"THE WHITE ANGEL" "Time soothes but never banishes our sorrow." "After the tragic death of young Bruno," "Luisa, in the convent, seeks peace in prayer." "The memory of her lost child lives on more alive than ever in his mother's heart." "TO BRUNO CARANI" "WHO SACRIFICED HIS LIFE IN ONE HEROIC EFFORT" "The angel in white." "I saw her in a dream." "I was on top of a mountain." "I was about to fall, but I saw a great light, and an angel in white came down to me." "She took me up in her arms and carried me back to the top." "Mother, don't leave me!" "Where are you?" "I can't see you anymore." "Luisa, wait." "Can't we at least pray together for poor Bruno?" "You can't change reality." "You and I are bound to this grave." "Anna, what are you doing here?" "We brought flowers for my brother too." "Did I do something wrong?" "No, sweetheart." "You have no right to go near that grave." "Guido..." "Poldo, the count's here." "Really?" " Hello, sir." " Hi, Poldo." "We're all so happy to see you here." " How's your father?" " Fine, thank you." "He hasn't been here in six months." "You'd think he hated this quarry." "You'd understand if you'd lost a son." " What's your name?" " Sergio." "Let's go." "Back to work, boys." "July was 815, August 800," "September 800, October 930... not including the cost of transport or customs, or incidental expenses." "Bruno!" "Count!" "I'm sorry." "Here's the full summary." "No, I can't!" "Mother, I'm done." "I'm sorry, Anna." "Very nice." "You didn't even notice I'd finished." "Yes, I was listening." "I can't wait to play it for Father." "You think he'll like it?" "Of course." "He probably won't listen either." "Of course he will." "Time for bed now." "I want to wait for Father." " He may be late." " He's always late." "He's never home anymore." "There he is!" "I learned a new sonatina." "Want to hear it?" "Not now." "I'm tired." "Tomorrow." "Good evening." "I learned it just for you, but you don't care." " What?" "See?" "It's true." "Father doesn't love me anymore." "I hope you don't think I told her that." "Your father loves you very much, more than you can imagine." "Never forget that." "You're all he has in the world." "You have Mother too." "Mother!" "Elena." "Please." "Mother..." "Father..." "what's wrong?" "Nothing." "Go to bed now." " Good night, Mother." " Good night, darling." "Tomorrow I'll listen to that sonatina." "Good night." "Guido, wait." "What do you want?" "I don't ask this for me, but I wish you'd at least keep up an appearance." "Can't you see what's become of our life?" "We're becoming not just strangers but enemies." "That's your fault and yours alone." "It's all due to your lies and intrigues." "That poor boy's death was an accident." "Which wouldn't have happened if you hadn't kept silent." "It's as if you killed him with your own hands." "That's not true!" "It was your mother's doing." "My mother expressed remorse for what she'd done and sought to set things right before she died." "If you hadn't interfered, I'd have learned the truth." "I could have embraced my son." "But you stood in the way." "Have you forgotten?" "No, I haven't forgotten." "It's true." "I hid your mother's will and tried to hide your son's existence from you." "But I did it for my little girl!" "If your daughter knew, she'd be horrified." "So the fact I repented and told you the truth counts for nothing?" "It was too late to save my son." "There's no use discussing this further." "No, wait!" "There's something else." " What?" "It's not the memory of your son's death that's driven us apart but the memory of his mother." " What are you saying?" " You can't deny it." "She's the woman you love and have always loved." "You only married me because you thought she was dead, and you hoped to wipe out all memory and longing for her." "When you learned she was still alive, your love was rekindled like before." "More than before!" "Just try to deny it!" "No, I can't deny it." "I love her and always have." "I'll never forget her." "Thank you for helping me finally admit it." "If that's the truth you were after, now you know." "She's the only woman I'll ever love." "Ever." "Even if there's no hope for my love." "Sister Addolorata has been transferred to another location." "Was it at her request?" "I can't answer that question." "At least tell me where she went." "Please, ask no more questions." "For Sister Addolorata's good and your own, it's best that you not know." "Excuse me." "I believe the count has already begun negotiations." "Everyone will be very sad - especially me." "Sorry to keep you waiting, Poldo." "Here are those papers." "I'll have the topographic survey tomorrow." "Thank you." "If there's nothing else " " No." "My respects, and good day." "Is it true you're selling the quarry?" " Yes." " May I at least know why?" " Because I decided to." "Guido, listen." "I know I no longer have any right as your wife, but I must intervene in the