Proust is not in his room when Céleste shows the players into it. She waits a while as they find places to prop up their scores.

Massis moves a pot to prop up his.

Céleste unsmilingly removes it.

Whilst Céleste is occupied, Massis removes an ornament.

Céleste frowns and leaves the room.

The musicians continue to collect books and ornaments to use as makeshift music stands.

They begin to tune up, which leads to some musical larking about.

This is still going on when Proust comes in, followed by Céleste.

Gentil, Massis and Poulet are aware of his entry and fall instantly silent, leaving Ruyssen to look foolish.

They then do a more orthodox tuning up as Proust lies on the chaise longue.

PROUST   Forgive me for lying here, but for me it is the best position when listening to music.

POULET   Monsieur would like the Franck Quartet.
Proust nods and closes his eyes.
They begin to play.

INT. PROUST’S APARTMENT. KITCHEN. NIGHT.

Céleste puts a tray of glasses on the table, gets some plates out and puts them to warm, watched by Odilon, who sits at the table.

INT. PROUST’S BEDROOM. NIGHT.

The musicians continue to play.

In between movements the players look at each other but do not dare to speak.

Proust does not open his eyes or stir.

They start to play the second movement.

Proust listens intently.

INT. PROUST’S APARTMENT. KITCHEN. NIGHT.

Céleste is frying the mashed potatoes.

Odilon watches.

INT. PROUST’S BEDROOM. NIGHT.

The Quartet ends.

Proust applauds.

PROUST   Bravo! Superb!

POULET   We’ve played it better.

RUYSSEN   Not at one o’clock in the morning.

PROUST   So perhaps you’d do me the exquisite kindness of playing it again?

RUYSSEN   Now?

PROUST   You’re right. An entr’acte.

INT. PROUST’S APARTMENT. HALL/KITCHEN CORRIDOR/SALON/ PROUST’S BEDROOM DOOR. NIGHT.

A procession of two, Céleste with linen, cutlery, plates, etc., and Odilon bringing up the rear with the food and drink.

Odilon waits just outside the bedroom while Céleste takes in the crockery, linen and champagne.

Odilon closes the door and waits outside.

INT. PROUST’S BEDROOM. NIGHT.

The players tucking in, all except Poulet, who drinks but does not eat. Céleste replenishes their glasses.

CÉLESTE   Monsieur is not eating?

POULET   Oh, I have to be careful. It is very late.

PROUST   I understand. I too suffer.

RUYSSEN   You not eating yours? Don’t mind if I do.
Ruyssen leans over and takes Poulet’s.
Odilon waits just outside the bedroom door.
Ruyssen is taking out a pack of cigarettes as Céleste is filling his glass. She shakes her head. Ruyssen puts the cigarette pack back in his pocket. 
Massis starts to get up.

MASSIS   Er …

PROUST   Céleste.

CÉLESTE   Monsieur.

INT. PROUST’S APARTMENT. CORRIDOR BY LAV/HALL/DINING ROOM. NIGHT.

Massis comes out of the lav. He is alone.