The Blue Veil (Le Voile bleu)

THE BLUE VEIL

DEDICATED TO ALL WHO SACRIFICE

THE JOYS OF EXISTENCE FOR OTHERS' CHILDREN,

WHOM THEY NURSE, PROTECT, DEFEND

AND MUST LEAVE AND LOSE FOREVER,

EVEN THOUGH THEY MAY LOVE THEM

AS IF THEY WERE THEIR OWN

-Are you in a lot of pain? -No.

So, you're not tired on arrival,

I'll prepare your admission form.

-Your name is? -Louise Jarraud.

NOVEMBER 22, 1914 LOUISE JARRAUD

BORN VORIN WIDOW OF JEAN

-Good morning, ladies. -Good morning.

From the new girl,

who was so sad on arrival.

The nurse said he weighs just five pounds.

-Mine weighed nine pounds. -They grow so fast.

It's your little boy, ma'am.

Should I breastfeed him?

Not until tomorrow evening.

You must wait 24 hours.

Now you need to rest, little lady.

You need to be strong to be able to feed him.

Come now.

That's it.

-Would you like to file them? -Yes, ma'am.

What is it?

Jarraud.

-Last night? -Just an hour ago.

My God!

Be brave.

No.

I came to say goodbye, and thanks.

Poor child. Have a seat.

What will you do now?

I don't know.

-Do you have a profession? -No, ma'am.

Have you studied?

I have my higher certificate.

I thought about teaching, but I got married.

My husband earned well.

Yes, you were all set up.

But that's past.

Think about the future.

-Will you work? -I don't know, ma'am.

My child was everything to me.

He was my whole life.

Obviously.

Do you have any resources?

I receive a military pension.

Then you must make a decision.

You could find a job like ours.

And care for a child when mine...?

Exactly, it would be an excellent remedy for you.

You'll love that child.

Here, this is Mrs. Berger's address in Boulogne.

A serious agency. Tell her I sent you,

she'll likely find you a job.

Someone else's child?

-A stranger? -Yes.

Come now, be brave.

Life goes on.

VILLA SOUCHIER

PLACEMENT AGENCY MRS. BERGER

We've arrived.

Here.

Here, coachman, keep the change.

What's the matter?

Please, make up your mind.

In our family, we're independent, but we obey our parents.

Excuse me, ma'am. Hello, miss.

He's cute.

She's arrived.

Thank you, Miss Eugénie.

There.

Miss. Excuse me, ma'am.

It doesn't matter.

We've been expecting you.

Both myself and Frédéric.

I just picked him up from the nursery.

May I?

Yes.

I'd left him there.

I'll take care of him now.

You are very kind.

You'll get along well.

He has a good face, I can already see...

Oh, it must be my imagination.

If you would, follow me.

Come in.

I converted the living room into a room for both of you.

Thank you, sir.

Mrs. Berger told me

you had the misfortune to lose your wife.

To give life to my son, she gave her own.

For ten years

we hoped joy would come.

That joy suddenly turned into great misfortune.

Call me Louise, and think only of your joy.

I'll try.

Since you're taking care of the little one, I'm off.

I have an important meeting tonight

with the department heads at the ministry.

It's very important.

Mr. Pons,

I disagree. Do you hear me?

If you had approached differently, putting backspin on the red,

you'd have sunk three balls.

That, Mr. Pons, is indisputable.

Sure. Don't argue, Mr. Perrette, just play.

Yes.

And 51. Gentlemen, I've won

thanks to the mistake by Mr. Pons,

who plays poorly.

Yes, yes.

You're in a foul mood.

Not in the least. Eugene, another one.

Hello, Mr. Perrette.

Hello, Miss Eugenie.

So, how's the new recruit?

I think I got lucky this time.

Great. May I see your son?

Yes, I'll leave the door open.

Goodbye, Miss Eugenie.

Go back to sleep now.

Come in.

I'm the neighbor, recognize me?

Good morning, ma'am.

Miss.

Are you settled? That's good.

Since his misfortune, I've helped the good Mr. Perrette.

A man alone, you understand.

So cute.

He'll be just like his father.

Unless he's like his mother, a shame.

Is it hard, leaving your child to care for another?

Yes, miss.

You'll be quite at peace here.

Mr. Perrette is a real man,

not a skirt-chaser, which is quite nice.

And he has a good position.

He's assistant head of department.

But he lacks practical sense.

Fortunately, I was here.

I didn't mind shopping for two

and walking with Mr. Perrette on Sundays,

since we often walk on Sundays.

With the child, of course.

What do you think would please him?

A train set, some toy soldiers?

He'd prefer a rattle at his age.

Then a splendid one,

because nothing is too good for Frédéric.

You like him, right?

Yes.

Does it sadden you about yours?

I never ask about him.

It's curious how selfish fathers can be.

Here's the store.

Frédéric will come. His first toy,

it's a milestone for him.

You're going to have nice toys.

Here you go, ma'am. Thanks again.

Don't trouble yourself.

Whenever you're ready.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

Isn't he adorable!

Right?

So sweet.

What would you like, ma'am?

What happened, Mr. Perrette?

The stroller rolled down the street.

Luckily, I caught it in time.

I should think so.

Good morning, sir.

See your new customer?

He's my son.

You can expect an increase

in your turnover.

We'd like a rattle,

something to amuse him, something fun.

Sir, just wait a moment.

Yes.

I have a very nice selection.

Not too tired?

Not at all, Mr. Perrette.

It doesn't bother you that I call you Louise and you call me Mr. Perrette?

I just don't see...

Of course.

But it prevents us from growing closer.

So, where's that rattle?

This is my best.

Made of silver, naturally.

You choose, Louise.

This one seems good.

Yes, that's the one I'd recommend to the gentleman.

-Sold. -Let me give you a pin, ma'am.

It's worn on the blue veil. If I may.

Here we go... Ouch!