The Grand Maneuver Page #4

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You don't want to see.

You don't want to understand.

In truth, I don't understand myself.

It's the first time

I've had such feelings for a woman.

I wish only to gain her friendship,

to be worthy of her trust.

Marie-Louise, I'm out of luck.

You refuse to believe me.

Lieutenant Leroy. With champagne.

- You were expecting me.

- No.

- May I come in?

- Can't you see I'm not alone?

I see, I see. Please excuse me.

- I just wondered if there was any news.

- About what?

- Last night. The lady at the ball.

- I don't know what you mean.

There's no mystery. Everyone's talking

about Armand and his new conquest.

Good evening, la Verne.

What a lovely surprise.

I didn't see you.

Ladies and gentlemen,

the champagne awaits.

You heard. The champagne awaits.

Drink to your conquests,

everyone's talking about them.

With your permission,

we will drink to love.

- And those who aren't afraid of love.

- Or lies.

- Or happiness.

- It's true, you're out of luck.

I will never be able to believe you.

What does it mean, "26 days left".

In 26 days,

we leave for summer manoeuvres.

- The night before, we'll have a feast.

- And we won't be paying.

- Will we, Armand?

- But who's the woman?

- Who is it?

- The name?

The name. The name.

If he won't say,

he must already have won.

What should I do with these?

She doesn't want them either.

- Disaster.

- It's a rout.

- Never say die.

- Ungrateful wretch.

- Is your heart made of stone?

- How can you resist?

- What would you do if you were me?

- I'd learn to play billiards.

I'm not talking about billiards.

You won't believe it,

but with her I haven't got the knack.

- It's serious, then?

- No, but I need the right tactic.

- I'd go full steam ahead.

- Not with her.

On the contrary,

I think I should proceed with care.

Great care.

- I said I was going to the theatre.

- Really?

They both exclaimed:

"But you don't like music".

Do you know what I said?

"The person I'm going with likes it. "

- Did they ask who that person was?

- I didn't say. But they knew.

- You'll need 20 bottles of champagne.

- Why?

For the dinner

you'll soon be treating us to.

She gave us such a look.

She's his mistress.

- It's written all over her face.

- I need proof.

- She won't tell you.

- I will know.

When I see her, she's never alone.

- And when she's alone?

- She won't see me.

- I didn't know you were so timid.

- Nor did I.

They said:
"It seems Mime Riviere

will be at the colonel's ball".

I looked them in the eye and said:

"I obtained her invitation".

And do you know what they said?

"What a good idea. "

- Mime, we'll rescue you.

- Don't let him corner you.

- Victor is selfish.

- As punishment, he'll dance with me.

- Look, she's given him the slip.

- But the sister's taken over.

- I'll do my duty.

- You'd do that for me?

I will ask the sister to dance.

Mademoiselle...

Standing in a corner at the ball?

You should be ashamed.

Mr. Leroy, dance with me, please.

Mr. de la Verne,

I thought you knew Mime Riviere?

- What are you waiting for?

- I'd never be so bold.

One must always be bold.

- I beg you, let me go.

- I've waited too long for this moment.

- We've only known each other a week.

- This week has lasted a lifetime.

What if someone comes

and sees me in your arms?

Everyone would know

what you refuse to believe.

Everyone would think I love you too.

Leave, then.

What are you waiting for?

You're free.

No, I'm not.

Even if you let go of my hand.

That's why I can't see you again.

I want to flee from you too,

yet I come back to you.

Meet me once more tomorrow. Just once.

- That's all I ask.

- What's the use?

Tomorrow, on the corner of your street.

I'll be there at nightfall.

Not that way.

You're heading in the wrong direction.

Maybe. I like going straight ahead.

Some obstacles cannot be overcome.

In such cases,

one takes a different route.

- This is no joke.

- I'm just as serious as you are.

You know exactly what I'm talking about.

I dare you to say it.

I advise you to give up your pursuit of

the lady who was here a moment ago.

A brother or a husband

might give such advice.

As far as I know,

you are neither one nor the other.

Mr. de la Verne.

- What's missing?

- Something like a duck's beak.

This?

"Monnet... My dear Monnet. "

A letter to Monnet.

- Here's your duck's beak.

- A question of honor.

- A question of honor.

- A duel.

Alice was very upset.

If we hadn't been there...

- They really quarreled?

- She thought they would come to blows.

- Just before my wedding.

- And Mr. Duverger's your witness.

- Six months, you say.

- At least six months to handle a sword.

- And these young men?

- Three years at most. Beginners.

But take a skilled blade,

such as Lieutenant de la Verne...

- Lieutenant de la Verne...

- He's a champion.

- Very well, I'll think about it.

- Touch.

So I said:
"Are you her brother

or her husband?"

- What could he say?

- I know how I would have replied.

- How?

- Like this.

- That wouldn't have hurt much.

- But how will it all end?

- What do you want me to do? Kill him?

- He might kill you.

If he shoots like you, I'm in no danger.

- You think that's funny?

- I'm just happy, that's all.

- I'm seeing her tonight.

- You think she'll come?

This time, I'm sure.

- Give me that.

- I know you're a good shot.

It's not that,

it's to predict the future.

I want to know if I'll succeed.

What do you think?

I think you're wrong.

- About Marie-Louise?

- Risking scandal to win a dinner?

The wager? I don't give a fig.

- So?

- So, don't you understand?

Are you in love with her?

Are you capable of loving a woman?

You amaze me.

So do you.

Yes, Colonel, one of your officers.

Yes, Lieutenant de la Verne.

He knows all about it. Yes...

Goodbye. You can rely on me.

Tell the barracks

I wish to see Mr. de la Verne.

Thank you, Colonel.

Champagne. It looks rather decadent,

don't you think?

- Just what you need.

- What would you know?

Tell me, champagne.

Don't you think it's a bit out of place?

When a woman comes to your rooms...

If it was just any woman, but her...

I don't know...

If you don't know, how should I?

No, no champagne.

- Shall I take it back?

- Yes.

No, leave it here.

Flowers.

I wonder if flowers...

- Oh, flowers, yes.

- Flowers, yes.

Gloves.

Hers mustn't lie next to the others.

These gloves, I'll leave them with you.

- What the devil for?

- You can burn them if you like.

Do it yourself. And get out of my sight.

You understand, then?

At nightfall, light the candles.

No electricity.

Take a last look around.

Heavens above.

The letters.

All these letters must be burnt.

- It'll make smoke.

- That's true. We don't want smoke.

What shall we do?

Take this to Lieutenant Leroy.

I am perfectly serious.

We're leaving for Paris this afternoon.

If you must go to Paris,

go on your own.

- A change of scenery would do you good.

- I've never felt so well.

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