01x03 - Episode 3

[bunniefuu]

MARGO - THE RISING STAR
FROM T. ŁĘCKI'S STABLE

"MARGO" TRIUMPHS AGAIN!

THE CROWD CHANTS, "MARGO!"

[spectators cheering]

- [dramatic music playing]
- [hooves thundering faintly]

WINNING HORSES

NUMBER OF PRIZES

[fire crackling]

WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE WHARF FIRE

[dramatic music continues]

[horse snorts]

[horse neighs]

[neighing]

[Tomasz] Out of my way!

I'm betting a fortune!

A fortune! Let me through! [grunting]

[indistinct chattering]

[horse neighing]

- [pensive notes play]
- [Margo munching]

[dramatic music resumes]

[horse snorts]

[no audible dialogue]

[horse neighs]

[spectators cheering]

[hooves thundering]

[no audible dialogue]

[hooves thundering]

[no audible dialogue]

[Margo panting]

[no audible dialogue]

[neighing]

[music turns tense]

[horse snorts]

[neighing]

[whinnying in distress]

[whinnying in distress]

[body thuds]

[Margo groaning in distress]

THE DOLL

[music ends]

[horses snorting]

- [indistinct chattering]
- [tools pounding]

S WOKULSKI
DEPARTMENT STORE

FIRST SHOP LIT UP WITH ELECTRICITY!
NEW LIGHT ON NEW WORLD STREET!

[knocking on door]

[door opens]

- [Eliza] I'm here to see Ms Łęcka.
- [door closes]

[Florcia] Maybe I should bring, erm... tea.

No, get some rest.

We will be fine.

Of course.

[footsteps receding]

May I offer you a cup of tea?

Zofia has been arrested.

Then would you prefer cognac?

No. N... [sighs]

I'm here to ask for some help.

This was a stupid idea. I shall go now.

So you need help from a silly aristocrat?

If you have some influence
with the Russians,

then I implore you
to see she's removed from the Citadel.

And if you have the currency
to validate her diploma,

then I would ask you

to write a piece for The Ivy
in next week's column,

if you'd like.

It's a good topic.

[Izabela inhales]

I am minded to help you.

- I know people.
- [Eliza whimpers softly]

I will get her diploma.

Very well.

Thank you.

[footsteps receding]

[door opens, closes]

[footsteps approaching]

Florcia, where is everyone?

Why are you attending to our guests?

The staff request a talk with you.

About money.

- Let them talk, then.
- [Florcia] They have grievances.

If this keeps on going,

they will have no other option
but to move out.

The shops won't give us credit.

None of the staff, not even I,

have received a single rouble in a month.

Not one.

They're here now... to talk.

[hens clucking in distance]

Apparently, my father has not paid you now
for a whole month.

Miss, please, don't be angry.

[Izabela] I know everything.

We shall see the master of the house.

We will see him together.

I'm on your side.

Let's go.

Straightaway.

[intriguing, rhythmic music playing]

[door opens]

[Tomasz crying softly]

[Izabela clears throat loudly]

[Tomasz moans]

[music fades]

It is the duty of the master of the house
to pay the staff for their services.

Tell them when you will pay them
what they are owed.

Later. Later.

Or we can let them go, if you'd rather.

And it will be I polishing and ironing,
and the many other chores, all by myself.

We'll be the only noble house
without servants.

More gossip, but I can take it!

It will be taken care of!

Marianna, come.

You were last in, so you can be first out.

Pack your things.

[Tomasz] Stop it.

I am not going to stop it
until you start acting like a father!

[Tomasz] I will settle up.

I will pay.
I will pay you next month, I swear.

[Izabela] Leave us, Florcia.

Look, I will pay you all,
and within a month.

I promise. [groans weakly]

Florcia, go on.

Let her stay.

[Izabela] Flora!

[door closes]

Why did you stop
bringing money from the races, Father?

And why are you drinking
all the time again?

Do you have an issue with Mr Wokulski?

He wanted to buy you off me. [sniffles]

Like you were a horse,
and he's a Gypsy. [grunts softly]

Do you remember, my girl,
how... how that made you cry?

