""GOD BLESS YOU"" "God bless you!" "Excuse me." "I'm a colleague." "Mind if I sit here?" "Had a bad day today in the streets." "I saw the church was open..." " Its almost closing time." " Then I'll leave." "Not at all." "Those who come in in the evening are the ones who give the most." "I didn't know." "Why is that?" "It's always people who've planned something big... and at the last minute, they realize they'll be needing help..." "Isn't big business carried out in the daytime?" "But it's all planned at night." " Besides..." " Besides what?" "There's lots of important stuff that has nothing to do with business." " Love, gambling, success." " Sure." "People who ask for everything are the most generous of all." "No." "Mean!" "They give some coins, just to make sure all will go well." "They wouldn't give anything if it weren't because of their needs." "I'd never thought about that." "I'm not a church goer." "Do you come here often?" "Always." "Have been coming for years." " A coin, please." " Just one coin, for God's sake." " She wouldn't give me anything!" " You don't know how to ask." "She wasn't well dressed." "Hunger makes no impression on the poor." "They place their trust in God, instead." "Just one coin, please." "God bless you!" "Didn't you tell me hunger wouldn't pay?" "With this one it would." "Rich people tremble at the thought of poverty." "These are hard times for the wealthy!" "What might this elegant man be asking God for?" "Maybe a business meeting, or perhaps... he might have hidden something from the Tax inspector." "Know what?" "I'm realizing there's lots to learn in this business." " No wonder I'm not doing well." " Don't worry." "Just come by often, you'll learn." "This one, mention St. Anthony." "A coin, please, for St. Anthony's sake." "There you are." "I did well." " Why St. Anthony?" " He's the patron of spinsters." "I really don't know how to thank you." "Just bear me company." "I have no one to talk to, all day long." " What's your name?" " Cheap." "What's yours?" "Tell me, old man, may I have some change?" " Wish I had." " Sorry." "How come you haven't made one full peso yet?" " 128 with 40 cents." " How much?" "128 with 40 cents!" "And it's early night yet!" "Then why didn't you give the boy his change?" "My dear Barata, if people ever knew how much we... beggars make, then competition would be impossible!" " What are you doing?" " Putting my money away." "Don't ever do that." "Always leave some coins in the hat." " What for?" " It's a stimulus." "Just like leaving an egg in the nest... for the hen to lay more." " St. Anthony?" " No!" "Not for this one." "Just enough to buy some bread, Miss." "Just for luck, Madam." "God bless you." "5 pesos!" " What went wrong this time?" " First, you said 'Miss'." " She doesn't look like she's married." " That's why." "Women always like to be mistaken for what they aren't." "5 pesos is too much of a difference, because of one word." "Besides, I wished her luck." "People who come at this time, do not pray because of devotion." "Do you think this one will ask for something important?" "Those who're asking to win the lottery, will only give 20 cents." "So can you figure out what this woman's asking for?" "So, I'll leave you my place now." "I'm so far ahead of you." " Where are you going?" " To the Club!" " To the Club?" " Yes, old man, yes." "I go every evening." "It's right across the street." "May I come with you?" "Just in case, I say..." "Come, then." "Don't move so fast." "Otherwise, they'll say you're strong enough to work." "RESIDENTS' CLUB" "Li... bra... ry." " So you come here every evening?" " That's right." "And does this pay?" "You sure?" "God bless you." "Without even asking." "What do you think?" "It's incredible!" "May I stay here?" "Hurry up, or you'll miss the people coming out of church." "That's enough for today." "I learn so much with you." "Look!" "The same one we saw at the church!" "Candy!" "Chocolates!" "Madam, madam!" "You made me think of so many things and you come to read." " You think so?" " Oh, they're coming out." "There I go." "See you." "Would you like the camellia with a lucky pet?" "A pet." "I need one." "But I don't know where to keep it." "In your purse, miss." "It always works!" " We'll see." "Here you are." " Thank you so much, madam." " Good evening." " Good evening." "No more bets!" "Black, number 2." " You know her?" " I see her around quite often." "Don't know who she is." "By the looks of her, she must be a millionaire." " She doesn't gamble that much." " Only if she's on her own." "If she's with someone, there are never enough chips." " Is she with someone?" " No." "She usually finds company here." "Black, number 17." "No more bets!" "Black, number 8." "Thank you, pal." "I did very well." " Told you so." " In just 10 minutes!" "Look!" " Won much?" " Just a minute." " 20, 40..." " Put that away." " Why?" " Someone might see it." "You're asking how much I won." "I need to count the coins as they fall." " Enough?" " More than enough." "For a hot meal, and a warm bed." " I'm leaving, if you don't mind." " Leaving?" "So soon?" "Upon my honor." "I'm starving!" "You should get used to it." "Don't you ever read the papers?" "Why?" "What do the news tell?" "Billions of people starve to death." "Whole nations!" "And the world goes on, and on." "Say, hey?" "We're doing better." "Why is that?" "Because we don't claim." "We just ask." "If you demand, you're being rude." "If you ask, you're entitled, it's a universal right." "It brings relief to the giver, awakens no envious feelings." "True." "Even those who pass by look at us with good eyes." "There's a reason." "He who begs, has given up." "He's a guarantee to society." "So, how come you know so many things?" "I live, I beg, I read." " Do you read books?" " It's very much like begging." "The humble in spirit beg from those who know so much." " Don't you think so?" " You are right." "But I feel a little dizzy now." "Can't take in any more." "Let's call it a day." " May I come back tomorrow?" " I've already said you may." " But have a bite before you come." " So I don't get dizzy?" "So as not to waste the best hours." "Go now, go and rest." "See you tomorrow, Maestro." "See you tomorrow, good man." "No more bets!" "Red, number 16." "Excuse me, madam." "I'd rather hear you say, 'Good luck, madam'." "I do wish you good luck." "And I'll be needing it." "These are my last ones." " Now you'll see." " Are you superstitious?" "No." "It's a habit." " What if I win?" " No more bets!" "Black, number 28." "I didn't win." "Try that trick with the ring." "So, then you're superstitious as well." " More than you are." " Why didn't you tell me?" " What number do you like?" " 8." "Then there's no more to say!" " Won't you place your bet?" " I told you, I'm out of luck." "Only as a gambler." "Please allow me to be your partner." "We'll split 50-50." " That's not fair." " I don't think so." "People are already looking at me with envy in their eyes." " Who is?" " Well, all the men in the room are." "That's a low price to pay for all I'm getting in return." "Well, I may have lost, but I do get compliments." "Of course you lose!" "There's a saying about..." "Yes, I know." "But then, that means I should win." "Does it!" "Here's to the good news." "I was fearing the opposite, always did." " Always?" " Ever since I saw you here for the first time." " I was wondering..." " Who I am?" "My name?" "Why don't you speak much?" "Why are you always on your own?" "No more bets!" "Zero." "See?" "Whenever I speak, I bring ill luck." "Sorry!" "Don't worry." "I never run out of chips." "What's so funny?" "I have a method that never fails." "Come with me, you'll see." " See that little window with the bars?" " Aha." "My pen is like a magic wand, and if it touches the bars... you'll see as many chips as you wish on that counter." " Is it that easy?" " Not that easy." "The ogre behind the bars wields a fatal IOU note." " I see." " But he doesn't scare me." "Not if you