As to his real name, Jacques had unfortunately
forgotten it, further than that it ended in "gnac," as is not uncommon
in Gascony, but on the point of his rank he was positive. This
delightfully romantic and "ower-true tale" was received with
acclamations by the good folk of Poitiers. They were fairly overflowing
with admiration for and interest in the valiant gentleman who wielded
such a powerful blade, and the devoted lover who had left everything to
follow his mistress, and when Captain Fracasse appeared upon the stage
that evening, the prolonged and enthusiastic applause that greeted him,
and was renewed over and over again before he was allowed to speak a
single word, bore witness unmistakably to the favour with which he
was regarded; while the ladies rose in their boxes and waved their
handkerchiefs, even the grandest and most dignified among them, and
brought the palms of their gloved hands daintily together in his honour.
It was a real ovation, and best of all a spontaneous one. Isabelle
also received a perfect storm of applause, which alarmed and had
nearly overcome the retiring young actress, who blushed crimson in her
embarrassment, as she made a modest curtsey in acknowledgment of the
compliment.
Herode was overjoyed, and his face shone like the full moon as he rubbed
his hands together and grinned broadly in his exuberant delight; for the
receipts were immense, and the cash-box was full to bursting.
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