Offer him an olive branch.

You should invite him
to Wąsowska's for breakfast sometime.

He will come running like a dog.

And then you will borrow
some money from him.

He will want... to marry you in return.

[sombre music playing]

[inhales] The more that
he wants me to marry him...

the more money
you will borrow from him in the meantime,

and the more he will do
to satisfy my every whim.

Bite by bite,

we'll dine upon Wokulski.

And he will be content...

to just look up at me from the plate.

You will go here.

You listening?

You have let me go,
so I don't have to listen, miss.

You will tell the gentleman that
I would like you to be his housekeeper.

And if he doesn't want me?

He will do anything I want.

And I don't want you back on the streets.

Would you be able to accompany me?

Your debt will be settled...

when you tell me what he is really like.

[Ignaś] What?

[man speaking French]

- Er, catastrophe... A catastrophe.
- I understood that.

[continues speaking French]

Erm, erm, erm...
Mr Legrand believes Mr Rzecki,

apart from not speaking French,
he, er, knows nothing about art,

and he says that he's rude,

and that he has no taste,

and that he is, erm...

And he wonders why
Mr Rzecki is employed here.

I'm gonna punch him in a minute.

[speaking French]

Er, Mr Legrand says the opening date
should be postponed by at least two weeks.

Out of the question.

[interpreter and Mr Legrand
speaking French]

Mr Legrand says
that it won't be ready then.

He should do something
to make it ready, shouldn't he?

[interpreter speaking French]

Here. Understand money? Huh?

- Oui?
- Oui.

It has to be f*cking ready.

[Ignaś] Stan. Stan!

That Frenchman...
He's an idiot, but he's right.

- We have to postpone.
- [Stan] We will not postpone anything.

- [Ignaś] Stan...
- [Stan] Here. Read this.

[intriguing, rhythmic music playing]

- [Ignaś] "Department store opening".
- [Stan] And? What else? Read on.

- What's the date?
- [Ignaś] Erm... 5th of July.

[Stan] There. You see?

- Yes. But today's the 22nd of June.
- I know.

We won't make it!

If you say that to me one more time,
I will f*cking punch you. I swear.

But why? What do you think will happen
if you delay it by a week or two?

- Are you stupid?
- No.

- Ignaś, think about it for a moment!
- [Ignaś] Mm-mm!

These f*ck are just waiting...
waiting for me to f*ck up so they can say,

"There's that Wokulski.
He couldn't do anything".

"He didn't make it. He shat himself".

"He tried so hard, but he shat himself".

That's what they'll say
if I don't make it.

- That won't happen, all right?!
- [workers shouting]

- [glass shattering]
- [music stops]

[Stan panting]

[Mr Legrand scoffs, speaks in French]

[footsteps shuffling]

[Mr Legrand and interpreter
speaking French]

[glass shards being swept up]

[sighs]

Did she throw you out?

- Starski told her?
- [Marianna] Mm.

[Stan] Speak, for God's sake!

Ms Łęcka was hoping
that you might be able to employ me,

because she can't keep me on any more,
you see?

The young lady asks kindly
that you treat me well

and is hoping for your sympathy.

I am too, because if you don't take me on,
that'll mean I'll have to back...

All right. All right, all right.

- [workers speaking indistinctly]
- [metal clanking]

You won't have to go anywhere.

[tool scraping]

So does that mean that you will employ me?

- [horse snorts]
- [pensive music playing]

[neighs]

[indistinct chattering and laughing]

[carriage door closes]

[music stops abruptly]

[footsteps approaching]

Mr Łęcki is here.

[Stan] What brings you here?

[door closes]

I have come here
to talk... business with you.

And also, if you were offended at all, to...

apologise.

If I were offended at all?

As an apology,

my daughter would be honoured
if you joined us for luncheon

at Countess Wąsowska's.

- So who is apologising here?
- We both know what we're talking about.

I am sorry. That was rude.

And I apologise
for what occurred at the races.

[laughs] For overreacting.

[chuckles] I lost control of myself.

