"STUDIO FILMOWE KALEJDOSKOP presents in co-production with ALVERNIA STUDIOS and KINO SWIAT" "with the financial support of the Polish Film Institute a Filip Bajon film" "Southern Poland 1825" "Two young couples are on their way to sign a prenuptial agreement." "Aniela, the daughter of Mrs. Dobrojska Hopefully, the future wife of Gustaw." "Gustaw, the nephew of Radost Hopefully, Aniela's future husband." "Klara, the niece of Mrs. Dobrojska Hopefully, the future wife of Albin." "Albin Hopefully, Klara's future husband." "Radost, Gustaw's uncle" "Mrs. Dobrojska Aniela's mother and Klara's aunt" "Klara's father" "Give me your hand." ""I solemnly swear..."" ""I solemnly swear..."" ""..." "I will hate men for all eternity..." "..." "I will hate men for all eternity..."" ""And I vow never to marry!" "And I vow never to marry!"" "Are we forbidden to love then?" "We can love one another, my sweet." "Love one another?" "That's a splendid idea." "But please, tell me, Klara:" "Are men never honest?" "War of Love" "Love is a mighty power." "It binds together two souls..." "And two bodies." "It is an unquenchable fire." "There's nothing in the world that it wouldn't burn." "It burns even the pristine snow of maiden's innocence." "If you agree, sweet lady, give me a kiss!" "I hope my arguments have convinced you." "Damn!" "What's going on here?" "Uncle, what a surprise!" "Don't be angry, have some fun." "That's the spirit!" "Pray tell me, dear Gustaw, don't you want to get married?" "Of course I do, my dear uncle." " Are you sure?" " I can't wait to get married!" "And would the scene I just witnessed please your future wife?" "What she doesn't see won't hurt her." "All those nightly escapades, shady company..." "What about them?" "Think about Aniela." "What business is it of Aniela, when and where I go to sleep?" "You've spent several days now with her family." "And every day there's new mischief." "I could almost cry." "Mrs. Dobrojska is so kind to you." "She knows your parents were friends of mine." "She gives you every encouragement in her power." "But it's all in vain!" "You are a worthless fool and country life bores you stiff." "You make no effort to hide it." "No effort at all!" "Stop fretting, uncle." "Now that we have signed the prenup, we are practically as good as married." "You can stop worrying and just relax." "Even if we fight, what is it to you?" " How will this end?" " Why, with a marriage!" "Aren't you a bit too confident?" "Klara!" "Klara!" "Oh, stop meowing like a cat." "Here I am." " Lady, you sin against love." " I, sin?" "God forbid!" " You are cruel and cold." " Actually, I'm room temperature." " No one can conquer your proud heart." " Well, not everyone, that's true." "I love you so." "I weep." "And I laugh." "You'll miss me when you lose me." "Oh, cruel one!" "Oh, proud one!" "Oh, cold one!" "Oh, heaven help me!" "Aniela, we must be on our guard." "There's too much love in the air." ""Love is a treacherous chap, He can lay a clever trap."" ""If you meet him, run for cover, Or misery you'll discover."" "My grandma taught me this song." "And I think it's very apt." "Oh, cruel goddess!" "I will leave." "I cause you nothing but pain." "Don't take Klara so seriously." "She only spoke in jest." "And I believed every word." "Pity the poor man who is in love with Klara." "She's absolutely merciless." "What's wrong?" "Klara and Aniela swore an oath!" "They vow never to get married." "Did they indeed?" " What?" "Are you laughing?" " I am, because I don't believe it." " I swear it's true." " Who told you?" "I just know it's true." "It's just the thing that could wake Gustaw from his daze." "Thanks for the good news, Albin." "Good news?" "Are you mad?" "I'm dying of misery." "You won't die." "I can see it." "Klara, will you ever love me back?" "I'm dying for love, my sweet Klara!" "Here comes Mr. Gustaw, the dandy of Warsaw." "Politeness is out of fashion this year." "If he opens his mouth, we should be flattered." "He wants to get married to dispel the boredom." "Don't you think that's stupid?" "Of all the reasons to get married, that's the most idiotic." "But there's no accounting for tastes." "If only one could believe that there is such a thing as true love!" "It's not to be had." "Do you remember the book we used to read?" "Of course! "Clothilde's Husband, or, an Unfaithful Wretch"" "So, should I try to woo Gustaw?" "That would be