02x08 - Anonymous Letters

[bunniefuu]

[Birds chirping]

[Bells chiming]

No color in your cheeks,
circles under your eyes.

You have become
a poor, pale little ghost.

I shall send for Dr. Gottlieb.

I promise you, Othmar.
There's nothing wrong with me.

It's just I'm not used to
your kind of life yet

and being at court.

I'm tired.

I've been sleeping badly,

and when I do sleep,
I have these horrid dreams.

Very well.

We won't send for Gottlieb yet.

My wife is excused
all social duties for a week.

I prescribe a light diet
and early nights.

But if there is
no improvement --

There will be.
I'm sure there will.

Thank you, dearest Otto.

Have you heard
about Baroness Reicher?

Lotte?

Yes, our charming,
featherbrained, lovable Lotte.

Too lovable, it seems.

Her indiscretions have at last
reached the emperor's ears.

And?

OTHMAR: He has tried her,
found her guilty,

and pronounced sentence
upon her.

Sentence?

Two years behind convent walls.

But that's horrible.

It's inhuman.

Lotte's only crime...

Was to be found out.

Oh, I'm sorry for her.

You know I really am.

It won't be a bit the same
without her.

Two years behind convent walls.

I'd rather die.

Don't look so downhearted.

I can't see the same fate
awaiting you.

Goodbye, my darling.

LENKE:
[Clears throat]

Lenke.

A letter for you, Countess.

Leave it on the table.

In late Victorian times,
there lived many detectives --

the rivals
of Sherlock Homes.

The same hand.

[ Scoffs

The same loathsome accusations.

If all this were true,

we would be the most abandoned
courtesans in Vienna.

"We"?
Tildi, what are you saying?

For the past month, my dear,

I have been suffering
the same persecution,

and our unknown enemy
is certainly the same.

Compare the writing.

It's identical.

Oh, my poor darling.

And I came to you for help.

Well, they say a trouble shared
is a trouble halved,

and two heads
are better than one.

Perhaps we can help each other.

Of course, my situation
is different from yours.

Rich, young widows
cannot easily defend themselves

against this sort of thing,

whereas you have the protection

of one of the greatest names
in the land.

That's what I don't understand,
Nadja.

You've only been married
six months.

Otto worships
the ground you walk on.

Why come to me when you could
have confided in him?

Let Otto read those obscenities
about me?

I would rather die.

Oh, you silly goose.

If you'd gone to him
in the first place,

he would have set your mind
at rest instantly.

But now, well, if he does
find out, by not telling him,

it does rather look as though
you had a guilty secret to hide.

Tildi, don't!

Darling, I'm only trying to be
sensible about it.

I know. I know.

I'm sure I'm being very foolish.

But there is one thing
in every one of these letters

that is true.

Nadja, my dear,
I never dreamt that --

No, no, it's not that!

When you were an actress.

I had every opportunity,

but Otto was the first man
in my life, the only one.

I swear it.

No, I'm speaking
of something quite different.

The birthmark.

I have a small birthmark
just here, under my breast.

Who in my life has ever seen it
or known of its existence?

Well, your mother.

Well, my nurse when I was
a child, my doctor, Otto.

And the writer of these letters.

Yes, it's devilish.

That one fact alone could raise
a doubt in a man's mind.

Is Otto jealous?

I've never given him the least
cause, but he loves me so much.

I think if he ever thought
I betrayed him...

Ohh, we are dealing
with a monster, Nadja.

Not just a wicked person,
but a clever one, too.

Look, he knows
of your birthmark.

He knows of this scar.

I fell down and cut myself
when I was a little girl.

It's nothing now.
You can hardly see it.

But he knows it's there,

and if my poor Leopold
were still alive...

I understand your feelings now,
darling.

I would be as frightened
as you are.

Oh, no, Tildi, it could never be
as bad for you.

My whole background
is against me.

Oh, come -- a leading lady
of the Burgtheater,

a protege of the great
Walter Frankenburg himself,

and married to a prince.

A morganatic marriage.

I will never be called
archduchess,

and my children will never
accede to the title.

But a marriage, nonetheless.

My dear, your life has been
a fairy story in itself.

I used to think so,

but Cinderella lived
happily ever after.

I never heard of anything
like this happening to her.

Oh.

Oh, Tildi, whatever can we do?

I suppose a person
of the lower orders

might ask the police for help.

- God forbid.
-Precisely.

