"Quiet, he's coming." " Aren't you dizzy yet, girls?" " Yes, we are, about you." "Come try the wheel of fortune." "Twenty five cents gets you 10 crowns." "If you don't win today, you never will." "Come on and shoot." "6 shots for 25 cents." "Numbers 4 and 5 open." "Come try your luck." " You want 4?" " You take 5." " Want to shoot?" "Come and show your strength, boys." "Hit hard for Sweden and your girl." "6 strokes for 25 cents." "Hit it with all you got, old man." "Don't worry, the hammer won't break." "Better luck next time, old man." "Come and show your strength!" "6 strokes for 25 cents." "Good shooting." "I see you've used a gun before." "It's easy to hit the bulls-eye when you load the gun, miss." "Have a try." "Come and shoot!" "6 shots for 25 cents!" "Give me the rifle." " I'll shoot if you are the price." " You'd like that, eh?" "Come on!" "Come on, boys." "Show us what you've got!" " What's your address, if I write?" " Love Street 18, 4 kisses up." "Oh, there." "I'll come myself then." "Yes, go ahead." "But I'm never home." "No false modesty!" "Grab the hammer and strike!" "6 strokes, 25 cents." " Shoot!" " How do I do it?" " Aim low, just under the bulls-eye." " Yeah, if I can." "But if I hit that heart there, I get you an extra prize, right?" "Yes, on a dark night when nobody can see." " How dark?" " Pitch black." " Rosa!" " Yeah, what is it?" "Take it easy, will you?" "Come, come, and try it!" "Long fast rides on our lovely merry-go-round." "Come now while Mortenson's fun-fair honors your town." "This way is the right way." "Come on!" "Mrs. Mortenson still has a few tickets left and she sells them cheap, with a smile on her rosy lips." "Just so you'll all have a good time!" "It's never boring in a small town while our carousel spins." "Come on!" "Boys and girls, big and small, counts and barons." "Life is up and down on the merry-go-round." "Come on!" "Come on!" "Well, Count, aren't you going try the merry-go-round?" "No thanks." "I prefer to watch." "Is it the bubbling entertainment that interests you?" "No, it's that young man on the carousel." "The one in the strange uniform." "Has your colonel's eye noticed that it's not regulation?" "Oh no, it's not that." "I don't quite know what it is." "But I seem to recognize him." "I've noticed him a few times before during my evening walks." "I wonder if these scoundrels have permission to use my property to lure my tenants of their hard-earned money." "Uncle Magnus, remember the national economy axiom:" "Currency circulation is linked to the welfare of the country." "Cannan says in the "History of the Theories of Production"..." "Please, Eva, spare me your extravagant theories on national economy." "As you wish." "Let's walk home now." "Hurry!" "There are still a few pleasant rides left!" "Take advantage of this unique opportunity!" "This way!" "Come on!" "Mortenson!" "I see..." "Mortenson!" " Up!" " Ouch!" "You're crazy!" "Up with you, lazy-bones and have a cup..." "Coffee's ready." "You think you can treat me how you like." "But you can't, even if I happen to like you a little." "Get into your clothes quickly, or I'll spank you some more." "How dare you?" "You forget that this is my wagon and my fun-fair." " Oh, I see!" " And I do as I like here!" "That's the thanks I get for pulling you out of the gutter..." "Almost." "You never seem to learn how to do the dishes, Mortenson." "You're a real little pig." "But I'll take it out of you." "Maybe you think you're master of the house here." "As long as I am paying you, you'll have to live with me being in charge." " What's wrong with you?" " Stop nagging about my pay." " Nagging?" " I earn it, running your carousel." " And looking after the people." " Listen, you!" "You need that." "And I tell you off now and then when you need it." "That's free." "Free, for my own enjoyment." "Hey..." " Are you angry with me now?" " You're so silly, Mortenson." "But I have to keep you in line, since we're living under the same roof." "And next time you do the dishes, wash them properly or I'll..." "Listen, if I promise to do my very best, can I have a kiss in advance?" " Thanks." "And thanks for the coffee." " That's more like it." ""And she gave him but one kiss upon his shoulder... "" " Valdemar." " Yes?" " I often think about something..." " What?" "After all like things to be neat and orderly." " Why don't we get married?" " Can I afford marriage?" " But we've got the fun-fair!" " We?" "Listen, Mortenson." "I'm a simple uneducated man." "But just because I happen to like a pretty, young widow who inherited a bank account and a fun-fair" "I won't let you support me forever." "If you think so, you don't know me." "Don't say that, Valdemar." "It makes me think you don't like me." "If I didn't, would I look after you the way I do, make coffee for you?" "I've been here nearly 6 months." "I've rarely stayed anywhere that long." " Why can't you settle down now then?" " You wouldn't understand." "I come from nothing, am nothing, and will be..." "Yeah, well, who knows?" "People used to walk the roads until they fell in the ditch." "But now everyone can find a place in society, and that's what I want." "But don't you think that place is here, Valdemar?" "With me." "Don't you think we could be happy?" "Yes, I think we could." "But not as long as you've got holes in your stockings." "Go darn 'em!" "Otherwise, I won't be so friendly." " Who's that?" " Who?" "The one outside there." "Hello!" "Who are you looking for?" "I'm looking for the man who runs the carousel." "Just a moment." "Climb aboard." " Who can he be?" " Who