"HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN..." "Stefano, the boss wants to see you." " Where is he?" " Down there." "Thanks." "Take over for me." " Hi, Stefano." " Hello, Signor John." "I have something for you." "It arrived yesterday from the Department of State." "What's it say?" "I don't understand English." "You requested a Canadian visa for a Maria Dermoz." " Is she a relative?" " No, my fiancée." " Then you're out of luck." " Why?" "Under Canadian law, only relatives may enter the country." "Maria's more than my fiancée." " She's soon to be my wife." " "Soon to be."" "But until then, you're two strangers in the eyes of the law," "If she were my wife, she'd be allowed entry?" "Of course." "Then I'll return to Italy, marry her, and bring her back." "Who says you'll be allowed back yourself?" "If you leave, you give up all claim to your job." "Thousands of workers want to come here." "You'd have to start over." "File a request, wait your turn." "Think it over carefully." "Are we supposed to be separated forever?" "I can't wait." "I can only advise you to do what I did:" "I was once a new immigrant here, in love with a girl back home." "We got married long-distance, with her in Italy and me here in Canada." "Marriage by proxy." "I don't have time to explain right now." "Stop by the house after work, I'll have all the information." " Thank you." " Don't mention it." "If we Italians don't help each other..." "See you later." "Good evening." "Is Mr. Morresi in?" "I have an appointment." "Forgive me, ma'am." "Mr. Morresi told me to stop by." "My husband was called away unexpectedly to Winnipeg." "He mentioned you'd be coming by." "I have all the information you're looking for." "Thank you." "Please come in." "Sit down." "What will you drink?" "Whiskey?" "Brandy?" "It doesn't matter." "A storm like this calls for something strong." "I could use one too." "You'll like this." "It's a good label." "Thanks, but I hope I'm not imposing." "Oh, please." "I'm happy to chat with a fellow countryman." "I so rarely get the chance to speak Italian." "But what about your husband?" "My husband." "Who ever sees him?" "His work keeps him out in the forest all day." "He can't waste time keeping me company." "So you want to get married by proxy?" "Yes." "It was Mr. Morresi's idea." "He said he did the same." "Yes, we did." "Here." "This is a list of documents you need from Italy." "And then what?" "When everything's ready, you go to the consulate, your fiancée goes to her local town hall, and it's over in two minutes." " It's very simple." " Yes." "Simple and quick." "Too bad it can't be undone just as easily." "If two people love each other, there's no reason to undo it." " Another whiskey?" " No, thanks." "May I keep this?" "Certainly." "My husband left it for you." "But you're not going out there now!" "Listen to how it's pouring." "Stay a while longer." "As I told you, I enjoy the chance to chat." "I'm always so alone." "I'd like to hear about your fiancée." "Tell me how you met her." "It was a night like this..." "Don't be afraid." "I mean you no harm." "You must hide me." "I'm sorry." "Lisetta!" "No, don't yell." "Don't call for help." "I'll leave as soon as I can." "It's them." "Please save me!" "Save me!" "Hide over there." "We're looking for a smuggler hiding in a house around here." " I haven't seen anyone." " Sorry, but we must search." " You two go upstairs." " No, please don't." "Sorry, but we must do our duty." "Go on." "Is that another room?" "That's our shop." "What kind of shop?" "Dry goods, fabric... a little of everything." "But there couldn't be anyone in there." "We'd better have a look." "Let's have some light." "I'm so sorry." "We didn't know." "Let's go, boys." "Good night, and please forgive us." "Thank you." "That was very kind." "They'd have arrested you too if they'd found me." "I know." "What's that?" "Are you hurt?" "Nothing." "A bullet grazed me, and it burns a bit." "Wait a moment." "It's the first time I've ever broken the law." "I needed money and said I'd help smuggle some goods." " Does it hurt?" " Not anymore." "Smuggling is nasty work." "It's not for me." "Thank you." "Why did those men leave so suddenly without finishing their search?" "Come with me." "My mother." "Now go." "Lisetta, go to bed and get some rest." "No, let me stay." "I want to stay here." "No, I'll stay." "You're too tired." "Go sleep a bit." "Come on." "Let's go." "Once again, please forgive me." "If I'd known " "I'm sorry." "Thank you again for everything." "It's clear." "You can go." "I told you this kind of work isn't for me." "This was the first time, and it will be the last, and I owe that to you." "For that too I thank you." "That's how we first met." "That's how I came to know her." "But I must be boring you." "Forgive me." "No, I'm very interested." "Go on." "Did you meet again soon after that?" "No, it was some time later." "Hello." " It's you!" " You recognized me." "I was sure you'd have forgotten me by now." "Don't worry." "The police aren't after me this time." "You remember what I said that night?" "I promised I'd become an honest man... and I did, though it wasn't easy." "Temptation was strong." "I could have gotten all I wanted with little trouble." "But I always turned it down, and if I was able to hold out," "I have you to thank." "No, you have yourself to thank -- your honesty and your conscience." "My conscience had long since run out of good advice, and honesty had brought me only bitterness and poverty." "If it hadn't been for you," "I'd have just gone along." "But I couldn't forget that night, and how ashamed I felt in your presence -- ashamed of myself, of having to hide like a thief." "I wanted to erase the memory of that night." "Sure, I went through hard times." "I was hungry and poor." "But I finally found a job." "It was backbreaking labor, but I don't mind hard work." "I was happy because I wasn't ashamed of what I earned." "So this became our routine:" "In the morning, as Maria opened the shop..." "Good morning, Miss Maria." "Enjoy your work." "And in the evening I'd pass by again, exhausted