are by my side." "Wait here, and you'll see the miracle happen." "Three thousand." "So?" "I'm sorry, Mr. Richardson, you must speak to the manager." " I will, later." " It is a pre-condition." "He's in there." "Excuse me." "Excuse me." " Don't let him bet any more." " Says who?" "It's not good for the house." " I've always seen him bet very strongly." " Too much." "Who is he?" "The son of a wealthy businessman, Richardson." " It's his father's money." " So Daddy's locked the drawer." "Worse than that." "He was here earlier and threatened us." "Said he'd go to the Police Station." "What do I care?" "Would you care having your card withdrawn?" "Please don't be offender, Mr. Richardson." "Your father would go to the Police." "He was so upset earlier today." " Who told him about my coming here." " It wasn't us, sir." " Did you tell him how much I owe?" " Why would we?" "The shares you left as collaterals here are more than enough." " My debt, 10 times over!" " I know." " Where are they?" " Will you redeem them?" " I can't do that, yet." "But I fear you might misplace them." "And if my father heard... then it would be the end, for all of us." " Get it?" " Rest assured they're safe." "We do not keep them here." "If you need them, just let us know in advance and..." "I need money, now!" "That's what I need!" "I'm very sorry, Mr. Richardson." "Richardson, that rings a bell." " His first name?" " Pericles." "I think it's Pericles." "That's too much tough luck for one day." "I find a partner, he's denied credit, and... his name is Pericles." " That's a ridiculous name, isn't it?" " I don't think so." "It was my grandfather's name." "Don't get angry." "Get them give me something for this." "It's not like the other ones." "This is the only true one I have." "It's too bad I used to be a jeweler before this." " Why's that?" " Otherwise... it might have passed as a good one." "Black, number 8." "No more bets!" "Black, number 8." "Don't worry." "Bad times will pass." "You think so?" " Are you going to the hotel?" " I am." "Why do you ask?" "Ah!" "You're the one who took me there last night." "Yes, Madam." "I did take you." "You said you were going to get some change, I'm still waiting." " Taxi!" " Coming." "I'm sorry." "Can I help you, madam?" "That's great!" "Now I get teased by someone like you!" "What do you mean?" "There are times when we are all equal." " Shut up, you moron, or...!" " What, madam?" "I'll have you arrested for molesting people!" "There were three on the taxi." "See if you can catch them." " Yes, captain." " In you go!" "You'll stay here." "Want me to call them, so they can arrest me." " No!" "They won't see you if you stand behind me." "I can leave if I'm making you uncomfortable, madam" "No, please." "Forgive me!" " How many people came out?" " Don't know, sir." "I've only just arrived." " Have your permit?" " Yes, sir." "Poor old man, tough luck tonight." "God bless you." " Are they gone?" " One of them's on watch." " Will he see me leave?" " Right now, he would." " Just one more sacrifice." " Don't bear a grudge." "I've apologized." "It's the first time someone ever asks me for something." "It's a strange feeling for a beggar like me." "It's thanks to you that I won't sleep in jail tonight." "Don't thank me." "I got the better deal." "Why?" "Because it's so much easier to help, than to ask for help." "Odd to hear you say that." "You make a living of begging." " Aren't you used to it?" " I am, now." "So you are." "If only you knew how hard it is in the beginning." " I do know." " How come?" "You wouldn't know what it feels like to beg for a coin." "I know what if feels like to smile and beg for jewels." "You don't need jewels to stay alive." "Don't be offended, but you wouldn't understand." " Some women..." " Don't know how to live... if they aren't flattered." "They may skip a few meals... but if they don't have a nice dress to wear... or expensive furs to show." "Not all men know about these weaknesses." "They're wrong." "They should understand that poverty... is disease to some people." "Which means I'm seriously ill!" "Is he gone?" "No." "He's getting ready for a nap." "Hope he's a restless sleeper, so he turns round." "You though I was a great lady, didn't you?" "It depends on what you mean by 'great lady'." "See, old man, I'll tell you something that will make... you feel you're not the wretch you think you are." "What I'm wearing, is all that's left to me." "Quite enough." "It's my uniform." "Once everything else fails, I'll wear it when I jump into the river." "You'd better sell it, instead." "I can't." "I need it, to find the things I want." "So, what do you want?" "A man who'll give me what I need." "Love." " Someone who might..." " Marry you..." "That's too much, isn't it?" "I'll have to lower my expectations." "Hey?" "Old man?" "Or look somewhere else." "Gambling comes first at gambling places." "Women come second." "Gambling is the vice of those in need, not of those who are rich." "I'd never seen it that way." "It's true." "A woman like you should go somewhere else... where your beauty is enhanced, places filled with romance." "Museums." "Trips." "Music." "Art always helps." "I could make a fresh start." "But I owe the hotel owner." " Just start afresh." " You don't understand, you don't." "Hotel managers... can guess when you've run out of money." "Because people start getting humbler." "Just go and shout, complain about the service, about baskets with flowers that have been missent." "And when you mention someone's name, let it be rich, powerful." "They'll forget about your bill." "Only if I have the time." "I might find my luggage in the hall." "It's worse for those who had to stay in there." "True." "Talking to you is so soothing." "But I'm numb already." "You may go now." "Two o'clock." "High time!" "Believe it or not, I'm so glad I met you." "I'd have sold my soul to the devil before meeting you." " What about now?" " I'm glad I didn't know where to find him." "He's always right beside those wishing to sell their souls." " Taxi!" " You'll take a taxi?" "Don't you worry, I'll get the hotel to pay." "That's not safe." "Please allow me." "Money, as well?" "No, thanks, I couldn't take it." "They're yours." "You gave me this, expecting to win later." "OK." "So that you can later say that you... too, gave money to the needy." " Will I be able to pay you back?" " Forget about it." "If we meet again, you'll surely turn your face away." "Maybe." "Then... good luck to you, old man." "To the Grand Hotel." "Good luck to you, madam!" "God bless you." " Tell the manager." " That's not necessary." "Where's the bill?" "Right here, sir." "Will you tell her right away?" "Why would I have stayed until this late?" "Call the bell-boy on duty, to bring down her luggage." "Yes, sir." "If I left it to you, I know what the outcome would be." "Just a long talk, and back goes the bill to the tray." "This is over!" "Where is it?" "Where?" "Are you deaf?" " Madam must be talking about..." " Not talking..." "I want to know where the orchids bouquet is!" "The one that was here." " Perhaps there's a mistake?" " Not at all!" "Mr. Richardson himself, has just told me he sent them over from his factory." " Mr. Richardson?" " That's right!" "He wanted me to wear them at the party he's giving for me." " Madam, I wished to speak..." " There's no speaking now!" "Just go and find my orchids, or I'll... have to say they've been stolen!" " Madam, our hotel..." " Your hotel stinks!" "Stinky service, lousy!" "It's all my fault... for Mr. Rlchardson would've had me move long ago... to a better place." "Go find my orchids!" "You think I'll keep quiet, like I did before." " When, before?" " About the box of roses... the Chief of Police had sent me." "It disappeared, just like this one." "Don't play innocent!" "I assure you, Madam, I had no idea about it." "And no idea about the orchids, either, hey?" "If only Madam would believe me, I'd be honored." "Why did you stay this late, then?" "I