Temptation (1946) - full transcript

- Ahmed effendi.

The bell, I did not hear.

- I hope you had pleasant dreams.

- Me sleeping after lunch
keeps me young and cheerful.

- When did your master come back?

- Yesterday.

They come and they go.

Perhaps tomorrow they leave.

- Perhaps they will.

Perhaps they will not.

Who knows?



- Only Allah...

And police.

- Allah knows,

the police try to know.

Mr. Armine is well again?

- Oh, so well like newborn child.

My lady and him live
like pigeon on honeymoon.

Ibrahim!

Ibrahim!

- Quiet.

- Ibrahim!

- But my lady is calling.

- Ahmed effendi.

What a surprise.



- Forgive me for detaining Ibrahim, madam.

I asked him not to answer.

- But why?

Won't you come in and have tea with us?

We've been away from Egypt
a whole year, you know,

and my husband would
love to see you again.

- Thank you, I'd rather not.

- Well,

tea on the terrace for three, Ibrahim,

as Ahmed effendi won'tjoin us.

- What my lady wants, she must have.

- I'm very happy to see
you again, Ahmed effendi.

You're looking quite
prosperous, very European,

if that can be considered a compliment.

- I was promoted.

I'm now captain of police.

I've been waiting for you for a long time.

- Do you come as an
officer of the police or

as an old friend?

- As both, madam.

- As a hardened reader
of detective stories,

I know I shouldn't talk
to a police officer

unless I'm in the
presence of my solicitor.

I have no solicitor at hand
but I do have a husband.

Shouldn't we take him into our confidence?

- I'm afraid it might
cause him embarrassment.

- This sounds rather ominous.

Come, what's the mystery?

- Have you ever seen
this box before, madam?

- I don't think so.

Why?

- It was found in this garden.

- Eloquent work, isn't it?

What a lovely thing.

- It has rather a complicated history.

At one time, it was in the
possession of a man named Hamza,

now dead.

Before that, it seems it belonged
to someone called baroudi.

Mahoud baroudi.

- Baroudi?

Oh yes, I remember him.

A rather dubious young man, wasn't he?

Whatever happened to him?

- I thought you might be
able to tell us, madam.

- I'm sorry, I'm afraid
I'll have to disappoint you

but perhaps my husband
might know, he knew him too.

- Mr. Armine is a fine
man, a great gentleman.

I owe him very much.

And so I would rather
he did not hear from me

how mahoud baroudil died.

It would be kind, madam,
if you were to tell him...

Before you visit my office.

- And if I refuse to come?

- You have no choice.

- Let's see, what are my
plans for this afternoon?

Oh yes, I've ordered tea on the terrace

and that's very important
to us British, you now.

And then there's an old
friend of my husband's

visiting us from London,
sir meyer isaacson.

No, no, I'm afraid it would
be most inconvenient today.

You'll give me till tomorrow?

- Tomorrow at noon.

I shall be waiting.

- And I shall be there.

You're most kind, Ahmed effendi,

to give me time to arrange my affairs.

You're a true friend of my husband.

I thank you, really.

- Everything is perfect.

I had such a restful day.

And you?

- I was in the garden.

- Yes, I saw you.

This is a wonderful
vantage point, you know.

- Ladies and gentlemen, may I
have your undivided attention?

- You always have, darling.

- We are waiting breathlessly.

- Yeah, and here it is,

"my letter to her majesty's
secretary for home affairs

"declining the directorship
of the British museum."

- May I see it?

Okay.

- You put it very well, Nigel.

As far as I can see,
there's only one mistake.

What's that?

- Instead of saying no,
I'd like you to say yes.

- I don't understand,

you said you never wanted
to go back to London.

Only yesterday, you...

- That was yesterday.

I'm unpredictable, you know.

If you like, I can give
you my three reasons.

First,

I love you.

Second,

I love you.

- And third?

- Vanity.

My awful vanity.

I should like to be the wife

of the director of the British museum.

Especially if the director is you.

Please think it over, darling.

- Sir meyer isaacson,

I feel compelled to an
important statement.

Mrs. Nigel armine, my dear wife,

is the greatest woman in
Egypt since Cleopatra.

Don't you agree?

- Thoroughly, sir.

- I think we should leave
Nigel to make his decision.

Will you join me for walk, sir meyer?

- If it's not too far.

Don't forget, 5,000 years ago

my ancestors built the
pyramids and I am still tired.

You've changed quite a bit, Ruby.

I know how much you hate London

and still you want Nigel to accept.

- I'm not thinking of myself.

I'm thinking of Nigel.

There may come a time

when he'll have nothing left but his work.

- Surprisingly unselfish of you.

- You've always considered me
a hopeless case, haven't you?

- I made a bad diagnosis.

I'm a pretty sharp observer
and rarely have I seen a man

so happy in his marriage as Nigel.

I hope he stays that way.

- He won't.

I need your help, doctor.

I need it desperately.

In what way?

- It's a long story.

I don't know where to begin.

- Why not at the beginning?

- My memory for dates is very poor.

The things I remember best
are the hats and gowns I wore

and the way I felt when I wore them.

But you doctors keep records, don't you?

- Yes.

- When was it that I
first came to your office?

- Three years ago,

in may, to be exact.

- It took me a long time to decide

which dress I should wear.

I wanted to impress you, you see.

- You certainly did.

- And that's why I chose
my new dress from worth.

Such a lovely dress and so expensive.

I sold my last Jewel to buy it.

A ring which a former friend had given me

in one of his not-too-frequent
moments of generosity.

I was terribly nervous,

but I flatter myself at nobody.

Not even you, a doctor, noticed it.

Don't forget,

then I was quite used to
rather difficult situations.

Good afternoon.

- Good afternoon.

- I'm Mrs. Cartwright.

I have an appointment with the doctor.

- Your appointment was
for two o'clock, madam.

- I'm always late, I have no
sense of time or distance.

So this is Harley street.

Fascinating places, isn't it?

One doctor beside the other.

But I suppose we all
have to pass through here

on our way to the cemetery, huh?

- Quite so, madam.

Mrs. Cartwright is here, sir meyer.

- Show her in.

Why didn't you give your
real name, Mrs. Chepstow?

- My real name seems to
close every door in London.

I wanted to find yours open.

- My door is open to anyone.

- Is it, how nice.

And perhaps I might even sit down.

- Please do.

- Thank you.

You're most kind.

- What brings you to me?

- My former husband had faith only in you.

By the way, how is the old boy?

- Splendid.

In India, the last I
heard and married again.

- How nice, I hope he has
better luck this time.

- I hope so too.

- I've always had the greatest
admiration for you, doctor.

Even though you were quite instrumental

in breaking up my marriage.

- As your husband's physician,

I had to advise him to get the divorce.

- Of course, and you always
give excellent advice,

don't you, sir meyer?

- What can I do for you?

- I'm terribly sick.

Don't ask me what my
malaise is, I wouldn't know,

but it upsets me greatly.

- Any definite symptoms?

- Many.

For example, I cannot sleep.

Not at all.

Isn't it awful?

- How old are you?

At least you could have
said I don't look it.