interests of our daughter." "Don't worry." "Her interests are in no danger." "I hate the quarry and want to get rid of it." "Followed by the land, the house, everything you own, until you reduce us to poverty and hunger." "Is that your revenge?" "To make not just me but that poor young girl too atone for your hostility and hatred?" "Don't worry." "Anna will be well provided for." "As will you." "You'll lose nothing." " What do you mean?" " It's time to end this." "We can't carry on this pretense that isn't fooling anyone and will only drive us to desperation." "Meaning what?" " We should separate." " I knew it would come to this." "But you need my consent for that." "I don't think it's in your interest to fight it." "No, I won't fight it." "You're right." "Best to end it now." "But what will happen to Anna if we separate?" " Anna's all I have left." "And all I have left too!" "It's true." "But it's your fault I have nothing else, and you should pay." "Ask anything of me but to give up my daughter." "Leave me my daughter, I beg of you!" "Leave me my daughter!" "I can't lose her!" "I don't want to be alone!" "Have pity!" "Pity?" "Did you have any pity?" "Sleep, sweetheart." "What is it?" "Do you really love me?" "Very much." "Now go back to sleep like a good girl." "Sleep now." "You're leaving?" "Yes." "If Anna asks about me, make up some excuse." "All right." "You know I'm in the process of selling this house." "So we have to move out." "You and Anna can live at our seaside villa." "And where will you go?" "If you need anything, my lawyer has the details." "Good-bye." "Mother, I steered all the way." "Very good." "Why don't we go to Viareggio?" "Are you crazy?" "It's late." "Let's go back." " Your lawyer's here, ma'am." " Alone?" " Mr. Rossi's here too." " I'll be right in." "I'd like to stay a little longer." "All right, but just a while." "Keep your eye on her." " Yes, ma'am." "If you'd care to read this..." "What's the meaning of this declaration?" "It states that you consent to the separation." " And I must sign it?" " Yes." "My husband told me you agreed to this." "Yes, I did." "I'm ready to sign." "Give me a pen." " You'd best read it." "It also addresses matters of finances and custody." "My daughter stays with me." "That's not debatable." "Your husband sees things differently." "There are circumstances in which that right can be contested." "What are you saying?" "Ma'am, forget for a moment that we're friends." "I represent the interests of your husband, who has stated that he will not hesitate, if necessary, to reveal certain circumstances that would not work in your favor, even should he decline to mention certain facts that could be considered outright damaging." "Let him say whatever he wants." "I'm not afraid." "I'm acting as a mother, and I'll fight to the end!" "CIVIL COURT" "Having considered the facts in the request filed by Guido Carani for separation from his wife, Elena Fontana, and all attached exhibits, and noting the offer by Mr. Carani to pay alimony to his wife, the court hereby orders" "that custody of Anna Carani during this case be granted to the father." "The mother shall be entitled to custody for two weeks during summer and winter vacations." "No, you can't do this!" "You can't take my daughter from me!" "You may appeal this ordinance as provided by law." "This matter is adjourned until the 25th of this month." "Ma'am... gentlemen." "You can see Anna whenever you wish." "You have only to ask." "Not if it means asking you!" " What are you doing?" " Quick, put this on." "We have to leave right away." " To go see Father?" "Yes, to go see your father." " Who's there?" " It's me, Maurizio." " I'm afraid the car can't be taken out." " Why not?" "The count's orders." "Not for any reason." "Well, I need it." "The engine's been taken apart, ma'am." "I took this opportunity to begin some repairs." "So we can't go see Father?" "Sure we can." "Wait a minute." "Come on." "What's going on?" " Mrs. Carani took the speedboat." " She's gone mad!" "Where are we going?" "We'll catch the train in Viareggio to go see your father." "Didn't you say he was coming for us?" "No, I didn't say that." "Let's go back." "I'm frightened." "No, Mr. Rossi." "She told no one." "She turned back toward the villa when she couldn't take the car." "I thought she'd stay here." "Maurizio thought she'd stay here, but then he heard the motorboat." "Don't be afraid!" "Don't cry." "We'll be there soon." "Try to stay calm." "We're in contact with all harbor offices." "Rescue vehicles have been dispatched." "A patrol boat and two speedboats are scouting the area." " What else can be done?" " Nothing." "Wait for the wind to change." " And if it doesn't?" " Then there's little hope." "The other vessels will continue searching for the bodies, but I don't think there's much hope." "It's all my fault." "I'm responsible." "Don't say that." "Your wife was upset and acted