knows?" "Derby and cane." "Could be a plain-clothes policeman, or something." " But you don't have anything..." " To fear?" "No, nothing at all." "Unless you've reported me for wife beating." " No." " I'll see what he wants." "I guess I'm the one you're looking for..." "What is it?" "My name is..." " My name is Hagberg." " Good morning." "I'm Colonel von Brede's butler." "It's on his property you've set up this..." "Yes, well, this here." "Without permission." " Without permission?" " Yes." "Well, there you go." "That's Mortenson for you." "So what should we do?" "The Colonel wishes you to come and see him today." "Ah, he thinks I'm the boss here." "All right, I'll come." "What time is this execution?" "The Colonel wishes to see you at 12 noon." "And I must point out that the Colonel is not used to waiting." "Tell the Colonel I'm not used to being late, so we're similar there." " Good bye." " Morning!" "If the carousel was operational, I'd give you a whirl." "Thanks for looking in." " You're hopeless, Mortenson." " Yes." "You have to get permission before using land." " We never needed permission before." " That doesn't make it better." "I'll straighten this out." "If only I knew..." "He's an old army man." "Likes uniforms." "Inside and polish buttons, Mortenson!" "Hurry it up!" "Polish the buttons and epaulettes." "Well, what do you say?" "Isn't there a remarkable likeness?" "Quiet, Claudio." "Yes there is, rather." "Probably just a coincidence." " Yes, Claudio, we'll go." " I don't believe in "coincidences"." "Anyway, I'm going to talk to him today." "It can't just be a coincidence." "Good luck with your family research." " Come, Claudio." " Good bye." "Don't forget about lunch." " No, I'll be back soon." " Good morning, Bodin." " Good morning, Miss." "Stop, Claudio!" "Come back!" "Careful!" "The dog's dangerous!" "Down!" "So, you're angry, are you?" "He's not so dangerous, Miss." "No, but he doesn't always make friends that fast." " You wish to see Colonel von Brede?" " Yes, I'm from Mortenson's fun-fair." "Since you dare come in that uniform, neither people or animals scare you." "No, if you handle them right, they don't bite." "Maybe not." "But the Colonel isn't as easily tamed as him, so be careful." "Thanks for the advice." "Can I give you a little advice in return?" "If you shorten the stirrups you'll ride better." "It eases his stride." " You think so?" " Indeed." "Trust an old horse dealer." "Thanks." "I'll try that next time." " Is she the Colonel's daughter?" " No." "The Colonel's her guardian." "She lives here during the summers." "Wait a moment." "One moment!" "I'll announce your arrival." "I usually announce myself." " Come in." " Please go in." "Colonel, sir!" "I am Mortenson's carousel operator #1, Valdemar Moreaux." " How do you do." " Forgive me for appearing in uniform." "But since I'm here in the line of duty, I thought..." " Actually, I handle Mortenson's." " So you own the fun-fair there?" "No, unfortunately." "Mrs. Mortenson owns the whole outfit." "No, I'm only her "business manager" as they say." "But if there's any problem then you just shoot me." "You're using my land without permission." "Yes, Mortenson's careless." "She sails in light winds, as we say at sea." " But she'll improve, I promise you." " So, you've been a seaman." "Yes sir, certainly." "A little of everything: cowboy, hobo..." "Or "globetrotter" as they say now." "And soldier." " A soldier too?" " Mais oui, mon Colonel." " Five years in the Foreign Legion." " I say!" "I thought there was something about your posture..." " Please sit down." " Thank you." "That uniform is almost like mine." "Mine is gaudier, of course." " Who is that?" " My father, General Hans von Brede." "The portrait was done when he was commander of the light cavalry." "A handsome man." "There's something special about us horsemen." " You've worked with horses, then?" " Oh yes, and not just carousel horses." "Oh, and about the fun-fair, should we pack up and leave?" "Well..." "I'll have to overlook this carelessness for once." "But next time you must ask permission." "I hate carelessness." " As do I, Colonel!" " Good." "But you seem to be a free spirit who's tried a lot of things." " Yes, indeed." " Do you smoke?" " Yes, Colonel." " Sit down." " Thank you." " There's cigarettes and matches." "Thanks." "But isn't that a rather pointless life in the long run?" "A rolling stone gathers no moss, right?" "True." "But I don't want to be covered in moss, yet." "No, of course." "Yes, I recognize such young colts from the army." "Good men, but fiery!" "I admit I'm a bit quarrelsome now and then, but I like things to be right." "But people understand that." "Sure, if they themselves happen to be right sometimes." "You see, Colonel, I've lived most of my life among simple people." "And when it comes to honesty there's no problem." "But a sense of honor, that's different." "They think that if a poor man wants a bit of meat he must accept being treated like a dog." "But that doesn't suit me." "You speak of honor." "You think of such things?" "You must have been well brought up." "One shouldn't speak badly of one's parents..." "But I could have had a better start." " Who's your father?" " I don't know." "I see. so you are..." "Exactly, Colonel." "An "anybody"." "It's the same old story." "A young officer spent a happy night at my expense." "Just the one!" "He tossed 300 on the table and disappeared." "He left the rest to me." "Left to you?" "How?" "He gave me his strange blood, so I'm neither fish nor fowl." "Too fine for simple people, too simple for higher