randmother ... I have little to reproach myself as to my
past life, and now I look on at the lives of others, sometimes much
interested. I am like the subscribers to the Opera, who know the whole
repertory by heart, but who can always hear some passages with
pleasure and who encourage the debutants.

Condensed and translated for 'A Library of the World's Best
Literature,' by E. Irenaeus Stevenson.

REFORMING A FATHER

From 'A Prodigal Father'

[The ensuing dialogue occurs in the first act of the play.
The Count de Ravonnieres and his son Andre reside together in
their comfortable bachelor's establishment in Paris, and are
devotedly attached to one another. The count, unfortunately,
has only grown more careless of money, more a gay man of the
world, as he has grown older; and blessed with a youthfulness
of physique and temperament that nothing impairs, he is as
thriftless as he is fascinating. His son, accordingly, has
had to be the economist of their resources, which are at a
dangerous ebb. As the scene opens, the count is preparing to
take luncheon, with Joseph, the confidential servant of the
house, in attendance.]

_Joseph_--Monsieur is served.

_Count de Ravonnieres_--Very well. You will please go to my florist
Lemoine, the Opera florist,--you know who I mean,--and tell him to
send, to-day, with my card,--he has a lot of cards of mine in
advance,--to Mademoiselle Albertine de la Borde, 26 or 28 Rue de la
Paix--I don't exactly remember the number that the lady gave me--

_Joseph_--No. 26.

_Count_--Ah! You know her address, do you?

_Joseph_--Yes, sir.

_Count_--To send her a bouquet of white lilacs and roses. And I don't
need you any more: go at once. [_Joseph bows, and hands the Count a
large envelope._] What's all this?

_Joseph_--Some law papers that have come in your absence, sir, which I
did not think ought to be forwarded to Dieppe.

_Count_ [_without taking the papers_]--Quite right. Has my son seen
them?

_Joseph_--No, sir.

_Count_--Very well; don't let him see them. Put them away with the
others.

_Joseph_--May I beg monsieur to say a good word for me to his son?

_Count_--As to what, Joseph?

_Joseph_--Your son, sir, has just told me to look out for another
situation; and I am so attached to the family--

_Count_--Oh, I will straighten all that out; if my son sends you away
I will take you into our service again. Come