And if we consulted
some private detective,

he would sell the story
to the newspapers

the moment he knew who we were.

A private detective, yes!

Tildi,
I've only just thought of it.

There is someone.

Do you know Dagobert Trostler?

I Laughter]

I thought it was Queen Victoria.

Herr Trostler, I swear there
is nothing personal in this,

but I discovered Nadja Dolin,
I recognized her genius,

and I made her the pride
of the Burgtheater.

And you, my dear Walter,

introduced her
to the Archduke Othmar, huh?

Yes, and how was I to guess
the consequences?

Oh, come now, Herr Frankenburg.
You exaggerate.

They fell in love and married

and, to my certain knowledge,
are ecstatically happy.

In my view, sir, great artists
have no right to happiness.

Their lives are dedicated.

Ah. I disagree.

One may choose wrongly, but
freedom of choice is everything.

Nadja chose her archduke.

There are some who might say

that he used
his illustrious position

to rob our theater
of one of its brightest jewels.

Ah.

[ Chuckles ]

Ah, ah, Berthold.

Ah.
Excuse me, gentlemen.

Ah, I'm afraid
I have to leave you.

WIEGAND:
Oh.

Herr Frankenburg, I disagree
with everything you say,

but it has been a great pleasure
to make your acquaintance.

Goodbye, Heinrich.

Dagobert.

Philistine.

No, no, no, no, no,
that's unfair.

[ Chuckles ]

He's a rich bachelor,
devil with the women,

close friend of the archduke,

and in one respect,
he is remarkably gifted.

Gifted?
That clothes-peg?

I speak
as Commissioner of Police.

As an amateur,

Dagobert has an unsurpassed
talent for detection.

[Birds chirping]

Yes, the paper's
of the finest quality.

Dutch or English, handmade.

And the writing?

TROSTLER: Has been disguised
with great skill.

There is such a mixture of
male and female characteristics,

it's almost impossible to judge

whether the author
is a man or a woman.

A woman, Herr Trostler?

You aren't seriously suggesting

that a woman's mind could sink
to such depths of depravity.

My dear Countess,
in everything that is good,

I put woman higher than man.

In everything that is evil,
I put her lower.

Yes, Countess, a woman could
have written these letters.

On the other hand, there are
certain turns of phrase,

a vigor of expression,
a flamboyancy, even,

which suggests
we are dealing with a man.

And now, Countess...

This...

This friend of yours.

Yes?

Why -- Why is she not here
with you?

[ Chuckles ]

There seemed no need
to involve her...

Why?

...because our circumstances
are different.

Her position is at once more
exalted and more vulnerable

than mine.

Ah, I see.

So, you felt that if I could
expose this villain

on your behalf,

I would be rendering her
the same service

without any risk
of embarrassment to her.

Yes.

How rare to find
such selflessness in a woman.

You must be very devoted.

Oh, we are.
We are.

Unfortunately,
if I'm to get to the bottom

of this unpleasant business,

I shall need the help
of both of you.

Please tell Countess Nadja
I said so.

How could you possibly guess?

Your description of your friend
could have fitted no one else.

You should have come to me in
the first place, Herr Trostler.

Do you sell much of it?

Enough to justify keeping
a sufficient stock in hand,

no more.

Do you wish me to add your name
to those whom I already supply?

No, no, no, Wiegand, I don't.

But the emperor has done you
the honor

of making you purveyor
of stationery

to the imperial court,

and I'm sure you would leap
at the chance

of rendering a member of
his family a small service.

Ah, good morning,
Baroness Heffner.

Oh, my dear Herr Trostler,
anything, anything at all.

I wish to know the names

of all those customers
to whom you supply

this particular kind
of writing paper.

There is not the least problem.

I need not even consult
my ledger.

It is all here,
Herr Trostler, all here.

The emperor himself...

the Archduke Franz Ferdinand...

Count Czernik,

the Lord High Chamberlain
of the Serbian court...

Herr Walter Frankenburg
of the Burgtheater.

Herr Frankenburg?

WIEGAND: Yes, and
Sir Giles Pakenham-Montrose,

the British ambassador.

Is that the complete list?

The only names I can give you.

But there is one other customer
whose name is not known to me.

Ah!
A man or a woman?

WIEGAND:
I cannot say.

A man calls once a month,

but he is obviously a servant

making the purchase
on behalf of his employer.

And since he always pays
in cash --

Have you never asked him
who his employer was?

WIEGAND:
No.