- Will you come in here please?

Very well, nurse.

- This way, madam.

- And what is your verdict, doctor?

- You are in excellent health, physically.

You're insomnia may have to
do with your way of life,

drifting from one place to another.

- I adore your outspokenness, doctor.

- The cause of all your trouble is fear.

Fear of age and fear of the future.

- I must admit, I have
been rather lonely lately

without even a good bank
account to keep me company.

Can you offer me some advice?

- Go somewhere where
people don't know you.

Find a man who loves you,
marry him, be faithful to him

and I promise you, you'll sleep.

- That's why I returned to London.

- It might be difficult for you here.

- Perhaps.

But I can try, can't I?

You see, I prefer england, englishmen

and the pound sterling.

The dollar has always alluded me

and I haven't very much
confidence in marks of francs.

- You do as you please, madam,
I wish you the best of luck.

- And you pity my poor victim, hmm?

- Frankly, yes.

- Why?

Men are just begging to
be lied to, so I lie.

They don't fall in love with me.

They never trouble to know me.

They just fall in love

and they're cheated by
their own imagination.

- Interesting viewpoint.

- But it's the truth.

If I can have everything I want,
money, pleasure, admiration

just by a little harmless lying,

I'd be a tool not lie, wouldn't I?

- Why did you pretend to be sick?

Just to tell me all these

none-too-flattering things about yourself?

- I'm in the mood for confession today.

I would've gone to a priest

but I'm not pious.

- You are not sick either,
why confess to a doctor?

- I have my reasons

and I'm going to take your advice.

I found a man, I'll marry him.

And remember that if
you ever meet my victim,

what you know of me, you know as my doctor

and doctors, like priests,
are bound to secrecy.

Don't forget that.

Even

- I've been a doctor
for a long time, madam.

I know the ethics of my profession.

- And I've been a woman
for rather too long a time.

And I know the ethics of my profession.

Good day.

Marie?

Where are you?

We haven't a moment to lose.

Mr. Armine arrives this afternoon.

Come on, help me.

- What time, madam?

- Five, I've arranged for the clerk

to give him the suit next to mine.

Don't you think it's worth five pounds?

Even the balcony is a joy.

Come on, don't stand there, help me.

We've only two hours.

You should have seen me with isaacson.

I was brilliant, I tell you.

I hope it works.

- Do you think he will tell
Mr. Armine about how fast?

- I don't know, it's up to fate.

Anyway, I've done my best.

Egypt and its old tombs,

they bore me to death.

What do you have to do
to catch a man nowadays?

- The main thing is
that you are beautiful.

Lie still and relax.

I'm going to read to you.

"The ancient burial
place of Egyptian kings

"called the valley of the kings."

- The valley of the
kings, I'll remember that.

- "Where, in 1881,

"the tomb of king ramesses
the fourth was discovered.

"Two years later,

"the tomb of ramesses the
sixth was discovered."

- A minute, there's a ramesses missing.

What happened to him?

- That's all it says here.

"In 1895, a British expedition,

"under the supervision
of Mr. Nigel armine."

- Ah, now we're getting warm.

- "Mr. Nigel armine discovered the tomb

"of king ramesses the fifth."

- There's the missing
ramesses, I'm so relieved.

Let's get ready.

- It is said here,

he's writing a book about his experiences.

- No doubt I shall add a
few interesting chapters.

- Mr. Armine, madam!

He is in the lobby,

registering.

He will be up in a moment.

Now, repeat it again for
the last time, madam.

- Ramesses the fourth, ramesses the sixth,

then the great discovery by
Mr. Armine, ramesses the fifth.

Mysterious Egypt, valley of the kings.

Deserts, sphinx, pyramids.

Enough to sustain an amusing
conversation with anyone.

Oh, by the way,

what's the name of that new writer

he's always talking about?

- Sure, madam, I told it
to you a hundred times.

George Bernard Shaw.

Oh yes.

A name destined to be forgotten.

- I think I hear him coming.

Madam, please, keep this in your purse.

I got it from my dear mama.

It brings luck.

- Bless you.

- Oh, I'll be quite
comfortable as usual, I'm sure.

- How long do you intend to stay?

How long do you intend to stay?

- Excuse me a moment.

Miss chepstow, I...

- Mr. Armine.

What a surprise.

When did you arrive?

- Only a moment ago.

I meant to call on your first thing.

I thought you'd be at claridge's.

- Well, I couldn't get rooms
there, the darby, you know.

So remembering your
recommendation, I came here.

I have a lovely suite on this floor.

- Oh, I'm on this floor too.

You must admit, it's destiny.

- I only admit a pleasant surprise.

- Well I shan't detain you.

I presume your time is taken.

- And it's a little your fault, you know.

All your fascinating stories about Egypt

and those lovely tombs.

It's become quite an obsession with me.

I'm just on my way to the museum.

- Oh, I have to go there too.

It's the first thing I have to in London.

- I thought the first thing you
had to do was to call on me.

- Well, I didn't realize

how badly they needed me at the museum.

Would you mind waiting five
minutes while I brush up a bit?

You, you really need a guide, you know?

- Oh well, all right.

I'll wait.

- Some more spaghetti, senor armine?

- No, pepito, enough is enough.

- And you, Bella Donna?

- Do you want to kill me?

No, thank you.

- Bella Donna.

"Beautiful woman."

- It also means a poison, doesn't it?

- It has two meanings, like everything.

Being a hopeless optimist,
I like to take the good one.

To me, "Bella Donna" means you.

- Well, let's see if
I fit the description.

- Good evening, sir, table?

No, thank you.

- Meyer.

I sent him a telegram to meet me here.

I didn't know that you'd
give me the first evening.

I hope you don't mind.

- On the contrary, I'm
most anxious to meet him.

- Okay, excuse me.

Sir meyer, it's good to see you.

- Hello, old boy, it is good to see you.

- My friend, sir meyer isaacson.

Mrs. Chepstow.

- How do you do?

- But we know each other,
Mrs. Chepstow, don't we?

- Oh, now you've spoiled it all.

I wanted to keep it as a
special surprise for Nigel

that you were my doctor.

- But why?

- The ways of women are
often mysterious, Nigel.

For a short while, at least.

- You're so right, doctor,
now won't you sit down?

- Thank you.

- We can strongly recommend spaghetti.

- You're looking very well.

- I've had my first
vacation in years in France.

And there, I take it,
you met Mrs. Chepstow.

- Yes.

We were both lonely and we
had a wonderful time together.

Nigel was always talking about you.

The greatest influence in
his life, his guiding star.

- Nigel goes quite overboard in his likes.

I hope you'll never go wrong.

- Why should I?

- Well, you might, we
are fallible, aren't we?

- Oh, buona sera, senor.

- Good evening.
- What should it be?

- Just some coffee, pepito.

I'm not hungry.

- Oh, are you sick, senor?

- No, no, just a little nervous.

Too much work.

- I'll make you a good hot coffee.

- Thank you.

- Something wrong?

- No, nothing special, Nigel.

Just preoccupied with a problem.

- Can I help you?

You always said I was
rather good at problems.