classes." "So I'm rootless." "But I have to keep my feet on the ground even if my soles are worn out." "It hurts me to hear a young man speak this way." "It was worse to live it." " And your mother?" " My mother?" "I have nothing bad to say about her." "Although I hardly remember her." "She was a variety show singer." "They called her Blond Matilda." "Not a very beautiful name." "Ah well, things turn out all right." "Luckily I inherited some good humor from my grandfather, the famed clown Moreaux." "It has helped me a lot." "I won't take up more of your time, Colonel." "Good bye, and thank you for not making Mortenson pack up." "No, wait!" "How much longer are you staying here?" "We planned on three more days, then the season's over." "And where will you go then?" "The others stay put." "I was thinking of going to sea." "That's a damn handsome man!" "What does it say underneath?" "It's Latin, right?" "That's our family motto:" ""Patria Gloria Mea"." "And it means, "My country, my honor"." "That sounds grand:" "My country, my honor." "Indeed." "Thank you for not charging Mortenson, Colonel." "Good bye." "Good bye." "Well, uncle Magnus, you searched, what did you find?" "Who do you think that is, walking down there?" " The man who runs the carousel." " Right." "Carousel operator Valdemar van Brede." " What did you say?" " Just the truth." "That young man you just saw is my son." " What evidence do you have?" " Nothing that he knows." " But he himself is living evidence." " Oh, on such weak premises." "They are not weak premises." "Eva, since you came under my wing, you've always confided in me." " I didn't have anyone else to turn to." " No." "And now I don't have anyone else to turn to than you." "If you were my daughter, perhaps I'd hesitate." "Nor would you understand." "But now you will." "Like the wise and understanding girl you are." "Hey, Mortenson!" "Catch this!" "I've only got two hands, so take it easy." " Yeah, it'll take the fat off you." " Fat!" " What does that man want now?" " Good morning." "Good morning." "We're doing fine, thank you." "And yourself?" "Fine, thanks." "The reason..." "The reason I'm here is that the Colonel..." "Changed his mind." "All right, we'll pack up and leave tonight." "No, that's not it at all." " I've come to make you an offer..." " For the fun-fair!" "Take it, Mortenson. 50,000 cash and me included in the bargain." "The offer concerns you." "The Colonel heard you're interested in horses." " So?" " He needs a man in his stables." " Hear!" " The Colonel has fine horses." "Thoroughbreds." " He wonders if you'd be interested..." " Tell the Colonel no!" " I need him myself." " Don't go wild." " What'll he think of us?" " I don't think anything." " I've been married myself." " But we're not married." "That's what's so awful." "Anyone can come and take him away from me." "Relax, sweetheart." "We can get married." "I bet that job doesn't pay so poorly that I can't support 7 or 8 kids." "The stable master is well paid and the job includes a small farm." "You hear that, Mortenson?" "A separate little farm!" " How soon does he want an answer?" " As soon as possible." "The Colonel is going away for a few days." "I'll think about it until this evening." "Thank him for the offer." " I shall." "Good bye." " Good bye." "Hey, Mortenson, that didn't sound all that bad, did it?" "Bad?" "Ridiculous!" "Why?" "Imagine having your own little cottage and not having to travel all over the place in a clown wagon." "Clown wagon!" "This life suits me, see!" "I was born in a wagon like this and maybe I'll die in one too." "Traveling the road isn't good enough for you." "But it was fine when you had nothing else!" "Go ahead!" "Move into a cottage." "See how long you stay there!" "My home, a clown wagon!" "That's too much!" "Hey, Mortenson." "Mortenson!" "I see..." " What do you want?" " Listen..." " Would you like some coffee?" " You're a pearl, Mortenson." "Lovely." "Of course I'd like some coffee." ""When my song has ended,"" ""the carousel falls silent."" ""And all the public gone,"" ""and the bright lights go out... "" " No thanks." " Don't you want any?" "And you don't need more." "Quit while you're in a good mood." " Nothing wrong with being happy." " Right." "This is a farewell party." "Yes." "Thank you everybody." "Cheers!" "It's been a fine summer." "You've made good money, Mortenson." "I can't complain either, since I've found a job." "Cheers." "Bottoms up!" "This way is the right way!" "You're a lucky man, Valdemar." "And not just in love." "You don't say!" "My little pet..." "Yeah, if it's good luck to lose your freedom and take orders." "Listen, if you've got a happier face available, please display it." " Let's have some fun." " Right." "We'll drown our sorrows." "Right." "Tonight we're together, so let's drink and be happy." "I'd actually saved these few drops for another party, but..." "But there won't be a wedding this time, Mortenson!" "Wedding!" "Yeah, great!" "But when it happens, Mortenson, it will be a fantastic party, right..." "You'll all be guests of honor, and the Colonel too." "You think you'll be friends with him." "Oh no, I know those fancy people." "Know?" "How much of the world have you seen?" "I've been places you'll never see." "Yeah, with bars on the windows." " Watch what you say!" " Relax, don't fight." " Yeah, take it easy." "Cheers!" " Cheers!" "We'll save the knife-throwing for another time, eh." "Valdemar, I like you." "You don't scare easy." " But I do?" "Just watch it!" " I think you're jealous, Olson." "Listen, you're not sober!" "Me?" "Just mind your