going too far." "Just look pleased when he's around." "He doesn't seem to see us at all." " He's mute and blind." " Should I beg for his love?" "Should she make small talk when he has nothing to say?" "He is bored with us stupid country girls." "He talks to us only about the weather." "Upon my word, I'm doing all I can to excuse his conduct." "Upon my word, how does he plan to find a wife without waking up?" " You do get carried away, my girls." " Mother, what would you have us do?" "Should we sing to him when he's dozing?" "Or dance around his armchair when he snores?" "That would be rather extreme." "Just be polite and friendly, that's all." "In fact, there are three single men in the neighbourhood:" "Radost, Albin and Gustaw." "And three is a symbolic number, it stands for perfection." "Aren't they a holy trinity of masculine virtues?" "Maybe our restricted female brains just cannot comprehend their magnificence?" "Maybe their honour and wisdom are hopelessly beyond our grasp?" "Maybe we just drag them down to our level?" "Maybe it's our own fault that we blame them?" "That's a bit far-fetched." "Men have faults and so have women." "Therefore, the sensible thing to do is to be aware of one's own faults and try to excuse the faults of the other sex." "I can see you are pining for Klara." "Upon my word, I'm doing all I can to excuse your conduct." "No, I'm not yelling." "It's you... you are yelling." "I'm totally calm." "Don't be ridiculous." "I just called because I thought this would amuse you." "Oh yeah, it's really amusing." "It's bloody hilarious." "Am I yelling?" "Am I yelling?" "The rain has stopped." "The sky is very clear." "Indeed, the weather is remarkably fine." "No one can say I am not polite." "Are you at work, ladies?" "Yes, and men despise women's work." "Even though embroidery is the best remedy for boredom." "Are you bored?" "Are you asking me, Auntie?" "It's not polite to answer one question with another." "It's not polite to criticise your friends' manners in public." "Oh, are we friends?" "Friends or enemies, they can get bored just as easily." "Klara, stop this." " I'll give you a piece of advice..." " Oh, I just love advice!" "...advice for naughty children." "If I want to see a naughty child I'll know where to look." "Look in the mirror, lady." "Klara has such ready wit." "Please, don't take offence." "On the contrary, I quite enjoy it." "Fancy that!" "I have the power to raise you from boredom." "I think Mr. Gustaw is quite right when he says that country life is quiet and uneventful." "Indeed, but I find this particularly charming." "It is truly enchanting!" " You see?" " What?" " He yawns." "Nice manners!" "Is it polite to praise something you don't actually like?" "There's a lot to be said for country life." "In the spring you have the flowers, with the sweet little... petals." "In the summer... the harvest, I think?" "Then in the autumn there's also something or other." "In the winter, of course, you have..." "those lovely long evenings." "So, the country is absolutely delightful in every season." "The boredom depends on the person, not on the circumstances." "If we always yearn for something new and are never satisfied, then we get bored." "When we desire a novelty every second, we can't escape boredom." "Surely, boredom doesn't depend on where you live." "But I hope Mr. Gustaw will learn to appreciate our company." "Hush, Auntie!" "I think he's appreciating us right now." "What?" "Let's leave him." "Let's all go away." "What with the significant look?" "Is it for Aniela or for Klara to see?" "What is this rumour about the vows?" "Just childish nonsense I pretend to know nothing about." "You can imagine what example of marriage they saw at Klara's parents." "I'm also pretty sure they read some racy books on the sly." "And hence this purported hatred of men." "But don't worry, they'll grow out of it." "Yes, that they will." "Still, it's a problem for Gustaw." "It's always better for a woman to be too cold than too inviting." "My dear!" " Radost, stop this old nonsense!" " I can't." "Go and whisper compliments into Gustaw's ear instead." "What should I do with the boy?" "If only I could bind him with a rope and take him to church by force." "If only they get married, I'm sure they'll end up very happy." "I'm afraid I don't understand what you see in Gustaw." "He is too much in love with himself to even