from work." "Good evening, Miss Maria." "Enjoy your evening." "Then, one beautiful Sunday in May," "I spotted her in the town square." "She couldn't find her sister Lisetta and was ready to go home." "I offered to walk her home and she accepted." "We didn't need many words to express our love for each other." "We'd expressed it so often in our thoughts." "Those were happy days, full of a happiness that knew no bounds." "But I wanted Maria all for myself, forever!" "So I plucked up my courage." "To offer her a better future and realize our dreams," "I reluctantly came to a serious decision." "Maria, I quit my job." " Why?" " It paid a pittance." "It was barely enough for myself so I asked around." "I've taken the necessary steps." "I want to go to America and work for you." "You'd leave me here?" "Yes, but not for long." "I'll work like a madman." " How long will you be gone?" " I don't know." "But I have a very attractive job offer." " Where is it?" " In Canada." "I still have the checkup in Genoa, but I'm sure I'll pass." "So far away?" "Don't be frightened." "I'll come back with a heap of dollars or pounds." "We'll have a first-rate wedding and a little house just for you and me." "Yes, Stefano, but... until then, I'll be alone." "One must earn one's happiness." " Are you happy?" " Yes." "If you're happy, then I'm happy too." "See you soon, Maria." "Write to me." "You too." "Send news often." "Come back soon." "I'll be waiting." "There you have it." "That's our story." "Interesting." "A story of romance and adventure." "Very entertaining." "I'm sorry, but I only told you because you asked me to." "It wasn't my intention to entertain you." "Don't mind what I say." "But I'm afraid love stories leave me cold." "In any case, I wish you all the best." "Thank you, ma'am, and thank your husband for me too." "Good luck." "Good night, ma'am." "Maria, I'm up here." "Hello, Countess." "I brought you the fabric you requested." "You were supposed to bring it yesterday." "Sit down." "I'm sorry, but I've been so busy." "Doing what?" "Writing to your boyfriend?" "No, I write him very little." "That's not good." "You should write him every day." "Otherwise, being so far away, he'll forget you." " What's the latest word?" " He's fine." "They made him foreman and doubled his pay." "He keeps insisting we get married and says if I don't say yes, he'll drop everything and come back." "What are you waiting for?" "My sister's still practically a little girl." "If I left she'd be all on her own." "I always remember my mother's words:" ""Look after Lisetta." "Promise you'll do everything for her that I would."" "Those were her last words before she died." "No, I'd feel like I was breaking my promise." "Who says you have to abandon your sister?" "As your relative," "Lisetta could join you anytime she wished." " Really?" " Of course." "Did you bring that application form?" "Yes, but what's it for?" "For your passport." "Best to take the necessary steps right away." "Come along and sign the other papers." "This way I can give them to my lawyer right away." "And Maria's emigration papers?" "Everything's proceeding just as you ordered, ma'am." "Good." "Miss Dermoz is here, ma'am." "Ah, here she is." "Show her in." "You can go now." "My respects, ma'am." " Good day, Countess." " Miss Maria." "We were just talking about you." "He says everything's moving right along." "Sit down." "You're going to so much bother for me." "Never mind that." "But tell me:" "What does Lisetta do?" "What do you mean?" "She helps me in the shop, and takes care of things in the house." "Yes, that's all very well, but at night, after work, are you sure she's not out and about?" "Lisetta?" "What are you saying?" "Lisetta never goes out at night." "We close the shop, have dinner, and it's off to bed." "Why do you ask?" "No reason." "Just asking." "Lisetta is young and charming." "I wouldn't want anyone to -- Understand?" "But it's your business to keep an eye on her, not mine." "You needn't worry about that." " Glad to hear it." " Why?" "Do you " "No, I know nothing, I assure you." "Thank you again for " " Dario." " Hello, Grandmother." " Where are you going?" " To make myself more presentable." "You're fine just like that." "Come in." "Good-bye, my dear." " Hello, Maria." " Good-bye." "I'd like a word with you." " Excuse me." " Yes?" "There's one more detail I need." "You know the countess asked me " " Yes, she told me." " Your mother's name?" "Anna Lamier." "Very good." "So you're leaving us." "It must be true love." "It all makes sense now." "True love is a stranger to reason." "You could have made a good match here, certainly better than that deadbeat Stefano." "Please!" "Are you deeply in love?" "Too bad." "I'm more and more convinced that it's a shame you're leaving." "Good day." "Your vacation has lasted long enough." "Why, Grandmother?" "I don't understand." "No?" "Then let me be perfectly clear." "You've been seen out too often with Lisetta, Maria's sister." "There's no harm in it." "We just happened to meet, and " "Well, I don't like it." "Don't forget your family name, your position, your father's plans for you." " I trust you understand." " But I assure you " "My boy... your father entrusted you to my care when he left for Buenos Aires." "I'm responsible for you in his eyes, and I don't want you seeing that peasant girl!" " Lisetta is not a peasant!" " Enough!" "You'll return to school in Milan immediately." "Think of your future, and not just of having a good time at my expense." "You understand?" "Yes." "See you soon, Lisetta." "Dario, will you write to me and remember me always?" "Of course." "I promise I'll think only of you." "Please don't cry." "There." "Smile." "That's how I want to leave you, and how I want to find you when I return." "You're prettier when you smile." " Good-bye." " I'll be waiting." "Good afternoon." "Didn't expect to find me here, eh?" "You're right." "I'm not sure I understand." "I was out for a ride." "I saw these cabins and wondered who lived here." "The door was open, so I came in." " Do you live here?" " Yes, with two