own business." " Do you think I'm drunk?" " No, not at all." " There, you see!" " Stop that!" "Stick to Olson." "If you can't behave yourself under my roof then leave!" "Mortenson, don't take it so hard." "Calm down." " She hasn't done anything." " I want you to myself." " At least tonight." " Yeah, get him while he's still here." "Listen!" " She's suddenly virtuous, that one." " Shut up." "Watch what you say, Rosa." "I know what you are." "What I am?" " Will you let her talk to me like that?" "It's not just Rosa's fault." "Valdemar should have left her alone." "You think you can get any woman, now that you're a count's stable boy!" "Shut up, or else!" " You won't fight over that bitch!" " Bitch?" "Let me go!" " She'll pay for that!" " Get her out of here!" " So you're kicking us out?" " Yes, join her." "You're both drunk." "I'll decide when to go." "No stable boy is going to order me around!" " Valdemar!" " You organ-grinder's monkey!" "That does it!" "You're insane!" "You get the hell out too!" " You damned bum!" " Thanks." "Trash!" "Are you okay, Mortenson?" "Yes." "We're trash." "Now I understand why you want to leave." "You're not like them, Mortenson." "And we'll meet again, right?" "You'll soon forget me." "No, let's not make promises." "Neither you nor I." "You never know what will happen." "Nothing will happen, Mortenson..." "Hey, come here." "You understand, I have to take this chance." "I have to look ahead." "I just don't know how I will get by without you." "But you're so proficient." "Anyway, we can write to each other." "But do remember, I write about as well as an elephant plays piano." "Then you write beautifully compared to me." "No, no, don't cry." "Hello!" "So, you recognize me." "You and I will be good friends, then." "The Colonel's away." "He won't be back until tonight." " Ah, I see..." " Mr. Moreaux!" " You are most welcome, Mr. Moreaux." " Thank you." " The dog shared that sentiment." " Did he?" "I'll look after that myself." "It's not much, but I'm careful..." " I just wanted to help you." " That's not necessary." "Don't be silly." "Want see your rooms, Mr. Moreaux?" ""Rooms?" Yes, "Mr. Moreaux" would certainly like that." " This way, Mr. Moreaux." " Thank you." "Please, this way." "No, I couldn't possibly." "Come on, don't be silly." "We're going up these stairs as well." "Go ahead..." "Go ahead, Mr. Moreaux." " No, I can't..." " Come on, you're older." "Don't argue with me." " Go ahead, Mr. Moreaux." " I'm getting tired of this." " I won't go any further." " Come in here!" "Well!" "Not bad." "Forgive me for asking, but are all the stablemen's rooms like this?" "Maybe these are the worst ones?" "These are just guest rooms that the Colonel wants you to have." "For now." " No!" "I told you to stop that." " I wanted to help Mr. Moreaux unpack." "I don't need help." "And I'm sick of being called "Mister"." " Isn't Moreaux good enough?" " Of course, Mr..." " No..." " Sorry." "This is the bedroom." "Well..." " This is the bathroom." " What is this?" "Is this a joke?" "I came here to work in the stables." " I'm just following orders." " You must have misunderstood." "I've never misunderstood an order, Mr... sorry." "This seems crazy!" "I'm certainly not staying here." "Mr. Moreaux!" "Mr. Moreaux, I'm only a servant here." " It's not my place to explain..." " Explain what?" "I know the Colonel will be very disappointed if..." "If he has, so to speak, killed the fatted calf without reason." "The fatted calf?" "I'm hardly a prodigal son, now am I?" "Or...?" "Well, say something!" "What do you know?" "Speak up!" "Mr. Moreaux." "I've served the Colonel for 30 years." "Before that, my father served his father." "It is a matter of honor with us that we never betray a confidence." " When is the Colonel coming home?" " For dinner. 6 o'clock." " Hello, Mr. Moreaux." " Hello, Colonel." " Welcome." " Thank you." "Unfortunately, I couldn't meet you when you came." " It's all right." " But I hope Hagberg took care of you." "Yes, he did." " Dinner is served." " Thank you." "Let's sit down, then." "I hope you don't object to eating dinner with me?" " No." "Thank you." " Let us go then." " Excuse me, Colonel, but I'd like..." " I understand." "You'd like an explanation..." "But it's a good old rule not to have serious talks during a meal." "Right, Hagberg?" " Well, then." "So we'll eat first and talk later." "Please, sit down." "Thank you." "Thank you, Hagberg." "Yes." "Well, now I should explain..." "But I don't quite know how to begin." "Well, perhaps I can help you get started, Colonel." "Are you the man with the hundreds, Colonel?" " Why would you think that?" " The way I've been treated here..." "The stables seem like just a pretext." "Yes, you were right." "I am that man." " This is an odd situation." " Not least for me." "But we must try to make the best of it." "You have great claims upon me." "Not at all, Colonel." "I just came here for a decent job." "But it's not suitable now, I see." "All right, I'll find something else." "No." "Nothing else." "Come with me." "Come." "Yes, yes." "Come." "Look around." "As far as you can see, everything belongs to and has belonged to, generation after generation, our family." "Our name is rooted in this land." "I believed I was the last of the family, and I grieved over it." "But now all this has changed." "Do you realize what this means?" "There's your job." " Colonel, do you mean that I...?" " Yes, that's what I mean." "I want you to take over where I leave off." "It's not just a right, it's a duty to my...to our name." "No." "No, Colonel, your hopes for me