had to check some accounts with the staff." "You're lying!" "You were waiting for me!" "Yes, I mean, no." "But I'm so glad I was here... to apologize for what's happened." "That won't solve it." " Not here, are they?" " No, madam." "I'd sent him up to check if the flowers..." "And you say you had no idea." "Some hotel!" "It's 7 o'clock, Miss." "It's already late." " Did I ask to be woken up?" " No." "But here come some flowers." "And they look beautiful." " Orchids?" " Yes, Miss." "Sent by the Manager!" "Send them back!" "Not by the Manager." "I left them over there." " Would you like to see them?" " Oh, all right." "There's an envelope." "There must be a card." "There's no card here." "It's a box!" "A box at the Auditorium!" "First Grand Concert." "Oh, yes, the lady in room 314 will be going, too." "Music!" " Who brought this?" " A messenger." "But he doesn't know who the sender is." " May I say something?" " No." " Give him a tip." " Yes, Miss." "Put me through to the garage." "From me." "Get my white suit ready." "And the silver shoes." "Very well, Miss." "Hello, yes." "I need the car you sent the last time, right now." "The big car!" "Well." "Send whichever you can, instead." "No, I never got a bill from you." " Get the lady a taxi." " Yes, sir." " Thank you." " Not at all." " Did the flowers reach you?" " This time they did." "From now on, Madam may rest assured." " Is the taxi here?" " Yes, sir." " Madam." " Thanks." "You, again." "Where to?" " The Auditorium." " All right." " So?" " Wait for me here." "Hey, lady!" "Come on." "Just stand in line." "Go ahead." "Come on." "Madam." "I must go, Madam." "Please let me go." " They'll pay you at the hotel." " Once again." " Remember the last time." " Just go, don't be rude!" " How did you get in?" " Though the door." " Leave, right now." " Only after I've settled... a small bill with the lady." "I'm waiting." "Don't make me waste my time." "I carry no money." "I'll tip you later." " Please, go now." " Don't disturb the lady." "Apologize, now." " What, apologize?" " Just go." "OK, my apologies, Madam." "Good night." "I'm still expecting an explanation." "Tanhauser?" "Dont' you know the legend?" "It's so interesting." "Tanhauser, the pilgrim knight, passes by the... beautiful stranger in Venusberg." "He's speechless, after seeing her beauty, scares away all the dark spirits around her, with his sordid spells, and then changes his ways... with no regrets, no remorse." "Thank you, for the explanation on Tanhauser." "Now, I'd like to know who you are!" "Wouldn't you rather wait until this is over?" "To talk about myself, with Wagner's background... music, that would be so pretentious." "You don't know if I don't mind your talking to me." " Are you expecting someone?" " I am." "Then, of course, I'll go, right away." "Doesn't seem to be so." "As soon as the overture's over." "I love Tanhauser." "Do you?" "An apology is in order, I think." "Tanhauser?" "He does apologize." "He repents of having succumbed to the beautiful stranger's charms." "So he goes on a pilgrimage, to Rome." "Barefoot, starving." "This is the Pilgrim's Song." "Keep quiet." "They'll make you leave the room." "You're right." "May I?" "So I can talk in a low voice." "If you don't mind, I'd rather listen to the music." "So would I." "This is the first time we agree on anything, since we first met." "Are you leaving?" "I wouldn't impose." "Why did you come into my box, then?" "Mine was next to yours." "I saw a man was making... a nuisance of himself, so I came to the rescue." "Why didn't you defend me from where you were?" "I wanted to make sure you were on your own, in need." "So now, I guess you'll be expecting me to pay... you the money you put up for the taxi, before you leave." " That's right." " You're a true business man." " Never done business." " I left my money behind." "If you'd just let me listen to the concert, from here... then I'll be owing you." " How much?" " Plenty." "Who are they?" " I don't know." " You said it was your box." "And you said you were expecting someone." " How can you tell it's a lie?" " I can read it in your eyes." " Can you read eyes, as well?" "If they're like yours, then I can." "I'll take that for a compliment." "Don't pay attention to me." "It's the music that's..." " What's so funny?" " Nothing." "Last night a friend said that to me." " Don't you believe him?" "Music make things better, it awakens our senses, makes people get closer, more intimate." "So that's why you haven't told me your name yet." "Lohengrin." " Is that your name?" " No." "The music." "One of Wagner's best compositions." "Lohengrin descends on a carriage drawn by a white swan." "He places his sword at the feet of his beautiful Elsa, with the golden hair." "He offers her his arm, his love, setting a condition... she may never ask who he is, where he comes from." "Pure poetry, isn't it?" "Sure." " Are you feeling well?" " It's nothing." "I'm fine." " It's only that..." " Go on!" "I can't." "I'd be destroying Wagner's poetry!" "And if I say please?" "What's the matter with you?" "I was in such a hurry to get here, I... haven't eaten since yesterday evening." "This music, do you like it, too?" "It's useful to you." "I notice you stop talking whenever they stop playing." " Is that all?" " Besides, you wouldn't have me take you by the arm." "Just a little music, and we're almost in each other's arms." "That's absurd." "I don't even know who you are." "What's that to us!" "I don't know who you are, either." "Perhaps that's why you've misjudged me." " If you'd asked..." " What would you have said?" "That you're wrong!" "That I'm a lady... and that I have someone who'll defend me, of course." "I live on investments, in a mansion with a great garden... and so many servants." " Jewels." " Of course!" "A set for each day of the week!" "A dress for each day of the year." "Unless I take a fancy to one." " Two cars." " Three." "Two are roofed, and a voiturette for my morning ride." "Summers at the seaside, if I'm not abroad, of course." "If there were anyone able to give you such a lifestyle... as you've just described." "What would you say, then?" "That I don't know why you don't seem to believe me!" "I hadn't noticed the music's stopped." " So we'll wait until they start again." " What for?" "For you to tell me what's on your mind." "All of it." "If a man were to offer you that, and it were yours... for the asking." "Would you accept?" " It depends on the price?" " The price?" "Not asking him about his life, ever, nothing at all." "Not about his livelihood, or..." "Just knowing what he wished to have you know." "But that's Lohengrin!" "What would you say to Lohengrin?" "I'd say that's not what I dreamt of for so long." "I don't need that, I already have it." " How are you, my dear friend" " Fine, thanks." "We went to pick you up this afternoon, to go to the... charity festival." "We need your contributions, ...as usual." " Sorry I missed it." "A ladies' commission, first-rate, too!" "Even though it doesn't compare to..." "May I be introduced?" "It's just that..." " He doesn't know my name." " That's great!" "Your same old selfish self!" "But you are right." " Congratulations on your great choice." " Thanks." "If you wish to come by tomorrow, you'll be welcome." "He's so jealous." "I forgive him only because of the needy children." "And we're going to talk behind his back... when we meet at the hotel." "I see you there every day." "Just to let you know." "The hotel." "Is there a garden in that hotel?" "There's a great manager there." "A nice man!" "He was almost arrested today." "You do know him, don't you?" "Arrested?" "What has he done?" "Imagine, he apologized to the Chief, because of some... flowers he'd sent over to a lady... and they'd been lost." "As he couldn't find him, he decided to leave a note." "The wife found it." " So, what do you say?" " Very funny." "Not to him." "He was detained for 2 hours at the Headquarters." "He was furious." "Ask him about it