Read "Captain Fracasse" by Théophile Gautier online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
EPILOGUE
It will be readily believed that our sweet Isabelle had not forgotten, in her exceeding happiness as Mme. la Baronne de Sigognac, her former companions of Hérode's troupe. As she could not invite them to her wedding because they would have been so much out of place there-she had, in commemoration of that auspicious occasion, sent handsome and appropriate gifts to them all; offered with a grace so charming that it redoubled their value. So long as the company remained in Paris, she went often to see them play; applauding her old friends heartily, and judiciously as well, knowing just where the applause should be given. The young _baronne_ did not attempt to conceal the fact that she had formerly been an actress herself-not parading it, but referring to it quietly, if necessary, as a matter of course; an excellent method to disarm ill-natured tongues, which would surely have wagged vigorously had any mystery been made about it. In addition, her illustrious birth and exalted position imposed silence upon those around her, and her sweet dignity and modesty had soon won all hearts-even those of her own sex-until it was universally conceded that there was not a greater or truer lady in court circles than the beautiful young Baronne de Sigognac.