" Very good, Mr. Hermil" " Thank you." " Your carriage is here, sir." " Thank you." " We'll continue tomorrow..." "I'm sorry." " It's late." "I must go." " All right." "Until tomorrow." "Goodbye." "You were saying?" "It's a myth that English men are cold." "Isn't La Sperati singing?" " No, next Tuesday." " Pity, I won't be here." " They say she's admirable." " As a singer or a woman?" "I know nothing about opera." "If our Princess knew how few of guests come for the music." "She knows full well." "It's her way of inflicting penance for our sins." "You come here to court Countess Teresa Raffo, you get 1 Mozart, 2 Schuberts and 4 Liszts as penance." " Pity you're so late." " It's my fault, Princess... entirely mine." "I have no doubt." "You've missed a Mozart and a beautiful Liszt." " I'm sorry." " Come and sit with me." "Thank you, Princess." "I'm afraid I can't stay to the end." "It's a pity you're leaving so soon." "She is an extraordinary pianist." "Yes, I think so too." "Goodbye." "Where are you going?" "I won't stay if she's here." " I didn't know you'd come." " Yes, I know." "Goodbye." "Enjoy yourselves." " Teresa... please." " Will you leave with me?" "You know I can't." "Either you leave with me now or you'll never see me again, I mean that." "My dear Tullio, you can't let our most beautiful guest leave." "It doesn't depend on me, Prince." "But my evening has just begun." "Tell Count Egano I'm waiting for him." "Never mind, here he is." "Dear Stefano." "Shall we go?" "Let's go in before that fanatic starts another piece." "My wife takes offense if I'm not in the room." "After all, it takes so little to please her." " I'll come for you later." " What?" "No, I'll send the carriage." "I won't be back." "I'm not feeling well." " I'll come with you." " Don't complicate matters." "Come in." "As you can see, I know you quite well." "I was sure you'd come." "Before going out again I chose to wait for you rather that risk finding you here when I got back." "Give me back my keys." "Be reasonable." "I couldn't leave with you." "For once my wife asked me to accompany her." "Why didn't you tell me you'd be there?" "I went because I knew you'd be there." "It's time we faced this situation." "Don't you agree?" "For months you've skilfully succeeded, like a conjurer, in preventing me from seeing how things really are." " So I took the initiative." " Initiative?" "Seeing what?" "That I'm married?" "You've always known that." " Of course." " So?" "From what you say, your rapport with your wife is only a formal one." " Precisely." " That's not true." "And it's obvious when you're together." "You're like all the bourgeois husbands of this world, my dear." "They swear to their lovers they've rejected their wives and do the same with their wives." "I won't accept such pettiness." "You know I'm a free, liberated woman and not only in word, like you." "You're jealous of her." "I won't share a man with another woman." "Not even with his wife." "You're not sharing me and you know that." "All I think of is you." "You're always inside me." "I feel your presence constantly." "It's persistent... even hostile." "I'm going out with Egano." "Run along to your wife." "Leave me." "I won't leave you." "You're staying with me." "You're still awake?" "You said you weren't feeling well, so... how silly of me..." "I became anxious." "I waited by the window for your return." "You know what I was doing?" "Writing to you." "But since you're here..." "I'm going to Florence." "I don't know for how long." "This time it's serious." "I had to tell you." "You're leaving forever?" "Well... forever..." "What big words." "Listen, Giuliana, even though... even though I've never spoken to you about it," "I'm sure that at some stage, some compassionate soul must have informed you of my infidelities." "I didn't tell you myself because they were insignificant affairs, and because of our pact, from the time you agreed to marry me." "Love is there while it lasts then it's replaced by respect, affection, friendship, common interests... if all that is possible, of course." "But I must assume that it's our case, since you've accepted, without reacting, the situation between us for quite some time." "As you said, they were insignificant affairs." "That's why I tried to ignore them." "Marriage..." "Yes, our marriage was to be defended at all costs... even from our own resentment." "Correct?" "And you were right." "You're been wonderful." "Because, even if my love for you... has waned, as inevitably happens, my affection and respect have but increased." "I'm fond of you and respect you... like a beloved sister without whom I could no longer live." "I'd suffer greatly but naturally you'd have every right to leave me." "Will you stay with me and help me?" "How?" "By putting up with me." "By facing a situation which, by society's standarts." "Would certainly be criticised." " The woman I love..." " Teresa Raffo?" " Yes, Teresa." " She's a widow, she's free." "What prevents you going to her?" "I didn't mention merrying her." "She's a beautiful sensual woman." "I desire her." "No woman has ever possessed me as she has." "What is this?" "I arrive and they're leaving?" "Anyone home?" "Federico." "You're all leaving when