Thus running on gaily, the worthy pedant strove to amuse the melancholy young nobleman, while he deftly performed his duties as valet; and they were very quickly completed, for the requirements of the stage necessitate great dexterity on the part of the actors to make the metamorphoses frequently needed with sufficient promptness and rapidity.  Charmed with the result of his efforts he led de Sigognac up to one of the large mirrors, wherein, upon raising his eyes, he saw a figure which, at the first glance, he thought must be that of some person who had entered the room without his knowledge, and turned to ask who the intruder was—­but there was no stranger there, and he discovered that it was his own reflection—­so changed that he was mute with astonishment.  A young, handsome, richly-dressed de Sigognae stood before him, and a radiant smile parted his lips and lighted up his face as he gazed at his own image, which perfected the really marvellous transformation.  Blazius, standing near, contemplated his work with undisguised pride and satisfaction, changing his position several times so as to get different views, as a sculptor might who had just put the finishing touches to his statue altogether to his liking.

“When you have made your way at court, my lord, and regained the position held by your ancestors, as I hope and expect that you will do, I shall pray you to give me a refuge for my old age in your household, and make me intendant of your lordship’s wardrobe,” said he, with a profound bow to the baron.

“I will not forget your request, my good Blazius, even though I fear that I shall never be able to comply with it,” de Sigognae answered with a melancholy smile.  “You, my kind friend, are the first human being that has ever asked a favour of me.”

“After our dinner, which we are to have very shortly, we are to consult with his lordship, the marquis, as to what play shall be given this evening, and learn from him where we are to rig our theatre.  You will pass for the poet of the troupe; it is by no means an unheard-of thing for men of learning and position to join a band of players thus—­either for the fun of the thing, and in hope of adventures, or for the love of a young and beautiful actress.  I could tell you of several notable instances; and it is thought to be rather to a man’s credit than otherwise in fashionable circles.  Isabelle is a very good pretext for you; she is young, beautiful, clever, modest, and virtuous.  In fact many an actress who takes like her the role of the ingenuous young girl is in reality all that she personates, though a frivolous and frequently licentious public will not credit it for a moment.”

Herewith the pedant discreetly retired, having accomplished, to his great satisfaction, what he had really feared to propose to the young baron, for whom he had conceived a very warm affection.

Meanwhile the elegant Leander, indulging in delightful dreams of the possible fair chatelaine who was to fall a victim to his charms, was making his careful toilet—­arraying himself in his most resplendent finery, scrupulously kept for grand occasions—­convinced that great good fortune awaited him, and determined to carry the noble lady’s heart by storm.