"There are bold creatures that go of their own accord, without waiting
to be carried off."
"And there are others who are NOT carried off, that would like to be,"
retorted the soubrette, "but the desire is not sufficient; a few charms
are needed too."
At this point the equerry who had advanced to meet the chariot made a
sign to them to stop, and, cap in hand, politely asked if Mlle. Zerbine
was among them. The soubrette herself answered this inquiry in the
affirmative, and sprang to the ground as lightly as a bird.
"Mademoiselle, I am at your disposal," said the equerry to her, in a
respectful and gallant tone. Zerbine shook out her skirts, adjusted her
wraps, and then, turning towards the comedians, delivered this little
harangue: "My dear comrades, I pray you pardon me for quitting you
in this unceremonious manner. There are times when Opportunity offers
itself suddenly for our acceptance, and we must seize it without delay,
or lose it altogether; he would be a fool who let it slip through
his fingers, for once relinquished it returns not again. The face of
Fortune, which until now has always frowned upon me, at last vouchsafes
me a smile, and I am delighted to enjoy its brightness, even though it
may prove to be only fleeting.
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