Page:The life and writings of Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) (IA lifewritingsofal00spurrich).pdf/114

 embroiled with the theatres, and in particular with the Comédie Française—he gives an amusing account of his "Odyssey" at the Française in the "Souvenirs Dramatiques";—and now that fame and fortune had come to him he determined, with his usual magnificence of ideas, to have not only his own chateau, but also his own theatre, where no jealousies should come between his genius and the success of his plays. The young Duke of Montpensier secured for the dramatist a patent for the new theatre, which was to be called the "Théâtre Montpensier"; the Hôtel Foulon, on the Boulevard du Temple, was bought and pulled down, and in its place the new theatre rose—a splendid building costing over £30,000, decorated most artistically and dedicated by its founder to the dramatic art of Europe. Unfortunately for Dumas, the Duke—at the instance of his father, Louis Philippe, it is said—withdrew this permission for the use of his name, and accordingly the new playhouse was christened the "Historique." On the 21st of February 1847 the first performance was given; the duke and his suite being present. The play chosen was a dramatised version of "La Reine Margot."

There is an anecdote told in this connection, which is truly illustrative of the characters of prince and author respectively. When, after the Revolution of '48, the Duke went into exile, his box was religiously