"You're not looking well." "Did everything go all right at Monte Carlo?" " And Pierre?" " Pierre!" "Don't worry, it's not love any longer, it's passion, on his part, of course." "No, I'll take the overnight bag." "So, you've found real happiness?" " Real security, at least." " For a woman, happiness is security, my dear, and nothing more, believe me." "Then I'm perfectly happy." " Corinne, Corinne, my angel!" " Jean Marc." "You must have woken up at dawn to meet me here!" "I hadn't even gone to bed, it was a positively daft night!" "She looks so gorgeous!" "And Pierre, how is he?" "I adore Pierre." "He's remained unpretentious, even with so much money." "That's the reason why we all love him." "Right, Corinne?" "Of course." "If you don't like children, like I said, you only have to switch carriages." "At this age they've got to cry, it gives them lungs." "Come, dear precious one." "Thank you, Madame." "I hope she didn't keep you much from sleeping, Madame?" "On the contrary." "She's like a lullaby, this mournful one." "You mustn't exaggerate." "Your husband's champing at the bit." " That would astound me." " Thank you, Madame." "Goodbye." " Goodbye, Madame." " Goodbye, Madame." "Goodbye, Monsieur." "Does she have a sister?" "You're taking me for a Yankee, aren't you?" " Was the Riviera lovely?" " Of course it was lovely!" " Wow!" "What a change from Grenelle!" " And the house?" "My inheritance?" "My poor aunt had good taste." "A lovely garden." "Thank you." "Hit, for God's sake, hit!" "There, straight like that, you've got it." "Come on." "Harder." "Hit harder, I tell you, come on!" "You'll kill the child." "Yes, of course it's me." "What's the time, then?" "A good half hour past my train's scheduled arrival." "Well, and you couldn't have said it was that late?" " I didn't know, Monsieur Le Garrec." " Shadow box for a bit, I'm coming back." "You're robbing the cradle now?" "So, I wanted to pick you up at the station, you know." "I mean it, except this is the only time the kid could train." " Of course..." " Yes." " And you, is everything fine?" " Yes." "So," " tell me how your Riviera trip went." " Like a dream!" "It's perfectly sunny there, with flowers everywhere." "Hey, they say you have wings and you float through the mimosa plants." "Victor, we would both have it good there..." "You can see my face floating in the mimosa?" "Think about it, for me Paris is the only place where I can float, and you, too." "You wouldn't survive far from Paris." "Paris was good when I was 20 years old, because today to get me to imagine any of this street, or your club, you talk about a horizon and perfume." "Victor, your club smells foul." "Like cold sweat and used ambergris, you've already told me." "I know." "Yes, well, it's a bit untidy." " Did you invite the French army?" " Don't be dramatic." "They were kids who came for supper one evening." "Because when I'm not here you feed them and put them to bed?" "It's not a club any longer." "It's an asylum." "Would it harm their training to wash the dishes?" "Hey, don't complain, smile a little, I haven't seen you for a long time." "Being an heiress suits you." "You're ravishing." "You're mad, I'm worn out from the journey." "Look at my eyes." "It's not terrible for such a beautiful couple to have a row!" "You know how to tease." "Maybe we're not in the bloom of youth but despite everything we're not so bad." "Will you stay with me this afternoon?" "No, I can't." "I'm obliged to go to Hôtel Dieu Hospital." "Roger's been in an accident at the factory." "Very well, go see Roger." "You know, I won't be bored." "I've something to amuse myself." "I'm only telling you what I see, here." "Roger Routier, Saint Gérôme Lyon room, deceased on the 8th, day before yesterday!" "Look here, it's not possible, a 23-year-old kid." "Well, then." "Fortunately, death only happens to old people." "So what kind of accident did he have?" "You know what he died of, right?" "Of 23 years being flat broke." "Because he'd found he'd had enough, he chose a dangerous trade." "It pays better." "He only forgot one thing, there are machines that don't like it when you brush past too close." "He was your mate?" " Was, yes." " And you, are you family?" "No, he didn't have any family." "Well, if that's the case it's still the state that's going to pay." " Madame Bourgois, which room is it?" " One person at a time." " Lf you would like details..." " Thank you, details won't be necessary." "As you like." "What name had you said?" " Bourgois, Emilie." " Date of admission?" "September 28th." "Hey, boy, here..." "Thank you, Monsieur." "You're not going to start blubbering, are you?" "I need more of that." "Nice spot, eh?" "We've everything we need to be happy." "The good Lord, bobbies, the hospital..." "It's well organised." "And for the bloke those things don't satisfy, there's always the Seine." "You don't find that funny?" "No, it's not my style of humour." " Are you Victor?" " That's me." "Roger often spoke of you." "He'd say that you were a kind chap." "Well, I try." "He would even say that when you weren't around..." "Will you come for a juice?" " What'd you like?" " Two white coffees, please." "Would you like a bite to eat?" "What do you think?" "I've already eaten." "Me, too, that's doesn't stop me." "Go on." "These were for Roger." "You can have them." "Why, you're not interested?" "You don't do sport?" " I did a bit of boxing in the regiment." " Oh, really?" "That's where Roger and I met." "We were both lightweights." "Did you fight any matches?" "Ten or so in Hanoi, Saigon..." "It looked like I'd have a future." "Roger, too." "Because youths have futures, or so they say." "But now you've let it go, you don't train any longer?" "Are you scouting for your club?" "No, young lad." "I was only asking out of sympathy, that's all." "Because you looked regretful." "Am I right?" "Yes, I let it drop." "It wasn't compatible with my jobs." "Well, with such a dark sense of humour, you must not be too happy, then?" "If one evening you're really depressed, come by the gym." "Here, the address is inside." "There are good lads there, and also if you want to train, you'll see." "A good sweat fixes everything, believe me." "And trust me, I won't charge you." "For you it's free." " What is this?" " Your change." "He was a nice young chap, and serious, too!" "He was just about to go professional, but then..." "Poor boy." "What's more, he's the only one I can really rely on, because the others..." "The others are generally washouts." "But don't complain." "You like that well enough." "Relax, Blanche, come