they have to say. The press has
been practically unanimous every morning in making fun of the piece and
the author. If I enter a reading room I cannot pick up a paper without
seeing: "Absurd as 'Hernani'; silly, false, bombastic, pretentious,
extravagant and nonsensical as 'Hernani'." If I venture into the
corridors of the theatre while the performance is in progress I see
spectators issue from their boxes and slam the doors indignantly. Mlle.
Mars plays her part honestly and faithfully, but laughs at it, even in
my presence. Michelot plays his resignedly and laughs at it behind my
back. There is not a scene shifter, not a super, not a lamp lighter but
points his finger at me.

To-day I dined with Joanny, who had invited me. Joanny plays Ruy Gomez.
He lives at No. 1 Rue du Jardinet, with a young seminarist, his nephew.
The dinner party was sober and cordial. There were some journalists
there, among others M. Merle, the husband of Mme. Dorval. After dinner,
Joanny, who has the most beautiful white hair in the world, rose, filled
his glass, turned towards me. I was on his right hand. Here literally is
what he said to me; I have just returned home and I write his words:

"Monsieur Victor Hugo, the old man, now unknown, who two hundred years
ago filled the role of Don Diegue in 'Le Cid' was not more penetrated
with respect and admiration in presence of the great Corneille than the
old man who plays Don Buy Gomez is to-day in your presence."

MADEMOISELLE MARS.

In her last illness Mlle. Mars was often delirious. One evening the
doctor arrived. She was in the throes of a high fever, and her mind was
wandering. She prattled about the theatre, her mother, her daughter,
her niece Georgina, about all that she held dear; she laughed, wept,
screamed, sighed deeply.

The doctor approached her bed and said to her: "Dear lady, calm
yourself, it is I." She did not recognise him and her mind continued to
wander. He went on: "Come, show me your tongue, open your mouth." Mlle.
Mars gazed at him, opened her mouth and said: "Here, look. Oh! all my
teeth are my very own!"

Celimene still lived.

FREDERICK LEMAITRE.

Frederick Lemaitre is cross, morose and kind. He lives in retirement
with his children and his mistress, who at present is Mlle. Clarisse
Miroy.

Frederick likes the table. He never invites anybody to dinner except
Porcher, the chief of the claque.* Frederick and Porcher "thee-thou"
each other. P