When was he last here?

Exactly a week ago.

So, you don't expect to see him

for at least another
three weeks.

That is so.

Yes, Pit'!-

Well, thank you, Herr Wiegand.
You have been most obliging.

My pleasure, Herr Trostler,
my pleasure.

What is it?

A minute shred of tobacco.

In several letters,
I found a few such particles.

It doesn't sound
a very momentous discovery.

Oh, on the contrary, madam.

It shows us something useful
about our man.

Ah, then it is a man?

I'm almost certain.

And what does it show you?

I am a connoisseur of tobacco.

That shred and all the others
I found in the letters

are of a variety
known as Sultan Flor,

a light-yellow Turkish tobacco
cut rather fine and long.

It's expensive and is only used
in self-made cigarettes,

the kind you make yourself.

But women smoke cigarettes
these days.

Yes, it is quite the fashion,
I grant you.

But is there a single lady
of your acquaintance

who makes her own cigarettes?

No.
No, I can't think of one.

TROSTLER:
Precisely.

In my experience, it is
essentially a masculine habit.

Yes, so far, all the indications
suggest a man.

And now, ladies,
let me apologize.

I'm afraid I have not been
completely frank

with either of you.

I think I'm closer to the truth
of this matter

than I dared to hope
a few hours ago.

You know who the villain is?

Not yet.

But this I can say
with absolute certainty --

the writer of these letters
is well-educated, affluent,

and known intimately
to both of you.

That narrows the field
considerably,

but I can do better still.

Out of six, only four are
possible candidates for this --

for this race.

That leaves me
with two rank outsiders,

a dark horse whose form
is still not known to me,

and the odds-on favorite.

I'm putting my money
on the favorite.

Oh, then tell us who he is.

Oh, Herr Trostler,
I implore you.

Ah. If I did,
it might spoil everything.

But why?

You might find it hard
to act naturally

when you next meet him.

I don't want to put him
on his guard.

No, that would ruin
the plan I have in mind.

And this is where I shall need
your help, Countess.

What could I do?

Here is a list of people,

including the Countess
Tildi Leys and myself.

They are all known to you,

and all are socially acceptable
to both you and your husband.

In two days' time, I want you
to give a small soiree,

inviting every one of them.

Your suspect is among them.

Of course.

- Will you do this for me?
-Of course.

And if your plan works,

will you expose this man
before the whole company?

Oh, heavens, no.
The best I can hope for

is that he will betray himself
in some way.

If I succeed, no one else
will be aware of it.

When I take my leave
of your party,

delay the other guests
for at least another hour.

That is just the time
I shall need to set my trap.

Very well, Dagobert.

Now I must go.

Otto thinks I'm at home...

- Ah.
-...resting.

Don't forget this, Countess.

[Bell tolling]

[ Bell dings ]

Au revoir, Dagobert,
and please --

We are such old friends.

Call me Nadja again.

Au revoir, Nadja.

Berthold, show these ladies
to their carriage.

Will you not grant me
the same favor?

It is no favor.

It is a pleasure, my dear Tildi.

And I hope
that I may have the pleasure

of your calling on me.

Countess Tildi Leys,
Felberstrasse, Vienna .

My dear Tildi.

[Hooves clopping]

No, no, that won't do,
my dear fellow.

Old hedonists like you
can't fall in love.

Ah, Berthold, what is it?

The commissioner of police
is here, sir,

and wishes to know
if you'll receive him.

Ah, the commissioner.
Show him in at once.

Very good, sir.

Dr. Weinlich.

My dear Heinrich,
what a delightful surprise.

Is it business or pleasure?

Anticipated pleasure, Dagobert.

[ Both chuckle]

Of all my friends, you keep
the best brandy in Vienna.

[ Both laugh ]

Berthold, bring the brandy.

Make yourself comfortable.

Thank you.

Ahh.

Ah.
A cigar.

Ah, yes, you also keep
the best Havanas, too.

[ Chuckles ]

Thank you.

Ah, thank you, Berthold.

Mm. Mmm.

Mmm.

Ah.

And the best company,
it seems, eh, eh?

[ Both laugh ]

Oh, I saw the ladies departing.

Mmm, I recognized them
instantly.

Yes, I'm glad it was you
and no one else.

This is rather
a delicate matter.

Oh, don't worry, my dear fellow.

I shan't breathe a word.

[ Chuckles ]

In your experience, Heinrich,

what kind of person
writes anonymous letters?

