DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID
Keep it quiet, girls! I can't hear myself think.
Miss Célestine, follow me.
Miss Célestine,
I have a good, a very good, post for you.
But you'll have to go to the provinces. Not very far.
The provinces? Hardly a thrilling prospect.
You're mistaken. Excellent posts there.
Excellent posts. Now there's a laugh!
No good posts anywhere.
Pardon me, miss. There are no bad posts.
Don't I know it! Only bad masters.
No, just bad servants.
I send you to the best houses. It's not my fault if you don't stay.
What's more, you're intelligent.
A lot of allure.
A nice waist, a pretty figure.
Good things can come with good conduct.
Misconduct, you mean.
A matter of perspective. I call it good conduct.
What "it"?
Come now... What do you think?
Nothing at all.
With you, miss, one can never be sure.
Forget about it.
I promise to conduct myself well.
I'm bursting with good conduct, believe me.
You can trust me, ma'am.
There's no use discussing it.
You're unstable... Unreliable.
Please...
Collect yourself. Come back tomorrow. It will still be available.
- You're the Parisian? - Yes.
Down!
Ma'am...
Thank you, Joseph.
What a pretty outfit, my child.
Thank you, ma'am.
You will change immediately.
Yes, ma'am.
Tell me about your last post.
It was in Paris, for a young couple.
Household staff of four.
A large house?
Yes, ma'am.
Who saw to the upkeep?
The butler and I.
Are you clean?
Of course, ma'am.
Are you clumsy?
No, ma'am.
Why did you leave that house?
As far as I've heard, your masters were pleased.
I grew tired of life in Paris.
Do you change your mind often?
No, ma'am.
Are you from Paris originally?
I am Breton. From Audierne, ma'am.
Follow me.
I'll show you the house and the work required of you.
But first, a few important points.
This frame means a great deal to me, my child.
It was very expensive.
Dust it very carefully,
especially in the grooves. Without scratching it, of course.
And this is very rare and very valuable, my child.
You'll never see another like it. Be very careful.
Follow me.
This lamp comes from England.
It was very expensive, my child.
It can only be repaired there.
Treat it like your pride and joy.
Follow me.
Send your cracked chamber pot to London too?
In here.
Are you the new chambermaid?
Yes, sir, I am.
Excellent, excellent...
So you've arrived...
Excellent.
And you come from Paris?
Yes, sir.
Excellent.
What's your name?
Célestine, sir.
Célestine!
Excellent, excellent...
Uncommon name. Pretty one, too.
I hope Madame won't make you change. Habit of hers.
I am at Madame's disposal.
So, Célestine...
For me, you'll always be Célestine.
Can you help me with my boots?
I hope you don't mind.
Of course not, sir.
As you can see, these damned boots...
they don't slide off easily.
Good heavens, you smell mighty good.
Me, sir?
Yes, you of course!
- Not my feet. - Oh, sir.
You smell mighty good...
Come now, sir!
Getting used to it here?
It's only been three hours.
Can you give me my slippers?
I beg your pardon.
But it's my job.
They're under the stairs in a small dresser.
I could wrap him around my finger.
Not eating?
I'm not hungry.
Mademoiselle prefers truffles?
I've eaten truffles.
Did you have good posts? Before here?
Excellent ones.
First time working in the provinces?
I worked for a man in Touraine.
Five years ago.
I've worked in Normandy too.
For a Parisian and her grandson.
He was ill.
So you know the area?
It's very different here.
It was in Houlgate by the sea.
The terrace overlooked the beach.
I had a charming room. A master bedroom.
You don't miss Paris?
Yes, very much.
What can I say? Good posts are rare in Paris.
We have decent masters here.
- Is he considerate to chambermaids? - What?
Does he find them attractive?
What kind of question is that?
Improper.
And Madame?
Madame what?
No lover?
You certainly are from Paris.
From God knows where.
Good evening...
Follow me, please.
With your bags.
- Anything to declare? - Nothing.
Open this trunk.
- There's nothing! - Open it anyway.
Please...
Enough!
And what's this?
Jewelry.
Open it.
I said it's jewelry! What for?
