"SLAVE TO SIN" "Hello?" "Room 104?" "No, they're not answering." "Hello?" "No, Ma'am." "Yes, Ma'am." " Good evening, Ma'am." " Bye." "Hello?" "The management?" "It's urgent?" "Just a moment, please." "Sir, Room 51 is on the line for you." "It sounds urgent." "Yes?" "Yes, Sir." "This is the manager." "Go ahead." "What?" "But, that's impossible!" "Nothing of the sort has ever happened in our hotel." "Have you searched everywhere?" "Yes, of course." "Immediately." " Well?" " See me later, something has come up." " Very good, Sir." " Commendatore." " Good evening." "Bon soir, Madame." "Monsieur." " Thank you for coming so quickly." " Please, tell me what happened." "It's about a strange theft that we discovered this evening." " Why strange?" " Because the thief could have stolen a lot of money  and jewelry, but instead decided to steal an object of little value." " This is why..." " Miss." "Darling, I was just telling the manager that the stolen object is of little value." " Yes, but it means so much to me and I I'd like to find it." " But, what is it?" "It's a small silver piece on a chain, I always wear it around my neck." "This morning I placed it in the jewelry box with everything else." "And this evening we discovered that it had gone missing." " And where was the jewelry box?" " Inside a draw in the wardrobe." " Under lock and key?" " No." " It was unlocked, are you quite sure?" "Yes, but nothing had been disturbed." "Neither the jewelry or the money had been touched." " Is this piece a medallion, of some sort?" " Yes, exactly, a medallion." "But it's diamond-shaped, not round." "It shows my portrait as a child." "Here, in this photograph you can see it quite well." "We just can't understand what possessed the thief to steal it." "For my wife its value is purely sentimental." " Was it a gift?" " Yes, I believe so." "I've had it since I can remember." "But I've no idea who gave it to me." "My parents couldn't tell me, either." "Today, when you returned to the hotel, had the theft already been committed?" "I don't think so." "I replaced my pearl necklace and bracelets in the jewelry box." " If something was missing, I'd have noticed." " May I see this jewelry box?" " Please..." " Of course, it's in the wardrobe." "Here." "At around 5 o'clock I took tea up to the gentlemen in Room 51  and at around 6:30 I went back to collect the tray." " Who was looking after that room?" " Not me, I deal with the first floor." "Me, Sir." "I had taken the bed linen up to the lady, who had asked for it to be ironed." " And where was the lady?" " She was having a bath  she called me because she needed some help getting dry." "Very well, get out of here!" "Go on, all of you!" "Out!" "Well!" " Excuse me." " Come in, please." "What is it?" " I wanted to tell you something." " Very well, what are you waiting for?" "Sir, is this the medallion you were searching for?" "Why yes, the very same!" "Finally!" "Where did you find it?" " In one of the small rooms in the attic." " Which room?" "You know, the one at the end of the hallway near the water containers?" "We went up there to clean the furniture because of the damp." "And while we were closing the camp bed, this fell out onto the ground." " It must have been between the mattress and the frame." " Who sleeps in that room?" "Well, up until this morning it was Miss Gualtieri, but I don't know..." "The cloakroom attendant?" "But, this is absurd!" "Miss Gualtieri has been with us for a long time." "No, it's not possible." " Send me Miss Gualtieri." " Yes, Sir." " Excuse me." " Come in, come in." "Do you recognise this object?" "No." "It was found in your room, under the mattress that you have been sleeping on." "How can you explain this?" " I don't know anything." " Well, this medallion can't have got there by itself." "So, someone must have moved it." "Come, don't waste my time." "Tell my why you took it." "I don't know anything." "I can't tell you anything..." "If this is how you're going to be, things will be much worse for you!" "Given your age and your good record, I'd be willing to help you." "One moment of weakness, one error..." "We could have sorted things out." "But if you continue to insist on this absurd stance, what can I do?" "Come on, tell me what happened." "I ask you for the last time." "I don't know anything." "You still deny it?" "very well, you brought this on yourself." "Miss, get me the police station." "No!" "For the love of God, don't call the police!" "Just a moment." " I'll talk!" " Never mind, I'll call you later." "I'll tell you everything you want, I'll confess everything!" "But, not the police!" "I have such terrible memories." "Have mercy on me, this is all I ask!" "Very well, but please calm down." "Sit down, please..." "There is no need to get so worked up." "Life isn't always easy, I know, but we must deal with it." "So, let us sort this out peacefully." " If you would like to tell me..." " Yes, I'll tell you everything." "But I don't want you to know of that which I'm about to tell you." "It's a secret, a terrible secret." "I've kept it closed inside myself for my entire life." "I would have rather died than tell anyone." "But now, I cannot stay silent, I have to tell you." "But when I have told you, you will see that it is not for you to know." "We must go back in time, far back in time..." "Many years ago." "That medallion was around the neck of a lovely little girl." "Well done!" "It's quite okay, Miss." "Do you like it?" "Here, you try." "Want to try it?" "One, we light it..." "Two, we blow it out!" "One, two!" "You're so pretty, what's your name?" "It's quite fine, she really isn't bothering me." "How old is she?" ""Not understand..." "Not Italians..."" " Foreigners." " Of course, foreigners." "What country are you from?" "Are you Russian?" " No." " No." " Tickets, please." " Oh, yes..." "Here." ""When, time, Florence?"" "At 8:30." "Just a moment." "Half-past 8." "This is a ruby." "This is a key that opens a great castle!" "This is an amulet that brings luck." "And this is little Fatima's hand." "See how beautiful it is?" "And that's it, finished!" "What a pretty nose!" "Restaurant carriage service:" "Tea, coffee, hot chocolate?" "Restaurant carriage service:" "Tea, coffee, hot chocolate..." " Is the restaurant carriage far?" " No, it's the third one along." " Thank you." " You're welcome." "Bye, darling." "Don't worry, don't worry." "It's really nothing..." "Whoops-a-daisy!" "Don't cry!" "No, don't cry..." "It's not nice to cry." "No, don't cry..." "Be a good girl." "Go with mummy, that's it." "Please, just a moment..." "Her... with me... restaurant." "10 minutes." "Come on, let's go." "Don't cry, little one." "Happy with me, are you?" "Come on, dry your eyes." "There you go." "How is that, okay?" "For me, tea with lemon." "And for the child... hot