I had looked forward to the probability of beholding her from afar off, if she was ever to be seen on the boards of the Theatre Francais; but to be admitted to her presence--received in her house--introduced to her in person ...

it seemed ever so much too good to be true! Dalrymple smiled good-naturedly, and put my thanks aside.
"It is a great sight," said he, "and nothing more.

She will bow to you--she may not even speak; and she would pass you the next morning without remembering that she had ever seen you in her life.

Actresses are a race apart, my dear fellow, and care for no one who is neither rich nor famous." "I never imagined," said I, half annoyed, "that she would take any notice of me at all.

Even a bow from such a woman is an event to be remembered." "Having received that bow, then," continued Dalrymple, "and having enjoyed the ineffable satisfaction of returning it, you can go on with me to the house of a lady close by, who receives every Monday evening.
At her _soirees_ you will meet pleasant and refined people, and having been once introduced by me, you will, I have no doubt, find the house open to you for the future." "That would, indeed, be a privilege.