on." "It's true." "They've not only got to have months of training, but you even give them crêpe bandages and gum shields." "They'll never come to anything, so what's the use in helping them?" "It helps misfit youths keep out of trouble, and what's more, it gives them a bit of hope." "You see, Angelo, what a heart this man has?" "Victor's a real parish priest, but parish priests don't have wives and from time to time they take up a collection." "If he weren't so stubborn, the house I inherited in Nice..." "Here she goes again." "It's been the same old tune since this morning." "We sell the gym and get a business on the Riviera." "It's a good idea." "In the sun." "The sun, the sun, I would look handsome as master bather." "No, he prefers to stagnate here." "He dreams of training a champion." "For years I've tolerated this, we could have done otherwise, but now..." "Now she has an inheritance." "Since she got a villa among the mimosa, the boxer disgusts Madame." "The boxer!" "I loved it when you boxed." "You weren't afraid for him?" "The fear was overwhelming, but it was good." "Ah, that's when I could be proud of him!" "But I could never get used to the club." "I think it's the smell." " Angelo!" " You're boring the people with your trifles." "You're like an old man." " It's my stomach, Angela!" " It's not your stomach, it's fatigue." "I've already told you to get an assistant!" " But Angela, I couldn't pay one." " And when will you pay the doctor?" " But Angela, I'm not..." " No, no, no." "Tomorrow I'll find your assistant, even if the trip's only to the Halles, it's decided." "So, a bit of grappa?" " A taste?" " A little taste." "A little taste." " Hello, Madame Victor." " Jojo," " you look guilty, what did you do?" " Nothing, Madame!" " What's this, did she scratch you?" " Well, she really likes me." "Yes, and you'll never go professional that way." " Hop to it, go train." " Don't say anything to Monsieur Victor." "Is Victor here?" "Monsieur Le Garrec?" "Yes, he's here." "It's for coal?" " No!" "I just came from work." " So did the others." "Hello, Louison!" "Are you over your cold?" " Nearly, Madame Le Garrec." " Don't catch a chill." " He's in the gym." " Thank you, Madame." "You're welcome, my boy." "Left hook, Pierrot." "That's it." "Stop." "Hey!" "Did you come to show me your skills?" "No, I'm just stopping by, I don't have my things." "Well, we can find you something." "Come with me." "Do you have Roger's gear?" " Roger's?" " Yes, this is his mate." "In the changing room, in his locker, number 7." "The changing room is there, and you've got the showers there." " Where did you find this one?" " Hôtel Dieu Hospital." "He says he knows how to box." "I know." "He's a champion in the making, he's oozing with talent, won't have to pay, isn't that right?" "Right, take it easy." "Don't bash him up, I don't know if it's worth it." "Strike a bit, anyways, but not enough to put him off." "Yes, Monsieur Victor." "Get out of the ring." "Here's your champion." "You come here." "Go through." "Hey, your abs are a bit loose, eh?" "Got to work on that." "Go on, fight him." "Don't brawl like that, Pierrot." "Box." "That's good enough." "Enough!" "You're pleased with yourself, eh?" "Well, old man, that was nothing to speak of because you're stiff, you're tense, so you're short of breath, see." "What's more, you're in a temper." "It's very nice to throw big whammies in boxing, but above all you must avoid receiving them, understand, and I myself will teach you that." "Yes, my boy, whether you like it or not" "I'm taking you into my own hands." "Then expect to have a hard time of it!" "Right, then, I hope you'll do these gloves credit, because Roger promised to, you know." " I'll try, Monsieur Le Garrec." " There you have it." "No, not like that." "Lengthways, I tell you." "Never before a boxing match." "Look at that, how nervous they are." "It's always like that in the suburbs, we can't control them any longer." "Will you come with us, gorgeous?" "We're all going to box at Melun." "You can ring the bell." "I prefer the Palais des Sports and the champions." "Us, too, but we'll get there." "Yes, but while you're waiting to be a champion, eat a little, will you?" "Thanks again for the lorry." "Can you feel it clearing?" "Can you breathe better?" "He caught another chill." "Well, take him with you to Nice." "He'll be warm." "Who's the bastard who pinched my gum shield?" "You're crazy." "Don't tire yourself out, Pierrot, good God." "Because I told you he's penniless, I know." "I boxed against him in Pantin." " And in the first round he lit into you." " Not the first, the second." "Aren't you ready to go yet?" " We're ready, Monsieur Le Garrec." " Right, off you go, good God." " The suitcase, I forgot." " Scared out of your wits?" " A bit." " Feel like you're on form?" " You're certain I am..." " Don't stress about it." "It's the first match that we're doing together." "Believe me, it favours us." "Come on, you'll see, everything will go well, only just watch your left, okay?" "Monsieur Ménard, the bobbies came and carted off three more of them." "And then?" "A night strike, it seems." "Talk about an unsavoury clientele." "It fills up your hotel, doesn't it?" "Five blokes per room and only one bed, that doesn't satisfy you?" "Aren't we nasty!" "Is there anything you need?" "Yeah, to see some other ugly mugs." "Undoubtedly, you're lacking manners." "You shove off after losing a match without saying goodbye to anyone, not even to me." "Days go by, no one sees you again, and then when I come here to find you," "I find you being rude to a woman who wishes you well." "Do you think that's acceptable?" "All right, be polite for once, tell me to come in." "Madame." "A real gem." "What I like the best is the view." "There's fresh air, it's healthy." "Then there's music." "It's cheery." " I didn't ask you to come!" " That's exactly what I'm blaming you for." " So, my boy?" " So what?" "Go on." "You didn't come for a tour." "I'm listening to you, but I warn you, if you came to tell me to put my gloves back on, it's not worth the trouble." "Well, now, your landlord was right." "You're boorish." "But there's more, you're arrogant and a sensitive sissy." "Yes, you're a perfect sissy." "You couldn't bear to lose a match?" "It happens, imagine that, even to champions, and what's more, you'll lose other matches, and if you have to pull out each time..." "That's not why I pulled out, there's another reason." " All right, explain yourself." " What's the use?" "Listen to me, you've never wanted to tell