But Delibes had the legitimate ambition of writing a grand opera.

He never reached so far.
[Illustration: The Paris Opera] Bizet and I were great friends and we told each other all our troubles.
"You're less unfortunate than I am," he used to tell me.

"You can do something besides things for the stage.

I can't.

That's my only resource." When Bizet put on the delightful _Pecheurs de Perles_--he was helped by powerful influences--there was a general outcry and an outbreak of abuse.