GASTON
That's hotel life. In one room a
man loses his wallet
(very tenderly)
and in another room a man loses--
his head.
(He tries to kiss Lily.)
LILY
(holding him off gently)
Please.
(Very sincerely.)
When I came here it was for a
little adventure--a little game
which you play tonight and forget
tomorrow. But something has changed
me--and it isn't the champagne.
(Gaston, also with sincerity,
takes her hand.)
The whole thing is new to me. Very
new. I've got a confession to make
to you.
(After a slight pause.)
Baron, you are a crook.
(Gaston's expression
doesn't change.)
You robbed the gentleman in two
fifty-three, five, seven, and nine.
(Still Gaston's expression
doesn't change. After a
slight pause, Lily turns
back to the table.)
May I have the salt?
GASTON
(passes the salt with
an elegant gesture)
Please.
LILY
Thank you.
GASTON
The pepper, too?
LILY
No, thank you.
GASTON
You're very welcome.
(There is a short silence as
both continue with the meal.
Then, with great candor.)
Countess, believe me, before you
left this room I would have told
you everything ... And let me say
this with love in my heart--
Countess, you are a thief.
(Lily drops her
knife and fork.)
The wallet of the gentleman in two
fifty-three, five, seven, and nine
is in your possession. I knew it
very well when you took it out of
my pocket.
(With great charm.)
In fact, you tickled me.
(Moving closer to her.)
But your embrace was so sweet ...
(He caresses her hand
lingeringly. Then he gets up,
walks out toward the open
window.)
CLOSE SHOT
at the window. Gaston enters, closes the window, and pulls
the curtains. Looking back at Lily with smiling promise, he
returns to the table.
CLOSE SHOT TABLE
Gaston goes to her, takes her hand, and draws her to her
feet. She looks at him expectantly. Gaston takes her in his
arms. It looks like the start of a passionate love scene.
Suddenly, unexpectedly, he grabs her by the shoulders,
shakes her violently.
INSERT
Of their feet. Wallet falls from Lily's dress.
CLOSE SHOT GASTON AND LILY
Gaston reaches down, picks up wallet, puts it casually in
his pocket, then gracefully holds chair, inviting her to
sit.
GASTON
Countess.
Lily sits with all the poise of a lady. Gaston sits. They
continue the meal as if nothing has happened.
LILY
I like you, Baron.
GASTON
(fervently)
I'm crazy about you.
(He reaches in his side
pocket, takes out a diamond
brooch which Lily wore when
she came in.)
By the way, your pin.
Lily is flabbergasted. She looks down to her bosom. Indeed,
the pin is missing. She accepts the pin.
LILY
(With a little
smile of shame)
Thank you, Baron.
GASTON
Not at all, Countess ... There's
one very good stone in it.
LILY
(as she fastens the pin)
What time is it?
Gaston reaches for his watch, discovers it is missing. He
gives Lily a look of admiration and astonishment. Lily
smiles triumphantly, opens her purse, lifts out the watch,
hands it to him. He takes it with a bow.
LILY
It was five minutes slow, but I
regulated it for you.
They bow to each other like two Chinese mandarins.
GASTON
(tenderly)
I hope you don't mind if I keep
your garter.
Lily almost leaps out of her chair. She raises her skirt;
her hand searches for the garter. It is missing. Gaston
takes the garter out of his breast pocket, shows it to her,
kisses it, puts it back, and buttons his coat. Lily is
delighted. This is the highest compliment ever paid to her.
She slides into his lap, embraces him.
LILY
Darling!
(They kiss; very excitedly.)
Now tell me--tell me all about
yourself. Who are you?
GASTON
You remember the man who walked into
the Bank of Constantinople and
walked out with the Bank of
Constantinople?
LILY
(thrilled)
Monescu!
GASTON
Gaston Monescu.
LILY
(melting away)
Gaston!
They embrace and kiss again.
COUCH
Lily is lying on the couch, Gaston at her side, leaning
over adoringly.
GASTON
I love you. I loved you the moment
I saw you. I'm mad about you. My
little shoplifter! My sweet little
pickpocket! My darling!
(Script: http://www.aellea.com/emruf3/tip.html)
