Comédie Française over his daughter's grave; at the same time stating his distinct wish that it should not be Monsieur Samson. The sociétaires resented this insult to their comrade, and no one would take the place of him whom they knew Rachel had loved so well, in spite of the differences that now and then occurred between them.
"Maman Félix," as Rachel always called ner mother, was a true daughter of Israel in her stern and unbending virtue, and in her submission to her irascible and rapacious husband. She bore him many children, and spent many years of her life striving to earn enough to keep the wolf from the door. Rachel ever cherished the deepest affection and respect for her mother. Reverence for parents is one of the traditions of the Jewish race, and in the Félix family it was carried to an almost extreme extent. Even in the full tide of her popularity and fame the great actress remained equally submissive and humble to her parents. Mademoiselle Avenel, one of the "company" who went with Rachel to Germany, recounts an incident that occurred in Berlin. Rachel, wishing to present some souvenir of her gratitude to the Princess Charlotte of Prussia, concluded that the present most likely to gratify her was a copy of Emile Angier's Diane, a unique copy presented to Rachel by the author, and containing on the fly-leaf some complimentary verses addressed to herself. A note had to be written to accompany this offering, and to assist in inditing this Mademoiselle Avenel was called into council. While thus engaged, Rachel requested her mother to ring the bell for the servant. The old lady rose to do so, but not as quickly as her impatient daughter thought necessary, and she reiterated rather peremptorily, "Mais sonnez donc, ma
