After the rehearsal of _Les Femmes Savantes_, when they finished the scene of _Iphygenia_, Jean Perliez turned to Madame Darbois and inquired the name of Esperance's instructor. "Why, she had none. My daughter has worked alone; I have given her the cues." She smiled that benevolent smile, which always lighted her features with a charm of true goodness and distinction. "That is indeed remarkable," murmured Jean Perliez, as he looked at the young girl. Then bending towards Madame Darbois, "May I be permitted, Madame, to ask your daughter to give me the cues of '_Junia_' in _Britannicus_? The young lady who was to have played it is ill." Madame Darbois hesitated to reply and looked towards Esperance. "Oh! yes, mama, of course you will let me," said that young lady, in great spirits. And without more ado, "We must rehearse, must we not? Let us begin at once." The young man offered her the lines. "I don't need them," she said laughing, "I know '_Junia_' by heart." And, indeed, the rehearsal passed off without a slip, and the little cast separated after exchanging the most enthusiastic expressions of pleasure. A comrade asked Perliez, "Is she any good, that pretty little blonde?" "Very good," Perliez replied curtly. Everything went well for Esperance. Her appearance on the miniature stage where the examinations were held caused a little sensation among the professor-judges. "What a heavenly child!" exclaimed Victorien Sardou. "Here is truly the beauty of a noble race," murmured Delaunay, the well-known member of the Comedie-Française. The musical purity of Esperance's voice roused the assembly immediately out of its torpor. The judges, no longer bored and indifferent, followed her words with breathless attention, and when she stopped a low murmur of admiration was wafted to her. "Scene from _Iphygenia_," rasped the voice of the man whose duty it was to make announcements. There was a sound of chairs being dragged forward, and the members of the jury settling themselves to the best advantage for listening. Here in itself was a miniature triumph, repressed by the dignity assumed by all the judges, but which Esperance appreciated none the less. She bowed with the sensitive grace characteristic of her. Genevieve Hardouin and Jean Perliez congratulated her with hearty pressures of the hand. As she was leaving Sardou stopped her in the vestibule. "Tell me, please, Mademoiselle, are you related to the professor of philosophy?" "He is my father," the girl answered very proudly. Delaunay had arisen. "You are the daughter of François Darbois! We are, indeed, proud to be able to present our compliments to you. You have an extraordinary father. Please tell him that his daughter has won every vote." Esperance read so much respect and sincerity in his expression that she curtsied as she replied, "My father will be very happy that these words have been spoken by anyone whom he admires as sincerely as M. Delaunay."