[chuckles] It was very foolish of me.

[sighs]

I accept your apology.

[Tomasz laughs awkwardly]

As regards other concerns...

[inhales]

...I would like to become
your business partner.

[Stan sighs] I see.

So you're looking to invest?

Yes. [sighs]

Yes.

And I would be ready even now. Today.

Er, mm... [chuckles]

Except... [chuckles]

...the expected return from the last race,

er... [laughs awkwardly]

That return... [clears throat]

How can I say this
to you? [inhales deeply]

That turned out to be negative.

[breathing deeply]

Now, please bear with me.

[inhales] Should...

we go into partnership,

could a share
of the profits of our company,

in which I will invest shortly,

could that, er, share of...

profit be given to me now?

[inhales deeply] You would like
to borrow some money.

No. No. [sighs]

[hesitating]

- I just thought...
- Mr Łęcki, to be your business partner...

It's very risky for me.

[Tomasz] Mm.

[Stan] The machines you invested in
were destroyed.

On top of that, the horse, Margo...

I doubt that she'll race ever again.

- [Tomasz sighs]
- [Stan] You have no revenue. Only debts.

[glass thuds on table]

Mortgage the tenement as collateral.

I will only consider your proposal
when you've done this.

I will not
go into partnership with you blindly.

[gulps]

[glass thuds on table]

[knocking on door]

Please enter.

[door opens]

Have you ever been in her bed chamber?

Every day.

[Stan] Mm.

Do you remember what the walls are like?

[Marianna] Mm-hm.

Tell me what her tastes are.
Piece by piece, flower by flower, tell me.

- What do you mean?
- What does she like to be surrounded by?

[exhales] Light.

She has big windows.
Bigger than these ones.

Well, clearly,
I can't do anything about that.

I'm sorry to be blunt. Erm...

And cleaning.

She likes it tidy.

And when the sun
shines through the huge windows,

all that dust
that you and I wouldn't normally notice,

well, it really does
bother the young lady.

So not only do you
have to wash the windows,

but there's the floor too.
Every day. I don't know why.

- It's good if you don't have to do it.
- The furniture? Tell me about that.

Can you list the pieces?

- Yes, there are two bedside tables.
- Can you choose similar ones for me?

Yes.

WOMEN'S FASHION HOUSE

[intriguing, rhythmic music playing]

[Marianna] Mm-mm.

[Stan] Which one?

Is this what Ms Izabela wears?

Yes.

[tailor] Splendid. It fits perfectly.

It fits so perfectly,

one would imagine
we were in the very heart of Paris.

[Stan] What do you think?

I like it, sir.

[Stan sighs]

I'm asking you if she will.
Please give me your opinion.

But she should like you
despite the clothes you wear.

[music swells]

Directement de Paris. Here we are, sir.

[Stan] Mm-hm.

It's hideous.

- [indistinct chattering]
- [horse hooves clattering on street]

So?

Will you help me, then?

Can I count on your full support?

I support you, my dear, naturally.

You've my unwavering backing.

Thank you, Aunt.

I can't help you, though.

- Why can't you?
- [people cheering]

But you said that I could count
on your full support.

Darling, my support
won't do you any good at all.

To secure a release from the Citadel,

you need a person with influence.

That's not all.

They not only need influence,
they also need ba*ls.

[passersby laughing]

Wait! Auntie, you have both
of those things in abundance.

[Kazimiera chuckles]

What I'm trying to say
is that you need a man.

A nobleman. And a high-ranking one.

It's just the way it is, sadly.

He can be deaf, dumb, or even lame,
but he needs a title.

And he must be a man.

[man] "Duke Tomasz
Jan Maria Wawrzyniec Rudnicki

of the Bechcickis, House Lis...

vouches for Zofia Dobska
for a period of 14 days".

[cell door clangs in distance]

[man] "Shall the accused,
after this period...

not present documents
entitling her to practise as a doctor,

she will be imprisoned until the trial".

[metallic thudding]

You don't have to read any more.

Just take the pen.

So I must sign it?

