the adorable
Isabelle in my presence even when I have on my player's mask."

"Well spoken, captain," cried Herode, "well spoken, and bravely. I would
not like to be the man to incur your wrath. By the powers above! what
a fierce reception you gave those rascals yonder. It was lucky for
them that poor Matamore's sword had no edge. If it had been sharp and
pointed, you would have cleft them from head to heels, clean in two, as
the ancient knight-errants did the Saracens, and wicked enchanters."

"Your club did as much execution as my sword, Herode, and your
conscience need not reproach you, for they were not innocents that you
slaughtered this time."

"No, indeed!" the tyrant rejoined, with a mighty laugh, "the flower of
the galleys these--the cream of gallows-birds."

"Such jobs would scarcely be undertaken by any other class of fellows
you know," de Sigognac said; "but we must not neglect to make Scapin's
valiant deeds known, and praise them as they deserve. He fought and
conquered without the aid of any other arms than those that nature gave
him."

Scapin, who was a natural buffoon, acknowledged this encomium with a
very low obeisance--his eyes cast down, his hand on his heart--and with
such an irresistibly comical affectation of modesty and embarrassment
that they all burst into a hearty laugh, which did them much good after
the intense excitement and alarm.

After this, as it was late, the comedians bade each other good-night,
and retired to their respective rooms; excepting de Sigognac, who
remained for a while in the court, walking slowly back and forth,
cogitating deeply. The actor was avenged, but the gentleman was not.
Must he then throw aside the mask that concealed his identity, proclaim
his real name, make a commotion, and run the risk of drawing down upon
his comrades the anger of a powerful nobleman? Prudence said no, but
honour said yes. The baron could not resist its imperious voice, and
the moment that he decided to obey it he directed his steps towards
Zerbine's room.

He knocked gently at the door, which was opened cautiously, a very
little way at first, by a servant, who instantly admitted the unexpected
guest when he saw who it was.

The large room was brilliantly lighted, with many rose-coloured wax
candles in two handsome candelabra on a table covered with fine damask,
on which smoked a dainty supper. Game and various other delicacies were
there, most temptingly served. One crystal decan