"Rest yourself thoroughly," she said, "for we are going to take you to the theatre this evening—to the Français."
THE THÉÂTRE FRANÇAIS, TO WHICH SARAH BERNHARDT WAS TAKEN TO SEE HER FIRST PLAY WHEN HER DESTINY FOR THE STAGE HAD BEEN DECIDED. From a Photo.
I felt sure that this was just a bait, and I would not show any sign of pleasure, although in my heart I was delighted at the idea of going to the Français. The only theatre I knew anything of was the Robert Houdin, to which I was taken sometimes with my sister, and I fancy that it was for her benefit we went, as I was really too old to care for that kind of performance.
"Will you come with us?" mamma said, turning to Mlle. de Brabender.
"Willingly, madame," she replied. "I will go home and change my dress."
My aunt laughed at my sullen looks.
"Little fraud," she said, as she went away, "you are hiding your delight. Ah, well, you will see some actresses to-night."
"Is Rachel going to act?" I asked.
"Oh, no; she is ill."