- No, this one has nothing
to do with mathematics.

Rather, a matter of ethics.

A patient came to see me today.

An advanced and infectious case,

hopeless.

- A man or woman?

- A patient who wants to get married.

Fiance is a wonderful
person, friend of mine.

- Why can't you warn your friend?

- My patient believes that, as a doctor,

I am bound to secrecy.

- Of course, your patient
is right, I've forgotten.

- My patient doesn't
realize that I'm also bound

to prevent the dangerous
disease from spreading.

I'll have to warn my friend.

- Oh, but you mustn't, you
haven't any right to play god.

You say your patient is
hopeless, but how do you know?

Perhaps a happy marriage
might be the cure.

- You believe in miracles.

- Well, I believe in giving god,

or whatever you call the good force,

a chance to do things his way.

- Tell us your opinion, Mrs. Chepstow.

- Tell him I'm right, Ruby.

- Whatever I say, sir meyer
will make his own decision.

I don't believe my opinion can change it.

I seem to have a slight headache.

Do you mind if I leave?

- Let me take you home.

- No, no, thank you.

I wouldn't like to deprive
the doctor of your company.

I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about.

Just call me a cab, would you?

- I'll go with you.

- No, thank you.

I'm making it easy for you.

Aren't I?

- It isn't easy for either us.

You see, Nigel and I...

- First you give me advice,
then you object to my taking it.

- Do you think Dr. Isaacson
will tell Mr. Armine

about our past?

- Oh, I'm sure of it.

I've just wasted my time.

I should have left Nigel
alone the moment I knew

he was a friend of Dr. Isaacson's.

Thank you, Marie, you're such a comfort.

All I have left.

Give me my smelly salt, please.

It's in my bag.

Well, at least I won't
have to hear about Egypt

and ramesses and his rotten old mummy.

Oh, here's your dear
mama's good luck piece.

It didn't work.

I should have known.

- Try once more.

Perhaps the doctor did not say anything.

- Me, no, it's impossible.

- When a man plays the piano
in the middle of the night,

he's worth another try.

- What do you want me to
do, knock at his door?

- If you can see him from the
balcony, he can see you too.

He might join you.

- And let him tell me what
a great disappointment I am?

No, thank you.

What are you doing?

- In the dark, men mostly
follow their noses.

- I want to apologize for
leaving so abruptly this evening.

I hope the doctor didn't
think me impolite.

I suppose you two had a most
interesting conversation.

- It was more of a monologue.

- What did he tell you?

- Oh, I did most of the talking.

I spoke about my plans,

these next months in Egypt

and the fulfillment of everything

I've worked for all these years.

And I told him I was going
to ask you to come with me...

As my wife.

- What did he answer?

- What do you answer?

- I had gambled against
heavy odds and won.

I was quite satisfied
with my own cleverness.

I had every reason to be proud.

It was victory, sudden and complete.

I was firmly convinced
my trick had worked.

Won out, once and for all,

against you, against my past.

I was almost happy.

I started to like Nigel.

Who could help liking a
man who paid the bills,

gave one a brand new name
for a badly used one,

a new country.

Egypt-

I had no reason to complain,

not one.

A beautiful house and garden,

many servants,

all the things I'd done
without for so many years.

Now I had a home.

- "Villa Bella Donna."

Named after you, darling.

In such a pleasant setting,

I really intended to give
a convincing performance

of a respectable woman in love.

Not an exciting role,

but a challenge because of its novelty

and the engagement
promised to be a long one.

But I found the months
that followed interminable.

I saw no one but Nigel's
dull collaborators

and their still duller families,

and slowly, all these
lovely people and Egypt

and the heat and the flies and
Nigel's continuous kindness

became a mountain of boredom.

- I am certain he married his sister.

What else could he do?

She was rich and powerful.

- And I suppose he waited
until the first child was born

and then he murdered her.

Very simple, professor Mueller.

- Much too simple.

- We don't even know yet.
- Gentlemen, gentlemen.

We are forgetting the ladies.

- Oh, don't mind us.

We love gossip.

- We were only discussing the marriage

of ramesses the fifth.

- How disappointing.

And I was hoping for a
much more recent scandal.

Weren't you, Yvonne?

- Scandal, what do you mean?

I do not understand.

- I asked if you weren't
interested in scandals.

I am.

- Well, I hope we didn't
say anything to upset her.

- What's wrong with your
daughter, professor?

- Oh, lover's quarrel probably.

This morning she got a letter
from her fiance in Paris.

It is not interesting.

- After all, our scandal
is 3,000 years old.

- It is much shorter than that, I think.

I place the death of the queen

at the beginning of the 20th dynasty.

- Excuse me.
- Your mistaken,

my dear collage.

The hieroglyphics give us the exact date.

All those
questions to be solved.

- Madam, I brought you a
scarf, it's getting cool.

- Thank you.

- Cook wants to know what you
order for dinner tomorrow.

- Well, they're having the same guests,

same conversations, same heat,

might as well have the same food.

- Madam Mueller says her
husband likes sauerbraten.

- Sauerbraten it shall be.

Ramesses with sauerbraten.

Sauerbraten with ramesses.

A rather ordinary beginning for this,

the most fateful evening of my life.

Whoever cooks our destiny
uses a curious recipe.

In my case, boredom,

one moment of kindness

and Yvonne,

Whom I disliked from the
beginning because she was 17.

- Do you mind?

- Really, it's nothing.

I love to cry.

- Doesn't help much.

Why not try talking?

- To whom?

Father's always busy
with his ramesses and...

- How about me?

Strictly between us, I'm old
enough to be a confidant.

- Nobody can help me.

- Did you have a quarrel with your fiance?

- No, only today I got such
a sweet letter from him.

He wants me to come back.

I'll never see him again, never.

I couldn't face him anymore.

- Was there another man?

- I met him at the Polo field.

He was very charming at first.

I thought it would be just
an amusing flirtation.

He talked so well.

I couldn't imagine that a man, any man,

could be so mean, so low.

If my fiance ever finds out.

- Well, thank heavens men are trusting

and you can always lie.

- There are letters.

So the gentleman is trying
to blackmail you, huh?

- I haven't any money
and I can't ask father.

He'd never believe there was
nothing else but letters.

There's only one way out.

- Give me that bag.

No!

- Come on, give it to me.

- I'm going to kill him,
that's what he deserves.

- I shouldn't if I were you.

Killing is an awfully messy business.

Perhaps I could get the
letters back for you.

- But how?

- A little tact and persuasion.

You trust me?

- I didn't know you
could be so kind, madam.

- Nor did I.

Now you dry your tears and stop worrying

and I'll go back to ramesses.

By the way, I forgot to ask,

what is the gentleman's name?

- Baroudi.

Mahoud baroudi.

Mahoud baroudi.

Mahoud baroudi,

a name out of "one
thousand and one nights."

It fitted the surroundings

and protecting innocent young womanhood

was a new and amusing role for me.

- This must be it.

- This looks like a happening.

- Why not?

- Well, it is forbidden, they
cannot buy women anymore.

- What does it matter?

We're not in the market anyway.

