Adaptation for Audio Production

This free download is provided on the understanding and agreement that the script is for personal use only and may not be copied, distributed and / or performed unless written permission is granted by Evcol Entertainment. All rights reserved by the author.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 1

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

Actor 1: Louis Floriot Begins the play in his early 30’s – ages to early 50’s as we progress... Deputy Attorney General of Paris. Dedicated to his work, a man with steel nerves and unbending will. He is the father of Raymond and husband of Madame X

Actor 2: Madame Jacqueline Floriot / Madame X Begins the play as a young wife, trying to be dedicated to her husband and their young son, but finds it increasingly difficult to prove her love to him as he’s focus is work. Absolutely idolises their son, Raymond. Very attractive, but shows signs of wear and tear from when we see her at the beginning of the play to when we are re-introduced to her twenty years later when she returns to Paris with Frederic Laroque after much drug use and the drinking of considerable amounts of liquor to forget about her son, Raymond

Actor 3: Florence / Marie [Hotel Maid] Florence: playing age 25 – 30, but ages as the play evolves. Dedicated maid to the Floriot house- hold. Becomes a mother-figure to Raymond as the young boy grows to man-hood – Caucasian – has to age from young to a playing age of mid 40’s through-out the duration of the play Marie: Hotel maid. Playing age 25 – 30, naive, impressionable

Actor 4: Madame Varenne Varenne: Sister of Dr. Chennel, who attends Raymond through his illness, treating him like a son

Actor 5: Dr. Chennel Chennel: Family friend and Doctor to Louis and Raymond Floriot. Brother to Madame Varenne

Actor 6: Noel Sauvrin / Robert Henri Perissard Noel: Friend to Louis Floriot and long-time secret admirer of Madame Jacqueline, so much so that he attempted to take his own life when he knew they could not be together Perissard: Rotund, 40’s, has the look of a respectable banker

Actor 7: Frederic Laroque / Court President / Police Commissioner Laroque: Playing age 35 – 40 ish, suave, blackmailer who has returned to Paris to work alongside Merivel & Perissard Police Commissioner, playing age 40 – 50, helps Louis + Noel with initial search for Jacqueline

Actor 8: Raymond Floriot Raymond: Son of Louis & Jacqueline, handsome, upstanding, playing age 20+

Actor 9: Monsieur Valmorin Valmorin: Playing age 40 – 50, Public Prosecutor

Actor 10: Modiste Hyacinthe Merivel Merivel: Blackmailer, younger business partner to Perissard.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 2

SYNOPSIS: 1928. France. A young woman is thrown onto the streets by her jealous husband when he discovers she has been having an affair. Forbidden from seeing her beloved young son, and with neither money nor friends, she sinks into depravity. Twenty years later, she has become the mistress of Frederic Laroque, a small-time criminal. When he discovers that her husband is now the Attorney General, Laroque decides to blackmail him…

Original MADAME X – Creative Team Adapted from the play ‘La Femme X’ by Alexandre Bisson Written & Produced by Simon James Collier Directed & Staged by Omar F. Okai Production Companies | Evcol Entertainment for Okai Collier Company Ltd Associate Producer | Rory Fairbairn Set Design | Martin McLeod Costume | Christina Pomeroy Lighting Design | Michael Edwards Sound Design | James Corner Graphic Design | Adam Dechanel Production Photography | Michael Brydon Operator | Helen Elliott

MADAME X – Cast – Audio Production Frederic Laroque / Police Commissioner | Marcus Churchill Florence / Marie [Hotel Maid] | Sophie Dean Madame Jacqueline Floriot / Madame X | Sarah Flower Noel Sauvrin / Robert Henri Perissard | Mitch Howell Raymond Floriot | James McClelland Monsieur Valmorin | David McKechnie Modiste Hyacinthe Merivel | Jim Newman Madame Varenne | Roli Okorodudu Dr. Chennel | Mark Stewart Louis Floriot | Richard Warrick

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 3

Review Highlights for the theatrical production at The Jack Studio Theatre, London

Review of MADAME X at the Jack Studio Theatre – LondonTheatre1

★★★★ June 26, 2015 by Terry Eastham

A mother’s love is possibly the most powerful force in the world. American essayist, Washington Irving is quoted as saying ‘A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands. But a mother’s love endures through all.’ This is the ultimate truth that is at the heart of Simon James Collier’s mesmerising play “Madame X” at the Brockley Jack. Madame Jacqueline Floriot (Chloe Fontaine) is an unhappy and bored woman. She is married to a lawyer by the name of Louis (Matthew Swann) who has ambitions for high public office. As he rises through the ranks, she is often left alone to be taken out and entertained by a mutual friend. Given these circumstances it’s not that surprising that these social outings become more intense leading to her taking the friend as her lover. When Louis finds out, he throws Jacqueline out on the Parisian streets without a bean and more importantly without having the opportunity to say goodbye to their young son Raymond (Corbin Joss Furstenburg) who is basically left in the care of the Floriot’s Housekeeper Florence (Alexandra Reynolds). Louis Floriot is alone and over the years comes to realise that he has made a mistake and that he is still in love with his unfaithful wife – something he confides to his close friend Madame Varenne (Maud Madlyn) – and tries everything in his power to find her. Meanwhile, Jacqueline herself has become the mistress of a small-time villain, Frederic Laroque (Anthony Palmer), a man who does not let his heart rule his head and is looking to break into the big time of villainy. Frederic is working with the evil Robert Henry Perissard (Rory Fairbairn) and creepy Modiste Merivel (J B Newman) to blackmail Jacqueline’s former husband and when she finds out about the plan, Jacqueline goes mad with worry. Whilst not that worried about her husband, Jacqueline is determined to protect her, now fully grown, son from the shame and humiliation that blackmail would entail and takes rash action leading to her meeting with the Police Commissioner (Mario Frendo) and an unexpected meeting with her estranged family. Based on the original 1908 French play ‘La Femme X’ by Alexandre Bisson, playwright Simon James Collier has put together a dark – almost film noir – version of this story of a mother’s love in “Madame X”. The first act is long but extremely effective in introducing and setting up the characters and situations that really explode into action in Act II as the repercussions of Jacqueline’s actions from the end of Act I really take effect on everyone else. I am really going to single out Chloe Fontaine for her performance as Jacqueline at this point. She really brought the character to life and delivered a standout emotionally charged performance that had me hanging on her every word and action. Similarly, Corbin Joss Furstenberg impassioned courtroom oratory was full of the passion and power of a man born to be an advocate and determined to win his case. The rest of the cast were equally as talented, indeed Merivel as portrayed by J B Newman still sends shivers down my spine. Director Omar F. Okai uses the stage space at the Brockley Jack beautifully and the set by Martin McLeod was wonderfully flexible as well as appropriately classical in appearance. James Corner’s sound design worked very well most of the time – particularly the use of Edith Piaf’s ‘Padam, Padam’ to illustrate Jacqueline’s life after she was dumped by her husband – but I did think that the music in the final scene was unnecessary and distracted a little. This is my only quibble with the whole production which really goes to show how good the show was overall. “Madame X” starts slowly and gently draws the audience into the story so that before they know it, they are completely hooked on this tale of a mother’s love. My companion and I had quite a lively discussion during the interval of where the play was heading but neither of us foresaw the emotional juggernaut of a trip that the second act was going to take us on as to quote Robert Browning ‘Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.’

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 4

★★★★ Female Arts Review of ‘Madame X’

From the moment the dulcet mournful trumpet lingers in the air, the audience is transported to post-war France. Inspired by the original play La Femme X by Alexandre Bisson, Simon James Collier’s interpretation of Madame X takes the outward trappings of film-noir and creates a world where someone like Nora in A Doll’s House has made different choices and deals with the ramifications of them. 1928: Louis Floriot (Mathew Swann), a young hardworking lawyer who spends most of his time in the office, comes home to his wife Jacqueline (Chloe Fontaine) in the arms of another man... She flees, but her son Raymond is left behind... A few years later, she returns to see her son after he suffers a life- threatening illness, but is refused access by her husband. Noel Sauvrin (Rory Fairbairn), an old friend of the couple, convinces Louis that he’s made a grave mistake. However, with no hope to speak off, Jacqueline leaves the country, never to be seen for 20 years... In many ways a Torvaldesque character, Louis in his younger days places more emphasis on working all hours to provide for his family materially, rather than be emotionally available to wife. In this world of grey, nothing is quite what it seems, with much of the play’s conflict resulting from people misconstruing each other’s actions. The play’s well-cast and it’s evident once they’re onstage why the respective actors were selected for their roles. While Swann brings to Louis an earnest, but serious disposition, Maud Madlyn’s Madame Varenne brings colour and moments of levity to the play – a tonic to the Floriot household and an example of a woman who’s sanguine. Alexandra Reynolds who plays Florence provides the other stable maternal influence to the Floriot household, serene and pragmatic. Between her and Mme. Varenne, they help fill the void left by Mme. Floriot, though it has it has to be said neither finds ‘personal happiness’. Instead, they’re like Annie Hayworth and Melanie Daniels in Hitchcock’s The Birds – ‘content’ and thankful to be a part of Mitch Brenner’s life. Other notable performances include those from Rory Fairbairn and JB Newman. As the germaphobic Merivel, Newman is very funny as he's constantly recoiling from human contact, often stealing the limelight on stage. Meanwhile, Fairbairn’s turn as Noel delivers one of the play’s unexpected and satisfying emotional showdowns, when in the name of friendship, tells Louis some home truths. When producing a ‘noiresque’ play, it could be argued there’s always the danger of being a slave to style over substance. It’s certainly a possibility, but in the case of Madame X, I have a two-word answer: Chloe Fontaine. There are two scenes with her where we’re reminded that theatre is first and foremost about responding to people. The first is when she confronts her husband about being allowed to see her sick son... At the beginning of the play, the audience has only Louis’ version of events to assess her and we find Louis’ negative response as understandable. However, by the time Fontaine/Jacqueline has persuasively stated her case to Louis and the audience, it is evident she’s the wronged party. By revealing Louis’ emotional distance and his insistence that she spend time with another man, despite her best efforts to spend time with her husband, his complicity in events is indisputable. The other scene where she makes her stamp is when she’s face to face with her son who she hasn’t seen since he was an infant. The way her whole body sobs, ashamed that the person she loves more than the whole world should see her in such circumstances, is so powerful. There are no words from her, but her body language says everything. Pure theatre. While film noir isn’t a new genre at all, it certainly isn’t commonplace on in theatre, and as such has a freshness and originality that’s been missing from the British stage of late. In the original movies, the Hays Code at the time dictated even when there are dark, morally complex themes that in the end justice and the law are synonymous. Of course looking at the past with today’s values, we can discern the difference between the spirit of the law and the letter of the law, especially when it comes to judging a mother’s love for her child. This friction in Madame X certainly keeps the audience on tenterhooks, and emotionally engaged from beginning to end. © Michael Davis - Madame X runs at the Brockley Jack Studio Theatre until 11 July 2015

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 5

★★★★

Madame X – Review by Howard Loxton for THE BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE, June 2015 Simon James Collier inspired by the original play ‘La Femme X’ by Alexandre Bisson Evcol Entertainment / The Okai Collier Company Limited Jack Studio Theatre

23 June – 11 July

La Femme X is Alexandre Bisson’s best-known play. It premiered 1908 and in 1910 Sarah Bernhardt played the title role in Paris and on Broadway. It was novelised the same year for the American market and in 1916 came the first of at least 11 film versions. Simon James Collier’s treatment and Omar F. Okai’s staging reflect that performance history of what, at its heart, is a traditional melodrama: a woman cast out into the cold for breaking society’s rules for wifely behaviour pays a terrible price for her misdemeanour, sinking into drugs and depravity but dies with honour in a dramatic denouement. The mores aren’t modern ones and the production has a strong sense of an earlier period, avoiding colloquialisms in its dialogue and embracing the theatricality of Michael Edwards’ atmospheric lighting which sometimes tightens the focus on individual characters and moments like a cinema close-up. The composite setting by Martin McLeod and Christine Pomeroy’s stylish costumes maintain a monochrome palette that matches the mood of black and white movies. The use of music and French chansons adds another rich layer of emotion like a film score, most especially when the descent of Chloe Fontaine’s Jacqueline Floriot into a life of vice and the underworld is conveyed through dance. There is little attempt to age characters, although the action bridges a gap of twenty years but the setting has elements of art nouveau and a post Great War Syrie Maugham style and elegant dresses that match and the detail of the playing concentrates on a semiotic suggestion of character through behaviour as in Rory Fairbairn’s blackmailer baddie Perissard and the fastidious fussing of his sidekick Merivel (J B Newman), both quite different in style from the worthy characters they play earlier. Matthew Swann as wronged husband Louis Floriot plays him very much for real, a touch more self- righteousness priggishness and wallowing in guilt might have fitted the melodrama but could have alienated an audience Fontaine ‘s Madame X also keeps away from Grand Guignol excesses. With Piaf’s passionate voice setting the dramatic temperature (though a little later in date that choice is perfect) this production could get away with taking things one more notch into melodrama. Mario Frendo as first a policeman and then a lawyer gets a perfect balance between theatricality and naturalism, at the same time totally in the style and completely believable. Corbin Joss Furstenburg as Raymond Floriot, the lawyer son to protect whom Madame X refuses to reveal her identity, gives him an American accent that suggests he’s sent time there but, though logically that might make him more worldly, it seems to add to his innocence in a simple direct performance. This isn’t a play about complex characters; they are relatively stock personalities that this adaptation allows the actors to give life too with just an edge of comic caricature in the case of the baddies. It may be a much-reworked story, but this production makes an old warhorse seem fresh. Lovely to look at, with style way above usual fringe, its pace holds the attention, its presentation makes you want to know what will happen, even if you know that already. If you like film-noir and an element of melodrama you should especially enjoy this.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 6

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 7

★★★★ THE UPCOMING – Review from Emily Morrison

Madame X is a sensitively updated, highly compelling new version of what is probably Alexandre Bisson’s most famous play, La Femme X. Written in 1908, the original script and early production arguably reflects (and inspired) many of the most convincing and beloved plots and styles from the 20th century, permeating into films, literature and other theatre. This mesmerising, artfully directed rewrite by Simon James Collier is essentially a dark tragedy, almost verging on melodrama. It captures the theatricality of the original whilst showcasing a standout, grittily realistic central performance.

Jacqueline Floriot can be seen as an early Thérèse Desqueyroux, a woman driven to desperate choices and a life of depravity through being caught between her responsibility to an unsatisfactory husband (Matthew Swann) and her powerful love for her son (Corbin Joss Furstenberg). Chloe Fontaine as Jacqueline produces an exemplary, emotionally intelligent performance completely in keeping with the classic setting, but intensely realistic. The supporting cast is equally committed. Though some of the characters do not develop in complexity – they serve to reflect society’s attitudes towards Jacqueline rather than being fully realised in the writing – each is played with a confidence and directness that is refreshing in this age of sub-textual and psychoanalytical drama.

The play unashamedly celebrates its French roots with the use of an emotive Edith Piaf score and a traditional, detailed set, lit to great effect in the palette of a black-and-white film. Spotlights are cleverly and sparingly employed to focus on Jacqueline’s moments of reckoning and hubris, whilst the costumes reflect the faded glamour of old France. Overall, this creates a production which feels rich in its literary and contextual history and gorgeously indulgent to watch. Through all of this, the play loses none of its potential to shock and move audiences, making it a thoroughly enjoyable night at one of South London’s bravest venues.

Verdict:

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 8

ACT ONE: Pre-Scene 1

(In a pin spot) Jacqueline Floriot is holding a baby in her arms. She is crying. She is cradling the bundle with incredible passion. As she cradles him we hear doors slamming, shouting, wind howling, and rain slashing against the windows behind her. She reacts to the noises around her, realising that time is running out. She is torn between the baby and the need to leave.

MALE VOICE [OFF STAGE] Jacqueline… he’s coming, I’m sure he has a revolver… we don’t have time for this… we must leave now…

JACQUELINE I will always love you, my Raymond; let no one ever take that love away… let no one come between us… you are my life… my life I tell you…

Sound of two people leaving, a door opening, the sound of the storm increasing and then the sound of the door closing again. A huge crash of thunder which then segues into the next scene…

ACT ONE – SCENE ONE INT. BEDROOM, MAN (Monsieur Louis Floriot) IS SITTING BESIDE A COT, BABY INSIDE (WE DON’T SEE THE BABY). HE IS TIRED, HAVING BEEN AT HIS YOUNG SON’S BEDSIDE FOR NEARLY TWO WEEKS. FLORENCE, THE HOUSE-HOLD MAID, ENTERS.

Soundscape: Night-time, interior, fire crackling, sound of clock ticking away and chiming…

FLORENCE (Quietly) If it pleases you, Monsieur... Madame Varenne has arrived; she is waiting for you in the library…

Floriot gently wipes the brow of his young son, looks at him once again, and then stands

FLORIOT Thank you, Florence (Beat) If you would be as so kind as to sit with young Raymond whilst I meet with her.

FLORENCE Indeed, Sir. You should try and get some rest. (Beat) You’ve hardly slept at all in nearly two weeks…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 9

FLORIOT (Cutting in) I thank you for your kindness, but being at his side is where I truly want to be… he is all I have left.

FLORENCE As you wish, Sir.

Floriot steps away from the cot as Florence sits beside it. He leaves the ‘room’ and as he does so Floriot is greeted by Madame Varenne

FLORIOT How kind of you to come, Madame Varenne!

MADAME VARENNE I am delighted with the news that Florence has just given me (Presses his hand hard)

FLORIOT (Weakly) Yes, it seems that our nightmare is almost over... I couldn’t have held out much longer.

VARENNE You have had a bad time of it.

FLORIOT It hasn’t been easy. And I shall never be able to thank your brother enough for what he has done.

VARENNE He has thought of nothing else beside the boy for weeks. (Beat) The day before yesterday he went to see one of his old professors to consult him on the treatment, and he was hard at work that night experimenting and reading.

