Tonight or Never Page #4

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Madame ..

Is Mrs Jackson in?

Mrs Jackson?

They live here.

Oh .. he's been out looking for

the American Consul's wife.

Yes .. this is their

apartment, isn't it?

Well, the Jackson's are on

the floor above, Madame.

Oh I'm so sorry .. I beg your pardon.

The elevator-boy let me off,

I never looked. I just rushed in.

Stupid of him.

Yes, ma'am.

Of course, if he had a great

deal of intelligence ..

He wouldn't be an elevator

boy .. would he?

No Madame ..

And uh .. in a hotel .. all

the floors look the same.

They do, don't they?

Yes, Madame.

Well then, I .. hope you'll

pardon my intrusion.

I suppose I'll have to go

up to the next floor.

I'm on my way to see the Jacksons.

Oh really?

We're very good friends.

Oh indeed?

Then I'm surprised that Madame doesn't

know that the Jacksons have gone away.

Yes, they've been in Paris for a week.

Really?

Uhuh.

Oh this is dreadful .. I must explain ..

if you'll pardon me for detaining you.

I came here for a little

supper. I often drop in.

I told my chauffeur to call

for me about .. 11:30.

I'm going to a ball that

begins rather late.

It's so lonely in the dining-room.

There isn't a soul there at this hour.

I .. I thought I'd rush up

to see the Jacksons.

Really?

Yes.

We're such good friends.

Yes, so you said.

I can't believe they'd go

away without telling me.

Well .. dear, dear.

I .. beg your pardon and .. goodnight.

Can I have the doorman ring for a taxi?

Thank you, but don't trouble.

I'll .. wait in the hall.

It's rather draughty there.

But I dare say the time will pass.

Somehow.

I dare say.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

I hate to bother you again,

but have you a cigarette?

Oh yes, of course.

And a light.

Oh yes, a light.

Thank you.

Don't mention it.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Oh .. your handkerchief.

Oh .. thank you again.

Not at all.

Shall I ring for the elevator for you?

No thank you. But I want to

apologize once more for ..

Please don't .. you've

already apologized once.

Oh well then, I want to apologize twice.

I'm sure it's been an intrusion.

Not at all.

Goodnight.

Goodnight. Allow me.

I'm .. so sorry.

It's quite alright.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Oh .. I beg your pardon. But I'm back.

Oh ..

Did .. did Madame forget something?

Oh no. It's just that I heard voices as

I was walking to the end of the hall.

I recognized one of the voices.

I knew that I'd be asked where I'd been.

And as it's not the Jackson

floor .. what could I say?

And they're not there anyway.

Yes, and they're not there anyway.

I'm really ashamed to mention it, but

this town is notorious for gossip.

I hope you don't misunderstand.

Not at all.

You see how awkward it would be ..

Awkward?

Why of course ..

If I was seen coming out of a strange

gentleman's room in a hotel ..

Why, that would be enough to .. well ..

Oh yes of course, it's quite clear now.

Yes.

I waited to hear the voices were going

away, but they were coming near.

So I was frightened and I ..

ventured to intrude again.

You do see how it happened, don't you?

I understand perfectly, Madame.

Would you mind closing the door,

just until they've gone.

Oh no, not at all.

Thank you.

Won't you ..?

Be seated.

Thank you.

Just until they've gone.

Oh, I'll only stay a second.

I'm terribly ashamed to

be imposing this way.

It seems a great impertinence

for an utter stranger ..

To keep dropping in

here in such a fashion.

Well, you've said that so often Madame,

it might be rude to contradict you.

I was afraid you were expecting someone.

Not now.

Well the ante-room room door wasn't

even locked. It was unlatched.

You don't want me to believe I hope,

that you .. left it open accidentally.

No, I didn't leave it open accidentally.

Oh .. for someone in particular?

For you, Madame Vago.

Why didn't you say you knew who I was?

I was waiting for you to admit it.

Of course .. I don't know your name.

Well, my friends call me "Jim".

Jim?

Now we know each other.

Yes.

That is .. we start to know each other.

Would you mind please,

closing the window?

That music makes me feel lonely,

all of a sudden. Almost unhappy.

I wonder if you know what

I'm thinking at this moment.

No .. but I'd love to.

I was thinking that you'd never

found a man who interested you.

Otherwise, you wouldn't be so

lonely and so unhappy tonight.

And not quite so reckless.

I'm not lonely or unhappy, nor reckless.

If you'll pardon me saying so ..

You don't seem to value

your reputation very highly.

No, nor yourself either.

How dare you!

Well you've forgotten to make the usual

remark "I thought you were a gentleman".

No .. no, I didn't think you were.

Oh, you didn't?

Do you happen to know who I am?

No, I don't want to know.

Well, whether you want to know or not,

I'll explain something about myself.

No, please don't explain, it isn't

necessary, and I couldn't stand it.

You wouldn't tell the truth anyway.

Why wouldn't I?

You wouldn't and I hate lies.

Oh.

But I only wanted to tell you

something about my profession.

Your profession?

Hmm.

It's a matter of perfect indifference to

me. I don't even want to speak of it.

But why not?

There are some things that cannot be

spoken of. They are unmentionable.

Do you mind telling me

what you think I am?

I'll ask you something .. you

can answer in one word.

But I want the truth.

You shall have it.

Is it true that you are

living here as the ..

"Guest" of the Marchesa?

Oh .. yes, yes. Quite true.

You share this apartment with her?

Yes.

Well then .. how can you?

How can you do it?

Oh .. I see.

I understand.

Why did you put on all your lovely

jewelery if you were coming to see a ..?

A gigolo.

Oh, I wasn't afraid.

I'm surprised at you.

Are you giving me a lesson in morality?

Oh no.

No, in risks.

Didn't you know that a gigolo could take

all your jewelery away from you?

Your lovely emeralds.

Oh I wouldn't fight for them. They've

never brought me any happiness.

Still ..

Women have been killed for less.

Oh you can't frighten me,

I should get out.

Yes I could!

See how simple it is? .. I lock

the door and pocket the key.

Then I pick up a knife or anything ..

I get hold of your hand,

you can't even move.

You ..

Why you're trembling .. you do

realize what you've done.

Are you scared?

Please .. I think I'll go now.

You'll go when I tell you

to, and not before.

Please let go of me! Take your hands

off me. Let me go .. get away.

Please let me .. please let me go home.

You did everything to get in here.

Well, you are in. Why can't you get out?

Sit down .. sit down.

Sit!

You knew very well that I'd been

going everywhere I could see you.

The concerts, the opera, your street.

You knew that I was in love with you.

Dead in love. Didn't you?

Oh love .. there is no

such thing .. for a man.

Alright, put it the other way then.

Say I .. wanted you?

That's more like it.

That's all men think of.

It would be a lot better for women

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