Yet,
if he did not profit by this tempting opportunity, which looked so
promising, he might make a terrible mistake; and, if he failed to
go, would not the lady of the mask suspect him of cowardice, and be
justified in so doing? This thought was insupportable to the gallant
Leander, and he decided to venture, though low be it spoken--in fear
and trembling. He hastened back to the hotel, scarcely touched the
substantial supper provided for the comedians--his appetite lost in his
intense excitement--and retiring to his own chamber made an elaborate
toilet; curling and perfuming his hair and mustache, and sparing no
pains to make himself acceptable to the lovely lady of the mask. He
armed himself with a dagger and a sword, though he did not know how to
use either; but he thought that the mere sight of them might inspire
awe.
When he was all ready at last, he drew his broad felt hat well down over
his eyes, threw the corner of his cloak over his shoulder, in Spanish
fashion, so as to conceal the lower part of his face, and crept
stealthily out of the hotel--for once being lucky enough to escape
the observation of his wily tormentor, Scapin, who was at that moment
snoring his loudest in his own room at the other end of the house.
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