coworkers." "But they're away on leave now." " Please sit down." " No, thanks." "When you're married, will your wife come live here?" "No, not in this hovel." "I want a charming, comfortable house for her, with a little garden." " Would you like some?" " No, thanks." "I saw one that looks very nice." "The windows look out over the mountains, like back home." "That way she'd feel like she was still back in Italy." "In any case..." "let's hope so." "What's wrong?" "Some obstacle to the marriage?" "No, but she just won't make up her mind." "Really?" "Why?" "Who knows?" "I don't get it." "Says she's afraid to leave her sister all alone, that she's responsible for her future." "But it's absurd to sacrifice our happiness for that." "Yes, it's absurd... if that's the real reason." "What do you mean?" "Her concern for her sister may be an excuse." "An excuse?" "When John wrote me a flood of letters," "I made up a thousand reasons to put him off." "But he couldn't wait." "He was afraid of losing me, afraid I'd fall for another man." "Are you afraid of that too?" "Then why such a rush to get married?" " Because you're in love?" " Of course." "Love's flame burns out quickly, leaving only ashes, bitterness, and regret." "Shocked?" "You thought my husband and I were happy." "Everyone thinks so." "It's not true." "We made a foolish mistake, and we've regretted it since." "May I have something to drink?" "I'm very thirsty." "I'm afraid all I have is cheap whiskey." " A glass of water then." " I'll draw it from the well." "No, it doesn't matter." "I'll have the whiskey." " May I sit down a moment?" " Please." "I think I twisted something getting off my horse." " Where?" " My ankle." "Let me have a look." "Here?" " Does that hurt?" " A little." "It's nothing." "I'm sure it'll be gone quickly." "I must have lost my head." " Please forget what happened" " There's nothing to forget." ""I hereby certify, as Italian consul for the city of Winnipeg, Canada, that Stefano Brunot did appear before me, accompanied by Giovanni Morresi." "and Francesco Agostini as witnesses, and did state his wish to marry Miss Maria Dermoz, and in my presence did sign this legal proxy drafted in accordance with the law."" "Sign here." "Witnesses sign below that." "Antonio Ollier, do you, as legal proxy for Stefano Brunot, take Maria Dermoz to be his lawfully wedded wife?" "Maria Dermoz, do you take as your lawfully wedded husband" "Stefano Brunot, here represented by Antonio Ollier?" "In my day, we'd marry first in the church and then go to the town hall, but now " "What do we do now?" "Nothing." "Your job is done." "But you wish it wasn't, eh?" "Why not?" "Let's sit down." "Here you are." "Everyone sit down." "Lisetta?" "Lisetta, what's wrong?" "Have you been crying?" "No, don't mind me." "I'm so happy for you." "Quiet, please." "I'd like to propose a toast." "Quiet!" ""To the bride close at hand and the groom far away go all our best wishes on this happy day."" "Lisetta!" "Dear God!" "Please take her upstairs." "Poor girl." " How is she?" " Does she still feel ill?" "She's better, thank you." " I'll go see her." " No, please." "She's asleep." "We should let her rest." "She just felt indisposed for a moment." "If you need anything, just call on me." "Thank you so much." "You're all very kind." "Go on home now, and thank you." "Good-bye, dear." "Good-bye, ma'am." "Thank you, and please forgive me." "What is it?" "What's wrong with Lisetta?" "What's wrong with her?" "I can tell you, Countess... but please, no one else must know." "She's expecting a child." "What?" "Are you sure?" "She told me herself." "She's quite far along." "I don't know how she kept it hidden this long." "At first she didn't want to tell me, but I kept insisting... and she burst out crying and told me everything." "It's my fault." "I didn't watch her closely enough." "How my poor mother implored me before she died!" "It's as if she foresaw this." "She knew Lisetta was vain and frivolous and prey to a thousand dangers." "She made me promise to help her." "But I broke my promise!" "I left her all on her own." "I thought only of my happiness, not hers." "Did she say who it was?" "No." "I begged and implored her, but she wouldn't say." "I'll go up and see her." "Perhaps she'll tell me more." "Thank you, ma'am." "Convince her that she mustn't hide it from me, that I want to know for her own good." "If the man she loves is honest and truly loves her, he'll be ready to do what's right." "Yes, of course." "Calm down now." "It was my grandson, wasn't it?" "Yes." "And of course he promised to marry you?" "Does he know you're pregnant?" "No." "He hasn't written since he left." "Please, you tell him." "I trusted him, and he should help me now." "Don't worry." "I'll help you, my dear... but on just one condition:" "No one must learn of your love." "Better that way for him and for you." "No one." "Not even your sister." " Promise?" " Yes, I promise." "You'll see." "It'll all work out." "This is the young man's room, but I can't " "I'm his grandmother." "I pay his expenses." "He doesn't wish to be awakened " " Step aside." " Well!" "My dear grandmother!" "What a surprise!" "Don't touch me." "Rather early for a visit, isn't it?" " It's barely 11:00 a.m." " If I'd known " "I was late up late last night studying." "Yes..." "I can see the object of your studies." "But believe me, it wasn't " "You'd be better off keeping quiet." "I've come to tell you my decision, but I go back within the hour, so I haven't much time." "Sit down." "Go on!" "Now listen carefully." "A plane leaves tomorrow for Buenos Aires." "You have 24 hours to pack and bid farewell to your studies." "Grandmother, what are you saying?" "I was very clear." "You leave tomorrow for Argentina." "Here's your passport, and this is your ticket." "Your father will pick you up at the airport." "This money is for you." "How much do you owe people?" "Quite a bit." "This should be enough." "But would you kindly explain " "You need further explanations?" "You're wasting your time and my money pretending to study." "I love you very much, but this can't