She had remonstrated with her father when the new
partnership was first formed. She had lost her temper with him,
and called him a fool, whereupon M. Binet - in Pantaloon's best
manner - had lost his temper in his turn and boxed her ears. She
piled it up to the account of Scaramouche, and spied her opportunity
to pay off some of that ever-increasing score. But opportunities
were few. Scaramouche was too occupied just then. During the week
of preparation at Fougeray, he was hardly seen save at the
performances, whilst when once they were at Redon, he came and went
like the wind between the theatre and the inn.
The Redon experiment had justified itself from the first. Stimulated
and encouraged by this, Andre-Louis worked day and night during the
month that they spent in that busy little town. The moment had been
well chosen, for the trade in chestnuts of which Redon is the centre
was just then at its height. And every afternoon the little theatre
was packed with spectators. The fame of the troupe had gone forth,
borne by the chestnut-growers of the district, who were bringing
their wares to Redon market, and the audiences were made up of people
from the surrounding country, and from neighbouring villages as far
out as Allaire, Saint-Perrieux and Saint-Nicholas.
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