"THE VOICE OF THE HEART" "Isn't this man Alexis?" "Alexis who?" "A friend of Spyros the chauffer." "He who killed his wife's lover." "Ah, yes, you're right." "I didn't recognize him." "How about Spyros?" "Is he out yet?" "I wouldn't think so." "He was sentenced to 18 years, don't you remember?" " Who's this Spyros?" " Noone you know." "You were a baby." "A good lad!" "A good lad, who killed?" "A bad circumstance..." "He was a chauffer in a rich man's house." "He was lured by his boss's daughter, that no-good..." "Madam Stella..." "They eloped, then he married her, they also had a baby." "But she, as you understand..." "One day he caught her in the act..." "And he cleared the boyfriend out." "What about her?" "After Spyros was arrested, her folks took her away along with the baby." "Noone ever saw her again." "And he got 18 years?" "You see, plenty of brass flowed during the trial." "They covered things up and arranged them as they wanted." "Well..." "Alexis!" " Hello!" " Sit with us a minute!" "How are you?" "Have you heard from Spyros?" "Is he alright?" "They're releasing him 4 years earlier due to his good conduct." "Good!" "Spyros is a good lad!" "Who knows how his mind blurred that moment..." "Whatever happened to Stella?" "Vanished!" "As if the earth swallowed her!" "Both her and the baby." "I heard... that they wedded her to a millionaire in Thessaloniki." "Who cares?" "Where's the little girl, I wonder." "She must be a young lady by now." "15 years old!" "That's Spyros' real grief about." "If only you saw him, boys..." "I can imagine." "A wreck." "As if he's grown 40 years!" "Patience!" "For another 6 months." "Six months pass quickly." "Six months..." "Yes, yes." "That's the street." "And here exactly was the house you lived in." "We won't get any information here, Spyros." "I suggest we should go look for work." "Just think of it!" "If it should be her..." "That one... with the pigtails." "If you start seeing your daughter in every passing girl, you'll go crazy." "Let's go now." "Dearie!" "Everything fine?" "My love!" "My love!" "Yes." "Bring us a sweet red wine." "And some snacks." "Don't have any." "What exactly?" "Sweet red and snacks." "Beer, then!" "My pigeon!" "Bring beer!" "Don't have any." "Bring wine." "Just ran out of." "Not even wine?" "Why not close it then?" "Why keep it open?" "We'll do that." "So, wrap it up and let us take the chairs inside." " What did you say, you..." " No, Mr. Giorgos, don't!" "Holy Mother!" "Get thee behind me, Satan..." "Let's go!" "Riddance..." "Coming!" "Spyros!" "Some ouzo!" "And some water for the engine, please." "Really, Georges!" "Not ouzo again?" "We'll get dizzy." "You get dizzy with water, too." " You'd better not drink." " Alright." "Hey, pals, let's not get back after nine or mother will..." "Oh, good!" "Here's our ouzo!" "Water's coming up, too." "These are on me!" "Cheers!" "Here's to our health!" "Pals, tomorrow's my sister's birthday." "Will you come over?" "You really need to ask?" "Will Mr. Titos be there?" "Wouldn't she invite her teacher?" "Will you be serving drinks or get away with some ice cream?" "Indeed I will!" "Then I'm reserving you for the first five tangos!" "Really, eh?" "Careful, don't spill any water!" "Careful." "Now seriously, pals, I can't be late again tonight!" " All right!" " Thank you." "Will you take my glass, please?" "Off we go, then." "Yes, yes, here..." " Take this, no need for change." " Thank you." "Goodbye now!" "Let's go." "What a beautiful girl!" "I'm very glad to be meeting you." "I woke up early and didn't know what to do." "I remembered you said you'd be comng this way, so..." "Oh, yes..." "So, I said..." "Would you mind walking with me?" "Why would I mind?" "I'll have some company, too." "Really, I didn't ask you..." "How's your headache?" "Better..." "Fine." "Today I'm fine." "Did our pals stay until late, last night?" " No." "It was nice." " I expect Gigi had a great time." " Still have any doubts?" "Look at this, Petros." "How beautiful it is here!" "Very nice." "Very nice indeed!" "If anyone saw us they'd think we're some romancing couple..." "And..." "Would you be offended by that?" "Well, if I was to be offended by people's talk..." "Before we knew it, we've reached Mr. Spyros' tavern..." "Shall we sit there a little?" "I'm thirsty." " Yes, let's." "I'm thinking of putting some honeysuckle here, frangrance for the whole yard!" "It'll be nice." "Isn't she the one..." "Yes!" " Good morning, Mr. Spyros!" " Good morning, Miss." " Good morning." " Good