on an irrational impulse." "Hello?" "Yes, this is Rossi." "Who's this?" "When?" "Where?" "All right." "Yes, I'll take care of it." "Thank you." "They found the bodies." "They were holding each other tight, as if in a last embrace." "Do you wish to see them?" " No, I can't." "You handle it, please." "You take care of it." "Fate has been cruel and has struck at those closest to you." "But you mustn't lose heart." "You must rally and put up a fight." "Rally?" "Put up a fight?" "For whom, and for what?" "I'm all alone now, alone with my terrible memories and my remorse." "Where are you going?" "Please, I need to be alone." " I can't let you leave like this." " Why not?" "Afraid I might do something foolish?" "It takes courage to kill oneself, and right now I feel like the most despicable of cowards." "Poldo's here, sir." " I don't wish to see anyone." " He insists, sir." "I said I don't wish to see anyone." "What must I do to be left alone?" "I'm sorry, sir." "I shouldn't have." "Listen for just a moment." "Then you can throw me out." "But first let me speak." "About what?" "I know - the quarry." "I've decided to sell it." "Who would buy it in its current state?" "Then the workers can have it." "It's my gift to them." "A gift that's all expenses and no profit?" "I don't know how to find the right words." "Isn't it worse being locked up here?" "What do you do?" "I live." "Isn't that challenge enough?" "So many hours every day to spend fruitlessly." "It's an exhausting task, one I face every day like a prisoner sentenced to hard labor." "What do I do here?" "I wander the house like a ghost... and wait." " Wait?" " Yes, for time to pass." "Days, months, years." " But don't you realize " " That I'll go mad?" "If only I could." "I've longed for it so." "To sink into madness and forget." "But even that's denied me." "My mind is crystal-clear." "I remember everything in frightening detail." "You're only tormenting yourself." "Find something that interests you." "You'll feel better." "You won't forget, but you'll feel better." "You remember years ago when we were boys?" "One day I was in tears at the quarry because I'd lost my mother." "Instead of consoling me, you said that if I didn't finish my work in one hour, you'd fire me." "I thought you were just cruel, but later I understood it was for my own good, because fear I'd lose my job made me forget my sorrow." "Only for a while, of course, but it got me through the worst." "If you don't save us, we'll all starve." "I ask not for myself but for those who'll starve without work." "They have families and children too!" "Forgive me." "I'll be going." "Here are the reports." "Look over them if you wish." "Good-bye." "Production's up since you came back, sir." "Yes, the situation's improving, and orders are up too." "But it'll take hard work to make up for lost time." "We couldn't ask for more." "Thanks to all of you for your trust and concern." " Let's go, boys." " By the way," "I received the information on marble production." "Where'd I put my briefcase?" "There it is." "It would give us a full range of services." " It would be great." " Yes, I'm very interested." " You should look into it." " I plan to." "I leave tomorrow evening." " What stop is this?" " Vignola, I believe." "One, two, three." "Now I'll show you." "I'd like to see that." "Show her, Lina." "Lina, it's your turn." "You have an admirer." "What a strange man." "The way he looks at you!" "Don Juan eyes!" " Would you like to play?" " There's no room." "Take my place." "I'm tired of playing." "Sorry." "I just wanted to see." "I wonder where we are." "Do you have the time?" "It's 7:15." "Another hour and a half." "We should be in Modena by 8:45." "Let's hope we're not delayed." "Is the Teatro Nuovo far from the station?" "I'm not familiar with it." "We have barely half an hour to run to the theater and get ready." "We go on at 9:30." "You're a performer?" "We were a big hit in San Remo, but there's a casino there too." "We lost all our wages!" "We had rotten luck!" "Are you going to Modena too?" "No, I get off at the next station." "Forgive me, but do you have " "Go on." "No, nothing." "Have a nice trip." " Thanks." "These frames have a rigid rather than an articulated arm, which allows for uninterrupted cutting." "The work continues without pause until the stone is cut through, resulting in a significant savings in time." "I see." "Let's go on." " Would you like a seat, sir?" " No, thank you." " Lina, guess who's here." " Who?" " That guy who stared at you on the train." " Really?" "Come look." "See?" "In the aisle on the right." "It really is him." "Places!" "Everyone else offstage." "Ready?" "Line up." "Come on." "Curtain." "Good evening." "What brings you here?" "I was in town on business and had an evening to kill." " Did you enjoy the show?" " I really just got here." "But shouldn't you be up there?" "Aren't you performing?" "Yes, but my