Oh.
So, that's it, eh?

Well, all kinds, Dagobert,
eh, from disgruntled servants

to jealous husbands
and wealthy industrialists.

[ Chuckles ]

I can even remember one old maid
who came to us for help.

She'd been receiving
an absolute flood of letters,

accusing her of the most
scandalous and indecent antics.

Yes, in the end, we found she
was writing them to herself.

[ Both laugh ]

But that was an exception.

What are the -- What are
the most common motives?

WEINLICH:
Mm, malice, envy, sadism.

The knowledge that you can
t*rture your victim

with relative impunity
is a strong incentive.

Would you say that the writing
of such letters

could be an end in itself?

Oh, most always, yes.

But I have known some rare cases

where it was the prelude
to a more sinister end.

Otto.
What are you doing here?

Drinking a glass of port.

- Mnh.
-[ Chuckles ]

Well, the truth is I wondered

what on earth I was doing
at a dull reception

when I might be here
with my own wife,

so I came straight home.

Oh, darling.

But there was no wife
waiting for me.

You were supposed to be here,
resting.

I know, but I was so bored
and lonely.

And suddenly,
I felt so much better

I decided to drive round
and see Tildi.

You are better!

Color in your cheeks,
a sparkle in your eyes.

My treatments working.

You look like a little girl
in love.

Oh, I am, darling.

I'm terribly in love.

But still convalescent.

You mustn't overdo things.

It's nearly half past : .

I suggest you go to bed.

As your personal physician,
I shall attend to you presently.

[ Chuckling ]
Otto!

I want to give a party.

Not even convalescent,
completely cured!

Of course you can give a party,
a ball, if you wish,

and invite the emperor, too.

Oh, no, no, no,
just a small party.

F Da Gum ba Gum, Ga rum pa pa F

F Da dee do-do, ba Gum Gum Gum F

fl Dee DA DA la dee fl

F Dee dee Gee, DA Gum Ga doom F

[ Up-tempo piano music plays]

[Humming]

Your highness.

[Music stops]

What is it, Lenke?

This letter came
for Your Imperial Highness

by the late post.

Thank you, Lenke.

Nadja?

"That delectable birthmark

known only to those
fortunate gentlemen

who share your wife's favors."

[Birds chirping]

Here are this morning's letters,
sir.

Ah, Deubner.
Thank you.

And there is a person outside
requesting to see you, sir.

Oh?
What manner of person?

Some minor official
from the Ministry of Works.

Shall I send him away?

[ Scoffs ]
By all means.

Oh, no,
I guess I'd better see him.

Yes, sir.

What is it that you want?

I'm sorry to trouble you, sir.

I have an order here

to inspect all the premises
on the Lisenstrasse, sir.

The ministry proposes --

FRANKENBURG: Never mind
what the ministry proposes.

One gets used to these
bureaucratic interferences.

Deubner, show him round.

"His Imperial Highness,
the Archduke Othmar,

and Countess Nadja
command your presence"?

In what way changed?

NADJA: He was so loving
and affectionate,

so happy to find me
in better spirits.

An hour later, it was like being
with a different man.

He was quiet and withdrawn,

as though some kind of barrier
had sprung up between us.

This morning,
it was still the same.

Ah, we mustn't jump
to conclusions.

He may have some problem
weighing on his mind

that has nothing to do
with this matter.

But it may have to do
with this matter.

Yes, we can't dismiss
the possibility.

Don't lose your courage now.

However he behaves,
seem not to notice.

Be as gay and cheerful
as you were last night.

- Dagobert, I can't.
-You must.

You're a great actress.

Give the performance
of your life,

and soon, I'm confident I can
put an end to your miseries

and Tildi's, too.

What a dear man you are.

We owe you so much.

Mm. Not yet.

It's true whatever happens now,
even if you fail,

I'll never be
such a little coward again.

[ Chuckles ]

Do you know
I was ready to k*ll myself?

As for poor Tildi...

What of Tildi?

Oh, you've quite captured
her heart.

Dagobert, you are in love.

TROSTLER: Since you say it,
yes, I fear I am.

Fear? What is there to fear
from falling in love?

I was born to pleasure,
and I've lived for it.

I never dreamt that I was
capable of any deep emotions.

And now, after all these years,

to discover that I'm
as vulnerable as the next man --

My dear Nadja,
I find it most disturbing.

I think it's wonderful.

