Topaze Page #2

Dear man, excuse me, had I not

been here, she might've stayed.

Things seem to be going well

between you.

And you don't know everything.

Earlier on,

she positively came after me.

Well, well.

Yes, she quite simply reproached

my coolness.

Of course she didn't say "coolness",

she's far too modest.

But I convinced her once again

to give me her students' homework.

And she accepted?

Here it is.

And you couldn't help

declaring your undying love.

I was very direct,

but I didn't get as far

as a confession.

I don't know if you realize it,

but you're an innocent.

We're talking about the hand

of Ernestine Muche.

Yes, it's true. That is big.

You're aiming high.

Yes. If I were to succeed,

people might say I aimed too high.

People might think

you made use of your looks

- to take over Muche's school.

- Yes, that's true.

Of course, one must be ambitious.

You'll play your best hand.

Yes. My best hand.

My best hand?

What do you mean by that?

You prepare the ground

with meaningful looks.

You know, eyes half closed,

a dreamy expression, like this.

- Are you sure?

- If you succeed, it's fabulous.

Then you slowly approach her,

lower your voice,

and you pounce!

Pounce!

- How do you pounce?

- A bit of emotion, poetry,

and a request in due form.

If she hesitates, be daring,

kiss her.

Kiss her? But what will she do?

She might just be in raptures.

That would be marvelous,

but I don't dare hope.

You never know.

Or perhaps her modesty

will cause her to react,

she might push you away and say:

"What are you doing, sir?"

But no matter,

as long as she doesn't cry for help,

it means "yes".

And the kiss? Where?

On her forehead?

Silly man!

A kiss on the mouth.

On the mouth?

- You've done that before?

- Dozens of times.

Well then, I'll try.

What worries me most, is the father.

Yes, the father. He's certainly not

the same kettle of fish.

Oh, the father.

I'm sure he esteems me,

he knows I'm perfectly honest,

but a refusal

would cause me such pain that...

I'd rather sound him out first.

I know what you're getting at!

You want me to do it?

- I didn't dare ask.

- Fine, at the first opportunity.

Be discreet,

don't arouse his suspicions.

You know me, I'll approach

the question with great tact.

The moment seems favorable,

for this very morning

I announced the arrival

of a new student.

- Where did you unearth him?

- I give him private lessons.

I advised his parents

to put him here.

The boss will be happy,

but you'll lose your lessons.

I didn't want them anymore.

- They're not well paid?

- To the contrary.

It's a long story.

Imagine, this child lives

with a young woman, who's his aunt.

She's very young. Neither married,

nor divorced nor a widow.

Then what is she?

I believe she's an orphan.

But very rich.

She received me the first time in

a boudoir from the Arabian nights.

Silk fabrics, antique paintings,

cushions on the floor.

She must be rich.

You can't imagine.

Almost every day after my lesson,

a distinguished gentleman,

he must be a servant,

takes me to the boudoir,

where the young woman questions me

as to the child's progress.

My dear friend,

maybe it's the dcor,

or perhaps her perfume,

but every time I talk to her,

I can't remember what I've said.

You're simply not a man of the world.

I'd like to see you!

She was sitting on a cushion,

wearing the finest silk stockings,

with precious heels,

and gloves made of snakeskin,

once even gold-colored.

She's a chorus girl!

Don't judge so harshly

a person you've never seen.

She's a lady of society.

High society.

I've met a grand gentleman

at her home several times,

surely a friend of her father's.

- I'm looking for Mr. Topaze.

- Third door on the left.

So this is what I thought...

- There she is. Go.

- What?

There she is. Go.

Go out that way.

- Hello, Mr. Topaze.

- Madam.

I wanted to visit the school

before meeting the headmaster.

- A good idea it seems.

- Of course, I agree.

Allow me to accompany you

to Mr. Muche's office.

- He'll be delighted to meet you.

- Excuse me.

- Where are the other playgrounds?

- The others?

I imagine the children play

in a garden?

No, madam.

I understand,

the courtyard may seem small,

but in reality,

it's made bigger by a clever rule.

Mr. Muche noticed that

running children

take up far more space

than immobile ones.

Thus, he's forbidden all games

that require moving around

and the courtyard is far bigger.

That's how you squeeze

a large number

of anchovies into a tiny jar.

These doors lead to the classrooms?

Yes, madam. There are six.

What I've seen so far, takes away

my desire to send a child here.

I'm sorry, madam.

Have I hurt your feelings?

No, it's a little hitch,

nothing more.

I say hitch, because I'd already

spoken to Mr. Muche

about the brilliant student

I was so pleased to send him.

He'll certainly think that

I spoke rashly.

I'll see him myself.

I'll explain

that it's no fault of yours.

You're very kind, madam.

And you can tutor Gaston

two hours a day.

Two hours? Unfortunately,

that's impossible.

My schedule does not allow me

this luxury.

Then you'll continue coming

one hour.

Mr. Topaze, please do me the honor

of introducing me.

Allow me to introduce you

to Mr. Muche.

Madam Courtois, whom I spoke of.

Madam, I am deeply honored.

Mr. Topaze mentioned my project?

- Yes, madam.

- It's still a project.

- I have a nephew.

- Charming child.

You know him?

Not yet. But my excellent colleague

has praised him.

Upon his advice,

I might send him here.

A very good idea, madam.

This child, who sounds exceptional,

would quite naturally blossom

in our care.

We understand youthful intelligence,

which is like a budding flower.

One must unfold it petal by petal

so as not to ruffle or damage it.

Nonetheless,

I must tell you,

my decision is not final.

The child's health is fragile,

I must consult a doctor

before sending him here.

Madam, allow me to inform you,

our specialty is sickly children,

they leave here with rosy cheeks

and invigorated limbs.

Your school sounds like

a sanitarium.

I wouldn't go that far,

but I've no doubt

that your nephew would gain

- in both vigor and schooling.

- I believe you.

I'm willing to try,

if the doctor allows.

Madam, whatever your decision,

I'll be eternally grateful

to Mr. Topaze for introducing you.

- You have a precious colleague.

- I know.

He knows he has my esteem

- and friendship.

- He surely deserves both.

I'll be expecting you at 5:00.

Of course, madam.

Allow me to show you the way.

It might work out...

My dear colleague,

you have beautiful visitors.

She's the parent of a student...

Now I understand

why you've been neglecting me.

You give your calendars to others.

Here's your chalk, take it back.

Though your lady does not seem

to be in need.

Please, don't be angry.

Mr. Topaze, I'm not angry.

I've come to ask you a favor.

You know I'm at your disposal.

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