- The master is waiting.

- How do you do, Mrs. Armine?

- I hope you had no
trouble finding my house.

The street is rather obscure.

- No trouble at all.

- Splendid.

May I offer you something?

My servant, Hamza, is famous
all over Egypt for his coffee.

- Thank you, no, I can only stay a moment.

- I'm sorry.

Some other time, perhaps?

Imshi, Hamza.

Then won't you come in to my study?

You'll feel more at home.

This is where I really live.

My house, it's a little like myself,

half oriental, half European.

I inherited it from my father.

If you had a little more
time, I'd like you to see it.

It's quite interesting.

- I'm sure it is.

- Your message came yesterday.

"I must see you on private business."

I couldn't sleep last
night trying to imagine

what it could be.

I'm very impractical
and not a businessman.

- From your collection of
trophies, you're a sportsman.

- Not really, I'm too lazy but,

I admit modestly, I'm rather good at Polo.

I played at Oxford.

In fact, that was the only
thing I learned there.

It's a good game, if you
like falling from horses.

- And meeting the right people?

- I haven't seen you at the Polo field.

- But you did meet Yvonne dupont.

I hope you still remember her.

- I'll remember Yvonne as long as I live.

She's an enchanting young lady.

You are a friend of hers?

- Yes.

Yes, a very good friend.

- Then I can be frank
with you, Mrs. Armine.

Won't you sit down?

There was a time when Yvonne and I

were very fond of each other.

I hoped someday to marry her.

It was rather a shock when I found

that she already had a fiance in Paris.

And you still love her?

- Yes,

I'd do anything to her make happy.

- Well, that makes my
mission so much easier.

You see,

Yvonne would like her letters back.

- Her letters?

- You haven't destroyed them?

- I destroy her beautiful letters.

I couldn't do that, madam,

but Yvonne gone, they're all I have left.

I'm alone, madam.

I have no family, very few friends.

Acquaintances, yes, but no friends.

I don't think I shall ever marry now.

What will be left when I'm old?

Nothing but my memories,

my souvenirs,

letters.

Do you think me ridiculous?

- Oh no, no.

I'm exactly the same as you.

I'm delighted to find a man

who is as sentimental as we women.

Only last week, I was
discussing this emotion

with a very close friend of my husband,

osman pasha, the commandant of police,

perhaps you've heard of him.

- I have never met him, personally.

- Well, that's too bad, I must arrange it.

This osman pasha, he's a realist.

Has no feeling for sentiments at all.

I suppose it's because of his profession,

always dealing with criminals,

but I know he'd be delighted to meet a man

who wouldn't part of the memory.

Not for 2,000 francs?

- Not for 10,000.

- Oh my, what a tender you are.

Even more sentimental than I thought.

- You are the first person I've met

who iiesjust as well as I do.

- What kind of compliment is this?

- You surpassed my expectations
and they were high.

- I'm very flattered but...
- Oh wait, wait.

I haven't finished.

Here.

- All of them?

-All.

- With your permission.

- 10,000 francs of dull reading.

An investment in our friendship.

- Might turn out to be a bad investment.

- Impossible.

I have an instinct for women.

- Quite possible.

I have an instinct for men.

- Can I go out this way?
- Of course.

Isn't it refreshing that two
people at their first meeting

can be so frank with each other?

Many a great love story
have start that way.

What do you know about love?

- I'll tell you when we meet again.

Make it soon.

- Never.

- The French have a proverb.

If a woman says "never",
she means "perhaps".

And if she says "perhaps",
she means "yes".

- When I say "never" to
you, it means "goodbye".

Au revoir.

- Does your man always
listen outside the door?

- Usually.

But he's completely devoted and loyal.

I hope your maid will be just as discreet.

- We are leaving, if you please.

- Yes, Yvonne.

Please tell Nigel I will
come back as soon as I can.

- I will.

- Thank you, again.

I'll never forget what you did for me.

- Look out for yourself, Yvonne.

- A girl can't be too careful, you know.

Give my regards to your fiance.

And remember my advice,

no letters.

- What a happy coincidence.

- Undoubtedly, we both
came for the same reason,

to say goodbye to Yvonne, your great love.

But pity you missed her.

- Goodbye, great love.

And now what?

- Well, I've seen the pyramids,

the sphinx has no secrets for me.

And I've been cheated by every
rug dealer in the bazaar.

Have you something more amusing to offer?

- Just myself.

- Not very much, I must say say.

Still, I must consider your investment.

I haven't my watch, have you the time?

- The rest of the evening.

- Aren't you investing too much?

I told you my husband expects me home.

- Your husband is at the excavation,

frantically digging for the
remains of ramesses the fifth.

- You're surprisingly well informed.

- I even know that he tends

to leave you alone for some time.

Rather careless of him.

- Not at all, he knows me.

- I know you better.

We don't have to lie to each
other 'cause we're alike.

You want everything you
can get exactly as I do.

- If there is no danger.

And I should warn you,

I'm not writing any letters.

- Believe me, you're the
first woman I've met...

- "When you saw me, it was
like a stroke of lightening.

"Your heart stood still."

I know the text.

- I'm not lying now.

- You don't have to talk so much.

Not that I don't like to hear it.

It isn't necessary.

I'm not 17 like Yvonne.

- Ahmed effendi,

the mail has arrived.

- I'm going to have the tunnel cleared

sooner than you expected.

Perhaps this afternoon.

- Oh, don't work the poor chaps too hard.

It's getting hotter and hotter.

Give them a rest.

Anything else?

- Nothing, sir.

Only I would like to ask
you a personal favor.

- Go ahead, anything I can do.

Except one thing.

I can't talk to the commandant of police

about your promotion.

- Because I've already written him

that you're the best man in
the service and he agrees.

- You're very kind.

Thank you so much, sir.

- Well,

I had to tell him the
truth, captain Ahmed.

Hello, Mueller.

Good news from Gretchen?

- Nothing important.

She worries if I'm eating enough.

Who is your letter from?

Ruby?

- Yes, she hasn't been feeling very well.

- There is all the time
something wrong with women.

I always say, women are wonderful

but they need too many repairs.

- It's nothing serious.

- Thank you, Abdullah.

- Ruby hasn't left the
villa since my departure.

She says, "I rest 24 hours on
weekdays and 25 on sundays."

No visitors.

It's a pity our life here is so primitive.

- I'm beginning to love Egypt.

The climate is so amusing.

- Getting used to it?

- Mm-hmm, lately.

The nights are so beautiful.

- And the days?

- I don't know anymore.

I sleep.

Marie is infuriated with me.

She says I need the sunshine.

- Tell her it's bad for your complexion.

- No, with the French you must use logic.

I tell her that I go out at night

because it's the thing to do

and that one meets the
most fascinating people.

- For example?

- Burglars.

Night watchman.

Astronomers.

- Who else?

- You.

I forgot to mention that.

- Good morning, madam.

It's two o'clock, aren't
you ashamed of yourself?

Have you no sense?

Where is this going to lead us?

- I am in no mood lectures. Marie.

Go to bed, I'll undress myself.