I implore you,
until this affair is settled,

give her no hint
of what I've told you.

-[ Knock on door]
-Ah, come in.

Oh. Excuse me, sir.

Ah, that's all right, Berthold.

Berthold?

Au revoir, Dagobert.

You won't fail us
tomorrow evening?

I would never dream of missing
such a delightful occasion.

Berthold --

No, I can't possibly have him
showing you to your carriage

in those disgraceful clothes.

[ Chuckling ]
I shall escort you myself.

Wait in here, Berthold,

and do get rid
of that ridiculous mustache.

Ah, well, how did you fare?

No difficulty, sir.

They didn't question
my credentials.

It was an easy job.

Now, look, sir,
I've -- I've made a rough plan.

Mm-hmm.

Now, there's only one room
in the house

where any writings done,

and that's Frankenburgs study.

It leads off
the drawing room here,

and here there's a French window

which leads out
onto a small balcony.

Mm-hmm.

What floor is this?

It's the floor
above the basement.

It's only a six-foot drop
from the balcony to the garden.

Excellent, Berthold.
You've done very well.

Thank you, sir.

Is anything wrong, sir?

No, everything is right.
Almost too right.

When things go too smoothly,
I start to feel uneasy.

Foolish, I suppose.

Well, we can only wait
until tomorrow night.

[Piano playing
classical music]

Your Excellency.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Gentlemen,
you may smoke if you wish.

M'! dear!

It is my party, Othmar.

Walter, how lovely to see you.

I Laughter]

[ Indistinct conversations]

Your Excellency,

permit me to introduce
an old friend of mine --

Herr Dagobert Trostler.

The new British ambassador,

Sir Willoughby Erskine-Chalmers,
and Lady Erskine-Chalmers.

May I congratulate Your
Excellency on your appointment?

Thank you.
Very sudden, you know.

Indeed.
I've been absent.

I haven't seen
the court circular.

Pakenham-Montrose only got
his marching orders last week.

Moved on to higher things, what?

[ Chuckling ]
Oh, really?

[ Piano playing up-tempo music,
indistinct conversations]

Glass of champagne,
Herr Frankenburg?

No champagne, thank you.

I was merely enjoying the air.

Ah, Herr Trostler,
I recognize voices before faces.

An Havana, perhaps?

I smoke cigarettes,
and I make my own.

It's a vulgar habit,

but in the theater,
Herr Trostler,

one has no time to enjoy a cigar
between acts.

[Water running]

[Clock ticking]

[Bells chiming]

Stay where you are.

Put your hands above your head
and stand over there.

Hello?

Ah, give me
the Central Police Station.

But you must see

you're putting me
in a quite impossible position.

Yes, I'm sorry,
my dear Heinrich.

"Sorry," indeed.
For two days,

I have been holding a criminal
calling himself Carl Schmidt,

a man accused
of breaking and entering

and attempted robbery

and trying to find excuses

not to bring him
before the magistrate.

Do you realize what will happen
to me if the truth gets out?

Yes, you will be cashiered

for conduct unbecoming
a chief commissioner.

Your humor
is in very poor taste.

[ Chuckles ]

And let me tell you this.

People are beginning to inquire

what has happened
to Herr Trostler.

Ha ha, yes!

All sorts of rumors
are flying around.

Oh, they have only to ask
at my residence.

My poor mother was taken ill,

and I have been down to Salzburg
to see her.

All very fine,

but I've put my career
in jeopardy

by shielding a guilty man!

[ Laughing ]
Oh, come, now.

But guilty
on your own admission.

Breaking and entering
is a criminal offense!

For which I have been punished
by two days in your cell.

You must try them yourself,
Heinrich.

The rats are very fast,
the fleas abundant,

and the food is quite appalling.

Serves you right.

Calm down, my dear fellow.

Berthold will be here any moment
with the proof I need,

and when he comes,
your misery will be over.

Really, but I --

Believe me, Heinrich,
you have been a good friend,

and I'll never abuse friendship.

This two-day respite
has been absolutely necessary.

Well, if you say so.

I do.

Ah, this is an excellent Havana.

You're acquiring
my expensive tastes.

Yes, well, you're leading me
into bad habits.

-[ Knock on door]
-Come in!

[ Chuckles ]

Ah, come in, Berthold.

Well, that will be all,
Sergeant.

- Leave us.
-[ Heels click]

You -- You have the letters?

Yes, sir.

Give them to the commissioner.