number's over." "If you came tomorrow night, you wouldn't find me here." "We're moving on." " Have you seen Lina?" " She's talking to a guy out front." "Who?" "Some guy she met on the train." " When?" " The day we got here." "She didn't tell you?" " Not a word." "Not jealous, are you?" "Me?" "What do I care?" "And this guy came just to see her?" "So it seems." "Interesting." "Tell me the truth:" "You really came to Modena on business?" "Of course." "Why?" "I hoped that wasn't the case." "What do you mean?" "I'd prefer to hear you came on my account." "You're right." "It's not true." "I came because of you." " Really?" "I wanted to see you again." "The show's starting." "You want to see it?" " No, I prefer to stay here." " As you wish." "Listen, I'd like to ask you a question." "Be my guest." "Where were you born?" "Where have you lived?" "They must seem like odd questions, but please answer." "My father was from Ancona and my mother from Piedmont." "They were in Novara when I was born." "After that we moved around." "I was orphaned at 15." "Don't you have any relatives?" "Any sisters?" "No, no one." "I'm all on my own." "Why all these questions?" "No reason." "Forgive me." "It was just an idea." "But it doesn't matter." "What's wrong?" "The way you stare at me!" "I must look awful." "I didn't have a moment to get to the hairdresser's." "With this nasty weather, my hair won't stay in place." "What a disaster!" " Waiter." " Coming." "You're leaving already?" "Excuse me." "It was a pleasure." "I wish you all the best." " But " "It's late." "I don't want to miss my train." "Again, please excuse me." "Good night." "Good night." "Is that the guy from the train?" "Yeah, that's him." "Couldn't come to an agreement?" "Now!" "We did it again!" "It's an avalanche of marble!" "And people said the quarry was mined out!" "Excellent work." "Wine for all the men." "You must be happy now." "Sure, I'm happy." "What a difference from a year ago." "A year ago all this was bleak and run down." "I know." "You see?" "This is just what you needed." "To work, distract yourself - the only way to forget the past." "Forget the past." "Easy to say." "You fool yourself into thinking you've forgotten, then suddenly the past grabs hold again and drains you of any strength you've gathered." "What's happened?" " Remember Luisa, Bruno's mother?" " You saw her again?" "Not her." "A woman who looks like her." "The resemblance is almost absurd." "The same eyes, the same face." "Mere coincidence." "Yes, coincidence." "Pure chance." "But I haven't had a moment's peace since." "I think only of her." "I can do nothing else." "I must see her again." " Who is she?" " Nobody." "I don't even know her name." "We only spoke a few minutes." "I couldn't wait to get away." "I felt debased, disgusted." "But I've longed to see her ever since." " Take me out for dinner, Mario?" " Where's Lina?" " I don't know." " Here she comes." "Thanks." "Just a minute." " What?" " Remember your admirer?" " What admirer?" "Who went to Modena just to see you." "He's waiting for you outside." " For me?" " I think so." "He's on the corner." "Go say hello." "Don't stand there like a dummy!" "How are you?" "Finally!" "It really is a small world!" "What are you doing?" "Waiting for me?" " Yes." " Glad to hear it." "You won't do like last time, will you?" " I wasn't very polite." "I'll say!" "You say you've come to Modena just to see me, you ask a ton of questions about relatives and sisters, and then you suddenly rush off." "Sure you don't have a train to catch tonight too?" "Well, what shall we do?" "Shall we go somewhere?" " Wherever you like." " No, wherever you like!" "Dessert, ma'am?" "This one." "No, that one." "Sir?" "No, thank you." "Why are you looking at me like that?" "It's nothing." "Don't mind me." "You certainly are a strange fellow." "The way you talk, the way you stare." "Sometimes you almost frighten me." " Frighten you?" "I don't know how to explain." "I feel flustered and confused." "I can't figure out if you're spending time with me because you like me... or " " Or?" " I don't know myself." "A woman never knows how to act with you men." "You're all a bit crazy." " And I'm the craziest of all, right?" " Exactly!" "Forgive me for being so blunt." "But we've been here an hour, and you haven't drunk or eaten or said a word." "You don't feel ill, do you?" "Your hand's burning up." " I'm fine." "Then let's drink!" "You have some too." "This spumante is wonderful." "It'll put some heat in your veins." "You're right." "Here's to our meeting." "To our meeting." "Hello." "Who's this?" "Ah, it's you." "Still with that guy?" "I have no choice." "I can't get away." "He can barely stand up." "I can't figure out if he's drunk or sick." "What should I do?" "We're at the Notturno." "He hasn't said who he is, what he does, where he lives?" "Not a word." "What's that?" "Yeah, he's gotta be rich." "I saw when he paid the