are far too high." " I couldn't possibly handle all this." " I believe you can." "And if you and I can agree..." "Which we should be able to." "...then I do not fear the future." "You said, the first time we met, that you have always felt...rootless." "Could it not be that this is because your roots belong here?" "That day when you yourself feel this, then my life will have a purpose." "And I will have a son." "This was a lot to take in." "I'll have to think this over a while in peace and quiet." "Of course, of course." "Think it over calmly and take your time." "Then come to me and we shall see what we can do." "Well, Valdemar, do you feel you've got anything out of this trip?" "Of course." "Travel is beneficial, and something is sure to stay with me." "Well, you traveled a lot before." "But never as a luxury tourist." "And you've never traveled with such a pretty, young guide before." "No, certainly not." "I never thought a girl's head could contain so much cultural history." "If I can absorb all the wisdom she's provided." "Yes, Eva is a very unusual girl." "She could go far, as long as no man shows up to halt her progress." "Miss Beckman's thoughts hardly run in that direction." "Yes, that's the upsetting part." "I really don't understand young people now." "Can't they fall in love?" " Yes, but hardly when ordered to." " Never mind orders!" "All right, I admit I've mentioned certain hopes I have." "But you're like two ice cubes that don't even melt in these latitudes." "Cultural history!" "With parties, dancing and the Mediterranean all around you." "No, I really don't understand you!" "It's not hard to understand." "We're not in love with each other." "I see." "Well, that doesn't mean you can't be." "I don't want to stop hoping, Valdemar." "That was lovely." "Oh, Mr. Valdemar." "Don't you like dancing here?" "its amazing." "No, that's too warm in this heat." "And it's good exercise, for certain people." "My husband lost 5 kilograms on our last trip south." "Yes, 3 kilos tangoing and 2 doing slow waltzes." "Very enjoyable." "Can one of you gentlemen give me a cigarette?" "No thanks." "I don't want to favor anyone." "I'd better stick to my own." "Mrs. Krogh, may I have the next dance?" "Thank you, but I'd better sit this one out." "I have to watch my heart." "There you have a young lady, who needn't be careful of her heart." "I have no heart, Mrs. Krogh." "As I just told Colonel Roberts, I lost it in Egypt, to a sheik." "But wouldn't that be a task for you, young man?" "To head an expedition there to search for that lost heart?" "Hurry then." "There's sure to be many in search of the young lady's heart." "May I?" "She's so pretty." "Your son and Miss Beckman are a lovely couple." " They seem made for each other." " Yes." "Are you always this quiet when dancing?" "Depends on who I dance with." "I wouldn't have bothered you if Mrs. Krogh hadn't..." "We can stop." "Fine by me." "Shall we?" "..." " We can go and get some fresh air." " Yes." " Cigarette?" " No thanks." "Tell me honestly, why do you always seem upset when we're alone?" "I don't mean when you're showing me museums and ruins and such." "I mean, like now." "If you must know, I am upset." "Miss Beckman, we've known each other 6 months, yet I hardly know you." "I don't understand." "You must have some reason for disliking me?" " Have I insulted you?" " You know the reason perfectly well." " Not the slightest idea." " You're lying." "You know as well as I do the plans the Colonel has for us two." " You mean he wants us to marry." " Yes." "There's your explanation." " Oh, nothing else?" " Nothing else?" "Don't you see how that pains me?" "I'm neither amused nor interested." " That's why I'm like this." " Ah, I see." " Do you find me amusing?" " No." "Us." "We're hostile to each other because a well-meaning old man thinks that we should marry." "Which neither of us would ever dream of." " You mean you don't want to either?" " Absolutely not." "I'm not in love with you." "Have I ever shown that I am?" " No..." "Certainly not, but..." " Well, then." "Such a wonderful evening." "Odd." "A moment ago I was angry at the whole world." " I even thought the sea idiotic." " I felt exactly the same way." "Perhaps we can see things a little brighter now." "I mean as friends." " I didn't think you could be a friend." " Why not, Miss Beckman?" "I don't know..." " But why not?" "Friends, Valdemar." " Thank you, Eva." " Nice music." "Shall we dance?" " Yes." " On one condition." " What's that?" " That you won't stop in the middle." " No, of course not..." "Sorry." "Search, Stella..." "Search!" "More to the left, Valdemar." "Left." "Search, Stella!" "Search!" "I think Diana lost her nerve." "No, she didn't." "Diana just missed." " Thank you." " What do you mean by that?" "That double-barrel shotgun doesn't suit you." "But it would suit your masculinity to walk about with a rifle." "Stella, come on, we'll help you." "Come now..." " So you've never gone hunting?" " Oh yes, for food when I was hungry." "But I've never understood it as a hobby, especially a female hobby." "No, I know you're the type who thinks women should live for flirting, clothes and marriage." "Yes I do, when they're young and beautiful like you." " Thanks." " You never dream, do you?" " Dream?" " Yes." "Oh yes, I do." "But not the way you mean." "I dream about my future." "My work." "Ah yes." "A future economist." "Maybe even a cabinet minister." "Why not?" "I dream of leading a big movement." "I dream about power." "Never a man?" " No." " Never a home and children?" "No." " Don't you ever plan to