I have 3 day's furlough?" "No, only me." "Where are you going?" " How long do you have?" " Three days." "Actually, three and a half." "Listen..." "I'm up to my neck in problems, or good fortune, if you like." "I'm leaving Giuliana by herself... not that I want to impose, but I'll feel better knowing you're with her." "Wait." "I'd like to spend my three days in Rome, not with my sister-in-law." " She's adorable, but..." " No, do as you please." "I only need to know you're around." "I mean, if before going out, you tell her your plans for the evening," "Giuliana will be happy." "This is a very delicate time for her." "Does anyone else live here?" "The house looks so big." "Enlighten our friend or she'll be so disappointed." "I promised to show her one of Rome's finest homes..." "It is beautiful, but..." "No, it's not." "This villa was built for my mother." "She wanted lots of greenery even in the city." "My father did his best to please her but when he died, she returned to the country where it's much greener." "Then my brother married and came to live here." "I kept these rooms to be more independent." " So it's not the main part." " Yes, it is." "I assure you." "Federico." "What's wrong?" "What's wrong with you?" "Giuliana!" "That's it." "Help me." " Call the governess." " Right away, sir." "She hasn't fainted." "She's taken something." "Are you alone in the house?" "No." "They've gone to bed." "I was too..." "Forgive me." "I was depressed and took something to help me sleep." "Instead of relaxing I've become terribly anxious." "Terribly afraid." "I didn't want to be alone." "I'm here." "How are you feeling?" "It's nothing." "Such a silly thing." " Do you feel better now?" " Yes." "I'm sorry to inconvenience you." "Lie down a bit longer." "This is Filippo d'Arborio, the writer." "See what important friends I have?" "Ulderico Guinigi and Miss Elviretta." "My sister-in-law, Giuliana." " Hello." " My apologies." "I've ruined your dinner." "Do continue." "You mustn't be alone tonight." "Come on." "Tell us when you're ready for bed." "Or go to sleep here lulled by our voices." " When we were boarders..." " Which school?" "I was poor." "My parents couldn't afford my studies." "I paid my way by tutoring the younger pupils." "Federico was one of them." "And I always fell asleep." "That's right." "As soon as I started talking, he'd doze off." "He says the tone of my voice was to blame." "I would be very pleased if you managed to sleep, too." "Breakfast is served." "What a beautiful scent." "Are they tuberoses?" "At this time of year!" "How did you find them?" "You're so sweet." ""I await you." "Stefano Egano."" "The idiot." "How dare he?" "You shouldn't read other people's letters." "You really are silly." "If I've slighted anyone, it's him, not you." "I promised Egano I'd watch his horse's race." "But I'm here with you." "What are you complaining about?" "I was hoping to see you at the races yesterday." "My horses distinguished themselves." "There are too many people." "I'm afraid of crowds." "They're racing in the steeplechase tomorrow." "I can get you seats at the finishing line." "I'm afraid I can't go." "In case you change your mind..." "I assure you the countess won't." " I'd like her to tell me." " I'm telling you." "If you change your mind..." "I'm at your disposal." "Very well." "Egano's friend say he's left for Rome and so has she, apparently." "She's broken off with Tullio." "You did well to come." "Let the tongues wag." "Don't let them pity you." "Never accept the role of the poor abandoned wife." "You're here to disprove that." "I didn't want you here because Teresa's coming." "My train was late." "While I dueled with that fool in Florence, she left." "I must see her again." "She's treacherous, elusive and a liar." "The moment you think she's all yours, she escapes you." "She's already pursuing other desires." "I must find the strength to break off with her." " And you must help me." " What can I do?" "I don't know." "Many things." "Convince me not to see her again." "No one can convince you... least of all me." "That's not true." "You see, the most dangerous thing for me is that my frustration makes me feel so unhappy but at the same time I feel alive, vital..." "It's the first time I'm in such a situation." "One does sell one's soul in exchange for youth and one is defenseless in love." "You talk as if I'd never existed." "You're right, I'm being unfair." "I'm sorry." "Be patient with me." "As you would with a sick person." "Someone who indulges in his illness." " Was that you singing?" " Yes." "You're going out?" " Where are you going?" " To Di Castro's auction." "I can't pin my veil." "Will you help me please?" "You have a new perfume." "What is it?" "Crab-apple." "It's an English perfume." ""The Flame"." ""To Giuliana Hermil, Turris Eburnea," ""I humbly dedicate..." "Filippo D'Arborio."" " Aren't you going out?" " You know D'Arborio?" " When did you meet him?" " When your brother was here." " Have you read it?" " Yes." "I skimmed through it at the Club." "A mediocre writer, don't you agree?" "No." "His style is so pompous, so emphatic." "It's quite unbearable." "How can you say that?" "His style is extraordinary." "It's like music." "You can't judge