bill." "I'll finish this hand and be right over." "Go on." "How do you feel?" "Good heavens!" "Give me your hat." "What's wrong?" "Just what I needed." "Damn it!" " What's going on?" " I don't know." "I don't understand what happened." "He only had a few glasses of wine and a little cognac." "Suddenly he felt ill, and now he's collapsed like a limp rag." "He's got a fever." "A fever?" "He's burning up." "And listen to his breathing." "Damn it!" "He's gotta have a raging fever." "Shall we take him to the hospital?" "Are you crazy?" "That's all we need." "They'd start asking questions." "No, forget it." "Did you look in his pockets?" " No." " Where's his coat?" " Right there." "Mr. Guido Carani, from Carrara." "A count, no less." "See the coat of arms?" "Good Lord!" "You think he's in danger?" "Let's hope not." "We'd really be in a fix." "Better call a doctor." "Are you crazy?" "I'll run down to the drugstore." "Make it snappy!" "I'm scared." "How do you feel?" "Luisa!" "No, don't go." "I finally found you again." "You're so beautiful... just like back then." "Yes... like back then." "But why didn't you trust me?" "Why didn't you wait for me?" "Please forgive me for all the harm I caused you." "I love you, Luisa." "I've always loved you." "I still love you." "I can't live without you." "You feel the same, don't you?" "Say something!" "I can't take it anymore." " How is he today?" " No fever, but very weak." "Is all that for him?" "Of course." "Poor man hasn't eaten in two days." "I found out the guy's loaded." " What's he do?" " Do?" "He's nobility." "You were smart to bring him home." "If we play our cards right " " What are you planning?" " Me?" "Nothing." "It's up to you this time." "This could be the jackpot." "The fever was perfect." "Now he has to recover." "I don't want to take advantage." "Don't be a ninny." "If this one gets away, we're in trouble." "And be quick about it." "Things aren't looking good." " What's happened?" " Someone snitched." "They raided Michele's place." "Luckily they didn't find much." "Dear God!" "What if they come here?" "Who would think to look here?" "Unless you said something." "Of course not." "Anyway, we've gotta scram, and for that we need dough." "Your guy could be our ticket if you handle him right." " Coming up?" " No, better he not see me." "Then I'll be going." "No funny business, eh?" "We're in this together... and we split the take." "Listen, tell me something." "Who's Luisa?" "Who told you that name?" "You did." "You kept calling her when you were delirious." "You clasped my hands and looked at me as if I was her." "Don't say such a thing." "You're never to say that name again." "Why?" "Afraid it'll be sullied if it passes my lips?" "I'm sorry." "I didn't mean it that way." "It's no use." "You'd never understand." "Why won't you tell me?" "There's some secret that's tormenting you." "I'm nobody." "I count for nothing... but sometimes it helps to talk to someone." "People even talk to their dogs." "What is it?" "You're right." "It's best you know." "And I owe you some kind of explanation." "You look like a woman I knew." "Really?" "And you're very interested in her?" " Very." "Did she die?" "But it's as if she did." "Do I really look that much like her?" "Well, then... if you like..." "I don't find you unattractive..." "What are you saying?" "How could you think such a thing?" " It was for your sake." " My sake?" "Please, don't say any more." "Not another word." "You're leaving?" "Yes." "Better for both of us." "Thank you for all you did." "Good-bye." " Well?" " He's gone." "You're kidding." "No, I'm not kidding." "He left." "We sure made out great on that one." "We're even out the money for his medicine." "Relax." "We're not out anything." "Holy smokes!" "He treated you well." "Too bad." "That guy was a gold mine." "No chance he'll be back?" " I don't think so." "And just as well." "By the way... what about that stuff you stored at my place?" "Leave it." "I can't move it now." "They're watching me." " What if they find it?" " Who'd look for it there?" "I know, but I'm afraid." "I don't want to land in a fix 'cause of you." "But it was fine when I did 'cause of you, right?" "Remember:" "We're in this together through thick and thin." "If I end up in the slammer, you're coming with me." "Good night, everyone." "Are you ladies hungry?" "Good evening." "Good evening." "You're back?" "May I come up?" "Sure, come on." "Don't just stand there." "Sit down." "What's wrong?" "Not gonna talk to me?" "You have anything to drink?" "You have anything to drink?" " To drink?" "There should be a little cognac left." "Shall I tell you the truth?" "I really didn't think you'd be back." "Oh, right." "You're here because of her." "Fine." "Look all you want." "Be quiet!" "Listen here!" "I don't care what you think of me, but if you think I enjoy being stared at because I look like her " "Now what?" "Let me go!" "Can't you see I