get married?" " It's not impossible, if it happens." "Happens?" "One of these days I'll probably meet a slim, pale, man with a face that's expressionless but distinguished." "He is intellectual, he's cold and enormously rich." "We hold each other's gloved hands and we marry in an ancient church." "And we walk out under arched swords to Mendelsohn's wedding march." "Then we move to a big house where everything is perfect." "He lives in one part of the house, and I live in another." "So that's how you imagine a happy marriage?" "Something like that." "And you?" "How do you imagine it?" "Paradise without the serpent." "A heart and a house, 7 sons and 7 daughters." "Faith, hope and love from wedding to diamond anniversary?" "Something like that." "Well, there are many kinds of marriage and many kinds of love." "No, you're wrong." "There's only one kind of love." "The one that grabs you for better or worse." " But you'll never experience that kind." " And you have experienced it..." " ...this great love?" " Yes, maybe..." "Maybe not." "Let's go home now, Valdemar." "Fine by me." "Let me go." " Let me go, Valdemar." " Are you afraid?" "No!" "You are afraid!" "I might kiss you." " Not against my will, I hope." " Why not?" "I understand..." "You're used to taking what you want." " Yes." " A habit from your carousel days?" "So my days as a carousel worker still matter." "No, only when you behave like one." "Well, it's a waste of time to try to transplant me." "You don't easily stuff 20 years of road and sea travel into a tuxedo." "You see, behind the bank account, the manor and the fancy name there's still only a common roughneck once called Valdemar Moreaux." "Back when he had the good sense to be himself." "I see." " Are you going to give up?" " It's for the best, in the end." "I thought you were the kind of man who never gives up." " Good evening, Hagberg." " Good evening, Colonel." " So, have the hunters returned?" " Yes, sir." " Ah." "Good evening, Valdemar." " Good evening." "So your hunting bags are filled with duck, I suppose?" "No, sir." "Miss Beckman must have had bad luck today." "So, Valdemar, did you hit anything?" "No." "I just watched, as usual." "That's my duty, these days." " What do you mean?" " I do nothing but watch things here." "Aren't you going to demand something of me?" " I don't understand." " No?" "I'm tired of this lazy life!" "This lazy life, as you call it, is part of your training, Valdemar." "You've read and you've traveled." "And you've seen things unknown to you before, but essential now." "That may be, but it's still a bit monotonous." "If you're not born to it." " You are born to it." " Half of me, maybe." "But the other half, doesn't it have a reason to be?" " Just because it's from lower ranks." " You left that at the fun-fair." "Did I really?" "Completely?" "If you didn't, it's high time you did!" "If I can." "It depends on which is strongest, Brede or Moreaux!" "What do you say, Eva?" "Maybe you'd bet on the carousel bum!" "What's wrong with him?" "He's just feeling a little off, uncle Magnus." " It is understandable, isn't it?" " Yes, of course..." "Yes, of course..." "Right." "But why did he turn on you?" "I happened to say a few things that upset him." "Oh..." "I see." "I hope it hasn't affected this good friendship..." " ...that you have such faith in." " I'm afraid that it did." "Bodin!" "Where's the key to the garage?" "I have it in here." "I didn't know anyone was going out tonight." "Good evening, Palm." "Playing cards?" "What game?" " Blackjack." " No need to hide that bottle." "Put it on the table." "You've got a right to a drink after work." " Give me a glass." " It's just cheap booze." "So what?" "Don't you think I've boozed in a stables before?" "Come on, pour a good one..." "There." "Cheers, boys!" " Thanks." "Cigarette?" " Thanks." " Shall I bring the car around?" " No, I'll show you how to play." " Who is the banker?" " Me." "I'll take 'em all..." "Blackjack!" "That's how you do it." "Is that bottle empty?" " No, there's enough for one more." " Indeed." "One is never enough." "'Cheers!" "Now I'll be the bank." "So, what do you boys do for fun?" " I was at the circus yesterday." " How was it?" "That Lanzberger circus has some fine horses." " Lanzberger?" " Indeed." "And I saw a friend of..." "I mean from before." "The girl from the fun-fair." " Your ten-crown note!" " Keep it." "What did you see at the circus that made him rush off like that?" "The woman he was with at the fun-fair." " She sold it and joined the circus." " Damn." "Ah, there he is!" "Forgive me for being late." "Mrs. Mortenson has spoken about her "Valdemar"." "It's a great pleasure to meet you, Mr. Moreaux." "When I last saw you, you were only 3 years old." "But I remember you well." "I remember your grandfather too." "The great clown Moreaux!" "A great artist!" "One of a kind..." "Well, are you going to introduce me or do I do it myself?" "Excuse me." "I'll be back soon." "Just remember, I'm the best act you have in this flea circus." "Let go of that!" "It's no toy for upper-class snobs!" "The great attraction:" "Captain Walter and his wild lions!" "Are they all as wild as this one?" " Pardon, Mr. Moreaux!" " Is he always that nasty?" "Yes, he's not easy to deal with." "A terrible person." "I can tell." "But I came to see Miss Mortenson." "Where is she?" "In her wagon counting the takings." "I'll take you to her." "Mortenson is a good partner, and my right hand here." "I'll take you to her." "Yes, come in." "What is it?" "Valdemar!" " Hello." " Hello..." "How are things, Mortenson?" " As