Open
this case.
I won't. This is an abuse of power.
And I don't have the key.
If you don't,
I'll call the inspector. - Scandalous!
I'll file a complaint! Hear?
Open it.
I don't want to. I can't open it.
Make everyone leave.
- And I'll open it. - Do it.
I was stupid.
I should have said it was yours.
Madame is too kind.
I wear those jewels in their natural state.
Quiet!
Stupid girl!
Where were you?
With custom agents.
They never keep a single chambermaid. So it's settled.
Either she fires them or he knocks them up.
Pretty, ugly, young, old...
- A baby each time! - For sure.
Steer clear of Mr. Lanlaire. Beware of him!
You're not late. Come inside for a bit.
Thank you, Mrs. Gouin. Maybe later.
The new vicar. I recommend him.
Women couldn't confess to anyone better.
The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what his eyes see
or decide disputes by what his ears hear.
He judges the poor righteously,
and decides equitably for the meek of the earth.
I'll take you to Mrs. Gouin, the haberdasher.
She is very pleasant, very nimble.
A true saint.
You saw her earlier.
She helps girls in trouble...
Nice day, Mr. Joseph.
Look them in the eyes.
In the eyes.
Good.
Célestine, come and see me.
From now on, please don't spend so long outside.
She really annoys me.
What was that?
- Nothing, ma'am. - Fortunately.
We're behind in everything because of you.
Make up my room.
What a nasty little pain!
I'll see and speak to whoever I want.
She won't lay down the law!
Even the bathroom... unbelievable!
Does this uptight hick think I steal petticoats?
Did you see anyone at mass?
I met Miss Rose.
Miss Rose...
What a blabbermouth.
Tells everyone she'll be inheriting from her master.
A very bad man.
And yet a former captain.
She told me.
He spends his time tossing rocks into our garden.
He and Monsieur don't get on.
Those rocks ruin Mr. Joseph's work.
Which makes Mr. Joseph furious.
With Mr. Joseph...
you started here together?
I came three years later.
There was another cook here before.
- So you know him well? - For sure.
He's a real gem.
He treats this place as if it were his own.
Madame says he would die for her.
He receives a lot of offers but refuses them all.
Trustworthy man, that Mr. Joseph.
Célestine!
Yes, ma'am?
Bring me a needle.
Why are you lugging that around?
I finished washing it when Madame called.
You're so slow.
Damn, damn, and damn!
Didn't you hear me? Are you deaf?
Madame's needle.
Now bring me some thread.
Now bring me scissors.
On the double.
What is it?
Nothing.
So where are your manners?
Don't strike funereal poses.
Your service is very unpleasant!
Find the scissors?
Now go and set the table.
Have you seen the time? I don't pay you to dawdle.
I hope you're getting used to it here?
Yes, sir. I am.
Good to hear it.
Good news indeed...
I bet you pulled some pranks in Paris.
Did you pull any pranks?
- Sir! - What?
A girl with eyes like yours... must have pulled some pranks.
That's good. I'm all for having fun.
I'm for love!
Monsieur is mistaken.
Monsieur takes me for other maids.
Monsieur must understand I'm an honest girl.
Monsieur deserves that I complain to Madame.
- You like pears, Célestine? - Yes, sir.
Hide this in your pocket.
You never get any in the kitchen?
No, sir.
Then you will get them from me.
Because I want you to be happy.
Sir...
If Madame saw you...
What about Madame?
Enough with Madame. I'm fed up with Madame!
Monsieur is wrong.
Monsieur is unfair.
- Madame is nice. - Nice? Heavens!
My wife is mean. Damned mean!
A mean old cow!
You're so sweet. You must be so good.
Come now, sir...
- If you wanted... - Wanted what?
If you wanted you know what.
That I betray Madame with Monsieur?
- And get naughty with Monsieur? - Yes!
- Sir, don't even think... - It's all I think of!
Stop or I'll tell Madame!
All done in the garden, Mr. Joseph?
Yes.
- I need hot water. - I'm almost done.
Take your time.
Madame isn't back yet?
Not yet.
Did you see what Mr. Joseph found in the garden?
