The Idol of Paris

riette"), and in tragedy a scene from Iphygenia. Adhemar Meydieux often came to inquire about his goddaughter's studies. He wished to hear her recite, to give her advice; but Esperance refused en

o have chosen this scene from Les Femmes Savantes. Molière's genius has never exhibited finer raillery than in this play." And he enlarged upon the psychology of "Henriette's" character until Madame Darbois realized with surpri

the drama, learning by heart and reciting aloud the most beautiful parts of French literature. Her parents, listening with pleasure to her recitations of Ronsard or Victor Hugo, little guessing that the child was already dreaming of the theatre. Often since then, Madame Darbois had reproached herself for having foreseen s

correction of a book he was about to publish, when he saw her coming into his library. He turned towards her and, regar

ing disturbed you." He pressed her close against his heart without speak

erself on her father's neck: "Oh, father, dear father, I am so happy that you must not suffer; you love me so much th

daughter's velvet cheek. "Go, my

went to the same bench, where they had sat upon t

holding ostentatiously, "There are still five pupils before you, Mademoiselle

ement. "I don't understand," she

n, "you must have an '

non' and a 'Clytemne

now that," stamme

young man of evident refinement. "Here is Mlle. Hardouin, who is willing to give you the cues for 'Armande' and 'Clytemnestra,' and M. Jean Perliez, who will do t

and lived with a sister ten years older, who had been a mother to her. They adored each other. The older

theatrical career until he should have completed his studies at college. He had obeyed, gradu

t over the two scenes Espe

ave, Mademoiselle," said G

ished the scene of Iphygenia, Jean Perliez turned to Mada

er the cues." She smiled that benevolent smile, which always lig

bending towards Madame Darbois, "May I be permitted, Madame, to ask your daughter to give

ted to reply and look

young lady, in great spirits. And without more ado,

w 'Junia' by heart." And, indeed, the rehearsal passed off without a slip, and the

, "Is she any good, tha

Perliez rep

the miniature stage where the examinations were held

child!" exclaimed

race," murmured Delaunay, the well-

torpor. The judges, no longer bored and indifferent, followed her words with brea

settling themselves to the best advantage for listening. Here in itself was a miniature triumph, repressed by the dignity assumed by all the judges, but which Esperance a

vestibule. "Tell me, please, Mademoiselle, ar

," the girl answ

ndeed, proud to be able to present our compliments to you. You have an ex

curtsied as she replied, "My father will be very happy that these words

nt quickly

d her mother moved towards the library. Marguerite, the maid, stopped the

, Marguerite, since papa is n

selle, but I should not say that there w

sperance ran to the door and fell into the arms of that dea

ear, that I ma

ready," annou

ance; "papa, mama, and I,

ently removed he

a, I want to tell

r child, I kno

seemed surprise

mist; who is, like me, a father who feels d

made a l

s.... I know that you showed unusual simplicity as 'Henriette,' and emotion as 'Iphygenia.' Perliez's son, whom I used to know when he was no higher than that," he

r-reaching, than at the Bar. Oh! but yes! You remember, don't you, mama, how disturbed you were by M. Dubare's plea on behalf of the assas

ideas," rem

not said a thousand times that discussion is the

that every word he had spoken in her hearing, all the seed t

e Darbois, "where did

pelled by the same extreme anxiety towards the scene of our sacrifice. It is not really necessary to

out Esperance with rapture, "Ma

selle, I knew

They listened silently, and heard the door open, an

t once. "I will see him

er mother and read with her the celebrated name, "Victorien Sardou." Together they ques

elicate pastel, signed Chaplain-a portrait of Madame Darbois at twenty. At the professor's entry, he turned round and excl

an?ois Darbois that I have the

se evinced by the professor as, without speak

ast book, Philosophy is not Indifference, is, in my opinion, a work of real beauty. Your doctrine

l had to hear eleven pupils. He began laughing and talking very fast, in his habitual manner: "I must tell you, however, why I have come; your daughter, who passed her examination this morning, is very excellent. She has the making of a real artist; the voice, th

I promise her a good part, an engagement only

t me," he said, touching the bell, "to send for my daughter. It is with great anxiety, I admit to you, that I ha

sk Madame and Mademo

d gratefully. "You are consistent with your princip

ladies

ancing toward the past

is the model of this

fter the introduction, Sardou repeated his proposal to Esperance,

at this is rather premature. Do you feel able to pl

g," said the radiant girl

his head and

o try; the chance you give me seems to come from destiny. I must endeavour as soon a

im. "Oh, dear papa, in spite of yourself, I see this depression comes

who was trembling, "Do not be alarmed, dear Madame; we still have six or eight months before the plan will be ready for realizatio

, "I promised to give

Per

l be pleased to escort you, Madame," he added, bowing politely to Madame Darbois, "and this

en shook hands, anticipating that, h

He saw himself in the church of St. Germain des Pres, kneeling beside Germaine de Gossec, trembling with emotion and happiness. A cloud of sadness passed over his face: now he was following the hearse of his father-in-law, who had committed suicide, leaving behind him a load of debt. The philosopher's expression grew proud and fierce. The first thirteen years of his marriage had been devoted to paying off this debt: then came the death of th

at interest while the young girl explained her theories on art and life. "What a strange little being," he thought, and his pe

at the foot of the stairs. At sight of them his face lighted up. "

mazement. "How could I forg

Victorie

rance laughing; "yesterd

tes believed that they had been accepted; several had even received encouraging applause; others, who had been r

here was a flattering stir, as much in pleasure at seein

nicus, M. Jean Per

s, 'Junia,'" pro

had not been able to contain his admiration? The young actors could not decide. Each one believed sincerely the success w

ds, shall we not, M. Pe

ois held out her hand to him, he kissed it politely,