a man like him by just skimming through his book." "You take it to heart." "He may be a great writer but he's ill-mannered." "You must give me that." "The dedication he wrote you is not only stilted but also uncalled for, if one considers it's addressed to a lady he only met ones." "I saw him again after our first meeting." "Are you taking the carriage?" "No, I'd rather walk." "I'll see you later." "Now as you've all seen 4500 lire." "Congratulations, Countess Raffo." "Thank you." "Now there's a fabulous dove-shaped brooch in diamonds and rubies, valued at 5 or 6000." "But I'll start at 1000." "Things are warming up." "Good evening, Mr. Hermil." " Good evening, Madam." " Good evening, Emilio." " Is Mr Tullio in?" " No, Madame, he went out." "Tell the kitchen I've eaten." "Good night." "I've spent endless nights outside here looking up at your windows." "I know." "I saw you once." "And you didn't call me?" "Why are you so cruel to me?" "You're one of those men who make women suffer." "You're selfish." "Proud." "Despotic." "The domineering lover." "If you knew how hard it's been to resist calling you," "but I succeeded." "And you had to come looking for me today." "But I didn't come looking for you today." "I went there by chance." " That's not true." " It is." "I swear." "I hadn't left the house for days on end." "My wife said she was going to the auction, so..." "Your wife was there?" "No, she wasn't." "I assure you." "I had nothing to do either, and I got there early." "And I'm usually late wherever I go." "I saw every single person who walked in." "Oh God, I'm ruined." "So your wife lies to you." "She deceives you." "Maybe she has a lover." "I'm sorry." "I'm only joking." "I only saw those who were already there." "I didn't see the people who arrived later." "I didn't even see you." " Good evening, sir." " Is my wife back?" "Yes, an hour ago but then she left again." "She went to catch the 8.30 p.m. Train." "She said she was going to visit your mother." "I think she left you a note in the study." "I'll be with you shortly." "You're the only punctual man in Rome." "This is Mr Filippo d'Arborio." "I'm Tullio Hermil." " An academic match?" " With pleasure." "Tell me if I've done well." "Who do you want next to you at dinner?" "On your right the Princess of Fondi." "And on your left?" "It's up to you." " Do you like that book?" " No." "I do, very much." "I also like the author." "I invited him tonight but he's not at Rome." "D'Arborio?" "He'll get in touch as soon as he gets back." "I'll organize another dinner." "I'd like you to meet him." " I've met him, thank you." " What's wrong with you?" " Are you in a bad mood?" " Not at all." "Then will you approve my seating arrangements?" "Remember we must give the Dampierres an answer tonight." "Shall we go to Paris or not?" "You're the one who's been invited." "I'll go if you come too." "What else do you want to do?" "D'Arborio's dinner, trips..." "You're a bachelor again, and I'm taking advantage of it." "I'm sitting here." "The Ambassador on my right, and I've put Dampierre on my left." "All right?" "Yes, it's all right." "Dampierre is next to me so I can tell him we'll be going to Paris next week." "All right." "Thank you." " How are you, Giuseppe?" " Well, thank you." "Tullio!" "My dear Tullio." "Mama, how are you?" "You're all alike." "You turn up unexpectedly." " Giuliana?" " She was expecting you." " Elvira, where's Madam?" " In the garden." "Go and tell her Mr Tullio is here." "What does Giuliana usually do?" "She has some friends, so..." "Friends?" "Yes, friends from Rome staying with the Torrigianis." "Giuliana says they're very nice." "At least she occupies her time." "You see, I never go out." "I told her invite whoever she likes but she'd rather go out." "It'll be a nice surprise for her to see you here." "Here's Giuliana." " You look very well." " We weren't expecting you." "To be honest, I wasn't planning on coming." "I was at station with a ticket to Paris then I saw a train for here and changed my plans." "I knew Tullio was crazy but not to this extent." "Wait." "Do you mind if we occupy a room in the left wing too?" "Tullio reads at night and I wake up very early so we'd rather have separate rooms." "As you wish." "There are plenty of rooms." "Go to the other wing." " Would you like some?" " No, thank you." " Been to Villa Lilla?" " No, I haven't." " Why is that?" " I haven't been there." "We should discuss Villa Lilla." "There's an Englishman, an ex-diplomat, who'd like to buy it." "I'm told I could get an excellent price." "I'm against selling, but we could rent it." "With all the money spent to renovate it when, as newlyweds, you said you'd spend six months a year there." "I never believed you." "If we rent it we could pay for its upkeep, if nothing else." "Uninhabited houses suffer and deteriorate before their time." "Well, think it over." "It's not for the money." "To me, that will always be your home." "Mother is right." "We should at least go and see it." "If you're free tomorrow shall we go to Villa Lilla?" "Welcome, Mr Tullio." "My respects, Madam." "Hello, Callisto." "Water the horse and feed him." "I've been airing the house for two weeks." "I knew you were at the Badiola." "I've been