A great deal has been said about Rachel's avarice, and many were the accusations made against her in Paris. But, before believing them, we must remember that the good and bad qualities of a woman, placed in such a position as hers, are always exaggerated by the public, and she, with her proud unyielding nature was not likely in any way to endeavour to mitigate their adverse opinion or to seek to gain a favourable one. That she inherited the great fault of her race, love of money, there is little doubt; and yet, from numerous sources, we know of instances of royal munificence shown to people who could be of no use to her, and from whom she could expect no return.
During her tour in Russia, she showed her openhanded generosity to the poor of St. Petersburg by writing to Prince Odowsky: "I took my benefit yesterday. To-day I remember the poor. Is it not the truest proof of happiness to remember the unhappy? I hope you will accept a portion of my profits for them, and, believe me, you will add to my gratitude by taking this gift from an artist who sympathises with all her heart in those sentiments which induce us to mitigate the miseries of our suffering fellow-creatures." Another to Count Pahlen is written to the same effect. It is true that she carried back from the Russian campaign profits to the extent of 300,000 francs, and that, to a certain degree, this 300,000 francs was filched from the pockets of her comrades at the Comédie Française, this congé being taken in direct opposition to their wishes and interests. "Est il gentil de M. Houssaye de me laisser faire cela, car il pourrait me le defendre!" She knew perfectly well that the new manager, Arsène Houssaye, her "directeur spirituel," as she was pleased to call him, when he allowed her to do