FLORIOT He tells me that’s when the idea came to him which saved Raymond’s life. I owe my boy’s life to your brother…

VARENNE What he has done has been its own reward… my brother is so fond of Raymond.

FLORIOT And you?

VARENNE Oh, I love the child!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 10

FLORIOT And he loves you… You were the first person he asked for when the fever left him. And now that we are alone for a moment I want to take the opportunity of thanking you...

VARENNE Thanking me! For what?

FLORIOT For your friendship…

VARENNE How absurd you are! Then I ought to be making pretty speeches to you to thank you for yours also!

FLORIOT It is not quite the same thing… you are a charming, happy, amiable woman, while I… well, I am just a bear!

VARENNE You don’t mean what you say!

FLORIOT Oh, yes! Bear is the only word that describes me… an ill-tempered bear at that!

VARENNE You will never be as disagreeable as my husband was…

FLORIOT Really! Was he even gloomier than I?

VARENNE Good gracious yes! You are a regular devil of a chap compared to him!

FLORIOT (Laughing) You can’t have had a wildly merry time.

VARENNE I didn’t… however, now everything and everybody appear charming by contrast!

FLORIOT Even I?

VARENNE Yes, even you.

Dr. Chennel enters

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 11

CHENNEL My darling, sister… and Floriot. How are you both? And Raymond?

FLORIOT By all accounts the lad appears to be recovering well, thanks to your good-self.

CHENNEL (Rubbing his hands as if pleased to hear the news) Aaahhh, think nothing of it. Some sound advice from trusted colleagues and your boy’s strong constitution is what we should be truly thanking… How do you know that we are not both of us sowing that we may reap? One never knows how useful it may be to be friends with a man in your profession!

VARENNE Deputy Attorney of Paris, and still so young!

FLORIOT You both flatter… I don’t think 34 years young these days!

VARENNE Well, my dear Monsieur Floriot… and darling brother… I shall take my leave. (To Floriot). He has words for you Monsieur, be about your guard for it is now your health he seeks to heal!

Madame Varenne exits

FLORIOT A remarkable woman…

CHENNEL Indeed, but my focus at present is upon you. (Beat) As the boy is out of danger, you must begin taking care of yourself!

FLORIOT (Surprised) Why, there is nothing the matter with me!

CHENNEL Oh, indeed there is!

FLORIOT Nonsense! I am a little tired possibly… but nothing that a few days of rest can’t remedy!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 12

CHENNEL No… (Head shaking) You are working too much, and you are taking too little exercise. You brood and worry over things and you must take a cure!

FLORIOT (Uneasily) What sort of cure?

CHENNEL (Insistent) Every morning, no matter what the weather is, you must take a smart two hours’ walk…

FLORIOT But my dear fellow

CHENNEL (Cutting in) You must walk at a smart pace for two hours… no less… and you must eat heartily!

FLORIOT My dear fellow, I can hardly get through a culet for my lunch!

CHENNEL I will let you off today, but from tomorrow on you must eat two!

FLORIOT I shall never be able to do anything of the sort…

CHENNEL Oh, yes, you will! On your way home, every evening you must look in at the fencing school and fence for half-an-hour, take a cold shower and proceed home!

FLORIOT Walk! Out to Passy?

CHENNEL Indeed… out to Passy!

FLORIOT My dear doctor, I can’t possibly follow your prescription. I haven’t the time.

CHENNEL Then you must get married!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 13

FLORIOT How absurd…

CHENNEL Sound advice I assure you. Distraction of some sort is absolutely necessary for your case. There is nothing to be startled at… you’ve been married before… and you can do so again! A lonely life is not the life for you…

FLORIOT (Protesting) Really…

CHENNEL I have an idea that you won’t have much difficulty in finding the very woman!

Floriot takes a beat as the doctor busies himself with items in his bag, is about to say something, but something makes him hold back… he then re-builds his courage…

FLORIOT My friend, I see now that I ought to… have… told you before. I… am not a widower.

CHENNEL (Shocked) Not a widower!

FLORIOT My wife is living… after three years of married life she left me… with a lover. I came home unexpectedly one day… and found them… together. (Beat) They rushed out of the house in terror… I should have killed them both… (Beat) I have sometimes thought of telling you, but, somehow, I could not talk of it. Chennel, old man… you cannot guess how horribly unhappy I am!

CHENNEL Then you love her still?

FLORIOT (Head held low) I cannot think of any other woman! God knows, I have tried hard to forget her! She was the whole joy of my life… my life itself! I would have died if I had dared. But I thought of the child, and that saved me from suicide… (Beat) If I had lost him… (Chokes, and turns away)

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 14

CHENNEL (Quietly) Raymond will be running about in a week…

FLORIOT Thanks to you doctor! (Very emotional) You have saved both our lives!

CHENNEL I will have one last look at Raymond and be on my way… but will check in on you once more before I leave… (Beat) Think on the advice I have given, about your health… with regards to the other matter of which we spoke I cannot presently advise… maybe time will secure some thoughts!

As Chennel leaves, Florence enters, slightly flustered

FLORIOT Florence! You look concerned… whatever is the matter?

Florence is about to answer when suddenly Madame Jacqueline Floriot bursts in. There is a look of horror on Louis Floriot’s face. She collapses into Florence’s arms, who tries to help as best she can. Louis Floriot does not move to help

JACQELINE FLORIOT [Madame X] My boy! (Beat) Raymond! (Beat) Is it true? Has he been ill?

Florence manages to disentangle herself and seats MADAME X

FLORENCE (Looks to Louis Floriot for guidance, but he offers none) For more than two weeks, Madame…

MADAME X I only heard of it… yesterday… by accident… Oh, Florence… I must see him (She turns to Louis) Louis… if there is any forgiveness in your heart…

FLORIOT (Quietly) Any forgiveness I had for you disappeared a long time ago…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 15

FLORENCE (Trying to calm the two of them down) Please, Monsieur… Madame… the doctor is with Raymond next door… he is still weak…

FLORIOT Of course, you are right, Florence…

FLORENCE (To MADAME X) Poor little chap; we thought he could never get over it. (Beat) The doctor says he will soon be well again…

MADAME X sees a photo of Raymond and moves it. As she nears Louis, he withdraws, not wanting her near him. He allows her to hold the photograph

MADAME X (Emotional) My Raymond! How he has grown!

FLORENCE (Sensing that Louis is not going to say anything to his wife) He does not look strong at present, Madame…

MADAME X And to think that he might have died… and I should never have seen him again! (Beat) I wonder if he will recognise me. Does he remember me at all?

Madame X begins to collapse; Louis Floriot takes a step to help, but then remains motionless and it is Florence who catches her. Madame X drops the photo. She reaches for it, but Louis snatches it away from her before she can hold it again

MADAME X Surely you wouldn’t deny me a look at my own boy!

FLORENCE (Again, being peacemaker) Wouldn’t it have been better to write to Monsieur Floriot… he wasn’t expecting you and it’s been hard on the whole house-hold whilst Raymond has been ill…

MADAME X (Looking to Florence) I have written… and written… the number of times I have lost count… but there’s never a response… why is that Louis?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 16

Louis does not respond… he merely places the photo of Raymond back where he wife picked it up from

MADAME X (To Louis Floriot, but her eyes looking to Florence and then to the ground) I must see him! He cannot – he must not condemn me unheard! He loved me a little once – he must hear me now! (Looks directly at Louis Floriot, but her question is to Florence) Does he ever speak of me?

There is an awkward silence

FLORENCE (Nervously) Never, Madame…

MADAME X (Trying desperately to connect with her husband, but talking to Florence) What did he say – what did he do when I – left? Do you remember?

Florence looks at Louis Floriot, and then to Madame X and taking her arm in hers she leads her to a ‘seat’

FLORENCE I shall never forget it. (Clearly Florence is uncomfortable and trying to do the ‘right thing’ by both of them in this no- win situation) The Monsieur locked himself in his room for days… he wouldn’t see anyone. (Beat) There was much unhappiness… I was so worried that one time I went into his room, as I hadn’t heard from him in hours, and he was just sitting beside the fire, burning your letters and photographs… tears rolling down his cheeks!

MADAME X (Directly to Louis, who cannot look her in the eye) But surely… surely, for the sake of the boy… surely, he must still love me a little?

FLORENCE (Holding Madame X, preventing her from rising and confronting Floriot) The boy saved him, that’s what I think… I know little of the ‘love’ you speak of… (Again, there are looks from Florence to Floriot, with her wondering how much she should say, or do as he is struck dumb by the sight of his wife) Then the Monsieur began to settle, and things here returned to as normal as one might expect under the circumstances…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 17

MADAME X (To Florence, but with the occasional look to her husband) I often wondered, since that night, whether my husband ever truly loved me… but without love, love as I see it, I had felt my life incomplete… I never knew the heart of my silent, serious and hard-working husband, even though he must’ve surely seen that I worshipped him! (Beat) But, Florence… my boy, for two years I have dreamed of nothing else than the hour when I would be permitted to see him… hold him again.

Madame X looks directly to her husband with a pleading look, then back to Florence

MADAME X (Trying to retain some degree of dignity) Surely, he would not deny a mother’s right to be with her child! He must permit her to live where she could see her boy… and to watch him grow to manhood! (MADAME X looks to the photograph her husband had prevented from handling a second time – begins to sob) Oh, my darling…

Louis turned sharply to face her. Listening to her words were clearly distressing to him, making him angry

FLORIOT Enough! You are to leave this house…

MADAME X Louis! I…

FLORIOT At once…

Florence steps forward, but a look from Louis stops her dead in her tracks

MADAME X Louis, please! I…

FLORIOT Go! (Stalks past her, stands to where the door is and gestures firmly for her to leave)

MADAME X (Collapses to her knees and then begins to crawl to where he stands. Florence is clearly astonished and upset by this sight) Yes! I will go! I… I promise I will go. But… one moment… please!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 18

FLORIOT (Glaring down at her) What can you possibly have to say that would be of interest to me?

MADAME X (She is now at his feet and is pleading to him) Louis, forgive me!

FLORIOT (Kicks off her hand – his fists are clenched in anger) Forgive you! (Laughs bitterly) For two years I have lived day and night with the thought of you in another man’s arms! And you ask me to forgive you!

MADAME X (Pleading) In our child’s name…

FLORIOT Don’t dare mention him! He is nothing to you! He is mine – mine only! Did you think of him when you left us?

MADAME X Louis, for God’s sake! I was mad! I was…

FLORIOT (Laughing harshly) Oh, of course… that is what I expected…

MADAME X I was false to my husband. I deserted my child – I went away with my lover… I trampled on every… oh, Louis, ‘tis the truth…

FLORIOT The truth! Ha! Would you like to hear the truth? (Beat) You were tired of being an honourable woman… You were tired of me and loved – him!

MADAME X He loved me! He said he would kill himself for me! And I…

FLORIOT (Dismissive) And you believed him! My God I worshipped you! And ours was a love match for you once told me, a thousand years ago, that you loved me!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 19

MADAME X And it was… it is true, Louis! (Beat) It is! It is, Louis… we didn’t understand each other… it was my fault! You loved me passionately, only I could not see it! I was never part of your life! I was never your friend – yes, you were gentle with me – but you never really knew my heart, and with you I always felt alone. I loved you, but… (Takes a beat to compose herself) … but I was always afraid of you – you were so serious and severe! I wanted to laugh and enjoy life... but you never noticed it – you had your work, your ambitions, your legal friends, and I – had nothing! (Beat) And I was so young – twenty! Hardly twenty!

Florence reaches down to Madame X and tries to console her. Louis turns his back to her and slowly raises his hand to the door. There is a sharp intake of breath from Florence, who has been holding Madame X, but watching Louis. Upon hearing Florence, Madame X looks up and sees her husband pointing to the door, to the street, without even looking at her

MADAME X Louis… you would not condemn the lowest criminal if there were any defence for him, and I am the mother of your boy! (Beat) You swore to love… honour and protect me, and did you do it?

FLORIOT This is ridiculous…

MADAME X (Not allowing him ‘off-the-hook’) You loved me, but you never honoured me… You did not think I was worthy to be the companion to you that a wife should be! I might as well have been your mistress!

FLORENCE (Shocked) Madame… please…

MADAME X (To her and then turning her look to Louis) No, this needs to be said and the Monsieur needs to hear! Did you protect me? You brought him to the house the first time! You encouraged me to be kind to him.

FLORIOT (Defensively) You make your words turn things on their head…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 20

MADAME X (Not allowing him to reason his way out of hearing what she had to say) You permitted him to be my escort wherever I wanted to go, because my pleasure would not then interfere with your work or your plans! (Beat) He grew to be everything to me that you should have been. You would not even try to please me if my request interfered with your work – always your work!

Floriot looks down at her; Madame X sees this as an opportunity to ‘soften’ the moment

MADAME X You angered me and hurt me because you would not let me come close to your real life. (Beat) But you could have saved me! A little attention – if I could have felt that I was anything more than a little play-thing – something to amuse you in the few minutes that you ever took for amusement…

FLORIOT (His breathing is becoming increasingly laboured) You knew what you were getting in to… you were knowledgeable of what was expected…

MADAME X (Cutting in) But you knew my years… when I came to you for help… nothing… there was nothing. (Beat) Do you remember a few days before… before the night I left… I wanted you to go to Fontainebleau with me and you wouldn’t… and I went with him… with him! That day in the park he – kissed my hands and said he would kill himself at my feet if I didn’t love him. (She stops herself with a gasp. Beat) I made him take me home – to you! I found you in your study and begged you – to go out with me! I wanted to – show myself – that I loved you only! Do you remember what you said? (Silence) You said; ‘I’m too busy. Run along – and get Lescelles to take you! Louis, Louis, you could have saved me then!

Madame X crawls along the floor to Louis again

FLORIOT (Takes a moment to look down at her, his face softens, reaches down and gently strokes her hair – but it is only a moment and then he composes himself) Jacqueline… Jacqueline – you must go…

MADAME X (Sobbing) Why did I go at all? You would have killed me and that would have been the end of it! (Beat) Forgive me!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 21

Madame X clasps both of his hands in hers. He immediately pulls away, throwing her hands to the floor

FLORIOT (Highly emotional and angry) No! No! It’s taking all my reserve to stoop and crush you… Surely you can see what you have done to me? How can that be repaired…

MADAME X (In a state of shock) What will become of me?

FLORIOT Go back to him… go back to the man who would have killed himself for you!

MADAME X (Almost as a whisper) He is dead!

FLORIOT (Viciously pulling himself away with an exclamation of horror filling his face) So that’s why you have come back…

Floriot raises his hand to strike her, Madame X cowers, Florence hurriedly steps forward

FLORENCE (Pleading) Please, Monsieur… please…

MADAME X (Protesting) No! No! I came to see our boy…

FLORIOT (Furious) How dare you play these games with my affections… I actually started to believe you… So, he is dead, is he?

MADAME X I wrote… to tell you…

FLORIOT (Dismissive) And now that he is dead you thought of me again – the simple-minded fool who would be only too glad to take you back again!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 22

MADAME X Can’t you see I’ve changed!

FLORIOT (Laughing viciously) Changed! Hah! Leave this house!

MADAME X Let me see our boy again!

FLORIOT He has forgotten you!

MADAME X Let me kiss him – just once!

FLORIOT He believes you to be dead!

There is a look of terror on her face. Madame X turns to look at Florence, who is sobbing

MADAME X (Hysterically crying) This is too cruel…

FLORIOT (Coldly) You have gone out of his life… and mine!

MADAME X Don’t say that. It can’t be true! You wouldn’t tell him that…

Louis Floriot pulls her roughly up from the floor, shakes her shoulders violently

MADAME X Don’t take my child away from me!

FLORIOT (Pushing her towards Florence and indicating for her to escort Jacqueline out) Go! Never return…

MADAME X (Florence steps forwards and takes Jacqueline in her arms, guiding her to the door) Don’t take my child away from me…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 23

Florence escorts Jacqueline out of the door, there are the sounds of footsteps, sobbing, muffled voices, the sound of the street door opening and then closing with a final slam that echoes throughout the house. Floriot slumps to the chair and sobs uncontrollably into his hands.

ACT ONE: SCENE TWO (i) Interior, the Floriot household, twenty minutes have elapsed since Madame X left the house. Floriot staggers to a standing position, his face still looking to the floor, filled with shock, eyes red from crying.

FLORIOT (To himself, almost a whisper) My God! She’s gone! And… I… I love her! I shall never see her again! She must never see Raymond! (Beat) She must never come back… God give me strength to forget!

Someone entering the room behind him. Floriot wiped his eyes and turned sharply. He managed to compose himself before he came face to face with Chennel.

CHENNEL He’s doing splendidly! And he’s hungry – the best sign in the world. (He rummages around in his bag, but continues to talk) He’s to have a little milk and three spoonful’s of soup before he goes to sleep, and nothing else until I come in… (Sees Floriot is somewhat upset) Why, my dear fellow… whatever is the matter?

FLORIOT (Struggling with his emotions) My dear… doctor! I have just gone through… My – wife – has been here!

CHENNEL Your wife!

FLORIOT (Burying his face in his hands) You can’t imagine – how I felt. (Beat) For a moment I was afraid of myself – afraid that I would kill her! (Beat) Doctor, in these few minutes – I have lived five years over again…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 24

CHENNEL (Placing his hand on his friend’s shoulder) Floriot, my friend. Sit down a moment.

FLORIOT (Calming down) Do you know why she came back? (Beat) Her lover is dead!

Florence enters

FLORENCE Monsieur Noel has arrived, sir!

FLORIOT Show him in Florence… and thank you… for remaining with me throughout what just happened.

Florence nods gently and exits

FLORIOT Noel is an old and very dear friend whom I thought dead until this morning…

Noel enters. He is in good spirits

NOEL Well, I am here! And very much alive!

FLORIOT My dear, Noel!

The two old friends shake hands and are clearly pleased to see each other. Noel has a scar along the side of his temple

FLORIOT This is my friend, Dr Chennel. He has just saved my boy’s life!

NOEL Then I am more than glad to shake you by the hand, Doctor. For anything that touches Floriot comes very near to me!