- Yes, you must.
- Mm.

[metallic thud]

Bela says it's the fashion
to fight poverty now.

- Do you agree with her?
- [Izabela] That is not what I said.

[Florcia] Will magazines
have articles on poverty

instead of fashion, do you think?

[Zofia] They may do.

- [metallic clinking]
- [hens clucking]

[Izabela] Do you live here?

It's where I work.

How very sad.

[door creaks open]

- [baby crying]
- [indistinct chattering]

Thank you.

[geese honking]

[baby crying]

- [clock chiming]
- [yawning]

Go on eat, eat. You're not eating.

[whispering] I'm certain
you would find it amusing.

[Izabela laughs softly]

- I'll have to show you...
- [Izabela laughing]

- It's very odd...
- [Izabela laughing]

[silverware clattering]

Now, my dear, Duke Rudnicki has told me

that you associate
with convicted midwives.

Is that true?

The woman you are talking of
is not actually a midwife.

- She's a trained doctor.
- I'm sorry.

But there is no such thing
as a female doctor.

She graduated from university in Zürich,

but, for reasons that are incomprehensible
not only to me,

such training's not recognised in Poland.

Count Dziemiański, perhaps you could
do something about this matter,

since you are president
of the Medical Association?

You want me to help someone
who took a kitchen knife

to a woman in childbirth?

[aunt] I am surprised at you, my dear.

And what does your father say?

[clicks tongue] Well...

Now, you may not have heard. [chuckles]

The, er, new shop
belonging to Mr Wokulski here

will be lit by electricity. [chuckles]

By electric power.

I am right about that?

[Kazimiera] Mm.

[Tomasz] It's the talk of the town!

Can you tell us all about it, Mr Wokulski?

Count Dziemiański.

The doctor that you discredit

graduated from a prestigious
European university.

We do not subscribe to Western dogmas.

[Count Dziemiański and aunt laughing]

I'm sure that
not all Western ideas are bad.

[aunt] Mm.

What about electricity?

The light bulb.

That is a European invention.

Do you think women
should wear trousers as well, like men?

[guests tittering]

And what about the humble oil lamp?

- It was met with ridicule.
- [scoffs]

[silverware clatters]

Now it's commonplace. It's normal.

Or printed newspapers.
They were once unthinkable.

Now we read them every day.

And as for wearing trousers,

maybe we should leave
that particular matter

to the women.

[aunt laughing] What else?

[laughing continues]

Sir, are you interested, erm,
in the progress of the suffrage movement,

or just one suffragist?

[Stan chokes, coughs]

[continues coughing]

Excuse me. [continues coughing]

[aunt] Should we call a doctor?

- [Count Dziemiański] A lady doctor.
- [guests laughing]

[birds chirping]

Is there something wrong?

I have just one question,
and I'll come to the point.

Are you courting Ms Izabela Łęcka?

I?

I know that there are some...
distant off-shoots in our family tree,

but she is my first cousin. [laughing]

And I have to admit,
I'm a little afraid of her.

But you have the same interests I have.

[Stan breathes deeply]

And there's one interest I love.

Electrical current.

And I read up on it. It's fascinating.

[Stan chuckles]

And I have another passion
that thrills me so much!

Flying.

And imagine this... flying engines!

[inhales] Yes, I read about it.

And the contention seems to be
propellers that pull, or push.

I knew it!

I knew that there were like-minded people
in this sad country.

And it has to be pulling.
Though what kind of engine?

Well, attempts with a steam engine
have failed,

because they're too heavy.

Although the strength is sufficient.

What if the propeller

used its power to make them rise skywards?

[Stan] Hm.

- That's a good point.
- This shows how bright the future is!

[door opens]

[bright string music playing]

Excuse me for a moment.

Hallelujah!

[birds chirping]

[music fades]

Do you imagine
that women will be able to choose

what clothes they wear one day?

[Stan] I think that
you are more agitated by this notion

than the clothes actually deserve.

[Izabela] How would you feel if

you were not permitted
to go out on the street by yourself?

Or even to the garden.

Men also have to deal with restraints.

