In the Shadows of Paris Read Online Free PDF

surrounded by grocers, charcuteries and wine merchants. A steady flow of garrulous, sharp-tongued, sharp-eyed housewives streamed in and out of these shops lit by oil lamps. On his way to the bar, Léopold greeted Josette, the dark-skinned flower girl, back from Les Halles where she had stocked up her cart. He was feeling in his pockets for a match when a man sprang from nowhere and offered him a light. As Léopold thanked him, his smile suddenly faded. The man whispered something in his ear then stepped away, lowering his arm. Léopold fell backwards. He could see a flock of sparrows flying overhead, the façades of the buildings, the sky dappled with clouds…
    His vision became blurred and his stomach throbbed. The last thing he heard before sinking into oblivion was a song:
    But the cherry season is short
    When two go together to pick
    Red pendants for their ears…
    Cherries of love all dressed alike
    Hanging like drops of blood beneath the leaves.
    Afternoon of the same day
    â€˜Hell’s bells! What do you want: a juicy chop, or would you rather have thin broth?’ yelled a man dressed in breeches, stockings and a plumed hat.
    The chambermaid felt her cheeks turn red. Tears blurred her vision. She began to curtsey and almost dropped her tray, causing a cardboard chicken and some wax pears to roll around precariously.
    â€˜I-I don’t understand,’ she stammered.
    â€˜And yet it is quite simple, my dear,’ the gentleman retorted. ‘If you want the juicy chop – in other words, success – you’ll have to serve Henry IV, alias muggins here, with a bit more panache. Wiggle the bits that matter, front and back! Then turn to the audience and say:
    â€˜Although he’s good and kind and brave
    Our sovereign’s nonetheless a knave.
    â€˜I’m not asking for the moon! Stop snivelling…what’s your name again?’
    â€˜Andréa.’
    â€˜That’s a pretty name. Now, blow your nose, Andréa. We’ll win them over. Break for fifteen minutes.’
    Edmond Leglantier, actor and director of Heart Pierced by an Arrow, a historical play in four acts, leapt down off the stage and went to join the actors playing Maria de Medici and Ravaillac sitting in the third row.
    â€˜So, what do you think, children? Will the audience be impressed?’
    â€˜The claque will applaud rapturously every time the actors come on, and I’m certain the play will be a success,’ Ravaillac assured him.
    â€˜Let’s hope the gods can hear you…What rotten luck! How were we to know that two other plays about the same subject would be put on this summer? They’re already advertising The Flower Seller of The Innocents 8 at the Châtelet and The Doll’s House 9 at Porte-Saint-Martin! And you’re in the starring role!’
    â€˜Me?’
    â€˜Not you, you fool – Ravaillac! Including our one, that makes three. And there I was hoping to pull out all the stops for the reopening of Théâtre de l’Échiquier.’
    Edmond Leglantier cast a dispirited eye over the Italianate auditorium whose refurbishment had plunged him up to his eyes in debt. He was staking everything on this production. If it was a flop, his creditors would be baying for his blood…Unless of course the swindle he was planning at the club paid off.
    The stage manager stuck his head over the balcony.
    â€˜Pssst! Monsieur Leglantier! Philibert Dumont is looking for you everywhere. I told him you were at home.’
    â€˜What a nuisance the man is! I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled. Thanks anyway.’
    â€˜Who is Dumont?’ asked Maria de Medici.
    â€˜The author of the play and a terrible bore. On that note, I’m going to have a quick smoke and then we’ll rehearse Act III. Sharpen your sword, Ravaillac!’
    As soon as Henry IV had left the auditorium, Andréa asked her two fellow actors, ‘What’s got into him?