- We will find ourselves
in the divorce court again

- if you keep on.
- Nonsense.

Nigel will be home tomorrow

and I'll be a dutiful wife again.

I know when it's time to stop.

- That may not be as easy as you think.

- Oh, go away and leave me alone.

- One day you may be alone

and old.

The very things
I'd always dreaded.

Being alone,

being old.

That's why I'd said goodbye to baroudi,

ended the pleasant little
interlude once and for all.

At that moment, I didn't think I cared.

It had always been easy for
me to turn off my emotions

whenever they interfered
with my interests.

Why should it be different now?

My interests were with Nigel.

He returned in the morning.

I had passed a sleepless night,

but I was ready to
answer all his questions.

He didn't ask any,

he just trusted.

- And when you wrote that you missed me,

I couldn't stay away.

Oh, I tried to.

Worked feverishly.

But even Mueller noticed
that my heart wasn't in it.

And so he urged that I take a rest.

He didn't have to try
very hard to persuade me.

- How long can you stay?

- A week, I thought.

- Only a week?

I'd hoped you could stay longer.

I know it's selfish of me.

You've been married to
your work for a long time

and to me for only a year,

but please stay longer.

I need you, really I do.

- I will, darling.

I was sincere.

Believe me, I wanted to close
the chapter, turn the page.

I couldn't.

As the weeks went by, my life
with Nigel became unbearable.

I couldn't forget baroudi.

I thought about him day and night.

All the time.

- Did you deliver my letters?

- Oui, madam, all of them.

- Did he give you one for me?

- No, madam, I'm happy to say no.

And if you want to know
why, look in today's paper.

You had better hang on to what you have.

- I'll be with you in a moment, darling.

Something wrong?

- Nothing.

Will you have some Sherry?

- Please.

I've heard from Mueller

and I'll have to go
back to the valley soon.

- Singing's driving me crazy.

- Does get on one's nerves, doesn't it?

What is it, Ruby?

- I know it's childish but
I'm afraid to be alone again.

- Then why don't you come back with me?

- No.

No, I'd only be a nuisance.

But why don't we enjoy
these last few days?

Meet new people, have dinner in town

or invite them here.

I'm vain, you know.

I'm married to a famous man
and I want to show him off.

Can you blame me?

How long do you expect to
stay in Cairo, Mrs. Mccormick?

- My husband wanted to leave last week

but something came up,
something important.

Oh yes, quite important.

So we decided to stay a little longer.

- We decided?

I have nothing to say.

That's how it is with us, Mrs. Armine.

I run the business.

Mrs. Mccormick runs the family.

But I am happy we stayed and met you.

- I'm a little out of practice.

- Oh, you play beautifully.

And Mr. Baroudi dances divinely.

Perhaps I should play a polka.

You know, I love to exhibit my repertoire.

- Thank you Mr. Armine but Jean and I...

- Oh, it's such a beautiful night.

Moonlight and stars.

- Well, I'll try to play
something to fit the mood.

It's cool outside, Jean.

Don't forget to take a wrap.

- All right, mother.

I'll be right back.

- A beautiful night, really.

Ideal for poets

and young love.

- It is, Mrs. Armine.

- Why don't you answer my letters?

- I'm very busy, as you can see.

- Had to invite all these dull
people just to talk to you.

When can we meet?

- Be careful.

We have a big program.

The pyramids, right through
the desert, picnic on the nile.

- Sounds charming.

When?

- I'll write you from the
states, don't forget...

- They make a handsome couple.

Jean and prince baroudi.

- Would you care to see the garden?

- I'd be delighted.

- The states, New York,

the wide open spaces.

I'm very anxious to see them.

- You don't mind giving up Egypt for me?

- For you, anything.

I'm very much alone here.

I have very few friends.

Acquaintances, yes.

No friends.

- We won't disturb you.

We just want to see the garden.

- Don't look after Mrs. Armine
or you'll make me jealous.

She's stunning.

- Is she?

Perhaps.

I hadn't noticed.

I have eyes only for you.

- He hasn't actually
proposed yet but he will.

I'm sure he will.

- No doubt.

It's a very advantageous match for him.

- Of course.

For us too.

He's very Democratic.

He doesn't care about his title.

Still, he's a prince.

- Is he?

- He said so himself.

But...

- I presume you've made
thorough inquiries.

- No.

We just assumed that everything would...

Do you think we should?

- I would.

- Oh, Mrs. Armine, if you know something,

I can keep a secret.

It'll be strictly confidential.

Tell me.

- I know I shouldn't have brought this up.

- Do come in.

- Where are they?

- Gone to the states.

The wide open spaces.

Father, mother and daughter.

- And you are here to guard
the luggage, I suppose.

- Correct.

And to give you a sad message.

- I can imagine.

- Jean is sorry she can't go
picnicking with you today.

Her parents don't want an
Egyptian prince for a son-in-law.

- You had nothing to do
with this change of mind.

- Mr. Mccormick had you
investigated, I suppose.

He found out about your debts

and they made him very indignant.

And then there was some scandal.

Cheating at cards or something,

innocent little things,

but hard for an American
businessman to swallow.

- And who gave him the
idea to be so thorough?

- I did.

I'd like to strangle you.

Wait a minute.

Where are you going?

- Daughters don't always
agree with their parents.

- No doubt.

But before you go,

look on the desk.

That check won't be stopped
if you don't attempt

to see the girl before
she leaves for home.

You see, I do my best to
provide for my friends.

Not bad for a month's work, huh?

- Far cry from millions.

- This you have.

The millions are uncertain.

- What is certain with you around?

- Only this, that I should
never have left you.

I missed you so much.

Can't imagine how much.

Let's be friends again.

- With all the consequences?

- With all the consequences.

Hello, darling.

- Oh, it's you.

I had no idea.

- Don't disturb yourself.

I can only stay five minutes.

Things are in an uproar at home.

- Someone's beginning to miss you?

H no.

Caesar's wife is above reproach, you know.

This is something far more world shaking.

Darling, you're the first,
of the outer circle, I mean,

to hear the colossal news.

Ramesses' mummy is about to be unveiled.

- Congratulations.

- Oh, don't be so blasé.

This great scientific event
is repercussions for us.

I must spend a week at the tomb.

Nigel insists I have a first
hand view of the mummy.

It's a kind of honor,

like the Victoria cross.

Which I shall bear with
all my other crosses.

- What else can you do
as an obedient wife?

I hope you'll have a pleasant time.

- But wait, I haven't finished.

After everyone has admired the mummy,

we're planning a great social affair,

in the desert of all places.

Big to do in a tent.

You're invited.

- Do you think it wise for us
to appear in public together?

- A whole week without you
is more than I can bear.

And ramesses mummy can't replace you.

So don't look so sorry
and say you'll come.

- Very well.

I shall be delighted.

- You're in such bad humor today.

- Let's not talk about it.

- Something affecting us?

- Yes and no.

Money question has become
unpleasantly pressing.

I wanted to use mccormick's
check to calm my creditors

but it wasn't enough.

So I put it on some horses.

It's hopeless.

- Nigel was quite generous
on my birthday, 200 pounds.