Mr. Joseph is tight-lipped with me.
He doesn't know you. It's not personal.
Mr. Joseph found an old slipper on a path.
Well, well.
Sounds like the Captain. Let's see Mr. Joseph's response.
Celestine, some bread and cheese, please.
And cider too.
Eating here?
- I had a little craving. - And you?
I came for water.
Look at the time. The table isn't even set.
Sleep with her, but not at my expense.
The dogs' meat, right away.
The dogs of the rich certainly aren't poor.
Isn't it delicious, dear?
I already told you not to wear perfume.
Understood?
Yes, ma'am.
Snooty bitch needs a good fuck.
To think that a cook, for example,
holds her masters' lives in her hands.
A pinch of arsenic instead of salt,
a dash of strychnine instead of vinegar,
and there you go.
Well, no.
We must really have servitude in our blood.
If you like prunes, just tell me.
Excuse me, ma'am?
If you like prunes, tell me. I'll decide whether to give you any.
But don't help yourself.
I'm no thief and I don't like prunes.
I don't believe it. I said you took prunes!
If Madame thinks I am a thief, Madame should fire me.
Monsieur had five this morning.
There were 21 and now 14.
You took two. Don't let it happen again.
Unbelievable! She counts prunes.
Captain! Captain!
It's Miss Célestine,
the Lanlaires' chambermaid!
Monsieur and Madame are in Louviers.
- I thought I'd visit. - Good thinking.
Julien, apricot brandy and 3 glasses!
Lanlaire is still alive?
You couldn't have picked a worse home.
To tell you the truth, I was once friends with Mr. Lanlaire.
Until he said I dishonored my position with my servant.
What's it to him if I want her in my bed?
A man on his own... It's only normal.
He's funny!
Serves that pig right!
- He's young for his age! - For sure!
Want to see the garden, Célestine?
I'd love to.
I'll stay here and keep busy.
I don't walk much with my asthma.
Don't linger too long.
I have my eyes on you!
Daylily, hemerocallis.
Cosmos? Cosmos bipinnatus.
Ever eaten it?
- What? - I have!
Wonderful taste.
I've tasted every flower here.
I eat everything.
Everything!
- You're right, Captain. - For sure!
And not just the plants. Critters too.
Critters that no one has eaten. Critters unknown.
No insects, birds or worms I haven't tried.
Skunks, snakes, rats, crickets and caterpillars.
I've eaten it all.
Everyone around here knows!
Kléber!
Kléber, come!
Good old Kléber.
Sweet, charming Kléber...
Ever seen such a well-bred ferret?
Eats and sleeps with us.
I like this critter as much as any person!
I bet you wouldn't eat your ferret.
Kléber?
Make stew tonight!
What are you waiting for?
- My mother... - What about her?
She's dead.
I have no one left...
How unfortunate.
But there's nothing I can do. It mustn't affect your work.
Miss Célestine, this way.
Mrs. Mendelssohn here has an unusual offer.
My child, Madame speaks wonders of you. Deservedly so, I'm sure.
You come across as intelligent, frank and lively.
It suits me perfectly
I need someone trustworthy and dedicated for my grandson.
Just speak to me kindly,
don't treat me like a dog or a parakeet, and I'll be moved.
Don't remain standing. Have a seat, please.
The post I offer you is not a joyful one.
It's of no consequence. I'll do whatever Madame asks.
You'll be happy here, Mr. Georges.
Mr. Georges...
Come.
Lie down.
The sea is nearby, for your swims.
You'll see, it's practical.
Come, my child.
That's your room.
Holy cow!
Do you like it, Célestine?
Madame is too good.
Fine...
I'll go up to my room. On the first floor.
I'll see Madame there.
Madame, what's wrong?
Nothing, my child, nothing.
You mustn't give in to sadness.
Mr. Georges will be just fine here.
Don't you see how he coughs?
This is all so overwhelming for me,
so overwhelming!
Don't cry, Madame.
We'll save him.
I swear to you we will.
Come, Mr. Georges!
Wait!
Come, Mr. Georges! Time to take a dip!
Very good, Mr. Georges!
Very good, Mr. Georges.
