ked lovely in a little cap as a femme de chambre.

People had been surprised that M. de Cymier should have asked for the
part of the husband, a local magistrate, stiff and self-important, whom
everybody laughed at. Jacqueline alone knew why he had chosen it: it
would give him the opportunity of giving her two kisses. Of course
those kisses were to be reserved for the representation, but whether
intentionally or otherwise, the young husband ventured upon them at
every rehearsal, in spite of the general outcry--not, however, very
much in earnest, for it is well understood that in private theatricals
certain liberties may be allowed, and M. de Cymier had never been
remarkable for reserve when he acted at the clubs, where the female
parts were taken by ladies from the smaller theatres. In this school
he had acquired some reputation as an amateur actor. "Besides," as he
remarked on making his apology, "we shall do it very awkwardly upon the
stage if we are not allowed to practise it beforehand." Jacqueline burst
out laughing, and did not make much show of opposition. To play the part
of his wife, to hear him say to her, to respond with the affectionate
and familiar 'toi', was so amusing! It was droll to see her cut out her
husband in chemistry, history, and grammar, and make him confound La
Fontaine with Corneille. She had such a little air while doing it! And
at the close, when he said to her: "If I give you a pony to-morrow, and
a good hearty kiss this very minute, shall you be willing to give up
getting that degree?" she responded, with such gusto: "Indeed, I shall!"
and her manner was so eager, so boyish, so full of fun, that she was
wildly applauded, while Gerard embraced her as heartily as he liked, to
make up to himself for her having had, as his wife, the upper hand.

All this kissing threw him rather off his balance, and he might soon
have sealed his fate, had not a very sad event occurred, which restored
his self-possession.

The dress rehearsal was to take place one bright spring day at about
four o'clock in the afternoon. A large number of guests was assembled
at the house of Madame d'Avrigny. The performance had been much talked
about beforehand in society. The beauty, the singing, and the histrionic
powers of the principal actress had been everywhere extolled. Fully
conscious of what was expected of her, and eager to do herself credit in
every way, Jacqueline took advantage of Madame Strahlberg's presence to