FLORIOT (Not taking his eyes off his friend, remarking with a smile) You look in very good health for a dead man!

NOEL Then you heard of my suicide?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 25

FLORIOT (Gravely) Yes, and the papers said you were dead!

NOEL To quote a great humourist… the report was greatly exaggerated.

FLORIOT Two bullets they said!

NOEL And they were right... but two bullets were not enough for me. I’ve always been a bit hard- headed, you know.

Both Dr Chennel and Louis Floriot indicate that they are keen for him to elaborate

NOEL (continued…) When I was on the road to recovery, one of the doctors told me that he didn’t think that I would ever get to be marksman enough to hit my brain. Said I ought to practise trying to hit a pea in a wine barrel before I tried it again. Then I found out that I could laugh… (Bursts into laughter) I decided that as long as I could take enough interest in life to laugh there was no occasion for my going on with my suicide plans.

CHENNEL (Prepares to leave) Well gentlemen, I can see you both have a great deal to talk about and I don’t wish to be an undesirable third! I will return in the morning.

Chennel exits and the two men resume a hearty hug

NOEL And now, let me have a look at you, Louis, old man! (Beat – studies his friend’s face) Life has not been much kinder to you than to me, judging from your looks.

FLORIOT Find me looking old, do you?

NOEL No, not old for your age. How old are you – forty?

FLORIOT (Protesting jovially) Thirty-four!!!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 26

NOEL Well, nobody would say that you were a day more than forty-two!

FLORIOT Thank you!

NOEL Fancy! Five whole years since I saw you!

FLORIOT And five weeks’ separation, in the old days, seemed like a century! You are going to stay here tonight and take breakfast with me in the morning.

NOEL Most assuredly!

FLORIOT An early breakfast, though. I must be in court at nine.

NOEL Ah, of course! You’re Deputy-Attorney now.

FLORIOT Indeed, I received my promotion more than a year ago.

NOEL I always knew you’d get on!

Floriot sighs

FLORIOT I have not much to worry about there. But I want to hear about you, old man! What happened to you? Why did you want to commit suicide? Who was she?

NOEL (Seeing the glance that Floriot had thrown him) It was a woman!

FLORIOT Of course, it was! For some time before you went away I noticed a change in you.

NOEL (Giving a sharp look in return) Ahh, you did, did you?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 27

FLORIOT Yes, you were not as lively as you had been… and you were away for days at a time: so I knew it must be a woman. (Beat) You loved her? (Noel doesn’t answer, but Floriot can see that he did) And she was false to you?

NOEL She did not even know that I loved her!

FLORIOT Did you not tell her?

NOEL No!

FLORIOT Why? Was she free?

NOEL She loved another man. (Beat) When I heard of her marriage I felt that my life was of no particular use to me. So… I tried to get rid of it – and failed!

FLORIOT (Gripping his friend’s shoulder) I see…

NOEL Oh, I am used to being a fool. I was always the fool of the family at home... I might have known that the woman I loved would have sense enough to pick out another man. I even made a fool of myself when I tried to take my life!

FLORIOT But you were badly hurt?

NOEL Pretty badly. I was soon on my feet again... I travelled and subsequently made a ridiculous amount of money in the Canadian fur business.

FLORIOT But why didn’t you write to me?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 28

NOEL I wanted to forget and be forgotten. The papers reported me dead… so I seized the opportunity to stay dead until it suited my pleasure to come to life again.

FLORIOT Are you married?

NOEL No! I shall never marry!

FLORIOT So, you still love her?

NOEL (Slightly flustered) I don’t want anyone else! But let’s talk about you, Louis. Are you happy? How is Jacqueline? Little Jennie Wren, we used to call her. I suppose she’s quieter now after five years with a solemn old crank like you. (Beat) Why, Louis! What’s the matter?

Louis sinks into the chair / sofa…

FLORIOT Don’t – don’t worry! It’s nothing – nothing. My child has been at death’s door – for the last few days, and I thought – I – had lost him. My nerves are just – out of joint. That’s all!

NOEL And how old is Monsieur Raymond?

FLORIOT Four

NOEL Quite a man. Is he your only child?

Floriot nods

NOEL (continued) I will see him of course!

FLORIOT (Looking at his pocket watch) Certainly! In the morning. He can’t be disturbed tonight.

There is a long pause between them

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 29

NOEL Don’t tell your wife that I am here. I want to see her face when she comes in and sees me!

Pause before Floriot answers

FLORIOT You – won’t see her…

NOEL Oh, is she away?

FLORIOT Yes – she’s gone!

NOEL Gone?

Pause as Noel tries to see Floriot’s face clearly

FLORIOT She left me – two years ago – with her lover!

NOEL (Beat, there is pity in his voice) Little Jennie Wren!

FLORIOT You pity her!

NOEL (Calmly looks at his friend, eyebrows raised) Is she not to be pitied…

FLORIOT Do you think so? (Bitterness creeping into his voice) Then, what of me who adored her… I am an old man at thirty-four! You told me so yourself! Now you know why! (Beat, beginning to walk the room with frustration, and at times anger)

NOEL (Taking a moment to respond, in a quiet and measured voice) She was only frivolous and wanted luxury and pleasure. Life was too serious a problem for her. And you never suspected anything?

FLORIOT No… I believed in her…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 30

NOEL My dear old man, brace up! Remember you have your boy still and – who knows? One of these days she’ll be bitterly sorry for the misery she has caused, and you’ll see her back here again, asking…

FLORIOT I have seen her again!

NOEL She came back then?

FLORIOT This very day she had the impudence…

NOEL She came back? And what for?

FLORIOT (Voice filled with irony) Oh, not for much! Merely to ask my pardon…

NOEL And what did you say?

FLORIOT I told her to go!

NOEL You turned her out?

FLORIOT Of course, I did!

NOEL (Eyes narrowing, astonished) Floriot! You turned her out in the street – without knowing where she was going! My friend, unless I’m badly mistaken myself, you’ll be sorry for this in the morning!

Floriot listened to the words of his friend, and then stumbles as the words Noel has said to him sink in. Noel moves to him and prevents him from falling. Noel eases him onto the sofa and sits beside him

FLORIOT There is something I need to tell you.

Noel remains seated as Floriot stands and begins to pace the room as he recounts his story

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 31

FLORIOT Noel, my friend, there is no man – or woman – alive excepting you, to whom I could talk as I am going to do. (Beat) You were about to defend her just now without question. You said that she was most to be pitied. I know why – you knew her before she was married. Marriage develops people… (Beat) She had the happiness of a home and the life’s happiness of two – and possibly three – persons in her hands. For the sake of a vicious intrigue, which she now sees could never bring her anything but misery; she sacrificed her boy and me.

Noel stirs in his chair, but does not speak

FLORIOT (continued) Her misery is no consolation to me because… I still love her!

Noel continued to watch him silently

Floriot paces the room, thinking of the words to express himself

FLORIOT The boy must never know that she is alive – never know what she did… (Beat) I know that she must have loved me, or why would she have married me? If she wanted position she could have married men farther up in the world than I was – than I am now. If she wanted money she could have married a bigger bank account than mine.

Noel moves restlessly in the chair, not taking his eyes of Floriot

FLORIOT (continued) Noel, you can’t realise the happiness of my life until I – I learned that I was a fool! For the first year I pitied the whole world because it couldn’t be as utterly happy as I was. (Beat) Then our boy was born, and after that it seemed that before I had been miserable by contrast! (Beat) Before that time, I thought that I had fully the average man’s capacity for work, and then it was doubled. I was in my office early and late – every moment that I could tear myself away from my home. I even worked in my study at night so that I could be near her and our baby…

Floriot almost breaks down and stumbled, Noel rises quickly to steady the man. After a few moments Floriot assures Noel that is recovered and encourages him to be seated once again. Floriot continues…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 32

FLORIOT (continued) I had set my eyes on the position I now hold, and I was tireless in my work for it. I was as sure that I would win as I was of the sanctity of my own home. Then came the scandal in the Finance Department… (Beat) There was one brilliant young fellow in this lot, of whom you may not have heard – thanks to my efforts. Lescelles – Albert Lescelles. I was certain he was innocent, the victim of circumstantial evidence. None of my associates agreed with me, which made my work harder, but I proved my theory to be a sound one. (Beat) It was a great triumph for me. Lescelles knew it and tried to kill me with gratitude. (Beat) The day he was discharged we were both drunk with excitement, and I insisted that he should come home to dinner with me that evening. (Beat, Floriot mops his moist brow) It was indeed a merry dinner the three of us had that night! Lescelles was a brilliant young fellow, and I never knew Jacqueline to be wittier or more entertaining. (Beat) He came to see us often after that. He was alone in the world. I could see that Jacqueline liked him and that was enough for me.

Long beat

FLORIOT (continued) How was I to suspect anything? I encouraged him to escort Jacqueline to the races and other places of which she had been so fond. I seldom had time to go with her. But, despite this friendship, Jacqueline grew more affectionate to me every day and pleaded with me constantly to go about with her and let my work take care of itself. (Long Beat as Floriot remembers) I showed her time and again how impossible this was… then Lescelles came and I would tell him to take her somewhere… The guiltier she grew with Lescelles the more affection she displayed for me to prevent any hint of suspicion. (Beat) Then one day I told her that I would be unusually busy – would dine at a café and would not be home until very late. But, as it happened, when I returned to my office after dinner, I found there was nothing of importance and, so I went home.

Floriot furiously paces the room, anger filling his face as he remembers the scene

FLORIOT (continued) It was raining a little, and when I reached the front door I let myself in without making any noise. I wanted to surprise Jacqueline and… (Floriot sinks onto the chair / sofa) My friend, God grant that you may never know what I felt when I opened the door of the room where they were and found them – together! (Beat)

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 33

I believe the shock unbalanced my mind in the moment that I saw them as I opened the door, for I leaned against the door-post and stared at them as if paralysed. They leaped up and were staring back at me, and their faces - ! (Beat) My mind refused to grasp the horror that my eyes had seen.

Floriot stands and becomes increasingly animated, pacing the room, almost frantic

FLORIOT (continued) I turned away from the door and stumbled down the hall towards my study… it seemed to me that I must kill them… (Beat) I was some time finding my revolver… I came back but the room was empty! I raced through every room in the house, cursing them at the top of my voice… not finding them I ran out into the rain and dashed down the street aimlessly… (Beat) I don’t remember much of the rest of that night. I was only occasionally conscious of the rain on my face. As dawn came I was in some vile street in Montmartre… and with the daylight came a sort of calm…

Floriot seats himself and looks directly to Noel

FLORIOT (continued) As I walked through the early morn it wasn’t too long before I reached home and decided I would devote the rest of my life to hunt both of them down... (Beat) For days I walked the streets, visiting the places I knew they both frequented… but to no avail. Then, one evening, I was about to venture out again when I met Florence at the front door, she was holding the baby – my boy – in her arms… Noel, up to that moment I had not felt the slightest grief... Fury and the lust for vengeance left no room for any other emotion. (Beat) For a fraction of a moment I felt an impulse to kill the baby because it was hers… Noel, I thought the next moment that I was dying and if it had only been true! For the first time came the realisation of what I had lost… (Beat) Finally, I made up my mind that no matter how empty my life might be, I must live for the boy’s sake, and with that resolution I locked up the revolver, burned every letter and photograph I had of her that I had. Then I came into the world again… (Beat – looks directly into Noel’s eyes) Now my friend… which of us deserves the most pity!?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 34

ACT ONE: SCENE TWO (ii) Noel looks at Floriot, his hands rubbing his temples as if his head hurt, he runs his hand through his hair and stands, walks the room, looking occasionally to Floriot, but doesn’t say anything for a while. You can tell there is much thought racing through his mind.

NOEL Floriot… You know that I feel your pain almost as much as if it were mine. But I see this thing from a different angle. Even before I heard your story I understood, of course, that she was guilty of grave misconduct. But it seems to me that she has been punished enough – and she has repented.

Floriot gives him a look of scorn and contempt

NOEL (continued) Then why should she have come back?

FLORIOT I don’t think I told you that her lover is dead…

NOEL She’s your wife!

FLORIOT I won’t have her near the boy!

NOEL And he’s her boy, too! And whatever becomes of your boy’s mother now, my friend, you can take the responsibility.

FLORIOT (Astonished) I! Responsible! For her?

NOEL Yes, you are responsible. Who knows what that poor woman may do now – after you have thrown her out!

FLORIOT (Bursting with anger) Noel, what on earth is the matter with you? Haven’t I any rights? Wouldn’t you have done what I did?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 35

NOEL (Sneering) Your rights! Do you think you have the right to sentence the mother of your boy to the life that she will have to lead now? Your own conscience must be singularly clear and your own life wonderfully blameless, my friend! Your rights! What about your duties? Did you look after your duties as faithfully as you are now looking out for your rights? (Beat – Floriot attempts to interject, but Noel is having none of it) Jacqueline was young – did you guide her and guard her? By your own story you threw her in the way of an attractive man so that you could shift some of your duties on to his shoulders! (Beat) You expected her to make you happy – did you study her happiness? Did you remember that she is far younger than you are? Did your age try to understand her youth and its needs?

There is no answer from Floriot

NOEL You don’t answer! And because she – erred – because she has wounded your vanity by preferring – I’m not defending her! – preferring another man to you when you did everything you could to make her do it; you throw close your door against her! And you tell me you love her!

FLORIOT God knows I love her!

NOEL (Exclaiming contemptuously) You loved her!

FLORIOT Noel!

NOEL True love will trample down any obstacle to pardon, to sacrifice! And no one who has not suffered can be sure that he has been loved! (Beat) No, my friend… you didn’t love Jacqueline. You loved her grace, her beauty and her charm, but it did not blind you to her weakness! If you had really loved her she could have done you no irreparable wrong; for, even when she made this mistake, your love would have found an excuse!

FLORIOT (Jumping up and defending himself) Any man in the same place would have done what I did! Tell me, what would you do?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 36

NOEL (Hesitant for a moment) I don’t know – exactly – what I should do… because I am a man with a man’s limitations… but I know what you ought to do!

FLORIOT (Trying to make him season ‘reason’) Noel…

NOEL Jacqueline is the mother of your son and you have dared to separate them for life! You might have saved her from her future, and you have given her the first push down the hill that leads – we both know where! You are a public servant. When you plead against a criminal you ask for a verdict and a sentence in proportion to the crime committed. Your wife sinned against you and is sorry for her sin, and yet… and yet you have sentenced her to misery, despair – and death!

FLORIOT No!

NOEL (Interrupting) Yes! What will she do? What will become of her? Have you ever thought of that? Who will be responsible? (Beat) You have not! I can see it in your face! And I suppose you consider yourself an honourable man, a model husband, a blameless father! If you won’t do your duty, Floriot, by the living God! I’ll do it for you!

FLORIOT What – do – you – mean?

NOEL I mean that your wife shall find in my house the place that you refuse her!

FLORIOT Noel that you are presuming a little beyond the privilege of even a friend!

NOEL In this case I have more than the privilege – of a friend!

FLORIOT (Beat – then suddenly realising) Noel! ….. Jacqueline! She was the woman – you loved!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 37

NOEL Yes… And I loved her better, if not more, than you did… (Beat) Enough to end my life for… (He rubs the scar down the side of his face) I loved her for years before your marriage. Many and many a time I made up my mind to speak to her… Again, and again I went away, trying to show myself that I wanted nothing more than my freedom. The farther I travelled the more miserable I grew, and I always came back more in love than ever…

Long beat, Floriot just looks at Noel, speechless

NOEL (continued) Then I began to think that she was falling in love with you! I tried to tell her that I loved her. I ran away again... I got as far as Messina and bought my ticket for the next eastbound P & O. Then I deliberately missed the boat – and the next one. I couldn’t drag myself up the gangway!

Noel walks the room, Floriot watches him intently

NOEL (continued) The next day… I found myself in a railway station, on my way back. I had nearly reached her house when I heard of your betrothal! (Beat) I suppose you wonder, Louis, why I was not more completely overcome and horrified by your story of madness. My madness carried me a little farther. I, too, sat up in my room with a revolver one night trying to decide whether I should kill you, or myself, or both of us!

There is no reaction from Floriot, he is dumbfounded

NOEL (continued) The old Padre once told me when I was a boy… there is a line somewhere in the holy writings which says; ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends’… But his friend ought to show that he appreciates the sacrifice! (Beat) If I had dreamed that Jacqueline would be where she is tonight, I would have killed you, my friend, before I tried to kill myself!

There is a long silence. Floriot looks at Noel, who doesn’t engage eye contact, but seems alone with his thoughts

FLORIOT (Quietly) What do you think I ought to do?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 38

NOEL Do? Do? (Beat) I am going to find Jacqueline… are you coming with me?

Floriot waits a moment and then tries to stand. He can’t. Noel, his friend gingerly reaches out his hand and helps him to his feet. They look into each other’s eyes for a moment and then Noel takes Floriot into his arms and holds him tight.

As the lights segue to the next scene we hear Noel saying to Floriot

NOEL Together, we must look for her, leave no stone unturned…

Soundscape segues from domestic interior to outside street scene and then to an interior police station…

ACT ONE: SCENE THREE

Interior, police station. Noel is talking with the Police Commissioner, whilst Floriot is sitting, head in hands, clearly in distress.

NOEL I can’t thank you enough for your help, Commissioner…

COMMISSIONER Monsieur Floriot is well known to us, and we will do all in our power to help… (Beat) Just to be clear, and so I can best guide my men, what have you already covered?

NOEL In all honesty, we had hoped to locate Madame Floriot within forty-eight hours, but clearly, we have not been successful. (Beat as he looks to Floriot, who sinks deeper into his hands) We had learned that a woman answering to Madame’s description had been seen at the Passy station, taking a train to Paris, but that came to nothing. We have searched the café’s, of the better sort, and examined the registers of the larger hotels, but so far… well, we have clearly been out of luck!