chocolate?" "A hot chocolate." "Bring us some jam and biscuits, too." "Then, we pour in the hot chocolate, dip the biscuits and eat them." "Here." "Do you hear that?" "Ah, we've entered the tunnel!" "Very, very dark!" "Do you hear all that noise?" "Now, let's go back to your mummy must be waiting for you." "Look out!" "Adele!" "Where are you, Adele?" "!" "Adele!" "Adele, where are you?" "!" "Help!" "Help!" "Help me!" "Help!" "Help me!" "There is an emergency room not far from here!" "Come, ladies and gentlemen, this way!" "Come on, this way!" "Go on." " Where have they taken the others?" " What others?" "We brought everyone here." " Who are you looking for?" " The parents of this child." "They were in a second class compartment in one of the first carriages." "Those at the front of the train are all dead, the carriages caught fire." " What shall I do with this poor thing?" " Away, away from here!" "No one should be here, move the people away!" " Have you been treated?" " No, I can't find the child's parents." " What shall I do?" " Take her away from here." "There are ambulances down there, they will take care of you." "Come on!" "Get in, there's still room." "This one is full, get going!" "Go on!" "Go on!" "In here!" "Quickly!" " Who's that?" " It's me, Mara." "Ah, Mara, it's you!" "Finally, we thought you weren't going to make it!" "How come you're so late?" "What happened to you?" "And whose is this child?" "!" "Mara!" "Help, Mrs. Cesira!" " Come, drink some cognac." " But, I can't!" "A little cognac will do you the world of good." "Come, drink." " There's nothing better if you're suffering from shock." " Of course." "Drink up." " Enough." " Well done." " Be quiet!" " Why, what's going on?" "It's a miracle that Mara is alive, she was involved in a train crash!" " It's terrible!" " Are you sure you're not hurt?" " Shall we call you a doctor?" " No, I just have a strong pain here." "Poor thing, to think what you must have been through!" " Come on, sit down..." " The girl!" "The girl!" "Where's the girl!" " Don't worry..." " Here she is!" "She's tired, the poor little thing." " Here's the girl, Mara." " How pretty!" "But, what are you saying?" " I don't know, I can't understand her." " She's quite attached to you, isn't she?" "Yes, it's strange, she's been like that since I first met her." "That's why she's still here." "If I hadn't taken her with me..." " Poor thing, she's been through a lot." " What's her name?" " I don't know." "I call her Dina." " Why Dina?" "Oh, no reason." "It's a name that I like." "Who could that be at this hour?" "Hello?" "Yes, Iris Boarding House." "Who is speaking, please?" "Sorry?" "Ah, good evening." "Yes, she is here." "Just a moment." "It's for you, Mara." "Carlo wants to say hello." " No, I don't want to talk to him." " What shall I tell him, then?" " Tell him, tell him that I'm in bed." " Very well." " Hello?" " Sorry?" "When did she get there?" "Very well, goodnight." " You owe me 50, do you have change?" " Yeah, here you go." " Do you want to take my place?" " Are you going?" " Yes, the newspaper called me." " Why, what happened?" "A train crash, sounds like there are a hundred dead or injured." "You're lucky that I have to go, but we'll play a rematch soon." " 30 lire on the 48." " Yeah, alright." " When did this train crash happen?" " Not long ago, the express from Milan." " The one that was supposed to arrive at 11?" " I think so, I'm not sure." "It's from yesterday, but there's a description of the train crash." " What does it say about the victims?" " I'm looking, just a moment." "Ah, here it is: "The most damage was done to the first 3 carriages..."" ""... of first and second class, that became a tangle of twisted metal."" ""The destruction was completed by a fire that spread at a frightening..."" ""... speed." "None of the passengers in these three coaches could be saved."" ""They are still searching through the smoking wreckage for..."" ""... the burned remains of the victims."" ""Here is a list of names of the victims that have been identified..."" " See if there are any foreign names." " Yes." " What country were they from?" " I don't know." " I couldn't understand their language." " No, there are no foreign names." "Listen, go straight to the police station and hand the girl over." " What can they possible do if the parents are dead?" " Exactly?" "They will have to search for and inform the little one's relatives." " It's not like you can take her." " I think that Mrs. Cesira is right." "If you don't hand her over right away, you might get in trouble." " Why, what have I done wrong?" " Nothing, but you never know." "There might be some responsibilities." "Take my advice: go there right away." " Is the girl still sleeping?" " No, she's awake." "Now you're all dressed up and ready, aren't you darling?" "Wait, let me sort her dress out." "Come here, darling..." " Here is the little lady's breakfast." " Wow, look at all this stuff!" " Now it's time to eat!" " Here you go!" "Eat it all up, won't you darling?" "That's it, put the biscuit in there." "Now eat it." "Tasty, isn't it?" "She's always laughing!" "Strange, children usually cry when their mother isn't around." "She's attached to Mara as as though she was her mother!" " Would you like to have a girl like this?" " She's so cute!" "A girl like this?" "Of course, of course I'd like it." " Come here, darling." " Excuse me, I have to get dressed." " Now you can drink the milk." " Come on then." " Good morning, is Mara here?" " I don't know, I'll go and check." " Of course she's here." "Don't make a fuss, I want to see her." " Well..." " It's cold outside, we should put something on her neck" " I've got a scarf." "No, take one of mine, the brown one." " Carlo is here." " What does he want now?" " He wants to talk to you." " You could have told him I wasn't here." "They told him, but of he didn't believe a word of it." "He's waiting for you." " What shall I tell him?" " Nothing, it's too late now!" " Finish dressing the child, please." " Sure, don't worry..." " Here..." " Oh, how cute!" " Hello, Mara." " Hello, what do you want?" "Nothing, I wanted to say hello, we haven't seen each other in 15 days." " I was away, wasn't I?" " I know, I called you last night." " Why didn't you come to the phone?" " I was tired, I didn't want to talk." " I you knew what happened to me!" " Oh, yes, I know all about that." " Then you can understand." "Sorry, but I have to go." " Wait, where are you going?" "I'm going to the police station to hand over the child." "If you want to take me..." "No, I don't feel like speaking to the police chief today." " When will we see each other?" " I don't know, when I'm done." " Shall I wait for you here?" " Sure, wait here if you like." "Here she is!" "Are you happy to be going out?" "Are you certain her