Mildred Pierce1945

Monte:
You went to considerable trouble to get rid of me once. So naturally, I'm startled by your proposal of marriage. This is so sudden.

Mildred:
I have my own personal reason for wanting to marry you.

Monte:
A reason named Veda, I think.

Mildred:
Why should it be?

Monte:
'Cause your reason for doing anything is usually Veda.

Mildred:
Well, whether it is or isn't, what's your answer?

Monte:
I can't afford you, Mildred. You have money and I haven't. All I have is pride and a name, and I can't sell either.

Mildred:
I see.

Monte:
I'm not enjoying this, Mildred. Things are very different now from the way they were in the beginning.

Mildred:
I know. I haven't forgotten.

Monte:
Neither have I. I want you to love me again the way you did then. I need that more than anything else. I'm lost without it. I told you that day I knew you were the only woman in the world for me. I loved you then, Mildred, and I love you now.

Mildred:
Well then why...

Monte:
I can't marry you. I won't go on taking tips from you as I used to. Of course, if I owned a share in your business...

Mildred:
Oh I see. I think I understand now. How much of a share would your pride require, Monte?

Monte:
Please don't put it that way, Mildred. You know it hurts me to do this. I'm only doing it because I...

Mildred:
How much of a share?

Monte:
One third.

Mildred:
All right. [He moves to kiss her. She raises her glass to block him.] Sold. One Beragon.