think about anyone else." "That's not true." "Oh, of course." "He has no faults whatsoever." " Indeed he has." " Such as?" "He is too fond of fun, too excitable." "In short, he's a showoff." "And what's with the dozing off?" "The sleeping?" "The neglect?" "Gustaw?" "!" "Gustaw!" "How could you?" "Yes, my good ladies..." "Country life has its charms." "Tell me, what were you thinking of?" "To doze in front of your fiancee, as if she were your wife?" "It's too difficult to try to amuse these country girls." "If I talk about the city life they say I'm snobbish." "If I try to talk about farming they think that I believe they are country bumpkins." "When I talk about literature, they think I'm not manly enough." "If I joke, they complain I'm not treating them seriously." "Whatever I do, they criticise me." "Is Aniela also like this?" "Well, we have nothing in common." "I've talked to her about the harvest, the landscapes, even the sheep." " What else is there?" " I rest my case." "Why should I talk to her at all?" "Isn't it enough if I just say:" ""I love you" and she will reply:" ""I love you too"?" "And what is she says:" ""I love you not"?" "At least we will know where we stand." "That's very comforting." "But listen, Gustaw..." "Have you heard that Aniela and Klara have a plan?" "What plan?" "They vowed never to get married." "What?" "Uncle, I simply can't believe it." "Don't they like us men?" "Why would they do it?" "Are all girls like this?" "They just said they'd never get married." "Oh those cold words, formed by those sweet pouting lips." "The cruel frown on those white innocent brows." "How invigorating I find this!" "Is it possible I am falling in love?" "I think I must be." "That's it!" "That's the reason the girls are so fed up with men:" "Albin's wandering about like a lovestruck ghost." "He's whining and sighing, God knows why." "He has been moaning for Klara for ages." "So now the girls think that's what love should look like." "Perchance one day I will receive a reward for my faithfulness?" "Perchance, but not from me." " I love you so." " I know." " I'll wait for you." " In vain." "How happy I would be if, just once, when I drop something on the floor, you wouldn't jump to pick it up." "Or, when I am looking for scissors, that you wouldn't run to fetch them." "Or when I sneeze, that you wouldn't cry: "Bless you"." "I simply can't stand it." "If I try to anticipate all your wishes, if I want to devote all my life to you," "it is because I love you." "It's all just talk." "I vowed to hate all men and I'll keep my word." "I can feel that hatred right now." "I don't hate you specially." "Klara, if you could only see what's going on in my soul..." "I know you would finally love me back." "I think I would not." " Never?" " Please, stop this." "Oh, cruel lady!" "Your words are death to me." "Death?" "Fancy that!" "Soon every friend will envy you that you brought a man to his death." "No man has ever died for love." "Oh those cold words, formed by those sweet pouting lips." " Well, what's up?" " Nothing." "Upon my word, am I falling in love?" "I think I must be." "That's childish nonsense." "I don't want to hear it." "Don't start this again." "I won't deny Klara's easy to look at." "Klara..." "She's God's punishment for my sins." "Take some Prozac." "I did." "It isn't working yet." "Let's wait until it does then." "I wonder, are they rehearsing or arguing in real life?" "Sweet lady, I know you have reasons to be angry with me." " Have I?" " Yes, lady." "I know nothing of them." "I think you do." "Thank you for forgiving me with such sweetness." "Why all this conversation?" "Is there anyone here who is more important to me than you?" " I have wronged you." " Have you indeed?" "I freely confess it." "I believe you." " Please forgive me." " I do." " And you mean it?" " I mean it." "Soon you will see me in a new light." "Can you at least give me some hope?" "I can give you no hope." " And the hope of a future hope?" " None, sir." "That was mean!" "Don't you know my uncle's plans for us?" "I do." "Don't you know that your mother encourages these plans?" "I know." "It is everyone's wish." "Will you not yield to it?" " I won't." " You won't?" " I won't." " That's brisk." " But honest." "Oh yes, honesty's great." "Is this to do with the vows?" "I don't know what you mean." " You have vowed not to marry." " Now?" " No, I don't." " And