parents are dead?" "They were in one of the front carriages that were completely destroyed." "Even the newspapers said so, they couldn't save anybody." " And why did you take the child away?" " What was I supposed to do with her?" "Who could I have left her with?" "That place was hell, everyone was crazy." "I tried to explain it to them, but no one listened to me." "Then, they put me in an ambulance and it dropped me off." " When did you get here?" " Last night." "I went home right away." "I'm staying at the Iris Boarding House, you see." "And then this morning everyone advised me to bring the child to you." "Great!" "Good advice!" "This is the best place for orphans, after all!" " Sir, if you want I can take her away." " Heavens, no!" "I'm just saying..." "Now that you're here, it's my responsibility." "Gamberini!" "Gamberini!" " Yes, Sir?" " We have to take this child to the hospice." "Fetch a taxi." "In the mean time, I'll call the Mother Superior." " Very good, Sir." " But, where are you sending her?" " Didn't you hear?" "To the hospice." " To the hospice?" "Yes, find me the number for the hospice." "Right, the management..." "Once you've found it, put me through." "You can't send her to the hospice, she's way too young..." "Well, if they can't keep her there, it'll be up to them to find somewhere." "Tell me, what were the parents like?" "I already told you: they were young, and they spoke a strange language." "Can't you remember anything that might help identify them?" " No, nothing." " Do you at least know where they were coming from?" " Where they were headed?" " When I got on the train, they were already there." "Ah, yes!" "They asked the ticket inspector when the train would get to Florence." "Florence..." "The taxi is ready, Sir." "Right, take her and hurry up." "Come on." " I can come with you, if you want?" " Of course, if you don't mind..." "Hello?" "Sisters of Charity Hospice?" "I'd like to speak to the Mother Superior." " Your name, please." " Gualtieri, Mara Gualtieri." " Are you related to the child?" " No, not at all." "Here, give this to the police chief." "As I said on the telephone, all I can do is take her temporarily." "For her to stay on a permanent basis, I will need a legal statement." "Yes, Ma'am, I'll tell him." " Come with me." " Yes." "Sister Cristina." "Sister, I put this child in your care." "Provide her with everything she needs." "Poor thing, she's scared." " She's scared, she doesn't know you." " Quickly, take her away." "Don't worry, darling, you'll be fine here." "There are lots of other children, you can play with them all day!" "Take her away!" "Don't worry, I'll be back soon!" "Excuse me, Ma'am?" " What will become of that poor child?" " I don't understand your question." "I mean, what will happen if they don't find her relatives?" "What will her future be like?" "She will have the same future as many other children that are without parents." " She'll be abandoned?" " An orphan, like all the others that live here." "Some of them never even knew their parents." "She lost them, it's the same thing." "She's too small to remember." "Yes, but she'll grow up alone, abandoned by everyone..." "No, she won't be abandoned." "We will provide for her  give her education and a trade, even find her a job when she is older." "As a working girl, a maid..." "We will do all we can to give her the chance of a good life." "An honest life." "Is this what you wanted to know?" "Yes, that's all." "Thank you, Ma'am." " Good day." " Good day." "Come in!" " Sir, that woman is still here." " What woman?" "The one who brought the child." "She wishes to speak with you." "I can't, I'm about to leave!" " Tell her to come back tomorrow." " Very good, Sir." "Hold on." "If it's a brief thing, go ahead and show her in." "Will I ever be able to go home at a reasonable hour?" "Well, what is it?" "What do you want?" "I'm sorry, Sir." "We took the child to the hospice  but she was crying, despairing, it was terrible to hear her like that." "Well, what can I do?" "She'll be fine!" "No, Sir, you can't leave her there." "It would be an act of cruelty." "I saw those children, they never smile." "It's painful to look on knowing that she will end up like them." "See, Sir, this is what I came to tell you." "What does this matter to me?" "What is it you want from me?" "I'm asking you to give her back to me, to put her in my care." "With me she will be safe, with me she will be happy!" " Let me take her, Sir." " You?" "You must be crazy." "Why?" "With me she will be happy, she won't ever need anything." "She will be like a princess, even my companions love her." "Please, Sir, without your good word they won't give her to me." "Please write to them, call them, I'll go and get the child myself." "I wouldn't dream of it!" "The girl will be just fine where she is." "We can't just give her to the first person who finds her!" " But I took her in, I saved her!" " Well, what does that prove?" "That doesn't mean you have the right to just take her." "Either we find some relatives to look after her, or the hospice." "But, what if one wants to adopt a child?" "An orphan child..." "There are many people that adopt such children and treat them as their own." " Couldn't I do that, too?" " You?" "Well, leave it for now." "We'll talk soon." "It's late, and I have to be getting home." "Sir, please don't just leave me like this." "Have a heart!" "A heart!" "It's precisely because I have a heart that I haven't told you the truth!" "But, if you really want to know, there's no use beating around the bush..." "They don't just give children to women like you!" "To women like me..." "Right, to women like me..." "I'm sorry, but that's how it is." "The law is very sure on this." "Those who adopt children must be able to guarantee a life of morality." "And you, considering your past, and the life that you lead..." "Well, there's really no use thinking about it." "You're right, Sir." "Please excuse me." "Thank you, all the same." "Hold on a moment, you can't go out like that." "Don't cry, this is life." "We must learn to accept it for what it is." "Why are you so worried about that child?" "Did you already know her?" "No, I saw her yesterday for the first time." "Well, then?" " I had a daughter too, once." " Is she dead?" "Yes." "She didn't even get the chance to open her eyes." "She died instantly." "God gave me the joy of having her, and then punished me by taking her." "If she was still alive, she would be the same age." "Perhaps she would have been as pretty as her, prettier than her." "Now do you understand, Sir, what that child means to me?" "Fate allowed me to meet her." "And even she knew right away that I was to be her salvation." "If she had remained with her mother, she would be dead." "Instead, with me she was spared." "This is how God wanted