The Grand Maneuver Page #2

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- But the night before we go...

- A grand dinner.

- No expense spared.

We civilians will pay,

if Mr. de la Verne wins his wager.

- But if he loses, the officers pay.

- Agreed.

And what's your wager, if I may ask?

Not a word, gentlemen.

We are sworn to secrecy.

A lady's honor is at stake.

- On official paper.

- One has to do things properly.

Mr. Armand de la Verne,

Lieutenant in the 33rd Dragoons...

- Here.

- ... undertakes to become the lover...

Manners, please.

.. undertakes to obtain

the favors of Mme...

Mime who?

Will you get out of here.

What are you up to?

- ".. undertakes to obtain the favors...

- The favors.

.. the favors of Mme... "

We leave a blank here for the name.

- How will we choose her?

- ".. of Mime X,

before the regiment

goes on manoeuvres. "

"That day a grand dinner will be held

by the civilians or by the officers... "

- ... etc... Signed by witnesses...

- What do I sign?

- Your name, Ciboulette.

- And me.

- And me.

- Me.

- The lady's name?

- We shall know in a minute.

- All the ladies in the town are here.

- All the ladies in the room.

- An innocent hand will pick the name.

- Me. Me.

Quiet, quiet.

Who is the youngest recruit?

It's Rose-Mousse.

- You mustn't look.

- Close your eyes.

It's the patrol.

- You're in uniform.

- So what?

The colonel forbids us

to come here in uniform. Run.

The kepi.

- Lieutenant? Your sword.

- Thank you.

And your kepi.

The papers have fallen out.

Never mind. We'll do it again.

I hope the lady will be pretty.

I'll let you know.

- Promise?

- I promise.

And if she isn't pretty?

You'll console me?

It's idiotic.

Walk.

- Idiotic?

- Your wager last night.

- I like the unexpected. Say a number.

- Five.

One, two, three, four, five.

Halt.

You there, riding Magali. Come here.

Turn around.

Nice coat, nice leg, nice neck.

You see, you can trust to luck.

Number three.

- Why not that one?

- I already know her.

- All the more reason.

- Then it wouldn't be luck.

Seven. 237.

Number 237 wins the sewing kit.

- Number 237.

- That's me. Look.

- Lucie. Don't make a fuss.

- But I've won.

- Your dress. I've torn your dress.

- It doesn't matter. Be quiet.

- Is it serious?

- A friend lent me this dress.

But you've won a sewing kit.

- What can we do for this young lady?

- Nothing, thank you.

- Bad luck. I'm gambling, he's winning.

- And now...

The next winner is mine.

A cage and two birds,

no doubt madly in love.

Ladies, does the sight

not fill you with emotion?

- Agreed. Whoever wins the cage...

- Wins my heart.

- You like risk.

- It's what I do best.

- Zero.

- Good start.

- Keep calm.

- I'd like to see you in my shoes.

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