waiting or the weather to improve." "Very good, sir." "You should listen to your mother and rent it." "Yes." "It would be most reasonable thing to do." "The English diplomat would look after it well." "But the idea upsets me." "Doesn't it you?" "You seem just as hesitant and fearful as when we came here for the first time." "There were the same flowers." "The same perfume." "That's right, it was the same season." "Let's try to be two new people who meet here for the first time." "It's up to us to try." "If we don't succeed, we'll sink back into unhappiness and misery." "That's not possible." "Don't torment me." "Why not?" "You've been my wife, my sister," "But you've never been my mistress." "It's different, you know." "Very different." "Without embarrassment, with no false modesty," "without holding back." "Love is that too." "Especially that." "And I've never taught you." "It's been my fault." "I was wrong." "Tell me you want to make love with me." "Tell me you want to." "Ask me." "Ask me." "Ask me, my love." "I was getting worried." "I wanted to send someone." " How are you?" " Well." " Shall I accompany you?" " No, thank you." "Giuliana wasn't very well." "I wanted to sleep at Villa Lilla but she didn't." " What was wrong with her?" " Nothing serious." "Perhaps she caught cold." "You're so right." "It's a shame to leave Villa Lilla empty." "But no English diplomats." "We'll go and live there, at least a few months of the year." "Yes, I know you don't believe me, but you'll see." "The smell of the lilacs..." "Maybe that's why Giuliana took ill." "It was such a heavy perfume." "I'll tell her to stay in bed." "It would be wiser." "And I'll call the doctor." "I wanted to last week but Giuliana refused." "Tell Giuseppe to get the gig and go to Dr Milani." "I'd be most grateful if he came tonight." "Calm down, Giuliana is better now." "It was nothing serious." "There's no need to worry." "She forbade me to tell you until she was sure but, as there's no doubt now, I'll tell you, so you won't be as silly as you were today by taking her out in the gig." "Giuliana is pregnant." " Pregnant?" " Yes." " Did she tell you?" " No, but I know." "She's had quite a few turns like today's." "Nausea, dizzy spells..." "you know." "So I asked her and she said she hoped she was." "But she wanted to be sure before telling you so as not to disappoint you, of course." "I've begged her to see the doctor because she won't listen to my advice." "She should be in her third month." "But don't betray me." "Wait for her to tell you." "She made me promise." "I'm so happy." "You've made me wait so long for this moment." "Now she must be careful." "The first months are the most dangerous for her." "She's so frail, our dear, dear child." "Good night, Mama." "I'm going upstairs so if she wakes up I'll hear her." "You'll wait for the doctor?" "If Giuseppe had found him he'd be here by now." " If you need anything..." " No, thank you." "Good night." "Tullio." "Don't leave." "I'm afraid of being alone." "What have you taken?" "A sleeping draught?" "Tullio." "Did you sleep here?" "What happened?" "You said not to leave you alone." "I did?" "When?" "Don't you remember?" "I took a sleeping draught last night." "Maybe I took more than usual." "You take sleeping draughts?" "Does the doctor know?" "Yes." "Show me what you take." "I can't remember where I put it." "Wait." "I think..." "I must have finished it, and thrown out the bottle." "Is what my mother told me true?" "That you're pregnant?" "Yes, it's true." "I wanted to tell you." "I tried to yesterday." " Is that why you left Rome?" " Yes." " But I didn't know then." " And he followed you." "Followed me?" "Who?" "It was all over before I came here." "Before I knew I was... like this." "I had found the strength to overcome my confusion." "I was very lonely." "Very sad." "I'm not justifying myself or accusing you." "I'm in despair." "In despair." "But I come last." "What about you?" "The same right applied to you as to me." "We were two friends." "Two free people." " You could too." " I wasn't to claim a right." "I never felt I had one." "I swore before God to be your wife forever." "It was different for you." "But I..." "There's one thing I want to know." "The only really important thing." "I'm no longer interested in our past live together." "But I've changed a lot in these last few days." "And yesterday..." "no, let me finish." "Yesterday I found you again." "And I believed you'd like to start from scratch." "For a moment I left that all I'd been through was nothing but a dream, a nightmare." "We were there, you and I, just like after our marriage." "Are you being sincere?" "No one must suspect anything." "Why?" "Do you want me to stay with you?" "Yes." "Seeing you're awake..." "I've signed up for the championship." "I need some lessons so I won't discredit the family." " Coming down?" " I'll join you shortly." " Hello, Giuliana." " Hello, Federico." "Touche." "Bravo." "You should sign up instead of me." "Now I'll try harder." "Watch out." "Careful, boys." "Don't hurt yourselves." "Stop it." "Are you crazy?" "We're off the board." "I want a return match." " Not now." "I'm tired." " That's enough, boys." "The doctor is here." "You'd better see