What am I supposed to do
with them?

Hold one up to the light

so that you can see
the address obliquely.

Now tell me
what your trained eye observes.

An address
written on an envelope.

[ Laughing ]
Yes, yes, yes, Yes-

But what else?

Nothing else.

You're getting too old
for the job, Heinrich,

or else your eyes are failing.

The ink has a distinct
metallic sheen.

My eyesight is excellent,
and there's no metallic sheen.

[ Chuckles ]
There must be.

There has to be.

There isn't.

Well?

Before that damn p*stol
was pointed at me,

I put a few drops
of bronze tincture

into Frankenburgs inkwell.

WEINLICH:
And?

Wrong inkwell.

How very embarrassing for you.

Yes, a disappointment.
A setback, indeed.

Nothing worse.

Berthold, take a message
to the Countess Tildi Leys.

Tell her I have returned
from Salzburg --

And that she can find him

in cell
at the Central Police Station.

Now, don't be absurd, Heinrich.

This is where
I'm going to need your help.

My poor Dagobert,

this is where my help ends
and duty intervenes.

I can do nothing more for you,
absolutely nothing.

Do you understand?

Absolutely nothing!

So, I agreed to accompany
Herr Trostler --

Oh, Commissioner, pray,
come to the point.

Well, I was only
trying to make it clear

that my presence here
is entirely unofficial.

Very well.

And what of Herr Trostler?

Yes, well, he is here, sir,

to make a somewhat
strange confession to you.

Well, then, I suggest
that you let Herr Trostler

make his strange confession.

I came as soon
as I received your note.

What did Berthold say?

That his master has returned
from Salzburg, but --

Thank God.

Oh, darling, that last letter --
it was horrible.

Horrible!
It was the worst of all.

[Voice breaking]
Oh, I know. So was mine.

Then let's go and see Dagobert
now.

- He's not at home.
-But you said he'd come --

He has returned from Salzburg,
but he can't see us today.

He begs us to call on him
tomorrow morning at : .

I can't wait till then.

Oh, darling,
we have to be patient.

Oh, you're much braver than me,
Tildi.

I've less to lose, that's all.

The writing paper you use --

those -- those few shreds
of Sultan Flor tobacco,

your manner of expression.

You even,
in somewhat reckless terms,

expressed your disapproval
of the royal marriage

and your desire to see
the Countess Nadja

restored to her former career.

Everything, Herr Frankenburg,
seemed to point to you.

Herr Trostler, I have already
told you that I am an artist.

I speak as the spirit moves me,

yet I would never hurt
those whom I loved.

With reason, I admit,

you have suspected me of having
perpetrated a disgusting crime.

Yet, had I been guilty,
what reason, do you suppose,

would have driven me
to abuse the Countess Tildi Leys

in like manner,

a charming lady who,
to my certain knowledge,

has no theatrical ability
whatsoever?

What should I gain?

It was, I agree, the most
baffling aspect of the case.

Yes, there are some who
may not approve your methods.

They are, indeed, unorthodox.

But if you have not yet arrived
at the truth,

you have at least established
my innocence,

for which I am grateful.

Your Imperial Highness rang.

Order my carriage.

At once, Your Highness.

I'm glad it wasn't
my dear Walter.

Yes, I was hoodwinked
very successfully.

But that sort of thing

doesn't happen twice
to Dagobert Trostler.

I know where I stand now,

and this time,
I shall not fail you.

Where -- Where is Tildi
this morning?

She sends her fond regards.

She has a bad headache
and is unable to be here.

Oh, you cannot guess
how anxious we have been.

Indeed, I can.

There is a subtle change of tone
in his letters,

less abusive and obscene,
more -- more menacing,

as if the cat had grown tired
of playing with the mice

and now felt ready for the k*ll.

Dagobert, don't.

Facts must be faced.

I am now persuaded

this is no ordinary case
of anonymous letter writing,

but the prelude
to something more sinister.

Trust me now, dear.

You must both trust me.

Thank God
for your dear friendship.

Ah.

Your hands are cold.

Let me get you some brandy.

Oh, no, truly, Dagobert,
I am perfectly well.

I must be leaving now.

TROSTLER:
How is Othmar'?

He's better,
very gentle and kind,

but at moments,
he's strangely abstracted,

as though there was
some conflict in his mind.

TROSTLER: Yes, indeed,
I think there might be.

Disregard it.
Ask no questions.

Be the loving wife you are and
hide your own distress from him.