next time you see him, it'll be fun." "I will, as soon as I see him." "Let's go." " What's wrong?" "Have I said..." " No." "The music ended." "Maybe it's my fault." "I'd never want to hurt you, of all people." "It's been a very pleasant evening." "Thank you for everything." "At least, tell me one may feel attracted... by someone who's irresistible right at first sight." "Why would I answer that question?" "To show my rashness has been forgiven." "I forgive you, and I understand you." "I, also, feel like I've known you all my life." "You conceal it well." "Women, whatever their social status, feel entitled... to a little pride, don't they?" "I'll be waiting for you." "Ten minutes, ten years... will be the same to me." "I want you to believe in me." "If we do ever meet again." "Good night." "Good bye." "It's out of order." "There's a message for you at the manager's office." "What's my luggage doing here?" "Manager's orders, Miss, we have nothing to do with this." "All right." "Believe me, if we could have our say..." "May I have a room to spend the night?" " I'd leave my luggage here." " Sorry, Miss." "We're full." "All right, then." "You were lucky." "Ten minutes instead of ten years." " Are you no longer afraid of Lohengrin?" " I'm not." "I wonder why I met you here at the door, if we had already... said good night before." "I don't know." "Just felt I had to stay here for a while... to feel close to you." "The devil is always around those who're willing to sell their souls." " Who told you that?" " A friend of mine." "A beggar." "God bless you." "I'd have sworn nobody would ever come here." "I didn't even know they'd be still open." "Virgin Mary's closing day." "One of the best days." "How can you know?" "Just facts people tell me, for no reason at all." " You have an office?" " Sort of." "Maybe one day I'll show you." "It's been two months since I first met you, luckily so... and every day, I've learned new things." " Are you complaining?" " Of course not!" "I'm doing well." "Even if I'm not as rich as you are." " For you are rich, aren't you?" " I am." "But I'm not to blame." "Will you go on begging?" "It's not a tough job, and income is pretty stable." "No taxes, no fear of fire or of going broke." "If you lent your money at an interest, you'd be free." "I'd rather not make the most of other people's needs." "You've got a capital, then why not invest it in business?" "I'd never know how to buy at 10 and sell at 20, or... how to sell cotton, saying it was wool." "It's a matter of principles." "I'm just content with having society pay me their dues... and I'll keep on doing it until there are no pending debts." "Does society owe you much?" "Just the things that should belong to me, if wealth were... to be fairly distributed." " Will that day ever come?" " It will, there is no way out." "In the meantime, I just go on collecting installments, humbly, but nevertheless as persistent as dripping water." "Look, see who's coming!" "Can you recognize her?" "A coin, please, for a poor, ailing man." "Just one coin." "She must be poor." "Not at all!" "She lives in luxury." "She's got everything money can buy." " Is the money hers?" " Just as far as... anything can by owned." "I don't understand that." "Because you don't know the history of this world, old Cheap." "In the beginning, everything belonged to everyone." "Nobody..." " owned any land, or water." "Get it?" " I do." "Nowadays, every single plot of land has an owner." "Every waterspring is owned by somebody." " Who gave it to them?" " Not me!" "Nobody did." "Ask the owner of an acre if he can explain... the reasons for his owning that land." "He'll say he bought it from the previous owner." "And where did the previous owner get it?" " From a previous one?" " And that one?" " From the first owner." " Who did he buy it from?" "From no one." "He just took it for himself." "Was he entitled to do that?" " I can't tell you." " Nor will anyone be able to." "Rights... those were invented much later... so that their property would not be taken from them... there was no right!" "All right." "But this won't explain why this wealthy woman seems... to be in such a bad mood." "You've got to learn something else." "Money is a sad thing." "Just like Mankind, it's got its own original sin." "The first time we saw her, she looked happy enough." " She may be sick." " No, she isn't." "If I were her, I'd try to cheer up, throw parties." "There's a party this evening at the house where she lives." " Do you know for sure?" " I can take you there if you wish." "I'd like to go." "But we won't be able to see anything, though." "We'll know everything." "People of the world don't wear masks in the street." "It's only upon entering a place that they put them on." "Hey, fellows." "Is it crowded inside?" "Packed!" "Money talks!" "And the guy's just throwing it away!" "He is, now." "Used to look like a cemetery before his wedding." " Is he as rich as they say?" " French champagne, every day." " How can you tell?" " I've got two bottles in my car." "The gardener gave them to me, at the back door." " I'll go ask him for one." " Go, by all means!" " But, there's a price." " It's worth it!" " Let's give it a try." " Let's go!" " Shall we go, too?" " Why would you want champagne?" " I've never taste it." " Good thing." "Then you'll never miss it." "We're on our way to the club." "Have a good time!" "If it weren't for this gentleman's contribution to our Society..." "I wouldn't be coming to the parties he gives." "Everything's so weird." "I bet he won't even be there." "How come?" "He's giving a party and won't show up?" "Or does so at the last minute." "He's so excentric!" "At least, she's seeing to the guests." "Her anxiety shows, though, even if she tries to hide it." "Of course it would!" "Why, she got married to a madman!" "I thought Alvarez was single." "He got married some time ago, while on a trip, abroad." " That's odd!" " I know they don't get on well." "Whenever I see her, she's on her own." "Well, stop the gossip or there'll be nothing left for tomorrow!" " Have a nice time!" " Good night." "See you!" " Is this the house?" " Right here." " Thanks for bringing me, doctor." " You're welcome." "You'll find evenings here are very pleasant." "That's strange!" "Those were praising the parties!" "Wrong party, perhaps!" "Just a minute" "Let's place our bet before going in." " No claiming, later." " Agreed." "500 pesos." "I bet 500 pesos my information is accurate." "I tell you it isn't." "I've known them longer than you." "And I'm telling you this one owns foreign capitals." "From Russia, I say." "Alvarez lives on his investments." "He's got no office, no manager, nothing." "Never been to the Stock Exchange." "You'll waste the 500." "Who's going to be the jury." "You'll ask Alvarez himself." "No need for that." "I'll make him tell it all at the Stock Exchange." " In written, if you want!" " You've got 24 hours." "Otherwise, by this time tomorrow, the 500 will be mine." " Deal?" " Deal." " Shall we go in?" " Let's go in." "The way people love to find out about other people's lives." "Aren't you trying to find out whether this woman is happy?" "My lady says she's to be told as soon as my lord arrives." "Is she anxious already?" "Seems like she hasn't got used." "Besides, everyone's asking." "Well, it'll take a while yet." "The Mr. Doesn't get here until everyone is almost gone." "I think he must be out there, painting the town." "That's why he's not at the party." "The owner of the house is at work" "Can't believe it!" "At work, this late!" "A coin, please, for a poor old man." "God bless you." "So he's at work?" "He is, right now." " Do you know him?" " I do." " What's his name?" " The owner's name?" "Mario Alvarez." " Where does he work?" " In the streets." "Mario Alvarez has just stopped working." " How would you know?" " I know because..." "I am Mario Alvarez." "Right now, sir." " Is that him?" " No, Madam." "It's a call for Dr. Silva." "He's there, by