"Stop!" he said slowly, arresting St.Pierre, who continued her efforts to drag me after her.

Everybody awaited the decision.

He was not angry, not irritated; I perceived that, and took heart.
"You do not like these clothes ?" he asked, pointing to the masculine vestments.
"I don't object to some of them, but I won't have them all." "How must it be, then?
How accept a man's part, and go on the stage dressed as a woman?
This is an amateur affair, it is true--a _vaudeville de pensionnat;_ certain modifications I might sanction, yet something you must have to announce you as of the nobler sex." "And I will, Monsieur; but it must be arranged in my own way: nobody must meddle; the things must not be forced upon me.

Just let me dress myself." Monsieur, without another word, took the costume from St.Pierre, gave it to me, and permitted me to pass into the dressing-room.

Once alone, I grew calm, and collectedly went to work.