go on." " But I swear I'll " " Enough!" "I'm tired of listening to excuses and paying your debts!" "Besides, your father always writes that he needs you." "Didn't you say you wanted to join him?" "Yes but not so suddenly like this." "Yes, immediately!" "And don't try to trick me or that will be the end of you." "Do we understand each other?" "Very well." "I'll go." "By the way," "I owe the tailor too." "I forgot." "This is the last of it." "Thanks, Grandmother." "I'll get dressed and take you to the station." "We have to find out who it was." "Lisetta says he'll marry her." "Oh, we'll look around and we'll find him, but meanwhile we must keep this a secret from everyone." " You know how people are." " People!" "But how do we keep the child hidden when it's born?" "We'll find a way." "But believe me... for your good name too, and for your husband, no one must know a thing." "Agnese was in my service for many years." "She's a trustworthy woman who can keep a secret." "She lives in an isolated area far away where no one ever goes." "Far away from here?" "No, I don't want that." "Don't be selfish Think of your husband." "You can go see her... but very carefully, to avoid attracting attention." "And if people ask about her?" "We'll find some explanation." "That she went to work in the city, for example." "You're right, ma'am." "Thank you." "See you soon, dear." "Lisetta found a good position with a family, and she's very happy." "But why did she run off so suddenly?" "No, she and I had arranged it a while ago." "She couldn't pass up this opportunity." "When do you leave for Canada?" "I haven't yet decided." "With your sister taken care of, don't you want to join your husband?" "Of course, but there are still forms to process." "It takes a long time." "Good day, Countess." "See you later, Maria." "Everyone keeps asking about Lisetta!" ""What's she doing?" "'" "`Why aren't you leaving yet?"" "I'm tired of constantly lying, tired of smiling when my heart is heavy." "I know, my dear." "I've decided to tell Stefano the whole truth." "It's better that he know I wrote him that letter." "It seems rash to me." "Why?" "Stefano will understand." "Yes, he'll believe it... and lose some of the esteem he has for you." "Who says he won't think you're hiding something more serious?" "Don't forget:" "He's alone, far from you." "God knows what he might imagine." "So you don't think I should say anything?" "That's exactly what I'd do." "He's known nothing up till now." "Why not keep it that way?" "You'll find some excuse for delaying your departure, and once there, you'll tell him everything." "All right." "I'll do as you say." "And when is the baby due?" "Any day now." "I haven't gotten to see her for over a week." "The storm washed out the little bridge." "But I'll try again tonight." "I'll get by if I have to scale that mountain on foot!" "Agnese?" "Lisetta darling." "What's wrong?" "Are you in pain?" "Look at me." "It's Maria." "Maria, I'm so cold." "Don't worry." "I'll take care of you now." "So you finally came." "I told you it was just a matter of days." "You're too late." "I couldn't get here." "The flood washed out the route." "Is Lisetta very ill?" "Nothing to worry about." "Just a touch of fever from the labor." "She's suffered a lot." "Let her rest." "At least she doesn't suffer when she's asleep." "Where's the baby?" " It's dead." " Dead?" "What do you mean?" "Out with it!" "Why do you care?" "Just as well." "One less worry." "In these cases it's best to get rid of the child quickly." "Better for the child and the mother." "No, the baby's not dead." "Where is it?" "I took care of it." "I'm an old hand at these things." "It's worked before." "It'll work again." "Just what did you do?" "Tell me." "Did you kill it?" "No." "God help me!" "I entrusted it to providence." "What do you mean by that?" "I took it to a church this morning at dawn." "When they opened the doors, I snuck in unobserved." "I hid it in the confessional." "If it's still alive, they'll take it to an orphanage." "But if the Lord decides to take the child back " "What church?" "San Lorenzo." "Where are you going?" "Wait!" "What a shock it was." "I was about to kneel down when I noticed a bundle on the step." "I touched it, and I felt something move." " Was it still alive?" " Yes, it was." "I had it taken to the doctor at once." "But it's so small." "Who knows if it will survive?" "And no one saw who brought it here?" "No, there was no one here." "Some poor wretch, victim of an illicit love." "Well, she took quite a risk." "She'll end up in jail for a good long time." "May I get further details from you in the sacristy?" "Certainly, Officer." "Follow me." "Let's go." "Let me go!" "I didn't do anything!" "I only came to -- Let me go!" "I'm innocent!" "I swear!" "I didn't do anything!" "Let's go." "Murderer!" "Are you perhaps without sin?" "Let me go." "I'm innocent." "We're finally set." "We just have to wait a moment." "Didn't the call go through?" "Yes, it went through." "We had the line." " But no one came for the call." " No one came?" "May I turn the radio back on?" "You might as well now." "How could no one come to take the call?" " Maria was informed in time, right?" " Of course." "Very odd." "But perhaps she couldn't get away." "But why?" "That's what I'd like to know." "Even if she couldn't get away, she could have sent Lisetta or someone else." "What could have happened?" "Nothing." "Just some small slipup." " Don't get alarmed." " Of course I'm alarmed." "I've been waiting months." "She was to leave right away, but then the problems and complications started." "Between documents that never arrived, the business to take care of and the house to sell, the whole summer's gone by." "Just when it seemed she was to arrive any day, she suddenly stopped writing." "She doesn't answer my telegrams." "I telephone, but no one takes the call." "I don't know what to think anymore." " Perhaps she's had second thoughts." " About what?" "Having gotten married." "It can happen." "What are you saying?" "Don't listen to her." "No, your wife is right." "But why wouldn't