Sardou came up to the professor and pressed his hand gratefully. "You
are consistent with your principles. I congratulate you; that is very
rare," he said.

The two ladies came in.

"Ah," he continued, glancing toward the pastel, after he had greeted
Madame Darbois, "Here is the model of this beautiful portrait."

The gracious lady flushed, a little embarrassed, but flattered. After
the introduction, Sardou repeated his proposal to Esperance, who, with
visible excitement, looked questioningly at her father.

"It seems to me," said Madame Darbois, timidly, "that this is rather
premature. Do you feel able to play so soon in a real theatre, before
so many people?"

"I feel ready for anything," said the radiant girl quickly, in a clear
voice.

Sardou raised his head and looked at her.

"If you think, M. Sardou, that I can play the character, I shall be
only too happy to try; the chance you give me seems to come from
destiny. I must endeavour as soon as possible to appease my dear
father for his regret for having given me my own way."

Francois would have spoken, but she prevented him, drawing closer to
him. "Oh, dear papa, in spite of yourself, I see this depression comes