“I would like to see you in my place, monsieur, forced to go through the same routine for four months, and at the fifth, when you think you have finished, discover that your care and labor have been wasted.”
“Now, my dear Bruin,” said Adéonne, “do not be ferocious: we will be very docile.”
“I am not ferocious. But why the devil does monsieur meddle with matters that do not concern him?”
“Do not pay any attention to him. He is not a musician,” responded the cantatrice.
After the lesson, Adéonne took Eusebe aside.
“My dear,” said she, “you do not understand theatrical affairs. We are going to rehearse on the stage. I beg you will not make any observation: you would only render yourself ridiculous, and me also. Go into the auditorium, and be silent.”
“I will be silent,” responded Eusebe, who seated himself in the most obscure corner of the auditorium, which seemed to him a vast tomb.
“To your places!” cried the régisseur. “Attention! Adéonne Pepita enters. Not there:—from this side. You are to go there.”
Adéonne commenced:—