she tell me so?" "I've had enough." "I can't go on living with this uncertainty." "I must learn the truth." "Ah, it's you, Countess." " How's Lisetta?" " Calm down now." "How is she?" "She's better." "Just a bit weak." "But she doesn't know I'm here, right?" "No." "In her condition it's better to keep the truth from her." "You promise me she's better?" "Last time she seemed a bit " "Let's talk about you." "Did they question you?" "What did you say?" "I don't know." "I don't remember a thing." "You have to remember!" "I have to know everything to help you." "You didn't say your sister was to blame, did you?" "No, I never mentioned her name." "Good." "You must continue to keep quiet." "But they'll think I'm guilty and convict me." "No, I'll get you a good lawyer, and they'll set you free." " After all, you didn't do anything" " No, nothing." "I certainly know that." "So there's no point revealing the truth." "Agnese would deny that poor Lisetta was involved." "Be brave." "I'm sure you'll be released." "What if Stefano should find out?" "Find out the truth?" "What you did and why?" "He'll love you all the more." " You think so?" " Of course." "In fact, if you wish, I'll write and tell him everything." "No, I'll do it." "You mustn't, dear." "Don't forget:" "They read all the mail here." "Poor Lisetta would be dragged into it right away." "And your husband would see the prison's address on the letter." "No, let me handle it." "I'll write him." "Give me his address." "You can write him when all this is over once and for all." "Stefano Brunot, Winnipeg, Canada, via Mountain Park." "Tell him I love him and think only of him." "Don't worry." "How is the baby?" "Fine, fine." "Strong and healthy." " Where is it?" " With me." "Why are you doing all this for me, for us?" "Because I'm fond of you." "Out of affection -- nothing else." "Thank you." "This is not a common case of infant abandonment, a crime for which clemency may sometimes be justified." "Maria Dermoz's case is different." "Maria Dermoz is the contemptible and heartless woman who sought to hide the truth of her disgrace by abandoning in a church the fruit of her illicit love, a newborn babe who, as medical experts have testified, could have died from cold and hunger." "Your stubborn silence is evidence of your guilt, Maria Dermoz, and forces me to ask of this court not undeserved mercy but a sentence that will be an example to all." "We declare Maria Dermoz guilty of abandoning an infant and attempted infanticide and sentence her to one year and six months of prison, plus court costs and all other related fees." "Look straight ahead." "Hold it." "All done." "If she's so sick, why didn't you send for the doctor?" "You said not to let anyone know." "I said not to blab it around, but not to just let her die!" "Go get Dr. Guerlas." " Now?" " Right now!" "Tell him I said to come immediately." "Hurry!" "You mustn't get too excited." "Poor Lisetta." "Dario!" "Where are you?" "Why did you abandon me?" "Where's my baby?" "I want my baby." "It's mine." "Forgive me, Lisetta." "I'm so cold." " Hello Consul." " Ah, hello, Brunot." "Sit down." "I got your note last evening, but I couldn't come until this morning." "You received some news?" "Yes, I did." "A police report arrived about Maria Dermoz." "And?" "She's in prison." "In prison?" "Maria?" "Why?" "She was sentenced to 18 months." "You can read the rest for yourself." "I've asked for further details, but that woman clearly wasn't worthy of you." "She lied to me!" "She deceived me!" "How could this be?" "You didn't have time to get to know her." "You were wrong about her." "You trusted her." "Maybe it's just as well." "In any case, I advise you not to lose heart." "Your marriage was only on paper." "Don't throw away your future for a woman who doesn't deserve it." "You can ask for an annulment." "Yes, of course." "I realize this is a very painful moment." "No point trying to comfort you with empty words." "I hope you'll find another woman truly worthy of you, worthy of being your life companion." "Another woman." "How could I love her the way I loved Maria?" "She was everything to me... life itself." "Your husband petitioned the court for an annulment of your marriage and it was granted." "Your signature is needed to indicate consent." "An annulment?" "Stefano asked for an annulment?" "What did you expect?" "Then... he didn't believe me either." "He's convinced I'm guilty too." "He doesn't love me anymore." "No one can force you to sign, but the annulment will be granted just the same." "Any opposition on your part will carry no weight." "It's all over." "If you want my advice, sign." "You don't expect him to take you back, do you?" "Go on." "Do it." "That's it." "First and last name right here." "You hear those bells?" "People are going to church now." "I used to go too, when I was a little girl." "I was so happy." "Come on, stop crying." "Go to sleep." "You can't think when you're asleep." "You're happier that way." "Enjoy yourselves, my friends." "I must see to my other guests now." "Your attention, please." "I have a surprise for you." "You'll now hear a song from my country sung by this young man, a discovery of mine." "He has a splendid voice, as you'll hear." "An Italian song -- the best Christmas present." "Why did you leave without a word?" "Now you wander the world alone, without me at your side" "You're so far away, but I wait every day, every hour" "Dreaming you'll return" "For I'm dying to see you again" "And I wait for you" "I wait for you" "Like winter waits for the sun" "Because for me you are the sun" "Why don't you return just once more, my love?" "Then I'll never ask to see you again" "I look out the window, hoping you'll return" "So I can tell you I love you" "And you alone" " Good evening, Stefano." " Evening, ma'am." "Go on, cover up." "Why didn't you come to the party?" "We invited your friends, all your coworkers." "I don't like being around people." "I prefer to be alone." "You're wrong." "You should try to have a good time and forget your dark thoughts." "There was a little present under the tree for