[4] In a criticism of M. Paul Hervieu’s _Le Dédale_ given in _The Fortnightly Review_ series of articles upon “French Life and the French and the French Stage,” by John F. Macdonald. By the kind permission of the Editor of _The Fortnightly Review_ these articles are reprinted here.—F. M. 4. PARIS, M. EDMOND ROSTAND, AND “CHANTECLER” Six years have elapsed since a Paris newspaper announced that M. Constant Coquelin—dear, wonderful Coquelin _aîné_—had suddenly taken train to the south-west of France in the following circumstances:— “Yesterday morning the greatest of our comedians received a telegram urging him to proceed without delay to Cambo, the tranquil, beautiful country seat, in the Pyrenees, of M. Edmond Rostand. No sooner had he read the message than M. Coquelin bade Gillett, his devoted valet, pack a valise, hail a _fiacre_, and accompany him to the Gare d’Orléans. Excitement and delight were depicted on the face of the distinguished traveller, whom we found smoking a cigarette in front of a first-class compartment. ‘Yes,’ he joyously admitted. ‘Yes, I am off to the Pyrenees—but that is all I shall tell you.’ Never, indeed, such indomitable discretion! In reply to our adroit, persuasive questions regarding the object of his journey, M. Coquelin made such irrelevant observations as these: ‘The weather looks threatening,’ and ‘Gillett is the most admirable of valets,’ and ‘Ah, my friends, has it ever occurred to you what an extraordinary thing is a railway station?’ And then, as the train steamed slowly away: ‘You may state in your article that the cushions of this carriage are exceedingly restful and sympathetic.’ Still, in spite of M. Coquelin’s reticence, we are in a position to acquaint our readers with the reason of this sudden, this sensational visit to Cambo. _M. Edmond Rostand is engaged upon a new play, and the leading part in it will be sustained by M. Coquelin._ Down there in the golden calm of the Pyrenees—yes, even as we pen these words—the most exquisite of poets is reading to the most brilliant of actors... another _chef-d’œuvre_. It will surpass the triumphant, the glorious _Cyrano de Bergerac_! Parisians will certainly rejoice, Parisians will assuredly be thrilled to hear of the superb, artistic festival in store for them.”