later?" "Who knows?" "Oh, I know what will happen." "Some idiot will come and claim you." "He will get what you deny me." "Is it not so?" " Anything's possible." " "Possible"?" "That's ridiculous." "That's preposterous!" "I cannot secure your affection, but there will come some moon-struck idiot, some new Albin, and he will get the reward." "Why do you spurn me?" "Do I spurn you?" " You don't?" " I don't." "Honestly." "That's unbearable!" "Why do you torment me so?" "Why do you play with me?" "I don't." "Don't you believe that my love for you is true?" " I don't." " Ask me for proof." "Tell me what to do." "I'll fulfil your every command." "Please keep silent." "Lady, pity me in my misery and don't spurn me." "I beg you!" "Look, I am begging you on my knees for your mercy!" "What's this?" "Are you kneeling out of gratitude, or are you doing penance for being too bold?" "Alas, you got me wrong." "I got bored with walking and sitting so I knelt, just for a change." "I know your plan." "You got nowhere with significant looks and heavy sighs." "Your pretty speeches were all in vain." "So now you went for your last resort:" "Kneeling." "If she won't listen, suicide threats could do the trick." "Shall I bring you my scissors?" "What?" "Why so silent?" "Are you dumb and paralysed?" "I know, you must be violently in love." "But isn't it just a passing fancy?" "Is it true, constant love?" "Why on earth didn't Aniela believe you?" "She doesn't want to listen to me." "Hence the despair." "That's bad." "But maybe she would listen to me." "Would you do this?" "I know she relies on you." "I can promise you I'll talk to her about your despair and your true love." "Yes, tell her everything, my sweet Miss Klara!" "Am I your "sweet Miss Klara" now?" "Heaven have mercy!" "I can scarcely believe it." "It's mind-boggling how gullible men are." "It's almost a shame to fight them, they are so easy to defeat." "It's only if you trust them that they can triumph over you." "They are like treacherous snakes, like cunning tigers." "What I saw here today just proves that I am right in my hatred of men." "Talking to you is such a treat, It nearly sweeps me off my feet." "You little lizard!" "I grant you have a quick wit and a biting tongue." "But I am not as clueless as your Albin either." "You think you are going to use your tricks on me?" "Just you wait!" "So, what of Klara?" "Klara..." "She's God's punishment for my sins." "She is too full of herself, she's noisy as a hen." "What wouldn't I give to get her out of the way." "Uncle, maybe, in order to help me have Aniela, you could..." "I could what?" "You could marry her!" "Are you mad?" " Uncle, do this for me." " I won't dignify this with an answer." " She's getting in my way." " Why me?" "Don't cross her, and she won't cross you." "Why are you persuading Albin to rebel against Klara?" "I don't need to." "He's already a rebel." " Who?" "Albin?" " Yes." "I can't believe it." "Believe it or not, Albin is not as meek as he seems." "He vows to be faithful to one, yet loves another." "Are you there, my sad Albin?" "We heard your sighs of unhappy love from the staircase." "Don't let Klara rule you." "Be strong, rule her instead." "Don't bore her with your sighs, don't behave like a dimwit!" "Think with your brain instead." "Just be strong, I beg of you." "Good night!" "Go hang yourself!" "Trust not those beseeching eyes that caress your face," "Trust not those trembling hands that yearn to touch you," "Trust not his beseeching voice - But trust your own feelings." "Trust your own instincts, they will never lie." "Trust your impulses, because they are the best part of you." "There are kindred souls, who recognise one another and feel mutual attraction." "Those souls passionately long to be united, they yearn for one another in spite of all obstacles." "Did our clever Mr. Gustaw give you any advice?" "He told me to fall out of love." ""And then", he said, "she'll love you."" "Did he indeed?" "He's a filthy libertine, that's why your devotion gets on his nerves." "He said: "What good did two years of sighing do to you?"" ""What good?" That's preposterous!" "He said: "Now all girls will expect they can torment their suitors for years."" "Sure, he would like us to accept them after two minutes." " "Don't let her rule you..." - "Rule?" That's nicely done!" "Oh, bravo." "That's great advice." ""And she'll let you rule her."" "You