You seem even better than yesterday.
I'll get the port wine.
Is all well, my child?
Yes, ma'am.
Mr. Georges had a nice swim. Time for his port wine.
I knew it.
The second I saw you, I knew it.
Georges looks healthy again thanks to you.
Never leave us,
my child. Never.
Stay a little longer.
Mr. Georges needs to rest.
Doctor's orders.
I can rest with you.
Rest is rest.
Come closer, my dear.
Can you keep reading the Orientales?
I like this collection.
One of my favorites.
"I like in a bed of froth
"To tell a Spanish song
"When my sweet companions,
"Feet grazing the ground,
"Wander all over,
"Where smiles abound,
"Around in circles
"Under a round parasol."
What a sweet voice...
"But mostly when the breeze
"Touches me as it flutters,
"In the night, I like to sit,
"To sit and dream
"One eye on the deep sea
"While, pale and blonde,
"The moon opens in the waves
"Her silver fan."
A boring piece.
I found it pretty.
What will you do now, Mr. Georges?
I'm going to draw.
Célestine, come beside me.
I can't.
I'm not up to it.
My hand is shaking. I don't know why.
You have something too.
You keep fidgeting.
This slant of light exasperates me.
The sea is awful.
Everything is awful today.
I don't want to see anything.
Nothing but you.
That's not wise, Mr. Georges.
It's not right.
If your grandmother saw us like this,
you'd make her cry even more.
Why do you call me Mr. Georges? You know I don't like it.
I can't call you Mr. Gaston!
Just call me Georges.
Meanie.
That I cannot do.
I could never.
How odd...
You'll always be a poor little slave.
Give me your hand.
What a pretty hand.
And such pretty eyes.
Every inch of you is pretty.
Stay close to me.
You can't know how good it is to feel you near.
Do you feel bad now?
Yes, Mr. Georges... very bad.
I mean... if your grandmother came in...
But she won't.
Come closer.
Don't be so fearful.
Mr. Georges...
You see.
You enjoy making yourself ill.
You listen to no one and now you must start over.
Be a good boy, please.
After all, it was just...
I'm sorry.
How mad to think for a moment you could love me.
Why would you?
Loving you made me feel better.
You're right not to love me.
You think I'm ill.
That my mouth's poison is contagious.
It's true.
Don't say that, Mr. Georges.
It's horrible and it's mean.
You really hurt me.
It's awful!
I've waited so long for your kiss that I feel alive again.
Here, here, meanie.
Look how afraid I am.
Look how scared!
I'll be going now...
I beg of you.
Stay, my child.
Excuse me, ma'am.
And life started again with its ups and downs,
its new faces,
affairs over as soon as they begin,
passing abruptly from opulent interiors to miserable streets.
You pay her too much attention.
Me? I can't believe my ears.
Where do you get these ideas from?
She's such a tart!
Dirty girl with dirty diseases! Bravo!
No way. I'll remember that.
Don't I know your behavior and tastes?
- Please! - Shut up!
Those dirty rags, those filthy country asses you feel up.
Me? Listen to yourself!
Where do you get this from?
The Jézureau girl? 15 years old!
I had to pay 500 francs.
They're waiting. It's ready.
Or you'd be in prison like your thieving father.
They're so damned decadent!
Away with them!
For sure.
Jewish vermin creeping all over.
I'm French.
- I defend my country. - You certainly do!
I take my billy club into town.
Everyone should do like me.
If I were in Paris...
I'd burn those kikes alive.
Yet when I ask myself, I don't know what I have against the Jews.
I worked for Jews before.
They're a dirty race, that's all.
Dirtier than any other?
Jews and Catholics are all the same.
Each as nasty as the other.
They're of the same world. Religious differences change nothing.
Jews should be massacred, disemboweled.
Left to die like that. Guts pouring out.
It's the only solution.
That Mr. Joseph is quite a guy.
You're from Caen, Marianne?
I began as a maid for a tobacco merchant's wife.
It quickly led to my downfall.
A guy, very thin.
Very skinny, very blond.
Blue eyes.
A pointed beard,
short and silky.
So silky.
You were lucky.