me any details about your life, but today you'll talk, because maybe you're hard-headed, but I'm a Breton, believe it or not." "So go on, I'm listening." "Explain what?" "I'm fed up with everything." "I never succeed." "I ruin everything." "I always have." "I shouldn't have listened to you, because now it's even worse." "The first match, I had to lose that one, too." "And then after, you fought in other matches in the regiment and then you won them?" "Yes, but in the regiment I ate every day." "It may not be first-rate, but it keeps one going." "The army's at least good for that." " You told me you were working." " Certainly, I'm working." "But this wretched bed, I've got to pay for it, don't I?" "And to do that you skip meals." "That's why you fight two rounds, and by then everyone's gone, huh?" "How much do you earn at your railway?" "Minimum wage." "Yes, clearly it is exactly that." " Is it an exhausting job?" " A bit, yeah, especially when a person works nights." "I'm screwed." "I can't go to the club any more," "I can't box." "I'm too worn out." "I can't." "I can't." "Well, then, you haven't got a choice, we'll go to extreme measures." "Come on, get up and pack your trunk." " To go where?" " Listen, I told you I'd take you in hand." "So we're going to change all this, and first of all" "I'm going to find you another job that's less tiring." "What is it that you want?" "What do you mean, what do I want?" "Because these kind of good works, free gifts, I don't trust them." "There is no such thing." "Right, old chap." "I have to be a strange sort of saint to put up with you." "I'm not giving you a gift." "It might even be you who's giving me one." "But I've a daft idea, I tell you." "I would like to train a great boxer, and maybe with you, I've found one." "So everything I'm going to do for you is because it puts my life back together, too." "It's a trade." "It's acceptable that way, isn't it?" "I could really become a great boxer?" "Yes, perhaps, if you listen to me." "But I warn you, it takes a lot of work." "Hey, you should never toss out a lucky charm, it could be useful." "Excuse me." "I didn't think of putting any flowers." "I don't know how to be a hostess." "I haven't had guests for a long time." "I believe it'd be better for me to get back to my luxury hotel." "It's silly, but I don't like to bother people." "Don't be offended, you're not the one I'm angry at." "Your parents are in Provence?" "During the war they lived in La Chapelle." "One evening the neighbourhood got blown apart." "The bomb that wiped out the building wasn't an atomic bomb, but for them, it might as well have been." "I survived with my skin, and got myself out." " And since then?" " Ever since..." "Life goes on." "Monsieur Ménard!" "Victor's asking for you." "I think Papa's going to hire you, but it wasn't easy to convince him." "I'm coming." "It's the shop right next door." "You ought to tell him you think he's a handsome kid!" "He's not bad, but boxers don't interest me." "You're a smart girl." "Being a boxer's wife isn't a life, it's an apostolate." "Shall I tell you about my wedding night?" "Don't be embarrassed." "I spent it putting compresses on his eye, 'cause as for rolling in the hay, forget it, it's like sauces and outings, forbidden because of training." " He doesn't box any more?" " No." "He searches for young hopefuls." "But when it becomes this serious," "I believe I'd still prefer him to have a round-robin." "Breathe deeply and exhale strongly at the end." " You need to work on your breathing." " Is that enough for this morning?" "I'll tell you when you're finished." "If you don't want to suffer, become a bureaucrat, not a boxer." "If you want to become a champion, set your jaw." "Hit, good God!" "Hit!" "You've got feather dusters instead of fists." "Go on." "Tell yourself you're beating up your troubles." "Come on, hit me up here." "You're stiff as a block of wood." "Come on, hit further out." "Now the abdominals." "Smoothly." "Don't let your arms fall." "Speed up your rhythm." "Again." "Hit harder, I say." "You look like you're going on a stroll." "Don't use your legs like that." "Go on, I'll count." "You got it?" "Raise your knees to work on your breathing." "Higher." "Faster, you're slacking off." "Faster." "With your right now." "Harder." "With your shoulder, the bloody right!" "There, less tense, and your trap, there." "I'll give you one myself." "Come on, right hook, left hook." "One, two!" "Well done, that's enough." "If I'm ever to succeed, it might not be worth the trouble of knocking myself out." "It's been a long time since you've talked rubbish." "You've been needing that." "Very good, you're getting better." "Are you happy?" "You've clearly made progress, but don't puff yourself up, because the world championship isn't around the corner." "When will I be able to go professional?" "Next season or the one after, that depends on you." "And what then?" "You'll be one, and you'll be like the boys." "You'll continue to work, because boxing won't feed you at first." "Later, maybe, if you become famous, but for every one that succeeds, you know..." "And then all the same, famous or not, there'll always be training." "Boxing's like that, old chap, it's no joke." "You need courage and a strong will." "You think you'll have had enough?" " Lf I knew I were certain to..." " Well, you can be certain." "You have a nice smile, but show it so rarely, old chap!" "Dinner will be served when these gentlemen want to come to the table." "Go on, shower quickly." "You know, Blanche, that kid's a real find." "I've already heard that somewhere." "But I think I've made a mistake, because he acts tough like that, but in reality you can't rush him." "You've got to encourage him instead, talk to him, know what I mean?" "You know, at your age, I didn't have a job." "I trained, I didn't know how I would turn out, and then I came across a former boxer who trained me." "He did for me what I'm doing for you now." "Thanks to boxing and to him, I pulled through." "It's not Peru, of course, but it works." "Look at all the kids who come here." "They're all misfits." "What kind of work has Jojo got?" "He's a labourer." "Raymond's a delivery boy." "Pierrot's a docker at Bercy." "So, do you know why they like boxing?" "And you?" "Why do you think you like it?" "Because I've got nothing going for me besides my strength." "It's the only career where I have a chance to make something out of myself." "Yes, that's possible, but there's another reason." "In boxing, the bloke in front of you is just like you, he's