rule me?" "Oh, but of course." "For men it's all about ruling." "You want to lord it over everyone." "No wonder there's so much trouble in the world." " But I'm not going to listen to him." " I could kill him for his advice." " What will you have me do?" " Go away." "I say "Go!" and he goes." "I say "Be silent" and he obeys." "Why doesn't he contradict me?" "At least once in a while?" "How can a girl love a man who is so ridiculously obedient?" "Hello, little lizard!" "Whoa, whoa!" " What happened?" " She told me to leave." " What do you want?" " Listen to me!" " Well, what?" "Pretend that you love another." "Make her jealous!" " I won't do it." "I'd as soon die." " Just for a time." " Never!" " For a day?" " No, I won't." " For an hour?" "How can I change what I feel?" "Just pretend you've fallen out of love." " I don't trust myself." " Then don't say anything." " For how long?" " At least for a day." " Without speaking?" " And without fainting." " A whole day?" " And without sighing." "Bear it up and you shall have her love." "I promise you!" "And then you'll be able to weep, sigh and sneeze as often as you like." "All right." " Give me your word." " But..." " Promise?" " I promise." "Should I congratulate you?" "What for?" "Taking on a new lover." "I know nothing of it." "Oh, I think you do, Auntie." "Aniela, can I have a word?" "What can you have to say?" "I want to explain my behaviour." "Radost forbade me to do it, but it's only fair to you:" "I am in love..." " My, haven't we heard this before?" " I am in love..." "I am in love..." "I am in love... with someone else." "You are surprised." "I can understand this." "I have a debt of gratitude towards Uncle Radost." "He was like a father to me." "When he ordered me to marry you, I begged him to change his decision." "But in the end I had to agree." "He simply wouldn't yield." "He forced me to promise I'll marry you." "But you love someone else?" "How else would I not fall in love with a sweet girl like you?" "I can see just one honourable solution:" "You should tell your uncle the truth." "I have confessed all, long ago." "I wept and begged him." " And what does he say?" " Nothing will move him." "He's adamant that you shall be my wife." "Even though he knows you despise me." "He forbids me even to mention my true love's name." "Why?" "Oh, it's a long story..." "There was some dispute and a duel between Uncle Radost and the father of..." "Aniela..." "Aniela?" "Yes, her name's also Aniela." "That's bizarre." "You can't imagine the torment of such doomed love." "I don't mind my own sufferings, but when I see my beloved, losing all hope and despairing, I can scarcely bear it." "Death would be a welcome consolation." "I yearn for it!" "Heavens above!" "Gustaw, what are you doing?" "God, what's this!" "You want to kill yourself?" "Suicide's a horrible, horrible sin." "You'd burn in hell." "Save me then!" "I'll try - but what can I do?" "Please help me." " Promise me not to think about suicide, ever again." " I promise." "I'm still trembling." " Will you help me then?" " But how?" "For a start, please ask your mother to help us." "I'll do it." "I'll beg her on my knees until she agrees to help you." "Do not despair, Mr. Gustaw." "All my happiness, my very life is in your hands." "In my hands?" "How can this be?" " When your mother is on our side..." " I'll do my best to persuade her." "But, when all's said and done, what can she do?" "She'll persuade Uncle Radost." "But not just yet..." "Mrs Dobrojska would be terribly angry with uncle if she knew." "But not just yet..." "Your mother would be terribly angry with uncle if she knew that he had gambled with your future happiness." "This would put an end to their friendship." "So what should I do?" " You still want to help me?" " I do." "Let's just pretend that nothing has changed between us." "I'll pretend to woo you, you'll spurn me." "And then, when they press us I'll make a formal proposal, and you will refuse me." "All right, I understand." "All right." "So, are we allies in this?" "Yes, I would dearly like to help you." "Remember, I trust you with my happiness, with my very life." "There's no one in the world who knows my secret." "Sweet Aniela, you are my only hope." "Without you, I am utterly lost." "Well done, my children!" "Forgive me, Uncle." "What for?" "Take pity on my misery!" "Do not forsake me!" "Are you mad?" "Forgive