The Grand Maneuver Page #2

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You'll console me?

It's idiotic.

Walk.

- Idiotic?

- Your wager last night.

- I like the unexpected. Say a number.

- Five.

One, two, three, four, five.

Halt.

You there, riding Magali. Come here.

Turn around.

Nice coat, nice leg, nice neck.

You see, you can trust to luck.

Number three.

- Why not that one?

- I already know her.

- All the more reason.

- Then it wouldn't be luck.

Seven. 237.

Number 237 wins the sewing kit.

- Number 237.

- That's me. Look.

- Lucie. Don't make a fuss.

- But I've won.

- Your dress. I've torn your dress.

- It doesn't matter. Be quiet.

- Is it serious?

- A friend lent me this dress.

But you've won a sewing kit.

- What can we do for this young lady?

- Nothing, thank you.

- Bad luck. I'm gambling, he's winning.

- And now...

The next winner is mine.

A cage and two birds,

no doubt madly in love.

Ladies, does the sight

not fill you with emotion?

- Agreed. Whoever wins the cage...

- Wins my heart.

- You like risk.

- It's what I do best.

- Zero.

- Good start.

- Keep calm.

- I'd like to see you in my shoes.

Number three.

Who will be the lucky winner?

Number four. Three and four.

Number 34 wins a delightful birdcage.

- I have Number 34.

- Our dear president has Number 34.

- The colonel's wife.

- If you like risk...

- I'm terribly sorry...

- It's not your number?

- I've got 54, I made a mistake.

- I'm so sorry.

Is the lucky winner not in the room?

Number 34.

I'll find her. Number 34.

Number 34.

Might you be the winner?

- What's the prize?

- A surprise.

A last kiss will suffice

As our farewell

Those words of love...

Thirty-four.

Thirty-four.

Number 34?

- It's you?

- I think so.

- Do you think so or are you sure?

- I'm almost sure.

I am certain.

- Don't say you've lost your ticket.

- I don't know where I put it.

- You must find it.

- Is it so important?

Everything governed by fate

is important.

Look carefully.

You didn't give your ticket to anyone?

- I came alone.

- Alone?

Don't waste any more

of your time. Thank you.

Wait.

- In your glove?

- In my glove. How did you guess?

It was my last chance.

You were about to leave.

- What must I do now?

- Nothing. I'll fetch your prize.

Very well, then.

Number 34.

- And here's her glove.

- Already?

Fate has good taste.

- I've never seen her before.

- She arrived recently from Paris.

- You are still agreed?

- It's beginning to interest me.

Me too. You undertake to obtain the

favors of Mime Marie-Louise Riviere

before the regiment

leaves for summer manoeuvres.

- Perfect.

- Just one question.

You have her name and her glove.

The rest is up to you.

I thought you didn't

want to go out alone.

Then I would never go out at all.

- You changed your mind?

- You too, I see.

- I didn't want to come either but...

- You were persuaded.

Won't you join my sisters?

They'd be glad to see you.

- She's looking at us.

- She's smiling.

She's coming this way.

- Good evening, Mr. Duverger.

- Mlle.

- You've met my fianc, I believe?

- I've already congratulated him.

- You know Mille Gervais?

- Of course.

Why don't you go home?

My carriage will take you.

- I don't feel like being alone.

- I'll join you later.

Here are the birds,

so fortunate to be your prize.

Thank you.

You're lonely here.

The provinces don't suit you.

You mean I don't suit the provinces.

Not yet. But trust me. Let me guide you.

One day...

What is your address, Mime?

My orderly will deliver this tomorrow.

- No need, sir. I will take care of it.

- As you wish.

You'll have your revenge on these

hypocrites when we are together.

- Why wait any longer?

- Aren't you Mr. Duverger?

- Indeed I am.

- I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you.

I'm taking this to the new one.

- The new what?

- Fancy woman.

- It's not true. You're making it up.

- Shall I repeat it?

- You'll forget me tomorrow.

- I'll say it again tomorrow, every day.

- Strange. It's as if I'm scared of you.

- That's hard to believe.

There's so much I want to say,

yet I can't find the words.

Another day, then. Good night.

- Good night?

- I have to leave.

- Then let's go.

- No, you stay here.

We are in the provinces

and everyone is watching us.

They must see me leave alone.

As I arrived.

Madame.

Just one word.

What you said intrigues me.

- Why must they see you leaving alone?

- I thought you'd understood.

I am a stranger here, from Paris.

More importantly, I'm divorced.

I see. You must beware what people say

and protect your reputation.

That's why I cannot be seen

in the street at night...

With a Dragoon. I should have known.

I'm sorry, you're quite right.

- Good night, Mme.

- Good night.

Wait.

One thing. You're Parisian, divorced,

and you're going into a hat shop.

- I make hats.

- You make hats.

Parisian, divorced, a hat-maker,

named Marie-Louise.

- That's all I know.

- You need know nothing more.

I need know nothing more? Really?

- I'm very tired.

- Women say that to get rid of someone.

You said it.

Good night.

- Here?

- Good night.

Let's see.

Your name is Lucie, you live with your

father, and this was your first ball.

- Yes, Monsieur.

- My name is Felix.

- Until tomorrow.

- No, Mr. Felix.

Father says a young lady

must never go out alone.

- Never?

- Until she's engaged.

Then, good night, Mlle.

Mille Lucie.

- You said you'd be home early.

- You'll never guess.

- I led the cotillion.

- You don't say.

With a handsome officer.

- Are you expecting someone?

- Mr. Duverger.

- At this hour?

- He said he might come.

Go to bed. I'll let him in.

You have a lot to learn.

She said goodbye, so you left.

If I'm sent packing, I come right back.

- Better late than never, Mme.

- There was no hurry.

It seems there is. Lieutenant's orders.

Mustn't leave these by the door.

- Here? There?

- I'll take them up to my room.

I hope I didn't disturb you,

but orders are orders.

In any case, I wish you good night.

He hasn't had to wait long for this one.

You need know nothing more.

What did you mean?

- How did you get in?

- Never mind.

- Leave at once.

- If you don't explain,

I shall repeat until dawn:

"You need know nothing more".

- It's quite clear.

- Yes, but what does it mean?

It means I have no time to waste.

Nor have I.

What are you waiting for?

There's no lack of women in this town

on whom your time would not be wasted.

After tonight,

there are no other women in this town.

If you're in love, go down on one knee

and make yourself ridiculous.

I'm not afraid to be ridiculous.

- Marie-Louise.

- I know what you're going to say.

Tonight has made a new man of you,

you can't live without me.

You haven't eaten for three hours,

or slept for 10 minutes.

- You see? I know your lines by heart.

- Marie-Louise...

Your declaration is over.

You may get up and leave.

- No. I'll wait.

- What for?

Your answer. You had me speak,

I'll have you answer.

If I were you, do you know what I'd say?

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