naked, and the best man wins." "So there's no more problem, it sorts out a person's true merits." "You understand?" "With those wise words, good night." "Thanks!" "Sleep well." "Victor!" "Yes." "Jules made me an offer." "It doesn't surprise me, from that bastard." "You want me to smash his face in?" "He's prepared to take over the club for us." "Right!" "Had he been drinking?" "One month ago you agreed to it." "We would sell everything and go to Nice." "Right, well, we're not going any more." "I see that." "You think you've found the one in a million, all because he fought one match." "Only one, which he lost." "What a thing to go into raptures over!" "Don't make a big deal of it, he'll win the next ones." "That remains to be seen." "If I understand correctly, I won't count on it." "Victor, it's been years since I agreed religiously to all your whims." "For once I'd like you to give a little thought to me." "Listen, Blanche." "I love you very much, and as a lover, you're not bad, but I have one criticism to make, and it's a sizeable one." "You'll never be a great boxer." "Hi there, Madame Blanche." "Is Victor waiting for me?" "What else do you want him to be doing?" "Just leave it, I'll do it." "You're late for jogging." "Thanks, see you soon." "That young man has really changed." "He used to be sad, and scarcely spoke." " Is it okay like this?" " Good." "I've noticed that Victor's changed as well." "They say he's gotten younger." "Really?" "215 francs." "This young lad's so nice." "He'll be good company for you both." "It's certain that he takes up some space." "I've always said to Angelo, "Victor needed a son," ""he would have taught him his trade," " "he would have passed on to him..."" " Yes, it's possible, but he needs to come to terms with life because that didn't work out." "You need to start watching what you eat, mate, no more bread and no more drinking with meals." "You've got to lose a bit more to get down to 63 kilos." "This morning, I'm working with you." "On Sunday, eight days from now, you'll box at Central." "That's right, but don't get nervous, and avoid black thoughts especially, because this time, I'm confident about you." "You were confident about me the other match, too." "Come on now, don't talk rubbish, at that time your muscles were weak, and you had poor breathing." "Look how in shape you are now." "And your mental state?" "Is that the same?" "No, you're a different chap, you're a completely new man." "You're not in any danger." "I'm sure you've got enough breath for 15 rounds, and what's more, that'll only be the beginning of a brilliant career, I guarantee that, too." "We'll both go far." "For one, I'd do everything for that." "Even if I have to get myself in hot water with my bourgeois wife." "You said Sunday, eight days from now?" " What date is that?" " The 26th, does that suit you?" "That's funny." "That's my 24th birthday." "Well, then, we'll celebrate your birthday with a satisfying win." "Don't you think that's a nice birthday present?" "Sure, but it would've been nice to have had a present the first time, the other day." "Hey, Dédé, shall we have a drink before going home?" "Order me a Vittel, I'm coming." "Wouldn't you like something harder?" " I can't, I'm training." " Sport is idiotic." "Do you know what the Yank wants with his oysters?" "Chocolate!" "...but despite her zibeline, she's horribly miserable." "She performs miracles to keep her yacht." " Two Beaujolais." " And one Vittel!" "Tell René all the right people are here this evening." "They must've come from the fur coat ball." "Look here, good thing I wore mine!" "Do you have my Vittel?" "Have you seen the old woman?" "She looks like a Sioux!" "I'm certain of it, it's mad carelessness." "Chantal, are they dangerous?" "Terribly." "There's criminal activity here nearly every evening." "I knew it." "They're extremists, aren't they?" "Jean Marc, you've brought us to a horrible place." "An old-fashioned one is worse, it's really a charming party..." "Jean Marc, my dear, these men scare me." "One should never be afraid of men." "Really, they're wonderful." "Have you seen that fur-lined jacket?" "The child Hercules!" " Jean Marc, mind your manners." " He's looking at our jewellery." "No, they're admiring you." "Besides, I'm going to speak to them." "Jean Marc, are you drunk?" "Look at those stained aprons." "What a print for a summer outfit!" "And that boy with that fur-lined coat?" "The chap's crazy, he is." "Jean Marc, lower your voice." "Jean Marc, I assure you, there's a riot brewing." "That's how stories come to be." "Didi, eat." "Don't be stupid." "You haven't photographed a single dress of mine this evening, it's sabotage." " There weren't any." " Oh?" "What about this one?" " It's our masterpiece!" " Right?" " Shall we shove off?" " All right." "I have a marvellous idea!" "Watch the boys." "Especially the fur-lined jacket." " A connection?" " That's funny, I think I know her." "You met her playing golf?" " Are you coming?" " No, I'll stay a while." " Good luck!" " Good evening!" "Oh, Corinne, that would be sensational!" "And you certainly owe me that, at the price I sell you my dresses for." "Because you ask me so tactfully." "Do you want to?" "That would be grotesque." "It's for his dress, and then we could also say who you are, we'll talk about the shop." "If it's for our publicity..." "Corinne is a dear!" "Didi, quickly, get your camera ready." "I'm going to talk to that boy." "Naturally, she got there first." "They want to take a photo of this dress for an American magazine," ""Dining at the Halles," and I need a partner." "Excuse me, sir." "There, stuffed like this, the sewing will look awful." " Is he always this hyper?" " This evening he's rather calm." " You want to, right?" " Lf it would please you." "You're an angel!" "Is it all right like that?" "One moment." "Sublime, and so Harper's Bazaar!" "Kiss her, that would make you look more like a family!" "Thank you, that fur coat's got a big mouth, come have a cocktail." "I have drinks, not cocktails." ""Drink", oh, I just love slang, well, then let's all have a "drink"." "No, no, no, we have already delayed him, and he's working." "Right, right, I don't want to force him." "But I'm working, too, if you believe that balls amuse me." "Excuse me, but I have to be off." "Hey, you lost this once." "Well, indeed!" "How did you know it was mine?" " Have we met before?" " Once, from afar." "Bring the gentleman if you don't want to leave him, but do come!" "Corinne, bring him here, that would be charming." "He exasperates me." "I've