The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie Page #2

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Where are our hosts?

I don't know, Madame. They left.

What do you mean, left?

I saw them running into the garden.

- When was this?

- 4 or 5 minutes ago.

- Where were they going?

- I don't know.

Excuse me, Madame.

What's the meaning of this?

I don't know.

Someone may have informed the police.

A raid.

You think so?

Why else would they run off

like that?

- They could have warned us!

- They may not have had time.

- Let's get out of here.

- Right.

Come on, quick!

- We have to go!

- Why?

But we're fine here.

We must get out of here.

And go where?

Never you mind. Come on.

Get going. And fast.

I'm Monsignor Dufour,

bishop of this diocese.

Are Mr. and Mrs. Snchal at home?

No, Your Grace, they're not.

- Where are they?

- I don't know.

They had lunch guests,

but they all left.

- Will they be back?

- I think so, Your Grace.

- May I wait for them?

- Why, of course.

I'd like to sit down,

if you have no objections.

- I'm a bit tired.

- Please do, Your Grace.

You walked all the way?

I had a car, but

I sold it to help the poor.

- Would you like a drink?

- No, thank you, I don't drink.

Tell me, my dear...

what is your name?

Ines.

Tell me, dear lnes...

Is that the gardener's shed

I saw as I came up?

Yes, it is, Your Grace.

But the gardener was

fired last week.

Yes, I know.

- Excuse me, I have work to do.

- Go right ahead.

What excuse do we give?

- Where are they?

- Who, Madame?

- The guests! Where are they?

- They left.

What got into them?

We were barely out 20 minutes.

They had enough to drink.

You don't just leave like that!

Why not stop them?

They looked scared. They ran out.

- Scared?

- Scared of what?

I'm Your Monsignor Dufour,

bishop of this diocese.

I'd like to speak with you.

What was that?

It's true. His Grace came

by before. I let him in...

Who's he kidding?

Will you get the hell out!

Out!

You let in strangers just like that?

He said he was a bishop.

And you believed him?

If we're out, beware of strangers.

Remember that!

Very well, Madame.

Come on, let's tidy up a bit.

I wonder why they were scared.

Thevenot's always scared.

The Embassy might know something.

Wait a bit. I bet they'll come back.

You're right.

Anyway, the day's ruined.

That's them.

You see? Do you believe me now?

- I don't understand.

- Shame on us.

It's nothing.

- Will you forgive us?

- Of course. lt's nothing serious.

Won't you have a seat?

Dear Madame,

haven't we met before?

Quite possibly.

To what do we owe this honor?

It's quite simple.

I'd like to be your gardener.

- Excuse me?

- Your gardener, yes.

Tend your garden... the vegetables,

the flowers, the lawn.

- You do need a gardener?

- Yes, we do.

Then I'm asking for the position.

- But, Your Grace...

- Don't be surprised.

The Church has changed,

you know.

You've heard of worker priests?

The same goes for bishops.

- You know about gardening?

- I should think so.

I spent my childhood

in a large house...

something like this one.

My parents... God rest their souls,

they both died violent deaths.

My parents had a fine gardener.

I learned everything from him.

- Your parents died violent deaths?

- Yes, arsenic poisoning.

Who did it?

We never found out.

How much do you want?

Union rates. No more, no less.

But our ex-gardener

wasn't unionized.

Maybe so, but I insist

on doing this properly.

So, is the answer yes?

Very well.

- When will you start?

- Now. lf you'd show me the garden...

This way.

Excuse me...

You have grass in your hair.

It's nothing.

- Shall we?

- Indeed.

See you later, Madame.

- What will you ladies have?

- Three teas.

- Milk or lemon?

- Lemon for me.

Me, too.

Some milk, please.

I can't stand the sight

of that musician.

Which one?

The cellist.

- Why? You don't like the cello?

- I detest it.

Do you mind if we change places?

Why not?

Personally, I really like the cello.

- The sound...

- Most orchestras have dropped them.

Look at that!

If they were young, at least...

- See that?

- See what?

The soldier sitting over there.

He's a lieutenant.

- You know him?

- No, why?

He keeps staring at us.

I don't know him.

Neither do I.

Did you notice how sad he looks?

True. But lieutenants often do.

I've always wondered why.

I'm terribly sorry, ladies,

but we're out of tea.

No tea! What's the meaning of this?

We've been very busy today.

We just served our last tea.

- No tea at all?

- None, Madame.

Will you have something else?

- Then I'll have a coffee

- Me too.

- Me too. With a brandy.

- We don't sell alcohol, Miss.

Three coffees, then.

If I may... Hubert de Rochcahin,

cavalry lieutenant.

May I join you?

Of course.

Madame, did you have

a happy childhood?

Yes. Quite happy.

And you, Madame?

Me, too...

I have nothing but good memories.

Not me.

I had several complexes:

Euclid's complex...

My childhood was tragic.

May I tell you about it?

- Here? Now?

- Yes. lt's a bit long, but interesting.

If you like.

I remember, I was 11.

I was about to enter

military school.

Not too tight under the arms?

Button up your tunic.

There, that's it.

It's fine.

Your father wants to see you.

- Your son, sir.

- You can go now.

Turn.

Walk a little.

Fine.

Now listen to me.

Your mother is dead. I'm

responsible for your education.

At military school

discipline will be harsh.

But it's for your own good.

I hope you will do credit

to the name I gave you.

That will be all.

Mother!

MOTHER, I LO...

Hubert, my son. lt's me.

Don't be afraid.

Come here. Don't be afraid.

Listen to me.

Come closer.

The man who lives in this house

and calls you son is not your father.

Do you understand?

Look. Your real father is there.

The other one killed him in a duel.

We were deeply in love.

Now, listen to me.

Don't be afraid.

Your so-called father usually

wakes at night for a glass of milk.

In the bathroom cabinet

you'll find a blue vial.

Tonight, when he's asleep,

go and empty it into his glass.

It's your mother's last request.

Farewell, my son.

A few days later,

I left for military school

where an exciting life awaited me.

I'm sorry, ladies,

we have no more coffee.

- What?

- Or milk.

- Is this a joke?

- Not at all, Madame.

Today has been unusually busy

so we're out of coffee and milk.

What will we drink then?

- You have verbena?

- No, I'm sorry.

We're also out of herbal tea.

Do you have water?

- Of course. It would be the last straw.

- Bring us water.

Incredible!

Thank you for listening to me.

Allow me to take my leave.

Please do, Lieutenant.

And thanks.

My God! What was I thinking?

I have an appointment.

I must be off. Excuse me.

- We'll get together one of these days.

- Indeed. Goodbye, Simone.

Sorry I'm late, darling.

Not all that late.

- Champagne?

- With pleasure.

Afterwards.

Get undressed, quick.

- Turn off the light first.

- Why?

Because I'm not cured yet.

What?

But your hands look fine.

Not my hands, but elsewhere.

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