the piano." "Don't be upset." "My lord is usually late... never calls in advance." "Whenever you wish to know about his habits," "I will go into the trouble of asking you, Tomas." "Yes, Madam." "Go on." "Go on." "You're the most perfect guests!" " You are the perfect hostess!" " Thanks!" "We wanted to that Mr. Alvarez in person." "And I congratulate you on making this party so lively." "I love classical music!" " Is he sick?" " No." "Thank God for his good health." "If it weren't for you, the party would have... ended too early." " So, is he coming tonight?" " Who?" " Your husband." " Oh, yes." "Maybe." "Excuse me." " Are you leaving?" " Yes, madam." "Thank you for coming." "Give Mr. Alvarez our best wishes." "I will." "I guess you'll make a scene when he comes." "I'm not jealous." "Even so, just make a fuss if you don't want further trouble." "See you soon." " Good night." " My regards to... your husband." "Thank you." "Yes?" "Again." "What time will you be back?" "Never mind." "I'm getting used to this." "What do you mean, to what?" "To being by myself." "Yes, by myself." "Every single day!" "I think you need this." "I need to be left along." "Go." "You shouldn't have come." "I've noticed that, from the way you welcomed me." "What would you expect?" "I've had to come out... so as not to have you stalking me!" "That's why I came tonight." "Ever since I saw you for the first time, I've had this idea... and obsession!" "Talking to you!" "What for?" "What do you want?" "To make fun of me?" "Or perhaps, blackmail?" "Would you think me capable?" "Tell Alvarez you met me at the gambling house, if you wish," "I'm warning you, you'll be wasting your time." "He's a man, a real man, and beyond conventions!" "I don't know Alvarez, don't want to talk to him." " All I need to know..." " Is if I'm married to him?" "I'll spare you the asking." "We haven't got married!" "The trip abroad was just a cover-up, for the show." " I guessed so." " Now you know, you can tell everyone that comes into the house... so they'll never come back." "That'd be a great favor." "For I can't stand this hypocrisy any longer!" "Want to know more?" " Yes." "Are you happy?" " Very happy." "More than I could ever have imagined." "Really?" "Otherwise, why would I stay by this man... to whom nothing binds me?" "Looks true to you." "Perhaps, that's why I've made this confession to you." " Do you believe me now?" " Wish I had done so before." "So I'd never have felt I need you so much." "Sometimes, you sound just like a big, grown child." "I am sorry, Nancy." "Ah!" "You know my name, as well." " Now, promise me..." " What?" "You'll never stalk me again in the street... or phone me, because it makes me uncomfortable." " Don't know if I'll be able to." " You will." "And perhaps, once you show you can behave as... a grown-up man, we might become good friends." "Sorry, I'd lost sight of my friend." "It's time to leave." "I was just saying goodbye." "Tomas!" " Madam?" " Please see the gentlemen to the door." "Dr, do come back with your friend." "He's so nice." " Good evening, Madam" " Goodbye, Dr." " Goodbye." " Goodbye." " No more music?" " It's time to go now." "We're the last ones." "Please, don't bear me a grudge for a boring evening." "Of course not." "We had a very good time." "What about those who left earlier, then?" "Everyone had a very good time." "I'm so glad." "No need to apologize, then." "I'm sorry, my dear." "Please, do come back." "Tonight you've shown you're not interested in us." "I was in my studio, painting." "You know... painting is my passion." "I wouldn't let my husband have a studio outside the house." " Have you been there?" " I'm not interested in art!" "Besides, painting in the night." "I can read minds, you know?" "Then, we're colleagues." "For I knew what you thought of us, before coming here tonight." "I can't believe it." "I'll show you." "You were thinking: 'Were it not for this man's contributions... to our Society, I'd never come to this party.' Right?" "Smart of you!" "Of course we were delighted to come." "And of course, the Society is important to us." " Thank you so much!" " Go in peace." "I sent my contribution this very afternoon." " All of it?" " Just minus 500 pesos, not to pamper you." "What a shame!" "We needed that for the Maternal Canteen." "Anyway, thanks a lot!" "So why don't you make the most of this?" "I wouldn't want to be the only one with a merit." " I'm giving you the chance." " Oh!" "I'm so sorry... but I just ran out of cash, a while ago." " These are my witnesses." " True." "The same thing happened to me." "Mr. Alvarez thinks everyone is a millionaire, like him." "Don't worry." "No harm done!" " You need 500 more?" " Yes." "Excuse me, just a second." "I don't manage Russian funds, or any others." "Nobody manages my money, I don't gamble, I don't invest." " You win!" " What?" "The bet!" "This gentleman will give you 500 pesos, but they are his." "He's got the money in his pocket." " No, I..." " Don't thank me!" " Truth, above all!" " Thank you so much, Mr. Alvarez!" " Thank him, him!" " Er..." "And also him, a little!" "A magician as well!" "It's been a perfect party!" "Goodbye, Madam, and thank you, on behalf of everyone." " See you soon." " I'm coming with you." " Good night." " Good night." "Never trust the Stock Exchange." "If they told the truth, nobody would make any money." " Good night, Mr. Alvarez." " Good night." " Champagne, Madam?" " No, thanks." " Sir, perhaps?" " Yes, Tomas." "Talking of champagne, we need to lock the back door, mostly when chauffeurs wait outside." " I will, sir." "Please fire the gardener tomorrow." "As you wish, Sir." " May I, Sir?" " Go, Tomas." "You see, I even had the time to put on my tuxedo." "One hour later, you might have come in your morning suit." "I promise to be early next time." "There won't be a next time!" "Suit yourself." "I find you don't like parties." "In the beginning, everyone said you looked so happy!" "I've arrived on time, to say you look beautiful!" "Mario!" "How long will this go on?" "This?" "Forever!" "This life?" "Forever?" " Why?" "Do you lack something?" " Yes." "I need to understand." "You know I love you, isn't that enough?" "I need more than just words." "You've got all you wanted." "Jewels, a house, servants." " Have you ever asked for anything I haven't given you?" " No!" "Yes!" "You said yesterday you wanted a ruby necklace." " I'd forgotten about that." " I haven't." "I'd never have thought it might be hard to find." "And you think one more jewel, or one less, for that matter... is all it takes to make me happy, or sad, even?" "Stands to reason." "A woman reflects the beauty around her." "The jewels she wears." "The dress enhancing her beauty." "Don't you believe it?" "Wear rags, and look at yourself in the mirror." "You'll find out I'm right!" "You mean money is all that's worth something?" "Not exactly." "All money can get is worth it, instead." "A woman, for instance!" "Were you talking about that?" "No!" "Haven't even thought of it!" "I proposed this to you, sharing our lives, upon some conditions... you accepted." "I thought that just by living with you, I'd be..." "Don't be hard on yourself!" "No!" "Truth won't hurt me!" "It's not your fault, either!" "You, for your part, believed that a woman you met in... the streets, might deserve only such a thing!" " I never asked about your past!" " So you needn't talk about yours!" " Perhaps." " I don't thank you for that." "I might have told you, that in spite of it all, things are not what they seem." "That need often forces us to... go to places that are degrading, but... that a clean soul, may well come out of them..." " untouched, clear." " Stop it!" "I didn't ask!" "I don't want to know!" "Do you understand?" "Forgive me!" "We had an agreement, and you promised to honor it." "Didn't you?" "Don't cry." "Believe me..." "I wouldn't be able to live without you." "Maybe one day you'll understand." " Will you explain?" " Everything!" "You will