"MONSIEUR,--When I was engaged at the Français, it was on the express condition that I should begin in _Antony._ That condition was ratified in my agreement as the basis of the contract into which I entered with the management of the Théâtre Richelieu. Now, the Government decides that the piece received at the Théâtre-Français in 1830, censured under the Bourbons, played a hundred times at the Porte-Saint-Martin, thirty times at the Odéon and once at the Italiens, cannot be acted by the king's comedians. A lawsuit between the author and M. Thiers will settle the question of rights. But, until that law-suit is decided, I feel myself compelled to cease appearing in any other piece. I am anxious, at the same time, to make clear that there is nothing in my refusal which can injure the authors of _une Liaison_, to whom I owe particular thanks for their generous dealings with me. "MARIE DORVAL" This was the serious and sad side to the situation; then, when she had accomplished this duty towards herself,--and especially to her family, of whom she was the only support,--Dorval was desirous of repaying M. Étienne [M. Jay], after her own fashion, not having the least doubt that I should also pay him back in my own way some day or other. I came across the fact that I am going to relate in an album which the poor woman sent me when dying, and which I have tenderly preserved. "On 28 April 1834, my appearance in _Antony_ at the Théâtre-Français was forbidden, at the solicitation, or rather upon the denunciation, of M. Antoine Jay [M. Étienne], author of _Joconde_ and editor of the _Constitutionnel._ I conceived the idea of sending him a crown of roses. I put the crown in a card-board box with a little note tied to it with a white favour. The letter contained these words: 'MONSIEUR,--Here is a crown which was flung at my feet in _Antony_, allow me to place it on your brow. I owe you that homage. "'Personne ne sait davantage Combien vous l'avez mérite!'" "MARIE DORVAL" Below the signature of that good and dear friend, I discovered two more lines, and the following letter:-- "M. Jay [M. Étienne] sent back the box, the crown and the white favour with this note-- "'MADAME,--The epigram is charming, and although it is not true it is in such excellent taste that I cannot refrain from appropriating it. As for the crown, it belongs to grace and talent, so I hasten to lay it again at your feet. "A. JAY [ÉTIENNE] "30 _April_ 1834"