I'll send it.

- Don't bother about it, darling.

It isn't enough.

- There must be some way I can help.

- I'll have to leave the country.

Perhaps I'll go to america.

- America?

You've heard from Jean.

I know you have!

- Don't get excited, darling.

Yes, Jean has written, she'll be 21 soon

and she'll have money
of her own, she says.

- I'll kill her if she comes between us.

- I don't think you have enough courage.

Jean doesn't stand between us.

Nigel does.

- I wish she were dead.

- What did you say?

Hmm?

Nothing.

- You did write to Jean, I knew it!

- Mind your own business, will you?

- Tear it up!

I want you to tear it.

- Back again where we started.

Great love,

little courage,

no money.

And it will be so easy.

- What your thinking is impossible.

- The life we are leading
is impossible too.

Always meeting in secret,

always in danger and no hope.

The circumstances are perfect.

King ramesses' mummy could help us.

- I'm in no mood forjoking.

- Neither am I, darling.

Nigel will be the first one
to enter the tomb won't he?

- I expect so.

- Dangerous undertaking.

The first one to discover
one of those tombs was sir...

I forgot the name.

One beautiful morning,
after years of hard work,

he broke the seal of an inner tomb.

Another beautiful morning, a
few weeks later, he was dead.

A mysterious sickness.

The doctors looked for an unknown microbe

but the newspapers and
all the other gossips

convinced the world that the dead king

had taken his vengeance.

A curse.

- Silly superstition.

- A helpful superstition.

If your husband's predecessor
had been poisoned...

- But the doctors would find out.

- There are poisons...

Difficult to detect...

In small doses.

Impossible to detect if
you believe in curses

or look for unknown microbes.

- I can't do it.

Believe me, I can't.

- All right.

Let's forget it.

- I must go now.

- Goodbye, darling.

- Tell me you love me.

You've never said it before.

I'll do anything you want.

- I love you so much.

I want to destroy everything
that comes between us.

- Abdullah?

Where is Abdullah?

- Abdullah's sick.

Me cousin, doing work.

Me Hamza.

- All right, ring us the coffee, Abdullah.

- Me, Hamza.

- Nevermind, make it quick.

- You started excavating
10 years ago, Mr. Armine?

- That's right.

- After many failures,
you succeeded in locating

the entrance to the now world famous tomb.

Four years ago, the first
room was discovered.

You called it the royal
chamber, if I'm not mistaken.

- That's perfectly correct,
Mr. Smith-parrington.

The room is filled with the
personal belongs of the king.

- Do you keep on working
right through the hot season?

We can't.

Don't forget the objects
we find on the tomb

haven't been subject to
changing temperatures

for thousands of years.

What do you do about that?

- Each year, we Bury the
entrances of the tomb

with grave! And rocks

and reestablish, as far as we
can, the original conditions.

- And today you're
opening the Internet tomb,

which you believe to hold the
remains of ramesses the fifth?

- Well, I'm sure of it.

The seals on the doorway were unbroken.

- Well, the readers of the London times

would be very interested
in this, Mr. Armine.

I'm grateful to you, thank you.

- We Americans are used to
stronger stuff, Mr. Armine.

Hasn't anything sensational
happened in all these years?

An earthquake or a kidnapping.

- I'm afraid I'll have
to disappoint you, sir.

No human interest story?

My article has to compete with

the world's heavyweight championship.

- Well, let's see.

No, nothing's happened,
except that I was married.

That might not be as
sensational to your readers

as it is to me.

- Well, if we could run a picture of madam

with the article, it would.

Tell me, Mrs. Armine,

aren't you afraid to look at the mummy?

There's a curse, you know.

- Afraid, no.

I'm not superstitious.

Hold it!

- Steady.

All right, thank you, that's all.

And now may we have one more, please,

with everyone in.

- Dr. Mueller, Mrs. Mueller,
if you'll step in, please.

- But hurry, the guests started arriving,

All right, make it right away.

- And then the American report

began talking about the superstition.

- That's perfect, let us hope that...

Nigel.

You remember Mr. Baroudi, don't you?

- Well, of course I do.

Happy you came.

- I wouldn't miss such an
opportunity, Mr. Armine.

- Thank you.

Come, darling.

We are now going into the tomb.

The ladies should be careful
not to touch the walls.

They haven't been cleaned for 3,000 years.

Mind the step, please.

Watch the steps, please, madam.

- This way, please.

Be careful, ladies and
gentlemen, of the walls.

Room over here.

- Ladies and gentlemen,

I'm about to enter the inner chamber.

The artist shrines encasing it
have already been taken out.

The coffin itself is pure goal.

In fact, it's so heavy we
had to erect this machine

in order to lift the lid.

When I give the word,
will you start the winch?

Come, darling.

Now.

The mask is carved in gold.

Even the flowers have kept their shape.

As if it were alive.

- How wonderfully preserved.

Wonderful workmanship.

- I'm frightened.

- Well, it's the air in here, darling.

It makes you dizzy.

I feel it too, it's a funny sensation.

- Let's leave, please.

- Oh no, not yet.

I've waited 10 years for this moment.

It's almost an obsession.

Until now I've had two loves.

When my work is finished
here, I'll only have.

J' for he's a jolly good fellow j“

j“ and say all of us j“

- Thank you very much.

You're most kind.

Nigel,

your speech.

Oh yes.

Excuse me.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I thank you with all my heart

for the interest you've
shown in coming here.

I especially want to thank his excellency,

mustapha pasha,

and for the assistance his
government has given us.

I know that in honoring me,

he will also pay tribute
to professor Mueller,

professor dupont and
my other collaborators.

- What's the matter with Nigel?

- And the...

Curators of the British museum.

This indeed...

Is my proudest moment.

Am very happy

to be able to...

- Doctor!

Doctor Harding!

- Doctor Harding!

- I can't breathe, doctor.

It's nothing, I'm sure it'll be all right.

- You've been working too
hard, old fellow, that's all.

We've gotta get him home, he needs rest.

Here, let me help you, old chap.

Here I am.

The patient's getting on
as well as can be expected.

He's resting quietly.

May I have a word with you?

- Of course.

- Will you excuse us?

- Won't you sit down, doctor?

- Thank you.

Well, I shouldn't worry
too much, Mrs. Armine.

- This sickness came on so suddenly.

- Well, if no one got sick,
we poor doctors would starve.

I examined your husband
thoroughly, Mrs. Armine.

Blood pressure's low.

Heartbeats fast, a little too fast.

Vague pains,

kind of headache.

- Perhaps it's just nerves.

Nigel has been so engrossed in his work.

- Well,

maybe.

To be frank, I haven't arrived
at any definite diagnosis.

But I gave him a sedative.

That's good in any case.

Plenty of rest, absolute quiet...

Till we see more clearly.

- Could he have contracted an infection

from one of the workmen?

- That's an interesting idea, yes.

Yes, malaria perhaps.

No, no, no, no.

He has no temperature.

He doesn't drink does he?

- Hardly at all.

- Contrary to the usual belief,

alcohol is an excellent
preventive in these hot climates.

I'm completely dried out myself.