him." "Everything's all right, but he wants Giuliana to stay in bed for a few days." "Anyway, he'll tell you." "Go up." "No, I'm sweaty." "I want to change." "I'd keep him waiting." "Apologize for me." "It's no use pretending I don't know anything." "As you can imagine." "Mama told me right away." "I'm really pleased." "That way she'll stop nagging me to marry." "The heir is guaranteed." "Congratulations." "May I congratulate Giuliana too?" "No, leave it for now." "Mama should've kept quite." "Giuliana isn't well." " She may lose the child." " But the doctor said..." "Even last time Giuliana fell pregnant the doctor said all was well" "but it wasn't." "If you left now against the doctor's orders." "Mama would be so upset." "So you'd better stay a few more days." "I'll go to Rome to make arrangements with Dr Magli." "I'll have to give him some details." "How many months are you?" "I finished my second one a few days ago." "I don't think there's any danger at this stage... if one takes the necessary precautions." "I don't understand." "You're not thinking of keeping it, are you?" "Last time you lost it through natural causes and that will help cover up for this one." "I'm referring to the family who know you're pregnant." "I know what to say to Dr Magli." "But I can't." " What can't you?" " I can't." "Why not?" "Are you afraid or don't you want to?" "I can't because it's a crime." "A crime." "How could you think I'd..." "But you're quite happy to give my name and my family's affection to a stranger." "Isn't that a crime?" "Why won't you answer me?" "I said I want to help you." "I love you and bear no grudge for what you've done." "I'm very grateful to you, but..." "But what?" "You said it's all over." "That you want to put it behind you." "So it's not true." "Because if it were so, how could you and I..." "Yes, I admit it's impossible." "I must leave you." "It's over between us." "Listen, Giuliana, the real crime is the one you want to commit." "First you torment yourself with remorse but then you absolve yourself from that sin and torment yourself about the consequences and this time the absolution is a life sentence... not only for you." "Can't you see how absurd your behavior is?" "I'm an atheist." "But that doesn't mean I don't have moral problems." "On the contrary, I'm aware of their consequences." "I don't delegate God to decide what's right or wrong." "I assume my responsibilities." "You see, I know that my sins, if I've committed any, can't be redeemed through repentance or by punishing myself." "I'm a free man." "Earth is my only country." "I have no other destination." "My story begins and ends here." "I don't have a hell to fear or a heaven to hope for." "I believe we can only count on ourselves." "What I'm proposing isn't an easy way out." "My solution faces the truth of existence." "It doesn't seek refuge in faith or in a god created by our imagination who, in another life, grants rewards or penances." "If I could think like you," "have your self-assurance..." "You could live your life freely, to the full, without fear." "Think it over carefully." "It's entirely up to you." "Anyway I'll go to Rome to make the arrangements." "You'll join me as soon as possible." "I need a favour." "That I meet your friend, Filippo d'Arborio." "Do I have to come to Rome for that?" "Send him an invitation." "He'll be delighted to come." "We're good friends." "Besides, he'll rush here to see Giuliana again." "He was smitten by her when I introduced them." "I teased him so much." "I don't want to invite him." "It must be a chance meeting." "You invite him and I'll just turn up." "It's a delicate matter." "I can't explain." "It's also my fault." "We didn't expect you in this heat." "And since the house needed a thorough cleaning, and the carpets were stained." "I thought..." "Put the house in order." "My wife will be arriving next week." " Who's in the house?" " The cook, Virginia, and Alfredo." "Any further orders, sir?" "What is it?" "Yes, I need someone to deliver a letter." "I'll send for the coachman or I can go myself, if you like." "You may leave." "I'll call when I'm ready." "Well?" "I'd have joined you, as I said in my letter." "I never thought for one moment you'd return." "You're contradicting yourself." "You knew I would." "Today you send you butler to my home, not to Paris." "I hadn't heard from you, so before leaving..." "Did you expect me to believe you'd join me in Paris?" "You see?" "I did well to come here." "Contrary to common belief." "I believe truth is never said to one's face." "There are too many factors which intervene in our intimacy, so... one usually ends up not understanding anything." "Understanding what?" "That you've got over it, my dear." "Quickly, in fact." "Very quickly." "It's not pleasant for a woman... to be abandoned." "There are those ready to pity her and I don't like that." "There are those who question her charm and I don't like that either." "You send me a note when I'm on the train saying that serious family matters..." "Oh, come now, not even a mere clerk would resort to that." "I really believed a catastrophe had occurred." "I wanted to go to Paris." "Yes, to have fun." "And when I got there I didn't even unpack." "I came