With
beating heart, she descended the four steps that led to the stage.
There she stopped shivering. She seemed to see shadows drawing near
her, and her hand clenched that of the old Mademoiselle.
"What is it, Esperance?"
"Nothing, nothing."
"Was that not Talma, down there, and Mlle. Clairon and Mlle. Mars, and
Rachel, that magnificent, expressive masque there ... look?"
Mounet-Sully came in. Esperance still seemed in a dream.
"Your pardon, master, the atmosphere of glory that one breathes here
has intoxicated me a little."
During the rehearsal the music of the voice of the new "_Dona
Sol_" blended charmingly with the powerful accents of the great
actor, so that all the artists listened with emotion and delight.
In the final act, when "_Dona Sol_," beside herself, raises her
poignard to "_Don Ruy Gomez_," saying, "I am of the family,
uncle," there was an outburst of "Bravos" for Esperance, who, erect
and trembling, shoulders thrown back, had just sobbed these words in
a vibrant voice between clenched teeth. With her pale face and
out-stretched arm, she might have been the statue of despair
struggling with destiny.
Madame Darbois was heavy hearted to have her go. It was the first time
that she had been parted from her daughter for even a few days. She
often looked at her husband, hoping that he would understand her
anxiety and urge her not to go, too. Jean and Maurice came to escort
Esperance, who had been ready for a long time.
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