Just as he was wondering what to do for the best, Jeanne's pallor gave way to a rush of colour to her cheeks. She read the telegram to him: "We have been defeated at Woerth. They are taking me to a house near by. Amputation probable. Pray for me. My love, darling.--ROGER." Belcourt glanced at the telegram and saw that it was unintelligible, but a kind of alphabet on the table showed him that it had been written by signs agreed upon. He stood as though thunderstruck. Suddenly Jeanne put on a hat and threw a long brown cloak over her stage dress. "What are you going to do?" he exclaimed. "I am going to Roger!" "But, in Heaven's name, Jeanne, stay a little while. The curtain will be going up. Think what you are doing. You will be ruined--you will spoil your whole life. Wait till to-morrow!" "Listen," said Jeanne, in a clear, decided tone. "It is now a quarter to ten. I know there is a train from the Gare de l'Est at eleven, for I have sent my letters by a friend of Roger's who is going by it. If you prevent my going by that train, you see this dagger; well, I will kill myself with it!" Louis stepped back, dazed and horror-struck. Jeanne opened the door, went quickly out by a back door, and Louis followed her, watched her hail a cab, and drive away. * * * * * When Belcourt re-entered the theatre he found everyone behind the scenes in a terrible state of excitement. Mlle de Bolney could not be found. The house was impatient, and the manager desperate. He was sending for the police that she might be found and arrested. Suddenly Belcourt, at the idea of the possible fatal consequences of Jeanne's flight, determined on a bold move. He stepped up to one of his friends who had been taking part in the play, whispered to him, and appeared to be begging him to consent to what he asked. Finally the friend yielded, opened the door and walked towards the stage. Then Belcourt, pushing away the director and stage manager who attempted to stop him, gave the signal to lift the curtain, and appeared himself before the house. A deep silence ensued. [Illustration: "SHE IS OVERWHELMED BY THE NEWS."] "Ladies and gentlemen," said Belcourt, "Mlle. de Bolney has received a telegram announcing that there has been a disaster on the German frontier and our army has sustained a defeat. She is overwhelmed by the news, and we must ask you to have patience until she feels able to continue her rôle." A dismal silence followed these words. Belcourt's friend now stepped forward and executed the order he had received:-- "We, too, are surely as good patriots as Mademoiselle de Bolney! Surely the play ought not to be finished before a French audience, who have just heard that our army is defeated!" Cries of "_Bravo!_" were heard, and, unanimously, the whole house rose and prepared to leave the theatre. Belcourt had saved the honour of Jeanne and of the theatre.