usual." "And you?" " Fine, thanks." " What are you doing here?" " I heard you were in town, so I came." " Won't you come in and sit down?" " Thanks." "It's been a long time since you wrote." "Yes." " Did you get my letters?" " Yes, sure." "What is it, Valdemar?" "Everything's a mess!" "Do you have anything to drink, Mortenson?" "It really doesn't matter..." "It won't help me." "But what's wrong, Valdemar?" "This whole damned arrangement is wrong." "I can't change myself." "Or do you maybe notice a difference?" " You were happier before." " Happier..." "You think I have anything to be glad about." "I don't know who I am." "I feel like a donkey between two piles of hay." " Am I one pile of hay?" " Yes." "You and this whole life here!" "Who is she?" "The other one?" "Other one?" "Don't you think I understand that there's someone else?" "Do you like her a lot?" "Does she like you too?" "Her?" "She doesn't know what it means." "Those people are not like us." "We've got blood in our veins." "We give ourselves to those we like." "But that's not done, you see." " What are you going to do now?" " I don't know." "I know nothing." "To hell with it all!" "But you're not the type to throw in the towel." "So you say that too?" "She said something similar:" "that I shouldn't give up." "Then don't." "I always behaved like a rat to you, Mortenson." "Don't be silly." "We never promised each other anything." "But I still like you." "Won't you let me do that?" "But now you should forget me, and all this." "We're not part of your new life." "You're sweet, Mortenson." "You've lost a button there." "So what is he doing here?" "Grabbing Mortenson again?" " He'd better be careful." " Mortenson's none of your business." "We'll see." "Just don't butt in." "We have some unfinished business." "But, Walter, what does that have to do with this?" "A lot!" "You owe me 9,000, right?" "Where is it?" "Walter, you know I can't get that much money just now." "Right, I know." "And since Mortenson suits me like a glove" "I don't mind her as a partner." "You can't kick me out of my own circus!" "Can't I?" "If you don't conjure up that money, that's the way it will be." " And I know how to handle Mortenson." " No." "Mortenson doesn't have bad taste." "Not these days." "But she used to." "I heard talk of money." "I can take over those credit notes." "I told you to stay out of this!" "Can we go somewhere with less shouting?" " But, Mr. Moreaux!" " I told you to keep out of this!" " Come on, we'll go sign them." " Are you really serious?" "He's late." "Well, Eva." "You've only got 8 days left here." "And when you return again you'll have a doctorate in philosophy." "Possibly." "And then I'll have to introduce you as "Doctor"." "A young, pretty one." "Fie!" "The older generation finds that very difficult to accept, right?" "Yes, true." "So the older generation is going to bed now." " Since I can't talk any sense to you." " Of course you can." " I'm not resistant to common sense." " I see." "And yet..." "Yes, Eva, you could give Valdemar real support." "He needs someone like you at his side." " You don't have anything against him?" " Not at all." "It's my rational sense that says "no"." "And your heart?" "Well, that's easier to convince." "I see." "There's not a lot to hope for, then from such a stubborn rational sense." "Good night." "Good night, uncle Magnus." "Do you intend to wait up for Valdemar?" "I'll see." " Well, good night." " Good night." " Good evening, Valdemar!" " Good evening." "You've been gone for quite a while." "We missed you." "Really?" "You have?" "Where have you been?" "I've straightened some things out regarding the carousel bum." "And the result?" " Are you interested?" " Very much so." "Well, I'm going to try not to give up." "Valdemar, why did you want to kiss me down by the boat?" "Why?" "Do I need to explain that to you?" "Why would you want to kiss a woman who...?" "Eva, you're so very different from all the other women I've met." "They were so different in every way." "They didn't talk like you or move like you, didn't think the same." "You annoyed me first." "Your superior attitude didn't seem natural to me." "Then I realized you were superior, to me and all the others." "Then I wanted to be like you." "Be the kind of person that you could like too." "Well..." "Then it all fell apart there at the boat." "You know, when I left tonight, I didn't plan to come back." "But..." "But?" "Well, here I am." "Maybe that tells you something." "Yes." "That you didn't want to give up." "That makes me happy, Valdemar." "Maybe that tells you something." "That I'm not as different as you think." " I'd really like to help you." " How?" "If you need somebody by your side, couldn't you consider me?" "You mean as a friend?" "No, not just a friend." "I'd gladly be something more, if you wish." "Your friend, your wife, mother of your children..." "I can be everything for you." "Everything except your mistress." "How could you be my wife, without being my mistress?" "You have no head for nuances, Valdemar." "A wife does her duty." "A mistress does more than her duty." "Yes, of course." "And we move into a big house where everything is perfect." "And you live in one part of the house and I in another." "You forget that I'm a man, that you are beautiful..." " ...and that love can't be locked in." " Must love always be so violent?" " I speak of the kind of love I know." " "For better or worse."" "Yes." " Doesn't love have nuances too?" " I doubt it." "I hope so." " Which of us do you think is right?" " Only time will tell." " And you're willing to