- I'm pouring you a drink, doctor.

- Oh please, don't trouble, please.

Oh, well, since you have
it poured, I'll take it.

- Thank you.

And keep your chin up

and just give the patient
light food and lots of liquid.

Lots of liquid, oh thank you, and...

Tell him to have faith in his
doctor, that's most important.

- I'm sure he has the
utmost confidence in you.

- Well, I don't know.

He spoke of calling in someone else.

A Dr. Isaacson.

Dr. Isaacson is just a friend of Nigel's.

He lives in London and I
wouldn't dream of disturbing him,

since you say it's nothing serious.

- Please don't hesitate on my account.

I'm willing to consult with
anyone if the patient wants it.

- Dr. Isaacson has a
certain vogue in London,

but I'm sure he is no
more qualified than you.

- Well, that's what I thought.

Believe me, I can handle the case alone.

We must pull him through together.

Well, I'll look in again tomorrow.

- Another drink before you go, doctor?

- No, thank you, not now.

No, I really mustn't.

I have several more visits
to make this morning

and you'll know,

most of my patients are
just as hospitable as you.

Good morning.

Don't trouble.

Don't talk, darling.

Doctor says you must be very quiet.

I'm the only visitor allowed.

The Mueller's were here,
they send their love.

And Ahmed wants me to tell you
not to worry about a thing.

You'll be all right in a couple of days.

You must be quiet.

- I will.

Don't leave me, darling.

You should sleep.

I will soon.

From that moment
on, time stood still.

There was no difference
between day and night.

Every hour seemed like a thousand.

I wanted to leave that sick room,

that horrible house.

I wanted to sleep again.

I couldn't sleep.

I had to sit with Nigel day after day,

holding his hand, watching him.

If only I hadn't had to watch him.

Nigel.

Nigel never complained.

He seemed always to be
apologizing for his illness.

He smiled,

never suspecting a thing.

And like Judas, I had to smile back.

Innumerable times the door opened,

letting Hamza in,

letting Hamza out.

And there was always your
name again, Dr. Isaacson.

- He spoke of calling in someone else,

a Dr. Isaacson.

Your name.

A constant reminder of my guilt,

of my fears.

I tried to get strength from baroudi.

- I told you not to send for me.

- Darling, don't be
angry, I had to see you.

- Why?

What's so urgent?

- Nigel wants to send for another doctor.

- What?

- An old friend of his
from London, Dr. Isaacson.

He had me write a cable.

- I don't want another doctor,
under any circumstances.

When I was with
him, I wasn't weak anymore.

Everything seemed simple.

- We want to be free and together.

Don't forget that.

- Oh darling.

When I'm with you, everything's so easy.

So simple.

- A few more weeks, darling.

They'll pass.

"They'll pass," baroudi said.

But they didn't.

There was always the
same question every day.

- News from isaacson?

- Not yet.

He must be on holiday.

- Send another cable, will you darling?

- I will.

You can trust me.

You can trust me.

You can trust me.

It's you.

I didn't hear you come in.

What is it?

- Yes, madam.

I sent for Dr. Isaacson.

I heard you promise,
Mr. Armine so many times

you would do it.

I kept your promise.

- How thoughtful of you.

I suppose if I told you
that it had slipped my mind,

you wouldn't believe me.

- No.

- You're right!

It didn't!

I hate Dr. Isaacson.

I don't want him here.

And you know why.

- I want Mr. Armine to get well.

- How sweet of you.

My husband will be eternally grateful.

Here, take it to him.

Tell him what you did.

Tell him I'm a liar.

He won't believe you.

He'll be disappointed

because he trusts me.

- I won't see Mr. Armine
anymore, I'm leaving.

I'm going back to France.

My baggage is all ready.

- Well, I'm not holding you back.

I've had enough of you.

Bon voyage.

Here, take your money and go.

Well, what are you waiting for?

A reference?

Very well.

I'll give you one.

20 years of fateful service.

20 years of meddling in
other people's affairs.

- 20 years, what we went through together.

It could not be printed in school books

but I loved being with you.

Inside, inside you are not bad.

You are generous and gay.

Now you have changed, horrid.

Tis this man, baroudi.

- Keep your sermons to yourself.

- He is evil.

He will destroy you.

Why do you see him?

Why Hamza in the house?

Why do you not want to help your husband?

- Do what you want with
your silly accusations.

Go to my husband, go to the police.

- I could not turn against you.

I can only beg you to come
with me before it is too late.

- Leave me alone.

Once and for all, I beg
of you, leave me alone!

- Adieu cherie.

- Is baroudi effendi here?

- What's happened?

- I had to see you, I...

- We can't talk here, come.

Now, tell me what
happened, he's at the end?

Oh, that's it, I've completely forgotten.

- When Dr. Isaacson comes, we're lost,

we've gotta get away now.

- Nonsense, it's not that serious.

Try to be calm, darling, will you?

We'll have to change our
plan, finish it quickly.

Tonight.

Dr. Isaacson will come too late.

And Dr. Harding will give
all the medical explanations.

You see, we keep our
heads, nothing is lost.

- But you don't understand,
it's not that easy.

- Anything else?

Something you haven't told me?

For heaven sake, what is it?

- When I came here, I knew what you'd say.

And I was afraid

because it can't be done.

It's impossible.

I tried to force myself all these weeks.

Really, I've tried but it's not in me.

Don't you understand?

It's not in me!

- Well, this comes rather late.

What do you propose to do?

- I brought you myjewels,
all the money I have.

I'll do anything you want,
if only you'll take me away.

I'll work for you, steal
for you, anything but this.

- You're really serious.

- Oh, take me away before it's too late.

- Darling,

I've listened to you very attentively.

Now it's my turn to talk.

You know my situation, I'm desperate.

I need money, lots of it.

I could have got it from another woman

but you destroyed that chance.

I didn't mind because I
believed that in the end

we'd be togetherjust as
we planned, rich and free.

You'll have to live up to my expectations.

- But you don't understand,
it isn't that I don't want to.

I can't!

- Then I can't let you go.

I have invested too much.

- So that's what I am to you.

An investment.

- We made a pact.

We are partners.

You think you can break that pact?

You're not as smart as I thought.

- You can't force me!

You're just as guilty
as I and I could go...

- Don't be foolish.

There's no evidence against me.

None at all.

I didn't live in your house.

I'm not Nigel's heir.

I had neither the motive
nor the opportunity.

- You'd give me a away.

- There's no crime to be in love with you.

I didn't know you were
trying to kill your husband.

When Hamza told me, I couldn't believe it.

I asked you to come
here, made you confess.

You tried to buy my silence
with yourjewels and money

but I refused.

It's up to you, darling.

You can have me as your partner...

Or as your enemy.

Make your choice.

- Oh, it's you, darling.

What time is it?

- It's nearly 10.

Time for your medicine.

- Already?

I thought I'd like to talk a little.

- Dr. Harding says you must
have your medicine on time.

- Well, let's forget Dr. Harding for once.

Come, let me look at you.

You look tired, darling.

Sit down.

There are a few things I'd
like you to take care of

just in case.

