But when he told her about Rose, who was triumphantly enjoying her conquest of Count Muffat, a flame came into her eyes.
"Oh, if I wanted to--" she muttered.
As became an obliging friend, he at once offered to act as intercessor.
But she refused his help, and he thereupon attacked her in an opposite quarter.
He informed her that Bordenave was busy mounting a play of Fauchery's containing a splendid part for her.
"What, a play with a part!" she cried in amazement.

"But he's in it and he's told me nothing about it!" She did not mention Fontan by name.

However, she grew calm again directly and declared that she would never go on the stage again.
Labordette doubtless remained unconvinced, for he continued with smiling insistence.
"You know, you need fear nothing with me.

I get your Muffat ready for you, and you go on the stage again, and I bring him to you like a little dog!" "No!" she cried decisively.
And she left him.

Her heroic conduct made her tenderly pitiful toward herself.