We were told of the project yesterday by
Mounet-Sully, and if you approve...."
"On my word, my dear fellow," cried out the professor, delightedly,
"you will do me a real service, I was just considering about writing
to Esperance's godfather!"
"What a narrow escape! papa darling, and what a horrid surprise you
were plotting without giving any sign!"
"Then you prefer this arrangement? You accept Maurice and Jean as your
knights-errant? I am delighted with the arrangement, and I hope that
Mlle. Frahender will raise no objection."
The gentle old lady smiled at them all. She was very fond of Jean
Perliez, and Maurice Renaud's high spirits delighted her.
It was decided that Jean, as most responsible, should be in charge of
all the details of the journey. Francois Darbois led him into the
library and entrusted him with a goodly sum of money.
"This should cover your expenses. I count upon you, my young friend,
and I thank you."
He paused a moment, then asked affectionately, "Have you no hope?"
"None," replied Jean, simply, "but what does it matter, but to-day, at
least, I am quite happy!"
Two days after this visit, the notice of the first rehearsals was
received. Esperance was at the theatre long before the hour required,
and went at once towards the stage. The curtain had just been raised,
and the lamp of the servant dusting served only to lighten the gloom.
Followed by Mlle. Frahender, the young girl traversed the corridor
ornamented with marble busts and pictures of the famous artists who
had made the house of Moliere more illustrious by their talent.
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