CHAPTER X
Following the fiasco of her lost engagement at the Ambigu, Sarah Bernhardt visited her old and faithful friend, Camille Doucet. She was kept waiting some minutes in an ante-room, and, on being bidden eventually to go into his office, almost ran into a tall, handsome young man, who had been in conference with Doucet. The man stopped and apologised, and Sarah was conscious of two deep-set blue eyes regarding her with a real interest.
“Is this not Mademoiselle Sarah Bernhardt?” the tall man asked. On Sarah’s hesitating admission that he was right, the man continued:
“I have just been talking to Doucet about you. Come in, and we will see him together.”
Sarah followed him, not knowing who her new acquaintance was, nor understanding the nature of his business with her. Once in Camille Doucet’s office, however, she was quickly informed.
“This is Pierre Berton, junior,” said Doucet, introducing her. “He would like to see you a member of his company at the Odéon.”
Sarah was overwhelmed. Pierre Berton was then one of the most popular actors on the French stage; he was also, after Mounet-Sully, the handsomest. To have been singled out by him for a part at the Odéon was an honour she had never dared dream of. There was no actor in France with whom she would sooner have worked.
Sarah was too much taken aback at the sudden proposition to say much. Extending her hand to Berton, she thanked him with a smile.
“There is, however, an obstacle,” went on Doucet. “I have just learned this morning that the Odéon staff has been reorganised and that Chilly has been named co-director with Duquesnel.”