1825. He made his first appearance at the Odéon in November 1843 at the same time as his younger sister. We can imagine how inexperienced he must have been, since Rachel, in the preceding month of July, does not know whether he has definitely decided on a theatrical career or not.
My dear Little Big Raphaël,
The motive which prevented you from writing to me sooner is too praiseworthy to allow me to be the least offended. I am not astonished at your sympathy for poor Victor, and now I regret sincerely that I did not listen to him when he described his position, which I could hardly believe to be so desperate; but now I am a little consoled since the charity he required has come from the family. Thanks for him and thanks for myself.
Now, dear little brother, tell me what are your pursuits and intentions for the future?—for you have no time to lose. You will soon be a man, and you ought to know that the frock does not make the monk (que l'habit ne fait pas le moine). If, as I foresee, your vocation is for the theatre, try at least to elevate the art; make a conscientious business of it, not to achieve a position, as a young girl out of a convent is married that she may be able to dance six times at a ball instead of three, but because you love it, and have a passion for those works that feed the mind and guide the heart aright. My dear little brother, you have just rendered so great a service to a young man that I must express my approbation by proffering advice to you.
A woman can achieve an honourable position without, perhaps, having that polish the world justly calls education. Why? you will ask. Because a woman does not lose any of her charm, but on the contrary, by observing an extreme reserve of manner and demeanour. A woman answers questions, she does not ask them; she never opens a discussion, she listens. Her natural desire to please makes her wish to educate herself. She retains what she learns, and, without a solid foundation, she thus acquires that superficial culture which often passes for real culture. But a man—what a difference! All that a woman cannot know is all-important to a man. By culture he increases his pleasures, diminishes his sufferings, varies his joys, and passes, besides, for un homme d'esprit. Meditate on this, and if at first it seems hard to you, remember that you have a sister who will be proud, happy in your success, a sister who will love you with all her heart. I hope this letter will not have wearied you, but that, on the contrary, you will sometimes employ your leisure time reading it.
I embrace you tenderly.
