my daughters now.

My little Rose.

As for me, I congratulate you, Madam.

For what?

For your courage.

Besides, your husband won't be bothering you anymore.

No, he won't.

He won't bother me anymore.

Germaine.

Is Dad coming back?