understand, in view of the great lies... invented by the bourgeois." "Decency, honesty, justice!" "Believe me, Nancy." "I live among the crowds." "I know people, of all runs in life." "They all lie!" "Do you believe me?" "I do." "The only truth is what we have and hold." "The things you may treasure." "So lies may not take them away from you." " Get it?" " Yes." "What do you care about people's opinion?" "The biggest lie, won't make this... necklace look bad on your throat." "You remembered." "To apologize for being late." "What?" "Shame you hate lies!" "Why?" "I was going to lie to you." "I love you!" "She said, 'I love you'." "But it was a lie." "How can you tell?" "She told me so." " Was that before the necklace?" " After the necklace." " Of course." " Why?" "You told her that money is the only thing..." " that deserves to be loved." " To keep it." "It's all I have to give." "She's beautiful, isn't she?" "Then she'll leave you!" " Why?" " Because beautiful women... like young men." "And you..." "Youth is in people's intelligence." "A beautiful, good woman can't live with... a beggar." "She doesn't know." "Nobody knows, but you." "Of course, and even if I told, nobody would believe me." "Not even myself." "Don't be upset." "But this is weird." "That's why I brought you here with me tonight." "I need someone to understand so that I can make it to the end." " End of what?" " Of what I intend to do in life." "Will it take long?" "I don't think so." "Perhaps a few days." " Is it here?" " Yes." "So, why did you choose me?" "Because you're a simple soul." "Not smart enough to cause me harm... and you'll want to believe me." "I'm not flattered, but I'm glad, then." "Were it not for you, I'd be in an asylum." "I wasn't being generous." "I didn't want to talk to... myself anymore." "It's the first sign of madness." " This is where you change clothes?" " Only my suit." "One for each situation, according to the feelings I want to awaken." "For soccer games." "Fans touch wood, upon seeing me." "This is great for theater doors." "You'll let me borrow them?" "All I have will be ours, on the right day." "I wish!" "What's in here?" "Go in." " What's that?" " You'll see." "Here I change my uniform." "Here I change my soul." "What do you think?" "Will you teach me that?" "You don't need that." "You're right." "But I'd like it." " More uniforms?" " No." "No... the suit I was wearing on my first begging day." "A memento." " And this one?" " Another memento." "I wore it for 8 years." " To beg?" " No." "In jail." " You were in jail?" " I told you." "For 8 years." " Surprised?" " No." "My dear late mother said jail is the only way out... for those who shun work." "She was right, I guess?" "That's another lie, invented by those who live on others." " However..." " If it were true... there wouldn't be jails large enough for speculators... inheritors..." "Are you a murderer?" "No." "Relax." "I wore that uniform during my only working period." "I worked like a dog." "In a factory, by day." "There were no Labor Laws then." "In the night, drawing blueprints of a machine..." "I invented to make my children rich one day." " You had children?" " I was too poor for that." "I made barely as much as my poor starving wife needed." "Poor thing, worked like a dog, as well." "Is that her?" "She looks good, and intelligent." "She was illiterate." "Education was for the wealthy." " Is she alive?" " No." "Was she ill?" " So?" " One day, as I was resting... between jobs..." " Is this Juca's place?" " Yes, sir." " But he's ill." " I know." "I wanted to know if the doctor I sent..." " had visited this morning." " So you must be..." "The owner of the factory." "Juca is one of my best men." "Thank you, sir." "The doctor was here." "He said he needed some rest." "Want me to wake him up?" "Of course not." "May I speak with you?" "You need to look after him, if you love him." "The doctor told me he's seriously ill." "What else can I do?" "He seems to waste his nights, sleepless." "It's true, Sir." "He doesn't waste them." " He's working on an invention." " He might tell you that!" "An invention!" "I'd know, for sure!" "How come?" "Didn't you know?" "He said he had told you." "I think it's a loom It's almost finished." "I didn't know." "May I tell him I know now?" "No!" "Please!" "He wouldn't like that!" "See?" "It's a lie!" " I'm sorry." " No sir, it's not a lie!" "His blueprints are here." "So!" "Well, he should have told me so, then." " Why, sir?" " If I'd known about the blueprints..." "They're important!" "Juca says it'll do the work of 100 workers." "Then I'd allow him to work from home, and I'd pay him anyway." "Would you do that?" "If only I could see them" "If they are so important." "I'd give him leave to stay at home, doctor's orders." " So you have them?" " Yes, sir!" " He made me swear..." " It's in his best interest." "Why would I harm my best worker?" "Now, if you won't trust me..." "Stay, please, sir!" "What?" " Are they there?" " If he knew..." "Not bad, not at all." "Juca says he'll get a patent, and that we will be rich." "This makes no sense!" "There's something missing!" "This loom won't work!" "Can't be true!" "He said all he needed was a permit, for it was ready!" "We're raising the money to pay for the permit." "I'll give you the money." "But this is no good!" "Perhaps it's elsewhere." "Go find what's missing." "I would wake him up." "Be very quiet." "No drawings." "Just this note." "Not what you need." "No." "Never mind." "Here, take it back." " Is everything all right?" " Yes, yes." "When he gets up, tell him..." "Tell me what?" "I wanted to have a word with you." " Alone, if possible." " Leave us, Maria." " May I know why you are here?" "Please, change your mind." "The Manager told me... you won't sign the contract." "It's just that..." "I won't give away my efforts, my work." " I told the manager." " You think it's not enough!" "You may make so much money with my loom." "What?" "Would you want my factory, then?" "Just pay me what it's worth." "You're crazy." "Haven't even seen it!" "Please, advance the money for the patent." "I'll show you." " Sign, first" " I can't." "You should." "It's the only chance you have." "Thank you, I won't sign." "So, what if I were no longer interested in your invention?" "Someone else would be." "So, if you would just leave..." "I see your letters to my competitors... have emboldened you!" "Remberg won't give you more than I!" "Remberg?" "How do you know?" "It's your business!" "Goodbye!" "Maria!" "Maria!" "Then I realized I had been robbed... of what had cost me so much, so many years of hard work." "I couldn't forgive her ignorance... couldn't see the love behind her actions... there was no evil in her." "I blamed her for our ruin!" "Blamed her for the future we'd lost forever!" "I insulted her!" "I think I slapped her!" "Of course you would!" "You were mad!" "I went to the factory. - They wouldn't let me in." "I'd been fired." "I roamed the streets." "And when I got back home..." "Maria." "Maria!" "(DIRECTOR PRESIDENT PRIVATE" " What do you want?" " My blueprints!" "You ask me for them!" "You must be crazy!" "Leave, now!" "I'll show you who... you are talking to!" "Give me the blueprints!" "If you were more reasonable, we might call the Manager, and talk..." "I'm able to forget." "Open the box!" "Now!" "The blueprints!" "Arrest this man!" "He's trying to rob me!" "To steal the money!" "There were many witnesses, in good faith... they declared, and I was convicted." "Eight years later... no one wanted to take me." "So then, I had to wear this suit." "You see why I love it." "It saved my life." "Know what?" "You deserved better." "And I'll do better yet." "You'll see." "Come." "I wish to show you everything." "This is too much for me." " Do you work here?" " No!" "An employee passes the information on to me... doesn't know what I do." "I'll show you later." " Barata, you're one lucky man." " I hadn't realized." "Know what these are?" "Shares..." "Pre... fer... red