straight back, thinking that, if you had such serious problems, you might want me by you side." "My friends will surely laugh when I tell them the story of my fall." "What do you say?" "Shall we still dine together?" "As you wish." "No standing on ceremony." "Please, Teresa, you're the only person to whom I may tell my story one day," "I hope this will be our last day." "Good evening." "Excuse me." "My brother Federico." "Countess Raffo." "Osvaldo said you were here." "I'm terribly upset about..." "I mean, rather..." "I looked into that matter but couldn't find my friend." "I last saw him before going to camp." "I didn't even know he'd gone to Africa." "Why go to Africa, anyway?" "Right now he's in hospital in the isolation ward." "His condition is very serious." "A disease he caught there." "Perhaps, Countess, you know this friend of mine, too." " D'Arborio, the writer." " I've met him." "I'm an admirer of his." "He's between life and death." "The truth is they know nothing about tropical diseases, and they don't know how to treat him." "Too much sad news tonight." "I'm sorry I'm the bearer of some of it." "I'm truly sorry." "Drop in when you get home." "I'm staying out late." " Never mind, I'll wait." " Very well." "You know what?" "I'm suffering less than I thought." "One day I might listen to what you have to say." "What's wrong?" " Nothing." " Nothing?" " Nothing." " The door was open." "You told me to come at any hour." "Yes, I wanted..." "I wanted to know which hospital d'Arborio is in." "The Policlinic, in isolation." "No one is allowed near him." "Now you must tell me what you want from him." "When you asked to meet him," "I thought you suspected something between him and Teresa Raffo." "It's plausible, since all the ladies in Rome are in love with him." "Besides, your lovely Teresa, no offence meant, of course, isn't the type to deny herself a whim." "But no, I found out they barely know each other." "You saw it yourself." "She didn't know he was ill." "So, what's all the mystery?" "I can't tell you anything." "It's a matter which concerns..." "a friend." "Well, I'm going to bed." "It's dawn." "Can you at least tell me when d'Arborio left for Africa?" "I'll find out, but tell your friend to leave him in peace." "D'Arborio is ill." "Very ill." "He's a man who warrants respect." "He's not only a great writer but also an angel." "He's the only person who makes me feel ashamed... or almost." "Why?" "If you think about it, you might realize why." "We're so intelligent, we're educated." "We've travelled, we enjoy ourselves so much, we're so rich..." "and then?" " What's all this nonsense?" " I don't know." "Good night." "When are we going to the Club?" "You owe me a return match." "I don't know." "I don't know what will happen tomorrow." " It depends." " Good night." "Good morning." "Madam send me for her lighter clothes." "It's hot at the Badiola now too." "Didn't she say she was coming to Rome?" "No, sir." "I'm sorry, I almost forgot." "It's from Madam." "I also have to do a few things for your mother." "I hope I'll be able to leave tonight." "If you have any orders..." "No, I'll get there before you." "I can't do what you asked." "I'd rather leave." "Get out of your life." "I can't commit murder." " I spoke to..." " Whom?" "My confessor." " Did he tell you to leave?" " No, but he agrees." "I hope my family will give the child their name." " Why not his father?" " No, he must never know." "Do you really mean that?" "Do you realize what will happen if you leave me?" "It's not the scandal I'm worried about." "But your situation as a single mother who, to save her child deprives it of a father." "If I were convinced your decision stemmed only from your moral and religious convictions, if I felt you were mine and mine alone," "I could stand anything." "Children belong to whoever educates and raises them." "FILIPPO D'ARBORIO IS DEAD" "Maria, did my wife call?" "No, sir, but she asked me to wake her at 9 o'clock." "Wait a moment." "You may go." "May I?" "Good morning, Madam." "It's 9 o'clock." "Come in." "Have you seen it?" "I heard he was seriously ill." "I told you, didn't I?" "That's strange." "I could have sworn I told you." "A tropical disease he contracted in Africa." "Why won't you look at me?" "Who are you thinking about?" "Why torture yourself?" "The doctor." "I'll show him in." " Hello." "Is the midwife here?" " Yes." "This way, doctor." " Is the doctor here?" " I'm here." " Come quickly." " Excuse me, doctor." "I have something to tell you." "And I'll do so in my mother's presence." "Last time you examined my wife, you said we may be faced with a choice." "Let it be clear, and I take full responsibility, that, should this unfortunate situation arise, we want the mother saved." "I sincerely hope we won't be faced with this choice." "But I'm grateful to you for taking full responsibility." "As you know, Catholicism..." "I know." "It's an immoral and criminal precept." "It doesn't concern me." "Let's go, doctor." "Mr Tullio." "Here's the young master." "He's already opened his eyes." "They're both safe and sound." "We made it." "Congratulations, he's a beautiful baby." " Everything went well, sir." " You may go in now." "But no one else." "She's