COMMISSIONER And, before coming to me, how long have you gentlemen been searing for Madame Floriot?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 39

FLORIOT The better part of three weeks…

COMMISSIONER I wish you had come to me sooner, Monsieur…

FLORIOT I thought it was a private matter that could be resolved without involving the police…

COMMISSIONER I understand… discretion at all costs, Monsieur… you can be assured of that.

FLORIOT Thank you, Commissioner, I – we, appreciate all the help you can give in this matter!

NOEL There is one place that we ought to visit… before we do anything else, Louis!

The two of them lock eyes and one can see the horror in their faces

NOEL (continued) I don’t think that she would do it – as long – as long as the boy is alive, and I don’t want to alarm you unnecessarily, but we might as well be sure…

COMMISSIONER Gentlemen, you have lost me!

FLORIOT (Standing) The morgue… my wife, in the state she was in, thinking she was alone in the world… well; she might have thrown herself into the Seine.

COMMISSIONER (Sensing the delicacy of the issue) Gentlemen… let me investigate on your behalf, why don’t you wait here for a few moments whilst I consider this matter further…

NOEL Thank you; Monsieur Floriot and I will remain here and await your return.

FLORIOT Commissioner, I realise how helpful you have been, and it will not go unnoticed.

The Police Commissioner leaves and Noel sits beside Floriot

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 40

FLORIOT (Rubbing his temples) Someone once said that the greatest hell on earth is reserved for the man who returns to his empty house from his wife’s funeral and begins to ask himself whether he was, or was not, responsible for her death…

NOEL (Comforting) Louis…

FLORIOT (Continuing) But there is one even more terrible than that – believing that he is in a large measure responsible for her shame…

NOEL I am sure we will find her… but you must hold fast… we both must!

The Police Commissioner re-enters

COMMISSIONER Gentlemen, I can report there is no one fitting Madame Floriot’s description in the morgue. I have also asked my Sergeant to telegraph the frontiers and all the seaports, just in case she should decide to leave France…

FLORIOT Left France! She can’t have done that!

COMMISSIONER I know that it is hardly possible, but one can never be too sure…

NOEL Is that an honest ‘hope’ Commissioner…?

COMMISSIONER (Sighing) Gentlemen, I can do what I can do with the resources to hand – however, if someone wanted to disappear, and remain hidden, well France is a vast country and they could successfully evade our investigations for…

NOEL (Sensing this wasn’t helping either Floriot or himself) Thank you, Commissioner. (Beat) I will escort Monsieur Floriot home. I will call on you in the morning and see if there is news.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 41

Segue to Scene 4. As Floriot, Noel and the Commissioner exit, Florence enters; with Madame Varenne… the two ladies are in full conversation as Florence folds laundry…

Soundscape segue from police station interior to one of a domestic interior, morning…

ACT ONE: SCENE 4 Florence is folding laundry, whilst talking to Madame Varenne.

FLORENCE But, as you know, there was no news the following day, or night… or the next night.

MADAME VARENNE I remember it being such a terrible strain on both men…

FLORENCE Indeed… Monsieur Floriot brought much of his work home, wanting to spend more time with Raymond, and should news be sent of any possible sightings of Madame Jacqueline, he would leave the boy in my charge and race off at such speed…

MADAME VARENNE I wonder why did he not ask my brother or myself for help? We have contacts throughout Europe, people who would have been only too happy to be of assistance…

FLORENCE He rarely spoke of the matter to me… I believe he wanted to personally right a wrong that he began to feel fully responsible for… he didn’t want many to know of his circumstances… (Beat) For Monsieur Floriot it was as if his very life was being drained… I would see him sitting beside the fire most nights, papers piled high around him, recounting the events of that frightful night over and over in his mind…

MADAME VARENNE I’m trying to recall… how long did this go on for?

FLORENCE Years – there was never a trace of the missing woman. Monsieur Noel, true to the vow he had sworn the day after she left, spent his life in the search for her. (Beat) All the capitals of Europe and the larger cities he searched, aided by the police – but it was all in vain – Madame Jacqueline had disappeared. (Beat)

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 42

The gentlemen wrote to each other constantly, advising, suggesting, and planning. All the time Monsieur Floriot could take from the courts he employed in travelling throughout Europe, while Monsieur Noel was on the other side of the world, mainly in the America’s… and a hundred times a year I heard him say that he thought that in the glimpse of a profile or the sound of a woman’s voice behind him, he had reached the end of his quest… but each disappointment was more bitter than the last.

MADAME VARENNE (Lightening the mood slightly) But thanks to you, and your devotion to the boy, Raymond has grown into a splendid young man. He is undoubtedly the one joy of Monsieur Floriot’s life…

FLORENCE The Monsieur tried to make up in his love what his son missed in not having a mother….

MADAME VARENNE And Dr. Chennel and I were so pleased that he inherited a taste for the law, and that for a year he travelled to America to study… and all on his own… it is good to see he has a fondness for adventure… ah, to be young again!

FLORENCE That was indeed a good year… every morning the Monsieur would race down into the Drawing Room to see if there had been any correspondence from the young man… it was truly wonderful to see him returning to something of his old-self!

MADAME VARENNE I remember how proud we all were when Raymond was admitted to practice in the courts of France. Monsieur Floriot’s hard-work had served him well when was appointed President of the Toulouse Court, just before Raymond became a full-fledged advocate…

FLORENCE (Smiling, as if remembering the day) Those were such happy months… you remember how Raymond remained in Bordeaux with me as he could not practice law in his father’s court… and the Monsieur moved to Toulouse… (Beat) Despite everything, the boy was surrounded by many who loved him dearly…

MADAME VARENNE In many ways very blessed, but still, all the love in the world cannot even begin to make up for a mother’s own love… (Beat, not wanting to offend Florence) I meant no offence…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 43

FLORENCE (Standing) None taken Madame… raising that young man has brought me such joy… and to see him and his love, Mademoiselle Helene, so besotted with each other, I sense that we’ll be hearing wedding bells very soon…

MADAME VARENNE I was going to ask you about that very subject… (Beat) There has been much talk of their liaison… many are eager to hear the moment he proposes…

FLORENCE (Quietly, and looking around to make sure no one can hear her) To be honest I think he’s building up the courage to talk to his father…. And then Monsieur Valmorin himself…

MADAME VARENNE With that young man’s charm, he will find no opposition, of that I can assure you. (Beat) Now, I must hasten to meet with my brother… it’s the opera tonight and I always make a point of meeting the Doctor early as his time-keeping gets ever-worse as the years progress!

Beat. The two ladies begin to exit with Florence saying her final line below; whilst at the same time two gentlemen enter

FLORENCE I look forward to hearing all about it… I’ll begin preparing supper; Master Raymond has quite an appetite these days…

Soundscape segue from domestic interior, to outside street scene, hustle and bustle of people, car horns blowing, which then segues into an office interior…

ACT ONE: SCENE FIVE Interior, office. Two men; one is pulling out a letter from its envelope, the other glancing through the morning paper

PERISSARD My dear Merivel! I believe I have some good news!

MERIVEL (Looking up and folding paper) Really…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 44

PERISSARD True, my dear friend, true! Listen… (Beat) It is addressed Café Libertad, Buenos Ayres… I shall paraphrase as it is somewhat long… ‘My Reverend Preceptor, you will no doubt be surprised to hear from me, especially from this God- forsaken place… (Waves his hand indicating the next bit of information is of no interest) … have been here for some weeks… don’t see how I am going to live much longer… South America is a great place for government officials and cattle-raisers… Cattle thieves, I’m told, do rather well… but none of these lines of occupation are open to me! (Waves hand again) The people of Latin America have the suspicious nature of all provincials; and, as most of them chat about their family scandals in the cafés, it is not a fruitful field for a discreet young man with a keen scent. The very wealthy are usually investing in revolutions, and I have no vocation for that form of promoting… (Waves hand again) All this, my dear teacher, is simply a prelude to the information that I want to get back to France – very badly. If you can find something for me to do and want me badly enough to pay my passage, I will take the first ship that sails… Signed Frederic Laroque (Beat) Well, well… how very interesting…

MERIVEL A-ahem! And this Frederic Laroque…?

PERISSARD He is a young man who was a clerk in my office before we became partners here at ‘Confidential Missions’ – He displayed a singular aptitude for our work but – Youth! – Youth! He even once used the word we don’t use to describe our profession…

MERIVEL Not ‘blackm…’

PERISSARD Ssshhh… such an ugly word… information seekers… (Shakes his head) Alas, he would not stay with me as I advised. He insisted on going his own way and I lost sight of him in a short time. I am really surprised that he is not in prison, but it shows that he must have developed as I knew he would. (Beat) His hardships in the New World probably have had the needed subduing effect. And now he is an instrument made to our hand!

MERIVEL And of his loyalty?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 45

PERISSARD Oh, undoubted – thoroughly loyal to his friend or employer he always was, I assure you my dear Merivel, and without fear – without fear absolutely! Oh, it is providential! Providential!

MERIVEL Most providential! But you are certain, my dear Robert, that the young man is trustworthy? You remember that Guadin was also fearless!

PERISSARD Oh, quite so! Quite so my dear friend! He is the soul of honour! He would not think of attempting anything dishonest with me!

MERIVEL In that case, I think that we would do well to send him the money.

PERISSARD Just what I was going to propose the moment I finished his letter.

MERIVEL I look forward to meeting this young man… passage from Argentina shouldn’t take longer than five or so weeks… I suggest we send him one thousand francs, which will show him of our sincere interest.

Segue… the lights segue from the two men and onto a man and woman who clearly look as though they have just arrived in France. As the lights segue the two men leave and a maid [Marie] enters, greeting the couple…

Soundscape segue of seagulls, people boarding a steam-ship, the steam-ship’s horn sounding and then the sound of waves and the open ocean… to one of a street scene, music included and then a soft segue to a domestic interior…

ACT ONE: SCENE SIX Hotel of the Three Crowns

LAROQUE Well, my dear, is this the only room you have to spare?

MARIE Yes, Monsieur – we appear to be very busy at present.

LAROQUE It will do, for now. Do you have some strong and willing young man to bring our trunk to the room?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 46

MARIE Oh, yes, Monsieur! I will see that Victor brings it presently.

LAROQUE (Speaks to his travelling companion – takes out a gun from his coat and places it in a drawer) Not a palace, is it?

MADAME X (Shrugging nonchalantly, watching him place the gun in the drawer) Well, I don’t suppose we shall be here long. Do you have to keep the gun in the room; you know how I hate those things…

LAROQUE I feel safer having it to hand – you never know when you need added protection. (To Marie) Has anyone inquired for M. Laroque – Frederic Laroque?

MARIE (Handing him a card) This gentleman called about an hour ago, Monsieur.

LAROQUE Perissard… I dare say he will return, when he does show him up please.

MARIE Yes, Monsieur. Can I get you anything?

LAROQUE A bottle of absinthe… and some cigarettes…

MARIE Yes, Monsieur.

LAROQUE (Still holding the card) I wonder what the old devil is up to now!

MADAME X (Not listening) This is better than the ship, anyhow, isn’t it?

LAROQUE (Snapping out of his thoughts) Yes! I’ve had enough of the sea for a long time. You were certainly anxious to see France once again…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 47

MADAME X (Distant) I’ve been away from it for twenty years!

LAROQUE I shouldn’t wonder if you found a change or two.

MADAME X I don’t suppose I’ll find any changes greater than those in myself.

LAROQUE Because you have your hair cut short? People often have their hair cut short for all sorts of reasons. Typhoid fever is better than most. And I rather like your short hair. You look like a boy, dressed up!

MADAME X I’m not thinking of my hair. I’m thinking of what I was… and what I am today.

LAROQUE If it hurts you to think of it, don’t think of it!

MADAME X I suppose you are right – perhaps that is the better way.

LAROQUE Of course, it is! What’s done can’t be undone. There are lots of women more to be pitied than you are.

MADAME X I wonder!

LAROQUE To begin with, you are the only woman I have loved for the last six months! That ought to count for something…

MADAME X Twenty years ago – I was young and pretty then.

LAROQUE Oh, you look all right by gaslight now!

MADAME X I had a husband and a child. Now, I am alone – with nothing left!

LAROQUE And what about me… Don’t I count for something?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 48

MADAME X (Snapping) Oh, shut up! I don’t want to play the fool today!

LAROQUE So I see. Madame has her nerves…

MADAME X Today I am sick of everything. Life disgusts me. I’d sell mine for a centime!

LAROQUE Oh, it’s worth more than that! Now buck up! I quite understand that you used to be a rich woman and now you are not, but everyone has his ups and downs. Look at me! I used to be a lawyer’s clerk – old Perissard’s clerk – and now look at me! Take the times as they come, and the money when you can get your hands on it! That’s my motto – money’s the only thing that matters!

MADAME X (Shoots him a contemptuous look) Oh, I know you’d do anything for money!

LAROQUE (Shrugging) Better that than do nothing and get nothing for it.

Marie enters with a bottle of absinthe and the cigarettes

MARIE Will that be all, Monsieur?

LAROQUE (Ignoring Marie for a moment – speaks directly to Madame X) Ahh, good. Now, mix up the drinks, and put some power in ‘em!

Madame X stands, and mixes the drinks. Laroque turns to Marie

LAROQUE (continued) What’s going on in Bordeaux? Is there any fun?

MARIE (Nervous) Well, it’s amusing sometimes; then sometimes it isn’t.

LAROQUE (Laughing) Now, we know all about it, don’t we?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 49

MARIE (Not quite sure how to take this man) Will you dine at the table d’hôtel?

LAROQUE What’s the cooking like?

MARIE Well, some people say it’s good and then – some people say it isn’t.

LAROQUE (Laughing heartily) Well, you are a mine of information, aren’t you?

MARIE Dinner’s at seven.

LAROQUE Right.

MARIE If you require anything further ring twice for me. (Marie goes to remove the bottle of absinthe) Nay, nay, my Lady – never remove a bottle until it is empty.

MARIE As you wish, Monsieur.

LAROQUE I do wish. (He takes the glass Madame X is handing to him and takes sip and he is clearly pleased) Great! It is a marvel. There’s nothing you do better than an absinthe. Light up, and let’s be happy!

MADAME X (Lighting her cigarette) Are we going to be here long?

LAROQUE I don’t know – that depends on Perissard. I must have a chat with him before I can say.

MADAME X (Indifferent) Who is Perissard?

LAROQUE I told you – I used to be his clerk. He’s a lawyer.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 50

MADAME X What sort of a man is he?

LAROQUE Oh, he’s a clever old devil. He knows the Code Napoleon backwards! When I wrote to him I thought to myself, ‘There’s a postage stamp wasted, for Perissard has either retired from business or he’s making felt shoes in prison somewhere, unless he’s flirting with the dusky native ladies of New Caledonia’. (Beat) But I was wrong, you see, for he’s not in prison; says he’s glad to hear from me and sends me a thousand francs to pay for my passage. (Beat) The old fox certainly needs me for something! He doesn’t spend that much money for nothing!

MADAME X (Warning him) Be careful!

LAROQUE Don’t worry! I’ll keep my eyes open and – (There is a knock at the door) There he is now, I guess. Come in!

Marie lets Perissard and Merivel in and exits herself

Immediate segue to…

ACT ONE: SCENE EIGHT Hotel room interior

PERISSARD My dear Laroque.

LAROQUE (Shaking his hand enthusiastically) Well! How are you, Monsieur? By heaven! You’ve put on flesh, haven’t you!

PERISSARD (Laughing) Ahh, I put most of that on with my clothes every morning!

LAROQUE Every morning! What on earth for?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 51

PERISSARD Thin people do not inspire confidence! Fat people do! (Notices Madame X) Madame!

LAROQUE My life’s companion – for the last six months

Madame X acknowledges the two men in a nonchalant manner and returns to her cigarette and drink

PERISSARD Let me present Monsieur Merivel, formerly a schoolmaster, but now my friend and associate!

LAROQUE (Shaking his hand) Delighted – but sit down, sit down!

As the three men sit down, Madame X eyes up the two men, clearly, she is suspicious.

And first let me thank you, to begin with…

PERISSARD For the thousand francs I sent you?

LAROQUE Yes.

PERISSARD (Smiling) When I received your letter, it struck me that you were not exactly rolling in money…

LAROQUE I wasn’t – exactly…

PERISSARD So, I thought it was well to send you a little on account…

LAROQUE And supposing I had put the money in my pocket and remained in South America?

PERISSARD I should have lost my thousand francs. But I wasn’t afraid of that, I knew you too well, Laroque, I knew you to be too… too…

LAROQUE Too honest?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 52

PERISSARD (Sweeping his arms in a carefree gesture) Too intelligent… to do such a foolish thing. What are a thousand francs in the position I am going to offer you!

LAROQUE As good as that eh?

PERISSARD Ask Monsieur Merivel!

MERIVEL A first-class position!

LAROQUE Sounds interesting…

Madame X stands

MADAME X Gentleman, I will leave you to your business talk and unpack the trunk

LAROQUE Yes, do…

Madame X exits

PERISSARD Now then, to business. To begin with I am no longer a lawyer.

LAROQUE So, I see – according to your card you are now a Notary Public.

MERIVEL (Laughing with Perissard) That’s to inspire confidence… confidence is such a be-u-tiful thing in these days of disrespect! Alas! Today respect is rapidly disappearing. The young have ceased to respect the old, and the family solicitor no longer holds the proud position that was his.

LAROQUE (To Merivel) By Jove! He talks well doesn’t he?

MERIVEL Like a book. But to resume – I’m in business now…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 53

LAROQUE What sort of business?

PERISSARD Business of all kinds. I refuse no business!

MERIVEL With money in it…

PERISSARD But we deal principally in the faults, vices, and weakness of our fellow men.

LAROQUE Sounds like a good trade!

MERIVEL And a most moral one! For we do good with the Strong Hand, you see…

LAROQUE I don’t altogether get you…

The three men move closer together and speak in hushed tones

PERISSARD You shall! There are very few houses without a skeleton in the closet.

MERIVEL Skeletons are cheap today…

PERISSARD And in the best families there are often secrets which are worth a fortune…

LAROQUE (With raised eye-brows) Oh, I see… blackmail…

Both Merivel and Perissard hold up their hands as if to quieten him down

PERISSARD Sssshhh! My dear young friend! What an ugly word!