shares Don't know about that." "This is the partnership that will pay your debts." "Partnership?" "Please explain..." "It's too complicated." "You'd never understand." "Besides, why would you want to know?" "Let's go." "This one leads to the back street." "Just learn it all." "No, not that door." "We'd be arrested." "You're right." "Let's go, then." "I need to go home now." "There's work to do." "They'll wonder why I'm so early today." "Should get used to it, though." "Thank you so much." "I had such a nice time!" "Can't say the same." " I am..." " Sad?" "You think it's a compliment?" "You know what I mean." "You let me talk, but you won't listen to me." "Men are so ungrateful." "Isn't it enough that I called you?" "We've been out every evening." "We danced, told each other our secrets." "I told you mine." "You always talk of 'someone else'." " Good night" " Please, don't go." "I like you so much." "Just that." "I know." "I trust you!" "I'll show you." "Come in." "I guess you won't be embarrassed." "So?" "Is that all?" "It wasn't worth it." "Nancy, don't make fun of me." "All right." "Proof of trust!" "Are you?" "Are you glad?" " What are you doing?" " Musical background." "Music brings people closer." "Helps you understand." "I wouldn't think so." "But it's true." "It's not true, what he says." "Unfortunately, it is." "He'd be so proud if he could hear you talk." "You're saying what he's taught you." "Maybe, but he won't like to find you here." "Never mind." "He's never early." "And in the afternoon, he never leaves after four." "So punctual." "Nancy!" "Why do you keep on lying to yourself?" " That man can't make you happy." " No." "But I get a good imitation." "Without love." "I love life above all things!" " Isn't that enough?" " Just a cliché." " What's to 'love life'?" " To live well." "Just that." "Even if you love me so much." "You see, I believe you." "I'd be so unhappy with you." "You'd have a name, a future." "What about the present?" " Would you marry me?" " Of course I would." "And we'd live on your father?" "No!" "A woman is worth as much as what's around her." "I don't need my father." "I'm able to work." "To do business." "What's so funny?" " Today..." " Did you win money?" " Yes." " How much?" "10,000 pesos." "Here they are." "Shall we elope tomorrow?" " Where to?" " At 5, there's a flight to Montevideo." "We'd get married, and then, we'd go to the US." "I've got friends there." "I'd find a job." "We'd live humbly in the beginning, but..." "I know we'd be better off later on." "And you'd get the life you deserve." "Clear, clean, no torture!" " How long would it take?" " Oh, one or two years." "They'd fly away!" "My friends in New York are rich." "We'd be in high society." "Mr. And Mrs. Richardson!" "You'd be the happiest of women!" "And this would be just a bad dream!" "A bad dream." "You may be right." "The music has stopped." "What a pity!" "Why?" "Silence reminds me we've only got 10,000 pesos." "With 10 times 10,000 pesos, we'd have barely enough for the trip." "Is that all you can think of?" "Why not?" "I'd pawn my jewels at the first stopover." "All you can think of is your jewels!" "I wanted then so hard, I wouldn't part with them." "Not for anything." "See you now!" "I'll buy you more, 5th Ave." "Jewels!" "Think I wouldn't?" "You would." "And you say such nice things, too." " So?" " We'll see." " Will you come with me?" " Maybe." "Tomorrow?" " Must it be tomorrow?" " Or never." " Don't ask me why." " If I didn't I wouldn't come with you." " I'll go alone!" "I've got the ticket in my pocket." "Good night." "At this time, good day to you." "I'm earlier than usual." " I guess you won't think wrong of me." " No!" " What about you?" " I wouldn't." " Mr..." " Pericles." " Let me introduce..." " That's not necessary." "My wife's friends are my friends." " How are you?" " Well, sir." "I was leaving." "Now you'll do me the honor to stay longer." "Nancy loves entertainment, and I've got so much work to do." " So, Mr. Pericles." " Yes, yes, sir." "My pleasure." "Pericles, the statesman, warrior, the invincible Greek soldier." " Mario!" " I'm not exaggerating." "He was so intelligent, his age in Athens is known as 'Pericles' Century'." "The age of Ehenophonte, Phydias, Plato..." "Don't wonder why I know these things." "You must have recognized me as your fellow countryman." "I'm Socrates, the philosopher." "Thanks for the lesson, sir." "I'm not that Pericles." "Oh!" "I'm so sorry." "However, I know why..." "I mistook you for him." "You have a surname, of course." " Yes, sir." " That's the usual thing." "Surnames usually spoil everything." "Napoleon's Napoleon, and he's immortal." "But Napoleon Jones would be a nobody." " Am I right?" " Mario!" "May I ask you to do me a favor?" "Your wishes are orders to me." "Then I demand you treat the people in my... acquaintance with respect!" "Don't be upset." "I guess Mr. Pericles has a good sense of humor." "That's why he hasn't reply as was fit." "And he's more than a friend to me." "More than a friend?" " What?" " A relative." "I'll explain later." "We were talking... of something important before you came in." "That's why he was here." "My apologies, then." "My philosophy is no good, not even for jokes." "Make yourself at home." "Thank you, sir." "I'm going to bed, I'm not feeling well." "All right, my dear." "I have work to do, strange as it may seem." "See you." "How would we arrange the thing... we were talking about." "Wait." "Come in." "So, my friend." "I'm waiting." " For what?" " For an explanation!" "I'm entitled to know what a man does... if he's talking to my wife, in my own home, this late." " Your wife..." " She hasn't told me a thing!" "I don't know you, or your name, or business here." "I'm here for a reason." "Then you'll tell me." " Tell me!" " Under one condition." "You swear not to repeat what I'll tell you." "If you knew me, you'd know a man's word... of honor, means nothing." "Yours does, to me." "All right." "I'm waiting." "I'm..." "Nancy's brother." "I came to borrow money." "From her, what for?" "I need 100,000 pesos." "For 24 hours, that's all." " Once they're over?" " The balance will be over." "I'll pay them back... and I'll have 3 months to replace them in the safe." " You work at a bank?" " The Credit Bank." " And what did she say?" " She didn't have the money." "She told you the truth!" " What if you don't get them?" " I'll run away, if I can." "Otherwise..." "Don't get stupid notions." " Is there anything else I can do?" " No." "I can give you the money." "Nancy would never forgive me!" "She wouldn't be humbled in your eyes!" "We won't tell her." "I don't know when I'll be able to pay you back." "I'm not doing it for you!" "I can wait." "Or never see you again!" "So, you're a lucky man after all." " I am?" " Yes." "My principles make me hate banks, you see." "They're of no use." "I'd rather keep my money in the house." "Here." "How can I t hank you." "Not at all." "I'm doing it for Nancy's sake." "Now leave me alone!" "I need to do something tonight, something I never did before!" "Goodbye!" "And never come back if you can help it." "What happened?" "Nothing." "I'm coming for you tomorrow, at four." "I'll have a car, right across the street." "You are mad!" "We can't go!" "We can." "Here's the money." "100,000 pesos!" "I was about to give them to you, when he came in." "Why didn't you tell me?" "I wanted to put my love to the test!" "You never said you loved me!" "So, need I tell you?" "No, I know you're coming with me tomorrow, dear!" "Tomorrow at four, and you'll feel alive." "Tomorrow at four you'll feel alive" "Tomorrow at four." "Tomorrow at four." "And you'll feel alive." "Tomorrow at four." "Come in." " Did Madam call me?" " I did." " My husband isn't in, is he?" " He isn't, Madam." "It's four o'clock already." "He didn't sleep last night." "Spent the whole night at work." "That's what kept him." "He'll come, now." "No, Madam." "He's expecting someone." " A visitor?" " Yes, Madam." "He