going through a brief crisis." " She's well but very weak." " It's nothing, sir." "Don't worry about it." "Yes, she's had a strange psychological reaction." "She won't see the child." "She's crying." "Isn't he beautiful?" "God bless him." "Raimondo." "Grandma's Raimondo." "Isn't he the world's most beautiful baby?" "Look at his eyes." "Don't cry in front of Uncie, my treasure." "He's so good." "He just eats and sleeps." "Look at his hands." "He'll be tall." " Isn't he gorgeous?" " Like all babies." "Foals are different." "You should see Zara's." "He's a splendid silvery grey." "But babies..." "You're just baiting me." "What do you know about babies?" "You were red and wrinkled when you were born." "You weren't like him." "He's beautiful." "Instead of being silly, tell Tullio his son is a little ray of sunshine." " Must I be the one?" " Yes." "Nurse, shut the windows." "It's cold today." "Are you scared I'll say the foal is better?" "Come now, Mama." "I'll tell them I've never seen such beauty and that I'll be proud to be his godfather." "What's wrong?" "You joke about it, but I'm desperate." "Desperate." " What are you saying?" " You've no idea!" "I'm not upset with Giuliana." "Even the doctor said it's a reaction to stress." "But your brother..." "He's so strange." "Before he was worried for her, and that's understandable, but now that all's gone well..." "They never see the child." "As if he didn't exist." "They don't even mention him." "The only thing your brother said to me is if we want a baptism, it must be private." "No reception." "Nothing." "You had me scared for a moment." "Is that all?" "Tullio isn't religious." "He has his own ideas." "We'll celebrate some other time." " Is that what upsets you?" " Yes, very much." "With everything else." "They keep to their room." "They're hostile." "But this is all good news." "We won't have the bother of the party, and Tullio and Giuliana are so in love they forget they have a son." "Perk up, all will go well and Tullio will go to church as he did for his wedding." "And Raimondo?" "Are they calling him that?" "Your crazy husband is driving mother to distraction." "It would have been better if you'd not come to the church." "I told Mama and the nurse to have champagne with us to calm her down." "It's champagne, not holy water!" "Come in." "Good!" "Come in." "Not here." "In the other room." "Giuliana mustn't get tired." "You may go." "Let's go, Federico." "Do you really not want us here?" "Why don't you come?" "The doctor said you can move a bit." "It would do you good." "Come on, make an effort." " Hurry up." " For me." "I'll see you later." "Let's have a nice Christmas to please Mama too." "Try to come up with something." "Don't count on me." "I'm leaving." "You're not staying for Christmas?" "Mama said..." "I'm sorry to disappoint her but I've changed my mind." "I just can't do it." "I'm sorry but I don't like the atmosphere here." "I love you all, but I have my problems, too." "And I want to spend my leave in peace." "I'll go and find some joy elsewhere." "Has he eaten?" "I hoped he'd be awake." "Will he be warm enough?" "His little hands feel cold." " Shall we put his mittens on?" " No, Madam, don't worry." "He's nice and warm." "Don't worry, he won't wake up." "Besides, babies like hearing voices, hearing they're not alone." "You go to bed too, Nurse." "Good night." "Good night, Madam." "I've been watching you coddle him at night." "Why don't you tell the world how much you love him?" "Don't lie." "Have the courage to speak the truth." "I went in because I thought someone called." "It's happened before." "As if something was wrong." "That's not true." "I've seen you sneak out in the dark before." "What's wrong with that?" "You do the same thing." "Nurse told me." "It's true." "But it's not the same thing." "By watching him, I try to discover your secret." "I try to force myself to forget, but I can't..." "I can't." "And I damn the day I accepted this torture." "And you've changed." "You're happy now." "That's why I can't stop looking at him." "And you don't care that I'm suffering." "You love him." "And by loving him, you're loving him father." "You know that's not true." "I even wanted him to die when he was born." "It's awful, but it's true." "His presence distresses me, too." "Yes, I hate him for the pain he's causing you." "I can't see you like this." "Why won't you believe me?" "I swear I hate him." "Is that how you feel?" "Yes." "Because he's come between us." "I would like you and I to..." "Take me away." "We'll be happy far from here." "We'll leave after Christmas." "I promise." "Mama's waiting downstairs." "We're going to Mass." "Your cape, Madam." "No, you may go." "Won't you wear my present?" "I think hot." "It's so extravagant." "Nonsense." "The peasants always like to see their masters... well-dressed." "The bell has rung twice." "We must hurry." "Very well." "You may go to Mass, Nurse." "I'll stay here." "Thank you, sir." "The baby is asleep anyway." "Good night, Mr Tullio and Merry Christmas." "Good night." " Have dinner served." " Yes, Madam, right away." "Yet another Christmas has gone by." "And we'll be leaving." "You promised..." "After Christmas." "When are we leaving?" "Whenever you