Page:Rachel (1887 Nina H. Kennard).djvu/76

 word, and Alfred, knowing by experience the capriciousness of the great tragedian, drew unfavourable conclusions from her silence. When he saw her in the autumn, she said nothing of a piece. Rose Chéri was at that time acting with great success in Clarissa Harlowe. Alfred expressed the high opinion he had of the young girl before Rachel. The latter immediately showed signs of displeasure, and treated the poet with such scant courtesy that a day or two after he returned the ring, which she seemed to have forgotten.

Four years later, in the spring of 1851, Rachel gave a dinner in the house she had had built in the Rue Trudon. Alfred de Musset was invited. When dinner was announced the mistress of the house took his arm. On the way to the dining-room they had to pass along a narrow staircase. Alfred stepped on Rachel's dress. She said, with one of her queenly airs, "When you give your arm to a lady you ought to take care where you walk."

"When people have become princesses," answered the poet, "and build a mansion, they ought to command their architect to build a wider staircase."

The beginning of the evening was unpropitious. After dinner, however, peace was made. Alfred recalled regretfully the time when he had partaken of supper with Roxane off tin plates. Rachel was amused at the recollection.

"You think, perhaps, seeing my present luxury and riches, that I am not so good-hearted as I was then. I will prove the contrary."

"How?" asked Alfred.

"By going to see you and begging you to write something for me."