AN EVENING WITH EACHEL. 369 Rachel — Never mind ! If people think that I am too young, and that the part is not suitable to me, what then, parbleu ! There were many who thought the same when I played Roxane; and what harm did it do me ? If they say I am too thin, I maintain that it is a betise. A woman who has an infamous passion, but dies rather than yield to it ; a woman who has been dried up in the fires of affliction, such a woman cannot have a chest like Madam Paradol. It would be a contradiction in nature. I have read the part ten times in the last eight days. How I shall play it I do not know ; but I tell you that I feel it. In vain the newspapers object ; they will not disgust me with the part. The newspapers, instead of helping me and encouraging me, exhaust their ingenuity in injuring me. But I will play that part if only four persons come to see me! Yes (turning to De Musset), I have read certain articles full of candor and of conscience, and I know nothing better or more useful ; but there are people who use their weapons only to lie, to destroy ! They are worse than thieves or assassins. They kill the soul with pin pricks ! 0, it seems to me that I could poison them. Mother — My dear, you do nothing but talk ; you tire yourself out. This morning you were up at six o'clock ; I do not know what your legs are made of. After talking all day you played this evening. You will make yourself sick. Rachel (eagerly') — No ; let me alone ! I tell you, no I It is that which keeps me alive. Would you like me (turning to De Musset) to go and get the book ? We will read the piece together. The Poet — Would I like it ! You could propose noth- ing more agreeable to me. Sarah — But, my dear, it is half-past eleven. Rachel — Very well ; who hinders you from going to bed?