MERIVEL We are humble helpers in the cause of justice! Most ugly word!

LAROQUE Find it rather dangerous, don’t you?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 54

MERIVEL / PERISSARD We do not!

LAROQUE Pays does it?

Again, the two men hold up their hands to the younger man indicating for him to lower his voice

PERISSARD You must speak in quieter tones my young Laroque… one never knows who is listening! (Beat) Pay! I should think it does. You will very soon find out for yourself how well it pays, for I propose paying you – in addition to your salary – ten per cent upon the profits. You won’t find it hard work and you won’t find it difficult.

MERIVEL Quickness, discretion and tact are all that are required. My friend and associate thinks highly of you, and I trust his judgement. You are clearly intelligent and energetic, and I am sure you are honest! Not too scrupulously so at all times – but – ah – you understand!

PERISSARD Scruples are out of date… are you fond of money? (Laroque nods and smiles) Well then, you shall have the money!

LAROQUE It’s a tempting offer, but you know… It has not been many years since I was in trouble, and I don’t want any more if I can help it.

PERISSARD What possible trouble can there be?

LAROQUE Well, you know even a lamb will bleat if you handle him roughly!

MERIVEL Our little lambkins don’t! They have a horror of all kinds of fuss and do not draw attention to themselves if they can help it…

PERISSARD The fear of a fuss is the beginning of wisdom! (Beat) So there is nothing to be afraid of. Our head office is in Paris, but I have come to Bordeaux to open a branch office of which Monsieur Merivel will be temporary manager. In a little while, when you understand our methods thoroughly, he will go to Marseilles and leave you in charge. Then we will double your salary and increase your share of the profits to fifteen per cent.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 55

Laroque thinks for a moment and then outstretches his hand to the pair. They shake.

LAROQUE It’s a bargain!

MERIVEL Then let us get straight down to business. (Beat) You must understand, my dear Laroque that our business is largely with those men who, in public or private life, are a menace to the well-being of society… (Beat) Imagine the shock, the grief to my colleague and myself, when we learned that a very high official of this fair city of France had falsified his accounts to the extent of one million francs – at least! (Beat) His name I will disclose to you in due time. (Beat) You are wondering how so large a peculation can possibly be concealed, and therefore be of value to us…

PERISSARD I will not conceal from you that the man is a power in this part of the country and has many rich and influential friends. He recently threw himself on the mercy of these and appealed to them for help. As they were under obligations of doubtful character they could not fail to respond.

MERIVEL Fortunately for the cause of civic and national purity – some of them were so indiscreet as to put part of the negotiations into the form of correspondence – a letter or two – quite providentially…

PERISSARD Most providentially…

MERIVEL Fell into our hands. We made investigations in a quiet way, as was our duty, and have secured what is almost legal proof of the astounding corruption! (Beat, shaking his head) Now, then. Since they are so willing to come forward with the full amount of his shortage they will undoubtedly be only too glad to add fifty or seventy-five thousand francs to the amount to ensure the utmost secrecy. Ahh – you understand, now?

LAROQUE I understand alright… but if these friends of his can save him any time they choose, what is to prevent them from coming up with the money the moment we approach him?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 56

PERISSARD Ah, my dear young sir, you don’t quite understand as yet! If we go to the Public Prosecutor and lay our information in his hands he will have no way of knowing whether the money has been refunded without an official investigation, which will certainly ruin the gentleman. For, even if he escapes prison, the fact that he is guilty of misconduct in office must be brought to light!

LAROQUE Ahh – ha! I see! It certainly begins to look promising.

MERIVEL Most promising!

PERISSARD I need not impress upon you the necessity for the utmost tact and caution in dealing with this gentleman. You can see that in his position he has powerful official influence, and we must be careful that he does not trip us. He is shrewd, bold and un-scrupulous.

MERIVAL Most unscrupulous!

PERISSARD By the way, you aren’t married, are you?

LAROQUE Lord! No!

PERISSARD That’s alright.

MERIVEL (Raising his eyebrows and throwing up his hands) Women are charming creatures, but in business…

PERISSARD I was afraid when I saw the lady and I meant to mention it sooner!

MERIVEL Most charming woman! Aristocratic… – good-looking!

LAROQUE I met her at Buenos Ayres. She was destitute, picking up a living around a café. There’s no harm in her; but she’s taking a lot of trash – morphine, ether, opium – to help her forget, she says. (Beat) She’s a married woman, you know. Wife of a man in a good position, and quite a shining light at the bar.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 57

MERIVEL / PERISSARD (Looking to each other, seeing a potential business opportunity) Really…

LAROQUE (Huddling the men closer so they cannot be over-heard) Yes… Deputy-Attorney in Paris, I believe. She was false to him and he turned her out…

MERIVEL (Shocked) Oh dear! Oh dear! Even the morals of our magistrates and leading lawyers are not above suspicion these degenerate days! (Beat) Was this long ago?

LAROQUE Twenty years ago. She says she went to England shortly after he turned her out, took up with a painter I believe… since then she has been to America, Colombia, Brazil – all over the place – sometimes rich and sometimes poor. (Beat) When I met her, she was dying to get back to France and didn’t have a centime, so I brought her with me.

PERISSARD Did she tell you the story herself?

LAROQUE Yes – one day when she’d had a little more ether than usual. She’s a silent sort of woman, but when she’s been drinking ether she gets talkative… (Beat) She won’t live long. About worn out…

Perissard listens intently and then looks Laroque directly in the eye

PERISSARD I have been thinking – that if her husband was a Deputy-Attorney in Paris twenty years ago, he may be Attorney-General now. (Beat) This might lead to business.

LAROQUE (Suddenly becoming very interested) How?

PERISSARD Supposing the husband is now occupying a position worth having – he would be likely to make a sacrifice to prevent scandal about his wife from becoming public property.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 58

MERIVEL Isn’t he a wonderful man? Always getting ideas like that! A benefactor of humanity!

PERISSARD (Becoming very focused) Do you know her husband’s name?

LAROQUE No; she never told me that.

PERISSARD How old would you take her to be?

LAROQUE Past forty…

PERISSARD H’m. He must have been rather young for the position if he was near her age. You are sure she never mentioned his name?

LAROQUE I would have remembered it if she had.

PERISSARD H’m. Well, I don’t know that it matters. A Deputy-Attorney in Paris, whose wife left him twenty years ago ought not to be difficult to find!

LAROQUE Do you think so?

PERISSARD Mere child’s play, my dear boy! And I think that overall, this had better be your first piece of business. Ah! Wait! Did she ever mention that her own people were wealthy at the time of her marriage?

LAROQUE No, I don’t think she ever did. Why? It’s the husband we’ll have to see, anyway? What have her people to do with this?

PERISSARD She must have married young and left her husband shortly afterwards. The inference is, that he was probably a young lawyer and without a great deal of money. He could not have married her unless she brought money with her!

LAROQUE Well?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 59

PERISSARD Well, then! If he drove her out of the house, she has a good claim to that money – unless he gave it to her then or later. Do you know?

LAROQUE I don’t know whether she had a great deal of money – but if she did I am certain that she didn’t take it away with her!

PERISSARD Excellent!

MERIVEL (Looking up to the heavens) Most excellent!

PERISSARD Now then – we will stay the hand of punishment temporarily in the matter of this official scoundrel, and teach this magistrate or attorney-general, or whatever he is, that he cannot turn his wife out of his house and keep her money!

LAROQUE But – I think there is a child, though I am not certain.

PERISSARD Makes not a difference. The money goes to the child upon the death of its mother – not before. Now, we shall take our leave – I suggest you spend some time with your ‘life-companion’ and find out all you can. We will wait for you at the Café Rouge and you can enlighten us further, and we can give you final instructions.

LAROQUE I will see what I can do…

PERISSARD Make sure that you do – and try to get a power of attorney from her! Makes things so much easier.

Perissard and Merivel exit, leaving Laroque to ponder for a moment. Madame X enters, carrying a pack of playing cards.

Immediate segue to…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 60

ACT ONE: SCENE NINE Hotel interior

MADAME X (She hasn’t heard anything of the conversation) Thank God, they’re gone! People bore me to death – what a life!

LAROQUE (Trying to establish that she hadn’t in fact heard anything) I hope our conversation didn’t disturb you too much!

MADAME X (Disinterested) Not entirely, just mumbled words… too many words… I would like some more absinthe… would you call the girl to bring some…

LAROQUE (Seeing this as an opportunity to get her drunk and prise out additional information) Why don’t I get us something a little more special… champagne… and not the sort this hotel would have… I will venture out, but be back shortly!

MADAME X Is there a cause to celebrate?

LAROQUE Indeed – let’s just say that today is turning out to be a fortuitous one and I’d like us both to enjoy it!

MADAME X As you wish… Laroque tries to kiss her but Madame X turns her head. He sighs and kisses her forehead instead

LAROQUE I will be back shortly

Laroque exits. Madame X pulls a small bottle out of her bag and takes a large sip. She then walks over the table and picks up the telephone

MADAME X (To the person on the other end of the line) Yes, you can. I’d like some more cigarettes… and absinthe sending up… yes, that’s right, as soon as you can…

Madame X hangs up the phone and lights another cigarette – she sits, takes another sip from the small bottle and begins to sob

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 61

What have I come to… cheap and tawdry hotel rooms… scraps from strangers… a wasted life…

She pulls out the cards and places them on the table. She quickly looks over them and begins to sob again

Two deaths, always two deaths!

There is a knocking at the door – she doesn’t look up

Come in

Marie enters, with bottle, cigarettes and a pen and paper. She places the bottle and cigarettes on the table

MARIE I hope I’m not disturbing you, Madame, but the police make us go through this business – we need for you to complete the form, for our records.

MADAME X (Dismissive) Oh, yes; well then – Oh, write it yourself! Monsieur and Madame Laroque, from Buenos Ayres, on their way to Paris.

MARIE (Completing the form) Thank you, Madame. (She watches Madame X reading the cards)

MADAME X Is that all?

MARIE Yes... Are you telling fortunes with the cards?

MADAME X Yes!

MARIE Then you really believe in them?

MADAME X (Wearily) They’re the only thing I do believe in…

MARIE I don’t believe in them at all!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 62

MADAME X Is that so…

MARIE What do the cards tell you?

MADAME X (Shuffling the cards and continuing to read them, almost oblivious to the girl) Always the same thing… Death! My own death! And it’s coming soon, very soon!

MARIE Really!

MADAME X They never change… Before I die, I shall see the two people that I always see in my dreams, waking or sleeping – the man I love more than anything else in the world, and the man I hate more than anything else in the world! (Beat) The cards have been promising me for the last three months that I shall see them soon, and that – I die! That’s why I wanted to get back to France.

MARIE You believe in them as much as that?

MADAME X Yes!

MARIE Won’t you tell my fortune?

MADAME X What’s the good if you don’t believe?

MARIE Oh, I don’t be – I don’t believe in it… but I do believe in it!

MADAME X (Weary) Sit down!

MARIE Is that ether you’re drinking?

MADAME X Yes!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 63

MARIE What does it do to you?

MADAME X It changes my ideas, and that’s a good deal. But it gets on my nerves sometimes – but that doesn’t matter – what do you want to know?

MARIE Oh, but if I tell you that, there’ll be nothing in your telling my fortune, will there?

MADAME X Don’t tell me anything! (Shuffles the cards) You are married!

MARIE Oh, there’s nothing in that. You saw my ring!

MADAME X You have a child…

MARIE Yes, the darling! Seven months old.

MADAME X You’re in love

MARIE Yes!

MADAME X But not with your husband.

MARIE No, I should think not!

MADAME X You are going to leave your husband! (Beat) Is it true?

MARIE Yes! It’s quite true. (Beat) My husband is Victor; he works here at the hotel…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 64

MADAME X And is he a good fellow?

MARIE Yes… (Beat) But he’s a common sort of man!

MADAME X And the other?

MARIE Oh, the other is a gentleman! A real gentleman. (Beat) He’s a commercial traveller – in soap! He dresses beautifully, and he smells – ah – so lovely. I am to meet him tonight, and tomorrow we shall be far away.

MADAME X And your baby?

MARIE (Shrugging) He’s out to nurse, and I know his father will not let him want for anything!

MADAME X Look here, my girl! You’re going to make a fool of yourself. Take my tip and stay with your husband! Be false to him if you must, but stay with him!

MARIE No, no! I love no one in the world but Anatole! (Beat) And I am going away with him tonight

MADAME X Well, you’ll suffer in the long run!

MARIE No, I shan’t! Anatole loves the very ground I walk on!

MADAME X H’mph. He may now, but it won’t last. Your lover will leave, and you’ll take another – and then a third and fourth, and you’ll see what sort of a life that means. (Beat) I know!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 65

MARIE (Shivering slightly) Do you?

MADAME X I was about your age when I left my husband and my child. I hate my husband. (Clenching fists in fury) But I am dying because my child is not with me. Child! Why, he must be a man of twenty-four now… (Beat) I think of him night and day – all the time I think of him. And if he came into this room now I wouldn’t know him. (Beat) But I shall see him again! I know it! But – but I shall not be able to – kiss him – and press him to my heart. (Beat) He’ll never know who I am. He might despise me, or reproach me, and I couldn’t stand that. He – he – thinks I died years ago – and I am glad of it. Oh, Raymond! (Begins to weep)

MARIE Oh, Madame! Don’t cry, don’t cry…

MADAME X Better be warned by my case. Your lover will leave you as mine left me! Men soon get tired…

MARIE I am sure Anatole will never leave me…

MADAME X (Suddenly stops crying) You’re a damned fool. Let me tell you my girl, when I was your age, if anybody would put us side by side there’s no man in the world have looked at you twice. (Beat) Not a man in the world. (Beat – the ether drug kicking in more) Husbands are no good. Why I could have a dozen of them… years ago I lived in a big house... I was an only child and my parents died when I was young. (She looks with contempt at Marie) What would you know of how girls like myself were brought up. You’re a peasant. When I was sixteen I knew of two young men – one was Noel, he tried to kill himself a little while after I married the other; Louis, who was older, and wrapped up in his work – always so serious. (Beat) His work – that’s all he ever thought about – his career. (Beat) I used to cry myself to sleep at night.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 66

MARIE (Trying to comfort her) I am sorry to hear…

MADAME X Please, save your pity... One day he brought a young man home – someone he had helped – his name was Albert. He became a regular visitor to the house… (Beat) Louis encouraged Albert to escort me to all the places I had so wanted him to take me… (Beat) Albert saw something in me – for he began to make love to me – and he knew how to make love! (Beat) I knew that I cared for Albert more than I should and I wanted him to protect me. When I tried to talk to my husband he told me to run along and play with Albert! (Beat) And I did! I went! I went! I didn’t think of him or my boy! (Beat) I was mad – crazy! My husband came home early one night and found us in my room – I hated him so much that I wanted to be untrue to him in his own house. (Beat) He ran out of the room, allowing Albert and I to leave… we ran into the night and I left the only life I’ve known. (Beat) But I couldn’t help missing my boy, my Raymond… I once returned and pleaded with my husband to let me see him… (Beat) Despite my grovelling at his feet he pushed me out of the house and… I had lost – my boy – forever… (Grabbing hold of Marie’s shoulder) You can kill a man, and if you’ve any sort of reason everybody may forgive. But if you’re untrue to your husband – it doesn’t make any difference how much reason you have – everyone’ll kick you! (Beat – wipes tears away) Now, if you could leave me alone I need to save what little dignity I have left…

MARIE As you wish, Madame. Please call if you need anything.

MADAME X You are very kind.

As Marie exits, Laroque enters with a bottle of champagne and a pleased look on his face. He indicates for her to bring two champagne glasses to the room

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 67

Immediate segue to next scene… Soundscape of music to show the passing of time… throughout the next scene we need to feel the building up of tension, both in performance and accompanying soundscape which peaks when we hear the deadly gunshot…

Immediate segue to next scene…

ACT ONE: SCENE TEN Hotel interior

LAROQUE (Noticing the second bottle of absinthe) Do you know, this man Perissard is a wonderful chap…

MADAME X (Composing herself) Is he?

LAROQUE I should think he was! Brim-full of ideas!

MADAME X Has he got anything for you?

LAROQUE Rather! He’s offered me a place in his office!

MADAME X And what does he do in his office?

LAROQUE (Nonchalant) Oh – business…

MADAME X (Curious) What kind of business?

LAROQUE Oh, business of all kinds! Do you know the moment he set eyes on you he saw that you were a woman of good family?

MADAME X Did he really?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 68

LAROQUE Yes! ‘There’s blood in her’, he said…

MADAME X (Drinking from the ether bottle) Here’s his health!

LAROQUE I told him he could go bet on it…

MADAME X (Forgetting for a moment that Laroque didn’t really know who she was) You – you didn’t tell him – who I was!

LAROQUE Not much! I told him, after making him promise to keep it a secret, that you were the daughter of a general – and that you father and mother were very rich – that your husband was a marquis and you had brought him 300,000 francs on your marriage!

MADAME X (Bursting into hysterical laughter) That’s good – very good! And he believed it, did he?

LAROQUE Every word of it! What do you think of that? 300,000 francs! Ha, ha. And I suppose you didn’t bring him anything, did you?

MADAME X (Regaining some dignity) I beg your pardon. I did not bring my husband 300,000 francs on my marriage – but I did bring him 125,000!

LAROQUE (There’s a gleam in his eye) Oh, nonsense!

MADAME X I assure you it’s true!

LAROQUE You’re stretching it some!

MADAME X Absolutely not…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 69

LAROQUE Truth and honour?

MADAME X Truth and honour!

LAROQUE Then where’s the money?

MADAME X What do you mean?

LAROQUE Did your husband give the money back to you?

MADAME X No, of course not!

LAROQUE Do you mean to tell me that when your husband turned you out you didn’t ask for the money?

MADAME X The money’s not mine!

LAROQUE Whose is it, then?

MADAME X (Quietly) My son’s!