I was deflowered at the age of 12 by a hairy old man
with terrible body odor.
He grabbed me after mass.
A remote spot near a cliff in exchange for an orange.
I don't hold it against him.
And that post, Marianne?
I got Pregnant.
The tobacco merchant who slept around kicked me out of her home.
I was out in the street with a baby in my belly!
My friend was penniless.
That job at the medical school saved me from starving.
What job?
My God...
I had to kill the rabbits and guinea pigs.
How charming.
And what happened to the baby?
Can you imagine? What would I have done?
Same fate as the guinea pigs?
Exactly
See you tomorrow, Célestine.
See you tomorrow, Marianne!
Only poor people want it. But they can't afford it.
Try to get subscriptions. Try everyone.
Even Republicans.
Try to win over the swine.
Who was he?
We distribute pamphlets against Jews.
I struck a deal with the priests. I work for them.
And they're my ideas.
And it's well paid.
I'm telling you this because I trust you.
Keep it a secret.
Understand?
For sure.
It's good that you came here tonight.
It's kind... It's flattering.
You rushed out just after dinner.
We didn't even have time for a chat.
Want me to help you with your seeds?
Don't bother.
I have to talk to you.
Now that I know you,
I consider you a friend.
It took you awhile, admit it.
Why were you so unpleasant to me?
Constantly jostling me.
You can't know someone right off.
Especially women.
Takes a devil of a time to know them.
And you came from Paris...
Now that you know me,
tell me what I am.
You're like me.
I'm like you?
I'm fond of you.
And I have money.
You don't work in good homes for 40 years
without putting anything aside. Right?
Of course.
Do you have a lot of money?
A lot, no.
How much? Let me see.
It's not here, Célestine.
But how much?
Maybe 15,000 francs.
Maybe more.
Holy cow!
Clever guy.
That's Rose
on her way home.
I'm from Cherbourg.
I know of a good opportunity there.
A small café by the port, excellent location.
Cherbourg is a tough city.
Cheerful, mischievous.
There are military men. Sailors.
Quick to get drunk, hooked on sex.
Willing to spend big on sex.
Except...
I'd need a woman involved.
A no-nonsense woman,
well dressed...
who's not afraid of hanky-panky.
Me?
Would you like that, Célestine?
What about you? Where would you be in the operation?
With you, of course.
Then we'll get married.
As good friends.
You want me to be your whore? To make money for you?
I dream of you, Célestine.
I dream of you in that little café.
This is Miss Célestine.
Is Mademoiselle docile?
She behaves well. She looks charming. And she sews.
Are you married?
No.
And Madame?
Obviously.
- Does Madame have children? - Of course.
Dogs?
Does Madame keep us up late?
When I go out at night, obviously.
Does Madame go out often?
The post at Madame's is not for me.
I don't go to homes like hers.
Upscale chambermaids, fine. But lazy young misses...
Nasty and full of herself!
Child!
I get the best of Paris.
Famous generals,
powerful judges, foreign ambassadors.
And if I told you...
the President of the Republic, himself!
Yes, my child.
To give you an idea of my home.
If ever you want.
What a success.
What do you say?
- I'm not well-versed in love. - You are!
I'm sure of it.
So?
I don't have the right lingerie.
A minor issue!
Don't get all worked up, my child.
Because in my house, clothes
are a matter of...
natural beauty.
A nice pair of stockings, no more.
Yes, I know...
Listen to me.
Sign on for three months
and I'll give you a trousseau d'amour,
the best of the best.
Let me think it over.
Perfect, go on, think.
I'll give you my address.
Should it take your fancy,
just come round.
So...
good bye,
Madame Elvira Parsi Fashion
Where is she now?
Have you forgotten it's silver day?
Look, Célestine. My Louis XVI oil cruet. You won't see many.
I don't believe it!
How can you be so clumsy?
- What, Joseph? - Nothing, ma'am.
Where is Madeleine? She missed last Sunday too.
Madeleine?
It's nothing, my child.
Nothing!
- She's sick? - Yes! Yes, she's sick.
But in two days it won't show anymore.
She helps girls in trouble.
Hear what they found in the forest?
