esses and better scenery, and
finally in a couple of months' time, if all went well, they should be
ready to make their real bid for fortune at Nantes. It was quite true
that distinction was usually demanded of the companies appearing at
the Feydau, but on the other hand Nantes had not seen a troupe of
improvisers for a generation and longer. They would be supplying a
novelty to which all Nantes should flock provided that the work were
really well done, and Scaramouche undertook--pledged himself--that
if matters were left in his own hands, his projected revival of
the Commedia dell' Arte in all its glories would exceed whatever
expectations the public of Nantes might bring to the theatre.

"We'll talk of Paris after Nantes," he finished, supremely
matter-of-fact, "just as we will definitely decide on Nantes after
Redon."

The persuasiveness that could sway a mob ended by sweeping M. Binet off
his feet. The prospect which Scaramouche unfolded, if terrifying, was
also intoxicating, and as Scaramouche delivered a crushing answer to
each weakening objection in a measure as it was advanced, Binet ended by
promising to think the matter over.

"Redon will point the way," said Andre-Louis, "and I don't doubt which
way Redon will point."

Thus the great adventure of Redon dwindled to insignificance. Instead
of a terrifying undertaking in itself, it became merely a rehearsal for
something greater. In his momentary exaltation Binet proposed another
bottle of Volnay. Scaramouche waited until the cork was drawn before he
continued.

"The thing remains possible," said he then, holding his glass to the
light, and speaking casually, "as long as I am with you."

"Agreed, my dear Scaramouche, agreed. Our chance meeting was a fortunate
thing for both of us."

"For both of us," said Scaramouche, with stress. "That is as I would
have it. So that I do not think you will surrender me just yet to the
police."

"As if I could think of such a thing! My dear Scaramouche, you amuse
yourself. I beg that you will never, never allude to that little joke of
mine again."

"It is forgotten," said Andre-Louis. "And now for the remainder of my
proposal. If I am to become the architect of your fortunes, if I am to
build them as I have planned them, I must also and in the same degree
become the architect of my own."

"In the same degree?" M. Binet frowned.

"In the same degree. From to-day, if you please, we will conduct
the affairs of this