“Yes.”
He took his place at her side and they continued up the boulevard, Andree silent and apparently preoccupied; Monsieur Robert laughing, gay, exerting all his great charm and displaying his high abilities in droll humor. Occasionally Andree looked up at him a moment and smiled, but for the most part she was serious and gave what answers were required of her in monosyllables. They found a table on the sidewalk of the café and gave their orders.
“Mademoiselle desires to enter the Académie?” said he.
“Yes.”
“It is not easy to gain admission, which is correct. It is not every one who is fit.... There are the examinations, which are difficult.”
“I have not fear of the examinations, for I have studied very much. It is that—” She hesitated.
“That you have not an influential friend to make the recommendation. Is that it?”
“Yes.”
He laughed easily. “Why do you wish to become an actress?”
“Because I must do something—I must find a career, because it is necessary to eat. The stage is very well. I think I can do it; I have always felt I was for the stage.”