was talking on the phone." "For about an hour." " With whom?" " Don't know, Madam." "He closed the door." " Anything else, Madam?" " No, thanks." " Tomas." " Madam." " Has anyone asked after me?" " No, Madam." "What time is it?" " Five past four, Madam." " All right, Tomas." "Nancy." "Doesn't it surprise you, to see me at this time of day?" "You never surprise me." "You wanted me to get used." "You're in a bad mood." " Worried?" " You never seem to care." "I do, now." "For today's a very big day." " Want to know why?" " Yes." "In about one hour..." "Lohengrin, will stop being Lohengrin." "I don't understand." "What would you say if anyone talked to you, say, of starting a new life?" "Completely different to what you've known!" "I'd say I'd rather not hear things I can't understand!" "Let me go!" "This time, I can't please you." "I want you to stay." "Does torturing me feel so exciting?" "Not at all." "Ten past four." "A man will be here shortly." "Mario!" "Sir, the man you were expecting is in the hall." "Great!" "Tell Mr. Richardson he may come in." " Richardson?" " Yes, stay." "A short comedy will be staged here for you." "Short, but with a moral, and its title might be:" "'An eye for an eye'." "Mr. Richardson." "Have him come in." "Come in, Mr. Richardson." "I asked my wife to stay and listen to us talk." " Hope you don't mind." " What if I..." "If you were to refuse, then I'd remind you... this is my own home." "Mr. Richardson, my dear, is the president of the board... of directors at Richardson's Weavers." "The largest factory in the country, for... they use the six comb loom, an exclusive invention." "Of course, also patented by Richardson." "So, end this now!" "Why did you ask me to come here?" "Simple." "You'll want to know I've worked all night... to get this ready." "It's the new plan for..." "Richardson's Weavers Limited Liability Company." "New board of directors, new accounting, better labor conditions, etc." "Now, we'll think of the new name later." "Just in case you wish to stay on the board, in spite of it all." "Here are my orders in writing." "Orders!" "To me?" "Who do you think...?" "Excuse me." "You've asked around?" "I've asked the man who gives me the shares... of Richardson's Weavers and Textiles." " Stolen!" " Sorry." "Bought!" "One by one!" "Here are my receipts." "Everyone knows the shares are mine!" "They are!" "They were!" "Here it says:" "'To the bearer'." "They were stolen!" "I can prove it!" "You won't." "Unless you wish to send... your son to jail, for he sold the last... shares to my agent, at 10,000 pesos." "I don't know your son, Mr." "But if I may say so, I believe he loves to gamble." "You are a bastard...!" "That's your view, of course." "May I advise you to keep him from gambling?" "Otherwise, give him the money he needs." " It'd be a better deal." " Stop it!" "How much?" "What's that, Mr. Richardson?" "How much do you want, to give me my shares back?" "These." "No amount of money would be enough to buy them." "How much would a new life be worth, for instance?" "Let's deal with more urgent issues." "This legal document, states you are transferring... the management of your factory, to me." "And of your own good will." "That's to avoid unpleasantries." "Believe me, it's for your own good." "I won't sign!" "Do you want to study it before I go?" "Sounds reasonable enough." "Here, sign it, and send it over to me tonight." "I want this to be done AS AP." "My new industrial life will be my gift to the lady." "If you don't mind." " What if I refused?" " If you refused... the agents have the receipts your son signed!" "I can go and ask for them, and take them to the police!" "After all, you can't doubt..." "I bought the shares in good faith." "You bastard!" "You called me that before." "There's nothing else to talk about, then." "Goodbye." "May I know why you're doing this?" "I see you've got a very weak memory." "20 years ago, you promised to help me." " You?" " Me!" "And someone else who's no longer here." "You were so busy you forgot to do so." "Luckily, I'm here to mend things now." "And to relieve you of an obligation." "You should thank me." "By tonight, Mr. Richardson." "Don't you forget again!" "A new life, Nancy!" "Do you understand now?" "I understand you would go to great lengths." "That's why you wanted me to stay." "Maybe one day I'll be able to explain." "You think I don't know why you ruined that man?" " You wouldn't know." " I do!" "To prevent me from leaving you, with his son!" "What?" "I'm not afraid, for now I know you're not brave enough... to fight for anyone!" "I'd much rather have had you slap his face." "Last night when you found him here with me!" "No!" "That would have been proving you loved me!" "And you only know about revenge, and evil!" "Ruin or jail!" "Your rival, out of combat!" "That man, was he Richardson's son?" "Don't say you didn't know!" "You know all that's evil in this world!" "And you always win, only because you've got money!" "But you said he was a relative of yours." "To protect him from you." "I feared for him." "Are you so interested in him?" " He's a thief!" " I don't care!" " He stole for my sake!" " Not for your sake!" " Yes, you know that!" " That's not true!" "Not true?" "Here's the money!" "Will you believe me now?" "And even if it hadn't been... for me, he's given me more than you have." "He loves me, he's opened my eyes!" " Were you going to leave me?" " Yes!" "My luggage is ready." "Had you left as usual, I'd already be far from here." " I can't believe you!" " You're so vain you wouldn't." "Want to find out for yourself?" "Look!" "You think he'd make you happy?" "Don't expect a 'no' from me." "You've always said you hate lies." "So at least, you've learned a lot with me." "What would you do?" "I'd have him arrested, for you've got the money!" "You win today!" "You might have lost, though!" "Why don't you make up your mind." "You're right!" "Tomas!" " Get the lady's luggage." " Yes, sir." "Wait." "Once I'm gone... call the gentleman that's standing by the car outside." " Ask him in." " Yes, sir." "My last gift." "They are yours!" "You may do as you wish with them." "As to the money, give it back to him." "He hasn't stolen it." "It belongs to him." "I wish you all the best, all the happiness you deserve." "And whenever you think of me, do so with hatred, disgust, so as not to blemish your happiness." "Feel I humbled you." "And know who it is that's been living with you... during your best years." "Open this box." "You'll find my name inside." "A coin, please, for God's sake." "A coin... for a poor, starving man... on our Virgin's Day." "Don't beg today, or I'll have to teach you." "We learn something new every day, Barata!" "Thought you wouldn't come!" "You said, you'd start a new life." "The new life has fled, don't know why." "Hasn't society given back all it owed you?" "It has." "But it's taken away the only thing I loved." "Why did you let it go?" "If you love something, you fight for it." "You can't fight against feeling." "They're stronger than theories." " That's new to me." " New to me, as well." " Now I know." " So you're sad." "Not at all." "My conscience is in peace." "Feel happier?" "No, just comforted." "Wealth is in the giving." "Not in the asking." "First time I hear you say that." "See those people's faces as they give us coins." "They smile, for they buy Hope." "With what's left over." "Then, they pray to God for what they haven't got." "That's the way it should be, isn't it?" "I believe it is." "See?" "You make mistakes, too." "I'm beginning to understand I do." "And it's so easy." "Giving what you have, asking for what you don't have." "Easy, but I'd never seen it that way before." "Right, maybe." " Where are you going?" " Wherever." "If I stay here, I'll want to go in to pray." "Why wouldn't you?" "Never done it before." "Don't go." "Stay with me." "Help me!" "Stretch out your hand, hold your hat, there, you taught me this." "The hat." "God bless you!"