One day Perrin came to see me in my sculptor’s studio. He began to talk at first about my busts; he told me that I ought to do his medallion, and asked me incidentally if I knew the _rôle_ of Phèdre. Up to that time I had only played Aricie, and the part of Phèdre seemed formidable to me. I had, however, studied it for my own pleasure. “Yes, I know the _rôle_ of Phèdre. But I think if ever I had to play it I should die of fright.” [Illustration: A CORNER OF THE LIBRARY ] He laughed with his silly little laugh, and said to me, squeezing my hand (for he was very gallant), “Work it up. I think that you will play it.” In fact, eight days after I was called to the manager’s office, and Perrin told me that he had announced _Phèdre_ for December 21, the _fête_ of Racine, with Mlle. Sarah Bernhardt in the part of Phèdre. I thought I should have fallen. “Well, but what about Mademoiselle Rousseil?” I asked. “Mademoiselle Rousseil wants the committee to promise that she shall become a Sociétaire in the month of January, and the committee, which will without doubt appoint her, refuses to make this promise, and declares that her demand is like a threat. But perhaps Mademoiselle Rousseil will change her plans, and in that case you will play Aricie and I will change the bill.” Coming out from Perrin’s I ran up against M. Régnier. I told him of my conversation with the manager and of my fears. “No, no,” said the great artiste to me, “you must not be afraid! I see very well what you are going to make of this _rôle_. But all you have to do is to be careful and not force your voice. Make the _rôle_ rather more sorrowful than furious—it will be better for every one, even Racine.” Then, joining my hands, I said, “Dear Monsieur Régnier, help me to work up Phèdre, and I shall not be so much afraid!” He looked at me rather surprised, for in general I was neither docile nor apt to be guided by advice. I own that I was wrong, but I could not help it. But the responsibility which this put upon me made me timid. Régnier accepted, and made an appointment with me for the following morning at nine o’clock. Roselia Rousseil persisted in her demand to the committee, and _Phèdre_ was billed for December 21, with Mlle. Sarah Bernhardt for the first time in the _rôle_ of Phèdre. This caused quite a sensation in the artistic world and in theatrical circles. That evening over two hundred people were turned away at the box office. When I was informed of the fact I began to tremble a good deal. Régnier comforted me as best he could, saying, “Courage! Cheer up! Are you not the spoiled darling of the public? They will take into consideration your inexperience in important leading parts,” &c. These were the last words he should have said to me. I should have felt stronger if I had known that the public were come to oppose and not to encourage me.