La Cérémonie

Mademoiselle...

- Are you Sophie Bonhomme? - Yes, madame.

I'm Catherine Lelièvre.

Please, sit down.

Thank you, madame.

Would you like something... a cup of tea?

Don't bother.

I insist!

Another tea, please.

Let me explain the situation.

We live in an isolated house, near a large village

about ten kilometres from here.

It's quite large but there are only three of us.

My stepdaughter only stays with us some weekends.

We entertain now and again, it's a little more work.

The house is well equipped.

I'm not afraid of work, madame.

I usually do the cooking,

my husband shops once a week

or else we call in the order.

Your working day won't be too long.

I know how to cook.

The house is isolated. Is that OK?

I don't know.

I can take you to town once in a while, if you like.

I manage an art gallery.

Would you like to see my references?

Of course.

Mrs Dutoit can't keep me,

her husband died.

She's joining her son in Australia.

My goodness.

So you're available straight away?

I was with her a long time. There were never any problems.

She'll tell you.

Here's her number and address.

I'll call her tonight.

I don't foresee any problems.

The house is quite hard to find. I'll pick you up at the station.

Do you know what train you arrive on?

9 a.m.

When shall we say...

Tuesday?

What day is this?

Saturday. That leaves you Sunday and Monday.

That OK?

Tuesday is fine. Thank you, madame.

It's a deal. See you on Tuesday.

Mrs Dutoit paid me 5,500 francs.

Oh, sorry...

6,000 francs?

That's fine.

Well?

I'll tell you all about it.

We expected you last night!

I was busy.

You could have called. Your dad was concerned about you.

You need a hand?

That's kind but I've almost finished.

Where are the men?

They installed the satellite dish.

They're glued to the screen.

Look at this Gorgo,

it's fantastic!

It's fantastic.

Just pick something!

What do you want to watch?

A sunset.

Well?

Touch wood... This girl might work.

Naturally.

Not the TV, you idiot!

I meant the maid, dear.

How degrading - the maid!

What should we call her. What's her name?

Why not housekeeper or domestic.

Imagine saying "my domestic"?

Honestly darling, calling her "maid" is just fine!

Maid... "Made-to-do-everything!"

Who could complain?

You're an idiot.

These are good!

Can the maid cook?

Fool! You ask stupid questions!

Her former employer said she's good.

She's got a trial period?!

I stupidly forgot to mention it.

I'm sure she'll be fine.

We need someone.

That's for sure.

I hope she's not ugly.

You want to have a go with her?

He likes pretty things.

Thanks, Gorgo!

Don't mention it.

Every valid question deserves an answer.

Let me think...

I don't know.

I would've noticed if she was hideous.

I hope she's not as bad as the last one.

No comparison. Finished?

Unless you want to eat the shells...

You can judge for yourselves on Tuesday.

She arrives at 9 a.m.

I thought I'd missed you!

No, I took an earlier train.

I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.

Let's go...

My car's out the front. I was lucky to find that spot.

Madame Lelièvre!

Sorry to bother you, I'm the postal clerk from St Coulomb.

Yes, of course.

Would you drop me at the post office?

Sure.

My bus won't be here for another hour.

I can't leave Annie alone.

Sit in the front with me, Sophie.

After you.

I like to take three days a month to see my family.

We can take our holidays when we want.

You could take a month with your family?

I wouldn't like that at all!

Sophie, would you be kind enough to check the glove compartment?

There should be some cigarettes.

Sorry.

- Thanks. - Not at all.

She must be wondering who you are.

My husband can't stand her.

This weighs a ton.

Don't worry, the house is easy to handle.

I'll take it!

Follow me.

You're strong.

Here we are.

The shower's next door.

Unpack your things. Take your time...

I'll show you around later.

I can come now. I'll unpack later.

I'll have some coffee.

Do you like the room?

I don't know, madame.

I mean yes. It's fine.

Thank you.

"JUSTICE IS BORN OUT OF HUMANITY"

This way.

This is your domain. We'll look at it later.

Come on.

The cleaning things are under the stairs.

The dining room.

Careful with the rug, it's fragile.

The floor is easy,

soap and water will do the trick.

My room.

Could you change the sheets?

It's up to you to keep it tidy.

The library.

I'm late!

Is everything clear?

I don't know. I think so.

I've got to dash.

I'll be home at around 6 p.m.

If you need anything, call me at the gallery.

The number's by the phone. Gilles comes home at 5 p.m. See you!

Have you prepared the vegetables?

Yes. I'll bring them right away.

Is she good?

Until now, she's been wonderful. Let's cross our fingers.

Anyway the place is tidy

and her cooking's simple and good.

Does the gourmet approve?

It's OK!

Put it here please. We'll serve ourselves.

We should teach her to serve properly.

She must know how. We can't ask her to take a test.

When are we leaving, Daddy?

The boat's ready on the 20th. I'm handling the plane tickets.

I hope we won't be fighting again like last year.

We can stay longer if you like.

No. I'm going to my dad's. My friend's having a great party.

Is Sophie going away?

She's just got here.

Where would she go?

At least we're not invaded by her friends.

Not one call or letter.

Thank heavens she's got the TV.

This chicken looks succulent!

You want to pacify her with that TV.

Honestly!

My life's easier. I don't even have to talk to her.

She's like a slave.

She's not a robot.

Don't you think you're exaggerating a touch?

You can clear the table!

Impeccable, except she avoids the books!

That suits me, as long as she tidies my papers.

Don't you see you're making her stupid?

- Why don't you let her use your car? - What about yours?!

I don't think she knows how to drive.

I'll see about that tomorrow.

If she doesn't know how, we can pay for lessons.