it to be." "He had mercy on me..." "And gave her back to me in this way." "Come on, don't cry." "Go home, now." "We'll see what we can do." "Thank you." " How much?" " Don't fret, Darling." "You'll know when the bill comes." "Nina!" " What's this?" "Ah, cigarettes." " Two, please!" "Two?" " Here, keep the change." " Thank you." "Are you crazy?" "I've never given such a huge tip!" "Don't be so rude, she'll hear you!" "Better rude than foolish!" "You know, I think you like me." "Really?" "Then perhaps, later..." "Of course, don't worry." "Go on, drink up!" "Cheers!" " Miss, now it's your turn." " Yes, right away." " See you soon, Darling." " This is my number." " Waiter!" " Yes, Sir?" " Tell, me how much is this bottle?" " 175 lire, Sir." "175 lire?" "But, you'll ruin me!" " Please, hurry up about it!" " Yes, of course." " Mara?" " What do you want?" " What happened to you?" " I had things to do." "What things?" "Why didn't you come home?" "You told me to wait for you!" " I couldn't, I was late." "Now I have to change." " Hold on..." "The guy who I told you about is waiting to take us to dinner at Marcella's." " I've set everything up." " I don't feel like it, I'm tired!" "Idiot, don't you see that with him we'll be all set for life?" "!" " If only we can convince him..." " I don't want to see anyone!" " But he leaves tomorrow!" " Oh, really?" "Then let him leave, all the better." "I'll wait for you outside!" "Hurry up, girls!" "Those who are ready, go and wait over there!" "Quickly!" "Hurry up, girls!" "Come on!" "Up on the stage now, hurry!" "What are you doing?" "Give that here!" "Who are we missing?" "Mara!" "She'll never make it, now!" " Have you seen Mara?" " No." "Sister, has she calmed down now?" "She's still crying?" "Oh, the poor thing!" "Sister, if I came to pick her up, or if I stayed there with you..." "Please, don't say no." " Here she is!" " Please excuse me..." " Wretched woman!" "Do you think this is the time for phone calls?" " I'm sorry." " I had to..." "I'll go and get ready." " Where do you think you're going?" "You've ruined the number for me, and I ought to throw you out of here!" " There's no need, I'm leaving!" " What?" "!" " Put someone else in my place, I'm leaving!" " You'll regret this!" "I could quite easily seize your pay as compensation  but I'd prefer not to have anything more to do with you." " So here's your pay, minus your fine." " Thanks a lot." "But don't think that's all, you'll never work in this town again." "It doesn't matter, I don't want to do this work anymore." "I see, you've found something better." "I should have known, you don't need to work in order to earn money." "A woman like you can find as much money as she likes!" " A woman like me?" " Yes, are you offended?" " You shouldn't take is so seriously." " No, I'm not offended." "You're right, of course." "Thanks a lot, good evening." "Good evening." "Well done!" "Waiter!" "There they are, both of them." " Well, is she ready?" " No, she already left." "She can't have left, the show wasn't over when we got here." "She must have left earlier." "Strange, I don't understand it." " Didn't she know we were waiting?" " Of course, she was very happy!" " Well, I'll see you at Marcella's." " Then we'll go to Marcella's!" "Whenever I organise such things, this always happens!" "What came over you?" "That's what I'd like to know!" "To throw everything away now that you've found some success!" "And for what?" "At least do us the favour of telling us why!" "See?" "Not even a word!" "I ought to slap you silly!" "Carlo is right, say something!" "What's going on with you?" "A great impression, you made!" "We waited for you outside, we even waited at Marcella's!" "That old guy is loaded with dough and crazy about you!" "You could have got what you wanted, just as long as you were nice to him!" "He would have bought you an apartment, jewelry, fur coats!" "He would have set you up for life!" "But no, you had to stand him up." "Now he wants nothing to do with you." "That's what she gets for spitting in the face of fortune!" "It's not just about her, I'm involved in this, too!" "I made a deal that could have set us both up and she knew it!" "That's what you get with women!" "And you, what do you want?" "Who told you to come in here?" "Get out of here!" "But I refuse to lose this one." "As soon as he gets back..." " Enough!" "Drop it!" " What?" " Drop it!" "I'm tired of this!" " Oh, you're tired of this?" " Please forgive me, Your Highness!" "May I, please..." " Get out of here!" " What's wrong with you?" " I'm tired of you, I don't ever want to see you again!" "What?" "Just a moment, be careful how you talk." "I don't like this behaviour." "You don't want to see me again?" "Well, that's what you think..." " But I have a right to speak, too." " You have no right at all!" "I am my own woman, I can do whatever I want!" "No, Darling, you do what I say!" "Since you're with me, you must obey!" "Not anymore, I want to be free!" "I'm free to leave you, aren't I?" "What do you mean by that?" "Have you found someone else?" " Is that why you want to leave me?" " No..." "I haven't found anyone, I don't want anyone." "I just want to free myself from this shameful life  from this mess, from this filth!" "Oh, filth?" "You want to talk about filth?" "Don't forget that I found you on a street corner!" "Yes, that's true." "On a street corner." "I was selling myself out of desperation, out of hunger." "But why did you take me with you?" "Not out of pity, no!" "But to better exploit me!" "See, I was selling myself for pennies..." "Now, I'm worth more." "Much more!" "Now I'm in the big time!" "No!" "I will not serve your foul interests any longer!" "I won't!" "Get out of here, coward!" " Get out of here!" " Go!" "Leave her in peace, now." "I'll go, but this isn't over!" "She has no idea what I'm capable of!" " Get out of here!" " I'll show her soon enough!" "That'll do!" "Come on, don't cry." "Blessed girl, if you want to leave him  then you shouldn't tell him about it!" "A bit of cunning, no?" "Now, tell me everything, have you found another?" "No, I don't want anyone!" "What do I have to tell you?" "Why won't you understand me?" "!" "I have the right to be like a normal woman, don't I?" " What will you do ?" " I don't know, but I can earn a living by myself." " I'll find a job, a place to stay..." " Do you want to be a maid?" "Why not?" "I'm not ashamed!" "This life is what I'm ashamed of." " I can't live like this any longer." " Do what you like!" "But remember, before you go we have to settle up." "You owe me a lot of money." "Yes." "Yes, here you go." "This is what I was paid last night." "And if that's not enough, here..." "I give you this bracelet, and all the clothes I have here." "All I'll need is some linen." "I'm going to pack a suitcase..." "And