account of the respect I owe to the man by whom we had the honour of being governed, and for the respect I owe to myself. My devotion has thus, you see, been the cause of the dismissal of our director. I might have deplored this in silence, had not his resignation revealed the extent of the evil wrought by my zeal. In presence of this fact, of which I was involuntarily the cause, I did not think, it possible to remain any longer a member of the Théâtre Français. This is the reason of my retirement. * * * *
Let me say, also, that I am not the only member of the company who laments the inconveniences and vices of self-government. Everyone of them knows it is no longer feasible. We are all unanimous in the wish to see the power concentrated in the hands of a director, who would give to our administration the strength it needs, and would guarantee to each actor the freedom and repose so much needed for the exercise of his art.
I have waited in vain a whole year for this happy solution. The term fixed for my withdrawal has come. It is not without profound regret, Madame, that I take leave of this stage which recalls so many happy memories. They say I intend to seek for success far from France. They are mistaken. Where should I find a public like the one I leave? The memory of its kindness to me, of its indulgence, its appreciation, will not be effaced so easily. I will add one word more: applause is a necessity of my life. I gave my last representation at the Rue de Richelieu yesterday; but I shall look forward to appearing on the little theatre you propose to build in your garden. A thousand thanks, Madame, for having taken the trouble to read my long and tiresome letter.
As we have seen, Rachel resigned on the 14th October; on the 29th she wrote again to Madame de Girardin. We give the first part of it in French, for it is in Rachel's best style:—
