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170 That is not impossible. But I am more concerned to become a great author. There is no reason why you should sniff. The calling is an honourable one. All the world is proud to know such men as Beaumarchais and Chénier."

"And you hope to equal them?"

"I hope to surpass them, whilst acknowledging that it was they who taught me how to walk. What did you think of the play last night?"

"It was amusing and well conceived."

"Let me present you to the author."

"You? But the company is one of the improvisers."

"Even improvisers require an author to write their scenarios. That is all I write at present.  Soon I shall be writing plays in the modern manner."

"You deceive yourself, my poor André. The piece last night would have been nothing without the players.  You are fortunate in your Scaramouche."

"In confidence—I present you to him."

"You—Scaramouche? You?" She turned to regard him fully. He smiled his close-lipped smile that made wrinkles like gashes in his cheeks. He nodded.

"And I didn't recognize you!"

"I thank you for the tribute. You imagined, of course, that I was a scene-shifter.  And now that you know all about me, what of Gavrillac?  What of my godfather?"

He was well, she told him, and still profoundly indignant with André-Louis for his defection, whilst secretly concerned on his behalf.

"I shall write to him to-day that I have seen you."

"Do so. Tell him that I am well and prospering.  But say no more. Do not tell him what I am doing.  He has his prejudices too. Besides, it might not be prudent.  And now the question I have been burning to ask ever since I entered your carriage.  Why are you in Nantes, Aline?"

"I am on a visit to my aunt, Mme. de Sautron. It was with her that I came to the play yesterday.  We have been dull at the château; but it will be different now.  Madame my aunt