Good Lord, how awful.
A despicable crime!
Apparently, little Claire was raped.
By a real monster.
For sure!
Little Claire! She was no longer innocent, but...
sweet and gentle. Not even 12!
- The road-mender's daughter. - Poor man.
They found her with her belly sliced open.
Her intestines were pouring out.
Her private parts,
her poor private parts,
a repulsively swollen wound.
The crime occurred a good week ago.
Mr. Roux said so.
According to the examination of the corpse.
It's almost entirely decomposed.
She'd spend all day in the forest. Goes to show.
In the spring she'd pick daffodils.
Pretty bouquets for ladies in town.
And morels, which she sold at the market on Sunday.
In summer, other flowers and mushrooms.
But why go in the woods now,
with nothing to pick?
The father didn't report her missing. Maybe he did it.
Why take her into the forest to do it?
Very true!
It's all very fishy.
I don't know a thing. I won't say for sure but...
But what?
- I wouldn't be surprised if it was... - Who?
Mr. Lanlaire, if you want my opinion!
Lanlaire always seemed evil.
Like a criminal, a wild man.
It's impossible. He's incapable. He'd be too afraid.
Incapable?
And the Jézureau girl? And the others?
- Remember them! - This is different.
If he rapes girls who are willing... I understand.
But murdering them? It's hard to believe.
I say it's him! I'm sure of it!
Truth is, ladies, we can never know these things.
Mrs. Gouin is right.
I think it's Fournier.
You think so?
He must adore ramming little girls.
I'm telling you it's Lanlaire because it's him.
Miss Rose! How is the Captain?
Hardy as ever. Kind of you to ask.
Did you know little Claire was found murdered and raped?
I heard about it this morning.
Do they know who did it?
Probably one of those kikes again.
And my proposal?
Have you thought it over?
Some wood for this morning.
If you want me to mend
your pants or socks, I wouldn't mind at all.
What day did you get soil from the forest?
Do you remember?
Why?
Just because.
Saturday, I think.
The day they found Claire there?
Yes, maybe.
I think it was that Saturday
That doesn't mean I was there when she was killed.
Criminals revisit the scene.
Says who? Who taught you that?
I read books and magazines.
Turn your thoughts to something else.
Maybe I got you wrong.
What is it, Marianne?
Madame is getting annoyed.
What's wrong?
I'm afraid I'm pregnant.
I think I'm pregnant.
Are you sure of it?
Sure... no.
Just afraid.
Who could have got you pregnant?
Monsieur, obviously.
Monsieur is unbelievable.
Because it's him I didn't dare fight back.
With so few opportunities here, he came back often.
He's really adorable.
Very tender.
Very naughty, right, Marianne?
Handsome and all.
Are you happy at least?
Very happy.-
I mean...
I'd be happy if I was sure I wasn't pregnant.
Don't worry.
How late are you?
A week...
or two, I don't know.
So you're fine.
Once I was two months late.
And I wasn't pregnant.
Don't get worked up.
It doesn't matter.
I'll go see the haberdasher tomorrow.
Be very careful.
If Madame walked in on you, it would be awful.
There's no danger.
He only comes when she's out.
He never stays long. Once satisfied, he leaves.
Besides, so what if Madame walked in on us?
She'd chase you out of here, poor thing.
So there.
There.
Is Monsieur tender with you?
Of course he's tender.
Does he tell you sweet things?
What does he say?
Monsieur comes...
He jumps on top of me
and then he breathes.
He breathes.
He's very sweet.
Come, Marianne.
It's time to go downstairs.
Poor Rose...
The Captain did what he had to.
What if we passed by?
Not worth it. Madame will find out.
The air is pure, the road is wide
The bugle sounds in stride
The Zouaves leave, singing
Over there on the hilltop
The Prussians await
The bugle is old and brave
If the fight is grave
It stands by our side
Good to see you, Miss Célestine.
It's a tragedy, Captain.
A tragedy for you.
Poor Rose.
What's more, I can't manage alone.
You won't replace her easily, Captain.
Everything's replaceable.
She knew your habits, tastes, quirks.
She was so devoted.
Was she really that devoted?