morning, Sir." "Please, enter." "TAVERN The Drunken Little Nightingale" "No, let me serve them in the best possible way." "Alright." "Here we go again!" "..." " Are you well seated there?" " Formidably." " What'll you serve us, Mr.Spyros?" " You have a lemonade for me?" "Of course, Miss." "For me, too." "I didn't know about this little tavern." "It's ever so charming." "Credit to Georges for bringing us here." "I'll rest here during my rides." "Alone?" "I usually take to the streets alone." "Then, if I asked you to..." "If my company was not boring today..." "I'll be ever so content to be in your company." "Well done, Mr. Spyros!" "I'm so thirsty!" "Three acres of wheat." "So, Miss Lila has gone for a walk, has she?" "Yes, she has." "Each square metre will produce, say two and a half okas." "How many okas of wheat... will we get out of the whole field?" "Well, that's an easy one!" "Let's see you doing it then." "And when she goes for a walk, is she usually late?" "Who?" "Miss Lila!" "Nope..." "Now let me read some more problems for you while I still have time." "More?" "He looks like a decent young man, right?" "Which one?" "Ah, yes." "She also looks like a good young woman." "Modest, moderate..." "Also she must be 17 years of age, too..." "That laughter!" "Aah, you're seeing ghosts, you know that?" "That laughter..." "You don't mind not going to Tatoi?" "Just think of it." "If only Georges would stop by and see us here." "So what?" "I think he wouldn't be exactly happy." "Mr. Georges has not any more rights than you have." "Not fewer ones though, right?" "Naturally." "Not fewer ones, either." "Why is he staring at us like that?" "Who is?" "This man..." "Ah, Mr. Spyros?" "Isn't he quite an endearing man?" "At your orders!" "Alright, no more." "I must now say goodbye to your sister and leave, 'cause I'm late." "If you're that late, never mind." "No, that wouldn't be proper." "Lila!" "She must be in high spirits today." "Lila!" "What?" "Mr. Titos is leaving!" "Farewell to him!" "So then as agreed." "Yes, Sir." "Ah, here comes Dad!" "Dad, Dad!" "Good morning, Mt." "Titos." "How's your student's progress?" "Is she good?" " Goodbye!" " Excellent!" "Well done!" "This afternoon I'll take you out and we'll have... a big nice ice cream!" "How's that?" "Needs asking?" "Good morning, Dad!" "Hello, my child." "I met Mary's brother-in-law." "He says he'll be waiting for us Thurdsay evening at any rate." " I hope that doesn't make you sad." " Too sad, can't you see?" "What about me?" "What about you?" "Won't you take me with you?" "You?" "Some other time." "You have to grow up a bit more first." "Yeah, grow up..." "Everyone says I'm already a real young woman!" "Why stand here?" "Come and dance!" "Go ahead!" "That's it!" "Aah, you..." "Come and dance with me." "The two of us haven't danced yet." "There's still time." "I'm sorry, I'm not a potent dancer." " But no, you dance very well!" " You think so?" "I recall your garden of yesteryears." "You'd lose yourself in green." "You see, the frost ruined it this year." "How about a game of bridge?" " With pleasure." " Let's go then!" "But here?" "It'll soon get dark..." "Oh, Mr. Tantaridis!" "How are you?" "I believe you know everyone..." "Tantaridis, from the Ministry of Internal Affairs." "How nice to see you!" "Very nice!" "How are you, Mr.Tantaridis?" "I haven't seen you lately." "I see the young ones are partying." "Pity..." "What will it be now, fox or tango?" "Yes, tango!" "A vermouth!" "Gladly!" "A thirsty bear won't dance!" "The proverb says "hungry"!" "You see, he's right!" "Who asked for a vermouth?" "Present!" "How could we not pamper you?" "You see now?" "Their vermouths and ouzos spoiled our fun!" "It's not vermouth we want." "It's dancing!" "But rest a while, too!" "Go on!" "With your tiny mouth still smelling of milk!" " Let her be, she gets dizzy with wine." " Just one glass." "Go ahead!" " You'll be dizzy, Lila!" " No, I won't." "That's my girl!" "What's wrong with you?" "Not sure tonight, some sort of melancholia..." "How about a little walk with me?" "It'll be good for you." "A fine night, too." " Okay, let's go." " I'll take the chairs in and we're off." "Oh, I'm fond of dancing!" "Hold it, something's very interesting over there." "You're incorrigible really." "Oh, yeees!" "Come." "Oh, no thanks." "Are you scared?" "Or you're not allowed, perhaps?" "I don't feel like it." "Just one tiny glass!" "There, now..." "Not all at one go, it's strong!" "Let's go!" "Enjoying?" "Proudly watching youth!" "Feeling a little jealous, too." "Aah, we're not that old to be jealous." "Come!" "Who lives here?" "How should I know?" "They must be having a ball." "That's a nice tune." "Wish we were in there, too." "We wouldn't have a bad time at all." "I know all about these parties." "You've been in too many of those?" "Two!" "As... a server's assistant." "Well, it's true, this wine is strong." "Shall we go down to the garden for a breath of fresh air?" "Or perhaps you're not allowed this either?" "Come." "Well, let's go now." "Let's." "What is it?" "One minute." " Oh, it's the young girl." " Yes." " Is he the man she came with?" " No!" "See what you did to me?" "My head is spinning." "Oh, the poor baby!" "Don't you ever get drunk?" "I do." "But not on cocktails." "Or on wine." "I get drunk on other things." "Then I don't know what I'm doing!" "No, be good now." "Let me go!" "Georges, you're obscene, I'll scream!" "Let me go!" "Spyros, are you crazy?" " Let me go!" " Dirty scoundrel!" "If you dare pick on her again..." "But..." "Let's go." "Where were you, Lila?" "In the garden, I was a little dizzy." "But now I'm fine." "Let's dance." "But you're shaking!" "Is anything the matter?" "Not at all, dance before it ends." "You know?" "I won't have any wine again." "And I'll listen to whatever you say." "Really?" "How come?" "Just so." "I'll do whatever you tell me to." "Good morning!" "You're going for a ride?" "Too bad I can't make it today." "I have my piano practice to do." " You're not coming?" " I can't." " So much for stubborness!" " What a sudden rush for it..." "Girls, you decide." "Come, Petros!" "Petros!" "Yes." "Now, get on with it, pals." "Where could we go?" "Where do you want me to take you?" " Varibobi?" " Again?" "Then, let's have some ouzo at Mr.Spyros' and decide." "I have some bad information about this tavern." "And I can't take you to seedy places." "I'll chose for you, then." "Why did you tell them you had piano practice?" "'Cause I have something else to do today." "Good morning, Mr. Spyros!" "Good morning to you, Miss!" " Please, be seated." " No, I won't sit." "I was just having a little walk in your area and..." "I came to thank you." "Thank me?" "For last night." "It's not worth remembering, really." "But it is." "That other man would never have done it." "The one you came here with, one day." "Ah, Petros?" "Of course he wouldn't." "He's a different kind." "You see, then?" "Did you say anything?" "What about?" "That he..." "About..." "No." "This has passed now." "Why should I make those two enemies?" "You'd make them enemies?" "Your little tavern is very nice." "You've had it for long?" "Not very long." "I came to Kifissia one and a half year ago." "And before coming here?" "Before..." "I was away." "For a very long time." "I'm asking you 'cause I was under the impression I'd seen you before." "Me?" "I don't believe we frequent the same places, Miss." "Cheers, Spyros!" "Hello." "Are you leaving?" "Will you get me a jug of 100, please?" "Coming up." " Farewell." " Goodbye, thank you." "What did you order?" "A jug of wine and some feta, but please make it fast, I'm in a hurry." "I want a word." "One minute." "You didn't do the shopping?" "I saw your wife." " Who?" " Stella." "Where?" "On the main road." "In a one-horse coach." "I was about to cross and suddenly I saw her there." "What then?" "For a moment I was lost." "Then I ran to tell you." "At this hour..." "A coach!" "Then she must be living around here!" "In Kifissia!" "Obviously." "In that case..." "It's more than possible that my little girl is also here." "Among all those girls that I meet on the street every day... or that... come here..." "Here?" "Then..." "Why not..." "Why not?" "What is it, Stella?" "Mr. Tantaridis called." "He sends his greetings and invites us to supper tonight." " Have you accepted?" " Why wouldn't I?" "He's a gentleman, with a first rate job and contacts." "Didn't you want me to?" "No, you did very well." "Only..." "I find all these sudden treats a little strange." "Where are the girls?" "Gigi is studying." "Lila is in Athens." "You don't deign to address us?" "Sorry, I was distracted." "Going up?" "Come." "But I'm not going right away, I have to... see someone first." "It's alright, I'll take you there too." "I have to go alone, 'bye." "You were reported seen at Mr. Spyros' yesterday." "Do you go there often?" "Interested?" "Me?" "Each one to their own taste, girl." "What do you mean by that?" "Nothing." "Only I thought..." "How did he happen to be there out of the blue that night?" "You're obscene." "You did come!" "I