you too." "Really?" "I already received my Christmas present." "I couldn't have asked for a better gift." " Look." " What's that?" "A telegram." "I'm free." "My marriage has been annulled." "I didn't think it would happen so quickly." " Happy now?" " Yes." " No regrets?" " No, no regrets." "What was, was." "I'll think about it no more." " I've decided to go away." " Back to Italy?" "No, I'm heading north, beyond the big lakes." "There's a lot of work up there." "You can get rich quick, if you don't die trying." "But what good are riches to me now?" "I'm all alone." "I have no one to make happy, not even myself." "I'm alone too... terribly alone." "Don't leave me here." "What are you saying?" "I'm going mad in this wilderness of forests and snow." "I want to go away with you." "No, Laura." "It would be a foolish mistake we'd come to regret -- especially you." "No, I wouldn't." "I love you, Stefano." "I don't ask you to love me back." "I just want to be with you and help you forget." "I can't forget, and I don't want to." "That's why I need to be alone with my sorrow and solitude." "No, don't say anything." "Try to forget what you said, as I will," "You owe it to a man who's done everything to make you happy." "If he hasn't succeeded, you have no right to hurt and humiliate him." "Forgive me for speaking like this, but one day you may be grateful that I stopped you from making a terrible mistake." "Resign yourself to your fate, as I've resigned myself to mine." " Maria Dermoz?" " Here I am." "I have a message for you." "I was told to use all due tact." "It's about your sister." "She was very sick, and now " "And now?" "She's dead." "Dead..." "A serious case of anemia." "My poor Lisetta!" "I want to see her!" "Let me go!" "I want to see her!" "That's enough!" "Don't forget you're in prison." "It was all for nothing." "Lisetta died all alone." "Maria, try to be brave." "PRISON" "A woman's here to see you." "Who is it?" "She said her name is Maria and that you know her." "I don't wish to see her." "Tell her I'm ill and can't see her." "Send her away." "Excuse me!" "Why don't you want to see me?" "Sit down." "I've only come for the child." "Where is he?" "He's not here." "He's at the orphanage." "I had a lot of time to think behind bars, and I finally understood." " What?" " Everything!" "Everything that happened was because of you!" "But why?" "Why?" "My sister is dead, you're to blame!" "Don't talk nonsense!" "It was you who sent her to that woman, where no one looked after her and she died without a doctor." "It couldn't be helped." "You promised you'd write and tell my husband the truth." " I did." " That's not true!" "He filed for an annulment." "He couldn't have known." "It's not fault he didn't believe it." "You didn't write a single word." "I'm sure of it." "You promised to help get me acquitted, but no!" "You abandoned me to my fate." "Everyone did!" "I was left alone and defenseless, accused of a hideous crime with all the evidence against me." "But I was innocent, and you knew it!" "But that was no help." "They gave me the maximum sentence, as if I'd really tried to kill that poor child." "You're mad!" "Why did you do all that?" "Why did you cause my sister and me such torment?" "That's what I've yet to figure out -- why?" "I'll forgive you only because you've suffered." "Suffered?" "I've lost everything." "I have nothing left in this world but that child." "Go to the orphanage and take the child." "I'll give you all the money you need." "I don't want your money!" "What can it buy back for me now?" "Lisetta's life?" "The love of Stefano, whom I've lost forever?" "Keep your money... and pray that God will forgive all the evil you've done!" "Go now!" "Get out!" "Of course I approve of your wish to take the child." "But how will you provide for him?" "I'll keep him always at my side." "I have a little business back home." "It was enough for us before." "It will be enough again." "I'll work hard for him, like I worked before," "I beg of you, Mother... don't deny me this favor." "I'm all alone in the world." "I have no one." "Nothing but the memory of my loved ones." "That child will be all that I live for." "And I'll feel like I'm fulfilling my mother's wish and bringing peace to my sister's blessed soul." "Very well, my daughter." "You may take the child." "Help him grow up to be good and strong, worthy of your love, and unashamed of where he came from." "Come." "Over here, children." "Be good." "Sister, where's the Dermoz child?" "The one always asking for his mother?" "Nino!" "Interest on the mortgage on the building should match this figure." "Look." "I believe the figures are correct." "In addition, the town is owed back rent, municipal taxes and late penalties." "It all comes to " "Well, you just have to add up these figures." "How can this be?" "That's a huge amount!" "I'll never to be raise that much money!" "I'm very sorry, but the municipality and other creditors can request immediate seizure of the property." "As you can see, the situation is quite serious." "They'll turn me out, throw me out in the street." "As a lawyer I must act in my clients' interests, but I could help you as a friend." "Help me?" "How?" "Remember years ago, when I gave you some advice?" "If you'd listened to me then, you'd be respected as the wife of a professional." "You'd never have ended up in prison." "Well, my admiration hasn't diminished with time." "Of course, many things have changed." "There was your "misfortune," let's call it." "And I'm married now and even have a child." "But that needn't be problem if you were willing to " "You realize what you're saying?" "I'm saying that I want you, that I always have!" "Now you know the truth." "And you're in no position to act so haughty!" "Let me go!" "Get out of here, you scoundrel!" "So that's how you want it?" "As you wish." "But in that case, pay up, every last lira." "Maybe that will teach you a little humility." "Get out of here!" "Here he is." "See if the boy's father will help you... ii you remember who it was." "Mom, don't cry." "Thanks for coming, Adele." "Sorry to