A horrible catastrophe occurred in Belgium, leaving the inhabitants of the lower quarter of Brussels without shelter or clothing. Relief was organized on all sides, and the Theatre-Française announced a great representation of _Hernani_ to be given as a benefit for the sufferers in the Royal Theatre de la Monnaie in Brussels. The star who had undertaken "_Dona Sol_" fell ill ten days before the performance was due. The Comedie was much embarrassed, for the usual understudy of the indisposed actress was an amiable echo, with little talent. Mounet-Sully thought immediately of Esperance and obtained permission to make whatever arrangements he could with her. His arrival at the Darbois home occasioned great excitement. "I claim your indulgence in the name of charity, Monsieur," he said to François. "The Comedie-Française finds itself in the most awkward quandary. We have prepared a big gala performance at La Monnaie, to raise money for all those poor Belgian sufferers." "Oh! I have seen the notices," said Esperance, "with artistes of the Comedie, even in the smaller rôles. What would I not give to see that production!" Mounet-Sully smiled. "If your father will give his permission, Mademoiselle, you can certainly see it; for I have come to ask you to take part therein." "What do you mean?" asked M. Darbois curiously. "Our '_Dona Sol_' is sick, very sick, and her understudy is not equal to such an occasion. The last examination you passed in _Hernani_ delighted us with your manner of interpreting the rôle. We will give you all the rehearsals you need at the Comedie; you will be assisting at a work of charity, and you will be recompensed for whatever outlay or expense that you may incur." Esperance drew herself up. "If my father will give his consent for me to make my own reply...." "Yes," said the professor simply. "Then I will say ... thank you, father dear," she said, tremulously, "I will say that I am happier than I can possibly tell you, at the great honour you have done me, but that I do not want any recompense." Mounet-Sully started to speak. "Oh! no, I beg you, do not spoil my joy." "Then, we will take care of your travelling expenses, and those of your party." She contracted her beautiful eyebrows a little. "Oh! M. Mounet-Sully, I am rich just now, think of all the money that I have made these four months that we have been giving Victorien Sardou's play. I don't want anything, I am glad, so glad...." She kissed her father and her mother impulsively, and also the astonished old Mademoiselle. "What about me?" asked Mounet-Sully gaily; "do I not get my reward?" She held up her forehead for a salutation from the artist, who took leave of the family, glowing with delight at the good news he had to carry back to the Comedie. "To-morrow you will get a schedule of rehearsals," he called from the doorway.