try, anyway?" " Yes." "Thus died friendship." "I know one person who will be happy about this." "Shall we give him a little surprise to put under his pillow?" "Come, Valdemar." "Come." "Come on." "Well, my dear children!" "It's no exaggeration to say that this is the happiest day of my life." "But listen." "How about a little drink with the family, before bed?" "What does the newly engaged couple say?" "Well, Valdemar?" " Why not?" " And you?" " I should say no, but I say yes." " And what do you say, Hagberg?" "That drinks are served!" "Very good, Hagberg." "Right." "Cheers, my friends." "And once more, good luck!" "Well, I'm going to bed, personally." " No, this is..." " We too." "You're tired, Valdemar." " No." "I could go on like this all night." " But you can't." "The majority wants to sleep." " What the woman wants..." " The gentlemen want too." "Good night, Hagberg." " Good night, Valdemar." " Good night." "Sleep well." " Thank you." " Dream of me." " I swear." "And you?" " Yes, I'll lie out here on the rug." "A slave outside his mistress's door." " Anyway, I'll finish smoking this." " Good luck." "Good night." " Good night." " Good night." " You're incorrigible." " It's so lonesome, lying on the rug..." " ...smoking a cigarette." " So what do you want now?" " I thought I might come in and talk." " You plan to smoke in my room?" "No, I'll put it out of course." " There." "Enough about that." " Sit down." "Thanks." " You know what I was thinking about?" " No." "That trip between Alexandria and Trieste." "That's when I discovered you." "First we quarreled." "Oh my..." "Then we made up on deck." "Then we decided to be friends." "Yes, how silly." "Then you danced with me." "You held me so tight in your arms." "And I was both scared, and happy." " So you're not scared now?" " No..." "Just happy." "No, Valdemar!" "No!" " I love you..." "I love you..." " No!" "No!" " Go, Valdemar!" "I beg you." "Go!" " Eva!" "Eva!" " Forgive me." " Forgive?" "You've ruined everything." "Everything that was so beautiful." "How can I forgive you?" "I was so happy." "You're disgusting!" "Disgusting!" "You might defend yourself with your passion, your uninhibited desire!" "But that love is not mine." "I allowed myself to be lured, charmed." "But I forgot how common you are." "I don't blame you, but I despise you." "Go away!" "Go!" "Go!" "Well, there's not much more to say." "No, I'm afraid not." " No point in going over it all again." " No." " Anyway, I'm leaving now." " Where to?" "I don't know." "Well, the events of last night aside" "I'm afraid we were too far from each other from the very start." "I was brought up to see life from one angle, and you from another." "Since I'm too old to change my views, and you're not young enough to..." "Well, the only solution is that we go our separate ways." "It's the only sensible thing to do." "Your hopes were a little to high for me." "I warned you, if you recall." "Yes, I remember." "What did I ask that was too much?" "That I should be a copy of you." "To think the same way, act the same." "That's impossible." "I could never do that." "I am, and always have been, a stranger here." " That's what you feel?" " Yes, now more than ever." "But I'm grateful for this time." "I learned a lot, both good and bad." "I learned there are still people who allow prejudice and tradition to go before everything else." "I thought that belonged to the past." "Well, that wasn't what I had hoped." "I thought the time would come when you felt I like my son." " So I never got a son." " Nor I a father." "It was not as easy as we thought to know and understand each other." "I mean, like a father and son should understand each other." "The fatted calf was killed in vain." "In vain, perhaps, but not pointlessly." " Good bye, Colonel." " Good luck, Valdemar." "Thank you, and the same to you." "Good bye to you too." "We two did understand each other." "Thanks." "Then you shouldn't go your separate ways." "Take him with you." "Thank you, Colonel." " Come on!" " One moment." " Thanks, Hagberg." "But I have to learn to put my own coat on." "Forgive an indiscretion, but have you definitely decided to..." "That I'm leaving you?" "Oh yes." "And honestly, Hagberg, don't you find it the right thing to do?" "It's not my place to think one thing or the other in this case." "Yes, but between you and me, have I ever really seemed at home here?" " To feel really at home here, Mr..." " Moreaux." "I'm Moreaux again." "...Mr. Moreaux, I think it's not even enough to be born here." "They say it takes three generations to be able to carry a tuxedo." "So how many generations would it take to...?" "Thank you." "You'd never have been happy with me, Hagberg." "If you permit me to say so, as a guest and a person I'll miss you very much, Mr. Moreaux." "Thanks." "You wouldn't say that about all your guests?" "No." "Very few, Mr. Moreaux." "Thank you." " Hagberg?" " Yes?" " Is the Colonel still in the library?" " Yes, Miss." " Is he alone?" " Yes, Miss." " Valdemar!" "Are you coming?" " Yes, I'm coming." "There." "It'll be fine in a day or two." " Good night." " Good night." "There." "That's done..." "And you've made coffee." "Great." "It'll taste good, Mortenson." "Excuse me." "Who are you addressing?" " Oh sorry." "Mrs. Moreaux." " That's better." "There." "Coffee is served in the drawing room." "Come and get it!" "Step right up." "Delicious cookies!" "Come and get 'em while they're hot!" "Don't miss this great opportunity!" "This way is the right way!" "Come!" "You're right, Mortenson." "This way was the right way..." "Come." "THE END"