like." "Tomorrow, if you like." "The baby isn't breathing!" "Doctor, hurry!" "He's not breathing." "He's stopped breathing, doctor." "I don't want you to." "Don't go in there." "Why not?" "Stay with me." "I'm afraid." "I'm so afraid." "Come with me." "Come." "Mr Hermil." "No, it can't be." "It can't be." "Dead?" "Yes." "Get away." "Don't touch me." "I'm not your accomplice." "Be quiet, Giuliana." "I beg you." " You did it." " Quiet." "You knew all along." "It's your fault." "I hate you." "No, you've always said you hated him." "No, I wanted to save him from you." " I did my utmost to save him." " What are you saying?" "Yes, everything I did with you was to save him." "Only to save him." "And now, for the rest of my days," "I will have to live with this mark on my soul." "Help me, God." "May you be as unhappy as I am." "You're lying to yourself." "You wanted him to die." "Not for one moment did I want to get rid of him." "Because I loved him, my poor baby... denied a thousand times." "You must know that so you'll understand that it's truly over." "I loved and always will love that baby's father." "To the end of my days, I can but hate you." "Hate you." "Despise you." "Women have the extraordinary capacity to adapt reality to the romantic ideals of the worst literature." "My wife's affair with Filippo d'Arborio, lasted but a fleeting moment." "Just like many of your friends who fell for the fashionable scribe, who had the misfortune to contract a disease which sent him back to his maker." "That's all." "I'm only sorry that I helped to contribute to this appalling second rate novel." "You don't really believe you caused the death of that innocent?" "You see, it's strange, but newborn babies have an extraordinary resistance." "The cold didn't kill it." "So don't feel any remorse." "He must have died because..." "No, that doesn't matter." "As far as I'm concerned, it's the intention that counts." "And there are so no doubts about my intentions." "I knew full well what I was doing." "I feel no remorse and I'm not justifying myself." "I'm not touched by man's justice because... no court on earth could sit in judgment on me." "Have I bored you?" "I'm sorry." "It's early." "We can still spend some time together." "That would give me great pleasure." "I like your home." "I've tried to picture it so many times... but never succeeded." "It's strange, you know, because it resembles you." "It really does." " With all your beauty..." " And my ugliness." "What is there that's ugly?" "Let's hear it." "Slow down." "There's no rush." "I have to look carefully... and think it over." " Will you offer me a drink?" " Of course." "Well?" "Have you decided?" "What is there in me that's ugly?" "Now I'll tell you." "Let me drink first." "I shouldn't." "I drank so much at dinner." "But you've plunged me... into such melancholy." "One step at a time." "You asked me before what I thought about what you told me." "Now I'll tell you." "I believe you're even more in love with your wife." "So much in love that you're pitiful." "That's not so, my love." "I admit that my experiences with her, of late... have been intoxicating." "But murky and morbid, if you like." "Only the pure are capable of such excess." "Think of the hair-shirts worn by ascetics." "You're in love with her." "And for the first time you feel defeated." "Your two rivals cannot be vanquished because they're dead." "Poor Tullio." "What nonsense are you saying?" "If there's a loser in this mournful story, it's my wife." "She, who has decided to live among the ghosts of the graveyards, instead of living her life freely." "And who obstinately refuses to believe that our problems should be solved here on earth and not in a hypothetical hereafter." "Whereas I'm here with myself without illusions, without regrets." "The day I no longer had a taste for life... felt no curiosity..." "I would end it all." "Those are things one says." "But there comes a time when one ceases to live and begins merely to exist." "But we don't realize it and if we are unfortunate enough to do so," "our hopes turn to eternal life." "That's not my case, I swear." "How do you know?" "You're always so sure of yourself." "But no one knows what the future holds." "Not even you." "Less than a year ago you spend your nights beneath my windows crazed with desire and jealousy." "And I... committed all kinds of follies to smother my love for you." "I wonder why you men raise us up with one hand and drag us down with the other." "Why won't you let us walk by your side... as one being next to another?" "Woman next to man." "Nothing more, nothing less." "Of course... if I decided to live by your side." "Live by my side?" "But I don't love you, my treasure." "You're a monster." "Not because of what you've told me." "After all, that's just the natural conclusion to everything." "You're the most attractive man" "I've ever held in my arms." "But... if I ever decided I was the sole arbiter of my life," "I wouldn't want to feel unworthy of it." "Leave me alone now." "What will happen if I go to sleep here?" "Are you tired?" "Maybe I had too much to drink." "Please don't go to sleep." "I can't help it." "I'm tired." "Please don't go to sleep." "I want to show you my conclusion."