bother you so late." "What's going on?" "I'm leaving tomorrow." "I won't stay in this house any longer." "Why?" "Because I was forced to sell it." "I've ended up with nothing." "Debts and mortgages!" "Anyway, that doesn't matter." "Adel, everything I have left is in this trunk." "All my fondest memories, my only treasure." "I'm entrusting it all to you." "I'll have it brought over to your house." "Please keep it for me." "But where will you go?" "I don't know yet." "Far from here where no one knows of my misfortune or my shame." "What about the child?" "I'm taking him with me." "I'm not afraid." "I'm strong enough to work." "And you won't be coming back here?" "I don't know." "Perhaps one day, when everyone's forgotten me." " Are you Maria Dermoz?" " What?" "Are you Maria Dermoz?" "The foreman wants to see you right away." "Who'd have thought, with that face?" "She was in prison." "Did you send for me?" "Why didn't you tell me you'd been in prison?" "I didn't think " "We don't want ex-cons here." "I was reprimanded for taking you on with no questions asked." "But I don't understand." "You're a pretty girl." "Seems to me you wouldn't need to work..." "Good day." "I've tried everything, but no one wants me." "When people find out I was in jail, they slam the door in my face." "People and their prejudices." "I understand." "I need to earn a living and feed this poor child." "Leave him here." "We'll help him." "You meant well, but you'll end up hurting yourself." "But I don't want to abandon him." "I swore on the graves of my mother and sister." "I don't want him to grow up with no parents, ashamed of where he came from." "You've done a lot for him already and you'll do much more, but we'll raise him and give him an education." "That's what I'd like, Mother." "I'll work... and everything I earn will be for him." "He's my only reason for living now." "Don't worry about him, and may God help you." "Nino, may I have that package?" "Dear child." "Come." "Let's go." "What is it, Mary?" " Stefano!" " How are you, ma'am?" "What an unexpected surprise, after all these years!" "Yes, almost 12 years." "But seeing you and this place again," "I feel like I've returned to those days long ago." " You still remember me?" " Of course." "I've never forgotten." "Please come in." " When did you arrive?" " This morning." "I sail for Europe tomorrow." " Going back to Italy?" " Yes." " Forever?" " I don't know." "Perhaps." " You have no desire to go back?" " My life is here now." "I have no one waiting for me in Italy anymore." "What about you?" "No, no one." "Did you ever find out any more about that woman?" " No." " But you still think of her?" "Yes." "I still think of her." "I can't get her out of my head or my heart." "She's like an obsession." "Perhaps you'll look for her in Italy?" "Of course." "I want to know what she's doing, how she's living, and with whom." "Why go on tormenting yourself like this?" "Do you want to suffer?" "You think I haven't suffered this whole time?" "I drowned myself in whiskey and work trying to forget her, but I couldn't forget." "I'm rich now, but what is all my money good for?" "Nothing." "I'd give all I have to be what I was back then:" "an emigrant looking for work, a poor man with no resources, but with great happiness in his heart, and a great treasure -- the love of a woman." "Forgive me." "I got carried away talking about myself and things that couldn't possibly interest you." "No, you're wrong." "I'm very interested." "You remember?" "There was a time when I deluded myself into thinking" "I could make you forget that woman." "But perhaps you don't remember." "I do remember." "But we're all bound to our destiny as if by chains, and my destiny still bears the name "Maria."" "I made him this shirt and socks in my spare time." "As for money, this is all I could scrape together." "This is a difficult time, and I can't find work." "No, keep it." "You must use it for yourself." "I'm not important, but the boy mustn't want for anything." "He must have everything he needs for his studies." "Don't worry." "He'll have all he needs." "He's quick-witted and smart." "He always asks about you -- his mother." "His mother..." "You truly deserve that name." "You've done much more for him than any mother would have done for her child." "Come let me look at you." "How handsome you look!" "It's been so long, Mother." "You're right." "I haven't been able to come." "I've always been so busy." "But I promise I'll come much more often." "Happy now?" "No, I want to go with you." "Why?" "Aren't you happy here?" "Are they mistreating you?" "No, but " "Tell me." "Is something wrong?" "You must tell me everything." " My classmates." " What about them?" "Who was my father?" "Why do you ask that?" "Tell me who he was." "I've told you:" "a good man, a hard worker." "But he died." "Then why do I have your last name and not my father's, like all the others?" "His last name was Dermoz too." "So it's not true you didn't know who he was?" " Who told you that?" " Classmates." "But I'll teach them a lesson!" "No, you won't teach anybody anything." "Let them talk." "They don't understand." "Mother, what's wrong?" "It's nothing." "It'll pass." "Will I spend my school break with you?" "Yes, don't worry." "You'll spend your school break with me." "So you're back." "I never expected to see you again." "I didn't want to ever come back here again, but unfortunately I have no other choice." "I see you're in mourning." "Yes... for my grandson, Dario." "You need me now, don't you?" "You were right to come." "But why didn't you accept my help back then?" "What is it?" "How can I " "I ask nothing for me." "Only for the child." "I'm sure you've heard that I'm raising him." "Yes, I know all about it." "I'm giving him an education." "He doesn't know his true background." "He think I'm his real mother and loves me as if I truly were." "I've worked for him and done the most exhausting jobs." "But I can't go on any longer." "I'm worn out and sick." "I can't go on." "Yes, you have an air of suffering about you." "I'll look after you." "No, Countess." "I