"Ah! you are very cunning, my big dog.... But I had forgotten, he is not here, he is away in the country."
"I have some news to tell you."
"What is it?"
"That I have withdrawn Antony from the Théâtre-Français."
"Oh! you have done well! It was the same with Hugo, you know; he took Marion Delorme from them and brought it to us. I am playing the part of Marion."
"Well, what do you think of the piece?"
"I think it extremely fine.... I do not know how I shall get on, however. Just think-verses. Can you imagine me as a tragedienne"
"But I do not think it is your first attempt."
"Oh! in Marino Faliero, you mean?"
"Goodness! how the part of Helena did bore me! You saw me in that, didn't you?"