Give my love to Tildi.

Oh, may I?

No, not yet.

My warmest regards and best
wishes for a speedy recovery.

Berthold,
show the lady to her carriage.

[Hooves clopping]

[Knock on door]

OTHMAR: Where is your master?
Take me to him at once!

BERTHOLD: He's in his study,
Your Highness.

I'll tell him.
Sir. Sir!

Out!

Your Imperial Highness.

Villain!
Vile seducer!

I condescended
to call you "friend,"

and you betray me
with my own wife.

You can tell your seconds
to call on me tonight.

Although you are a commoner,
I shall not decline to meet you.

Stop, I command you!

Dead men do not command princes.

Good God, sir,
you've hit a Hapsburg.

Mmm.

[ Both chuckle]

Dear, dear Nadja.

[Sighs]

Why did you say that?

[ Dramatically]
"I never dreamt

that I was capable
of any deep emotion."

She told you?

"After all these years,

I discover that I am
as vulnerable as the next man."

[ Chuckles ]

I said that to Nadja in trust.

Is it still so disturbing?

Yes.

Oh, dear, dear Dagobert,
why so sad?

Look at me.

I am happy, happier
than I've been in years.

[ Chuckles ]

Today you brought me roses,

and I kissed your roses.

And now you've kissed me.

Why, Tildi, why?

Never ask why of anything,
my darling.

Accept love.

Accept me.

Mmm.

Mmm.

There.

Now I shall go and dress
and make myself beautiful

so you'll be proud of me.

TROSTLER:
[ Chuckles ]

Madam?

TILDl:
Oh? So formal.

L-- [ Chuckles]

I asked Nadja
to say nothing to you.

TILDl:
[Chuckles]

Dagobert,
women are loyal to each other.

And cruel.

Only in love.

Have you ever been in love?

What a question.

Are you now?

Have you forgotten the things
that I whispered to you

less than an hour ago?

Are you?

Oh, Dagobert,
how very serious you are.

I am, in earnest.

Oh, not today, not now.

How loyal are you to Nadja?

She's my dearest,
closest friend.

"Your disgraceful conduct
is now known to his highness

in every sordid detail.

Harbor no illusions.

He's only waiting

to ask his imperial majesty
to dissolve union

which has brought shame
upon entire royal family.

The fate
you so richly deserve --

five years behind convent walls.

Count on nothing less."

My poor darling,
my poor darling,

how she must have suffered.

Thank you, Dagobert,
for hitting me.

A shrewd blow.

It damaged my jaw
and restored my wits.

But what
an abject performance --

a prince of the blood
behaving like a common grocer.

How many letters
have you received?

Two.
The first, seven days ago.

Believe me, Dagobert, I would
have dismissed it from my mind

with the contempt it deserved,
but for one thing.

Ah, the birthmark on the body.

Yes, that went on nagging
like an aching tooth.

However much I tried, I couldn't
explain that to myself.

TROSTLER:
And the second letter?

Was much more explicit.

It simply said that if I wanted
proof of Nadja's infidelities,

I had only to watch your house.

You might have had a long wait.

Oh, not at all.

It gave me the exact time
of your meeting on that day.

What?

When --
When did the letter come?

By the morning's post.

Oh, dear God.

Oh, my dear fellow,
what's the matter?

Are you ill?

No, no, I'm perfectly well.

It's just that...

I'm bound to ask Your Highness

what you may consider to be
an indelicate question.

Dagobert...

[ Chuckles ]

...my darling,
what are you trying to say?

Before the archduke
fell in love with Nadja,

you yourself had
a passionate affair with him.

[ Chuckles ]
Who would tell you such a thing?

- TROSTLER: The archduke himself.
-Never.

I was obliged
to ask him outright.

No gentleman
would ever betray --

No lady, madam, would ever dare

to destroy her dearest,
closest friend.

I haven't the faintest notion
what you're talking about.

Oh, Dagobert, only a day ago,
you held me.

You were so ten--

Yes, I did.

L, like Nadja,
had such faith in you.

Oh, madam, you must have been
the author of those letters.

[ Laughs

For a moment,
I believed you were in earnest.

I am in deadly earnest.

Then you have quite taken leave
of your senses.

Have you forgotten
that I am a victim, too?

I also have received letters.

Yes, a very clever move to
divert suspicion from yourself.

I haven't the faintest notion
what you're talking about.

Put yourself in Nadja's place.

