Nina H. Kennard
Published: 2012-02
Total Pages: 158
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIX. LAST JOURNEY. Rachel returned to Paris, and, on the ist July, 1857, ceased to belong officially to the Theatre Francais. In her letter of resignation she does not attempt to stipulate for any terms or continuance of her salary: --A Monsieur Empis, Administrateur Ge'ne'ral de la Come'die Franqaise, --J'ai le regret profond de vous annoncer que ma sante ne me permet pas d'esperer ma rentree prochaine au Theatre Frangais. J'accepterai done ce que la comite decidera a 1'egard de ma retraite. Agreez, &c. The very brevity of this letter shows that Rachel herself looked upon it as a supreme farewell to her artistic career. It was accompanied by a doctor's certificate, to the effect that, although her health had improved, she could not reappear on the stage for some time, and must spend the winter in the south of France. Meantime she quitted her hotel in the Rue Trudon, and established herself in an apartment in the Place Royale. "It is on the way to Pere-la-Chaise," she said, with a smile, "and my friends will have more room here on the day of my funeral." She wrote to a friend: --I am very ill; I am on the eve of departure, --not for another world, but for a warmer climate. My nervous system, as well as my bodily health, must be built up, if it is not too late. I feel a great darkness and void in my head and in my intelligence. All is suddenly extinguished, and Rachel has ceased to exist! Ah, poor Rachel! that Rachel of whom I was so proud, --too proud, perhaps; nothing remains of her to-day! This letter is to bid you farewell, my friend, that farewell which the distance that separates us forbids us to say personally to one another. What events have passed since our last meeting, and what a cruel voyage! I cannot speak of it wit...