LAROQUE But you’re alive still! Your son will get it when you die!

MADAME X My son thinks I’m dead. His father told him I was. And when he was twenty-one he probably came into my fortune.

LAROQUE What a fool you are! I don’t suppose he saw a franc of it!

MADAME X What the hell’s it to you? You’ve got nothing to do with it…

LAROQUE But you ought to clear it up – that’s what Perissard thinks…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 70

MADAME X What business is it of Perissard’s?

LAROQUE He only spoke in your interest…

MADAME X Well, I shan’t claim it

LAROQUE Why not?

MADAME X Because I don’t – want to!

LAROQUE But why?

MADAME X I’d rather beg in the streets than ask that man for anything!

LAROQUE Yes, I understand that – that’s natural pride – but should you give someone power of attorney to collect it for you…

MADAME X Signed with my name and address, eh? No thanks!

LAROQUE Well, a letter then. I should think a letter would do just as well. Give me a letter and I’ll go and get your money for you!

MADAME X I’d rather die than let my son know alive! He’s not to know at any price…

LAROQUE But he’ll never know!

MADAME X If he ever thinks of me – I want him to respect my memory and love me!

LAROQUE (Trying to calm her) Now, don’t get all excited…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 71

MADAME X (Raging with fury) I don’t want him to know what kind of woman his mother is. He shall never know it, I tell you! Never! I tell you! Never!

LAROQUE All right! Don’t lose your temper! Who on earth is going to tell him? I certainly won’t, and it isn’t likely his father will!

MADAME X I don’t want to talk about it anymore!

LAROQUE But the money’s worth the trouble!

MADAME X Damn the money!

LAROQUE Think of what a difference that would make!

MADAME X I don’t want to talk about the money, I tell you!

LAROQUE You keep a civil tongue in your head or I’ll teach you…

MADAME X (Laughing at him) You can’t teach me any more than I know about you.

LAROQUE Will you write me a letter, so I can get the money?

MADAME X (Screaming) NO!!!

LAROQUE (Quietly, almost to himself as he prepares to leave) I can do without the letter…

MADAME X What do you mean?

LAROQUE Oh, there’s no trouble about finding a Deputy-Attorney…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 72

MADAME X Are you going out?

LAROQUE I am indeed…

MADAME X Where are you going?

LAROQUE To speak with your husband…

MADAME X This evening?

LAROQUE Right away!

MADAME X Then I’ll come with you…

LAROQUE No, you won’t…

MADAME X You’re not going to find my husband…

LAROQUE (Putting on his coat, turning his back to her) Mind your own business…

MADAME X (Getting hysterical) You are not going to ask him for that money!

LAROQUE I’ll do just as I like.

Madame X grabs his coat and turns him to face her

MADAME X You shall not go!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 73

LAROQUE (Pushing her to the floor, she falls near the table where Laroque has placed his gun) Who will stop me? (Madame X crawls along the floor and grabs his coat to try and stop him. He kicks her away) Take care, my girl… or you’ll regret it!

Laroque turns away from her again and continues to prepare for his departure. Madame X remembers where he has placed the gun earlier, frantically opens the drawer and aims it at him

MADAME X You shall not go, I tell you! You shan’t go into that house and see my child!

Laroque begins to make for the door

LAROQUE Don’t be a fool – get out of the way or I’ll make you…

He takes a step towards her and she shoots. As he falls to the floor Marie enters with two champagne glasses

MARIE Oh, in heaven’s name… Madame, what have you done… (She shouts) She’s killed him – quickly – someone run for the police!

Lights begin to dim

MADAME X There’s no hurry – I shan’t try to get away… I had to stop him committing an abominal act that would bring grief and shame on someone I love…

Soundscape: as we hear the gunshot there is an echoing effect after it… there is the sound of crowds gathering in the background, someone calling out ‘Get the Police!’… music builds and it all becomes rather surreal as we segue from this scene into the next…

Next scene is the interior of a police station with general murmuring in the background…

LIGHTS TO BLACK

END OF ACT ONE

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 74

ACT TWO: SCENE ONE Interior / police station

Monsieur Valmorin, Public Prosecutor, is questioning Madame X, who remains silent throughout.

VALMORIN Madame, you must see that your present course cannot but be prejudicial to your case. The authorities will have no difficulty in ultimately establishing your identity, but you can readily save us much inconvenience by replying to these simple questions. (Beat) So, if you please – your name and place of birth (Silence) Your age, Madame? Is your name Laroque? Was this man your husband? (Silence) What did you mean by saying that you killed this man to prevent him from bringing grief and shame on someone you love?

(Silence. Valmorin’s tone softens)

Do not think, Madame that I would try and draw you into saying anything that can injure your cause! Do not consider me an enemy. I know that you shot this man Laroque in the Hotel of the Three Crowns, and I am more than willing to believe that you had some good reason for this terrible act. Your words to the policeman who arrested you are an indication of that. It is not my duty to try to convict you of crime which was probably justified. (Beat) The man that you killed was an ex-convict and society is well rid of him. You have probably simply saved the State the expense of putting him in prison once more and keeping him there. I am more than willing to believe that your reasons for killing him were excusable, even in the eyes of the law. (Beat) Look on me as a friend. You can talk to me without fear. I do not care to pry into the secrets of your past. You need not mention any names. But just to tell me, as simply as you can, the reason you killed this prison rat!

Madame X looks to Valmorin; there is a slight softening of her features, though she still does not utter a word. Madame X reaches out a couple of times and Valmorin thinks he is breaking through, but she still remains silent

VALMORIN (Losing patience) Remove the prisoner.

The lights go down on Madame X and come up on Raymond Floriot. Valmorin walks into the pin spot where Raymond is standing

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 75

RAYMOND (Extending his hand) Floriot, Raymond Floriot – court appointed Advocate.

VALMORIN (Smiles) There’s no need to be so formal, Raymond… how are things between you and Helene? You might find it amusing to hear that our dinner conversations are filled with nothing other than her informing me of how wonderful you are…

RAYMOND Mademoiselle Helene is everything to me, Sir… I am pleased she speaks highly of me…

VALMORIN I too am pleased to hear that… but to our ‘case’… (Sighing. Shaking his head) The prisoner, she would not speak. You see Raymond; she is addicted to the use of drugs. She has now been without anything of the sort for some time. That means her nerves must be in a bad shape, and it also means she has an iron will to conceal the fact so determinedly and foil the examination.

RAYMOND She refuses to meet with me – heaven knows how she can expect a strong defence if she does not speak.

VALMORIN I wouldn’t normally suggest this, each of us working ‘against’ the other in the court room…

RAYMOND Surely never ‘against’… just to seek out the truth and see justice served…

VALMORIN (Smiling) The purity and wonder of a young person’s thought’s… not yet soiled by what life has in store for each of us…

RAYMOND Even though I am relatively new to this profession, I will so my utmost to best serve my client, please do be assured of that, Sir!

VALMORIN (Nods) I have little doubt of that… you have indeed begun to prove yourself an Advocate of note… and please do not judge my comments harshly… after years of serving the Justice System my mind becomes a little jaded from time to time… (Beat)

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 76

Now, with regards to your client… Due to her silence I am going to have to try the case as plain homicide. (Beat) The testimony of the hotel maid and her words said to the policeman is ample for conviction… (Beat) However, I am going to permit you spend some additional time with her… why not see if you can extract the information I have thus far been unable to ascertain… I can arrange for you to meet a little later this afternoon… she will not be told that you are coming to see her, only that her presence is required… (Beat) How does that sound?

RAYMOND (Sighs) I will of course meet with the Lady and see I can help to shed any light on the situation… (Beat) But surely police investigations have brought some additional facts to light! (Beat) Why will she not surrender her name? What harm, or damage, could that entail? (Beat) Even a plea of ‘crime passionnel’ will help her case…

VALMORIN (Shrugs as if out of ideas) The press are calling her Madame X. The mystery surrounding her grows daily – some say she is the daughter of a noble house who has run away from a convent – others that she’s the wife of a marquis, left him and married an adventurer… she was the queen of a band of kidnappers… the leader of a secret society of murder… and it goes on! (Beat) But this aside, tell me, when am I to hear of more pleasant news… concerning you and my daughter?

RAYMOND Ah, Sir, you catch me off-guard… as I mentioned previous, we are so very fond of each other… I just need to present my first case, and build my clients… then I will have the funds to look after her in the manner I wish to… a beautiful, innocent, kind-hearted woman… and children of course… (stopping himself as he feels he has gone a ‘little too far’ ) apologies, she indeed takes my breath away…

VALMORIN (Smiling) I believe the whole world can see that. Now, I must take my leave and continue preparations for the case – as must you I believe. (Beat) I hope all goes well for you this afternoon, and tomorrow. Your first case is attracting a great deal of attention – I hear a number of Advocate’s are regretting not having been appointed.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 77

RAYMOND Thank you, Sir. (Beat) But as I mentioned, it’s difficult to defend someone when they remain silent.

VALMORIN You can only do what you can with what you have. (Beat) Make the best use of your time with her this afternoon… Now I bid you goodbye and will see you next in court.

Dim lights segue up on Madame X, clearly in a prison cell. Raymond ‘walks’ from previous scene into this one

ACT TWO: SCENE 1A Interior, prison cell, Madame X and Raymond. Madame X is seated; pin-spot over her head, Raymond does all the talking and is constantly moving around her…

RAYMOND (To the guard off-stage who has just let him in) Thank you, there’s no need to remain with me… (Looks to Madame X… beat) They’ll be no trouble.

Raymond walks around Madame X for a few moments. Her look does not move from directly in front of her.

RAYMOND I’m not sure if you know who I am… I mean, I’m sure you’ve been informed that I’m your Advocate, but as you haven’t acknowledged anything that’s been said to, or asked of you, I’m wondering if you have truly taken on-board that I am here to help you… (Beat) It is your right to have a fair and sound hearing… for me to know what your motives were for killing Frederic Laroque, other than your statement, would help enormously in attempting to make the jury see that there was…

Looks to Madame X, moves towards her and kneels in front of her… there is a long pause… Raymond gently reaches out his hand and begins to take hers in his. At first she flinches and tries to pull back, but he holds on and clasps both his hands on hers…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 78

RAYMOND Why don’t we try this another way… (Clears his throat) This is my first case… although my stomach is tied up in knots, I will do everything within my power to make sure I do the just and right thing by you… (Madame X slowly looks to him, a slight look of puzzlement in her face)

RAYMOND Why, how remiss of me… I haven’t introduced myself… (Beat) Raymond… Raymond Floriot…

Beat… as he continues to talk, the face of Madame X begins to soften as she realises that this is her son… as the scene progresses she continues to say nothing, but tears begin to fall down her face… she makes no attempt to wipe them away.

The way the law works is that if I can convince the jury there was strong enough motives for your actions… a crime of passion for example… then they will show leniency… surely you have someone, a husband, brother… sister… son, that we can contact, who can help us… (Beat) You mentioned that there was someone you wanted to protect… your reason for shooting Laroque… (Beat) ‘There’s no hurry – I shan’t try to get away… I had to stop him committing an abominal act that would bring grief and shame on someone I love…’ (Beat) Help me… help me find that person… surely, they would not like to see you like this… torturing yourself to protect them… don’t you think they’d rather have you alive and well than imprisoned… surely you must see that I am trying to do my utmost to help you…

Sees that there are tears falling from her eyes, and kneels before her again

RAYMOND Please, forgive me… I didn’t mean any harm or offence by my words, but time is not on our side and you have given me so very little in terms of a defence…

Beat… Madame X cups his face in her hands and looks deeply into his eyes

RAYMOND Imagine, imagine this… that we can persuade the jury that there were such extenuating circumstances in your case that you are throwing yourself on the mercy of the court to see that you are a wronged woman, that this man Laroque threatened you and you had no choice but to take the course of action you did… (Beat) Please, help me… give me something to work with… (Beat)

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 79

What about this person you are protecting… clearly this is someone of immense importance to you… but what if they were here with you… and they said to you… what would they say… yes… I know… what if they said that they’d like nothing other than to take your hand, and on a Sunday afternoon, walk through the park with your arm in theirs, enjoying the sunshine… enjoying catching up with the moments you haven’t spent together, moments that are so precious… that they are so proud and honoured that you would walk out with them…

This is too much for Madame X, who bursts into tears and motions for Raymond to leave… slowly he walks to the door, never taking his eyes off her, Madame X looking up at him… there is a moment between them… Madame X raises her hand to him but as he begins to walk towards her she lets it drop. Raymond stands motionless for a moment and then takes a small step forward.

RAYMOND I will not give up on you… I will return home and read and re-read my brief and find a way to help you… (Beat) If only the person you are protecting knew what you are going through… (Beat) They must surely be the luckiest person alive…

Raymond exits, the lights stay on Madame X for a moment and then dim on her. As they do we segue up on Florence and Madame Varenne, who are sitting [outdoors, garden, sunshine]

Soundscape: segue from prison cell interior to a domestic exterior, afternoon…

ACT TWO: SCENE TWO Exterior, garden, sunshine

MADAME VARENNE You know I was thinking about the supper you served… now when was it, oh yes, last Thursday… ‘lemon sole’, with red and yellow cherry tomatoes…

FLORENCE Halved of course… gloves of garlic, fresh oregano, spring onions…

VARENNE But there was something… well ‘bitter-sweet’ if you will that really made it one of the most delicious suppers you have prepared… do you know it’s the only time I can get my brother to be ready on-time… knowing that he has your cooking to look forward to…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 80

FLORENCE (Smiling) Sea salt, vinegar and the zest of two halved lemons… and not forgetting black olives, de-stoned and chopped and a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped… that’s the ‘bitter-sweet’ taste you mention…

VARENNE But how do you do it? (Beat) Every week, a new dish… (Beat) I can’t cook a sausage even… thank goodness we’ve always had Rose to hand to take care of that… oh dear, if only my mother knew that all those hours of finishing-school cooking classes made not the blindest bit of difference… why the woman would turn in her grave!

FLORENCE Well, it’s a good thing that she’s not going to find out… (Beat) I’ve always found cooking to be so relaxing… and with Raymond having such a healthy appetite there’s always someone on hand to experiment on… (Laughing) Don’t think for one minute that all the dishes turn out to be such resounding successes… poor Raymond has been my test-taster for years.

VARENNE And soon you’ll have young Mademoiselle Helene to take care of…

FLORENCE Now that would be a joy… to have another lady in the house… As they only have limited funds I would imagine that they’ll be staying here until they get their feet on the ground… so to speak… and then, well, it’ll just be Monsieur Floriot and I, when he returns home from time to time…

VARENNE You could teach her how to cook…

FLORENCE Now, that is an idea… but we still wait with anticipation for Raymond’s proposal…

VARENNE The young man is simply trying to do the right thing… it will happen, of that I am sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if he mentions it to his father sooner than you think!

FLORENCE Do you know something I don’t?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 81

VARENNE It’s just that he’s been spending time talking with my brother, and although I’m not one to listen at keyholes, a sister knows when ‘men-talk’ is going on…

FLORENCE I hope that you are right… (Beat) But, with regards to his work… It’s hard for Raymond to get cases, isn’t it?

VARENNE I don’t know anything about it, but I guess the law is like anything else – you have to make a beginning.

FLORENCE And Raymond is beginning tomorrow! (Beat) Tomorrow he is pleading his first case!

VARENNE And a capital case to begin with it is! Everyone is talking about it!

FLORENCE Oh, I hope he’ll win. I haven’t thought of anything else for such a while... (Beat) However, with his client refusing to speak he is going to have a difficult time…

VARENNE Oh, I’m not anxious about that! Monsieur Raymond is clever, I tell you! He’ll convince them!

FLORENCE I wonder if he’ll be back soon? He’s gone to the prison to try and speak with his client – I need to make sure he eats well this evening… I am sure he’ll be burning the midnight oil whilst he studies his brief…

VARENNE He is lucky to have you in his life…

FLORENCE I feel as if he belongs to me a little. I am very happy that he’s made such a good choice in Helene!

VARENNE (Spilling the beans) I’ll let you into a secret… I know that he is going to talk to his father about Helene as soon as he arrives home!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 82

FLORENCE Really! I don’t think it will surprise him much.

VARENNE You think Monsieur Floriot suspects?

FLORENCE That Helene and Raymond is about to propose marriage? Oh, of course he does! He would have been blind not to see it. Everyone in the neighbourhood knows it! (Beat) The baker asked me yesterday when the wedding was to be celebrated… (Teasing) And day before yesterday it was the butcher – A few days ago the grocer made some inquiries about it, and…

Florence is about to continue when Raymond enters

RAYMOND There you are Madame Varenne… only yesterday I was asking your brother after your good health…

FLORENCE We have been catching up on all the news… (Beat) How did things go with your client?

RAYMOND Not well… there is something far more to all of this I am sure… but her silence prevents me from being able to do my job thoroughly…

FLORENCE I am sure we could all do with some tea… I will return shortly.

RAYMOND Thank you, Florence.

Florence exits

VARENNE You look worried…

RAYMOND Just concerned that I am not going to be able to help this poor woman…

VARENNE Is this your heart, or your head, speaking?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 83

Raymond smiles

RAYMOND I truly do not know, but as said, she holds a secret that feels somewhat close to me… (Beat) Oh, I don’t know what I am saying… it is probably just tiredness on my part…

VARENNE Are you sure?

RAYMOND Meaning?

VARENNE Raymond, my boy. I have known you your whole life. You are sensitive, have great instinct… if there is something about this woman and her case that puzzles you so desperately that you need to get to the bottom of it… then you’ll stop at nothing to do just that…

Raymond takes her hand in his

RAYMOND But how? I have so little time…

VARENNE (Shrugging her shoulders and then giving him a kiss on the cheek) How am I to know? You’re the lawyer… (Beat) But let’s talk of Helene… how is she and what news do you have?

RAYMOND (Jesting) You are all so much for the gossip! I will tell you as soon as I know myself!

VARENNE You tease an old woman… I need time to buy a hat… it has to be a special one so make sure you give me time to choose just the right one!