me." "The deed is done!" "Or am I going mad?" "I told her all." "What the hell?" "Are you mocking me, my lad?" "Uncle!" "You're killing me!" "Wow, you're on a cover!" "Radost will marry her." "Radost?" "When he learns about my betrayal, he will marry Klara just out of spite." " She'll not have him." " It's already been arranged." " She can't stand him." " That's beside the point." "Radost's rich and her father's greedy." " It's as good as done." " Mercy, what can we do!" "I'm so much in love with my sweet Aniela that my heart will burst." "I'm sure she's very charming." "Indeed, she's perfect in every respect." " I'm sure she is." " I'm so glad you believe me." "You are my only friend in the world." "The only person I can trust..." "But how can I help?" "I can do so little..." "Radost has always seemed so kind..." "And now he seems so spiteful!" "Yes, it breaks my heart." " Who was here?" " What do you mean?" "Who was here with you?" "Gustaw, he was just passing by." "Was he telling you of his misfortunes?" "Yes, a little." "How long did you two talk?" "Not long at all." "So, what did he say?" "You won't believe it." "In a word - he wants to marry you!" "To marry me?" "That's absolutely hilarious." "I'll be able to torment him no end." "Beware, my Gustaw!" "Not Gustaw!" "Radost!" "What?" "Old Radost?" "Yes, Radost!" "Not Gustaw, to be sure." " I don't want him." " I'm not surprised." "They'll never make me." "Your father will." "You know how he likes gold, and Radost's a wealthy man." "It's as good as done:" "You'll be Radost's wife." "What's to be done?" "My father's stubborn like a mule." "Is there no way out of this?" "I have patched things up with Uncle Radost." "I was dying of fright!" "I'll always be grateful for your sympathy and friendship." "They are so beautiful and rare!" "I haven't really done anything." " You are too kind." " I enjoy being kind." "You'll have a chance to do a kindness tonight." "Tell me what to do." "I warned Klara." " Excellent!" "But won't she tell?" " Tell whom?" "And what for?" " Tell my uncle." " I'll vouch for her." "How did she take it?" "She cried." "She's only got herself to blame." "Albin was truly in love with her." "Good evening, my friend!" "Why so glum?" "Why is he glum indeed?" "He should thank heaven he's a bachelor." "Really?" "Damn it!" "I heard he wants to get married." "Someone should make him see sense." "Marriage is a sorry business." " Klara!" " Aniela!" "You know what?" "I think that other Aniela must be a very happy girl." "Who cares if she is happy or not?" "To be loved so passionately!" " Is this what Gustaw says?" " Why would he lie?" "To seem more interesting perhaps?" "He knows how to be grateful, so I'm sure he knows how to love." "Don't listen to him, that's my advice." "You don't know how sweet it is to see a man who is truly in love." "Who tells you about his feelings with such candour." "It makes me quiver, I get goosebumps when I hear him." "Something burns inside me when he talks to me about his love." "Don't be naive." "It might be new to you, but not to me." "Albin is doing this all the time." "He's behaving like a peasant." "His manners are gone." "He's not offering us a drink." "It's like talking to a brick wall." "Sometimes the young hen is more clever than the old cock." "Perhaps your father will not force you against your will?" "And if he does?" "You'll have to obey him." "That's easier said than done." "He's your father, he wants to see you settled..." "With an old man for a husband?" " He may be old, but he is a kind man." " What use is his kindness to me?" "Your triumph over Albin made you forget your father still has power over you." "Naturally, he didn't like the way you treated Albin." "When he finds a new suitor for you, that might be less to your liking." "But I always thought Radost was so content to be a bachelor!" "At least, Albin was in love with me." "Gustaw, that was some great advice." "She looked at me twelve times." "And sighed six times?" "Um, no, only four." "Still, that's a lot for a girl who never sighs." "True, it's a pity she sighs so seldom." "Still, nobody's perfect." "And you, did you sigh?" "Just once." "But I think she didn't see it." "What could I do, it's a force of habit." "When you feel the urge again, do me a favour and leave the room." "The heavens smile on me." "I'm so grateful to you, Gustaw!" "What splendid advice you gave