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, they were to
finish their toilets in the green-room, while the actor themselves ready
for the stage in the small dressing-closets set aside for that purpose.
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