RAYMOND Then just for you, I will hasten things this very day…

VARENNE Even with the best will in the world, I know your attention will be on your case – and so it should be – to let you into a secret… I’ve already selected it…

RAYMOND What?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 84

VARENNE The hat my boy… my goodness, your attention is elsewhere this afternoon!

RAYMOND I need to stay focused. Tomorrow is the great day! I’ll have to find you a place where I can’t see you, or the Doctor… or even Florence for that matter... I’d forget what I was talking about if I caught sight of you all; and just think what it would mean if I stutter and stammer and break down in court!

VARENNE And you’re sure you’ve made up your mind to speak with your father today?

RAYMOND Yes; I’m going to speak to him as soon as he comes in.

At that point Louis Floriot enters

FLORIOT Speak to him about what? (To Madame Varenne) Good afternoon, my dear friend! And how is that brother of yours?

VARENNE Doing well Monsieur… head in his books as always, but he’ll be there to see Raymond’s first case tomorrow, that you can be sure of!

FLORIOT It is wonderful to see so many good friends supporting my son, who of course I am immensely proud of! I am only sorry that Noel cannot be with us… his business in Canada keeps him there for the present… (Beat) Now, Raymond… you wanted to speak with me?

RAYMOND Yes – and quite seriously!

FLORIOT (Mischievous) For how long?

RAYMOND Not very long! At least, I don’t think it will take long to say it.

FLORIOT Try it in four words!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 85

VARENNE Oh, Louis Floriot, stop teasing your son so!

RAYMOND I love Helene Valmorin!

FLORIOT (False exclamation) Do you!

RAYMOND (Sheepish) Did – did you know?

FLORIOT (Laughing) What an old fool you must think I am!

RAYMOND And I want to marry her.

FLORIOT I can quite understand that. Well, God bless you both and make you happy! Is that all you wanted to say?

RAYMOND (Sighing deeply) Yes, that’s all.

VARENNE You see young man, that wasn’t difficult was it!

FLORIOT My boy – you’re a good fellow, and you’ve been the one joy of my life. I think Helene is worthy of you. Love her… And love her always – whatever happens! Be her friend, her guide, her mainstay – as well as her husband. Above all – do your best to understand her! Women are not always easy to understand; but don’t leave your wife out of your own life!

VARENNE Typical of a man to say that… (Beat) It’s a good job your charm serves you well Louis, otherwise we would be having words about your ‘insightful’ comments!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 86

FLORIOT (Rolling his eyes and laughing at Madame Varenne… then to Raymond) Share every one of your joys and every one of your sorrows with her. You will have hours of gloomy thought and bitterness, perhaps – most men do. But never forget in those unhappy hours that a husband has a heavy responsibility. Always remember, Raymond, my boy, that you are responsible for the life and soul and happiness of the woman who gives herself to you.

AYMOND I don’t think the responsibility will be a very heavy one in my case, father. (Beat) Father, if I may be permitted to ask a question…

FLORIOT But of course, I will help and advise as best I can…

RAYMOND (Hesitant) It is not a subject we speak of often… but lately, spending time with Helene… and thinking of a family that I hope to have myself one day – what do you think my mother would have made of my life… what I have done so far – would she have approved…

FLORIOT (Sadness in his voice) My son… (Beat, looking at Raymond and then hugging him tightly, pulling back he still keeps his hands on his son’s shoulders) You were the apple of your mother’s eye… her love for you was so great… there were times that not even I fully appreciated what she would have done for you to make your life a happy one… (Beat) Today, if she were here, hearing your news of Helene, seeing the look in your eye every time you mention her name, they almost shine brighter than the sun by the way… and I hope as the years go by they continue to do so… seeing the man you have become, your career, your decency… she would have been the proudest woman alive to simply walk along the street with you…

RAYMOND Do you really think so?

FLORIOT Without a doubt…

RAYMOND It’s funny… today I mentioned walking down the street with the woman I am defending in court tomorrow… it’s odd isn’t it that we should think so alike…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 87

FLORIOT Oh, I don’t know… like father like son and all that! (Beat) Life can sometimes prove to be exceedingly cruel, my boy. Do everything within your power to protect and care for the ones you love and hold dear… (Beat) Now… Valmorin will be here presently and I will have a talk with him. I must tell him a secret before I ask him to give you his daughter’s hand.

RAYMOND (Startled) Coming here? A secret!

FLORIOT Yes, I’ll tell you what it is afterwards…

RAYMOND (Uneasy and suddenly worried) Your secret – won’t – won’t prevent him from…

FLORIOT (Warmly) No – I’m sure it won’t. (Beat) I don’t expect that Helene will be very rich.

RAYMOND (Laughing) I don’t either!

FLORIOT You have 125,000 Francs of your mother’s fortune and I will add as much as I can myself.

RAYMOND Oh, we’ll get along alright. You seem to forget my briefs.

FLORIOT (Laughing) How impractical the young so often are! You haven’t any.

RAYMOND I have one that isn’t bringing in anything in the way of money, but it is giving me advertisement that will lead to more profitable cases.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 88

FLORIOT (Shaking his head and changing the subject slightly) Are you ready for tomorrow? I saw the presiding judge this morning and he was full of praise for you – they are going to make a place for me tomorrow.

RAYMOND But you’ll make me terribly nervous if I should catch your eye!

FLORIOT Not a bit of it! Have you really an interesting case?

RAYMOND Well, yes and no. A wretched woman who has killed her lover for no reason that anyone can find out – and she won’t speak. For the last three months she has not uttered a word in the prison that can be of any interest to anybody. (Beat) I have this very afternoon come from the prison where she is held… I tried desperately to get her to speak… but she remains silent… silent under some belief that her silence is protecting someone who would come to great harm if indeed she said anything… and when the names of the judges, the public prosecutor and her defending lawyer were sent in to her, she tore up the paper without looking at it.

FLORIOT Couldn’t the Examining Magistrate get anything out of her?

RAYMOND Nothing – and using the name he had heard from one of the press he dubbed her Madame X!

FLORIOT What sort of woman is she?

RAYMOND Oh, like all women of her kind. She is, I understand, addicted to the use of drugs, and her supply being cut off she naturally turns from stupidity to hysteria all the time. I’m afraid it’s one of the cases that are worked out before they come to trial. I don’t see how the court proceedings can last much longer than five minutes. But I’ll do my best.

FLORIOT Try pathos. Try to work on the sympathies of the judge and jury.

RAYMOND That’s what I’m going to do. I’ve been practising tears in my voice for the last three days, but I’m not going to have an easy time of it. It’s rather hard to find excuses for a woman when you don’t know why the crime was committed.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 89

FLORIOT On the contrary, that gives you every chance. See here! Your client won’t speak and, so she can’t contradict. This gives you a fine opportunity to invent a host of reasons. Make the jury respect her silence! Throw a veil of mystery over the whole crime and give your imagination play. Say that she is the victim of heredity – say anything you can think of that will work on the jury’s feelings and you have a good chance to win.

RAYMOND I had something of that in mind, but I’ll work it up stronger than I intended. (Beat) If you’ll excuse me father, I think I’ll go over my brief again and see if I can’t work in some of the things you suggested.

FLORIOT (Proud) Yes, that’s it! Shake them up… After all she may be more sinned against than sinning – or you can make them think so, anyway!

VARENNE (Preparing to leave) Sound advice from someone who knows only too-well how our justice system works… (Beat) I must take my leave… there’s a hat I must buy… (Winks at Raymond, who is clearly embarrassed) My good wishes to you both… and see you in the morning…

RAYMOND I will escort you out, Madame Varenne…

Raymond and Madame Varenne exit, Florence enters with some tea…

Immediate segue to…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 90

ACT TWO: SCENE THREE Exterior, garden

FLORIOT (Greeting her warmly) Ah, Florence… and tea… you think of everything!

They both sit, preparing to have tea together

FLORENCE Raymond’s first case! You must be extremely proud of him!

FLORIOT I am! Very proud!

FLORENCE I never look at him without thinking of his mother! (Beat) Monsieur, it’s awful to think in all these years you and Monsieur Noel have never been able to find a trace!

FLORIOT (Sombre, shaking his head) God knows we’ve hunted! (Beat) I’ve done all I can – we’ve done all we can! Detectives, advertising – everything! I haven’t told you that I went to Monte Carlo a few days ago to see a woman that seemed to answer the description – the usual result!

FLORENCE And last week I heard from Monsieur Noel, who thought he had come to the end of the hunt. It appears that the first night he reached Paris he dropped into a music-hall and thought that he recognized her on the stage. He secured an introduction to the woman… apparently, she had Jacqueline’s eyes to a line almost, but that was all. (Beat, suddenly aware that she may have over-stepped the line with her comments) I hope you don’t mind my recounting this to you…

FLORIOT (Taking her hand in his) Not at all my dear, after-all… you are family and been through this terrible ordeal with Raymond and myself… (Beat) If only I could forget her! (Beat) I think sometimes that she must be dead, or we should have found her!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 91

FLORENCE (Looking down at her feet) Perhaps! And perhaps that is the best thing that could have happened!

FLORIOT I have never – dared yet – to tell Raymond – the truth about his mother – but I must now!

FLORENCE Tell Raymond! But why?

FLORIOT He wants to marry and – and – I must tell him the truth!

FLORENCE Will you tell him the whole truth?

FLORIOT Yes! I am going to tell him everything! God knows what he’ll think of me!

Florence tries to comfort him

FLORIOT (continued) Oh, I have no illusions! Youth doesn’t make allowances! It is possible that he may love me a little after he has heard all of it, but he will never forgive me for having robbed him of his mother!

FLORENCE Why, of course, he will. He knows what kind of a man you are – what a father you have been to him – and he will not need to be told how you have suffered and repented.

FLORIOT The boy is in love. If it were not for that there might be some hope. But don’t you see? He is madly in love with a pure, beautiful girl. He will try to imagine himself throwing Helene out into the street in the rain after she has grovelled at his feet – and he will think I am a monster!

There is the sound of a door-bell ringing. Florence stands

FLORENCE (Placing her hand on his shoulder) Have faith… and be strong. Now let me see who calls on us at this hour…

Florence exits, but returns soon after with a business card

FLORIOT What is it, Florence?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 92

FLORENCE (Handing him the card) Two gentlemen who were here before and wanted to see you, Monsieur. (Beat) I apologise for not mentioning it earlier, it must have slipped my mind.

FLORIOT Do not worry yourself so… (Reading the card) Perissard? Perissard? I don’t know the name. However, Florence, show them in.

Immediate segue to next scene. As Florence exits Perissard and Merivel enter. The lights cross fade

ACT TWO: SCENE FOUR Exterior, garden

FLORIOT What can I do for you, gentlemen?

PERISSARD Have I the honour of speaking to President Floriot?

FLORIOT Yes, Monsieur. And your name is…?

PERISSARD Perissard. This is Monsieur Merivel, my associate.

FLORIOT And what business brings you to Bordeaux?

PERISSARD A matter of some delicacy, Monsieur President. (Beat) A matter which interests you personally.

FLORIOT (Raises his eyebrows) Well?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 93

PERISSARD Every man has, at one time or another in his life, reason to regret the past, and these regrets – however secretly we may hide them – remain open wounds!

MERIVEL Alas!

FLORIOT Probably true. But kindly explain yourself.

PERISSARD Monsieur President, you were Deputy-Attorney in Paris twenty years ago, were you not?

FLORIOT Yes

PERISSARD And if I am correctly informed you married a lady named Jacqueline Lefevre, at the Town Hall in the Rue Drout. She brought 125,000 francs to the marriage.

FLORIOT (Becoming uneasy) Your information is perfectly correct. But why all these questions?

PERISSARD Because they are indispensable. In family matters of this kind one cannot take too many precautions. In matters of honour, I have always said…

FLORIOT (Abruptly) My time is limited!

PERISSARD I beg your pardon, Monsieur! I beg your pardon! (Beat) I will be brief. Your marriage was not altogether as happy as it might have been, and one day you had a violent scene. You turned out of your house the lady who had the honour of bearing your name!

FLORIOT How do you know this? Who told you?

PERISSARD Ah, then it is true then. (Beat) After this incident, Madame Floriot travelled. She travelled very far away and was more or less – happy. More or less.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 94

FLORIOT (Springing to his feet) She is dead! You have come to tell me she is dead!

PERISSARD Oh, no, I haven’t!

FLORIOT She is alive?

PERISSARD Undoubtedly!

MERIVEL Most certainly!

FLORIOT And, where is she? In Paris? In France? Where?

MERIVEL Do you really mean that you don’t know where your wife is now?

FLORIOT No! No! But you’ve come to tell me, haven’t you?

PERISSARD This is most extraordinary. I should have thought with all your means of getting information…

FLORIOT I have never heard from her or of her since the day she disappeared!

MERIVEL Never?

FLORIOT Never! I thought she was dead! (Beat) You know where she is and where I can see her?

PERISSARD Indeed, I do!

FLORIOT Tell me, man! Tell me!

PERISSARD I have not been instructed to tell you.

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 95

FLORIOT Good God! Man. You don’t mean to say you refuse?

PERISSARD My – my client has so instructed me…

FLORIOT You come from her? She’s your client? What does she want? What can I do?

PERISSARD She wants the money she brought with her on her marriage!

FLORIOT 125,000 francs?

PERISSARD She wants that sum refunded to her.

FLORIOT She would have had it long ago if I had known where to find her!

PERISSARD Then you raise no objections?

FLORIOT None whatever! The money is here!

PERISSARD I will tell her what you say – word for word!

FLORIOT Give me her address so I can go and see her at once!

PERISSARD I must beg you to excuse me! I have no authority from my client to give you her address…

FLORIOT But…

PERISSARD I am only acting on instructions…

FLORIOT But what reason can she have for refusing to see me?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 96

PERISSARD I don’t know that she has any reason, but before giving you her address I must ask her permission.

FLORIOT Then you are going to see her?

PERISSARD I shall write to her. (Beat) I may confide one thing in you, I think, without exceeding my professional duty.

FLORIOT Yes?

PERISSARD May I count on your discretion?

FLORIOT Absolutely, you have my word for it!

PERISSARD Madame Floriot is in a tight place…

MERIVEL A very tight place…

PERISSARD She is penniless…

FLORIOT Great heavens…

PERISSARD Are – are you willing to send her some money?

FLORIOT (Pulling out his wallet and counting out some notes) Will you see that she gets it immediately?

PERISSARD Without a moment’s delay.

FLORIOT Here are three hundred francs – all I have on me. Send it to her at once and…

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 97

PERISSARD She shall receive the money today. (Beat) Allow me to give you a receipt. And when can I see you again Monsieur President? (Beat) Will the day after tomorrow suit you?

FLORIOT Can you have an answer by then?

PERISSARD I hope so!

FLORIOT We can go and see her together! I need not ask you to be discreet, need I? Nobody must know!

PERISSARD Monsieur President! I have not the honour of being known by you, but remember these words: Whatever may happen, we are engaged by our word of honour to remain silent – my partner, you and I!

MERIVEL Silent as the tomb!

The three men shake hands and then Perissard and Merivel leave. For a moment after the two men have gone, Floriot just stood there, fists clenched and eyes looking to the heavens.

FLORIOT Oh, Jacqueline! Jacqueline – forgive – forgive me

Soundscape… segue from domestic exterior to city scape to the inside of a full court room, which comes to order with the sound of the banging of the judge’s hammer

ACT TWO: SCENE FIVE Court room, interior

VALMORIN In the consequence of which, the woman Laroque, is accused of having, on April 3, 1934, at half- past five in the afternoon, committed an act of voluntary homicide in Room 24 of the Hotel of the Three Crowns in Bordeaux, on the person of her lover, Frederick Laroque, a crime punishable by Articles 295 and 304 of the Penal Code. (Beat)

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 98

Woman Laroque, you have heard the charge against you. You are accused of having committed an act of voluntary homicide on the person of your lover, Frederick Laroque. What have you to say in your defence? (Beat) Do you admit that you are guilty of this crime?

Raymond can be seen shuffling uncomfortably in his chair. Madame X is completely dressed in black with a veil over her face

You refuse to reply? You persist in keeping silent as you kept silent under examination. Let me beg of you, in your own interests, to speak. Your silence can only be harmful to your case. You refuse to speak? (Beat) The matter is in the hands of the jury. You shall hear the evidence against you. Let the proceedings commence.

Lights rise slightly on Perissard and Merivel

PERISSARD What did I tell you, my dear Merivel.

MERIVEL It has all been arranged!

PERISSARD Of course, it has!

The lights rise slightly on Madame X, who sees Louis Floriot and suddenly becomes uneasy. Raymond sees this and moves over to her

RAYMOND What is the matter, Madame? Are you ill?

MADAME X (Indicating Louis Floriot) What – who – who is that gentleman, talking to the judges?

RAYMOND (Relieved that she has actually spoken for the first time) President Floriot, from Toulouse. (Beat) Believe me, Madame; your silence may lose your case for you. I beg you speak! (Beat) If this is a crime passionnel then now is the time to speak…

Madame X remains silent, but does not take her eyes off Louis Floriot

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 99

VALMORIN Let us hear evidence from the first witness

The spot on Marie rises

VALMORIN State your name, age and profession

MARIE Marie Chouquet, twenty… I work as a maid at the Hotel of the Three Crowns.

VALMORIN Where do you live?

MARIE At the hotel.

VALMORIN You are no relation of the prisoner, are you, or in any way connected with her service?

MARIE No… that is correct.

VALMORIN Raise your right hand! Do you swear to speak without hatred or fear, to tell the whole truth? Say ‘I swear it’.

MARIE I swear it.

VALMORIN Put down your hand and give your evidence.

MARIE (Clearly uncomfortable) On April 3rd, a man and a woman came to the hotel…

VALMORIN What time was it?

MARIE It was shortly after lunch.

VALMORIN Go on!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 100

MARIE They had a trunk and a bag I believe. I took them up to room 24 on the top floor; it was the only one we had left. I arranged for their trunk to be brought up also. (Beat) I remember them saying that the hotel wasn’t a ‘palace’, but that it didn’t matter as they weren’t going to be there long. (Beat) They asked me to get some absinthe and cigarettes, which I got for them…

VALMORIN Did they drink much?

