Le Beau Serge Page #4

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that I've wanted her.

Serge, they found Glomaud

passed out in the cemetery.

- Drunk?

- Yeah. They're taking him to the doctor.

- He still there?

- Yeah, you should go. There they are.

- What happened?

- Just a little attack.

I'll try some homeopathy on him -

a little hair of the dog.

- What happened?

- I tripped.

What did the doctor say?

Don't know, but it can't be serious.

They'd have told me.

- A lot of fuss over nothing.

- Oh, it keeps 'em busy.

Well, I'm going back downstairs.

...your little baby lambs

Open the gates for us

And hear our prayers

In Mother Mary's arms

we're reconciled

So come and gather in

your little baby lambs

Come in.

I saw you from the window.

Glomaud just told me.

How is he?

You scared him.

- It's nothing serious?

- Of course not.

What got into you anyway?

I was furious.

It's so disgusting.

It's not disgusting.

It's practically normal.

Maybe you're right.

It's true.

I don't really understand you people.

Things seem so different here.

Come on.

You saw how they live, didn't you?

You realize he'd held himself back

for three years?

Put yourself in his shoes.

Living with her all that time,

knowing she wasn't his daughter.

What about Marie?

Anyone ask her opinion?

- I'm sure it's all she thought about.

- That's not true.

- It is.

- No, that would be horrible.

No, it's not horrible.

It's not horrible. It's normal.

Why are you all like this?

- Everybody's like this.

- That's not true.

You're like animals.

It's like you have no purpose in life.

That's right!

And where would we find one?

People here make just enough

to keep from starving.

The earth is granite!

They work because

there's nothing else to do.

Come look.

Most of them have at least

three miles to walk home.

There'll be snow up to their knees soon,

but they still want to learn to read.

Yes, we're animals.

And no one gives a damn.

- Then leave.

- Join the army?

Like Jacques?

No, that's no answer.

Not everyone can just leave.

See what I mean?

Yeah, I think so.

We need something to hold on to.

A guy who's never seen people walk

won't try out his own legs.

Quite right.

Go ahead. Make fun of me.

Getting back to Marie...

I bet she'll come

to the dance tomorrow.

Jeez, it's hot for November!

Bottle of wine, please.

You by yourself?

No lady friend?

Bah, girls are all -

Hey there.

Serge was asking for you.

- Oh? Where is he?

- Dancing.

But Yvonne's over on the bench

by the window.

Yvonne's here too?

- Keeping an eye on him.

- Marie here too?

You alone, Michel?

Francette's here.

Good Lord!

Here you go.

Finish it off.

Hurry. She just got here.

You're late, Franois.

It's 100 francs.

Let me have your arm.

Your arm.

- Show that if you want back in.

- Very practical.

- That pig! He's dancing with Francette.

- That bother you?

Don't cry. You can have her.

Come have a drink?

Here you go, boys.

Poor guys are thirsty.

I've been looking all over for you.

Shall we dance the next one?

What's wrong?

You want to leave now?

Leave me alone.

- What's eating him?

- Search me.

Don't stand there like that.

You look like a priest.

Come dance.

Hello, Yvonne.

You look tired.

Look. He went to Yvonne

for consolation.

Everything okay?

Yvonne's tired.

We just got here.

Could we go, Serge?

Too bad.

- Be reasonable.

- Go to hell!

It's always the same.

I've about had it with her!

Leave her alone.

And get off my back.

Come on.

Wanna go outside?

Scram!

I said scram!

- Listen -

- You won't beat it?

- Don't do it.

I'll smash your face in!

Haven't had enough yet?

I said beat it!

Go away!

You gonna beat it?

Can't you see I'm fed up!

Answer me!

Mind your own business!

You gonna get off my back?

You're so strong.

Enough.

I need a drink.

You sure showed him, Serge!

The city boy got a good hiding.

Did you see that, man?

You oughta be a boxer, Serge.

Mr. Franois.

Leave, Mr. Franois.

You see what they're like.

You'll do yourself more harm

than good if you stay.

Go!

Oh, sh*t!

Come in.

- He's here again.

- Yeah, I saw.

- What do I do?

- Send him up.

I could say you're asleep.

I can't be asleep all the time.

No, send him up.

Come in.

Come in, Father.

- I'm not disturbing you?

Not at all.

I came by twice yesterday,

but you were sleeping.

- Have a seat.

- No, thanks.

I just wanted to see you.

How are you, Franois?

- Fine.

- Doesn't look it.

It's a little cold, but I'm fine.

I'll sit down after all.

You haven't stopped by

the church again.

I haven't been going out much.

Yes, seems you've been

holed up here for two weeks.

Is that true?

- You're well-informed.

- May I steal a cigarette?

- Be my guest.

You know...

I heard about the incident

at the dance

and... everything else.

I'd like to give you

some friendly advice.

I think it'd be better if you left.

Why?

You're doing yourself

more harm than good.

You're even paler

than when you got here.

- I'm not leaving.

- Why?

You came here to rest,

and it's clearly -

- I'm not leaving.

- But why?

What's keeping you here?

It can't be that girl.

No, it's something else.

I can't leave.

- But why not?

I think they need me.

My dear Franois...

I think you're getting carried away.

They don't need you, or me,

or anyone else.

I think they do.

Didn't you see what happens

when you try to help?

You didn't get it, did you?

That's just it.

I'm beginning to get it now.

I was wrong to hole up in here

after the dance.

They don't care about words.

What do you mean?

Serge helped me see.

I think they need... an example.

And you're going

to be their example?

Yes!

Are you going to do anything?

Pathetic little fool!

Think you're Jesus Christ?

"Do something"!

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

That's why I'm waiting.

Locked up in here?

What are you waiting for?

Want me to tell you?

You feel humiliated.

Your fine words are pride,

nothing but pride.

So what?

What the hell do I care

if it's pride or not?

All that matters now

is to do something for them.

You're right.

I was wrong to shut myself up.

I'm going out there now

to find a way to help them.

And I don't care what you think.

Gathering wood?

Yes, twigs to light a fire.

- I'll help you.

- No, I have enough.

You shouldn't. It's too tiring.

We have to have a fire.

- When's the baby due?

- Next month. There's time.

Let me take that.

Don't be silly.

I apologize

for what Serge did at the dance.

It's all forgotten now.

He was drunk.

He was in quite a state

when he got home.

A lot of it was my fault.

I went about things all wrong.

He'll do anything when he's drunk.

Yeah, like send you out for wood.

- He doesn't send me out.

- What's he do then?

He has his work.

Still driving a truck?

No, not anymore.

I don't know what he does now.

He never comes home.

He spends nights

in a henhouse somewhere,

sleeping it off, like my father.

I'd actually rather not see him.

It's this child that's on the way.

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