Suez

---

Point for M. de Lesseps.

Point 30.

Bravo, that was wonderful.

Eighth game and second set to

Mr le Vicomte de Latour.

Better keep your mind on the game.

Mesdames et Messieurs

Monsieur le Prsident de la Rpublique

Look at that. He sits down on that throne

as if he liked it.

After all, Louis Napoleon is a Bonapart.

Emperors seem to run in his family.

As a staunch believer in the Republic,

that's exactly why I'm worried.

You better keep your mind on the game.

Third and deciding set.

Mr de Lesseps will serve.

Who's that playing against de Latour?

Ferdinand de Lesseps, Mr le Prsident.

Son of our Consul-General to Egypt.

Oh, yes, he's a fine officer, isn't he?

One of our most promising young diplomats.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Du Brey...

Who's that?

Countess Eugenie de Montijo,

from Madrid.

She's very enthusiastic about the game.

Especially when young de Lesseps is playing.

The young man has a keen eye

for other things than a tennis ball.

See that Mr de Lesseps is invited

to my next reception.

Yes, Mr le Prsident.

And, of course, Countess...

what's her name, too.

Yes, Mr le Prsident.

Le Conte Hatzfeldt, Baron Dreissen.

Mr Franz Lizst.

Ah, Mr Lizst, I shall have the pleasure of

asking you to play later this evening.

It will be my honor, Mr le Prsident.

Let me help.

Ferdinand, you mustn't

in front of all these people.

It's your fault for looking so beautiful.

If you don't stop

I won't have any reputation left at all.

Why, haven't you already shocked half Paris

by riding astride?

That was different.

Oh, yes, I know you look very charming

in breeches.

Thank you.

Oh, Ferdinand.

There's a fortune teller.

And before the year is out...

you will be married for the fourth time.

Good evening, Eugenie. Isn't it marvelous?

My fourth marriage.

I've only just lost my second husband.

Louis, dear, your party is so different.

Only you would think of having

a fortune teller.

I'm glad you're enjoying yourself,

Duchess.

Oh, you haven't been presented.

Let me.

The Countess Eugenie de Montijo,

Mr le Prsident.

Mr le Prsident.

I had heard that the Countess de Montijo

was one of the most beautiful women in Paris.

Oh, really?

For once the gossips didn't exaggerate.

Thank you.

And this is Mr de Lesseps.

I have always had great respect

for your father.

I'm happy to meet his son.

Mr le Prsident is very kind.

May I have the pleasure of this waltz?

Oh... why, yes, of course.

Would you excuse us, please?

Don't they make a handsome pair?

Yes.

Mr le Prsident.

The British ambassador has just arrived.

Oh, yes. Du Brey has no manners.

He's always intruding.

Will you forgive me?

Of course, I understand.

May I hope for another dance?

With pleasure.

Monsieur le Marquis.

Ren, good evening, how are you?

Good evening, Eugenie.

Will the most beautiful woman not only in Paris

but in the entire world

honor me with this next dance?

Let's have our fortunes told instead.

He doesn't need his fortune told.

No?

He's already predicted

a most brilliant future for himself.

Oh, but what about my future?

That's easy.

You're going to share mine.

We'll see what the swami has to say

about that.

Sahib, memsahib.

We'd like one of your best fortunes

for the young lady.

One of your very best for us now,

please.

The sand falls slowly.

I see difficulties.

Yes, I see a troubled life.

But a great one.

You will live a hundred years

and wear a crown.

Ren, she really believes the fortune.

Since you're being so generous,

you can tell mine.

The sand tells a strange story.

You shall dig ditches.

Ferdinand de Lesseps, the great diplomat.

France expects ditches.

Since you're laughing so hard,

let's hear yours.

If I knew Louis Napoleon's future,

I'd know mine.

That's a very interesting idea.

We'd like you

to tell us Louis Napoleon's future.

Very good idea,

Only if he himself is here.

Well, let me try.

Here, let me try.

Abracadabra...

I see a throne.

An imperial throne.

Who's this approaching?

Why, it's Louis Napoleon.

In one hand he carries the tri-color

of the Republic.

Where's that?

Right there.

He walks forward,

looks at the throne...

Looks at the tri-color.

Puts it behind his back.

Then he walks toward the throne.

He starts up the stairs.

That's hard going.

He keeps tripping on the tri-color.

Very amusing.

May I...

Ferdinand, this is our dance.

Mr le Prsident.

Don't you think I...

No, no, you'd only make it worse.

The young man is a wit.

A pity to waste him on Paris where

we have so many wits.

Oh, that's nice.

I designed it especially for mademoiselle.

Oh, it's lovely.

It is beautiful, mademoiselle.

Ravissant.

If mademoiselle will permit,

I shall name ir Eugenie.

That's very nice of you.

Thank you.

Monsieur.

Don't you think it would be better

if that were...

down just that much?

No, no, mademoiselle, no.

Well, I guess I suppose you're right.

Mr le Marquis du Brey is here,

mademoiselle.

Du Brey?

Oh!

Yes, of course, I'll see him at once.

Bien, mademoiselle.

Mr le Marquis.

Mademoiselle.

Pardon me for calling at this hour,

but Mr. le Prsident desires an early answer.

Would you please tell Mr le Prsident

I should love to.

Mademoiselle.

Mr le Marquis.

Au revoir, monsieur.

Merci mil fois, mademoiselle.

Mon plaisir.

Thank you very much.

The hat's a creation.

Sorry.

Sorry.

Eugenie.

Ferdinand.

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