[Izabela] Really?
Would you like to tell me about them?

[Stan] Of course,
they are less consequential than women's.

Are you just humouring me?

Isn't that what you demand of me?

What I demand of you,
apart from progressive wisdom,

is absolute honesty.

- Mr Wokulski?
- [Stan] Yes?

[Izabela] I heard...

I am told you might have sway
at the Russian embassy.

[exhales] It gives me no pride, but I do.

It must come as no surprise to you
that I am somewhat hampered

in helping my friend
get her diploma approved.

[inhales]

And I was hoping that you might be able

to use your influence
with the Russian embassy in Warsaw.

Mm... This is fortuitous.

There is to be a reception at the house
of the tsarist magistrate soon.

You could accompany me there, perhaps.

I find that most agreeable indeed.

[indistinct chattering]

[blows air]

[breathing deeply]

[worker] Ready!

[interpreter speaking French]

[Stan continues breathing deeply]

[switch clicks]

- [electricity crackling]
- [all exclaiming, laughing]

[man] Look at that!
I'll be damned! [laughs]

- [scattered laughter]
- [man 2] Bravo!

- Bravo!
- [man 1] That's amazing!

- [man 2] It's so good! f*ck yeah!
- Oh, it's beautiful!

- [mechanical thudding]
- [laughter fades]

[powering down]

[Mr Legrand speaks French]

Er... sh*t show.

[percussive music playing]

Sorry.

That should go under the window.

[percussive music continues]

A bit to the right.

No, the left.

Nearly there.

Just a touch.

Another touch. A...

There!

Actually, no.

Put it there.

[door closes]

How is it?

Erm...

Admirable.

[music fades]

[indistinct chattering and laughter]

[in French] Jack... Jacket.

Jacket.

Do you like my jacket?

[intriguing, rhythmic music playing]

[door closes]

[in English] You came.

I came.

[music swells]

Tell Stanisław I'm here.

I must speak with him urgently.

Mr Wokulski's not at home.

When is he back?

[music fades]

I'm sorry, I don't know.

I'll wait for him.

If you don't mind.

[operatic singing in Russian]

Did you sell weapons during the w*r?

I'm going to disappoint you now.

That's a little premature, though.

I traded flour, not weapons.

- But the town thinks otherwise.
- Is that so?

The town.

What should I care what the town thinks?

What is more important,

well, at least it is to me,
is what you think.

What do you think of me, Ms Izabela?

I am anxious to know.

Stanisław!

[laughing]

You didn't bring a plate for yourself?

[Marianna] Mm.

Well, we'll share this one, then.

I'll show you

how I learned from the rich
to eat a yeast cake.

[Marianna scoffs]

[knife cutting]

With butter on?

Dear Lord in Heaven.

[both laughing]

And that is just the start.

[chuckles] And now...

add a bit of this.

- [Marianna] Mm. [chuckles]
- [Ignaś] And top it off with...

just enough raspberry jam.

I know. I know.
You feel obliged to say it's too decadent,

that it's too much, too indulgent,

that the cake itself is a luxury.

- [Marianna laughing]
- Yes, I know, I felt the same.

Once upon a time.

But once you have tried it,

you don't ask any more questions.

[Marianna laughs]

You just feel very sorry

that you haven't eaten
more cakes like this.

Go on.

[Ignaś chuckles]

[Ignaś laughing]

[Marianna moans in pleasure] Mm!

[Ignaś laughing]

[Marianna moaning playfully]

[both laughing]

- [Marianna] Mm.
- [Ignaś] Hm, mm.

Tell me what do you do after work.

[bright instrumental music playing]

Why?

Do you enjoy the circus?

I do.

Hm.

I do too.

[Izabela] After six years of studies,

six years of sacrifice,

I cannot imagine how hard
it must have been for Zofia Dobska.

The head of the academic department
in Zürich

asked her to stay in Switzerland.

Yet she wanted to be a doctor here,
in Warsaw,

to look after her own.

And what was waiting for her?

Just atavism and agony.

And this doctor...
is a friend of yours, right?