me." " Just stick to it." " I'll do whatever you say." "And say no word to her." "Remember!" "Even if she cries." "Um, even if she cries?" "Don't "um" me, Albin." "You must bear it." "I'll try to find the strength." "So far, I'm suffering like the damned but I keep away from her." "Did you see how skilfully I avoided her during the ball?" "Yes, you're doing great." "Even when she poured you the wine..." "And I just took it and drank it." "How could you not, when it was poured!" "I swear I can see her softening." "We had ample proof of it tonight." "She's pining for you." "Just keep up the good work." "Even if she came up to you, and begged you to be reconciled, even if she cried remember you must be cold and refuse." "If it kills me, I'll do what you say." "I see now that it works." "What a friend you are to give me such great advice!" "I was just thinking, you know, that if they forced me to marry a man I didn't like, against my will," "I would make his life absolute hell." "Damn!" "And how would you do it, my lady?" "I would go to balls every day of the week." "That's not so bad." "I like a bit of fun myself." "Then I would stay at home and never go out." " There's a lot to be said for a quiet life." " I would spend all the money." "Only if your husband gives it to you." "I would force him to give me the money and then lose it." "Only if your husband is a ninny." "I'd buy new dresses every day." "I love the sight of a well-dressed woman." " Then I would only dress in old rags." " It would be much cheaper that way." "I would oppose him in everything." "He would say this, I would to that." "He sleeps, I talk; he talks, I yawn." "He laughs, I sigh; he sighs, I sing." "I would be insufferable, I promise you." "Just watch and see!" "It would be excellent penance for one's sins" "to have such a wife." "Gustaw tells me I am supposed to be the lucky man." "You finally admit it!" "I am not afraid, lady." "I don't believe your boasts." "I don't want you!" "Never!" "What would I do?" "Don't be childish!" "I wish I was." "Is Aniela here?" "No, as you can see." "Aniela, my foot!" " Brace yourself, Albin." " Easier said than done." "Should I congratulate you?" " What for?" " Taking on a new lover." " I know nothing of it." " Oh, I think you do, Auntie." "Gustaw, how dare you." "What, you don't want to become my Auntie?" "I'd rather die." "Is that so?" "Then I apologise." "Gustaw, why don't you put your uncle's earlier plans into action?" "We need a diversion." "Nothing would please me more." "But I think Aniela had already confessed to her mother that" "I love someone else." "So how can I proceed?" "Tell me - do you really love this other Aniela?" "That's as may be." "Anyway, our Aniela hates me." "Don't you believe it." "Even if I wanted to please my uncle and proposed, she would refuse me." "Aniela likes you." "Likes me?" "She is so kind and sweet, she likes everyone." "Why do you hesitate?" "What deters you?" " Uncertainty." " Let it vanish now." " And Aniela's love?" " It is all yours." "So does Aniela?" "Indeed, she does." "Thank heavens!" "My goal is accomplished." "I have to dash." "Good luck to you all." "It will never cease to amaze me:" "How they change their mind overnight." "They hate you in the evening, and then offer help in the morning." "Who will ever understand women?" "It's beyond the male intellect." "Talking to you is such a treat, It nearly sweeps me off my feet." "What's all this?" "I feel my world is collapsing around me." "Albin, you are avenged." "How guilty I feel!" "I have trifled with your love." "It hurts me so." "Have I no right to pity?" "Your cries for mercy are all in vain." "How can you say so, when you see how I suffer?" " What?" " It's Radost..." "Old Radost wants to marry me." "And you?" "I'll die first." " But how can they force you?" " My father can." "What?" "Radost and you?" "Over my dead body." "I'll kill him or die trying." "Albin!" "Come back!" "God, he'll kill him!" "Wrap up my hand." "It's done:" "I love her madly." " But does she really care for me?" " Not a mark." " What?" "!" " There's nothing here." "I know." "Just bandage it." "What will she say when I reveal that I truly love her?" " When should I declare it?" " Sir?" "You must calm down." "How dearly I'd love to tie the knot." "It is a fine knot indeed." " How should I resolve it?" " Just tuck at it, sir!" " Jan?" " Yes, sir?" " You're an idiot." "You've