a terrible headache," "I'm dead tired, this will last for hours more, and it's like this every night." "Having a bit of cash's torturous, isn't it?" "Earning it sometimes is, yes." "Corrine, don't be so careless." "Go say goodbye and hightail it out of here." "I'll take you home if you like." "Would that suit you?" "Actually, it's not a bad idea." "It's not a four-star Cadillac, it's a small lorry." "You're not afraid of getting dirty?" "That's the kind of thing that's never frightened me." "Corrine, do we have to beg you?" "Walk to the door, I'll follow you." "Finally!" "I'm so sorry to leave you so early, but a well-bred gentleman noticing that I was fatigued" " and offered me a lift home." " You don't want to do that?" "She should leave her mink coat here, she's going to get murdered!" "Are you crazy?" "Do you know Jean Marc?" "All of Paris will know about this by morning." "I don't care about Paris." "And you don't care about Pierre either?" "They'll love telling him everything." "So let them tell him." "I want to have a life." "Have as much of a life as you want once he's married you, but not now." "I'm open-minded, but leaving like that with any old person..." "She loves this kind of scandal, but she'll be terrified if she doesn't see our car in five minutes." "The bill, hurry." "John, pay quickly." "We're leaving." "...your smile was so pretty, but if this morning I had been told that one day I would tell you about my life..." "So, I must have irritated you with all my stories, didn't I?" "Not at all." "It was a bit sad at first, but it soon became refreshing." " Refreshing?" " Yes, and you're refreshing." "Don't get angry, it's a compliment." "Did you really say number 17?" "It's a shop!" "The apartment is above it." "It's charming." " Do you want to see it?" " Excuse me, but I don't have time and..." "And you should get some sleep." "Obviously, I can't force you, but there is one thing I'd like to know." "Are you stupid, or pathologically timid, or am I particularly ugly this morning?" " But..." " No, I am." "What were you saying a moment ago about your training?" "No tobacco?" "What else?" " No tobacco, no alcohol, no..." " No women, was that it?" " Because..." " All the same..." "It never even occurred to me that a girl like you..." "I'm dying of cold, make up your mind." "I've decided." " Did I shock you?" " Me?" "I've seen too much for that." "But I didn't know society women." "And now you know, they just breathe sincerity, very forthright." "Well, we've failed, no point in making a scene, off you go now." "It's perhaps better that way, go on." "Farewell." "Don't hold it against me." "And thank you for taking me home." "I had a lovely time." "Wait." "This time I'm the one who gives it to you." "I'll take it to Central on Sunday for the match." "Good luck!" "It's so kind of you to have come." "I'm sure you were worried." "Corinne, was he at least polite?" "How beautiful!" "Such warm wool!" "The boy will be happy." "For a boxer, the first dressing gown means a lot." "I still remember mine, did I ever know how to show it off." "Tell me, Maria, it's true that it won't trouble you to embroider his initials, then?" " On the contrary." " I would have asked Blanche, but at the moment, the shock might overwhelm her, and so..." "But can you do it for him for tomorrow?" "Of course." "The birthday dinner will be at your place?" "In principle, yes, but Blanche..." "We could do it here." "Shall we come back here together after the match?" "Certainly, if that won't trouble you." "Bother us?" "But it's for Dédé, isn't it, Angelo?" "Yes, why not." "Is it a big match?" "No, I shouldn't exaggerate." "It's an amateur fight, three rounds of three." "No, but for the kids it's a big deal to box at Central, it's like a kind of dedication." "And then the audience there is tough, they judge the boxers in less than two rounds." "It's important to Dédé, isn't it?" "Ah, you figured that out." "I think it's very important." "What's more, I know him, if he loses this one, he'll ditch boxing." "Well, actually..." "I think that you can get the champagne out for tomorrow." "We'll both be entitled to it." " Right, then, goodbye." " Goodbye." "Victor!" "There's a package here for you!" "Don't shout." "Dédé's getting some kip, he hasn't got nerves while he's sleeping." "Nerves!" "You've more nerves than he does!" "Maria just brought this in." "It seems there'll be a blow-out tonight." "To celebrate what?" "Burying your delusions?" "Good God, what did that kid ever do to you?" "He's a bother, you hear?" "He's a bother?" "He's not the first I've bailed out!" "You didn't do this much for the others." "The others perhaps weren't as valuable as he is!" "Don't talk about his worth until after tonight." "Admit it." "You felt sorry for him." "You take an interest in others besides him." "He's got you twisted around his little finger, and that's why I want him to lose." "May someone smash in his ugly mug, so that you'll understand and sober up." "Are you going mad, or what?" "You're jealous, aren't you?" "And why not?" "The others must really like him as well, with his monogrammed dressing gown, while they only have the right to hand-me-down robes." "Stop speaking ill of him." "What's more, it's his birthday!" "The party's for that, too?" "Well, then, I would've made a wish for him." "I'll make some now, then, and all through the fight as well." "It's like a cartoon!" "What's with these two limp piles of lettuce?" "Stop the slaughter!" "Send the ref to the cemetery!" "Is he meditating this morning?" "And when I think how my wife believes I'm having a good time..." "Did you ring up your right hook on the telephone?" "Stash away your tie, ref!" "It's like a cartoon." " Come on, Mickey!" " Hey, Popeye, did you forget your spinach?" "Right, this one's ours, lad." "If your kid wins and he's as good as you say, maybe we'll be able to arrange something better." "All right, we'll see after the match." "Go on, lad, we'll show them what you can do now." "Hello, hello." "Winner, Lemaire." "You're all right?" "You feel good?" "You're acting strange." "I'm fine." "Go, Dédé!" "Your husband." "They're not going to be that nasty to him, are they?" "It all depends on how well he fights." "Above all, don't stiffen up and don't be nervous, because he's nothing special." "Hello, hello, second match, amateur lightweight, in three rounds of three minutes each." "André Ménard, Grenelle sporting club, 63 kilos 200, against Pietro Mancini, Montreuil league, 63 kilos 700." " Is the other small kid a Sicilian?" " Why be worried about