must have you near me?" "So that's why you're back." "I don't disgust you anymore, huh?" "You're back because I look like her, a woman you can't forget and will never meet again." "Whereas here I am, every man's girl, convenient, at arm's reach, waiting whenever you want." "Well, you're wrong!" "I have to want it to, and I don't!" "I can say no too." "I too have my pride." "I won't play the stand-in for another woman and be called by her name." "I won't have it!" "Let me go!" "END OF PART ONE" "PART TWO" " What's this?" " Police." "Police?" "What do you want from me?" " You know Mario La Torre?" " Of course." "If you care to know, he's in the pen." "We got him." "You arrested Mario?" "What for?" "You don't know, eh?" "Well, you can find out when you join him inside." "I haven't done a thing!" "Why involve me in this?" "Have a look over there." "Find anything?" "This suitcase was hidden in the bathroom." "They look real." "Of course... you know nothing about this, right?" "I swear Mario just asked me to keep that." "I had no idea what was in it." "You can drop the act." "Get your clothes on." "COUNTERFEITERS SENTENCED TO PRISON" "LINA MERCOLIN - FOUR YEARS, TWO MONTHS" "Get inside." "That's your spot." "Welcome." "What's your name?" "Lina." "I'm Flora." "That's Bruna, Teresa, Gina, and Marcella." "What's the news from outside?" "I'm talking to you!" "Can't bother to answer?" "Lay off." "Can't you see she's crying?" "Aren't you happy?" "This is a model prison." "Don't let it get you down." "Your first time's tough, but then you get used to it." "Lucky thing you ended up with us." "We're always a cheerful bunch, right?" "Girls, don't look like that, or she'll never stop crying now that she's opened the tap." "Pass this to Maria." " What is it?" " Just do it." "Hurry up!" "Don't be an idiot!" "What are you two jabbering about?" "Who's jabbering?" "What's this?" "I don't know." "You don't, eh?" "Get moving." "You two stay here." "Step out of the line." "Go on!" "Is this yours?" "Mine?" "You must be kidding, warden." "No, I'm not." "You're really coming along." "Wax too this time!" "For an imprint of the lock?" " I swear I don't " " Forget it." "We're used to your escape plans." "Ten days in solitary." "You'll have time to cook up more escape plans." "This is unfair!" "I didn't do anything!" "They found that stuff on her!" "And you weren't involved?" "Make it 20 days." "That'll teach you to blame others." "Fine!" "More of your bullying." "But one day I'll get out of this stinking joint!" "I'll be long retired by then." "Take her away." "You wait there." " One day I'll " " Move it!" "Let's hear your story now." "She gave you this, right?" "Won't answer?" "Think you're helping her?" "You're wrong." "It makes you an accomplice, even if you're innocent." "You'll end up like the worst of them, the ones who deserve no pity." "I should punish you too, but this time " "Thank you." "Just a minute." "You're expecting, aren't you?" "You never write to anyone, and no one writes to you." "You want us to notify the father?" "The father..." "I know you're not married, but " "No need to notify anyone, thanks." "May I go?" " Yes, go on." "Get going." "Move it." "I'll find some glass and slash your face." "Your bastard kid may not know his dad, but he'll always recognize you." " What did I do to you?" " Snitch!" "Quiet!" "Snitch!" "Come on." "Wait." "Go on." " Snitch!" " Don't play the helpless victim." "You're a filthy snitch!" "What did I do?" "You don't know, right?" " What did you tell the warden?" " Nothing!" "Yet Flora's in solitary because of you." "Why are you ganging up on me?" "Shut up, you rat!" "Let me go!" "Rotten snitch!" "I didn't talk." "Who you trying to kid?" "Bitch!" "We'll teach you to lie!" "Quiet!" "Quiet down!" " She suddenly felt sick." " Don't get in more trouble." "Isn't the prison doctor available?" "He's on vacation until next week." "Lucky man." "So what's this about?" " A prisoner." "I figured that much." " They beat her up." " They need more trouble?" "Is she hurt?" "Some bruises." "The thing is she's pregnant." "Great!" "And she's fighting!" "This way?" "Let me have your things." " That's odd." " What?" "There's a striking resemblance to someone I know." " How is she?" " The doctor's examining her." "Any complications?" " It appears so." " This is a fine mess." "I'm the warden here." "Nice to meet you." "I must operate as soon as possible." "Couldn't it wait?" "I'm in charge here." "Fine." "I'll go back to bed, and you take responsibility." "Now wait a minute." "Is it really serious?" " I told you:" "I must operate." "A delay could prove fatal." "She's in shock and hemorrhaging badly." "We operate now or we lose mother and child." " So what do we do?" " We stop wasting time." "Send for Dr. Terrini." "Have him bring anesthesia." "And get me an assistant from the hospital." "Please get things ready." " Terrini?" " Carlo Terrini." "Doctor." "You're