wrapped the wrong hand." "I write with my right." "But which hand is in pain, sir?" "Neither, you idiot." "Just wrap my right hand." "You see, Jan, I'm in love for the first time." " Sir?" " Hurry up, man." " This time, it's different." " It's the same." " How dare you?" " It's the left again, sir." "Oh, the hand?" "Please God that she may love me back." " Careful, you'll crush my hand." " Which one, sir?" "Stop this, Jan." "There's no pleasing some people." "For God's sake, shut up!" "I've cut my hand..." " Is it serious?" " Just a scratch." "But I can't write." "Could you do me a favour and write for me?" "What should I write?" "A letter." " Oh?" "To whom?" " To my Aniela." "How can I write a letter to your lover?" " What's wrong with that?" " Don't ask me to do it." " My hand hurts so..." " You could ask someone else." " There's only one love..." " But thousands of pretentions." "How can you belittle real love, just because imitations exist." "I only belittle imitations." "I'll write this letter but I wash my hands of the whole affair." "I hope no tear in the world will be shed because of me." "I sincerely hope you'll be happy." " Thank you." "I'll dictate it to you." " Let's write." ""Despite these clouds of unhappiness, I yearn for you..."" "It is not proper for me to write things like this." "Don't be ashamed, it's my letter, not yours." "How should I reward you for your kindness?" "Let's carry on then." "Yes. "Do not be jealous of the other Aniela, my love." "I assure you she absolutely detests me..."" "No, Mr. Gustaw." " Oh, sorry." " Please rephrase it." "Rephrase it yourself, if you want." "With pleasure." ""She likes me"?" "Is this true?" "How can I convince you?" " You've grown to like me?" " Yes." "And is there a chance that your liking could change into another feeling?" "It already did." "Will you love me?" "For all eternity?" "For all eternity." "To hell with clever schemes and false pretences!" "I love you, Aniela!" "I love you more than my life." "How so?" "Let's carry on with the letter." "Where were we?" "Oh yes: "I love you..."" "Can you repeat it?" ""I love you more than my life."" "And what next?" "What next?" "I hardly know." " Let's carry on." " Yes." "How can you say the word "love" without sincere affection?" "When you pronounce it, you should do it softly, tenderly." "Please, say it again." ""I love..."" "That's rather half-hearted." "I love you." "I love you." "You're too shy." "I love you..." "I love you." "Someone's coming!" "No." " Here you are!" " Calm down!" "Mother, don't let him!" "You can never be too careful about the guests you invite." "That's quite all right." "He used to be a showoff, now he's a liar." " Don't get so worked up!" " I'm absolutely calm." " Mother, don't believe him." " Who's this other Aniela?" "I only ever knew one Aniela, and she's your daughter." "And Aniela's father, your enemy?" "I'll be damned if I know what you're talking about." "So, was there no feud?" "Are you all insane?" " Mother, he's lying." " Have you all gone mad?" "But you must remember the duel?" "What duel?" "I get it!" "It must be some nonsense Gustaw invented." " He's laughing now." "See?" " I see." " Look here, sir..." " What now?" "Can you hear him?" ""What now?", he says." "You should be ashamed!" "Now is your last chance to come clean." "Who are you in love with?" "Be honest just for once." "Trust not my caressing eyes, Trust not my beseeching voice," "Trust not my trembling hands, But trust your own feelings." "Your own heart will never lie, a true love begets true love." "What does your heart say?" " Does it keep silent?" " No." " Aniela?" " Gustaw!" "And the other girl?" "There's no other girl." "So, you were not in love with someone else?" "Our happiness will hurt no one?" "You are my only love." "And as for Klara?" "I forgive her." "She can take Albin now, she loves him a little already." "Klara, what do you say?" "She'll agree, I give you my word." " But..." " But us no buts." "The End?" "Long ago and far away, in a never-never land, there lived a powerful old king." "He asked his court astrologer to look in the stars to find the answer to one question that was plaguing this good old king." ""How, if at all possible, can we persuade the naughty princess to behave?" "Or, failing that, how can we make her fall in love with the right man?"" "English translation:" "Anna Gutowska for Kalejdoskop"