"
"I do not dispute with a masker," said the duke shortly, taking
Vidalinc's arm as if to depart.
"I will show you my face, duke, at a more fitting time and place,"
de Sigognac continued composedly, "and I think it will be still more
distasteful to you than my false nose. But enough for the present. I
hear the bell that summons me, and if I wait any longer here with you I
shall miss my entry at the proper moment."
He turned on his heel and leisurely walked off, with admirable
nonchalance, leaving the haughty duke very much disconcerted, and at a
disadvantage, as indeed de Sigognac had cleverly managed that he should
be throughout the brief interview.
The comedians were charmed with his courage and coolness, but, knowing
his real rank, were not so much astonished as the other spectators
of this extraordinary scene, who were both shocked and amazed at such
temerity.
Isabelle was so terrified and excited by this fierce altercation that
a deathly pallor had overspread her troubled face, and Zerbine, who had
flown to her assistance, had to fetch some of her own rouge and bestow
it plentifully upon the colourless lips and cheeks before she could obey
the tyrant's impatient call, again resounding through the green-room.
When she tried to rise her trembling knees had nearly given way under
her, and but for the soubrette's kind support she must have fallen to
the floor.
Pages:
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275