a Sicilian?" "André Ménard!" "Pietro Mancini!" "The third referee for this match is Monsieur Tromlet." "Don't worry, it'll go well." "The boys are on your side." "First round!" "What are you waiting for, Dédé?" "It's starting off well." "Blond kid!" "Are you going to do him any damage before the day's over?" "Come on, Dédé!" "Attack!" "Hello, hello." "For wrongfooting, a 300-Franc bonus to Mancini." "Back off, back off!" "Turn, turn!" "Go on!" "Hey dwarf hen, move around a little!" " All right, Dédé." " React!" "Dédé!" "Quickly!" "Attack him, Dédé!" " What is this madness?" " He won't hang on!" "He hasn't got any guts!" "Have you got any guts?" "Come on, hit him, Dédé!" "Hello, hello, from the sports bar, a 200-Franc bonus for the winner." "Corinne, my dear, the match started a long time ago." "I'm sorry, but Chantal's aeroplane was terribly late." "What an odd place!" "Yes, yes." "I've only seen a boxing match once before." "It was stupidly elegant." "Wait, who's boxing?" " A handsome dark-haired lad." " I love dark-haired men!" " Is it Sugar?" " Robinson?" "He's a splendid champion!" "Cover yourself, and when he comes in, wear him down with your uppercut." "You've only got to follow him calmly, and as soon as you find an opening, throw a left hook in his face, he doesn't like that." "Work him hard, lad." "You've got to win, right?" "And second round." "Go, Dédé!" "I don't know why, but today Dédé's morale's really low, and everything's going downhill because of it." "Look how beautiful her hat is!" "Check out the bird!" "Check out the feather!" "If I had a bird like that, I'd have stayed home on Sundays!" "Come on, Dédé!" "Hit back!" "Go, Dédé!" "Down low!" "Come on, follow up!" "Hello, hello, A 200-Franc bonus to Ménard." "Hello, hello, from the restaurant "Les toques", a 500-Franc bonus to share between the two boxers." "Fight, fight!" "Come on, Dédé!" "Hit him, Dédé!" "Hello, hello, from an anonymous donor, a 200-Franc bonus to Ménard." "Bravo!" "We must congratulate him." " After the match, you're not at the musical." " Bravo!" "The brute jabbed me in the liver." "Bravo, kid, keep it up, I'll revive you." "But don't slack off." "You've got him right where you want him." "Follow him." "Keep hitting high, every time!" "I've just got to win!" "Of course you'll win, just loosen up." "Breathe deeply, my God." "Let yourself go, man." "Let yourself relax, I tell you." "You've got him, I tell you." "He's wasted, but follow him, keep at him." "I'm pleased with you, kid." "Third and final round." "When's it gonna happen?" "Quiet in the peanut gallery!" "Come on, follow him, hit him!" "Hello, hello, from an anonymous donor, a 300-Franc bonus to the winner of the round." "Very good, André!" "Hit him hard!" "He's sublime, we've got to do something!" "I don't know what, maybe throw flowers!" "Do you have a spring under your ass?" "Ménard, Ménard!" "Mancini, Mancini!" "Fight, fight!" "Well done, kid, you were top notch." "Listen, I've never heard that for an amateur." "Hello, hello!" "Andre Ménard, winner!" "Bravo, Dédé!" "Go on, greet them, future champion!" "The apartment's a bit strange, don't you think?" "Actually, it's an addition to the shop." "Haute époque, curious trinkets, surrealist bric-a-brac to impress the multimillionaires." "The more expensive it is, the more they buy." "They're wrong to do so." "Between the two of us, none of it's authentic." "It's all fake." "Especially me." "And how does that benefit you?" "To defend myself." "Life has taught me that sincerity doesn't pay." "Life has taught you a lot of things." "Enough for me to distrust it." "And is all this yours?" "No, it belongs to my friend Chantal." "I take care of sales, the social side of the business." "Chantal is always travelling." "She plunders the countryside looking for all these dreadful trinkets." "It's an ideal partnership." "I see." "No, you don't see." "Plus, everything is much more complicated than that." "To the winner!" "To the melancholy winner." "Me?" "Not at all." " Are you laughing at me?" " No, it's just me." "I remind myself of a category-four femme fatale, the evil woman who leads the good young boxer astray." "Does this kind of love at first sight happen to you often, like at the Halles?" "Or am I privileged?" "Good manners would dictate that..." "I don't give a damn about manners." "Answer me!" "No, it happens very far from often." "Normally I have a much steadier head." "Any more questions for me?" "It's silly, but I prefer it that way." "No, it's not silly." "It's even rather agreeable." "And you?" "What about your life?" "Boxing." "No true love affairs?" " Boxing." " And besides boxing?" "Besides boxing?" "Boxing." "That's all I've got." "It must be good to love something that much." " It's wonderful." " I understand." "I understand to the point that I'm going to show you real generosity." "André, go join them." "Join who?" "The ones who love boxing as much as you do." "The friends I dragged you away from after the match." "Tonight, your place is with them." "My place?" "I'd like to know where my place is!" "No!" "I think even if you hadn't come," "I wouldn't have gone with them." " And yet..." " Yet?" "Yet, there is one who must be waiting for me, who must be calling me every name in the book." "Your manager?" "How did you know?" "You haven't stopped talking about him since we left Central." "Listen, if you want it as much as I do, we'll see each other again, but it's the normal thing for you to go back and find them." "You really get it." "I told you life has taught me many things." "Go, they're waiting for you." "He is, yes, but not his wife." "I'm a burden to her." "And I won, I want to be happy, I don't want to be a burden!" "If you hadn't come along, I would have lost, and because of her." "I could feel her there cursing me." "But seeing you there gave me a boost, and I won, you understand?" "I won!" "Tonight I can't share a table with someone who doesn't like me." "Did they plan a celebration for your win?" "Yes," " and for my birthday." " Pardon me?" "It's your birthday?" "Yes, but it doesn't matter." "A birthday's always a significant day." "How old are you?" "Twenty-four." "And you?" "One doesn't ask a lady her age." "Around the same age, but for a woman that's often worth double." "You know how to talk." "What does that mean in French?" "Happy birthday." "André, I'm happy you're staying with me." "You can't hold it against him, it's typical at his age." "What's more, it was a surprise." "We didn't tell him about it." " Well then, good night." " Good night." "Good