promised I would." "Besides..." "Since you were in Athens too, why not go back up together?" "Correct!" "Shall we?" "As you like." "Wonderful!" "Must you go home at once?" "Why ask?" "Well, if you have time, it's so nice at this hour, we could have a little walk." "Let's." "Tonight Mom and Dad are dining with Mr. Tantaridis." "Therefore, it won't be the end of the world if I'm a little late." "Then... he leaned forward and kissed my hands." "So now you'll have to get married." "Of course." "What a joy for you!" "His uncle will make him an associate." "He'll have plenty of business and will ask for my hand." "How nice!" "We'll rent a little house." "I'll furnish it as I like." "I'll make him a nice study for his nightly work and a little couch for me to keep him company." "You mean... you're leaving this house?" "And me?" "You..." "You'll come along with us!" "They're back." "I sense some scolding coming up..." "Are the two of you still up?" "Listening to the radio." "Well, the little one should be in bed." "Correct." "It's almost 11 o'clock." "Did you enjoy yourselves?" " Very much!" " Mr. Tantaridis is a real gentleman." "Yes and he's about to..." "Yes..." "One of these days, you'll hear of something very pleasant." "Now off to bed both of you." "Good night." "Ah, you..." "This girl is not doing very well." "She does some fishy things I don't like." "First of all, she's often seen at Mr. Spyros'." "Alone." "I've told you already what I've heard about this tavern..." "Shall we make a surprise party this week, Georges?" "Why not?" "I'm always available." "We must notify Lila, too." "And ask Mr. Titos as well." "Yes, but don't mock the poor man!" "You're leaving?" "Yes." "So soon?" "I have to do something." "You've turned mysterious, too, recently." " Bye all!" " Bye!" " Oh, velvety colours..." " "The" velvety colours!" "Oh, THE velvety colours within the darkness of your eyes how..." "No, no, no, no..." "Ooooh... the velvety ... colours within... the darkness of your eyes how they enshroud me like caresses of your existence these aromas..." "But I cannot say these things!" "I don't know what they mean!" "Give me another text!" "You're too young to know what they mean." "Other girls don't get the meaning, either!" " Someone's coming!" " Is she?" "Quick!" "Sit!" "To turn two homonym fractions into heteronym ones we multiply both integers of each one by the denominator of the other." "Haven't you finished yet?" "Don't worry, I won't keep you." "Gigi, as agreed, okay?" "Au revoir." "This number we call Lowest Common Multiple..." "What's with you tonight?" "Why won't you tell me?" "How can you demand that I tell you all about me?" "Do you really tell me all, Lila?" "Of course." "I was told you visit Mr. Spyros' alone." "Is it the truth?" "Yes!" "Why didn't you tell me?" "I didn't think of doing it." "And if I may ask, why did you?" "The first time, I'd been walking around there, so..." "I went in for some water." "The other one, we'd gone with Dad to see some property land." "But why ask?" "Because this tavern's not for you, Lila." "Georges is right." "Georges told you that?" "Why that face?" "No reason." "I didn't like it, either." "You remember..." "Therefore, please." "Don't go again." "No, you're not right, Petros." "You're too young to be able to evaluate people." "Don't go again." "Anyway, as a favor to me." "Alright, Petros." "If that pleases you." "You promise?" "Of course." "Nothing difficult in it." "But I don't like you misjudging a man." "And I'd like you to trust me some more." "But I do, Lila." "It's just that..." "I'm afraid I might lose you." "Where's the sack?" "Under the counter." "Going to the Market?" "You'll start standing in the corners and look at the girls again?" "How can you recognize her?" "Are you not afraid you may be fooled again like...." "I have to find Stella, Alexis." "And I will." "Bye." "Bye." "Really?" "Yes, indeed!" "Today the man made a clear proposal not like the hints at dinner the other day." "Quite clear!" "I have the honor of asking for your daughter's hand." "I have a position such and such, I earn that much a month." "I'll make her happy." " And you?" " Well, I spoke too." "Mr. Tantaridis, your proposal is a great honor for us." "I'll have to speak with my wife and daughter." "That's why you have to speak to her today." "But..." " The man is expecting an answer." " Speak about what?" "How could she object?" "This is the best of luck and must end up by all means!" " Of course!" " I'll talk to here when she comes." " Good." "Good morning to you, Miss." "Good morning, Mr. Spyros." "We haven't seen you recently, Miss." "I didn't happen to pass that way." "We had grown accustomed to your delightful company..." "In fact, for a short while, as funny as it was, but without your willing it..." "What did I do without my willing?" "Man is unwise, Miss." "He wants to be fed on dreaming..." "Aah, no!" "You don't see my point." "I too have a daughter." "A daughter who probably is very much like you today." "A daughter whom I don't even know..." "But how come you don't know her?" "That's a whole long story." "If I ever told you of it you'd certainly wonder how I can still sometimes smile." "Have people harmed you?" "Much." "I haven't known my father, either." "He died when I was very little." "But what's with you?" "Not a thing!" "Not a thing!" "And that gentleman?" "Mom has remarried." "Now you'll have to excuse me because I'm late." "I'll come by and see you some day." " Yes." "Stella!" "It is she!" "She..." "And what could I offer that girl?" "I'll just burden her with a real trouble for a father." " No..." " And a shame..." "It is so, Alexis." "But it doesn't matter." "I shouldn't complain." "I found her." "She's alive!" "She's full of health!" "Beautiful, too!" "Beautiful as a dream, Alexis." "And I can see her." "Talk to her." "Hear her voice." "Her laughter." "I shouldn't complain." "She is happy, Alexis." "You're crying?" "I assure you I didn't expect that." "Can't you see then, what great luck this man means to you?" "I don't want to get married, Mom." "I'm too young for it." "Opportunities do not show up when we want them to." "So do me a favour, stop the waterworks and put some sense into your head." "At 6 o'clock, he's coming to visit us." "See that you're good and kind to him." "You hear?" "Don't make me feel ashamed!" "Why didn't you tell her about Petros?" "Because then I would spoil everything." "Didn't you hear her?" "The worst thing is he's coming here shortly." "Petros will be waiting for me and thinking of all sorts of possibilities." "What if I escaped?" "Not you." "They'll notice." "Isn't your teacher coming today?" "No." "He'll be at Thaleia's." "Shall I call him?" "Yes!" "Give me your copybook." "And find a small envelope, without being seen." " Don't worry!" "Petros, Seeing you today is impossible." "I'll explain." "Wait for me tomorrow at the same place." "Lila" "He says alright, he'll be right here." "Who knows what he probably thought..." "You're here!" " Sorry I'm late." " Anything the matter?" "Not really..." "Some visitors arrived unexpected and mom didn't let me..." "But your letter..." "Written in a hurry and makes no sense..." "I was worried." "What a man!" "No reason to worry." "Unfortunately, I won't manage to spend much time with you again today." "Dad's at home and he said he wanted me." "He wanted you?" "Dear child," "I already said what I had to say." "Think about it and decide." "Of course, we're not going to force you into marrying him." "But you also need to use your sense and think it over and over again." "Here, talk with your mother about it." "She is capable of giving you some better advice than I am." "After all, you may even consider me a stranger." "Only, see that you come up with an answer because I can't have the man visiting again and again." "Did you hear?" "Even a real father wouldn't speak to you like he did." "Ingrate girl!" "But I cannot marry a man I don't love." "Happiness is never dependent on minor feelings." "This is about your whole life!" "And this man can provide you with comfort and riches for it." "The way you're already used to living." " A rich life does not interest me, Mom." " No, because you're living in it." "Misery is not an easy burden." "Believe me, Lila." "Mom, I'm still too young." "Not only Mr. Tantaridis exists in this world." "You're waiting for the Prince to come and take you away?" "Or perhaps the young men you assort with blew your mind?" "Do all these gentlemen know that you have not a penny?" "Ah, if only you could have a little trust in me..." "Well, of course, I have no demand of knowing your secret." "But if you did let me know of it..." "I've been through that much in my lifetime that I might be able to offer an opinion to you." "A humble opinion." "But..." "I don't really have anything worth mentioning." "I wish that was the truth." "But I'm afraid not..." "Listen." "A while ago, you asked me what the matter was with me." "I..." "I'll tell you." "I received a letter." "The very same day I met you in the street." "My daughter lives!" "And I'm going to see her... to meet her in person!" "They've written four long pages about her." "She must look very much like you." "So, please, don't misunderstand me." "I'm asking you just as I would be asking her." "Talk to me." "Open up your heart to me." "Make me believe, even for a few moments that indeed... it is my daughter who came to ask something of me." "Alright, then." "Let's assume that your daughter comes to you and says" "Father..." "I love a man." "So, will you fetch us a bottle of beer or not?" "We've only now put the ice in." "It'll still be warm." " You mind this, Marika?" " No, Miltos dear!" "You don't mind?" "How come you don't?" "Beer is fun when it's cold." "Baaah, you're too much of a talker!" "We're in a hurry, my good man!" "In a hurry, eh?" "In that case..." "Why not leave and come again some other time?" "Leave?" "Indeed we will!" "Eh, Marika?" "Yes, Miltos dear!" "Wait here till you see us again!" "Was that all?" "And you're so upset about such a tiny little matter?" "Your little eyes welled up for that?" "Oh, but everything will end up fine." "You'll see." "Your mother will not insist when she sees that she's going to make a really unhappy girl out of you." "You don't know what she's like." "But I do know something else." "I know how to read the stars, Miss." "And the stars have told me about you that you're going to be very, very happy!" "So, go quietly back to your home and don't be late or reprimanded for it." "Don't you worry." "Everything will turn out fine!" "Only..." "If you should ever find yourself in a difficult circumstance... if things don't evolve the way we want them to..." "Do not hesitate." "Don't hesitate to come again." "Since you trusted me that much today." "Of course, I am nothing more than a humble and poor man... but I have the impression if I'm doing anything for you" "that I'm doing it for my own daughter herself." "Just think..." "What wouldn't a father manage to achieve for his daughter..." "Are we really that much alike then?" "If..." "If..." "I only could read the letter to you..." "You have the same eyes." "The same hair." "Now fare well." "And God will offer you what your heart desires." "So, that's it!" "That's why you wanted my trust?" "Are you not ashamed?" "Petros!" " With a publican!" " What did you say?" "I'm not addressing you." "The police will do that." "Leave us, Alexis!" "If not for this girl, I'd smash your face!" "Why don't you try?" "Now run and don't be late." "And don't worry." "This will also be fixed." "This cannot be fixed, Mr. Spyros." "But it doesn't matter." "I'm sorry about all those plans I made for you, Petros." " You weren't worthy of them." " Lila!" "You'll pay for this!" " Come here!" " Let me go!" "And sit!" "Sit there!" "And listen to me!" "Nobody else?" "No, Mom." "Didn't she tell you anything?" "Didn't you notice anything?" "No, Mom." "Does she perhaps receive any letters and she reads them secretly?" "No, Mom." "Alright." "Now go study and..." "Not a word to Lila!" "Alright, Mom." "So, what happens now?" "Mind you, I'll teach her not to leave just like that!" "What happens with the gentleman, I mean!" "What happens?" "We'll say yes!" "...and if you receive any letters that you read secretly." " Lila!" "You're back?" " Are you crying?" " Of course not." " Don't rush off, I must speak to you." " Mother, please, later." "I'm sorry but from now on, you're not to leave the house without my permission." "As you like." "And tomorrow we're giving an answer to Tantaridis." "I'm looking at her with a true interest." "When you become a father you'll know how it is to see in a girl even a stranger... something that reminds you of your own child." "My mother cried." "She implored me." "She kneeled down before me!" "I didn't listen to her." "That night, after they went to sleep" "I took a small bag and left." "I ruined my life." "And his." "At first... all the change and the adventures," "even poverty, seemed like entertainment to me." "Later, when all those became a daily state of things..." "I started to wonder whether I really loved that man." "Or if I made a mistake leaving with him." "That's why I don't want my child ever to think the same way." "Love..." "Love!" "..." "It only gives us plenty of grief and disappointment." "I want you to be happy, Lila." "I won't be, Mom." "You can't possibly know that." "Besides, an engagement is not a wedding." "After all, if I'm proved wrong, if you're really going to be unhappy with him... we won't force you to marry him." "So, don't be a fool." "And let's go to Elise tomorrow and order you an evening dress!" "Lila!" "Miss is not here." "Oh, pity!" " We'll be back tomorrow, then." " She won't be here, either." "Then, let her come to my house when she can." "She was there, I'm sure!" "She didn't want to come out." "Or she wasn't allowed to." "But then, things are more serious than we think." "That's why you should talk things out the soonest possible." "Write down the things you have to tell her." "And send the letter with a person of your trust." "I'd rather talk to her in person." "But if it can't be done..." "If I only tried once more..." " I'll drop by with Georges." " Not him!" "Why not him?" "I don't know..." "I just thought..." "You're keeping something from me, Mr. Spyros." "In this difficult moment I should know everything." "But what's to know, worth mentioning?" "People are mean and jealous, let it pass now..." "Georges..." "This is all over..." "and done with." "Now go and write a nice letter and send it right away." "There now..." "Go on!" ""I'm a worthless person but I love you." "Forgive me." "Forgive me mainly for doubting you even for a moment." "Do not chose to condemn me, destroying our happiness." "I have a despicable temperament, I know..." "But if you still love me a little, if you don't want me to go crazy, don't leave me in this agony." "A kind word of yours or a smile can make me cry out of happiness..."" "Lila!" " It's Mom!" " Take it and leave!" "You're here?" "What is it?" "Are you crying?" "Why?" "Why?" "Just when I was about to announce something so pleasant to you..." "We decided to have the engagement evening tomorrow." "So that you too can go out a little and enjoy yourself." "Let alone that surprise in store for you!" "A ring!" "You'll see!" "And now?" "Now..." "There's no hope, anymore." "No, you mustn't say that." "Didn't you hear?" "Tomorrow evening..." "What can I do by tomorrow evening?" "We'll find something." "We must." "You'll see." "It'll all be fine." "Perhaps you can read the stars too?" "No... but I know where Petros lives." "And I can go notify him." "Hi Petros!" "Come and give me a hand." "I have no time." "If you should see Lila, my greetings!" "Tell her I missed her." "I'll drop by Mr. Spyros' one day to see her." " It's a catastrophe!" " A catastrophe?" "Here!" "Tonight!" "I don't know what to do." "My mind's stopped working." "You don't say anything?" "Nothing for you to say?" "You'll let her..." "Go on, then!" "Think of something!" "Let's go!" "Let's!" "I'll go by myself!" " Where?" " Come and don't ask!" "What will you do?" "I don't even know myself!" "The sure thing is, this wedding is not going to take place." "There!" "Now you're ready!" "Mr. Fiancé of yours will have no reason not to be ecstatic before you!" "Well, Mom, no!" "This cannot happen!" "I won't play in this comedy." " Are you crazy, Lila?" "Probably." "Since I let you dress me up like a doll without a soul or a will." "Lila, mind your language!" "Send me away or to a school, do as you like with me." "I cannot marry this man." "What was that?" "You want to know why?" "I love, Mom." "Who was it, Koula?" "Mr. Tantaridis, Madam." "He'll be here in 15 minutes." "Alright." "Make sure everything's ready in there." "I don't need you here." "What did you say?" "You're in love?" "So you think this is an adequate excuse to make us look like fools 15 minutes before the engagement?" "You're not alone in the world, Lila!" "You have obligations!" "Both to me who brought you up like a princess and to the man who gave you his respectable name!" "Because your own father's name, if you must know this too, you wouldn't be very happy to have." "You will marry Tantaridis, even if I have to force you into it!" "No, Mom." "You won't do this." " Who is going to stop me?" " I am!" "Good evening, Madam." "Excuse me for entering through here... but I didn't have a card with me." "Your maid wouldn't let me in through the door." "What does this joke mean?" "Joke?" "We have a discussion to make, madam... which is of interest to you..." "So please do me the favor of leaving us alone for a few minutes." "This lady mother of yours has no objection, do you madam?" "Go, Lila." "And now, speak!" "Only make it short, please." "Well..." "You haven't changed much, Stella." "Of course, if one takes a closer look at you..." "Indeed so many years have passed..." "You came to tell me this?" "You don't need me to tell you this." " I came for something else." " Really?" "Much more important." "I heard you're about to engage Lila