Why, if all of us actors and actresses were sent to the guillotine there would be no play on the morrow.

Artistes are not replaceable in a few hours; those that are in existence must perforce be spared, or the citizens who govern us now would not know where to spend their evenings." But though she spoke so airily and with her accustomed gaiety, it was easily perceived that even on this childish mind the dangers which beset every one these days had already imprinted their mark of suspicion and of caution.
"Come into my dressing-room," she said.

"I must not tarry here any longer, for they will be putting out the lights.

But I have a room to myself, and we can talk there quite agreeably." She led the way across the stage towards the wooden stairs.

Armand, who during this brief colloquy between his friend and the young girl had kept discreetly in the background, felt undecided what to do.