"
"Oh! I have seen the notices," said Esperance, "with artistes of the
Comedie, even in the smaller roles. What would I not give to see that
production!"
Mounet-Sully smiled. "If your father will give his permission,
Mademoiselle, you can certainly see it; for I have come to ask you to
take part therein."
"What do you mean?" asked M. Darbois curiously.
"Our '_Dona Sol_' is sick, very sick, and her understudy is not
equal to such an occasion. The last examination you passed in
_Hernani_ delighted us with your manner of interpreting the role.
We will give you all the rehearsals you need at the Comedie; you will
be assisting at a work of charity, and you will be recompensed for
whatever outlay or expense that you may incur."
Esperance drew herself up. "If my father will give his consent for me
to make my own reply...."
"Yes," said the professor simply.
"Then I will say ... thank you, father dear," she said, tremulously,
"I will say that I am happier than I can possibly tell you, at the
great honour you have done me, but that I do not want any recompense."
Mounet-Sully started to speak.
"Oh! no, I beg you, do not spoil my joy."
"Then, we will take care of your travelling expenses, and those of
your party."
She contracted her beautiful eyebrows a little. "Oh! M. Mounet-Sully,
I am rich just now, think of all the money that I have made these four
months that we have been giving Victorien Sardou's play.
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