t his role required a very different
expression of countenance, he would pull himself up, and endeavour to
imitate that which Matamore had been wont to assume in this character.
Bellombre, who was watching him critically, stopped him a moment, to
say: "You make a great mistake in attempting to suppress your natural
emotions; you should take care not to do it, for they produce a capital
effect, and you can create a new type of stage bully; when you have
gotten accustomed to this sort of thing, and no longer feel this burning
indignation, you must feign it. Strike out in a path of your own, and
you will be sure to attain success--far more so than if you attempt to
follow in another's footsteps. Fracasse, as you represent him, loves and
admires courage, and would fain be able to manifest it--he is angry
with himself for being such an arrant coward. When free from danger, he
dreams of nothing but heroic exploits and superhuman enterprises; but
when any actual peril threatens him, his too vivid imagination conjures
up such terrible visions of bleeding wounds and violent death that his
heart fails him. Yet his pride revolts at the idea of being beaten; for
a moment he is filled with rage, but his courage all disappears with the
first blows he receives, and he finally shows himself to be the poltroon
that he himself despises. This method it appears to me is far superior
to the absurd grimaces, trembling legs, and exaggerated gestures, by
which indifferent actors endeavour to excite the laughter of their
audience--but meantime lose sight entirely of their art."

The baron gratefully accepted the veteran actor's advice, and played
his part after the fashion indicated by him with so much spirit that
all present applauded his acting enthusiastically, and prophesied its
success. The performances were to begin at an early hour, and as the
time approached, de Sigognac put on poor Matamore's costume, to which he
had fallen heir, and which Mme. Leonarde had taken in hand and cleverly
altered for him, so that he could get into it. He had a sharp struggle
with his pride as be donned this absurd dress, and made himself ready
for his debut as an actor, but resolutely repressed all rising regrets,
and determined faithfully to do his best in the new role he had
undertaken.

A large audience had gathered in the big barn, which was brilliantly
lighted, and the representation began before a full house. At the end
farthest from the stage, and b