The truth is, I was sick of Rose. I really was.
Once we got her a helper, she never did a thing.
Everything became impossible.
Even a decent soft-boiled egg!
- Really! - Speaking to you
like this would cause a scene.
She was jealous,
jealous!
The names she called you!
I didn't feel at home!
You're not being fair to Rose.
Dying was the best thing that could befall her.
But believe me,
if I had died first,
Rose would have had her comeuppance.
The last laugh would have been for me.
Let me explain.
I had a will of which she was the beneficiary.
House, money, everything.
You must know. She told everyone.
We were all aware of it.
But what she didn't tell you, because she didn't know,
is that I made a second will
that nullified the first.
I left her nothing!
Damn!
A brilliant idea, yes?
What will you do now?
Well... it depends on you.
On me?
On you.
- How so? - To the point, like soldiers.
Do you want Rose's post? It's all yours.
What about the wills, Captain?
I'll tear them up!
- I can't cook. - I can. And I'll make our beds.
I'll do everything.
There's cooking and cooking.
The kind I need... I'm sure you're good at it!
You know all the right spices!
You're a naughty little pig.
Not a little one, a big one!
So, Célestine, 35 francs a month.
The master's table and bed. A damn will!
How's that?
We'll see later.
Meanwhile, get another damn girl.
Smug little puppet!
It needs to be repainted.
Make it nice.
With a new sign:
"To the French Army".
Except...
- I can't leave my post yet. - Why not, Joseph?
Because...
not yet.
When will you leave for good?
Maybe not for six months.
Maybe before, maybe after.
- Depends. - On what?
- A deal. - What deal?
A deal.
With you gone, it will be unbearable.
I've grown so used to you.
Won't you miss seeing us?
No forcing a woman who refuses.
What have I refused?
You have bad thoughts about me.
Why do you say that?
I just know.
You have something else in mind now.
I never refused a thing.
I just thought it over.
- One must think first. - We'll talk later.
When will you be back?
In six days.
I dream about you, Célestine.
I dream about you too, Joseph.
I want us to be together, immediately.
N ow.
The Jew: Vermin of the World
The 12 Apostles of Dreyfus
Come.
When I give the signal,
go downstairs with Madame.
Don't say a thing.
You'll stop talking. Not a word.
When everything is fine,
I'll leave.
Every evening,
at 11 o'clock, look out the window.
If you see a light shining,
the next day you resign.
Come and find me at 11 o'clock
at the forest's edge.
Madame!
We've been robbed!
Madame!
Monsieur!
What is it?
- What is it? - A robbery, ma'am!
- What was stolen? - Everything.
- Everything! - Oh my God!
- What was stolen? - Wait.
Oh my God!
For Christ's sake!
My silver!
Good Lord, calm down!
They took everything, everything!
Even the Louis XVI cruet.
Good Lord...
What about the dogs?
Why do we have dogs if they don't even bark?
Come now, calm down.
What are you doing here?
Ridiculous with your puffy face and your ruffled nightshirt!
You suspect no one among your staff?
Your coach driver?
Joseph? He is so devoted to us...
With us more than 15 years!
Honesty incarnate, sir...
A gem. He would die for us.
Days went by, months...
The police obviously found no clues.
The case was classified as unsolved.
They figured the robbery was perpetrated by expert Parisian thieves.
Paris is easy to blame.
I'm too tired, ma'am.
Joseph, this isn't possible.
It is possible.
I need rest.
Talk to him!
Come now, Joseph...
We will truly miss you, Joseph...
Thank you, ma'am.
Thank you, sir.
I swore to become a model chambermaid, a gem as well.
I would become totally devoted, totally willing.
Madame became human.
She gradually became a true friend.
A good boy. He's been waiting to marry me.
Stay a little longer.
He is waiting, ma'am. I have to go back home.
I can give you a raise.
And a nice room. What do you say?
I cannot do otherwise, ma'am.
I've grown so used to you.
Just my luck...
Let's go.
Joseph holds me, possesses me like a devil.
I am happy to be his.
I'll do whatever he asks, and I'll go wherever he says.
Even as far as crime.
DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID