29
Théâtre Bohème, 5 December 1870
Marie found herself the subject of curious gazes when she reached the backstage area.
“Are you going to be able to perform?” Leigh Sellers asked. “I know all the lines if you’re not comfortable.”
Marie allowed the premiere femme role to overtake her, but she felt that she held it rather than it grasping her. “Your attempt to sound helpful shows that you’re trying to be a good actress, but I’m not going to take you up on your most kind and generous offer.”
Leigh humphed and stalked off. Marie glanced around, and the other actors looked away.
“It is good to see you back,” Janelle whispered. “Leigh was sure she would be able to steal your role.”
“She can try, but she won’t succeed.”
Throughout rehearsal, Marie felt like the role she played reflected