later, I'll send for it." " What should I tell him?" " To leave me in peace!" "When you've grown tired of living the life of the good woman  you'll be back here." "You'll always be welcome." "No, I won't be coming back here." "If you knew how many of them said that, and they all came back!" "No, no, no..." "END OF PART ONE" "PART TWO" " Excuse me, Sir?" " Who's that?" "What do you want?" " Don't you remember me?" " Ah, it's you!" "You look different." "Yes, I don't have my face on, I had to leave in a hurry  I was afraid I might miss you." "Do you always have to turn up when I'm on my way home?" "Please forgive me, I just wanted a few words with you." "Then hurry up about it, I don't want to miss the tram." "I've decided to change my life." " Change your life?" " Yes, to become an honest woman  and to find an honest living." "Do you not approve of my decision?" "Yes, of course." "But what made you decide to change now?" "You said that a woman like me would never be given a child." " Ah, it's about girl!" " Yes, it's about her." "If I live the life of a good woman, do you think I could look after her?" "Sure, but it's not easy, the process takes time." " Well, how long?" "6 months?" "A year?" " Longer than that, at least 3 years!" "That's the minimum allowed by law." "The minimum it takes to get a certificate of good character." " 3 years!" " What does it matter?" "It's not like the kid is yours." "And anyway, the relatives might turn up and take her away." "Just let it be..." "I can't, Sir." "Today, I went to see the child  and she latched onto me, crying, she didn't want me to leave." "She called me "Mummy"." " Mummy?" " Yes, Mummy." "I heard it with my own ears." "She wasn't speaking, but I heard her." "Well, that's nonsense!" "But if this is your intention, I won't keep advising you otherwise." " I'll try to help you." " Thank you, Sir..." "It doesn't depend on me." "But be careful, it's not easy to change your life." "It's easy enough to say it, but then..." "Oh, here's my tram." " Goodbye, and good luck!" " Good evening, and thank you!" " Want a smoke?" " No, thank you." "Hi, Mara, how's it going?" "Don't you remember me?" "Irene." " Yes, I remember." " Are you waiting for someone?" "No, no one." "Bye." " I'm sorry, I can't help you." " Thank you." "I'm sorry, I have too many girls." "Come back another day, who knows..." " Thank you, good day." " You're welcome, good day." " Miss, I'm sorry but you're too late." " Thank you." "Mara, sew this up and remember to pull the tacking out, okay?" "Yes, alright..." " Gualtieri?" "Mara Gualtieri?" " That's me, Miss." " Come to the office, please." " Yes, right away." "Here, this is the girl." "Mara Gualtieri of Caterina, father unknown, born in Rieti on 7/4/1904?" " Yes, that's me." " Why have you not reported your change of address?" " Well, I didn't think that..." " What didn't you think?" "You know how these things work." "Well?" " Where do you live now?" " Via San Mauro 33, at Mr Martelli's." " How long have you been here?" " Around 3 weeks." "Be careful, I could have had you arrested for this." " Excuse me, Ma'am." "Good day." " Good day." " May I go?" " Just a moment, come here." " This is what you're owed for 3 weeks." " What, you're sending me away?" "I'm sorry, I didn't know..." "But you should know that I can't..." "It's useless, without references nobody will take you." " Where did you last work as a maid?" " I'm starting now." "But what were you doing?" "There must be someone who can vouch for you." "No, I don't think so." "Ah, I see." "Well, try this place." "They might even hire you without references." " Give it a try." " Thank you, good day." "Next, please!" "STATION HOTEL" "Come in!" " You called?" " I lost a button, perhaps you could sew it back on?" " I'll go and get a needle and thread." " Don't worry, I have everything." "I always have everything I need." " Here's a needle and thread, but I don't know how to use it" " Allow me." " What's your name, Miss?" " Maria." "Ah, Maria!" "Maria..." "A pretty name, "Maria"." " Where is it?" " Ah, it's here!" " Stay still." " How mean you are!" "It's odd, the prettier you are, the more mean you are..." " Wouldn't you like a few pairs of silk stockings?" " No!" "I have a case full of them, all you have to do is choose." " What's your name?" " I told you, Maria." "That's right, Maria." "Mary, Maria..." " There, your button is attached." " Just a moment..." " Stay with me, please!" " Let me go!" " Maria, stay here." " Let me go!" " I beg you!" " Let me go or I'll scream!" " Be good!" " Let me go!" " Let go of me!" " Be a good girl!" "You villain!" "Bastard!" "Foolish girl!" "Foolish girl!" "Disappointing a client like that!" "Do you know that he's been coming to my hotel for more than 10 years?" "And now he might never come back, and all thanks to you!" "What was I supposed to do, give in to his abuse?" "Well, it wouldn't have been the end of the world!" "It's useless to be so particular." "One would think that you might be practical in such situations." " What do you mean by that?" " Come, don't be so naive!" "They know you very well over at the Vice Squad." " But, you knew?" " Of course I knew." "I got the information from the Police Station." "You knew and you hired me anyway?" "You hired me because I..." "With the hotel clients..." "God, how horrible!" "I told you that it wouldn't be easy to change your life." "So, there's no chance at salvation for someone like me?" "I will be forever chained to my sins?" "Is that what you're saying, Sir?" "No." "No, perhaps you can save yourself." "But you will have to swallow poison, to suffer humiliation..." "The journey is easy for those who wish to go down, but tough and tiring  for those who wish to rise again." "Everyone helps to push you down  but no one will give you a hand if you wish to climb back up!" "This is life, we must accept it." "But, what can I do?" "I'm ready to do anything, just tell me what to do!" "Try asking at this place." "I know the proprietor, a very good person." " I'll give them a call." " And will you tell them that I..." "Of course!" "But don't worry, they will hire you regardless." "The work is tiring, but they are in need of workers  and aren't concerned with their past lives." "Look at this beautiful doll I brought you!" "She has wonderful blonde hair like yours, and pretty blue eyes!" "On Sunday I'll bring you a nice dress so that you can change." "Okay?" "Will you be a good girl?" "Hold the doll, that's it." "And share her with your friends!" "She's busy showing the doll to her friends  and hasn't yet realised that you're not there." "But, does she cry when I'm not here?" "Of course." "She's always that way." "When you leave, she gets worked up." " Last time she cried all night." " Poor little thing." "I can't wait to be with her