She held up her forehead for a salutation from the artist, who took leave of the family, glowing with delight at the good news he had to carry back to the Comedie.
"To-morrow you will get a schedule of rehearsals," he called from the doorway.
Madame Darbois was worried about the journey, and Mlle. Frahender agreed to accompany Esperance. It was decided that Marguerite should go to look after them. The faithful soul had practically brought up the child; her zeal and devotion were unfailing.
But M. Darbois raised the objection, "You should have a man with you."
The door bell rang, then they heard a voice, "In the salon? Don't bother to announce me, I'll go up!"
Maurice Renaud entered immediately, followed by Jean Perliez.
"Well, my boy," said François Darbois to his nephew, "you are quite a stranger; it must be a month since we saw you last. You are most welcome."
He shook hands cordially with both young men. He was struck by Jean's sad expression and hollow cheeks. "You are not looking like yourself, my friend."
Jean did not hear this, he was gazing at Esperance, so pretty in her feather toque.
"We are come, uncle, expressly to ask your permission to accompany my cousin to Brussels. We were told of the project yesterday by Mounet-Sully, and if you approve…."