"Those at the Gymnase played very well to-night; the piece pleased them; the dialogue was witty and keen." "Like those of Beaumarchais," said Lady Dudley.
"Monsieur Nathan is not Moliere as yet, but--" said Madame d'Espard, looking at the countess.
"He makes vaudevilles," said Madame Charles de Vandenesse.
"And unmakes ministries," added Madame de Manerville.
The countess was silent; she wanted to answer with a sharp repartee; her heart was bounding with anger, but she could find nothing better to say than,-- "He will make them, perhaps." All the women looked at each other with mysterious significance.

When Marie de Vandenesse departed Moina de Saint-Heren exclaimed:-- "She adores him." "And she makes no secret of it," said Madame d'Espard..