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"Monsieur Verdoux" 303
gist's to pick up a vial of chloroform, having learned that Annabella has just withdrawn her money from the bank. While he is making the purchase, the president of the "Salt Water Fuel Co." (which transforms salt water into gasoline) tries to sell stock to Annabella, but Verdoux manages to get back in time to drag her away. She is enraged and that night he sleeps alone. In the morning Verdoux takes his departure. Train wheels.
In his office Verdoux rapidly turns the pages of the directory. He calls on Mme. Grosnay and is rebuffed. In a florist shop he orders the girl to send three dozen roses and orchids to be delivered to Mme. Grosnay — twice a week for two weeks.
Back home Verdoux discusses poisons with the local druggist, dwelling on a formula which leaves no trace in the body. "Think what an arch criminal could do with it. . . ." Train wheels.
Back at his Paris office, Verdoux prepares to experiment with the new poison. In the rain he meets a young girl, offers her his umbrella, invites her to his place, and learns her story. She is from Belgium, has been up against it, has done a turn in jail for pawning a rented typewriter. "Nothing is permanent in this world — not even our troubles," he assures her. In the kitchen he prepares refreshments and the poison.
She continues her story and he learns that her husband, a disabled war veteran, died while she was in jail, but she still holds to her ideals. He is deeply touched. Removing the poison glass, he gives her money and sends her on her way. "This is a ruthless world and one must be ruthless," he advises her. It is "a blundering world" and "a little kindness goes far." She retorts, "Goodbye and thank you." Verdoux shrugs.
Detective Morrow arrives to ask a few questions. Verdoux pours him a drink. "Do you know Thelma Varnay?" "Lydia Florey?" Verdoux denies any acquaintance with