Page:Rachel (1887 Nina H. Kennard).djvu/119

 could would get up a game of cards or loto with her family. If she lost twenty or thirty sous, she became furious, and raged against the whole world. Then her brother would ask her for two thousand francs, of which he stood in pressing need, and she would give them without a word. The fact is that in money affairs, as in everything else, Rachel was a singular mixture of contradictions and inconsistencies. Many instances were recorded of the impulsive generosity with which she would offer or give presents to her friends, and then repent of her prodigality and retract the offer or take back the present again. "If I were obliged to give all I have ever promised," she said once, alluding to this propensity to a friend, "the whole world would not furnish me with the means."

Now and then, however, those who knew her, aware of this weakness, insisted on making her keep her word. One day a matter-of-fact friend admired a beautifully embroidered chair that stood in the actress's boudoir.

"It is my work, let me give it to you as a remembrance. I insist upon sending it to your rooms."

"I am so much obliged, but, as you do give it to me, I will take it now and not trouble you to send it."

"But," she said, perplexed, "how do you propose to take it?"

"You will see."

In a moment he ran down-stairs, and returning shortly with a commissionaire, told him to carry off the prize.

She gave a ring to Dumas the younger, who handed the gift back, with the words, "I return it, so that