"Our 'Dona Sol' is sick, very sick, and her understudy is not equal to such an occasion. The last examination you passed in Hernani delighted us with your manner of interpreting the rôle. We will give you all the rehearsals you need at the Comedie; you will be assisting at a work of charity, and you will be recompensed for whatever outlay or expense that you may incur."
Esperance drew herself up. "If my father will give his consent for me to make my own reply…."
"Yes," said the professor simply.
"Then I will say … thank you, father dear," she said, tremulously, "I will say that I am happier than I can possibly tell you, at the great honour you have done me, but that I do not want any recompense."
Mounet-Sully started to speak.
"Oh! no, I beg you, do not spoil my joy."
"Then, we will take care of your travelling expenses, and those of your party."
She contracted her beautiful eyebrows a little. "Oh! M. Mounet-Sully, I am rich just now, think of all the money that I have made these four months that we have been giving Victorien Sardou's play. I don't want anything, I am glad, so glad…."
She kissed her father and her mother impulsively, and also the astonished old Mademoiselle.
"What about me?" asked Mounet-Sully gaily; "do I not get my reward?"