MARIE I didn’t notice.

VALMORIN What was the attitude of the woman?

MARIE She didn’t have any, just looked very tired…

Sound of light laughter in the court, with the judge banging down his hammer to regain order

VALMORIN Go on…

MARIE Well they were visited by a couple of gentlemen, who stayed a while and left - and then the Monsieur left. He seemed very pleased with himself. Madame called down for another bottle of absinthe and I took it to her room. (Beat) She was reading cards… and kindly read mine for me… and I took her advice about my husband and child! (Beat) The Monsieur returned, with a bottle of champagne and asked me to get two glasses and bring them to the room. (Beat) Well that’s what I did… and as I returned I could hear shouting from their room, as did some of the other guests. I knocked to see if everything was alright, but they just kept shouting and then… well, then that’s when I heard the gunshot and went into the room.

VALMORIN And what did you see?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 101

MARIE The Madame was standing holding a revolver and the Monsieur was lying on the floor. (Beat) I then called for someone to get the police. The Madame was very calm and said, ‘there was no hurry as she wasn’t going anywhere.’ (Beat) Then the police came and took her off!

VALMORIN And that’s all you know?

MARIE Yes, Monsieur.

VALMORIN The ‘Madame’ you refer to is the women sitting in this room today.

MARIE (Gingerly pointing at Madame X) She is sitting just there…

VALMORIN Prisoner, you have heard the evidence of this witness? Have you anything to say? (Beat) You insist on remaining silent?

MADAME X (Speaking very softly) Wait a little! Wait a little while!

VALMORIN Gentlemen of the Jury, have you any questions to ask the witness. (Beat) Then has the Council for the defence anything to ask the witness?

RAYMOND (Lights rise slightly on him) The witness has mentioned that my client had been drinking absinthe. I should like to know whether she thinks she was intoxicated.

Marie doesn’t answer the question at first and needs prompting

RAYMOND Would the witness like me to repeat the question? (Beat) Was she or was she not intoxicated?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 102

MARIE I would say that she was very much excited – there was a look of madness in her eyes!

RAYMOND Would you say she was drunk?

MARIE Well, some would say she was and some would say she wasn’t…

RAYMOND And what would you say…

MARIE I – I wouldn’t say

VALMORIN Council for the defence, have you any further questions for this witness?

RAYMOND No more questions, Monsieur!

VALMORIN The witness can stand down! (Beat – and then direct to Madame X) I ask you for the last time prisoner, in your own interest, to tell the jury why you committed this crime. You told the policeman who arrested you, whose sworn statement I have in writing here, that you killed Laroque to prevent him from committing an infamous and abominable act which would have caused trouble to someone you loved. (Beat) To what act did you allude? To whom would it have brought trouble? Knowledge of the reasons which caused you to commit the murder may have an important influence on the jury in reaching a verdict. (Beat) You have made up your mind to say nothing…

Lights up come on Perissard and Merivel

PERISSARD (Whispering) There you are! It’s practically over!

Lights up on Valmorin

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 103

VALMORIN Gentlemen of the jury. I shall not keep you long. The crime on which you have to give your verdict is simple and baneful. The woman has killed her lover – but who is this woman? What is her real name? Where does she come from? Who is she? We do not know! (Beat) Since her arrest the prisoner has refused to answer all questions that have been put to her. She has not spoken a syllable in reply to the Examining Magistrate, and you have seen for yourselves that here in court she has insisted on remaining obstinately silent, although her silence cannot but harm her case – if she has the slightest shred of evidence. (Beat) There is sometimes an explanation of murder – if not an excuse for it – crime passionnel for example - to be found in the motives that inspired it. Often the passion which arms the criminal’s hand, which disturbs her power of reasoning and which makes her act without thinking – this, to some extent, diminishes her responsibility and the horror which the act of murder makes every man feel. (Beat) When one or other of these reasons is brought forward, justice may be tempered with mercy. But how can you be asked to find excuses for an act, the motive of which the prisoner refused to disclose? By this very refusal we may be forgiven for believing – nay, we are forced to believe that they are the worst possible motives. (Beat) I distrust, for my part, the impenetrable mystery in which the prisoner has robbed herself, and I feel no pity for a guilty woman whose lips have not uttered a word of repentance.

MADAME X (Screaming out) I will speak presently!!!

Soundscape: There is considerable disorder in the court and it takes a few moments, and much banging of the judge’s hammer to regain order

VALMORIN (Regaining his composure) As I was saying, gentlemen of the jury, we know nothing about the woman Laroque. We have found no proof that she was ever a resident of France. (Beat) In Buenos Ayres it is not known where she came from. During her stay in South America, she did not, as far as we can learn, offend and of the laws of the country. In the month of March, she took passage on board the Amazon for Bordeaux. Nothing particular was remarked about her during the trip, excepting that she told the fortunes of the passengers with a pack of cards – that she said she was certain she would die before long, and that she was in a great hurry to return to France. (Beat)

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 104

On the afternoon of April 3rd, she arrived at the Hotel of the Three Crowns, and at half-past five she killed her lover – a man whose past will not bear scrutiny, and who has been sentenced for theft on two occasions. You have heard the evidence of the hotel maid with reference to the over-excitement of the prisoner. I will draw no conclusion from this evidence, nor is it necessary to go into the question of the prisoner’s moral responsibility, which over-excitement – caused by drink – may have effected. I will leave this phase of the case to my friend, the counsel for the defence – Raymond Floriot…

Before Raymond can say anything there is an ear-piercing scream from Madame X.

MADAME X My God! My God!

Soundscape: Again, the court is in disarray and it takes a few moments to calm everyone. Some shouts out from the onlookers. Madame X is swaying, and Raymond just manages to catch her before she falls to the floor. He sits her down in the chair

AUDIENCE (On Soundscape) For God’s sake! Stop torturing that woman!

Pandemonium ensues

AUDIENCE 2 (On Soundscape) Let her alone

AUDIENCE 3 (On Soundscape) She’s dying!

RAYMOND Are you ill? Shall I ask for an adjournment?

MADAME X No! No! I’m alright…

COURT PRESIDENT (On Soundscape) This is the most disgraceful scene that ever stained a French court! If there is another sound from the benches during these proceedings I will order the gendarmes to clear the hall

The court comes to order. Louis Floriot’s head is in his hands. Madame Varenne is looking extremely concerned for Raymond, who is trying to keep a level-head through all this commotion, whilst Perissard and Merivel look smug

VALMORIN As for the reason of the crime, I repeat that we do not know it. Now that the prisoner has promised to speak, we may learn what it was!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 105

As Valmorin gives his speech, Madame X watches Raymond intently, so proud of him. She can see that he is anxious and is almost ‘willing him’ to shine

VALMORIN You, gentlemen of the jury, will weigh in the balance of her sincerity and repentance with her guilt, and let your conscience be the judge of what punishment is proportionate to the crime she has committed.

Valmorin looks to Madame X, to the ‘jury’ and then to Raymond. The floor was now his

Silence for a few uncomfortable moments as Raymond prepares

RAYMOND Gentlemen – of the jury… (Pause as his throat is dry) I cannot – I will not try – to conceal – the very great emotion that I feel. I hope – you must pardon me… (Beat) My wish is to be cool - and to keep calm – but my eyes fill with tears in spite of all – my efforts. My heart is beating – quicker than it should! My voice is trembling – and it is all that I can do to keep from breaking down and crying like a child instead of pleading for my client – here before you. I crave your indulgence for this weakness – but it does not make me blush! (Beat) It is the first time in my life that I have come close to the bitterness of a woman’s grief and misery and – my heart is torn by the fear that I shall not be able to prove myself equal to the noble task that I have undertaken! (Pauses and wets his lips) I can find none of the arguments that I had prepared for the purpose of moving and convincing you, and my ready-made phrases have vanished from my brain, dispersed by one glance at the suffering and distress of this poor woman! (Beat) Look at her gentlemen! No words of mine can have the power of tears to move you to mercy. And there is a mystery – a veil of mystery which has not been torn by the evidence and still surrounds this woman for whom I am pleading. Who is this weeping and despairing woman? Where does she come from, and why did she kill the man with whom she lived? We do not know! (Beat) She alone can rend this veil that surrounds her life, and she refuses to do so! She alone knows the secret and keeps it. Why? So as to mislead the cause of justice? Certainly not! For if that were her object, she would speak. She would try to justify herself. She would lie, so as to appear innocent! (Beat) She could find a dozen plausible reasons for the murder of her lover! A quarrel, a violence on his part, a momentary madness – nobody could give her the lie. Nobody saw or heard what happened immediately before the murder; and Laroque, the only person in the room besides the prisoner, is dead! But my client has disdained all subterfuge! She knew perfectly well what the consequence of her act would be – and – she – has not – tried – to escape it!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 106

(Beat) ‘I killed him to prevent him from doing an infamous and shameful thing which would have brought misfortune on someone I love!’ This gentleman, tells us the secret of this poor creature. She killed this man Laroque, of whose past – as my friend the Public Prosecutor rightly said was no good was known. (Beat) Does this not explain the insistency of her silence? This woman, this poor wreck, who has been beaten down to the lowest rungs of the ladder of physical and moral misery, this wretched creature loves! (Beat) Good women will sweep their skirts from her touch in the streets, but love is in her heart, and the happiness of him or her whom she loves is dearer to her than her own life! Love was the motive that made her criminal! Love and love only! And whom does she love to the sacrifice of herself? It is a father who is respected and honoured by all in his old age? Is it a husband or lover to whom she has been false and whom she left long ago? Is it a child who knows nothing of his mother’s shame and lives unconscious and happy? (Beat) We do not know! But some such love is the secret of my client and the reason of her silence. She cares nothing for what men say of her, nor any man’s judgement of her! She does not care for her own life, and sacrifices it with gladness. (Beat) There is only one single being of importance to her, and she will not let her name be spoken lest the sentence stain her picture in the heart of the one she worships. The police have moved heaven and earth to find some trace of her past, but they have failed. (Beat) Gentleman, I ask you on your consciences – is this woman guilty? Does she deserve punishment for wiping out of existence the pestilent criminal who was threatening the happiness of the one person she loved? No, gentlemen, a thousand times – No! At the mere thought my heart cries out in protest! And you will, I know, gentlemen, share my emotion – and my conviction!

There is silence for a moment. Raymond slumps down into his chair, exhausted. Tears of joy and pride are flowing down the cheeks of Madame X

MARIE (Breaking the silence) Excuse me, Monsieur Public Prosecutor…

VALMORIN Who is speaking?

MARIE (Standing) I, Monsieur Public Prosecutor…

VALMORIN Have you anything else to say?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 107

MARIE Yes, Monsieur…

VALMORIN Well… you may speak.

MARIE (Pointing at Perissard and Merivel) Those two over there came to the hotel and asked for Monsieur Laroque before the boat came in. They came back and saw him after he arrived. I took them up to his room. (Beat) They were with Monsieur Laroque for quite some time before leaving, which is when M. Laroque went to buy champagne.

VALMORIN I see. Have you anything else to say?

MARIE No, Monsieur.

VALMORIN (Indicating for the two men to come to the bar) I have discretionary powers to question them as witnesses, although they have not previously been summoned – and I will use it.

PERISSARD (To his partner) For pity’s sake, be careful. For pity’s sake keep your mouth shut and leave it to me.

MERIVEL Don’t worry, I won’t say a word!

VALMORIN Let one of them step forward and the other remain where he is.

Perissard remains and Merivel exits

VALMORIN Your name and surname.

PERISSARD Perissard – Robert Henri.

VALMORIN Your profession?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 108

PERISSARD Confidential missions.

VALMORIN Your address?

PERISSARD 62 Rue Fribourg, Paris.

VALMORIN Tell me what you know about the murder of Laroque.

PERISSARD I know nothing about it at all, Monsieur. I know absolutely nothing. And I cannot understand…

VALMORIN Did you know Laroque?

PERISSARD I knew him years ago in Paris. About six months ago I received a letter asking for work. I offered him a place in my office, and I went to see him when he arrived. That’s all!

VALMORIN Did you come from Paris to Bordeaux on purpose to see him?

PERISSARD No, Monsieur. I had come to Bordeaux to start a branch of my Paris house here.

VALMORIN Is that the reason of your coming here today?

PERISSARD No, Monsieur. I came to Bordeaux on a special matter of business, the business of one of my clients – a very delicate affair. It concerns the honour of a well-known family, and I hope to carry it through successfully. I am honourably known in my profession, and my clients know that they can always reckon – always reckon, I repeat – on my entire discretion!

VALMORIN What did you say to Laroque in the course of your conversation with him?

PRESSARD Nothing much, minor business matters.

VALMORIN You do not know anything about the shooting?

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 109

PRESSARD Not a thing.

VALMORIN Do you know the prisoner?

PRESSARD I saw her with Laroque, but I don’t know who she is!

VALMORIN You may…

As he starts the sentence all eyes turn to Madame X who begins to rise

MADAME X (Loud, coarse voice) But I know you. You are the real cause of the murder!

Again, there is much pandemonium and it takes a while for the court to settle down

PERISSARD (Stammering) I… I…

MADAME X Yes, you! You found out I was married and that I had left my husband and you advised Laroque to find him and ask him for the money that I bought him on my marriage!

PERISSARD (Floundering slightly) Monsieur… Laroque told me during our conversation that his wife had typhoid fever last year and that her brain had suffered.

MADAME X (Turning and looking directly at Floriot) I nearly died last year, and my head was shaved. (Beat) That is why those who used to know me cannot recognise me now! (Beat) But I am not mad. (She faces Perissard) I begged and prayed Laroque not to follow your hateful advice, and he refused to listen to me. As I would not run the risk of his seeing and speaking to my son, I killed him!

Again, the court is in uproar and has to be calmed

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 110

VALMORIN The other witness… step forward… (Perissard makes for an exit) Monsieur Perissard, do not leave the court, if you please. We may want you again.

PERISSARD But I have pressing business to attend to…

VALMORIN As do we here today. Kindly sit down…

PERISSARD I really don’t understand. It’s disgraceful. I was not regularly cited – Article 313 of the Code of Criminal Instruction!

Merivel moves forward

VALMORIN Your name and surname

MERIVEL Merivel – Modiste Hyacinthe!

VALMORIN And what do you know about the murder of Frederick Laroque?

MERIVEL Absolutely nothing…

VALMORIN (Frowning) Nothing? Did you know Laroque?

MERIVEL No, Monsieur.

VALMORIN Had you never seen him? Did you not visit him with your partner at the Hotel of the Three Crowns? The hotel staff saw you!

MERIVEL They must have made a mistake!

PERISSARD (In a hushed tone) Oh, what an ass!

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 111

VALMORIN Monsieur President, the attitude of these two men is highly suspicious, and by virtue of Article 330 of the Code of Criminal Instruction, I ask you to order their immediate arrest for perjury!

PERISSARD (Standing) Look here! It’s not my fault that fool…

MERIVEL A fool you say…?

VALMORIN (Escorting both men to the stage exit and calling out after them to the gendarmes, but not leaving the stage himself) Take them away to the Examining Magistrate; they’ll be questioned later…

PERISSARD (Shouting back) You have no right to do this…

There is a still silence in the courtroom

VALMORIN Woman Laroque, have you anything to say in your defence?

MADAME X (Slowly rising) My counsel has said all that could be said. I shall never forget his kind, civil and generous words, both here today and when we met yesterday… and I thank him from the very bottom of my heart. (Beat) He truly is a man of dignity and standing, whose morals and sense of human kindness should be an example to many here… his moth… (Corrects herself) Parents… should be so proud of him… and I know his sense of right and wrong will serve him well as an Advocate of note… (Beat) He was right. I was not naturally bad. A coward broke my life and made me what I have become. I had wronged him, I admit, but I was very sorry – and hated myself for my fault. I begged his pardon – begged for it on my knees! And he told me to go – threw me out into the streets! (Beat) Me! His wife! The mother of his child! (Beat) Thanks to him I rolled in the gutter! Thanks to him I have suffered a thousand deaths – and I have killed! I hate him… (Beat)

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 112

And yet I do not complain. No, I do not complain! I have a son – a son whom I love, whom I love more than I can say. A son who deserves to hold on to the memory of a mother, a kind memory… a memory I can go to my grave holding so dear to my chest, rather than him see what I have become… (Beat)

She struggles to stand, clearly weakened. Raymond goes to her side and supports her

MADAME X (Struggling) But my boy… he does not know me! The sound of my voice – thank God! – can awaken no echo in his heart! He will never see me again – know nothing of my shame and his memory of me will be vague and sweet and beautiful; for – when I became – lost to him – he was a child! He is so far from me – now! (Beat) For my dear Advocate, a man who has done nothing other than show me compassion and ‘love’… (She stops herself for a moment and thinks about the word ‘love’) Yes, ‘love’ of a kind, which probably he himself cannot place (Beat)

MADAME X (continued) My wish for him is that he embraces and enjoys his life, to open his heart to his love and for them to journey a life together, without being afraid of showing their feelings, happiness and passion… with each other… for what else do we has people truly have… (Beat) As for my son… my beautiful son… (Beat) I wish I could have truly held his hand and him know me at this moment… what I have is a life of regret, but all that is now extinguished! (Beat) My boy, I worship you! All my heart is yours... (Beat) My one wish – is that you – should be happy…

Madame X cups Raymond’s face in her hand and dies in his arms. The lights fade on everyone with one final spotlight on Raymond holding his mother, as he looks directly to Louis Floriot… and then that fades to black.

[soundscape music builds to a crescendo as noise from the crowds in the courtroom increases… we hear a couple of distinct lines: ‘Is she dead?’ ‘Quickly, someone fetch a doctor!’… music continues to build and then fades out with final credits]

THE END

Inspired by ‘La Femme X’ • by Alexandre Bisson • © Simon James Collier 2014 / 2015 – Evcol Entertainment This audio script © Simon James Collier – November - 2017 113