- Nigel, please don't talk like that.

- Oh, don't misunderstand me, darling.

I want to live,

very much.

Whatever my sickness is,

I haven't given up yet.

I intend to go on fighting.

Butjust in case something should happen,

I'd like to leave my house in order.

Will you help me?

- Yes.

- I want you to know how
very happy you've made me.

I try to thank you in my will.

It's in the top drawer of the desk.

You'll need someone to
help and assist you.

So I've named isaacson my executor.

He's efficient, honest and loyal.

I know you don't like each other

but I want you to forget the past.

That's all I had to say, darling.

So you see, it didn't take too long.

Now I'll take my medicine.

Nigel,

why did you say Dr. Isaacson
and I don't like each other?

What did he tell you?

Doesn't matter,
it isn't important, darling.

Not anymore.

He only did what he thought he should.

- What did he tell you?

- Everything.

Your trip to his office.

The whole story.

- He told you and you married me?

How could you?

- Because I loved you.

It's that simple.

- I didn't say anything
before because I...

I wanted our marriage to have a chance,

a real chance.

See, isaacson judges everyone
by what they've done,

what they haven't done.

He's just a hopeless materialist.

I'm not.

Your purse didn't matter to me.

I married you and I trusted you.

And I hoped that someday you'd love me.

Did I succeed?

Oh please,

Don't cry, darling.

I know I have.

- I did as you told me.

I went home, changed my
dress and called Hamza.

He gave me the box.

I entered it into a glass, all of it.

Then I went into Nigel's
room, he was asleep.

I said, "it's time for your medicine."

He drank it.

I waited until the end.

- I knew you'd have the
courage, I love you for it.

- Is there anything else you want to know?

- Was Hamza with you?

- I left him with the...

I left him to guard the room.

Then I came here.

No one saw me.

Good.

- Wait.

I took a carriage,
perhaps I shouldn't have,

but all I could think of was to get here.

The coachman might remember.

- Better send him away.

I'll be back in a moment.

I gave him a small tip.

He might remember a large one.

You can't be too careful from now on.

- You can rely on me.

I won't be weak anymore.

We're partners from now on.

To us.

- To us.

- Now you can never leave me.

Even if you want to.

Are you sorry?

- Are you?

I'll tell you what to do next.

First, isaacson.

If possible, he shouldn't leave London.

Early in the morning,
cable him the sad news.

He won't come just for funeral.

- You think of everything, don't you?

- Hamza is to go to his village.

Stay there until I've sent for him.

Awfully hot in here.

- What shall I tell Dr.
- Harding when he comes?

- Harding?

Let us send him a message.

Fee! A sudden turn for the worse.

That'll prepare him.

Worse.

Well there is no danger.

Marie.

- She left me.

I forgot to tell you.

Can you imagine?

After 20 years, she left me.

Still, I don't mind.

She wouldn't fit into our future lives.

She's much too decent.

- What?

What did you say?

- I was speaking about
our future life, darling.

I'm sure you've made plans.

What do you intend to do?

Marry me, get my money, leave me?

Or it! Don't let you go, kill me.

Tell me now, or you'll see,

we won't be able to
see much of each other.

Not until I'm a rich widow anyway.

Nigel left me everything.

There'll be plenty of money for us.

First, for us...

And then for you.

That's how you planned it.

Isn't it?

Isn't it?

- I watched him die.

A part of me died with him.

I wasn't sorry.

That was a year ago.

I'm still not sorry.

- I'm not a judge,

not a priest.

I can't punish you or
relieve your conscience.

Why are you telling me all this?

I didn't want your confidence.

Look.

Tomorrow at noon, I'll be arrested.

I was given this day of
grace in which to tell Nigel.

I couldn't, I can't face him.

- You haven't changed much, Ruby.

Enough courage to cheat, enough to kill

but not enough to confess.

If you can tell me,
why can't you tell him?

- I don't love you.

- You are incapable of
loving anyone but yourself.

- The trouble with you, doctor,

is you don't believe in miracles.

You remember the story of the wicked lord

who tried to make love to a virtuous lady?

He used an innocent mask
to cover his evil face.

After he'd learned to love her,

he wanted to tell her the truth.

Take off the mask, he couldn't.

It had become part of his skin.

This happened once upon a time.

It happened again to me.

Ruby, meyer, where you hiding?

- Here, darling.

You must tell him, please.

- Very often I've had to
tell patients they would die.

It was always hard, this task is harder.

Nigel will have nothing left, nothing.

Not even his faith.

Well, Mrs. Armine,

I would like to inform you
that you are now the wife

of the director of the British museum.

Here's my letter of acceptance.

- Wonderful.

When do we leave, on the next boat?

I'm ready.

What do you say, doctor?

You'll have company on
your trip to London.

- Congratulations, Nigel.

I shouldn't have thought you
could leave Egypt so easily.

What will king ramesses do without you?

- You're right, my
conscience will bother me.

We'll have to say goodbye to him.

I have a splendid idea, darling.

We'll order a carriage and
drive to the tomb tonight.

All three of us.

- Yes.

Yes, that'll be lovely.

The valley will be beautiful by moonlight.

Let's see it for the last time.

"Darling, when
you read this letter,

"you'll know the truth.

"Tly to remember me.

"Not as the woman I am but as the woman

"you believe me to be.

"Don't come to see me when I stand trial.

"I'm not lying anymore when I say,

"love,

"Ruby. H

- will you give this
to Nigel when I'm gone?

Carriage is here, darling.

I brought your cape.

- Thank you.

- Why so serious?

What have you two been talking about?

- The only thing that meyer
and I have in common, darling,

you.

- I'm sorry, Ahmed effendi,

Mr. Armine can't see anyone yet.

But perhaps I can answer your questions.

We were together at the tomb
when the accident happened.

- It was an accident.

- There can't be the slightest doubt.

- Mrs. Armine was very
gay and full of plans

the entire evening.

She decided to rest while Mr. Armine and I

climbed the hill to see the
valley in the moonlight.

You are familiar with the excavations.

- Quite.

- Well, then you remember the
rock slide near the entrance.

She must have been sitting
there when it broke loose.

We heard the rumble and turned back.

By the time we reached her, she was dead,

buried on the tons of stone.

- A most regrettable accident.

- I'd call it an act of god.

May I take you to the gate?

- Unfortunately, there
is a file in my office

still marked "incomplete".

Before I can close it,

I will have to ask certain
questions with Mr. Armine.

Please tell him I'll see him later.

- You worked with Mr. Armine
for many years, Ahmed effendi.

You must be his friend.

- I would like to call myself that, sir.

- Then I can be frank.

The dead cannot be revived
and they cannot be punished.

And no one wants to punish the innocent.

Mr. Armine lives in a curious
world of his own world.

A world more real perhaps than ours.

He has lost much.

I hope he can keep what he still has,

a splendid illusion.

Must I tell him you were here?

And why you came?

- Yes, sir.

Tell him I came to express my sympathy.

Everyone understands his grief.

Mrs. Armine was a very remarkable lady.

Someone needs to stop Clearway Law.
Public shouldn't leave reviews for lawyers.