going to operate, aren't you?" "Yes, but don't worry." "You'll be fine." "No, Doctor." "Don't say that." "I know my condition's very serious." "I beg of you... don't worry about saving me." "Save the baby." "What is this foolishness?" "We'll save you both." "I know that's impossible." "Don't try to fool me." "Promise me you'll save the baby." "I don't care if I die." "I'm so tired." "I can't go on." "What is all this?" "You mustn't get too excited." "Doctor... you said earlier that I look like someone you know." "That's right." "Where is this person?" "Why?" "Is she a relative?" "Well, then?" "Someone else... spoke of this resemblance." "And now you too." "Doctor, tell me:" "Who is this person?" "A nun." "A nun?" "She's at the hospital with me." "Doctor..." "I want to meet her and speak to her." "Why?" "Don't say no." "Please do me this favor." "Don't say no." "Are they really going to operate?" "I don't know." "Go to sleep." "Even the warden's involved." "It must be serious." " I'm glad." " Ah, stop it." "It's her fault I'm in solitary all day, and all night too, if I hadn't convinced them I was sick." "And thanks to her, I have to devise a new plan." "You've got a one-track mind." "That's right." "I've got a one-track mind." " Good evening, Doctor." " Evening, Sister." "Sorry to send for you at this hour, but it involves a charitable deed." "Someone wants to meet you." " Who?" " A woman." "Her name is Lina Mercolin." "You know her?" "No, I've never heard that name before." " Why does she want to meet me?" " You'll have to ask her." " Where is she?" " Here." "She needs an operation." "It's very serious." "Come with me." "Here she is." "Didn't expect it, did you?" "The first time I saw her I was dumbfounded too." "She's here." "You wished to see me and speak to me?" "Tell me." "If there's anything I can do for you " "It's for this child who's about to be born." "The father is someone you know." "No, don't go." "Hear me out." "You must know everything." "He only noticed me because I looked like you." "He introduced himself and kept seeking me out, but not because of me - because of you." "Because I reminded him of you." "What are you saying?" "It's the truth." "But I'm not offended." "It's only right." "And I resigned myself to never seeing him again." "I wouldn't have sought him out, even if I could." "But now there's this innocent child." "What will become of it?" "I'm going to die." "I can feel it." "I can't leave this baby all alone in the world." "I ask just one thing of you:" "Let the father know." "I know nothing about him." "Tell him it's his child." "I swear to God." "He has to believe me." "He has to help me." "He mustn't let this poor child ever know that I brought it into the world in a place like this." "I never had much in life." "This child could have been my joy, but instead it's my anguish and sorrow." "Tell him not to abandon the child." "It's a dying woman's wish." "He mustn't deny it to her." "Blessed Virgin... you who know a mother's pain, save that child." "Her blood pressure's very low." "The patient is failing." "Adrenaline." "Oxygen." "We have to hurry." "Scalpel." "Why are you still up?" "Go to sleep." "Is the operation over?" "Not yet." "Quiet." "Go to sleep." "It's a boy." "It's a boy!" "The child is born!" "He's alive!" "Thank you, Blessed Mother." " Have a seat." " Who am I to see here?" "I'll notify that party right now." "It's really you!" "If you only knew how I've longed to see you again." "I tried to find out where you were, but in vain." "I thought you were doing mission work far away." "No... we're not here to talk about me." "I hesitated a long time before sending for you, but I believe I acted in good conscience." "I was called to a sick woman's bed." "She spoke to me about you." "Me?" "Who is it?" "I don't really know." "She says she knows you." "Her name is Lina Mercolin." "She's a prisoner here." "Ah, yes." "I remember." "I remember." "She's a woman I met by chance." "I know." "She told me everything." "Fate played a cruel joke and led me to meet her at the darkest and most tragic moment of my life." "She appeared like a light out of nowhere." "No, I didn't see her as a woman or a human being." "I saw only my past and the unforgettable memory of a happiness I'd lost." "No, please." "Let me speak." "I know you'll understand and maybe even forgive me " "No, say no more." "That's not why I sent for you." "There's something more serious and important that you must know." "Come." "Sister Dorotea, if you would..." "You see, that woman is dying." "She sent for me so she could tell me that this child is your son." "You must believe her." "No one can lie when face-to-face with death." "My son." "A poor, innocent child who'll grow up alone, abandoned to his own fate." "A child of unknown parents, who must always be ashamed of his mother and never know his father's name." "Nobody's child." "No, I can't let him suffer from hunger and want like Bruno did." "I can't let others chase him off like a dog." "I can't let him blush in shame." "Tell me what I can do for him." "How can I save him?" "There's only one way:" "Give him all the affection and love you couldn't give the other child." "And you ask this of me?" "Yes, because I know that, if he could, he'd ask it of you too." "He wants to marry me?" "No, now I understand." "It's only for the child." "So it will have a father and mother." "He's a generous man." "May God bless him for his generosity." "In any case, I won't be a burden on him." "I have so little time to live." "When will he marry me?" "I don't know." "As soon as possible." "The chaplain is making arrangements." "Will it be in the chapel?" "I don't think so." "You're very ill." "You can't move now." "Yes, I can." "I'll find the strength." "I'll find the strength!" "I beg of you... don't let it be in here." "It's so gloomy." "It's always been my dream:" "an altar... lots of flowers, a statue of the Virgin, the sound of the organ." "I have one last favor to ask." "At least for those few moments, let me wear something besides this shameful uniform." "Just for those few moments." "Of course." "I'll ask." "I hope they'll grant your wish." "And tell the chaplain to hurry." "Tell him I can't wait any longer." "I'm dying" " I can feel it." " There." " It's starting." "Look how pale she is." "What are you crying about?" "Guido Carani, do you take Lina Mercolin to be your lawfully wedded wife according to the rite of the Holy Catholic Church?" "Lina Mercolin... do you take Guido Carani to be your lawfully wedded husband?" "Get ready." "This chance won't come again." "Watch for my signal." "A stretcher!" "Bring a stretcher, quick!" "Get back, all of you." "Thank you... for his sake." "No, she must be left alone." "Prepare a camphor injection right away." "Now!" "What's going on?" "Everyone back in their cells!" "Sound the alarm!" "Lock all the gates!" "Back in your cells!" "Hurry!" "To the infirmary!" "Shut the door!" "Hurry up!" "Ah, here's the little wife." "I mean to keep my promise so you'll never forget me!" "I have a better idea." "Not the baby!" "I'm not gonna kill him!" "He's my way out of here!" "They'll have to kill him to get to me!" "I beg of you!" "Flora, I'm on my knees." "Take my life." "Slash my face, torture me, anything!" "But I beg you:" "Give me back my baby." "He's so small." "He'll die!" "Flora!" "My baby!" "Hands off!" "Stop!" "We're saved!" "They can't touch us now." "We'll walk out the front gate." "Here's our ticket out!" " Flora, no!" "Shut up, you fool!" "Follow me!" "I repeat: ten men at the main gate, and a mobile squad " " There, sir!" " You saw something?" "Second floor, infirmary side." "Quick!" "What's going on here?" "Open this door!" "Where's the baby!" "Hurry!" "Where's the baby?" "Lina!" "They took the baby that way!" "Stay back." "I'll do the talking." "Surrender!" "Don't force us to use our weapons!" "No, we won't surrender." "Go ahead and shoot!" "But you'll kill the baby first!" "Our freedom in exchange for his life!" "You decide!" " Well?" " We can't yield to their demands." "We can't risk the baby's life!" "My duty is to restore order, and I intend to do that." "You have three minutes to surrender." "We don't need three minutes!" "I loved you, you know... but I never told you." "I was afraid you wouldn't believe me." "But now... you can believe me." "Good-bye." "Make up your minds before it's too late!" " We mustn't be afraid." " But there's a baby involved." " She wouldn't dare." " She's mad - she'll do anything!" " Who's that?" " Wait." "It's dangerous to let her go out there." "Who are you?" "Who are you?" "What do you want?" "Answer me!" "Give me the baby." "Don't come any closer!" "You'll be sorry!" "Do as you wish." "My life doesn't matter." "But remember:" "If that child should die, his blood would be upon you." "You'd be cursed." "My life's as important as his." "Tell them to let me go." "And what can you hope for if they do?" "A life of running and hiding." "You'll have no peace, no rest." "If you've committed crimes, you must atone for them." "That's the only way to gain forgiveness and the salvation of your soul." "I don't give a damn about forgiveness or salvation!" "I want out of this hell!" "You think only of yourself." "How can you feel no pity for that helpless little creature?" "What harm has he done you?" "Why won't you think of him too?" "Why sacrifice him to your selfishness?" "Do as I say." " It's Lina!" " How can this be?" "It's the baby's mother!" "I'm frightened." "An innocent baby... a child of God." "I don't know if you're a mother... but even if you aren't, you had a mother yourself." "In the name of your mother... and all mothers everywhere I ask you:" "Be good." "Give me the baby." "Give him to me." "Call him Bruno... just like the other." "Subtitles by Subtext Subtitling, Los Angeles"