forever." " You can't take her now?" " No, I can't take her." " I must wait." " A long time?" "A few years." "Sister, buy her some fruit for me." "But, she has enough!" "I know, but she likes fruit so much, especially oranges." " Very well, as you wish." " Thank you, Sister." "She's looking for me." "She's realised that I'm not there." "Please, Sister, go to her before she starts crying." "Calm her down..." "Hello, darling, how are you?" "Still in the land of the living, I see." " What do you want?" " I came for a chat, to say hello." "Excuse me, may I come in?" " Who gave you my address?" " No one." "I was walking past  and I saw you go in." "I asked the porter, and here I am." "Who are you with, now?" " I'm alone." " Oh, really?" "A solitary life, is it?" "That's a shame for someone of your age, of your temperament." " Who is the cot for?" " It's none of your business." " So, it's true what they told me?" " What did they tell you?" "That you adopted that child." "I wouldn't believe it  but now that I've seen the cot..." "I haven't adopted her yet, but I will adopt her soon." "I've done all the paperwork, and I will adopt her as my own." "So it's because of this stupid idea that you left me and our world?" "Yes, because of this stupid idea." "Now please, go." " Leave me in peace." " Is that the way to treat an old friend?" "A lot of time has passed since we last saw each other." " Almost 2 years." "No regrets?" " None." " Me, well, I've missed you." " Really?" " I've thought about you often." " Oh, yes?" "One cannot forget a woman like you." "Your body, your mouth..." "Mara, why don't you come back to me?" "You can't have forgotten that we once loved each other." "We can continue our life as though nothing had happened  as though these 2 years hadn't passed." "I need you, Mara." "I need you!" "You need me?" "So, business is going badly?" "No, I don't care about business." "You must believe me, I still love you." "I love you even more than before." "I've never forgotten about you, you are in my blood like a fever." " When I think of you I feel crazy..." " That's enough, it's over!" " Don't be ridiculous!" " No, don't say that." "I want you to come back to me." "If you want to adopt that child, adopt her." "What does it matter?" "I'll support her, too." "I'm working now, you see, earning money." "And you can, too." "They're opening a nice place, and they need beautiful women." " I know the manager and owner..." " Enough, you're wasting your breath!" "No, it's absurd that you're living in such poverty!" " What are you trying to achieve?" " What am I trying to achieve?" "To not be ashamed anymore." "You see it as a waste to make such sacrifices for so little, right?" "Look, my hands are ruined." "In the evenings I get home with swollen ankles, aching bones  and yet I take it all with joy." "Do you know how much I earn after 8 hours of hard work?" "If I told you, you would laugh." "In a week, I make less money than I used to make in a day." "Funny, eh ?" "But this is worth more to me than all the treasures in the land." "It's enough to live on  but I've made some cut-backs." "Everything you see here, I'm paying for in installments." "Poverty, yes..." "But I am happy and well." "And now, I ask you again to please leave me in peace." "I ask you without resentment, without malice..." "I ask you out of kindness." "You are capable of an act of kindness, aren't you?" "Leave me in peace." "I'll be back, I'm sure that next time you will have changed your mind." "As you can see, this is the largest area in the factory." "Here the material is pressed, put into forms and worked on  until it is made into square, hexagonal, or octagonal tiles  depending on the request." " Now, if you wish..." " May I have a closer look?" " Please, go ahead." " Thank you." "What about the machines down there?" "Those are needed to finish the tiles before they are taken to the warehouse." " Ah, how very interesting..." " How many do you produce a day?" "We produce over 100,000 tiles a day." "Naturally, of various types, forms, colours, etc." "Now we shall move on to another department." " What's wrong?" "What is it?" " Nothing, Darling, let's go." " Wonderful to meet you, Ma'am." " Thank you." " Thank you again." " Goodbye, Sir." " Is something wrong, Giulio?" " No, why do you ask?" "I don't know, your mood has changed all of a sudden." "No, I was trying to remember what appointments I have today." " Where am I taking you?" " The dressmaker, they're waiting for me." " Are you going to the office?" " Not right away, later." "Mara, why are you pretending that you don't know me?" " I have to talk to you." " We have nothing to talk about." "Listen to me for a moment, please." "At least allow me to explain..." "What is there to explain?" "You left me, went your own way." "You have your life, don't you?" "We have nothing to talk about." "That's not true, there are so many things you don't know, and..." "Please, we can't stay here in the middle of the street." " If you think that..." " No, it's not what you think." "I really must talk to you." "Come..." "Yes, it's true, I know how things must have looked." "You think that I lied to you, that I deceived you..." "Don't worry about what I think, it's not important." "What had to happen, happened." "We both made a mistake." "I, who believed you  and you, who made me a promise that you couldn't keep." "It's the same old love story of a young man from a good family  and a poor girl like me." "Now, you say that you loved me?" "That you didn't want to leave me?" "That you were forced into it?" "Yes, I believe you, I don't blame you." "Don't try to justify yourself, it's really not worth it." " Don't say that." " Would you prefer me to yell at you?" "What for, after all this time?" "Our meeting brought everything back  and now you're feeling guilty." "No, you're mistaken." "I searched for you for months, for years..." "And you couldn't find me, that's what always happens." "Then, you gave up searching and forgot about me." "You probably got married." " Was that your wife, the pretty lady you were with?" " Yes..." "I gave up, too." "Consoled myself." "Pain is like memories, it goes away after a while." "So, you didn't care that I left you?" "I attempted to kill myself." "Yes, the usual kind of suicide, using the gas oven." "I almost managed it, too." "They took me to the hospital  and gave it back to me by force, the life that I no longer wanted." "But I, I never knew..." "Of course, only a few unimportant lines among the news of the day." "It's only natural that it eluded you." "I would have tried to kill myself again  but something stronger stopped me." "The only thing of yours I had left." " A child growing inside me." " Mine?" "Yes, yours." "You didn't know this either, did you?" "I gave birth to a girl as beautiful