I went into the theatre; as I had indeed foreseen, from the fourth act to the end it was more than a success, it was an increasing delirium: all hands applauded, even those of the ladies. Madame Malibran, who had only been able to find a seat on the third row, leant right out of her box, holding on to a pillar to keep herself from falling. Then, when Firmin appeared to give the name of the author, the enthusiasm was so universal that even the Duc d'Orléans himself stood up and called out the name of his employé, the success of whose work--if not the most merited, at least the most striking of the epoch--had just caused him to be greeted as a poet. That very night, when I returned home, I found a letter from M. le Baron de Broval, which I will give word for word:-- "I cannot sleep without first telling you, my dear young friend, how very happy I am at your splendid triumph, without congratulating you and, above all, your estimable mother most heartily, for I know you felt more anxious on her behalf than on your own. My sister and I and all at the office sympathised deeply with you; and now we rejoice at a triumph justly deserved both on account of your very great and persevering talent and your filial devotion. I am very sure that your laurels, and the success in wait for you in the future now laid open before you, will not stand in the way of your friendships, and I assure you that my feelings towards you are very warm. BARON DE BROVAL" "10 _February_ 1829" This was the man who, five months before, had compelled me to renounce my salary! CHAPTER XVII The day following my victory--_Henri III._ is interdicted--I obtain an audience with M. de Martignac--He removes the interdiction--_Les hommes-obstacles_--The Duc d'Orléans sends for me into his box--His talk with Charles X. on the subject of my drama--Another scribbler--Visit to Carrel--Gosset's shooting-box and pistols No. 5--An impossible duel