night, don't worry about it, he'll be there tomorrow." "He missed out, the dinner was awfully good." "Good night." "Good night." "You bitch, did you know what you were doing, shoving off like that just when I was looking for another match for him?" "That's your job, he had finished with his, he won." "Thanks to who?" "Aren't I the one who made him what he is?" "He never said otherwise." "What are you complaining about?" "You found your one in a million, but that kind has a way of taking off." "It's only a matter of time." "Are you a manager or a babysitter?" "You're too sentimental, Victor." "Do you find women and friendship are damned nuisances?" "Yes, when they turn men into idiots." "There are times when I want to give you a swift kick in the behind!" "Friendship is just like love." "It often only goes one way." "Victor?" "Don't say anything to him when he gets in, and he'll get it, that's how it works, and you'll look good." " Good Morning." " Good Morning." "You were watching me sleep, weren't you?" " Was I not permitted to?" " I detest that." "One can't defend oneself while sleeping." "You need to defend yourself against me?" "Against the whole world." "I'm certain I look vile." "These eyes of mine are atrocious." "Did I look very ugly?" "No, you looked funny." "When you're asleep in your own place, you look like you're a guest." "You don't look at home here at all, you know?" "Because?" "Because you don't at all look like my kind of bird, the kind I could love and could love me in return." "A girl who would have your hair, your nice face, your body, but would belong to my circles, wouldn't be a society woman." "But what is it?" " It's nothing, don't bother me." " Corinne, did I say something cruel?" "No, of course not, my love." "What is it, then?" "I know that I don't seem at home here." "I know I seem young, and yet I get into enough trouble." "Some are fooled, but not you." "And I know the reason for that, too." "Because you and I are the same at heart." "Stop talking and kiss me." "No, I know the reason." "Every morning at the same time they call me from Monte Carlo to ask about my health, and find out if I have any desires I want fulfilled." "You're not going to answer?" "If it's someone who loves you, that's rotten." "And if it's someone I don't love?" " That doesn't seem easy!" " I looked hard for him." "He doesn't understand that I've gone out." "André!" " You're superstitious?" " Terribly!" "André, what is going to happen to me?" "Nothing, because I'm here." "Wait, I'll cancel the bad luck." "A lucky charm, a jinx, together they'll balance out fate." "Here, I'm giving it back." "And you?" "I've got you." "That's enough for me." "The prodigal son has returned?" "Yes, but don't kill the fattened calf, that would inconvenience you." "My big mouth isn't smashed in," "I'm sorry that your wishes weren't fulfilled." "André?" "Did Victor tell you?" "You were talking loud enough for me to hear." "You must have been happy the night before last." "And if I didn't go it's partly because of you." "Smile, then, and thank me." "Hey!" "Well, then, the holidays were good for you." "You're looking very well." "Were you in the country?" "You're not very talkative." "Perhaps you're too tired to speak?" "Are you upset with me?" "You can do what you like." "You're an adult, my boy, though certainly not a polite adult." "When one leaves, one says goodbye." " Victor?" " Monsieur Victor, if you don't mind." " Right, I'm listening." " Nothing, it's not worth it." "As you like." "In any case, you'll resume training tomorrow because I got you a preliminary for the Palais des Sports." "Yes, and the match takes place in three weeks." "So between now and then society living is out of the question, save that for later if you want it." "Fairly cracked, eh?" "Right, then, just because you beat a bungler once doesn't mean you can think you're there." "You're nothing yet, understand?" "Plus, you've already forgotten what little I taught you." "Can't you stop while I'm talking?" "Is it love that's knocked you for six?" "Right, try to look like a boxer, that will distract you." "And wear yourself out a bit." "A boxing ring's not a sitting room." "What's been his problem for the past eight days?" "Ask to see whether there's room for me at your hotel." "All right." "One has to laugh to have some fun." "Don't trouble yourself, I'm going." "It's true that love gives one wings." "What's wrong?" " He wants to withdraw." " Undoubtedly, that's nothing new." " And did he give you a reason?" " The reason on the telephone." "That's a fine reason." "Victor, stay here." " Are you going out?" " Yes." "Have you considered that the match is 15 days away?" "And after that?" "It's not because I'm going out tonight" " that my career is done for." " Your career, no, but perhaps the match." "This outing means a week of training is bust." "You know what happens to you, it happens to nearly every boxer at least once, but there's a time you have to choose." "And if I should choose?" "I speak to you as a friend." "Do you love her that much?" "Do I know if I'm in love?" "That's a line from a song, it has a heap of stories around it." "For me, it's not so complicated." "Knowing that she's somewhere in Paris, that I could be with her, talk to her..." "Just thinking of that pains me, it really does!" "Like a punch in the face!" "And if I've had more passion to train, it's because every day, every minute, I wait for her telephone call and I nearly burst." "Is that love?" "Yes, it looks like it." "It's good, isn't it?" "Because as soon as she calls me I'm happy." "Yes, but watch out, young lad, she'll knock you out." "She's way above your level." "We know that, but that's our personal business!" "Mine, too, because this isn't the time to self-destruct." " Yeah, nothing to life but boxing." " For you there should be nothing else." "Even against your will I'll stop you from doing anything stupid, hear?" "Listen, dictators are out of style, and I'm fed up with being obedient!" "I've the right to live and go where I want!" "You mustn't be angry with me, what's happening to me is so remarkable." "Remarkable to the point of ruining everything?" " Yes." " All right." "Then listen to me, and after that do what you like." "I'm telling you, my whole life I've loved boxing, but that bitch of mine never let me have it back." "I was never a great boxer, did you know?" "I only just became champion of France, and with a great deal of difficulty, and not even for long." "Wait, let me explain." "I haven't been a great manager either, but that's another