as an angel." "She was my joy, my strength, my hope..." "But I lost her, too." "Sudden death." "She closed her eyes as though she were falling asleep  but she never woke up." "Now you know everything." "My past, my present..." "What more do you want from me?" "I don't know." "I don't know." "I'm devastated, the things you have told me are so terrible." "I horrify myself for the pain I have caused you." "I won't even ask for forgiveness." "But, if I can do anything for you..." "What?" "Offer me your compassion?" "Your pity?" "Thank you, I don't need it." "Offer me money?" "I don't need it." "All I ask is that you leave me alone." "You remind me of things I would rather forget." " Farewell, Giulio." " Mara!" "At least allow me to see you home." "Thank you, but I'd prefer to go alone." "There!" "One more signature, down at the bottom." "And another here." "There, done." " What now?" " Now, we just have to wait." "How much time will it take?" "Around 15 days, not long now." " Thank you, good day." " Good day." " Di Marco." " Agnelli." " Good day." " Good day." " When will I have the child?" " Well, as soon as you get the court order." " Will there be any difficulties?" " No, we have overcome them all." "You have been issued your certificate of good character." "You have now covered your past and need not think about it again." "Sir, I don't know how to thank you." "Nonsense!" "You should be thanking yourself, for your own will power." "Honestly, I didn't think you would be capable of it." "Do you think you have what it takes to be this child's mother?" "Yes, of course." "Shouldn't I?" "It is all up to you, now." "Officially, she is your daughter." " She will also have your name." " My name..." "Sir, do you think it might shame her to have my name?" "Shame her?" "No, as I said, you need not think about your past again." "It's up to you to forget about it." " Now, be at peace." " Thank you." " And good luck." " Thanks so much." " Does Miss Gualtieri live here?" " Yes, Block C, 4th Floor." "But she's not in, she just left." "Look, there she is!" "At the tram stop." " Thank you." " You're welcome." "Now, let's just go inside the church for a moment!" "Mara..." "Why?" "Why did you lie to me?" "Why did you tell me she was dead?" " But, it isn't her." "It isn't her!" " What do you mean, it isn't her?" "This is an orphan." "I love her, because she reminds me of my child." "She is the same age." "She's beautiful, just as my daughter would have been." " But it isn't her." " Why do you continue to lie?" "What are you afraid of?" "Are you afraid of me?" "Are you afraid that I might cause my daughter harm?" "No, I swear it isn't her." "Why would I have to lie?" "I swear on the Holy Virgin." "I took her in when her parents died." "She became attached to me as though I was her mother, but I'm not!" "God wills it, but I'm not!" "You must believe me." "I can't believe you." "Your face, it tells me that you're lying." "But I cannot understand why." " Is it revenge for what I've done to you?" " No." "Are you trying to punish me?" "You want to stop me from seeing her?" "Is this what you want?" "No, no!" "What do I have to say to convince you?" "Here!" "Sister, tell him  tell him that she's an orphan, that her parents are dead!" "We do not know the origins of the children we take in." "All we know is they are all children of the Lord." "Do you not greet me any more, Giulio?" "Excuse me, I didn't want to interrupt." "Giulio, what's wrong?" "I've been watching you for days." "Is there something worrying you, something disturbing you?" "No, nothing." "Perhaps I'm just tired." "I'm working a lot these days." "No, Giulio, don't say that." "Why won't you tell me?" "Do you not trust me?" "Yes, Elena, I trust you." "And it's better that you know." "I need you to help me get over this pain, this anguish..." " Yes, Giulio." "Talk, I'm listening." " Come close to me." "Don't say anything, it's a secret I must tell you." "I can no longer overcome it by myself, I need your help." " Miss Mara Gualtieri?" " Yes, that's me." " May I?" "I'd like a word with you." " Of course." "Go on through." " Please, Ma'am, have a seat." " Thank you." "My visit might come as a surprise to you, I am..." " I'm the wife of Giulio Franchi." " I know." " But, how?" " I saw you that day you came to visit the factory." "I wouldn't have recognised you, but now..." "Giulio has told me everything." "I am here, not as a rival  or as an enemy." "This doesn't concern the past." "The past is nothing to do with me." "There is something more serious, more important..." "Something that will require all of my courage, and your comprehension." "Tell me, Ma'am." "It's difficult, very difficult." "I don't know where to start." "Excuse me, it seemed so simple before coming here." "But now..." " I want to speak about your daughter." " But, my daughter is dead." "Why do you continue to deny it?" "Giulio told me he saw her." "That's not true!" "The child Giulio saw is a poor orphan  that I took in after a terrible train disaster." "He didn't want to believe me, but that's the truth." "But, you don't believe me either?" "Why would I lie?" "I tell you, it's not my daughter!" "You arranged all this, for a daughter that isn't yours?" "What does it matter, I arranged everything while I was waiting." "What business is it of yours?" "I am free to do what I like!" "Besides, think what you like, and tell the same to Giulio!" "If you want to believe me, good, otherwise you can leave me in peace!" "My husband doesn't know that I'm here." "It was my idea." "What do you want from me?" "To see my face?" "There, happy now?" "No, it wasn't vulgar curiosity that brought me here to you." " My visit was for something else." " What do you want?" "Tell me." "I wanted to ask you to let me look after the child." "What?" "!" "It is an absurd request, I know." "But please don't say no straight away." "Think about it for a moment, perhaps, who knows..." "Let you look after the child?" "Why would you ask me that?" "We are alone, and we have more than enough money." "We can secure a future for her." "Whereas you, please excuse me  you have to work for a living." "No matter what you do, you could never give her such comfort  such opportunities..." "She will have everything she needs, everything I can give her." "I know, I don't doubt it, but it's not just about this." "There's something else, that perhaps you haven't thought of." "Please, don't be offended by what I'm trying to say." "It's not your fault, but if the child comes to you one day asking  who or where her father is, what will you tell her?" "That she is nobody's child?" "That her name is not her father's?" "What does this matter?" "I already told you, that child is not my daughter." "How can I make you understand?" "Why won't you believe me?" "I doesn't matter