told you:" "I didn't come for my sake." " Only for the child's." " What can I do for him?" "Don't abandon him." "I've done what I could, but I have no strength left." "The poor child mustn't suffer anymore for what others did." "I'm not demanding some right or reminding you of some duty." "Mercy for that poor, innocent child is all I ask." "When I'm gone, he'll be all alone in the world." "Where is the child now?" "In a town nearby, at the Collegio di San Vicenzo." "The school year ends in a few days, and I was supposed to go get him." "Tell him I've gone away." "I wouldn't want him to see me like this." "Tell him I'm fine." "Where are we?" "Whose house is this?" "I want my mother." "Why don't you answer?" " Where's my mother?" " I don't know anything." "Good day, ma'am." "We just arrived." "He asked about his mother the whole way." "You look just like him." "Hello." " Did you have a nice trip?" " Yes." " How old are you?" " Eleven." " What's your name?" " Antonio Dermoz." "Where's my mother?" "She had to away and asked me to look after you." "You'll stay here." "I'll take care of everything." "Who are you?" "That's not important." "Like you..." "I'm all alone." "I had a grandson." "He was everything to me, but he died." "Far, far away... in Buenos Aires, in a car." "He loved cars." "And a car... took him away and left me all alone." "At my age, it's sad to be alone." "Stay with me." "It'll be like having my Dario here with me." "When will my mother be back?" "I'll try to be like a mother to you." "All right?" "You're in no condition to leave now." "You have a fever." "You can barely stand up." "Stay a while longer." "No, I can't." "If I don't get back, I'll lose my job." "How can you think of work now?" "Stay here with me." "You can help me." "I'll find work for you here." "No, not here." "There are too many sad memories, too many people who know me." "Try to calm down." "Did Maria leave?" "He's asleep." "She's at Adele Dommas's house." "She's very ill." "Come." " Are you Signora Adele?" " Yes." "Who are you?" " Is my mother here?" " Maria?" "In there." "Wait!" "I'm here, Mother." " May I help you?" " Hello." " I'd like some information." " I'll help if I can." "Are you the man who came from America?" "Yes, from Canada How did you know?" "A new face always sets tongues wagging around here." "What's your question?" "I'd like to find out what happened to the people who had this shop years ago." "I don't know." "I heard there were two sisters, and that one died " "Lisetta, the younger one, I believe." "And the other ended up in prison." "That's all I know." "I'm not from here." "I see." " What do you want?" " I'd like to sell this." "We're sellers, not buyers." " So you have no further formation?" " I'm sorry." "Look at this magnificent wedding dress." " Whose is this?" " My mother's." " Why is selling it?" " She doesn't know about this." "I found it in a trunk." "My mother's sick, and we need money for medicine." "Will you buy it?" "What would I do with it?" "And look -- it's torn." "Take the dress back home." "But I need money for medicine." "How much?" "The pharmacist says 6,000 lira." "Don't worry." "I'll pay for the medicine." "Take the dress back to your mother." "But... why?" "I too once sold our things to help my mother get well." "Come along." "Good-bye." " Did you find him?" " Yes." "As I said, he snuck off to Adele's house." "He has to come back Maria entrusted him to me." "because she couldn't keep him with her." "Shall I go bring him back?" "No, I'll go." "Where is this Adele's house?" "Last house on the right at the edge of town." "Mother, here's your medicine." " How did you pay for it?" " Don't talk." "Just take it." "How did you pay for it?" "A man gave me the money." "What are you saying?" "Here he is." "This is the man who paid for your medicine." "My mother." "I'll go get your drops ready." "Why have you come?" "You have to ask?" "What do you think I've waited for all these years if not the moment I'd see you again?" "I wouldn't admit it before, but now I can." "That desire's eaten at me all these years." "When I got here, I asked everyone, but no one could tell me anything, or maybe they just didn't want to." "Just as I was about to leave, I ran into the boy." "Chance or fate?" "I don't know." "I had no idea that the woman was you... or that he was your son, but I felt sorry for him... as I do for you." "You've been brought low, I see." "What can I do for you?" "What do you want from me?" "Want to see how destitute I am?" "Go ahead -- look around!" "You can see what I've been reduced to." "But I don't want your pity!" "You didn't believe me!" "You preferred to cast me off!" "So what do you want now?" "Go away!" "Go away!" "There's nothing I want from you anymore!" "Go away!" "Perhaps you're right." "Good-bye." "Why do you want to stay here?" "You'll be happy at my house." "Come along." "No, I want to stay with my mother." "Listen to me, my son." "You're old enough now to know the truth." "Maria is not your mother." "Your mother died." "She was Maria's sister." "She died bringing you into this world." "So you see... you can come with me." "No, it's not true!" "It's the truth." "I can prove it." "It's not true!" "It's not true." "I'm Maria's husband." "I want to know the truth too." "Out with it!" "Stefano?" "Now tell me." "Is what you told the boy true?" "Is it true?" "Yes, it's true." "Maria is innocent." "Nino is the son of Lisetta and Dario." "It's all my fault... and the remorse is killing me!" "God, have mercy on me!" "Tell me it's not true." "Tell me you're my mother." "Yes, I am." "That horrid witch scared me." "I'm your mother." "Maria..." "I finally learned the truth." "But why didn't you write and let me know?" " Go away." " Maria, I love you." "I've always loved you." "You're the love of my life." "How could I have doubted you and your love?" "Because you still love me, don't you?" "Tell me you do." "Tell me you forgive me." "Tell me you believe me." "I'll never be able to make up for all you've suffered." "Maria, my love!" "Is he my father?" "Yes, Nino." "He's your father." "THE END"