matter, that's perhaps a question of luck." "Before you, I never got my hands on the lad that I needed, then you showed up the moment I was ready to ditch everything, to retire, as Blanche says." "And I saw immediately what you could become, what I dreamed of becoming, and I put all my hopes on you." "And you see, thanks to me you could become somebody, and thanks to you, I was going to succeed at something." "Do you remember the day I talked to you about a trade?" "Yes, I remember." "So, don't throw it all away like that, all right?" "First of all for you, and a little for me, too." "Wait, my boy, tonight you must go there anyways." "But if I go..." "I've just showed you my cards, but perhaps yours are higher." "You should make up your mind at her side, not here." " Since I..." " No, no." "Right now you're moved, that's normal, but I don't want you to one day accuse me of having manipulated you." "I know it's going to be difficult, but you know that in life you need to look at people and things in the face, you can't always run away." "So go on, and take courage, all the same." "Victor..." "I can't do anything more for you, Dédé." "In this game there comes a time when you have to play alone." "Hey!" "You're listening at doors now?" "Well, it's over." " Victor." " What?" "To me you were a great boxer, one who didn't get a lucky break." "How I must have been the bane of your existence." "Life wasn't full of laughs for you every day either, was it?" "And then after modelling for artists, I became a clothing model," "then I did a bit of theatre, like everyone else." "Then I met Chantal." "She helped me elevate my position." "She trained me, got me started, and here I am." "You haven't finished." "Your chap from Monte Carlo?" "Keep talking." "Why do you want to know all that?" "To see your cards." " My cards?" " Yes." "So, your chap." "Chantal introduced me to him." "He has enormous amounts of money, he wants to marry me." "It's security, a position in the world." " What I've always wanted." " Happiness, right." "How old is he?" "As old as that?" "And your Chantal gets something out of it, of course?" "Well, answer the question!" "Her business affairs are going very poorly." "I got Pierre to agree to finance the shop." "He does it for me, do you understand?" "Because he detests her." "Since Pierre's marrying me, she's at ease." "You're young, André." "That's how life is." "That's Paris." "That kind of Paris suffocates me." "But in God's name, don't you wish for a bit of fresh air in the midst of that rubbish?" "You want to breathe, don't you?" "Yes, but it's too late, André." "Don't talk rubbish, you're not chained up, the door's right there." " So say goodbye and take off." " You're oversimplifying things." "And anyways, it's you who's complicated it and thrown everything in doubt." "I was at peace," "I was going to have everything I wanted, and then I had to meet you." "And now I need you, need to feel you against me." "I'd like to keep you." "I'd like..." "I love you, André." "I love you like I've never loved before." "It's marvellous." "It's marvellous but it's mad, because this can never lead us anywhere, anywhere at all." "To nothing but being happy together." "I'll make you forget everything, it'll be us two." "We'll never leave each other." "You're so young." "That makes me feel good." "Say yes, Corinne, will you?" "You'll see that no one would have loved you like I do." "Leaving like that, without even ringing you." "The day's not over." "If I find out anything I'll come tell you." "Yes, because we really love him." "No, I tell you that he didn't pass by here." "You're the one to ask that." "If I see him, yes." "I'm listening." "Yes." "Yes." "I realise that I believe in his career," "I've rarely seen anyone who started out like him." "Yes, I understand." "I'm not the one who would blame you." "Yes, got it." "Yes, pardon me, because I wasn't expecting that at all, not in that way." "Quai d'Orléans?" "Good, got it." "Yes, I'll tell him, count on me." "And good luck." "He's a real draught of air, that kid." "Everywhere he goes, people catch a cold." "Maria, listen." "I'd like you to say something to Victor for me." "You don't dare to do it yourself?" "Yes, but Blanche is certain to be there, and I would've rather spoken to him alone." "I've been waiting for hours for her to go out." "Speak kindly, tell him I'm grateful to him for everything," "that I'm not a bastard, that I really like him, but that..." "But that there's someone else you love more?" "Is that it?" "That's it." "You're a good kid, you'll be happy one day, too, you'll see." "Goodbye." "Maria?" "Most of all, tell him he shouldn't resent me." "Corinne?" "Corinne?" "No use shouting so loudly, Monsieur, she's gone." "Gone?" "And this?" " Corinne, answer me, I know you're there!" " Those suitcases are mine." "I just came back, on a hunch, and found a lovely mess besides." "Is this a joke?" "Tell me it's not true!" "See for yourself, you know the way." "What's going to become of me without her?" "That's a question I ask myself as well." "This little romance is costing me dearly." "What do these idiots have to want to love at any price?" "I thought she was stronger than that, the silly fool." "Once the crisis is over, she'll regret it." "Regret what?" "Come on, you've got to talk to me!" "She hasn't gone to meet up with him, has she?" "I knew that she couldn't do that to me." "Did I tell you she did?" " Then where did she go?" " I don't know, she wasn't so good as to tell me." "And did she leave alone?" "Yes, after making a dramatic scene, she's a repressed actress, don't you know?" "You're going to explain yourself, aren't you?" "She loved you and she left because of you." "Because of me?" "She too sacrificed, to avoid undermining your future." "Of course, there's no question of ever seeing Pierre again, or me, for that matter." "She was going to change her life." "And all this because of you." "She was swimming in her tears and sappy emotions." "But why?" "We could have been so happy!" "Clearly she had a different opinion." "I don't believe we have anything more to say to one another." "You really don't know where she is?" "No, I give you my word." "Monsieur," "she begged me to return this to you." "Thank you." "Yes." "It's still me, you see." "How did you know the address?" "You're the one who spoke with her and destroyed everything!" "It was her idea alone." "I'll explain to you." "She wasn't the one for you, but all the same she's not bad." "You don't need memories." "You have the future, come on." "Come on."