features carefully, every time his face
was raised towards Isabelle's window, so that he should be sure to
recognise him when he saw him again.

Herode had selected for their first representation in Poitiers a new
play, which all the comedians were very much occupied in learning and
rehearsing, to be followed by the Rodomontades of Captain Fracasse, in
which de Sigognac was to make his real debut before a real public having
only acted as yet to an audience of calves, horned cattle, and peasants
in Bellombre's barn. He was studying diligently under the direction of
Blazius, who was more devoted to him than ever, and who had proposed
something which was a most welcome suggestion to the sensitive young
baron. This was for him to wear what is called a half-mask, which covers
only the forehead and nose, but if arranged with skill alters entirely
the wearer's appearance--so that his nearest friend would not recognise
him--without interfering materially with his comfort. This idea
de Sigognac hailed with delight, for it insured his preserving his
incognito; the light pasteboard screen seemed to him like the closed
visor of a helmet, behind which he need not shrink from facing the
enemy--that is to stay the gazing crowd on the other side of the
foot-lights. With it he would take merely the part of the unknown,
concealed intelligence that directs the movements of the marionette, and
the voice that makes it speak; only he should be within it, instead of
behind the scenes pulling the strings--his dignity would have nothing
to suffer in playing the game in that manner, and for this relief from
a dreaded ordeal he was unspeakably thankful. Biatius, who never could
take too much pains in the service of his dear baron, himself modelled
and fashioned the little mask, very deftly, so as to make his stage
physiognomy as unlike his real, every-day countenance as possible. A
prominent nose, very red at the point, bushy, high-arched eyebrows,
and an immensely heavy mustache drooping over his mouth, completely
disguised the well-cut, regular features of the handsome young nobleman,
and although in reality it only concealed the forehead and nose, yet it
transfigured the whole face.

There was to be a dress rehearsal the evening before the first
representation, so that they might judge of the general effect in their
improvised theatre, and test its capabilities; and as the actresses
could not very well go through the streets in full costume,