Page:Rachel (1887 Nina H. Kennard).djvu/112

 pantomime with him, in which both are supposed to be whispering words of love to one another. This is what passed:—

Rachel (smiling coquettishly).—"You are angry with me for what took place this morning, M. Samson?"

Samson (looking at her affectionately).—"Dear me, no! the proceeding was most gracious."

Rachel (pretending to be deeply grieved).—"I was obliged to go out, and had quite forgotten our appointment."

Samson (tenderly).—" How could you expect me not to be flattered by such oblivion!"

Rachel (raising her eyes and looking at him).—"It was on important business. I see you do not believe me."

Samson (apparently charmed).—"I, not believe you? Impossible!"

Rachel (looking down).—"Come to-morrow, I will tell you the real reason."

Samson (smiling gently).—"Ah! it was not the real reason I was given, then? But it is quite impossible to call on you again, quite impossible."

Rachel (as if she were making a proposal).—"I will come to you, then."

Samson (triumphant).—"You will not find me at home."

Rachel (still tenderly).—"You will not teach me my rôle, then?"

Samson (apparently quite conquered).—"I do not like caprices and impertinences."

Next day Samson wrote to his pupil, telling her that he would not ask her to appear in her new rôle of Cléopâtre for his benefit, but would be satisfied with whatever part of her repertoirerépertoire [sic] she chose to act. Rachel's pride was deeply offended; she imagined that all the success of the representation depended on her and on her alone. Still more offended when she learnt that Madame Arnould Plessy was coming from St. Petersburg to offer the support of her talent and name for the benefit of her old master. She had been absent for ten years in Russia, and the Parisians were anxious to see the actress once so popular.

Rachel and Beauvallet had arranged to act in Andromaque, Samson and Madame Arnould in Les Fausses Confidences, aided by Madame Desmousseaux. The tragedy was received rather coldly by the large and brilliant audience that crowded the theatre in every part. All the success was for Plessy, who acted charmingly, and Samson, the "beneficiare." Both were recalled several times, and saluted by thunders of applause and showers of bouquets.

A supper had been arranged for all the performers at