Page:Rachel (1887 Nina H. Kennard).djvu/90

 contradict or withstand him. We have read Védel's description of his behaviour when he declared his daughter should not act Bajazet.

Fortunately, these occurrences were rare. The same sense of justice that influenced him in his money affairs influenced him in his treatment of his children. Proud as he was of his marvellous daughter, he never allowed himself to bestow undeserving or exaggerated praise. He had a natural instinct on the subject of dramatic art, and often gave Rachel advice, of which she was not slow to see the wisdom, and by which, in many instances, she profited largely. He was frequently present at the lessons she took from Samson, and the following amusing account of his interference, quoted from one of the Parisian papers of the time, is given by Madame de B (?):—

The word "Toujours" is to be spoken in Mademoiselle Rachel's rôle. M. Samson advises his pupil to utter it with head erect, loud voice, and firm, resolute tone.

"Thus, raising your head, say, 'Toujours.

M. Félix who is present, interposes.

"No, that 's not the way; you must say it mildly, with great feeling; thus, casting your eyes to heaven, 'Tou-jours!

M. Samson (annoyed).—"It must be said authoritatively."

M. Félix (getting obstinate).—"It must be spoken tenderly, pathetically."

M. Samson (waxing testy).—"I am her teacher, and must not be interfered with."

M. Félix (furious).—"I am her father, and must be obeyed."

Mademoiselle Rachel, quite bewildered, says the fatal word "toujours" no matter how. M. Samson thinks he discovers the intonation suggested by father Félix, and becomes indignant.

"You are an ungrateful pupil. You are indebted to me for success, and this is how you behave. I've done with you; adieu!"

Mademoiselle Rachel, dismayed at having offended her professor, without whose assistance she can do nothing, says "toujours" as he wishes. There is no mistaking her this time, and father Félix, in his turn, flies into a passion.