To use a metaphor, one might say that the contralto and bass were in the lower regions, the soprano floating in heaven, the tenor groping about on earth for his note; then we all meet on the same place we started from, which is the signal for the chorus to unite their forces with ours.
The Marquis was dreadfully put out with me because I refused to faint on the stage (in the text it says Rosette tombe évanouie). He said nothing was easier. I had only to put my arms out to break the fall and—fall. He thought that with a little practice between the afternoon and the evening I should be able to do it.
I could see myself covered with bruises tumbling about over sofas and chairs, and I could see the bewilderment of any one coming into my room while I was practising this part of my rôle.
I said, "I absolutely refuse to risk my neck." He thought it was very selfish of me. One would have thought that the whole success of the operetta depended on my fainting. He said he could show me how to fall without hurting myself, and in trying to do so he tripped over the vase and bumped his head against the garden bench. Fortunately he did not damage himself, but the argument ended then and there.
At half-past four my maid came to the theater to tell me that the Empress expected me to tea. I had thought she would, as she had promised the answers to those questions; and so it was. As soon as I appeared (I had had time to change my dress) the Empress called me to her and said:
"Here are the answers to your American soul-probing questions! These are mine (giving me hers) and here are the Emperor's. He was very pleased to write them, as it was you who asked him; besides, I think they amused him. He spent a long time pondering over each answer. You see," she added, with her lovely smile, "nous vous aimons bien."
I was very glad to have the answers. I copy them for you.
A quelle qualité donnez-vous la préférence? À la gratitude.
Quels sont vos auteurs favoris? Tacite.
Quelles sont vos occupations favorites? Chercher la solution de problèmes insolubles.