to a diplomat tonight." "So what?" "I came to tell you that you do not have my consent to this." "I do not like this profession." "I prefer...." "lawyers." "Not exactly like the ones your father had." "You believe I need your consent to have my daughter engaged?" "I think, yes!" "I'm the father, you see." "Indeed a father who was deprived of his child without a reason or a cause." "Murderers have no rights." "Then perhaps dishonored women do?" "Here in my pocket, I have a certificate." "Well, it's from prison... but it gives word of immaculate conduct and sincere repentance." "What do you have to present me with?" "What's your contribution to this world allowing you to always live like a queen and mind noone else?" "Which act of your life can you really be proud of?" "The way you treated me perhaps?" "If you then had the courage to face up to the consequences of your folly" "I wouldn't have wasted away in prison for fourteen years." "You've been twice dishonored." "But as I said," "I didn't come here to tell you things that you already know." "I'm here... for my child." "This engagement will not take place!" "Lila!" "Petros is in the garden!" "Lila, tell me it's not too late!" "That there's still time." "Nothing's happening, Petros." "But... what is Mr. Spyros doing here?" "What is he about to tell Mom?" "How come she didn't throw him out?" " So, they're talking now?" " Yes." "But what could he possibly be telling her?" "He didn't even know himself on our way here." "Yet..." "Something must be going on..." "He must really know how to read the stars!" "What if I refuse?" "You won't." "Why not?" "I have several means of getting what I want." "I'm very well aware of this." "I've studied it for 14 years..." "Well?" "Well..." "If you refuse..." "I'll start living." "People will know who I am." "And how intimately related we used to be once." "So what?" ""So what"?" "You think that this would be of little interest to your friends?" "Considering the way I look now..." "As you made me look, that is..." "Poor Stella!" "You forget that you're unlucky enough to belong to the High Society!" "Just think of all the gossip that follows..." "I'll be a hero..." "My tavern will do roaring business indeed!" "I might even put your name on the outside." "Along with two little pigeons." "How much?" "How much do you want to leave again?" "You've paid me more than once, Stella!" "You want to know what I'll pay with?" "I'll disappear from your life for good." "I'm very sorry about your friends, but what's to be done?" "What about Lila?" "She won't know anything, either." "You'll disappear from Lila's life, too." "There's no purpose to that." "She doesn't know." "After this scene today, I'll have to explain things to her." "If she's to see you again, what am I supposed to tell her?" "For I definitely won't let her know you're her father!" "What if I sometimes saw her..." "as a stranger?" "How could this harm you?" "No, no." "Only on this condition I might consider your proposal." "Or..." "So, it's blackmail!" "What's yours then?" "So..." "Let it be so." "Do you accept?" "Yes." "In that case..." "We have nothing more to talk about." "You're depriving me of my child for a second time, Stella." "Although I didn't harm you in any way." "I didn't ruin your life, not me..." "I didn't dispose of you like a useless piece of trash." "It doesn't matter." "Take good notice of this, though." "Lila must be happy." "If she's not and it is because of you..." "Alas, you'll regret it!" "Goodbye now." "I can't think of anything anymore." "Come whatever!" "Don't say that!" "Seeing you in this dress is enough for me." "In this dress they're about to offer you to another man!" "He's leaving!" "We're saved!" " What is it, Gigi?" " Did you hear them?" "Yes!" "What then?" "What then?" "I don't know." "I couldn't listen very well." "Mom told him she agreed..." "But he must... not see you again!" "Also he..." "He complained they were taking his child away from him again." "His child?" "I couldn't listen to them after that." "But he was telling her that if you're not happy... she'll regret it!" "Dad!" "Dad!" "My child!" "And you never said a word!" "You're leaving?" "But why?" "I must." "You promised not to see me again, to disappear from the world, I know." "Alright." "But you didn't say where you were going." "I'll have a little house, too." "Not as big as this one, nor as rich." "But..." "It will also have a room for you." "Come..." "Come and hide yourself in there!" "Dad!" "English subs by never4ever for KG Sept. 2014"