whether I believe you or not." "You don't have to convince me, it's you who has to decide." "To think that that child could have a house, a family, a father..." "And I would love her as a mother." "I would give her all the love that I couldn't give to my own child." "Use women have this enormous need to love  this joy of giving out maternal affection, even if we aren't mothers." "To sacrifice ourselves for our children, even if we have none." "It is our happiness and also our suffering." "That you understand me and allow me to love this child, too." "This is all I'm asking, just this." "But don't answer right away, think about it for a while." "Then, let me know, here is my address." "There is no rush." "When you can or wish to call me, call me." "We'll meet up and talk some more." " This is the best day of my life." " Congratulations, Child." "Thank you, Ma'am." "Now, let's go home." "To your house, and you'll see how many lovely things we have!" "But I can't tell you anything, it has to be a surprise!" "Here we are!" "Look, look at all this!" "Darling, I wanted to give you more, but this is all I could manage." "Are you happy?" "Yes." " All for me?" " Of course, Darling." "And we'll buy you many more beautiful things, when we can." "Whoops-a-daisy!" "Be a good girl, now." " Who is it?" " Carlo, open up." "Hold on!" "Come through here with me, Mummy has something to do." "An annoying man to send away." "Here, play with these." "And take your coat off!" "Were you afraid to open the door?" "What took you so long?" "Why are you here?" "I already told you that I never want to see you again!" "You can't get rid of me that easily." "I thought I'd convinced you by now." "Get out, I'm busy today." "I'm in a hurry!" "You're going out?" "Good, we can walk together." "I have a new business deal..." "I don't want to hear anything." "Get out of here, please!" "You should hear what I have to say." "I met this guy who is really worth his weight in gold." "As soon as he sees you..." "If you continue to torment this way, I'll..." "You'll do what, report me?" "Listen, Carlo." "Leave me in peace, go away." " Come on, don't be silly." " I beg you, please leave!" "Go away!" "You said that the first time, and you ended up in my arms." "Or did you forget?" " I don't want to remember it." " Why?" " Go away!" " Why?" "Please, let go of me!" "Let go of me!" " Who's in there?" " No one, none of your business." " Now I understand your hurry!" "Show me who it is!" " No!" " I want to see the face of my replacement!" " No!" "Stay away from that door!" "Coward!" "Mummy!" "Mummy!" "Dina!" "Don't cry, Mummy is coming." "Mummy is coming, don't cry." "Don't come closer!" " Mummy!" " Don't cry, Darling!" "God, look what I've done to you!" "Don't cry because of me!" "That scoundrel will be in jail for years, he won't bother you again." "Is the child okay?" "Is she safe and well?" "She is perfectly fine and impatient to see you again." " Now you can live with her in peace." " You have been too kind." "But now, I understand." "Please, revoke my adoption papers." " Why, you don't want to adopt her?" " No, Sir." "I need to ask one more favour of you." "Send for Giulio Franchi." "Here, this is his address and telephone number." "Tell him that the child is his daughter, and that he can come and get her." " That I'm leaving her to him." " But, what are you telling me?" "Who is this Mr. Franchi?" "He was the first man in my life." "The father of the child I lost." "I met him by chance, after so long." "I had not seen him since then." "Now, he is married to another woman." " What does he have to do with the child?" " He thinks she is his daughter." "Didn't you tell him that this wasn't true?" "Yes, I told him." "I swore on the Holy Virgin." "But he didn't believe me." "Then his wife came to see me." "His wife?" "What did she want?" "She came to ask me for the child." "She wouldn't believe me, either." "I tried to resist  to oppose it, but..." "Now, after all that's happened..." "I've realised that I can never free myself of my past." "It's better that he takes her, thinking he is her father." "And he will love her like a father." "You will give her up after all the sacrifices you've made?" "Yes, I must give her up." "Perhaps fate has intervened." "I would have done her nothing but harm, without meaning to." " I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused." " No, it's nothing..." "Thank you again." "Just a moment, a last favour..." "Please don't tell them what I used to do." "The life I led." "Not for me, for the child." "I don't want to stain her." "Don't worry, don't worry." "No one will know." " And good luck." " Thank you." "Thank you, thank you." "How is the child?" "Has she asked for me?" "Yes." "I told her that she will see you soon." "No!" "No, no!" "You will always be her mother, you can see her every day." "No, I won't see her again." "And you must forget me, too." "As though I never existed." "Farewell." " Shall I put these in a vase?" " Yes, Sister." "In front of the Holy Mother, thank you." "I told you everything, as I promised." "Now, you can report me." "No." "Please, excuse me for..." "For that which..." "I have nothing to say." " I will try to hush things up." " Thank you." "Come with me." " No..." " No, please..." " Here it is." " What are you doing, Sir?" "Nothing." "I won't say a thing, but wait for me here." "Come in." "Excuse me." " Here is your medallion." " Ah, you found it!" " But, where was it?" " Thank you!" "You must be quite a detective!" " Who took it?" " Yes, about that..." "It was taken, well, stolen  by a female employee of ours." " Why didn't she steal the jewelry?" "She explained to me that she wasn't interested in the object  but your childhood portrait." " My portrait?" " Yes." "It reminded her of her dead daughter, she was around the same age..." "I'm sorry." "We thought that..." "If it means so much, perhaps you could give it to her, poor thing." " Where is she?" " Here, outside." " Please, show her in." " Right away." "Miss Gualtieri, come in." "The manager told me that..." "Yes, if this medallion means so much to you, you can have it." "Oh, no!" "You're very kind, but its yours!" " It must mean a lot to you." " No, I was just fond of it." "It was my good luck charm." " Did it bring you good luck?" " Oh, yes!" " Have you always been happy?" " Yes." "Of course." "Why wouldn't I be?" "You're right, I'm asking things that I have no right to ask." "Please, allow me to thank you." " Please, could you..." " What?" "Kiss me." "Kiss me as though I was your mother." "Of course." "Excuse me, please don't think that I'm crazy." " No, of course not." " I wish you the very best." "Farewell." "What a strange woman." "Perhaps the loss of her child sent her a bit mad." "Well, now get back to your work." "Thank you, Sir."