All along, you pose as her
bosom friend and confidante.

And at some time, doubtless
without her being aware of it,

you have seen the birthmark
on her body.

Now you would have seemed

the fellow victim
of this vile persecution.

A very clever move, indeed,

but not enough to satisfy

someone as ruthless and scheming
as yourself.

You don't know what you're say--

Supposing desperation
drove Nadja to seek help

in tracing the writer
of these letters.

That could prove
very embarrassing.

So, you used Frankenburg as the
second part of your safeguard.

A celebrated impresario

who had never attempted
to disguise his opposition

to Nadja's marriage.

You knew his habits well enough.

You could imitate
his manner of expression.

Your servant purchased
the same kind of writing paper,

and -- what a brilliant touch --

you even introduced
those few shreds of Sultan Flor.

Lies, lies!

If the finger of suspicion
had to point anywhere,

you had made certain
it would be at Frankenburg.

- No, madam.
-TILDl: Oh, Dag.

I cannot fault your choice.

And when Nadja, in despair,
wanted to consult me,

you were again equal
to the occasion.

You played the part
of the selfless friend,

anxious to protect someone
at once more exalted

and more vulnerable
than yourself.

Your real aim
was to keep her in the dark,

while you hoped to be informed
of any progress I might make.

It didn't work.

But it deceived me thoroughly,
very thoroughly.

How clever you make me sound.

TROSTLER:
Oh, no, no, no, no.

I think "cunning"
is a better word.

Oh, Dagobert, no.

Nadja --
Nadja is very highly strung.

You hoped to create in her
a state of anxiety so apparent

that once her husband --

once his suspicions
had been aroused --

might easily regard it
as signs of a guilty conscience.

You nearly succeeded.

[Voice breaking]
What are you trying to do to me?

Think what would have happened
to Nadja.

Five years, at least,
in the convent.

And that was what you wanted.
Time to win back Othmar's love.

If the emperor refused to have
the marriage annulled,

you were confident
that very soon

you would be once more enjoying

all the privileges
of a royal mistress.

How dare you?!

Get out.

Get out!

Don't ring for your servant.

He would be no match for me.

I pity you, Herr Trostler.

I proved that Frankenburg
did not write those letters,

and from that moment,
you were in danger.

And then you made
your first mistake --

the letter the archduke received
two days ago.

Only you and Nadja knew that
I'd invited you to visit me.

You feigned a headache,

and she walked alone into
the trap you would set for her.

It just failed to close
on both of us.

[ Crying ]
Oh, Dagobert.

But it did fail, and instantly I
knew who the guilty person was.

The same means which proved
Frankenburgs innocence

have proved your downfall,
madam.

You dare, dare to accuse me --

A day ago, I called on you.

You brought me roses,
and now you humiliate me.

You have been play-acting,
madam,

and I played into your hands.

Yes.

Yes, I fell in love with you.

And you accepted my love

as a heaven-sent opportunity
to divert me from the truth.

You accepted my love.

I had hoped, madam,
for some last-minute revelation,

some -- some detail which
would have proved me wrong.

Ohh!

You've tricked me!

Yes. Yes!

A base deception, I admit.

Here is the letter Nadja
received from you this morning.

Hold it up to the light.

You will see that the writing

has an unmistakable
bronze sheen.

I had put a few drops of bronze
tincture in your inkwell.

Only you could have written it.

Have pity on me, Dagobert.

Have pity on me now.

Why should I pity you?

The reason is in your heart.

TROSTLER: It is not for me
to decide your fate.

You mean you will tell
his highness?

I have no choice.

Then I have no choice, either.

You have just sentenced me
to death.

Oh, no!

OTHMAR:
What is it?

Cyanide, enough poison
to destroy a regiment.

And you really think
she meant to use it?

Unquestionably.

What are we to do with her?

It is already done.

I gave her the choice of facing
the scandal and its consequences

or going into voluntary exile
for five years.

She chose exile?

Yes, and has already left
on the train for Paris.

Damn it, Dagobert.

I was about to say that it was
none of your business,

that it was for me to decide.

You've been absurdly lenient,

but I'm glad,
yes, glad and grateful.

So am I, dearest Dagobert.

Come and see us soon.

Goodbye, my dear Countess.

Goodbye, my dear fellow.

I hate to think
what would have happened

if you hadn't been on hand.

Poor Dagobert.

Why poor Dagobert?

Because he loved Tildi.

That's all.