tennis-court and at the entrance of the Armes de France, also
announcing, in huge, bright-coloured capitals, which reflected great
credit on Scapin, who was the calligraphist of the troupe, the new play
of "Lygdamon et Lydias," and the Rodomontades of Captain Fracasse. Long
before the hour designated an eager crowd had assembled in the street in
front of the theatre, and when the doors were opened poured in, like a
torrent that has burst its bounds, and threatened to sweep everything
before them. Order was quickly restored, however, within, and "the
nobility and gentry of Poitiers" soon began to arrive in rapid
succession. Titled dames, in their sedan chairs, carried by liveried
servants, alighted amid much bowing and flourishing of attendant
gallants. Gentlemen from the environs came riding in, followed by
mounted grooms who led away their masters' horses or mules. Grand,
clumsy old carriages, vast and roomy, with much tarnished gildings and
many faded decorations about them, and with coats-of-arms emblazoned on
their panels, rolled slowly up, and out of them, as out of Noah's
ark, issued all sorts of odd-looking pairs, and curious specimens of
provincial grandeur; most of them resplendent in the strange fashions of
a bygone day, yet apparently well satisfied with the elegance of their
appearance. The house was literally packed, until there was not room
left for another human being, be he never so slender. On each side
of the stage was a row of arm-chairs, intended for distinguished
spectators, according to the custom of the times, and there sat the
young Duke of Vallombreuse, looking exceedingly handsome, in a very
becoming suit of black velvet, elaborately trimmed with jet, and with
a great deal of exquisite lace about it. Beside him was his faithful
friend, the Chevalier de Vidalinc, who wore a superb costume of dark
green satin, richly ornamented with gold. As to the Marquis de Bruyeres,
he had not claimed his seat among the notables, but was snugly ensconced
in his usual place--a retired corner near the orchestra--whence he could
applaud his charming Zerbine to his heart's content, without making
himself too conspicuous. In the boxes were the fine ladies, in full
dress, settling themselves to their satisfaction with much rustling
of silks, fluttering of fans, whispering and laughing. Although their
finery was rather old-fashioned, the general effect was exceedingly
brilliant, and the display of magnificent jewels--f