"True, the boxes are scarcely occupied," was the rejoinder.
"The stalls, too, are empty."
"Well, when they see her name on the bill, it acts on the house like an air pump."
"Hence, what an idea to put up the price of the seats!"
"A fine benefit. I will bet that the takings would not fill a money box or the foot of a stocking."
"Ah! There she is in her famous red velvet costume."
"She looks like a lobster."
"How much did you make out of your last benefit?" said another actress to her companion.
"The house was full, my dear, and it was a first night; chairs in the gangway were worth a louis. But I only got six francs; my milliner had all the rest. If I was not afraid of chilblains, I would go to Saint Petersburg."
"What, you are not yet thirty, and are already thinking of doing your Russia?"