[sniffles] And you have come here today
to ask for my help?

[operatic music continues faintly]

Yes, that's right.

So, you are dependent
on two gentlemen to help you.

Yes.

[inhales] Erm...

Now does that mean
that if this girl, Zofia,

if she has plans to operate
and wants to treat people,

she will also rely upon men,
doctors, to help her treat patients?

What do you mean?

She just doesn't understand me, hm.

Maybe Mr Wokulski can explain, hm?

What did you and your friend
think would happen?

That you'd come here
and I'd agree with you?

It's just typical of women.

And I'm not sure
you've thought this through properly.

Hm?

Medicine...

is just a men's thing.

Just like offices.

Have you ever seen... a female clerk?

[laughing]

Well... I mean... [laughing]

Every one of them would need to find
a male clerk to help her.

[laughing]

That would cost so much money,
wouldn't it? [laughing]

- [slams hand on table]
- [continues laughing]

[Stan laughs awkwardly]

Now, my dear Aleksandr,

I think we should discuss this matter
in private. Don't you?

[laughing] Oh, come on!

[exhales]

Please leave now, miss.

Mm.

- [Aleksandr sighs] Ooh!
- [door opens]

[groans softly]

- [door closes]
- [Aleksandr sighs]

In Moscow, I hear there
are some doctors who are women.

Then go to Moscow.

Such a tidy sum

to pay for a f*ck.

I hope she's worth it. [scoffs]

[operatic singing in background]

[glass clanks loudly]

Ah! [laughs] Good evening.

Why are you wilting all alone, my dear,

like some dried-out heather?

It is not proper, trust me.

Especially in this place.

I'm surprised that you came, Baron.

I did, yes.

But in disgust.

Baron.

Ms Izabela.

[glass clinks on tray]

- I convinced him.
- Bravo.

[laughs] What a pair of love birds.

[laughs] Here is the ugly duckling,
and here, a peacock, all puffed!

Female peacocks are grey.

It's the males
that show off their feathers.

- Really?
- Yes.

Well, that is so absurd.
A pointless observation, don't you think?

- [Stan sighs]
- Do you agree, Mr Wokulski?

Where's your plumage gone?

[horse snorts]

[horse neighs, snorts]

I can sense you're upset.

But everything worked out
according to your wish.

[Izabela] Yes.

But did it have to be so embarrassing?

[faint chattering and laughter]

Accept my apology.

I know Aleksandr's comments
were inappropriate.

I just wanted to bring,
from this complicated matter,

a positive outcome.

[scoffs]

And you can bear humiliation
to get what you want?

Congratulations.

And I pity your future wife.

[sombre music playing]

[door closes, echoing]

[haunting whistling of sombre tune]

[music fades]

THE STORY OF DR ZOFIA DOBSKA
BY IZABELA ŁĘCKA

Thank you.

- [doorbell rings]
- [indistinct chattering]

[Zofia] I do not know
how you managed to do all this.

I just wanted you to know that

it means such a lot.

If ever I may help you in any way,
you only have to ask.

[Izabela laughs softly]

- [pocket watch ticking]
- [suspenseful percussive music playing]

Where the f*ck's he got to?

[inhales] And what if he doesn't know?

If he doesn't know about it,

then no one else
is going to know about it.

The entire human race will be cursed.

I must see her now.

[machinery clanking and whirring]

[sparks crackling]

[powering down]

So what do you think?

Breathtaking.

Do you know how to mend it?

No.

I will do, though.

There's not enough time
for trial and error.

Just trust me with her.

- [excited chattering]
- [suspenseful percussive music continues]

[tools clanking]

[machinery whirring]

[grunts]

[valve squeaking]

[machinery creaking, sputtering]

- [metallic grinding]
- [air hissing]

I am sorry.

It seems there is a problem.

[interpreter and Mr Legrand
speaking quietly in French]

I have to go up there now... [inhales]

...to endure the biggest embarrassment
in the history

of this city... [sighs heavily]

...this nation...

This whole f*cking continent.

[melodic string music playing]

[indistinct chattering]

[hopeful music playing]

[sighs]

- [melodic string music playing]
- [indistinct chattering]

I am not a technician,
but these lamps are not electric.

- Ms Izabela...
- [Izabela] Yes?

[Krzeszowski] I'll put it this way.

I think that today,
someone will burn with shame.

Am I not right, Mr Wokulski? [laughs]

- [crowd gasping]
- [electricity crackling]

- [crowd applauding]
- [Stan exhales in relief]

I waited for you before turning them on.

You have a nice place.

- [machinery whirring steadily]
- [men laughing]

- [melodic string music playing]
- [crowd chattering]

Ladies and gentlemen.

[crowd continues chattering]

- [cane raps on railing]
- [Stan] Ladies and gentlemen. Hey.

Silence.

- [chattering fades]
- [Stan takes deep breath]

Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen...

[clears throat]

I thank you all
for attending in such great numbers

and for being a part of my new venture,

which I hope will make our city
famous throughout Europe.

[Krzeszowski laughing]

I have made every effort here
to keep the demonstration,

erm, optimal and...

the decoration practical, erm...

and also elegant.

[men snickering]

Material quality
throughout the store is superb.

The countertops
are all of the finest glass.

The wood from which the panelling is made
is of superior quality,

imported from Spain.

Mr Wokulski, er, er,

now don't you forget
to mention the price of nails.

[laughter]

This would be impossible
without the help of a certain someone.

- [Krzeszowski] The old Mrs Mincel?
- [crowd exclaiming]

- [laughing]
- Thirty thousand roubles she left him.

Thirty thousand in cash.

And she has inspired me
to push myself forward,

to think bigger, on a grander scale.

Ms Izabela Łęcka.

[crowd applauding]

[Stan] Thank you.

[indistinct chattering]

Do you approve?

[Kazimierz] Ladies and gentlemen.

Today, Warsaw has witnessed a debut

the like of which
no one has ever dreamed of.

This spacious market hall
has now opened as well.

Also, my wonderful cousin, Izabela Łęcka,

has today published her first article

in none other than The Ivy magazine.

And I hope, Bela, that you won't hate me

if I take the liberty
of quoting a few words from the piece.

"In the morning,
when I look out of my bedroom window,

I see, especially in early spring,
a forsythia bush".

"Sad, brown,
and thorny as the crown of our Saviour".

"Yet, the author of these words
knows that it only requires time

for it to bloom with flowers
that please both the eye and the soul".

"That is how I see
this remarkable story of Zofia Dobska,

which I'll now relate to you all".

"It's a story of how, with the help
of strong and courageous women

who rejected long-held convention,

Zofia Dobska performed
a caesarean section,

and women will be permitted to practise
this difficult yet noble profession".

"Yours faithfully...

Izabela Łęcka".

[clapping]

[crowd applauding]

[melodic string music resumes]

Will you give me your opinion?

The article?

Brilliant.

[dramatic music building]

[dramatic string music playing]

[glass slams on platter]

Pardon.

Mr Wokulski,

I say, will you, in the wake
of this whole suffragist wave,

please order a pair of pantaloons
for Ms Łęcka?

[Stan chuckles softly]

Obviously of the finest material,
and sewn in Paris.

Beautiful story... about the female doctor.

Very moving.

The forsythia...

Now, how does a woman become a doctor?

Because you didn't write a word
about the Russki magistrate, did you?

You never mentioned it.

And that is where
this gentleman sorts out everything.

So how many roubles did you end up paying

for Ms Łęcka to be able
to write this saccharine tear-jerker

for that girly rag?

Mr Krzeszowski...

you've greatly embarrassed Ms Łęcka.

I demand satisfaction.

[Krzeszowski scoffs]

- What do you mean to do, then?
- I hereby challenge you to a duel.

You wouldn't dare.

Unless the word "honour"

is anathema to you, sir?

[tense music playing]

Certainly. I will oblige.

Sir, tell me the names of your seconds,

if you can find any among men of honour.

[dramatic string music playing]

[closing theme music playing]

[music fades to silence]